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Lenard (726 KP) rated Booksmart (2019) in Movies
May 8, 2019 (Updated May 8, 2019)
My favorite movie of the year so far
Booksmart is the kind of movie I always enjoy immensely. In a way, I was reminded of Sex Drive even though the two films have nothing in common. I just yelled "Rumspringa" as I left, I felt so free. Beanie Feldman who plays her character like brother Jonah Hill's younger sister and Kathlyn Dever play two high achieving high school seniors who spent all their time studying instead of having fun. They are bullied and made fun of due to their academic commitment. In a pivotal bathroom scene, Beanie overhears a conversation where she is the butt of the joke. Exiting falsely confident, she is shocked to learn that the three dopes all are on prestigious paths (Google, Stanford, Yale). She decides that she and her BFF have to crash a trending party. In a series of vignettes of misadventures, the two girls discover there is more to life than getting good grades. Extracurricular activities look good on the CV too.
My main complaint is the actors play the supposed seniors a little too confidently for adolescents. In this "Say Anything"esque world, there are no mean girls/alpha males. Everyone has a secret moral to their character. Except maybe Ryan who steals the boy crush, but she has a nice chin.
My main complaint is the actors play the supposed seniors a little too confidently for adolescents. In this "Say Anything"esque world, there are no mean girls/alpha males. Everyone has a secret moral to their character. Except maybe Ryan who steals the boy crush, but she has a nice chin.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) created a post
May 26, 2019
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated Teardrop (Teardrop Trilogy, #1) in Books
May 26, 2019
Forgot to post this last month
I chose to read this book because it's by my favorite author. I ended up loving it and it's now one of my favorite series. If you loved her book Fallen you will love this one as well. The book begins slowly as Fallen does but if you keep reading you will not regret it.
Spoilers below
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Growing up Eureka's mother told her to never cry and she ended up dying in a freak accident at the start of the book. This left Eureka puzzled and alone in the world until the boy who saved her in the accident came along who is named Ander. Her mother left her three inheritance a locket, thunderstone and book which end up making better sense later in the story. When Eureka, her best friend Brooks, her sister and brother go to the beach one day something weird happens to Brooks after the strange wave which leads to him acting weird which later on in the book Eureka discovers her best friend has been processed by someone from the sunken island of Atlantis. The person who processed him Eureka will end up having to go head to head with in the next book. She also discovered there's something special in her bloodline about tears. If you'd like to know more read the book.
Spoilers below
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.
.
Growing up Eureka's mother told her to never cry and she ended up dying in a freak accident at the start of the book. This left Eureka puzzled and alone in the world until the boy who saved her in the accident came along who is named Ander. Her mother left her three inheritance a locket, thunderstone and book which end up making better sense later in the story. When Eureka, her best friend Brooks, her sister and brother go to the beach one day something weird happens to Brooks after the strange wave which leads to him acting weird which later on in the book Eureka discovers her best friend has been processed by someone from the sunken island of Atlantis. The person who processed him Eureka will end up having to go head to head with in the next book. She also discovered there's something special in her bloodline about tears. If you'd like to know more read the book.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery - Season 2 in TV
May 28, 2019 (Updated May 28, 2019)
Action (1 more)
Some strong characters
Fall off in form - more of a set up for Season 3....
I enjoyed the first series of this Trek spin off so went into season 2 hoping for a lot. It managed to tackle some of the troublesome storylines but it felt like the characters had lost some of the punchyness that made the first series shine.
In this series we get a lot of Spock (not entirely sold on the acting of Ethan Peck) who must face his past along with his estranged sister Michael Burnham. As well as Captain Pike (played very well by Anson Mount) taking control of Discovery to investigate a series of odd red signals that have being appearing across the universe.
Stories involving time travel are often problematic and unlike the Series 1 mirror universe storyline the time travel aspect in this was clumsy. The AI threat was also not that thrilling for me and left too many questions unanswered.
