Search
Search results
David McK (3623 KP) rated Staked (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #8) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
8th - yes, 8th! - entry in [autho: Kevin Hearne]'s 'Iron Druid' series, this actually picks up a short while after the novella 'A Prelude to War' (in the compilation [b: Three Slices|28506035|Swallow (Three Slices)|Chuck Wendig|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|48659925], rather than straight after [b: Shattered|32438|Shattered|K.R. Dwyer|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412818666s/32438.jpg|3047286].
And yes, I didn't know that until I read the prelude/authors note, which resulted in me putting this one on hold until I read that particular entry.
When the series started, Atticus was on his own, hiding out in Arizona, until he makes the fateful decision to stand up to rather than run from the Celtic God who believes that Atticus has stolen a magical sword from him.
Since then, events have snowballed out of control, with Atticus now joined by his apprentice Granuaille as well as his own Arch-Druid, who was frozen on a time-island for millenia. This, of necessity, means that the story is no longer told from one point of view: rather, we now have three seperate plot threads (usually told chapter about) that combine into one at the very end of this, when Atticus and co. finally coming face-to-fang with the vampire Theophilus, who was responsible for inciting the Romans to virtually wipe out the Druids in the first place, and who now wants to finish the job.
As always, comiv relief is provided in the form of Atticus faithful hound Oberon, with Granuaille's wolf-hound Orlaith providing the same in her sections of the story while Owen struggles to get to grips with modern living in his.
And yes, I didn't know that until I read the prelude/authors note, which resulted in me putting this one on hold until I read that particular entry.
When the series started, Atticus was on his own, hiding out in Arizona, until he makes the fateful decision to stand up to rather than run from the Celtic God who believes that Atticus has stolen a magical sword from him.
Since then, events have snowballed out of control, with Atticus now joined by his apprentice Granuaille as well as his own Arch-Druid, who was frozen on a time-island for millenia. This, of necessity, means that the story is no longer told from one point of view: rather, we now have three seperate plot threads (usually told chapter about) that combine into one at the very end of this, when Atticus and co. finally coming face-to-fang with the vampire Theophilus, who was responsible for inciting the Romans to virtually wipe out the Druids in the first place, and who now wants to finish the job.
As always, comiv relief is provided in the form of Atticus faithful hound Oberon, with Granuaille's wolf-hound Orlaith providing the same in her sections of the story while Owen struggles to get to grips with modern living in his.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Brooklyn's Finest (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
The story of three cops Sal, Tango, and Eddie, “Brooklyn’s Finest” depicts a graphic understanding of the challenges faced by hardened policemen. Eddie (Richard Gere) is disgruntled and seven days away from retirement from the police force. Tango (Don Cheadle) is stuck undercover while his real life is breaking apart. Sal (Ethan Hawke) can’t afford to support his growing family. All three of them are about to have a week that will test who they are as cops in the not so clear-cut morals of the Brooklyn police force.
A hard-hitting and graphic film, “Brooklyn’s Finest” shows the complicated life of cops struggling to balance morals and justice. Audiences will find it strongly languaged, visually appalling, and emotionally striking. These cops are not the clean-cut ideals that serve and protect, but rather people who have intensified problems on the mean streets of Brooklyn.
For the three lead actors these roles offer significant stretch, particularly in the case of Gere, who displays a physical and emotional depth in the film that is engrossing. Another worthy performance is that of Wesley Snipes as Caz, a gang leader who has recently returned from prison and is now seeking a path to new better life. With complicated characters like these, the film takes a hold of viewers by examining right and wrong in the world of both cops and criminals.
In short, “Brooklyn’s Finest” is a well-paced gripping story played by strong actors. However, audiences should be warned that the tough subject matter and hardened characters make it a far cry from traditional police dramas. This is a film that is likely to offend those who have strong ties to the ideals of police life or a distinct dislike for violence. For the rest of the movie-going public, “Brooklyn’s Finest” is a well-scripted film that is hard to ignore.
A hard-hitting and graphic film, “Brooklyn’s Finest” shows the complicated life of cops struggling to balance morals and justice. Audiences will find it strongly languaged, visually appalling, and emotionally striking. These cops are not the clean-cut ideals that serve and protect, but rather people who have intensified problems on the mean streets of Brooklyn.
For the three lead actors these roles offer significant stretch, particularly in the case of Gere, who displays a physical and emotional depth in the film that is engrossing. Another worthy performance is that of Wesley Snipes as Caz, a gang leader who has recently returned from prison and is now seeking a path to new better life. With complicated characters like these, the film takes a hold of viewers by examining right and wrong in the world of both cops and criminals.
In short, “Brooklyn’s Finest” is a well-paced gripping story played by strong actors. However, audiences should be warned that the tough subject matter and hardened characters make it a far cry from traditional police dramas. This is a film that is likely to offend those who have strong ties to the ideals of police life or a distinct dislike for violence. For the rest of the movie-going public, “Brooklyn’s Finest” is a well-scripted film that is hard to ignore.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Fourth Kind (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
Based on true events, “The Fourth Kind” is a thriller/semi-documentary covering the seemingly unexplained true events that occurred to psychologist Abigail Turner, portrayed in the film by Milla Jovovich. “The Fourth Kind” presents Abby’s story merging dramatic renditions with actual video and audio footage of the strange occurrences.
