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Awix (3310 KP) rated Re-Animator (1985) in Movies
Oct 31, 2020 (Updated Oct 31, 2020)
Schlocky horror picture show. Mad-scientist-in-training Herbert West is partially successful in raising the dead (which is to say he's successful in resurrecting various body parts, not always connected tin the original manner). One of the better-known H. P. Lovecraft adaptations, though the short story in question is hardly Lovecraft's best work (and the writer would probably have hated this movie too).
Not actually that scary, but contains jaw-dropping quantities of gore, all the more startling because the film is clearly being pitched as a knockabout black comedy as well as an exploitation movie. Starts off relatively restrained, but by the climax I was regularly thinking 'I can't believe they got away with that'. Nicely pitched performance from Jeffrey Combs, interesting turns from people who end up having to play either deranged zombies or severed heads in trays. (Slightly distracting soundtrack, mainly because it brazenly rips off the score from Psycho.) Any film which features a main character wrestling with a hostile lower intestine has got something to offer the world; movies like this are the reason we have the term 'splatstick'.
Not actually that scary, but contains jaw-dropping quantities of gore, all the more startling because the film is clearly being pitched as a knockabout black comedy as well as an exploitation movie. Starts off relatively restrained, but by the climax I was regularly thinking 'I can't believe they got away with that'. Nicely pitched performance from Jeffrey Combs, interesting turns from people who end up having to play either deranged zombies or severed heads in trays. (Slightly distracting soundtrack, mainly because it brazenly rips off the score from Psycho.) Any film which features a main character wrestling with a hostile lower intestine has got something to offer the world; movies like this are the reason we have the term 'splatstick'.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Wicked Nobles (Nocturnal Academy #1) in Books
Dec 6, 2020
202
Kindle
Wicked Nobles ( Nocturnal Academy book 1)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
In a world ruled by vamps, being half fae and magicless sucks.
You know what’s even worse? Being sold into slavery by your own mother.
I am Onyx Logan, and my mother condemned me when she sent me to Nocturnal Academy. If I get lucky, the academy will mold me into a servant for rich vampires. If I’m not, I’ll become a courtesan.
But if the vamps think I’ll take this lying down like a good little bitch, they’re wrong. I don’t have the means to escape Nocturnal Academy, but I have my eyes set on someone who does.
Prince Preston Kallan, a handsome, pureblood fae teacher from the Summer Court, doesn’t know who I am yet, but he will soon. At least that was the plan. Because as it turns out, nothing goes the way I expect.
This is wasn’t bad at all! Written well and shows so much promise! I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. It’s an interesting story and a take on vampires and far I’ve not seen before. Quite a short books so im looking forward to reading more.
Kindle
Wicked Nobles ( Nocturnal Academy book 1)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
In a world ruled by vamps, being half fae and magicless sucks.
You know what’s even worse? Being sold into slavery by your own mother.
I am Onyx Logan, and my mother condemned me when she sent me to Nocturnal Academy. If I get lucky, the academy will mold me into a servant for rich vampires. If I’m not, I’ll become a courtesan.
But if the vamps think I’ll take this lying down like a good little bitch, they’re wrong. I don’t have the means to escape Nocturnal Academy, but I have my eyes set on someone who does.
Prince Preston Kallan, a handsome, pureblood fae teacher from the Summer Court, doesn’t know who I am yet, but he will soon. At least that was the plan. Because as it turns out, nothing goes the way I expect.
This is wasn’t bad at all! Written well and shows so much promise! I was torn between 3 and 4 stars. It’s an interesting story and a take on vampires and far I’ve not seen before. Quite a short books so im looking forward to reading more.
Fred (860 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
A nice change from the over-rated Marvel powerhouse
So when this came out, reviews were either positive or negative across the board. You can put me in the positive column. It's not great, but it's good. It's just so nice of a change from the Marvel "got to see them all, even though they're not as good as we say" universe. It's so good to see a comic book movie that's under 2 hours, that moves along at a good pace & is not in the least boring. Let's get the negatives out of the way. Sophie Tucker is a terrible actress. She's terrible as Jean Grey. And although I did find the movie to move along at a good pace, I found the story lacking. They did cram one of comic's greatest stories into a short (for a superhero) film. Aside from Tucker, the acting was very good in the film. And let's just say, the X-Men, along with Magneto's gang, kick some serious ass in one of the best scenes I've seen in a hero flick. Like I said, the film is good, not great. Is it enjoyable? Definitely. Would I watch it again, yes.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fear The Reaper in Books
Sep 3, 2019
I've never read any books by this author and neither have I read the previous books in the series but that wasn't a big issue as the events of the previous books are explained in short pretty early on in memories and discussions between the characters but you still feel like you've missed something.
There is a history between Reaper and Lilith and I enjoyed the chemistry that still sparked. It was definitely a second chance romance while trying to bring about a certain someones downfall.
It had some nice description in this but I did struggle at times to get absorbed in the story. I'd pick it up, read about 5% and then put it back down again and concentrate on my paperback instead. I think it sounded more like my kind of read than what it turned out to be.
If you liked the previous books or like futuristic stories set on Earth where everything has gone to ruins and people are doing what ever they can to make money and keep the peace between the remaining areas of the USA then you'll more than likely enjoy this.
There is a history between Reaper and Lilith and I enjoyed the chemistry that still sparked. It was definitely a second chance romance while trying to bring about a certain someones downfall.
It had some nice description in this but I did struggle at times to get absorbed in the story. I'd pick it up, read about 5% and then put it back down again and concentrate on my paperback instead. I think it sounded more like my kind of read than what it turned out to be.