There seemed to be a much more mopy, exploring feelings and relationships, feel to this series that I think that let it down. The action was great but characters seemed to feel it was necessary to have a heart to heart in the middle of a time critical mission - GET ON WITH IT FFS!!!
In this series we get a lot of Spock (not entirely sold on the acting of Ethan Peck) who must face his past along with his estranged sister Michael Burnham. As well as Captain Pike (played very well by Anson Mount) taking control of Discovery to investigate a series of odd red signals that have being appearing across the universe.
Stories involving time travel are often problematic and unlike the Series 1 mirror universe storyline the time travel aspect in this was clumsy. The AI threat was also not that thrilling for me and left too many questions unanswered.
There seemed to be a much more mopy, exploring feelings and relationships, feel to this series that I think that let it down. The action was great but characters seemed to feel it was necessary to have a heart to heart in the middle of a time critical mission - GET ON WITH IT FFS!!!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Girlhood in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In a bittersweet twist, Harper’s parent’s won the lottery the day after Harper’s twin sister died. With this windfall she is able to go to a very expensive boarding school of which she really doesn’t fit into. Or maybe she does? Just not in the way you expect.
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Bones of You in Books
Feb 13, 2018
When local village teenager Rosie disappears -- and later is discovered murdered, fellow villager Kate is understandably upset. Kate has a daughter Rosie's age and also spent a little bit of time with the quiet teen and knew her mother, Jo, somewhat.
Rosie's murder causes quite a stir, especially because her father, Neal, is a well-known journalist. Kate becomes closer to Jo after Rosie's death and starts to learn more about Jo, Neal, and Rosie's younger sister, Delphine. As she gets pulled into the family's secrets, Kate finds herself more and more intrigued and confused about what happened to Rosie.
I tore through this book in a couple of days. The reviews comparing it to "Lovely Bones" or a Gillian Flynn novel are certainly not wrong. It's compelling and chilling. The book switches narrators and we "hear" from Rosie, as well, but the format isn't hokey or silly, as it often can be if done incorrectly.
I figured out some of the plot fairly early on, but it didn't make the book any less complex or exciting. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and there's just *something* about the book that draws you in. Definitely recommend for those in the market for a good psychological thriller.
(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Rosie's murder causes quite a stir, especially because her father, Neal, is a well-known journalist. Kate becomes closer to Jo after Rosie's death and starts to learn more about Jo, Neal, and Rosie's younger sister, Delphine. As she gets pulled into the family's secrets, Kate finds herself more and more intrigued and confused about what happened to Rosie.
I tore through this book in a couple of days. The reviews comparing it to "Lovely Bones" or a Gillian Flynn novel are certainly not wrong. It's compelling and chilling. The book switches narrators and we "hear" from Rosie, as well, but the format isn't hokey or silly, as it often can be if done incorrectly.
I figured out some of the plot fairly early on, but it didn't make the book any less complex or exciting. The characters are well-drawn and interesting, and there's just *something* about the book that draws you in. Definitely recommend for those in the market for a good psychological thriller.
(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Vanishing Girls in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Oliver's novel covers the story of sisters Nick (Nicole) and Dara, who grew up close, but have drifted apart as teens. Then they are in a terrible accident, which pulls them even further apart -- to the point where they aren't even speaking. However, when Nick eventually thinks Dara has disappeared, she goes on a quest to find her sister and help her.
This book was just sort of eh... I don't think it's really a spoiler to say that the "vanishing" part for Dara doesn't take place until well into the plot. The story is more the tale of Dara and Nick's lives before and after their accident (told in their own voices, jumping between time). It's actually rather compelling as is and the whole "vanishing" almost seems like an unwelcome distraction once it arrives.
It's not to say the whole book is bad. I struggled with the rating, really. There's a lot of suspense that simply captures the sisters' lives and tumult surrounding the accident. Oliver does a good job portraying Nick's teen life and her growth as she works at an amusement park over the summer.
Still, the "vanishing girls" part feels contrived at times and parts of Dara's life, as it unfolds, seems forced. Overall, I'm still sort of unsure about this one, truly. It leaves you a little uneven, which who knows... may be the point!
