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It took me a bit to get into Trust, but I’m glad I persevered, and that I went back and read the synopsis!
Trust is made up of four narratives about the same man. The first is a book written by Harold Vanner called ‘Bonds’. It tells the story of tycoon Benjamin Rask in the 1920’s and his role in the 1929 crash. It’s also about his wife, Helen, her love of the Arts, how she descends into mental illness and dies in a European asylum.
The second story is comprised of the notes that Andrew Revel, a Wall Street banker and tycoon, makes in order to write his autobiography. His wife Mildred also features, and her death from cancer, also in a treatment centre in Europe.
The third is written by Ida Partenza (my favourite part), where she is looking back on the time that she worked for Revel, ghost-writing his biography. She clearly intensely dislikes her employer, mainly because he lies throughout his storytelling, and is quite upfront about doing it. He’s also aware of her father being a political refugee from Italy, an anarchist, and there’s an underlying menace.
And the final part are the notes and diaries that Ida finds in the ‘present’ day written by Mildred, leading up to her death. They reveal the secrets that her husband would rather not know. Why these are still in a library that can be accessed by the public isn’t known, but the handwriting is pretty indecipherable, so that may well be the reason.
Obviously the first story is about the man in the last three, and we are asked to trust that the man who wrote the first is lying - and therefore trust that Andrew Revel is telling the truth. Clearly he isn’t. His wife’s notes back that up. Revel is a manipulative man, who doesn’t hesitate to ruin other people’s lives in order to protect his reputation.
I read this whole novel with horrified fascination. It’s a good one!
Trust is made up of four narratives about the same man. The first is a book written by Harold Vanner called ‘Bonds’. It tells the story of tycoon Benjamin Rask in the 1920’s and his role in the 1929 crash. It’s also about his wife, Helen, her love of the Arts, how she descends into mental illness and dies in a European asylum.
The second story is comprised of the notes that Andrew Revel, a Wall Street banker and tycoon, makes in order to write his autobiography. His wife Mildred also features, and her death from cancer, also in a treatment centre in Europe.
The third is written by Ida Partenza (my favourite part), where she is looking back on the time that she worked for Revel, ghost-writing his biography. She clearly intensely dislikes her employer, mainly because he lies throughout his storytelling, and is quite upfront about doing it. He’s also aware of her father being a political refugee from Italy, an anarchist, and there’s an underlying menace.
And the final part are the notes and diaries that Ida finds in the ‘present’ day written by Mildred, leading up to her death. They reveal the secrets that her husband would rather not know. Why these are still in a library that can be accessed by the public isn’t known, but the handwriting is pretty indecipherable, so that may well be the reason.
Obviously the first story is about the man in the last three, and we are asked to trust that the man who wrote the first is lying - and therefore trust that Andrew Revel is telling the truth. Clearly he isn’t. His wife’s notes back that up. Revel is a manipulative man, who doesn’t hesitate to ruin other people’s lives in order to protect his reputation.
I read this whole novel with horrified fascination. It’s a good one!
DaveySmithy (107 KP) rated Venom: The Last Dance (2024) in Movies
Dec 4, 2024
A Chaotic Farewell with Flashes of Brilliance
Venom: Last Dance marks the end of Eddie Brock’s wild, symbiotic saga, and while it doesn’t entirely stick the landing, it’s a fittingly chaotic swan song for the antihero. With Tom Hardy once again embracing the absurdity of his dual role, the film offers plenty of the franchise’s trademark blend of humor, action, and madness—but it’s also weighed down by an uneven plot and overambitious storytelling.
One of the highlights of this film is, unsurprisingly, Tom Hardy. His commitment to playing both the brooding Eddie and the wisecracking, gluttonous Venom remains the beating heart of this franchise. Their banter is sharper than ever, delivering both laughs and surprisingly tender moments as their unconventional “relationship” reaches new levels of complexity. Hardy’s performance makes it easy to forgive some of the film’s narrative shortcomings.
Visually, Last Dance is a mixed bag. The action sequences are bigger and flashier than ever, with symbiote battles that explode across the screen in frenetic bursts of CGI. Some of these moments are thrilling, but others veer into sensory overload, leaving me wishing for a bit more clarity and restraint. The film’s attempt to lean into darker, more gothic visuals works in some scenes but feels inconsistent overall.