If you liked the previous books or like futuristic stories set on Earth where everything has gone to ruins and people are doing what ever they can to make money and keep the peace between the remaining areas of the USA then you'll more than likely enjoy this.
Cheers (The Rose Gold Collection)
6.0
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As a successful Sales and Catering Manager for the posh Hayden Court Hotel located in New Orleans’...
Law of Attraction
4.0
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USA Today Bestselling author, N.M. Silber brings you a tale filled with laughter, love and lusty...
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The First Rule of Ten (A Tenzing Norbu Mystery, #1)
9.0
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Tenzing Norbu (“Ten” for short)—ex-monk and soon-to-be ex-cop—is a protagonist unique to...
@Goodreads @FlyingBearBooks
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated The Ducal Detective in Books
Apr 25, 2024
Jacqueline Starts Her Reign Solving a Murder
Jacqueline Arienta Xavier has just been crowned Duchess of Saphire after the death of her parents in an accident. Since she is still mourning them, she is struggling to adjust to her new duties. Then she gets word that her parents’ death may have been murder. Not knowing who to trust, can she figure out what happened to them?
This is a fun novella that introduces a mystery series with a light fantasy setting. Considering all that the novella has to do, it’s impressive how it balances it in the short length it has. I was immediately drawn to Jacqueline, and I loved what we saw of her here. I also really liked the rest of the characters. The world was fun, and I hope we get to explore it further as the series goes along. For the length of the story, the mystery was good with enough twists to keep us engaged on the way to a logical climax. I appreciated the balance we got in tone between the sadness Jacqueline is experiencing and the lighter scenes. I can’t wait to make a return visit to this series.
This is a fun novella that introduces a mystery series with a light fantasy setting. Considering all that the novella has to do, it’s impressive how it balances it in the short length it has. I was immediately drawn to Jacqueline, and I loved what we saw of her here. I also really liked the rest of the characters. The world was fun, and I hope we get to explore it further as the series goes along. For the length of the story, the mystery was good with enough twists to keep us engaged on the way to a logical climax. I appreciated the balance we got in tone between the sadness Jacqueline is experiencing and the lighter scenes. I can’t wait to make a return visit to this series.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Trees Grew Because I Bled There in Books
Apr 14, 2024
71 of 220
Book
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: collected stories
By Eric LaRocca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eight stories of dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. A woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution…
This was a compilation of stories from a very talented authors. You get taken on a journey with these short stories. A few stories stood out from the crowd! The Strange things we become a story of how cancer destroys everything it touches and plays with the mind.
You’re not supposed to be here l, I think this is my favourite of them all a parents worst nightmare and a dark tale of secrets and desperation.
I’d also mention Where Flames Burned as Grass, would you sacrifice your child on the word of a complete stranger?
Really enjoyed these stories and the writing style.
Book
The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: collected stories
By Eric LaRocca
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eight stories of dark fiction from a master storyteller. Exploring the shadow side of love, these are tales of grief, obsession, control. Intricate examinations of trauma and tragedy in raw, poetic prose. A woman imagines horrific scenarios whilst caring for her infant niece; on-line posts chronicle a cancer diagnosis; a couple in the park with their small child encounter a stranger with horrific consequences; a toxic relationship reaches a terrifying resolution…
This was a compilation of stories from a very talented authors. You get taken on a journey with these short stories. A few stories stood out from the crowd! The Strange things we become a story of how cancer destroys everything it touches and plays with the mind.
You’re not supposed to be here l, I think this is my favourite of them all a parents worst nightmare and a dark tale of secrets and desperation.
I’d also mention Where Flames Burned as Grass, would you sacrifice your child on the word of a complete stranger?
Really enjoyed these stories and the writing style.
David McK (3816 KP) rated Arthur (The Arthurian Tales #3) in Books
Jun 30, 2024 (Updated Jun 30, 2024)
This is the final entry in Giles Kristian's 'Arthurian Tales' trilogy, set after both 'Lancelot' and 'Camelot', and now told in the third person instead of the first person view of both those former works.
It's also the first one - I believe - to so heavily rely on flashbacks, paralleling the 'now' of the story with the background to one of the main characters Beran (whose identity I, personally, found quite easy to grok early on).
As a whole, I have to say, this trilogy is one of the best retellings of the Arthurian myths I have come across although retelling, however, may be too strong a word; perhaps a better on would be re-imagining as there's no mystical Green Knight (reimagined in 'Camelot'), search for the Holy Grails (again, see 'Camelot'), or mysterious women lying in ponds and distributing swords ("that's no basis for sound government..."), but which does cover the whole Arthur/Lancelot/Guinevere love triangle (see, in particular, 'Lancelot') and the fall out thereof.
In short, all three novels are well worth a read - personally, I found I enjoyed these more than the 'Blood Eye' series by the same author.
It's also the first one - I believe - to so heavily rely on flashbacks, paralleling the 'now' of the story with the background to one of the main characters Beran (whose identity I, personally, found quite easy to grok early on).
As a whole, I have to say, this trilogy is one of the best retellings of the Arthurian myths I have come across although retelling, however, may be too strong a word; perhaps a better on would be re-imagining as there's no mystical Green Knight (reimagined in 'Camelot'), search for the Holy Grails (again, see 'Camelot'), or mysterious women lying in ponds and distributing swords ("that's no basis for sound government..."), but which does cover the whole Arthur/Lancelot/Guinevere love triangle (see, in particular, 'Lancelot') and the fall out thereof.
In short, all three novels are well worth a read - personally, I found I enjoyed these more than the 'Blood Eye' series by the same author.