Search
Search results
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I had heard so much about Beautiful Creatures since it came out, but I really wish I'd skipped this one. It's just another gothic teen romance, authors jumping on the bandwagon that Stephenie Meyer made of the dark scary character and big entrancing eyes and inhuman beauty and absurd chemistry. Nothing happened in the first few chapters, the descriptions were repetitive and strange, the characters were stereotypical, and the dialogue was boring.
The only good thing I had to say was that the small town they described in the book really did sound like a small town (and I can say that because I live in one).
Oh, and the reader of the audiobook was good.
Other than that, honestly, it was just Twilight except Edward Cullen was a girl.
Content/Recommendation: I didn't read enough to be able to say, though honestly if you're going to read a 500-page novel, read Crime and Punishment or The Count of Monte Cristo.
The only good thing I had to say was that the small town they described in the book really did sound like a small town (and I can say that because I live in one).
Oh, and the reader of the audiobook was good.
Other than that, honestly, it was just Twilight except Edward Cullen was a girl.
Content/Recommendation: I didn't read enough to be able to say, though honestly if you're going to read a 500-page novel, read Crime and Punishment or The Count of Monte Cristo.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Catspell (Shelley Holmes, Werewolf Detective #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
This was truly a weird book, but I don't think it was the strangeness (exactly) that kept me from liking it. Arielle was rather a bore and slightly Mary Sue-ish, while Seth was strange and not quite likable; but most of all, the book was boring. I don't know how with all the convoluted ideas this story had, but it was. With the exception of Shelley and Ethan, I didn't like anyone, and their romance was by far the better one. Too bad it was secondary to Arielle's and Seth's. And even though I like things out of the ordinary, the plot didn't do it for me and was a bit <i>too</i> odd. I'm beginning to think that Colleen Shannon's books are not for me, even though I really enjoy Shelley's character - too bad she's always investigating the supposed main love interests, because she is so much more interesting than they ever are.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) in Movies
Mar 18, 2019
Much-mythologised musical spoof of 50s American pop-culture probably isn't quite as transgressive or shocking as everyone thinks it is, or it would really like to be. Newly-engaged couple Brad and Janet end up at the mansion of the peculiar Dr Frank N. Furter where equally strange experiments are in progress, not to mention dance routines.
Very distinctive if nothing else, even if Richard O'Brien's claims that it's a mash-up of Hammer horror and the Carry On films seems a bit spurious on reflection. The plot is, frankly, incoherent, and becomes increasingly peripheral as the film continues - this is basically just a collection of pastiche rock 'n' roll songs belted out with great gusto by a cast who are really going for it. Luckily, most of the songs are really good. I'm not entirely sure why this has become the type specimen of the modern cult movie, but it's entertaining enough to watch.
Very distinctive if nothing else, even if Richard O'Brien's claims that it's a mash-up of Hammer horror and the Carry On films seems a bit spurious on reflection. The plot is, frankly, incoherent, and becomes increasingly peripheral as the film continues - this is basically just a collection of pastiche rock 'n' roll songs belted out with great gusto by a cast who are really going for it. Luckily, most of the songs are really good. I'm not entirely sure why this has become the type specimen of the modern cult movie, but it's entertaining enough to watch.
Lindsay (1735 KP) rated One Minute There in Books
Apr 9, 2019
This book is about a young woman. She does some strange things that makes her to do things that are not right. Her stepfather or father goes to look for his missing daughter. Detective Bennett will not give up on his daughter Melissa.
Melissa wants to protect her daughter Abby. Though for some reason Melissa has gone missing and after hearing her name called and knocking at the door. Her family is weary of what has happened to her sister in law and brother. Though she calls a friend and tell him nothing and ask for help.
Melissa thinks she is safe after running. Something is wrong and no one can find her. She claim someone is after her and has to flee once again. What happens next is just another page turner. I would advise who reads this. This is best for those that need to be mature enough to read for it got some violence and some nastier words like the word (B**ch).
Melissa wants to protect her daughter Abby. Though for some reason Melissa has gone missing and after hearing her name called and knocking at the door. Her family is weary of what has happened to her sister in law and brother. Though she calls a friend and tell him nothing and ask for help.
Melissa thinks she is safe after running. Something is wrong and no one can find her. She claim someone is after her and has to flee once again. What happens next is just another page turner. I would advise who reads this. This is best for those that need to be mature enough to read for it got some violence and some nastier words like the word (B**ch).
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated The Divide (2012) in Movies
Apr 22, 2019
Dark
Wasn't sure what to expect from this movie. It was a very strange, dark story. The acting was just ok. The cinematography was decent. The turns this story takes with the characters throughout were sad and twisted.. These people feel apart in perry unimaginable ways. Some just took longer than others. You never really know who the "main" character is until late in the story but that didn't matter much as they all went through a type of "hell" trapped in this basement after a nuclear attack. The ending was a little predictable but it didn't really matter either. Throughout the whole movie there's a sense of hopelessness I haven't seen in many movies. I don't think this one is for the kids. I mean, I don't think it's for some adults either. Anyway, if you're bored and don't mind a dark, hopeless type of "horror" film, this on will do. Overall though, this one isn't really worth a watch.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) in Movies
May 8, 2019
I've been looking forward to this one since it was announced. While I know the story is being told from Liz's perspective, I have to admit I found it strange that we didn't get to see any of the murders being committed by one of the most famous serial killers of all time. It's an interesting take on a story most people already know.