The plot, while ambitious, tries to juggle too many elements at once. A new villain, played with gusto by a high-profile (but slightly underutilized) actor, brings menace to the story, but their motivations are murky and underdeveloped. Meanwhile, the film’s exploration of Venom’s origins is intriguing but feels rushed, leaving me craving more depth and fewer loose ends.
Despite its flaws, Venom: Last Dance manages to deliver an entertaining and emotional farewell to the character. It’s messy, but there’s a charm in its willingness to embrace the absurd. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy, though it’s unlikely to win over newcomers. For me, it’s a 7/10—an imperfect but enjoyable final ride with one of Marvel’s most unpredictable antiheroes.
One of the highlights of this film is, unsurprisingly, Tom Hardy. His commitment to playing both the brooding Eddie and the wisecracking, gluttonous Venom remains the beating heart of this franchise. Their banter is sharper than ever, delivering both laughs and surprisingly tender moments as their unconventional “relationship” reaches new levels of complexity. Hardy’s performance makes it easy to forgive some of the film’s narrative shortcomings.
Visually, Last Dance is a mixed bag. The action sequences are bigger and flashier than ever, with symbiote battles that explode across the screen in frenetic bursts of CGI. Some of these moments are thrilling, but others veer into sensory overload, leaving me wishing for a bit more clarity and restraint. The film’s attempt to lean into darker, more gothic visuals works in some scenes but feels inconsistent overall.
The plot, while ambitious, tries to juggle too many elements at once. A new villain, played with gusto by a high-profile (but slightly underutilized) actor, brings menace to the story, but their motivations are murky and underdeveloped. Meanwhile, the film’s exploration of Venom’s origins is intriguing but feels rushed, leaving me craving more depth and fewer loose ends.
Despite its flaws, Venom: Last Dance manages to deliver an entertaining and emotional farewell to the character. It’s messy, but there’s a charm in its willingness to embrace the absurd. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy, though it’s unlikely to win over newcomers. For me, it’s a 7/10—an imperfect but enjoyable final ride with one of Marvel’s most unpredictable antiheroes.
Sam (74 KP) rated Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I had really mixed feelings for this. I was really excited to start it because of how much I enjoyed listening to the podcast, and I hoped it would be exactly the same as the podcast. And it was, which turned out to be my first problem with it. The format and themes of Welcome to Night Vale are perfect for a podcast, but not so much for a book. I just felt that it didn’t quite work right.
You have to keep an open mind when you’re reading this. Similarly to the podcast, you have to keep an open mind and you can’t take anything literally. To me, that wasn’t so much of a problem and I quite liked the metaphors throughout the book, but I know that for others it makes the storytelling more confusing than it needs to be.
I loved that it had all of the usual characters from the podcast in it. I was half worried with this that it would follow new people and that would have spoilt it for me. The fact that the podcast and the book flow together works nicely and really helped me get into the book.
I felt like the plot needed more though. I think this goes back to what I said about the format of a podcast being wrong for a book. In the Night Vale podcast, you have all of the different characters and forms of entertainment meaning that a major plot isn’t needed so desperately. However, the lack of action in the plot in the book really held it back.
I could see myself enjoying the audiobook of this, but I feel like that would defeat the point. I got it because I liked the idea of a change in format from the podcast, but I found myself wishing I’d gotten the audiobook because it would have flowed better.
I suppose if you usually read more in this sort of genre, you may like this a lot more than I did. I think the major jump in genre also didn’t aid my enjoyment of the book. I’ll let you make your mind up for yourself.
You have to keep an open mind when you’re reading this. Similarly to the podcast, you have to keep an open mind and you can’t take anything literally. To me, that wasn’t so much of a problem and I quite liked the metaphors throughout the book, but I know that for others it makes the storytelling more confusing than it needs to be.
I loved that it had all of the usual characters from the podcast in it. I was half worried with this that it would follow new people and that would have spoilt it for me. The fact that the podcast and the book flow together works nicely and really helped me get into the book.
I felt like the plot needed more though. I think this goes back to what I said about the format of a podcast being wrong for a book. In the Night Vale podcast, you have all of the different characters and forms of entertainment meaning that a major plot isn’t needed so desperately. However, the lack of action in the plot in the book really held it back.
