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Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Yes Infinity War was good... but for me, Ant-Man And The Wasp was better. Yes IW was epic and devastating, but out of the two I didn't have any quibbles about this one. The CGI was what really did it for me. In IW Thanos' minions looked terrible, even when you take into consideration that they're aliens. But seeing the CGI in the flashback scenes in this one I was impressed at how real it all looked.
This is another film that makes me wish companies would think before they make their trailers. Fallout showed you a trailer that makes it look like Cavill is fighting Cruise and gives away a plot point that, at that point in the actual film, isn't certain. Fallen Kingdom shows you the shot of our giant aquatic friend playing with surfers, which in the actual movie doesn't happen until the closing scenes. In one of the Ant-Man trailers we see what amounts to the end of credits scene... yes there are things that are added to fit with the MCU timeline, but I don't feel like that really makes any difference to the situation. I also think that they should have left the shrinking building out of the trailers to give that a bigger impact in the release.
As far as the movies of the MCU go there are definitely some that are on the funnier side, and this fits that bill. Paul Rudd is obviously still a little goofy, and has an amazing montage sequence as he battles with his last few days of house arrest. But the real comedic star of this for me was Michael Peña. Lovable and an absolute gem. His face when he gets his hands on the Hot Wheels case... kid in a candy store. I truly hope that he survived the dusting of Infinity War. Pipe dreams I know, but I'm hoping he makes it through so he can Neville Longbottom Thanos.
To briefly cover the mid credit scene, which obviously left me with my jaw dropped a bit. There's one thing I'm wondering about, Scott says... "our new ghost friend"... now initially you'd think that he's talking about Ava, but she went off separately at the end of the film and it's got to take a fairly long time to make a new Quantum Tunnel, so could he be talking about someone else?
I still don't quite understand the decision to release this after IW considering the film itself is based before in the timeline, the only thing requiring it to be that way were the after credit scenes. Bit of a shame as I feel like after the epic nature of IW this has suffered as it's not on the same world ending and story completing level
This is another film that makes me wish companies would think before they make their trailers. Fallout showed you a trailer that makes it look like Cavill is fighting Cruise and gives away a plot point that, at that point in the actual film, isn't certain. Fallen Kingdom shows you the shot of our giant aquatic friend playing with surfers, which in the actual movie doesn't happen until the closing scenes. In one of the Ant-Man trailers we see what amounts to the end of credits scene... yes there are things that are added to fit with the MCU timeline, but I don't feel like that really makes any difference to the situation. I also think that they should have left the shrinking building out of the trailers to give that a bigger impact in the release.
As far as the movies of the MCU go there are definitely some that are on the funnier side, and this fits that bill. Paul Rudd is obviously still a little goofy, and has an amazing montage sequence as he battles with his last few days of house arrest. But the real comedic star of this for me was Michael Peña. Lovable and an absolute gem. His face when he gets his hands on the Hot Wheels case... kid in a candy store. I truly hope that he survived the dusting of Infinity War. Pipe dreams I know, but I'm hoping he makes it through so he can Neville Longbottom Thanos.
To briefly cover the mid credit scene, which obviously left me with my jaw dropped a bit. There's one thing I'm wondering about, Scott says... "our new ghost friend"... now initially you'd think that he's talking about Ava, but she went off separately at the end of the film and it's got to take a fairly long time to make a new Quantum Tunnel, so could he be talking about someone else?
I still don't quite understand the decision to release this after IW considering the film itself is based before in the timeline, the only thing requiring it to be that way were the after credit scenes. Bit of a shame as I feel like after the epic nature of IW this has suffered as it's not on the same world ending and story completing level
Yalla-Group Voice Chat Rooms
Entertainment and Social Networking
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تطبيق يلا هو مجموعة التحدث الصوتية الحية و الترفيه...
Safari Tales - literacy skills from creative play
Education and Games
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A multi-award-winning 3D adventure packed full of fun-filled locations to explore, mini games,...