This book was just sort of eh... I don't think it's really a spoiler to say that the "vanishing" part for Dara doesn't take place until well into the plot. The story is more the tale of Dara and Nick's lives before and after their accident (told in their own voices, jumping between time). It's actually rather compelling as is and the whole "vanishing" almost seems like an unwelcome distraction once it arrives.
It's not to say the whole book is bad. I struggled with the rating, really. There's a lot of suspense that simply captures the sisters' lives and tumult surrounding the accident. Oliver does a good job portraying Nick's teen life and her growth as she works at an amusement park over the summer.
Still, the "vanishing girls" part feels contrived at times and parts of Dara's life, as it unfolds, seems forced. Overall, I'm still sort of unsure about this one, truly. It leaves you a little uneven, which who knows... may be the point!
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
We meet Caroline Taylor and her family. What a story this. We see Ryan Chamber who has gotten the cross from his sister, Emma in the first book called "Love Unexpected".
We learn about how Caroline Taylor deals with her loss of her father. We see how she deals with raising her siblings. Caroline finds out from the lighthouse inspector that he hired a man for the job of the lighthouse keeper.
Then we meet up with Ryan Chambers at the Roadside Inn. He asks for directions to the Windmill Point Lighthouse. The story get better has you turn the page. Things start getting worse for them. What is going on in this community and at the Windmill Point Light?
There seems to be action at every turn. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Finich seems to want Caroline out of the lighthouse but why. We meet Arnie Simmons and seem eager to want Caroline Taylor. Will Arnie stop at nothing to get Caroline Taylor? Surprises await them all. Can Ryan and Caroline learn to trust in faith, hope and forgiveness?
The author writes another fastening story. I can not wait to continue on with the next book. Want to learn about Emma and her brother Ryan prior to Ryan getting the cross or how he had the cross?
We learn about how Caroline Taylor deals with her loss of her father. We see how she deals with raising her siblings. Caroline finds out from the lighthouse inspector that he hired a man for the job of the lighthouse keeper.
Then we meet up with Ryan Chambers at the Roadside Inn. He asks for directions to the Windmill Point Lighthouse. The story get better has you turn the page. Things start getting worse for them. What is going on in this community and at the Windmill Point Light?
There seems to be action at every turn. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Finich seems to want Caroline out of the lighthouse but why. We meet Arnie Simmons and seem eager to want Caroline Taylor. Will Arnie stop at nothing to get Caroline Taylor? Surprises await them all. Can Ryan and Caroline learn to trust in faith, hope and forgiveness?
The author writes another fastening story. I can not wait to continue on with the next book. Want to learn about Emma and her brother Ryan prior to Ryan getting the cross or how he had the cross?
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Ice Twins in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are struggling to keep their marriage in tact after the tragic death of one of their twin daughters. To escape from the memories of the incident and to hopefully push past other issues including alcoholism and infidelity, they move to an isolated lighthouse on an island just off the coast of Scotland, which Angus inherited from his grandmother. It starts promisingly enough for the family, until it becomes apparent that their surviving twin, Kirstie, is very likely Lydia, whom they thought had died. Things begin to spiral further out of control as their daughter appears to be being haunted by her dead sister (whichever one that may be) and both parents begin to go a bit crazy, Sarah especially. Secrets get revealed that threaten to shatter the already fragile balance they're maintaining until finally the truth about the accident comes out. The concept is pretty creepy and the setting is perfect for it. The characters aren't exactly likable, but no one is really as contemptuous as some recent "protagonists" in other novels, which makes it easier to root for them. Once things really get rolling, the twists come out pretty fast and furious and the suspense builds to a somewhat shocking conclusion. Unlikely to be the thriller of the year, but a very entertaining read that is perfect for the Halloween season.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Different to other Marvel films (1 more)
Strong female characters
CGI (2 more)
Some under developed characters
Weak villain
Good but a little overrated
Considering the general praise for this film, I had been expecting great things and although for a Marvel origins film it's pretty good, I still found it a bit disappointing.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