I could see myself enjoying the audiobook of this, but I feel like that would defeat the point. I got it because I liked the idea of a change in format from the podcast, but I found myself wishing I’d gotten the audiobook because it would have flowed better.
I suppose if you usually read more in this sort of genre, you may like this a lot more than I did. I think the major jump in genre also didn’t aid my enjoyment of the book. I’ll let you make your mind up for yourself.
Xabier Rey (42 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of No Man's Sky in Video Games
May 5, 2019
Is this not the hardest game to review ever? Although I liked the game from the start, the vanilla version was not OK for many, many reasons. Mainly because we didn't get the game we were paying for, at all. But things have changed now.
If you play the game nowadays, it is a really, really good one in my opinion. But it's so unfair that many people probably bought a limited edition, hoping it would be THE game, and didn't quite get that at first. That moment, when so many of us realized in our coaches that the game was not what it was meant to be... we just didn't deserve it. We had been praising the studio, the concept, the way they talked about their project... everything, just to be betrayed.
I honestly love what the game has came to be. It is one of the most innovative games of the generation, if not the most. It brought many new gameplay and storytelling mechanics, but it also widened everyone's perspective on what can be achieved. I'm sure many people, like myself, have thought about many ways to tweak the game to make it absolutely unique and mindblowing. As a Ready Player One fan I suggest the following: Please, Hello Games, spawn your single most beloved arcade machine on a random planet in the universe and make it interactive, so we can actually play it during a sunset in whatever planet, of whatever galaxy you pick. That would be insane, and probably affordable.
Another thing that this game has brought to the industry is a experience I never had before with a game. That is, waiting and especulating on what's gonna be the next update. The whole, everlasting hype thing that's going on the back of my mind every time I think about this game. That feels, in many ways, like being in love. Yes, Sean... I guess I love you after all.
So, if the rating is not higher for me, it is just because of many people's first experience with this game. It was heartbreaking and, again, totally unfair. Other than that, I think this is a historical game, a total gamechanger.
If you play the game nowadays, it is a really, really good one in my opinion. But it's so unfair that many people probably bought a limited edition, hoping it would be THE game, and didn't quite get that at first. That moment, when so many of us realized in our coaches that the game was not what it was meant to be... we just didn't deserve it. We had been praising the studio, the concept, the way they talked about their project... everything, just to be betrayed.
I honestly love what the game has came to be. It is one of the most innovative games of the generation, if not the most. It brought many new gameplay and storytelling mechanics, but it also widened everyone's perspective on what can be achieved. I'm sure many people, like myself, have thought about many ways to tweak the game to make it absolutely unique and mindblowing. As a Ready Player One fan I suggest the following: Please, Hello Games, spawn your single most beloved arcade machine on a random planet in the universe and make it interactive, so we can actually play it during a sunset in whatever planet, of whatever galaxy you pick. That would be insane, and probably affordable.
Another thing that this game has brought to the industry is a experience I never had before with a game. That is, waiting and especulating on what's gonna be the next update. The whole, everlasting hype thing that's going on the back of my mind every time I think about this game. That feels, in many ways, like being in love. Yes, Sean... I guess I love you after all.
So, if the rating is not higher for me, it is just because of many people's first experience with this game. It was heartbreaking and, again, totally unfair. Other than that, I think this is a historical game, a total gamechanger.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated The Fakersville Power Station (Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Well to start you off, When I was finish reading the Adventure One of this series "The Castle Tower Lighthouse". So I went in to my library and checked this one out and with the third installment. Well my thoughts on the book itself.
Combine Doyle's unparalleled storytelling with a little guidance from the spirit world and the result is this ingenious literary concoction second in sequence only. In the forward readers are greeted with a letter from the author, which explains the origin of the story and includes a special note of thanks to his ghostly housemate, thus setting the stage for a magical reading experience.
Audrey and Garrett Font thought for sure this would have been a most boring summer, but was before their week long lighthouse adventure. Now they are as excited as their grandpa to explore the beautiful, colonial style house tuck way by towering waterfall. Following great grandpa and Leo drawings, the three of them start on their way into the vast forests of Northern California in search of Fakersville. But after sixty years, Grandpa's memories of this picturesque area seem to be the only thing left of this once vibrant mining town. How could they find the house grandpa was so anxious to explore if they couldn't even find the town?