Zac Efron was excellent, as was the rest of the cast (Jim Parsons can do no wrong), but the movie does drag just a bit, and I feel like some of Efron's talent is wasted here. They definitely could have done more with him. That said, he was the perfect mix of creepy and charming, and when they show the actual Bundy footage during the end credits, you realize how close Efron's performance comes to the actual man.
Overall I thought it was good, but could maybe have been better.
Oh, and also? I'll never be mad at Zac Efron's....backside. ?
Zac Efron was excellent, as was the rest of the cast (Jim Parsons can do no wrong), but the movie does drag just a bit, and I feel like some of Efron's talent is wasted here. They definitely could have done more with him. That said, he was the perfect mix of creepy and charming, and when they show the actual Bundy footage during the end credits, you realize how close Efron's performance comes to the actual man.
Overall I thought it was good, but could maybe have been better.
Oh, and also? I'll never be mad at Zac Efron's....backside. ?
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Woman in the Window in Books
May 14, 2019
Messes with your head
This is a story that will mess with your head over and over… One revelation after another. I loved it. The Woman in the Window is set out in days and short chapters making it an easy to read story which can be devoured easily.
At first I thought hmm this woman (Anna) is a bit strange maybe she is just one of those nosy neighbours we all hate, boy was I wrong. Readers are in for a treat with this story. I must admit I thought with the story being based in just one specific location that it was going to be dull and dragged out, yet again I was wrong.
I awarded four stars for this story as I found it took a while to get to the good bits but it still turned out to be a brilliant brain twister of a story to dive into. Highly recommend!
At first I thought hmm this woman (Anna) is a bit strange maybe she is just one of those nosy neighbours we all hate, boy was I wrong. Readers are in for a treat with this story. I must admit I thought with the story being based in just one specific location that it was going to be dull and dragged out, yet again I was wrong.
I awarded four stars for this story as I found it took a while to get to the good bits but it still turned out to be a brilliant brain twister of a story to dive into. Highly recommend!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Lion (2016) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Based-on-a-true-story drama transcends the fact it looks rather like a big long advert for Google Earth and becomes something genuinely moving. A five year old child gets on the wrong train one night in India, and finds himself in a strange city hundreds of miles away, unable to speak the local language. After various hair-raising experiences he is adopted by a nice couple from Tasmania. Many years later, and apparently settled in his new life, he finds the urge to find his home still lingers...
Definitely a film of two halves, with the second one being a bit more internal and short on actual incident - nevertheless, strong performances from the cast keep this very involving and watchable. Covers a lot of the same ground as Slumdog Millionaire, but puts its own spin on it; the climax is honestly rather affecting. Probably won't rock your world but still a well-made movie.
Definitely a film of two halves, with the second one being a bit more internal and short on actual incident - nevertheless, strong performances from the cast keep this very involving and watchable. Covers a lot of the same ground as Slumdog Millionaire, but puts its own spin on it; the climax is honestly rather affecting. Probably won't rock your world but still a well-made movie.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated BlacKkKlansman (2018) in Movies
May 25, 2019
Powerful
I have to be honest, I haven't seen a lot of Spike Lee's work although I loved Inside Man when that came out. So I wasnt entirely sure what to expect with this film, but I was pleasantly surprised.
This is definitely a strange film. It packs a powerful message but then is full of moments of sheer hilarity, which is definitely welcome in otherwise heavy scenes. But for the most part this doesn't detract from the true story this is telling. To be frank, some of this film is very disturbing to watch and the last 5/10 minutes that link to more recent events is harrowing and almost verging on overkill. The acting is second to none, especially Adam Driver and John David Washington, and the script and dialogue are very clever and witty. I do think this may be a little heavy handed at times and a little too long, but it's still a powerful and moving film.
This is definitely a strange film. It packs a powerful message but then is full of moments of sheer hilarity, which is definitely welcome in otherwise heavy scenes. But for the most part this doesn't detract from the true story this is telling. To be frank, some of this film is very disturbing to watch and the last 5/10 minutes that link to more recent events is harrowing and almost verging on overkill. The acting is second to none, especially Adam Driver and John David Washington, and the script and dialogue are very clever and witty. I do think this may be a little heavy handed at times and a little too long, but it's still a powerful and moving film.
David McK (3540 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
May 26, 2019
"We're in the Endgame now ..."
The culmination of over a decade of Marvel movies and a direct continuation of Infinity War, this is the film that wraps up what will more than likely become known as The Infinity Stones saga.
It's also quite hard ton discuss without giving anything away: while we all knew that time travel would be a part of the movie (especially given the introduction of the Time Stone in Dr Strange), that did not play out exactly as I thought it would.
Personally, I also thought it spent too long dealing with the effects of Thanos' snap: yes, wiping out half of life would have a profound impact on those left behind, but did we need to go through them all one-by-one? All that served to do, really (IMO) is make an already long film even longer!
A good film, yes, but - for me, at least - it never quite hits the height of the preceding Infinity War.
The culmination of over a decade of Marvel movies and a direct continuation of Infinity War, this is the film that wraps up what will more than likely become known as The Infinity Stones saga.
It's also quite hard ton discuss without giving anything away: while we all knew that time travel would be a part of the movie (especially given the introduction of the Time Stone in Dr Strange), that did not play out exactly as I thought it would.
Personally, I also thought it spent too long dealing with the effects of Thanos' snap: yes, wiping out half of life would have a profound impact on those left behind, but did we need to go through them all one-by-one? All that served to do, really (IMO) is make an already long film even longer!
A good film, yes, but - for me, at least - it never quite hits the height of the preceding Infinity War.