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Spellbound (1945) in Movies
Jun 13, 2022
Not the First Hitchcock You Should Watch
When Dr. Anthony Edwardes arrives at a mental hospital in Vermont to replace existing hospital director, Dr. Constance Peterson quickly recognizes him as an impostor. The impostor not only comes clean but also fears he may have killed the real Edwards. It is up to the impostor and Constance to find out the truth of what really happened.
Acting: 10
Gregory Peck is one of the shining actors of the 1940’s and his performance as the impostor doesn’t disappoint. His ability to draw in emotion always manages to root my attention into a scene. Ingrid Bergman was also sensational as Dr. Peterson. The chemistry between the two actors carried the majority of the scenes.
Beginning: 3
Characters: 10
The characters give you just enough throughout the story to move things along. While I did hold out hope that some of the characters would be fleshed out slightly better, I didn’t mind working with what the story gave me. I can’t give away too much without fear of spoilers, but i will say that some of the backstories took an interesting turn.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Another man that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to cinematography: Alfred Hitchcock. Mans is in his bag with some really creative shots that probably surprised a 1945 audience. From dream sequences to flashbacks, Hitchcocks devotion to his craft is on full display. Definitely a strong suit of this film.
Conflict: 4
Entertainment Value: 7
At one point in my notes I wrote, “The premise is great. I think it’s the execution that is a little off.” You can see glimpses of where Spellbound wanted to take off, but it’s usually shortlived. I hung in there for the creativity of the premise, but that can only get you so far. Too many lulls and letdowns spoiled the overall experience.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 2
The talking. All the damn talking all the time. Good…Lord. The film is STUFFED with dialogue, 111 minutes of talka-talka-talka. The lack of action begins in the first twenty minutes and becomes and ongoing theme, unfortunately. “Show don’t tell” did not apply here.
Plot: 9
Resolution: 10
Despite my disappointment with how slowly things moved, the film was wrapped up nicely. It actually made me even more upset with the movie as a whole because the ending was great potential for what ALL of Spellbound should have been. This film could have done a ton of things better. The ending, though? Solid.
Overall: 69
Not my favorite Hitchcock, Spellbound misses the mark in a number of different departments. I don’t know, it left a bad taste in my mouth and left me unfulfilled. If you’re looking to work through Hitchcock’s filmography, maybe save this one for later on down the road.
Acting: 10
Gregory Peck is one of the shining actors of the 1940’s and his performance as the impostor doesn’t disappoint. His ability to draw in emotion always manages to root my attention into a scene. Ingrid Bergman was also sensational as Dr. Peterson. The chemistry between the two actors carried the majority of the scenes.
Beginning: 3
Characters: 10
The characters give you just enough throughout the story to move things along. While I did hold out hope that some of the characters would be fleshed out slightly better, I didn’t mind working with what the story gave me. I can’t give away too much without fear of spoilers, but i will say that some of the backstories took an interesting turn.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Another man that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to cinematography: Alfred Hitchcock. Mans is in his bag with some really creative shots that probably surprised a 1945 audience. From dream sequences to flashbacks, Hitchcocks devotion to his craft is on full display. Definitely a strong suit of this film.
Conflict: 4
Entertainment Value: 7
At one point in my notes I wrote, “The premise is great. I think it’s the execution that is a little off.” You can see glimpses of where Spellbound wanted to take off, but it’s usually shortlived. I hung in there for the creativity of the premise, but that can only get you so far. Too many lulls and letdowns spoiled the overall experience.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 2
The talking. All the damn talking all the time. Good…Lord. The film is STUFFED with dialogue, 111 minutes of talka-talka-talka. The lack of action begins in the first twenty minutes and becomes and ongoing theme, unfortunately. “Show don’t tell” did not apply here.
Plot: 9
Resolution: 10
Despite my disappointment with how slowly things moved, the film was wrapped up nicely. It actually made me even more upset with the movie as a whole because the ending was great potential for what ALL of Spellbound should have been. This film could have done a ton of things better. The ending, though? Solid.
