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James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 4, 2019
Visuals (1 more)
Action
A true monster of a movie!
This sequel to the 2014 reboot of Godzilla is an enjoyable movie. It doesn't follow the common trend of "less is more", not wasting any time showing you the visually stunning monsters in all their glory.
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Red Dead Redemption 2 in Video Games
Jun 6, 2019
An incredible achievement in gaming
I must admit that Red Dead Redemption is one of my top games ever, the long awaited sequel was always going to have a lot to live up to. But RDR2 truly builds on the first game in every way.
The game world feels alive. I found myself taking forever to get through the massive story, just because I kept getting distracted by other things going on - so much so that I only finished the story in March (I bought it the previous October on day one).
It took a while to adjust to the controls - I found myself accidentally shooting people I didn't mean to, or punching my horse, which would mor often than not result in my death - but once I had the hang of it, I was hooked.
The story is quite incredible, all of the characters are well fleshed out, to the point that you care about most of them. RDR2 is a prequel story, so you know that the events unfolding are heading towards the first game, but getting there is a thrilling an emotional journey.
The game looks amazing as well, I found myself enjoying the copious amount of horse riding, just to admire the many views and vistas throughout.
The soundtrack is also great - used sparingly until it's needed, resulting in some breathtaking moments.
I can't recommend RDR2 enough, as long as you have the patience to go with it - it's slow burning at times, and it encourages you to fully sit back and take your time exploring this incredibly well crafted world, but the pay off is nothing short of spectacular.
The game world feels alive. I found myself taking forever to get through the massive story, just because I kept getting distracted by other things going on - so much so that I only finished the story in March (I bought it the previous October on day one).
It took a while to adjust to the controls - I found myself accidentally shooting people I didn't mean to, or punching my horse, which would mor often than not result in my death - but once I had the hang of it, I was hooked.
The story is quite incredible, all of the characters are well fleshed out, to the point that you care about most of them. RDR2 is a prequel story, so you know that the events unfolding are heading towards the first game, but getting there is a thrilling an emotional journey.
The game looks amazing as well, I found myself enjoying the copious amount of horse riding, just to admire the many views and vistas throughout.
The soundtrack is also great - used sparingly until it's needed, resulting in some breathtaking moments.
I can't recommend RDR2 enough, as long as you have the patience to go with it - it's slow burning at times, and it encourages you to fully sit back and take your time exploring this incredibly well crafted world, but the pay off is nothing short of spectacular.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Feb 8, 2018
When Park first sees Eleanor get on the school bus, he cringes. Everything about her is wrong - her size, her hair, her clothes. He knows the other kids will pick on her immediately. But for some reason, he tells her to sit down next to him, despite knowing it will attract attention -- exactly what Park doesn't want. However, over time, Park and Eleanor forge an unlikely friendship-- attention be damned.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Empress (The Diabolic, #2) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The Empress is the second book in the Diabolic series, which is slated to be a three book series. The second book completely flips the story line on its head and I wasn't entirely sure how to feel. The pacing lagged at the beginning, but the final quarter of the book was so gripping that I couldn't put it down. Since this is a sequel, anything beyond this could be a spoiler so I would recommend proceeding with caution.
Despite having not re-read the previous book prior to reading the Empress, it did not take me long to fall back into the world. The sprawling and complex system created in the Diabolic is still as present and nefarious as it was in the first book. I enjoyed watching Nemesis and Tyrus battle the Grandiloquy with their wits and attempt to better the galaxy.
It was nice to see some of the main characters develop and feel like more three-dimensional characters than they were. Even though Nemesis is a Diabolic, she is learning that she can be more than what she was created to be and struggles to be more "human". It was fascinating to watch her development, see her attempt to be more empathetic and not immediately jump to the violent solution.
The plot made me so sad, but also need to know what the conclusion to this series will be - alas it will not be released until fall of 2018. I would recommend this series to young adult/teen readers who enjoy science fiction, battles of wits and intrigue, as well as a dash of violence and mass-murder.
Despite having not re-read the previous book prior to reading the Empress, it did not take me long to fall back into the world. The sprawling and complex system created in the Diabolic is still as present and nefarious as it was in the first book. I enjoyed watching Nemesis and Tyrus battle the Grandiloquy with their wits and attempt to better the galaxy.
It was nice to see some of the main characters develop and feel like more three-dimensional characters than they were. Even though Nemesis is a Diabolic, she is learning that she can be more than what she was created to be and struggles to be more "human". It was fascinating to watch her development, see her attempt to be more empathetic and not immediately jump to the violent solution.