They meet a new characters to be introduced is the cantankerous, president of the Inventor's Club, Mr. Howard August. Listening to his stories the Font's learn a great deal about the history of Fakersville, from thriving quartz mining area to a deserted ghost town of sorts, where curiosity seekers simply disappear. Following a series of clues and solving puzzles, with the assistance of a new friend, the Font's begin to uncover the towns long buried secrets. But is it too late? Can they rescue their beloved grandpa and prevent the Mayor from writing another chapter in the mysterious story of Fakersville.
You learn lots of educational and moral lessons though out the books. There a lot going on but is a wonderful book to read. It has you guessing along with the characters. I love this book along with the first and i would recommend it.
Combine Doyle's unparalleled storytelling with a little guidance from the spirit world and the result is this ingenious literary concoction second in sequence only. In the forward readers are greeted with a letter from the author, which explains the origin of the story and includes a special note of thanks to his ghostly housemate, thus setting the stage for a magical reading experience.
Audrey and Garrett Font thought for sure this would have been a most boring summer, but was before their week long lighthouse adventure. Now they are as excited as their grandpa to explore the beautiful, colonial style house tuck way by towering waterfall. Following great grandpa and Leo drawings, the three of them start on their way into the vast forests of Northern California in search of Fakersville. But after sixty years, Grandpa's memories of this picturesque area seem to be the only thing left of this once vibrant mining town. How could they find the house grandpa was so anxious to explore if they couldn't even find the town?
They meet a new characters to be introduced is the cantankerous, president of the Inventor's Club, Mr. Howard August. Listening to his stories the Font's learn a great deal about the history of Fakersville, from thriving quartz mining area to a deserted ghost town of sorts, where curiosity seekers simply disappear. Following a series of clues and solving puzzles, with the assistance of a new friend, the Font's begin to uncover the towns long buried secrets. But is it too late? Can they rescue their beloved grandpa and prevent the Mayor from writing another chapter in the mysterious story of Fakersville.
You learn lots of educational and moral lessons though out the books. There a lot going on but is a wonderful book to read. It has you guessing along with the characters. I love this book along with the first and i would recommend it.
Dana (24 KP) rated Burned (Burned, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I honestly didn't know how I would feel about this book. I haven't been having the best week or so, so I didn't necessarily want to read something too heavy. While this book did have a lot of heavy themes, it wasn't too dark for me, which I was glad about.
The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so read at your own peril.
I didn't really know much about this book as I was going into it. My roommate gave it to me on a recommendation, so I read it the next day and I really enjoyed it. I know it came out ages ago, but I don't think I was really emotionally mature enough to really appreciate the story. Overall, I am glad I waited until I was a bit older.
Even though it is close to 550 pages, it doesn't feel that long because of the way it is set up. The poetry gives it a fresh perspective and a very interesting storytelling perspective. I absolutely loved the formatting, especially the shapes of the poems.
This book talks a lot about religion, abuse (specially religious and familial abuse), independence, sex, and relationships in a very mature, yet approachable way.
This book supports the idea that you should get help from someone when you need it-even if it is not the authorities.
It was interesting to see Pattyn's development throughout the book, as heartbreaking as it was. She starts off as such a timid, rule-abiding girl, and then turns into someone with her own thoughts and morals. I feel like that as she was able to experience more, she grew into her own person to an extent.
I love Aunt Jeanette-she just wants what is best for Pattyn.
The ending crushed me. I just wanted Pattyn to be happy with Ethan, but no. It just had to come to a horrible end, didn't it?
Sorry this review is pretty short. I can't really find all the right ways to say what I'm thinking about this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I think I will check out more of Ellen Hopkins's books.
The rest of this review will have some spoilers, so read at your own peril.
I didn't really know much about this book as I was going into it. My roommate gave it to me on a recommendation, so I read it the next day and I really enjoyed it. I know it came out ages ago, but I don't think I was really emotionally mature enough to really appreciate the story. Overall, I am glad I waited until I was a bit older.
Even though it is close to 550 pages, it doesn't feel that long because of the way it is set up. The poetry gives it a fresh perspective and a very interesting storytelling perspective. I absolutely loved the formatting, especially the shapes of the poems.
This book talks a lot about religion, abuse (specially religious and familial abuse), independence, sex, and relationships in a very mature, yet approachable way.