Overall: 69
Not my favorite Hitchcock, Spellbound misses the mark in a number of different departments. I don’t know, it left a bad taste in my mouth and left me unfulfilled. If you’re looking to work through Hitchcock’s filmography, maybe save this one for later on down the road.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Microman USA: The "right" Hero at the Right Time in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Microman USA is a book of political cartoons, focusing on anti-socialism, the Tea Party Movement, and… lunch. Microman really likes lunch. You’ll have to read the book to know why.
The concept behind Microman is simple: Stop worrying about the country’s problems, because they’re not yours to worry about… and live in your own life, socialize with your neighbors, be with your family, and only get involved with politics when you absolutely have to. Focus on you. Focus on the small community… hence Microman.
It’s a great philosophy, and Microman shares my viewpoint on politics… but half of the cartoons weren’t what I expected. I was expecting political cartoons to be funny, witty, and a little sarcastic. These weren’t that entertaining. They had their points, they were interesting, and the characters said some good stuff, but they just weren’t funny… to me anyway. Please know that this has nothing to do with not knowing what politician they’re talking about, or the like. I understood them all, they just weren’t what I expected.
Microman has it’s goods and it’s not-so-goods. Not so good for the reasons I just explained, but good for it’s straight-forward viewpoints on socialism, the community, and the philosophy about living in your life, not your politician’s.
Content/recommendation: clean, Ages 14+
The concept behind Microman is simple: Stop worrying about the country’s problems, because they’re not yours to worry about… and live in your own life, socialize with your neighbors, be with your family, and only get involved with politics when you absolutely have to. Focus on you. Focus on the small community… hence Microman.
It’s a great philosophy, and Microman shares my viewpoint on politics… but half of the cartoons weren’t what I expected. I was expecting political cartoons to be funny, witty, and a little sarcastic. These weren’t that entertaining. They had their points, they were interesting, and the characters said some good stuff, but they just weren’t funny… to me anyway. Please know that this has nothing to do with not knowing what politician they’re talking about, or the like. I understood them all, they just weren’t what I expected.
Microman has it’s goods and it’s not-so-goods. Not so good for the reasons I just explained, but good for it’s straight-forward viewpoints on socialism, the community, and the philosophy about living in your life, not your politician’s.
Content/recommendation: clean, Ages 14+
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Survive: Escape from Atlantis! in Tabletop Games
Apr 10, 2018
Sea Monsters (5 more)
Whales that sink boats
Sharks that eat swimmers
Sending monster to do your bidding
getting your people to safety
A newer version was published so everyone has access to it.
The Island is sinking and the ocean is filled with terrors, what a fun time.
I adored this game as a kid, nothing better than sending a shark to eat your sister and making the sounds from the movie JAWS, or sending a whale to sink her boat and maybe yelling "Moby Dick gets his revenge" before you actually know what you are talking about, because you know of the book but haven't read it yet....
This is a great game, the only way to improve it would be to make it 6 players, and add more versions of the creatures, which I've heard the new version does add squids, dolphins and more players. Or as I would call them, Flipper and The Kraken.
I own the old version. which was missing pieces and I got another copy that was missing pieces and created a frankenstein of parts to make the whole. I've seen people playing it online and it hits me in my nostalgic place. I'd love to break this out again and play.
Oh the pictures I would paint in my head as a kid.
The heroic triumph of getting my people to safety.
This is a great game, the only way to improve it would be to make it 6 players, and add more versions of the creatures, which I've heard the new version does add squids, dolphins and more players. Or as I would call them, Flipper and The Kraken.
I own the old version. which was missing pieces and I got another copy that was missing pieces and created a frankenstein of parts to make the whole. I've seen people playing it online and it hits me in my nostalgic place. I'd love to break this out again and play.
Oh the pictures I would paint in my head as a kid.
The heroic triumph of getting my people to safety.
Leila (5 KP) rated Gwendy's Button Box in Books
Feb 3, 2019 (Updated Feb 3, 2019)
I'll admit, I checked this book out of the library and let it sit for a few months (I'm terrible, I know), but not for lack of interest, I just didn't have the time to sit down and read. Once I finally got around to it, I had completely forgotten why I had grabbed it up! The cover did not immediately scream "Stephen King" so I was a bit apprehensive starting out, willing myself to push through the first couple of pages.