The plot made me so sad, but also need to know what the conclusion to this series will be - alas it will not be released until fall of 2018. I would recommend this series to young adult/teen readers who enjoy science fiction, battles of wits and intrigue, as well as a dash of violence and mass-murder.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Planetfall in Books
Jan 31, 2018 (Updated Jan 31, 2018)
I couldn't put this down!
If you like your science fiction with a lot of character development, then you'll like this. Renata Ghali joins a space voyage with best friend lee Suh-Mi, who believes she has been sent a message from God that will lead humanity to him (in person, I assume). So they manage to find a multi-millionaire to finance the voyage, a ship and a ship full of people who want to come on the voyage (all with valuable skills, of course). Of course something goes wrong, and a big secret is covered up. Half of the passengers are lost during Planetfall, and even though they look for them, they can't be found. Until one of them, the last survivor, wanders up to their front door (so to speak).
We learn a lot about the main character, Ren: about the reasons why she has become the person she is (OCD is involved). There's also lots of world building and descriptions of the daily lives of the inhabitants of the colony. I don't know as the main character was particularly likeable - in fact I don't think any of them were really, but they were compelling. I honestly read this every chance I had. I was a little disappointed with the abrupt end, and I'm sure more could have been described and written here, but it seemed really rushed.
I will be looking out for the second in this series though. It isn't a sequel as such - they're separate stories, but I like Newman's style (except for that rushed end bit!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of the book!
We learn a lot about the main character, Ren: about the reasons why she has become the person she is (OCD is involved). There's also lots of world building and descriptions of the daily lives of the inhabitants of the colony. I don't know as the main character was particularly likeable - in fact I don't think any of them were really, but they were compelling. I honestly read this every chance I had. I was a little disappointed with the abrupt end, and I'm sure more could have been described and written here, but it seemed really rushed.
I will be looking out for the second in this series though. It isn't a sequel as such - they're separate stories, but I like Newman's style (except for that rushed end bit!).
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of the book!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Saint Anything in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Sydney is a high school kid with a seemingly average life - navigating homework and a new school and typical teen problems. Except that Sydney is at a new school because she's trying to escape the shadow of her older brother, Peyton, who has recently gone to jail for injuring a local kid while driving drunk. For her whole life, Sydney has felt like her parents have focused on Peyton and his antics - and even with him in jail, it seems like nothing has changed. At her new school, Sydney meets Layla Chatham, a member of the Chatham family. They run the local pizza parlor near her new school and soon Sydney feels comfortable and nearly adopted by her Layla and her parents, her older sister, Rosie, and her brother, Mac. They are everything her family is not.
This was a good book, with a typical Dessen teenage drama and love story plot, but it wasn't anything earth-shattering. Sydney is a good kid and I liked her character, and I very much liked Layla and Mac, as well. Sydney's back-story with her brother is a good one, but seems a little unbelievable at times, and her rigid mother is almost too uptight and clueless. Her father is totally spineless and frustrating. For much of the story, you're waiting for something to happen and then when it finally does, it all seems a bit anti-climatic and it all gets fixed up rather quickly to seem truly plausible.
Still, a fun little read, but I do prefer "Lock and Key" or "Someone Like You." (However, I feel like a sequel featuring the Chathams would somehow be awesome.)
This was a good book, with a typical Dessen teenage drama and love story plot, but it wasn't anything earth-shattering. Sydney is a good kid and I liked her character, and I very much liked Layla and Mac, as well. Sydney's back-story with her brother is a good one, but seems a little unbelievable at times, and her rigid mother is almost too uptight and clueless. Her father is totally spineless and frustrating. For much of the story, you're waiting for something to happen and then when it finally does, it all seems a bit anti-climatic and it all gets fixed up rather quickly to seem truly plausible.
Still, a fun little read, but I do prefer "Lock and Key" or "Someone Like You." (However, I feel like a sequel featuring the Chathams would somehow be awesome.)
Dean (6926 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Life is Strange in Video Games
Aug 25, 2018
Great story (3 more)
Very good voice acting
Cool soundtrack
Unique gameplay
An amazing immersive game
A little late to the party for this game released early in 2015. I had heard good things and all episodes were available for just a few pounds on Xbox Live gold so I gave it a go.