This book supports the idea that you should get help from someone when you need it-even if it is not the authorities.
It was interesting to see Pattyn's development throughout the book, as heartbreaking as it was. She starts off as such a timid, rule-abiding girl, and then turns into someone with her own thoughts and morals. I feel like that as she was able to experience more, she grew into her own person to an extent.
I love Aunt Jeanette-she just wants what is best for Pattyn.
The ending crushed me. I just wanted Pattyn to be happy with Ethan, but no. It just had to come to a horrible end, didn't it?
Sorry this review is pretty short. I can't really find all the right ways to say what I'm thinking about this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I think I will check out more of Ellen Hopkins's books.
TRUE_REVIEW (8 KP) rated Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition in Video Games
Feb 19, 2018
Amazing Graphics (2 more)
Captivating Storyline
Repeat Playability
A Visually Epic Tale of a Future Dominated By Machines
Horizon Zero Dawn tells the tale of Aloy, an outsider in a future ruled by machines who needs to find her place in the world. A story which reaches from her younger years to adulthood and leads us through interweaving story arch from tribe acceptance to standing side by side with royalty.
Take down an array of machines with just a bow and arrow or create multiple strategies using an armoury of inventive weapons. The combat is sleek, often offering multiple ways of achieving your goal. The storytelling is deep and rich with a cast of hundreds of characters, each with their own interesting backstory to be discovered. Controls are superb, rarely limiting your ability to interact with the environment. Graphically stunning (I played this on a standard PS4 but there are significant improvements to be had if you own a PS4 Pro).
For the collector in you there is plenty to find here albeit easy enough to complete with the maps available for purchase.
This version of the game comes complete with The Frozen Wilds DLC which opens up an additional region to the north of the map with new, deadlier enemies to tackle as well as an entirely new story arch to discover. You can also unlock New Game + which (once the base game is complete) allows you to restart the game with all the weapons, armour and collectibles you have found already. New Game + increases the difficulty significantly bringing new challenges to an already discovered map (which in itself is vast to say the least).
All in all, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition is an incredible story of survival in a hostile world. One of the top games of 2017 for me (if not the best). Certainly deserves all the awards it received and thankfully paves the way for a sequel through multiple unanswered questions. I award Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition 9/10 and a must have for any PS4 owner (exclusive to PS4).
Review Setup Used:
PS4: Standard 500 gig base model
TV: LG 50PZ570T
Audio (interchanged): LG 5.1 Surround BH7440 OR Turtle Beach Wireless PX4 Headphones
Take down an array of machines with just a bow and arrow or create multiple strategies using an armoury of inventive weapons. The combat is sleek, often offering multiple ways of achieving your goal. The storytelling is deep and rich with a cast of hundreds of characters, each with their own interesting backstory to be discovered. Controls are superb, rarely limiting your ability to interact with the environment. Graphically stunning (I played this on a standard PS4 but there are significant improvements to be had if you own a PS4 Pro).
For the collector in you there is plenty to find here albeit easy enough to complete with the maps available for purchase.
This version of the game comes complete with The Frozen Wilds DLC which opens up an additional region to the north of the map with new, deadlier enemies to tackle as well as an entirely new story arch to discover. You can also unlock New Game + which (once the base game is complete) allows you to restart the game with all the weapons, armour and collectibles you have found already. New Game + increases the difficulty significantly bringing new challenges to an already discovered map (which in itself is vast to say the least).
All in all, Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition is an incredible story of survival in a hostile world. One of the top games of 2017 for me (if not the best). Certainly deserves all the awards it received and thankfully paves the way for a sequel through multiple unanswered questions. I award Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition 9/10 and a must have for any PS4 owner (exclusive to PS4).
Review Setup Used:
PS4: Standard 500 gig base model
TV: LG 50PZ570T
Audio (interchanged): LG 5.1 Surround BH7440 OR Turtle Beach Wireless PX4 Headphones
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Oct 20, 2018
Outstanding
I'm not familiar with the book that this Netflix show is based on, but then from what I understand this is meant to be more a 'remix' of the book anyway. All I can say though is, faithful to the book or not, this is without a doubt one of the most incredibly brilliant shows I have seen in a very long time.
