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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019) in Movies
May 7, 2020
47 Meters Down: Uncaged is pretty much what you would expect from a low budget shark-horror-sequel. It has ok moments, insufferable characters, dodgy CGI, buckets of nonsense - the whole package.
In all honesty, the first 25 minutes or so are actually half decent. The plot revolves around four friends getting stuck in an underwater Mayan ruin whilst cave diving. This setting is effective, providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the characters to be stalked by a great white shark. There are countless shots of sheer blackness, and it's relatively unsettling now and again.
Of course there's a hastily introduced plot kicker not long after - the shark is in fact blind, and hunts using sound, and here is where the movies big gaping issues lie....
The ladies figure this detail out immediately, but then proceed to constantly scream and shout for the test of the runtime. Not only can they hear each other talking clear as day UNDERWATER, but their incessant warbling had me rooting for the shark before long. What starts as a fairly tense underwater thriller, devolves into Hollywood silliness in a matter of minutes, complete with a set of characters that lack any relatability or likable qualities.
The sharks themselves look ok when shrouded in darkness (there are a few creepy shots, and a few fairly good jump scares), but up close, the poor CGI is easily exposed.
It's not a terrible, but you're not missing out if you give this one a pass.
In all honesty, the first 25 minutes or so are actually half decent. The plot revolves around four friends getting stuck in an underwater Mayan ruin whilst cave diving. This setting is effective, providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the characters to be stalked by a great white shark. There are countless shots of sheer blackness, and it's relatively unsettling now and again.
Of course there's a hastily introduced plot kicker not long after - the shark is in fact blind, and hunts using sound, and here is where the movies big gaping issues lie....
The ladies figure this detail out immediately, but then proceed to constantly scream and shout for the test of the runtime. Not only can they hear each other talking clear as day UNDERWATER, but their incessant warbling had me rooting for the shark before long. What starts as a fairly tense underwater thriller, devolves into Hollywood silliness in a matter of minutes, complete with a set of characters that lack any relatability or likable qualities.
The sharks themselves look ok when shrouded in darkness (there are a few creepy shots, and a few fairly good jump scares), but up close, the poor CGI is easily exposed.
It's not a terrible, but you're not missing out if you give this one a pass.
Oathbringer: Book Three of the Stormlight Archive
8.3
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The eagerly awaited sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Words of Radiance, from epic fantasy...
fantasy cosmere stormlight archive
Deathless Divide
10.0
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The sequel to Dread Nation is a journey of revenge and salvation across a divided America. After...
YA
Charlie Thorne and the Lost City
7.0
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In this sequel to the New York Times bestselling Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation—which #1 New...
Dracula: The Un-Dead
Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt
7.0
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The official sequel to Bram Stoker's classic novel Dracula, written by his direct descendent and...
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Have You Seen Me? in Books
Oct 5, 2021 (Updated Oct 5, 2021)
A suspense filled hit!
A quality, young adult, read that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I had my suspicions on who commited the crimes, I second guessed myself......then third guessed and then decided my first choice was right. The clues are well placed and you can't help but try to solve the mystery before the end.
Speaking of the ending, I'm spying the possibility of, at the very least, a cheeky novella for a sequel. Why? Because there's a kind of cliff hanger/question left unanswered and I NEED to get the answer!! So pretty please Alexandra Weis.......
As far as characters go I really like Aubrey LaRoux, she's our main female and is a pleasure to get to know. She's been where her students are and has that first hand experience to help guide them.
Her students are an unlikely group of misfits, each with their own quirks and oddities. Generally they are fairly likeable, mainly as you get to know them more.
Sheriff Mason Dubois is a hot, strong and capable man. He has southern charm and a stubborn streak that pairs well with the headmistress' blunt, uncooperative and rude personality.
As far as I'm concerned, Have You Seen Me? is a gripping horror/thriller that will have you hooked from the start. It is a young adult plus read, ideal for keeping your imagination going.
@Merissa
A quality, young adult, read that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I had my suspicions on who commited the crimes, I second guessed myself......then third guessed and then decided my first choice was right. The clues are well placed and you can't help but try to solve the mystery before the end.
Speaking of the ending, I'm spying the possibility of, at the very least, a cheeky novella for a sequel. Why? Because there's a kind of cliff hanger/question left unanswered and I NEED to get the answer!! So pretty please Alexandra Weis.......
As far as characters go I really like Aubrey LaRoux, she's our main female and is a pleasure to get to know. She's been where her students are and has that first hand experience to help guide them.
Her students are an unlikely group of misfits, each with their own quirks and oddities. Generally they are fairly likeable, mainly as you get to know them more.
Sheriff Mason Dubois is a hot, strong and capable man. He has southern charm and a stubborn streak that pairs well with the headmistress' blunt, uncooperative and rude personality.
As far as I'm concerned, Have You Seen Me? is a gripping horror/thriller that will have you hooked from the start. It is a young adult plus read, ideal for keeping your imagination going.
@Merissa
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Sing 2 (2021) in Movies
Dec 2, 2021
“Sing 2” is a charming and enjoyable follow-up to the 2016 “Sing” and in many ways is the rare sequel that surpasses the original. The new film finds Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) and his performers enjoying a run of sod-out shows in his theater.
Unwilling to settle for success in a regional locale; Buster and crew set off for the big city to produce and perform a show for Bigshot Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale); who is as ruthless as they come. After conning his way into an audition; Buster claims their new show will feature the return of reclusive Rock Icon Clay Calloway (Bono); who has been a recluse for the past fifteen years.
