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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Happy Death Day (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
Using familiar themes can be a risk. What we have seen in previous films that define a style, becomes cliché and bores the audience. Then there are times when movies turn the trope on its head and gives us a clever take on the familiar. Christopher Landon (Scout’s Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse) has directed a fun romp in suspense and horror. Yes, there is the blatant reference to Groundhog Day, but this film is definitely a homage to John Carpenter, the master of the genre.
We know from the trailer that this is a horror/suspense loop and there are expectations set in this type of film. The young, attractive, woman, stalked by an unknown, masked assailant with a penchant for cutlery. As we know, Tree (Jessica Rothe) gets killed repeatedly on her birthday. We know it’s a slasher flick, expecting to see lots of blood and gore. Putting the main character in a time loop is definitely a twist in the storytelling.
Using repetition in film can be a tricky, stalling the momentum of the film. There was a moment during where I wondered when the loop would end, creating the feeling of hopelessness. It is at that time where Tree’s through process shifts and we travel with her in this never ending day. It takes a few times in the loop for Tree’s character to become enlightened She does figure out that each return is a do-over, an opportunity to make different choices.
The film also tips it’s hat to the college/high school, mean girl movies and definitely a nod to John Hughes Sixteen Candles. It had humor, wit and clever character development, I certainly did not expect to enjoy the film as much as I did. I would definitely watch it again to catch all of the references.
We know from the trailer that this is a horror/suspense loop and there are expectations set in this type of film. The young, attractive, woman, stalked by an unknown, masked assailant with a penchant for cutlery. As we know, Tree (Jessica Rothe) gets killed repeatedly on her birthday. We know it’s a slasher flick, expecting to see lots of blood and gore. Putting the main character in a time loop is definitely a twist in the storytelling.
Using repetition in film can be a tricky, stalling the momentum of the film. There was a moment during where I wondered when the loop would end, creating the feeling of hopelessness. It is at that time where Tree’s through process shifts and we travel with her in this never ending day. It takes a few times in the loop for Tree’s character to become enlightened She does figure out that each return is a do-over, an opportunity to make different choices.
The film also tips it’s hat to the college/high school, mean girl movies and definitely a nod to John Hughes Sixteen Candles. It had humor, wit and clever character development, I certainly did not expect to enjoy the film as much as I did. I would definitely watch it again to catch all of the references.
A Hamiton Christmas (HIS #9)
8.0
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Book
While some may try, no one ruins a Hamilton family Christmas. From Romantic Suspense BEST-SELLING...
Of Lilies and Lies (Stirling Harbor #1)
10.0
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Book
When the past refuses to stay buried, can I trust him enough to protect me? Kit After my...
Contemporary Romance Suspense
Signs and Wonders (Witchbane #7)
Book
When a coven of dark warlocks killed Seth Tanner’s brother, Seth became a man driven by vengeance,...
Paranormal MM Romantic Suspense
Sarah (7799 KP) rated The Girl on the Train (2016) in Movies
Dec 20, 2017
A letdown when compared with the book
It’s no surprise really that this is such a letdown when compared with the book, as this happens with the majority of film adaptations. The problem with this film is I’m not sure if having read the book is actually putting you at a disadvantage.
I felt like there was no suspense whatsoever and that it was quite boring and lacked excitement. I just can’t put my finger on whether this is due to the film or because I know what’s going to happen. The characters too I felt were not the same as in the books and they seemed underdeveloped. And I have no idea why they decided to move the story to the US when it was set in London. Why change something unnecessarily?
Such a disappointment despite being based on a great book.
I felt like there was no suspense whatsoever and that it was quite boring and lacked excitement. I just can’t put my finger on whether this is due to the film or because I know what’s going to happen. The characters too I felt were not the same as in the books and they seemed underdeveloped. And I have no idea why they decided to move the story to the US when it was set in London. Why change something unnecessarily?
Such a disappointment despite being based on a great book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Having never read any of Chevy Stevens books before, I didnt know what to expect but having read the description, I thought I would give it a go and I wasnt disappointed.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Pete (121 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies
Jul 19, 2017
Tom Hanks... need i say more (2 more)
Karen Gillan (hot)
The idea behind the film
How the film was as a whole, could have been alot better (3 more)
Emma Watson
Without ruining it, the finish could have been alot better
The attempt at comedy
Could have been alot better
Maybe this would have been alot better without Emma watson, we will never find out. But in my opinion, it says alot when karen Gillan was by far the better actress and sadly had half the screen time compared with Watson.
As per normal, Hanks was brilliant in his role and what made it even better was you get to see his darker side.
Overall, as a thriller, theres a crushing lack of suspense.
The idea was brilliant, the film was not. I had high hopes when watching but ended somewhat disappointed.
As per normal, Hanks was brilliant in his role and what made it even better was you get to see his darker side.
Overall, as a thriller, theres a crushing lack of suspense.
The idea was brilliant, the film was not. I had high hopes when watching but ended somewhat disappointed.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Okay this book was without a doubt the best in the series to date! I absolutely cannot wait for the final book in the series...but I'm not looking forward to the idea that the coming novel may mean the last the literary world gets to hear from Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, & the rest of their friends. This book bounces back & forth between Percy & Annabeth's harrowing journey through Tartarus & the rest of the 7 as they venture through the ancient lands to try to find the Doors of Death on Earth. The book was in fifth gear from page one & didn't let up, even at the end so be prepared. Just like in the third book, the fourth one is left VERY much hanging. Riordan has turned himself into a master of suspense with his cliffhanger endings in this series! Kudos
CandyZane (19 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Sep 1, 2017
Good book
I have not yet seen the movie, as I do not want to take away from my reading experience. This book has a lot of imagination, I would say it captivated me the way Tolkien's books captivated me. The descriptions of the characters are specific, and the atmosphere, and the villains. I wish the book was longer and it could certainly go much deeper. I think the author was not allowed to write as long of a story as would have liked, maybe for production value.
Dr. Gupta takes his readers on a wild ride through modern medical science. I learned so much from this book! It was interesting, fast-paced, informative, but also held a certain amount of adventure and suspense as Gupta tells stories and relates interviews with people who have had amazing experiences with life and death—and in-between. Prepare to have your mind boggled with modern day science written in easy-to-understand and easy-to-follow prose.
Audio review: The audio-book was read by the author, and he is one of the best readers I’ve listened to. Gupta takes pride in his own work, and it shows through his voice. It’s not too fast or slow, is read with energy, and is enjoyable and engaging.
Recommendation: Ages 16+ to anyone who likes non-fiction, medical thrillers, or thrillers of any kind.
Audio review: The audio-book was read by the author, and he is one of the best readers I’ve listened to. Gupta takes pride in his own work, and it shows through his voice. It’s not too fast or slow, is read with energy, and is enjoyable and engaging.
Recommendation: Ages 16+ to anyone who likes non-fiction, medical thrillers, or thrillers of any kind.