You will be hooked very early on. It's a unique game unlike anything I've played before. You make decisions as you go which can effect the past, present and future! In terms of story it's like a college drama like mean girls, mixed with something like Chronicle and mostly The Butterfly effect. In regards to gameplay it's similar to something like Shenmue or a detective game. You have to explore, find out clues, details and talk to characters for information.
I found it like playing an interactive film as it has a lot of cinematic moments. It's so gripping you'll likely play each of the 5 episodes in one sitting, around 3 hours each. The story is great with some dramatic moments and voice acting of a high standard, I liked a lot of the pop culture references.
The graphics are good although stylised rather than going for a realistic look. The soundtrack is subtle and very cool as well. It also has the replay value of trying it again making different decisions.
I can't praise it enough. I completed it in just a few days because you can't put it down. Everyone should check it out. It would be great if this got made into a film! The sequel is out soon.
You will be hooked very early on. It's a unique game unlike anything I've played before. You make decisions as you go which can effect the past, present and future! In terms of story it's like a college drama like mean girls, mixed with something like Chronicle and mostly The Butterfly effect. In regards to gameplay it's similar to something like Shenmue or a detective game. You have to explore, find out clues, details and talk to characters for information.
I found it like playing an interactive film as it has a lot of cinematic moments. It's so gripping you'll likely play each of the 5 episodes in one sitting, around 3 hours each. The story is great with some dramatic moments and voice acting of a high standard, I liked a lot of the pop culture references.
The graphics are good although stylised rather than going for a realistic look. The soundtrack is subtle and very cool as well. It also has the replay value of trying it again making different decisions.
I can't praise it enough. I completed it in just a few days because you can't put it down. Everyone should check it out. It would be great if this got made into a film! The sequel is out soon.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Bonds of Fire in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I must say that I very much enjoyed this short story...as that's what it is...a short story, a VERY short story. There was so much packed into this novella that it definitely had the potential to be a full length novel. Even though things were a little crammed in I didn't feel that the romance elements were rushed in any way just that they weren't explored in very much depth. This is a M/M romance novella, however, it is very tame compared to a lot of other stories out there, especially when compared to some of the ones I have read before *blush*. There is no sex, nothing graphic or explicit, just a bit of flirting...perhaps a little kissing, but that's about it. The attraction between the male characters is very obvious and so if a man lusting after another man makes you feel a little queasy then definitely stay away from this one.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rogue Wave (Waterfire Saga, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Watch Me Walk Away (Walking, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Watch Me Walk Away, is one fabulous love story. It's the story of Lisa and Bobby, two people who fell in love during high school only to be separated by war, and united once again.
Bobby ruined Lisa when he broke her heart and left to go fight in the war. Lisa never stopped loving Bobby, and was just left to pick up the pieces of her life. Lisa has finally moved on to Stuart and now Bobby's back and doing better than ever. Will Bobby win back Lisa's heart or will he watch her walk away with Stuart?
The story was easy to get into and easy to love. Lisa and Bobby were great characters, and Jill Prand brought them to life for me with her wonderful storytelling. I felt bad to Lisa when her heart was breaking (we've all been there right?), and I was rooting for Bobby when he came back into her life. I felt like the character's own personal cheering squad. Brad (Lisa & Bobby's high school friend), is a great character and one I could relate to all too well. Brad is in love with Lisa and they are harboring a dark secret, one that hopefully Bobby never finds out about.
I pretty much devoured this book! It took me 2 days to read, and I wish I had more story to read. I would love to see more of Brad in the future, and it would be awesome if he had a spin-off book of his own. I think he is a character that needs to have his story told. I can't wait for the sequel!
Bobby ruined Lisa when he broke her heart and left to go fight in the war. Lisa never stopped loving Bobby, and was just left to pick up the pieces of her life. Lisa has finally moved on to Stuart and now Bobby's back and doing better than ever. Will Bobby win back Lisa's heart or will he watch her walk away with Stuart?
The story was easy to get into and easy to love. Lisa and Bobby were great characters, and Jill Prand brought them to life for me with her wonderful storytelling. I felt bad to Lisa when her heart was breaking (we've all been there right?), and I was rooting for Bobby when he came back into her life. I felt like the character's own personal cheering squad. Brad (Lisa & Bobby's high school friend), is a great character and one I could relate to all too well. Brad is in love with Lisa and they are harboring a dark secret, one that hopefully Bobby never finds out about.
I pretty much devoured this book! It took me 2 days to read, and I wish I had more story to read. I would love to see more of Brad in the future, and it would be awesome if he had a spin-off book of his own. I think he is a character that needs to have his story told. I can't wait for the sequel!