Jimmy is intrigued and gives Buster a chance and inserts his daughter Porsha (Halsey) into the show despite the fact that while she is a gifted singer; her acting is cringe-worthy.
What follows is a madcap tale filled with music and humor as the crew desperately tries to get the show ready and stay away from the very dangerous Jimmy Crystal.
The music is very good and the cast is as enjoyable as ever. I would have liked to have seen Seth Mac Farlane return but the performances from Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and the ensemble more than deliver.
For those who enjoyed the first film and are looking for some fun entertainment for the family; “Sing 2” is a winning performance.
4 stars out of 5
Unwilling to settle for success in a regional locale; Buster and crew set off for the big city to produce and perform a show for Bigshot Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale); who is as ruthless as they come. After conning his way into an audition; Buster claims their new show will feature the return of reclusive Rock Icon Clay Calloway (Bono); who has been a recluse for the past fifteen years.
Jimmy is intrigued and gives Buster a chance and inserts his daughter Porsha (Halsey) into the show despite the fact that while she is a gifted singer; her acting is cringe-worthy.
What follows is a madcap tale filled with music and humor as the crew desperately tries to get the show ready and stay away from the very dangerous Jimmy Crystal.
The music is very good and the cast is as enjoyable as ever. I would have liked to have seen Seth Mac Farlane return but the performances from Taron Egerton, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and the ensemble more than deliver.
For those who enjoyed the first film and are looking for some fun entertainment for the family; “Sing 2” is a winning performance.
4 stars out of 5
David McK (3425 KP) rated Aliens (1986) in Movies
Jun 23, 2020 (Updated Mar 16, 2022)
The action (1 more)
Powerloader scene
James Cameron's sequel to Ridley Scott's 'Alien', set 57 years later and turning the 'haunted-house' setup of the original into a full-blown Vietnam war movie metaphor, with the sole survivor of the Nostromo, Ellen Ripley (a career best Sigourney Weaver) rescued and woken up from hypersleep by The Company, and convinced to return to the planet where she first encountered the Xenomorph, when they suddenly lose contact with the colonists on said planets.
The Extended Edition of the movie adds even more context, with the revelation that Ripley had a daughter who has since died, to the 'found family' at the heart of the narrative - especially between Newt and Ripley herself - while Bill Paxton has the honour(?) of becoming the only actor to be killed by a Predator, an Alien and a Terminator, as one of the (initially) cocksure Colonial Marines trapped behind enemy lines.
Top it off with the iconic final act (Ripley in a Powerloader Vs the Alien Queen) and some eminently quotable lines throughout:
"Game over, man! Game Over!!"
"They mostly come at night, mostly …"
"I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure"
"Get away from her, you b..."
And we have what most surely be one of the best sequels ever. Even, in my opinion, eclipsing the original.
It's just a pity it's all downhill from here ...
The Extended Edition of the movie adds even more context, with the revelation that Ripley had a daughter who has since died, to the 'found family' at the heart of the narrative - especially between Newt and Ripley herself - while Bill Paxton has the honour(?) of becoming the only actor to be killed by a Predator, an Alien and a Terminator, as one of the (initially) cocksure Colonial Marines trapped behind enemy lines.
Top it off with the iconic final act (Ripley in a Powerloader Vs the Alien Queen) and some eminently quotable lines throughout:
"Game over, man! Game Over!!"
"They mostly come at night, mostly …"
"I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure"
"Get away from her, you b..."
And we have what most surely be one of the best sequels ever. Even, in my opinion, eclipsing the original.
It's just a pity it's all downhill from here ...
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) in Movies
Apr 5, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised but just how damn delightful the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie was, and with this sequel, Jeff Fowler has wisely stuck with the formula, added more to it, and the results are just as enjoyable.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated The Secrets of Jane (Improper Bastards #1) in Books
Oct 2, 2023
THE SECRETS OF JANE is the first book in The Improper Bastards series and, if you're a fan of #Dark #Fantasy #Romance, then this is just the book for you.
Both the FMC and MMC are what you might call morally grey! Jane is certainly one to attack first and think later. Soren is more the one with the plan. That is, unless you touch something (or someone!) that belongs to him, and then all bets are off.
I loved Jane's history here and, whilst I don't fully understand the fuss, I'm looking forward to reading the next book to get the answers to my oh-so-many questions. The thing is, even with questions, I still enjoyed every single moment.
Not only do the supporting characters do their jobs incredibly well, but I'm also invested in them too. I'd Bones and Kathleen to have their story told. Anya, too. And Tempest. And… you get the idea. This is a world I'd love to return to and see just where the author takes me.
With an ending that will definitely leave you wanting more, I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending this book, and I can't wait until early 2024 to read the sequel!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 2, 2023
Both the FMC and MMC are what you might call morally grey! Jane is certainly one to attack first and think later. Soren is more the one with the plan. That is, unless you touch something (or someone!) that belongs to him, and then all bets are off.
I loved Jane's history here and, whilst I don't fully understand the fuss, I'm looking forward to reading the next book to get the answers to my oh-so-many questions. The thing is, even with questions, I still enjoyed every single moment.
Not only do the supporting characters do their jobs incredibly well, but I'm also invested in them too. I'd Bones and Kathleen to have their story told. Anya, too. And Tempest. And… you get the idea. This is a world I'd love to return to and see just where the author takes me.
With an ending that will definitely leave you wanting more, I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending this book, and I can't wait until early 2024 to read the sequel!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 2, 2023