It is a creepy film filled with close up shots of spooky owls and the hauntingly foggy skies of Nome, Alaska. All this imagery creates a mystical scene but it left me wondering whether is it the films content or an extremely good knowledge of camera angles that created the lingering possibility of truth?
Furthering my dislike of the film are the unnecessary plot deviations, such as the start and conclusion by Jovovich, and the slow and disjointed family sequences which make the characters hard to relate to. Moreover, it seems as if much of the film’s content could be removed and possibly presented as a stronger case for an encounter of the fourth kind as short film or even television episode.
But the most glaring objection to the film’s premise is that it is built on a very small amount of evidence. Sure, the evidence that is presented is disturbing but the limited actual video and audio clips utilized make the film feel gimmicky. Dr. Turner’s story is intriguing but it does not support a satisfying a full-length film, especially for audiences hoping to see something that will force them to reexamine their stance on alien life forms.
In the end what you probably want to know is if this movie significantly change my views on the possibility of alien life forms or if it scared me to my core. The simple answer is no, but it did make me less enthusiastic about visiting to Nome, Alaska.
It is a creepy film filled with close up shots of spooky owls and the hauntingly foggy skies of Nome, Alaska. All this imagery creates a mystical scene but it left me wondering whether is it the films content or an extremely good knowledge of camera angles that created the lingering possibility of truth?
Furthering my dislike of the film are the unnecessary plot deviations, such as the start and conclusion by Jovovich, and the slow and disjointed family sequences which make the characters hard to relate to. Moreover, it seems as if much of the film’s content could be removed and possibly presented as a stronger case for an encounter of the fourth kind as short film or even television episode.
But the most glaring objection to the film’s premise is that it is built on a very small amount of evidence. Sure, the evidence that is presented is disturbing but the limited actual video and audio clips utilized make the film feel gimmicky. Dr. Turner’s story is intriguing but it does not support a satisfying a full-length film, especially for audiences hoping to see something that will force them to reexamine their stance on alien life forms.
In the end what you probably want to know is if this movie significantly change my views on the possibility of alien life forms or if it scared me to my core. The simple answer is no, but it did make me less enthusiastic about visiting to Nome, Alaska.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Into the Fire in Books
Mar 17, 2020
Evan Heads Into the Fire for His Latest Client
As this book opens, Evan is planning to retire. He is going to take on one last case to help someone in trouble, but then he is out. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for a phone call from his new client. That phone call comes from Max Merriweather. Max’s cousin Grant was just brutally killed, but he left Max with a mysterious envelop that should only be opened if Grant has died. The problem is, someone else knows that Max has the envelope, and now they are after Max. Evan uses his usual tricks to find out who is after Max, but will his final case be that simple?
Every time I open one of these books I am in awe once again at how well drawn the characters are. Evan and the people who populate his world come vividly to life and continue to grow, which includes Max and the people he brings into this story. But the book never forgets it is a thriller with plenty of action scenes and twists that kept me reading as quickly as I could. Everything comes together for a satisfying climax while setting up Evan’s next adventure. Yes, the book does include more language and violence than I typically read, but I expected that going in. I was surprised at some of the lighter scenes involving Evan’s neighbors. These scenes always break the tension of the story while helping us get to know Evan better, but we got some of the funniest scenes with the neighbors yet. If you aren’t already reading Gregg Hurwitz, you need to fix that. This book is nothing short of superb.
Every time I open one of these books I am in awe once again at how well drawn the characters are. Evan and the people who populate his world come vividly to life and continue to grow, which includes Max and the people he brings into this story. But the book never forgets it is a thriller with plenty of action scenes and twists that kept me reading as quickly as I could. Everything comes together for a satisfying climax while setting up Evan’s next adventure. Yes, the book does include more language and violence than I typically read, but I expected that going in. I was surprised at some of the lighter scenes involving Evan’s neighbors. These scenes always break the tension of the story while helping us get to know Evan better, but we got some of the funniest scenes with the neighbors yet. If you aren’t already reading Gregg Hurwitz, you need to fix that. This book is nothing short of superb.
Letterland Stories A
Education and Book
App
Go on a reading adventure with your Letterland friends! Carefully designed imaginative stories which...
The Other Side
Book
Gypsies. Mick Jagger. Drugs. Knitwear empire. Ralph Lauren. A few of the elements comprising the...
Unwritten Diary of Israel Unger
Carolyn Gammon and Israel Unger
Book
At the beginning of the Nazi period, 25,000 Jewish people lived in Tarnow, Poland. By the end of the...
What's Exactly the Matter with Me?: Memoirs of a Life in Music
Book
I have been seeking P.F. Sloan, but no one knows where he's gone. -from the song 'P.F. Sloan' by...
Ben Again
Book
Ben was only 27 when he and his girlfriend, Jazz, were hit by a car while on holiday in the...
Born in Siberia
Tamara Astafieva, Michael Darlow, Debbie Slater and Luba Ioffe
Book
In 1966 and 1968 Michael Darlow worked in Russia on two major television co-productions between the...