The Haunting of Hill House is all about the Crain family, flitting between then, now, yesterday and varying points in their lives. From their early years of living in a haunted house and having to leave quickly one night following their mothers suicide, to adulthood and trying to keep it all together in order to live some kind of normal life. The show takes a little while to settle in and to get comfortable with who is the adult version of which child (there are 5 children in total) and where they're all currently at in their lives, but after that the show just goes from strength to strength. Taking a few episodes to cover each child's story, all the while carefully taking the time occasionally to go back to their childhood life in the house, piecing things together for us. Continuing to add layers to each character and highlighting key points in those early years that subsequently affect their behaviour towards other family members as grown ups. It's like a much darker version of 'This is Us', with added horror and jump scares!
Whenever I read any positive reviews for the movie Hereditary, everything they describe about what made it great for them is totally what I got out of this show. It's the complete opposite to what I got from Hereditary, and I came away from that just feeling angry, frustrated and hugely disappointed. With The Haunting of Hill House though, every episode gripped me, sticking with me for a long time after. Episodes featuring beautifully elaborate long takes draw you into the drama, camera weaving between and around the characters and scenery, creating opportunities for some fantastic effects, especially within the house at night. Perfectly paced storytelling, effective without overly used scares, and some truly heartbreaking sadness at times. I loved it all, from start to finish.
The Haunting of Hill House is all about the Crain family, flitting between then, now, yesterday and varying points in their lives. From their early years of living in a haunted house and having to leave quickly one night following their mothers suicide, to adulthood and trying to keep it all together in order to live some kind of normal life. The show takes a little while to settle in and to get comfortable with who is the adult version of which child (there are 5 children in total) and where they're all currently at in their lives, but after that the show just goes from strength to strength. Taking a few episodes to cover each child's story, all the while carefully taking the time occasionally to go back to their childhood life in the house, piecing things together for us. Continuing to add layers to each character and highlighting key points in those early years that subsequently affect their behaviour towards other family members as grown ups. It's like a much darker version of 'This is Us', with added horror and jump scares!
Whenever I read any positive reviews for the movie Hereditary, everything they describe about what made it great for them is totally what I got out of this show. It's the complete opposite to what I got from Hereditary, and I came away from that just feeling angry, frustrated and hugely disappointed. With The Haunting of Hill House though, every episode gripped me, sticking with me for a long time after. Episodes featuring beautifully elaborate long takes draw you into the drama, camera weaving between and around the characters and scenery, creating opportunities for some fantastic effects, especially within the house at night. Perfectly paced storytelling, effective without overly used scares, and some truly heartbreaking sadness at times. I loved it all, from start to finish.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
In a tale as vast and epic as the Oceans that frames the story: “Aquaman” has arrived in a flurry of action and adventure.
The film tells the origin of Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), who is half mortal and half Atlantean, thanks to his human father rescuing his mother, an Atlantean royal, and falling in love.
The love between his parents is forbidden under the customs of the people of Atlantis and in time his mother is forced to return to Atlantis, leaving Arthur to be raised by his human father.
When his power-hungry half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), plots to wage war on the surface world, Princess Mera (Amber Heard), attempts to convince Arthur to make his first trip to Atlantis to challenge Orm for the throne and become king. Naturally a lifetime of resentment toward the people who divided his parents has made Arthur unwilling to help, especially when the key to victory requires locating and retrieving an artfact that will bring peace to
his people and those of the surface world.
With an army of Atlantean soldiers pursuing him as well as the evil Black Manta set on revenge, Arthur faces an uphill battle as he races against time and his own conflicted emotions to save the day.
Director James Wan has done an amazing job of giving audiences a lavish and action-filled experience that never loses the characters as the main
focus of the story. He cleverly blends the lore of Aquaman with a modern
twist yet stays true to the character. Jason Momoa has an intriguing presence, giving the character more depth than expected. The supporting cast is solid and the film rarely loses pacing or fails to keep you fascinated throughout.
Warner has had some issues with recent adaptations of DC characters but, like Wonder Woman, “Aquaman” delivers on action and storytelling. The film also contains a strong message about ecology without being preachy. This is one of the more entertaining films of the year and should make fans of the character happy. I look forward to seeing what adventure comes next for Aquaman.
http://sknr.net/2018/12/18/aquaman/
The film tells the origin of Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), who is half mortal and half Atlantean, thanks to his human father rescuing his mother, an Atlantean royal, and falling in love.
The love between his parents is forbidden under the customs of the people of Atlantis and in time his mother is forced to return to Atlantis, leaving Arthur to be raised by his human father.
When his power-hungry half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), plots to wage war on the surface world, Princess Mera (Amber Heard), attempts to convince Arthur to make his first trip to Atlantis to challenge Orm for the throne and become king. Naturally a lifetime of resentment toward the people who divided his parents has made Arthur unwilling to help, especially when the key to victory requires locating and retrieving an artfact that will bring peace to
his people and those of the surface world.
With an army of Atlantean soldiers pursuing him as well as the evil Black Manta set on revenge, Arthur faces an uphill battle as he races against time and his own conflicted emotions to save the day.
Director James Wan has done an amazing job of giving audiences a lavish and action-filled experience that never loses the characters as the main
focus of the story. He cleverly blends the lore of Aquaman with a modern
twist yet stays true to the character. Jason Momoa has an intriguing presence, giving the character more depth than expected. The supporting cast is solid and the film rarely loses pacing or fails to keep you fascinated throughout.
Warner has had some issues with recent adaptations of DC characters but, like Wonder Woman, “Aquaman” delivers on action and storytelling. The film also contains a strong message about ecology without being preachy. This is one of the more entertaining films of the year and should make fans of the character happy. I look forward to seeing what adventure comes next for Aquaman.
http://sknr.net/2018/12/18/aquaman/
Corey Richard Bennett (10 KP) rated The Lost Symbol: (Robert Langdon Book 3) in Books
Jul 19, 2019
Drags on after action ends (1 more)
Unsatisfactory ending
Contains spoilers, click to show
Okay, so the third book in the Robert Langdon takes Robert through Washington D.C. as he tries to save a friend, who has been taken hostage. With help from the hostage's sister, Robert unravels a secret path by the Freemasons. Long story short, Robert saves his friend gets the girl and learns truths of the Freemasons no else has.
So overall the story is typical Dan Brown. Twists and turns at every turn, switching views from each chapter. Robert does Robert stuff with figuring everything out in due time. (By the way, I can't read these without thinking of Tom Hanks being Langdon anymore).
But the one thing I want to focus on is the villain. He is by far the most compelling part of this whole book. Spoiler is he dies about 3/4ths of the book in and once he is gone, that dragging on feeling sets in. There is no trouble, no sense of urgency and the book dies off after that for me. But back to our villain. He is revealed to be Mr. Hostage's son who was once thought dead, but more like transformed into a whole different person. You learn that he came from money, went to prison, is left there by his father, fakes his death, and then tries to steal a family heirloom he feels will help him unlock the secrets of Freemasonry and being the perfect human. My one gripe is Dan Brown pretty much tells you it's not the son, and then says oh yeah it is the son. There's a difference from being sneaky, and just lying to create suspense. Oh well, but before his death, the son is cunning, stealthy, and barbaric (drowning an assistant for a key card). He is a very interesting character and you do miss him once he is killed.
Overall its an okay book, but Inferno or Da Vinci Code were better stories, but if you like U.S. History, it should kill some time for you and keep you enthralled for most the book.
So overall the story is typical Dan Brown. Twists and turns at every turn, switching views from each chapter. Robert does Robert stuff with figuring everything out in due time. (By the way, I can't read these without thinking of Tom Hanks being Langdon anymore).
But the one thing I want to focus on is the villain. He is by far the most compelling part of this whole book. Spoiler is he dies about 3/4ths of the book in and once he is gone, that dragging on feeling sets in. There is no trouble, no sense of urgency and the book dies off after that for me. But back to our villain. He is revealed to be Mr. Hostage's son who was once thought dead, but more like transformed into a whole different person. You learn that he came from money, went to prison, is left there by his father, fakes his death, and then tries to steal a family heirloom he feels will help him unlock the secrets of Freemasonry and being the perfect human. My one gripe is Dan Brown pretty much tells you it's not the son, and then says oh yeah it is the son. There's a difference from being sneaky, and just lying to create suspense. Oh well, but before his death, the son is cunning, stealthy, and barbaric (drowning an assistant for a key card). He is a very interesting character and you do miss him once he is killed.
Overall its an okay book, but Inferno or Da Vinci Code were better stories, but if you like U.S. History, it should kill some time for you and keep you enthralled for most the book.