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
Sarah (126 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House- Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
Surpassed Expectations
I started watching this alone, as I'd heard so many people talking about how good it was and how scary it was - I didn't expect much, as I don't scare easily (I tend to prefer scary books over scary films, as the frights can be a little predictable on screen, whereas your own imagination can conjure up the things that are truly terrifying!), but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
After the first three episodes, I was so enthralled by the story, I roped my husband in and started watching from the beginning again.
There were moments where I was unable to tear myself away from the screen, even though I didn't want to look! Parts where my husband and I both almost jumped out of our skins, and by the very end of the series, I think I'd run the gamut of human emotion. I think the most surprising thing of all was just how moving the series was; a few times, I'd been close to tears and in the final episode I was bawling my eyes out!
It is, without a doubt, a must-watch series on Netflix - in fact, it's one of the best shows I've seen of late - but be prepared to hold your breath, hide behind the cushions, and have the tissues ready for the finale.
After the first three episodes, I was so enthralled by the story, I roped my husband in and started watching from the beginning again.
There were moments where I was unable to tear myself away from the screen, even though I didn't want to look! Parts where my husband and I both almost jumped out of our skins, and by the very end of the series, I think I'd run the gamut of human emotion. I think the most surprising thing of all was just how moving the series was; a few times, I'd been close to tears and in the final episode I was bawling my eyes out!
It is, without a doubt, a must-watch series on Netflix - in fact, it's one of the best shows I've seen of late - but be prepared to hold your breath, hide behind the cushions, and have the tissues ready for the finale.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated War and Peach (Georgia Peach Mystery, #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
The local election for mayor is all anyone is talking about in Cays Mill, Georgia, and Nola Mae Harper has become caught in the middle. Just an hour before the last debate is to take place, a fire breaks out in Clem Rogers’s barn, and his body is found in the ruins. Since he had some dirt on his opponent in the race he was going to share at the debate, the people in town are certain his opponent did it. The sheriff has another theory, Nola Mae’s father, who has admitted to visiting the victim just before the fire broke out. Nola Mae doesn’t think either of those suspects could have done it. But can she find out the truth?
If you are tired of politics, don’t let the election angle worry you. That is only one aspect of this fun mystery. In fact, we get some delightful red herrings before Nola Mae zeroes in on the truth in the suspenseful climax. The characters are charming as always, and we get to see more growth in Nola Mae. Plus there is lots of talk about peaches. How can you go wrong with that?
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-war-and-peach-by-susan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
If you are tired of politics, don’t let the election angle worry you. That is only one aspect of this fun mystery. In fact, we get some delightful red herrings before Nola Mae zeroes in on the truth in the suspenseful climax. The characters are charming as always, and we get to see more growth in Nola Mae. Plus there is lots of talk about peaches. How can you go wrong with that?
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/02/book-review-war-and-peach-by-susan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Last Stop in Brooklyn in Books
Mar 20, 2018
Mary is a case when she feels like someone is following her. But she cannot tell who at the moment. Once she sees her friend's husband talking to Colleen. She thinks the worse of her best friend's husband.
On her way out, she confronts a man see that is following her. When she does, he wants her to look into his brother case that is that Ben Ali is not a killer.
There seems to be some corruption going on in the NYPD in the year of 1894. Who does all the cover-up? Who the Killer of more than a dozen woman.
Looks like Mary get pulled into an investigation that has to do with Sage Bombing and as she gets more into the case of Ben Ali she finds more clues and finding the killer. Who is Jack the Ripper, the killer?
You will be turning the page to find out. Have you read the book you learn about that time period in NY? We even meet Teddy Roosevelt before he becomes President of United States and the reason why or at least partly.
If you are a historical Fiction fan you will enjoy this book. It a Mystery and part historical so you will get both if you are a fan of both or one or the other.
On her way out, she confronts a man see that is following her. When she does, he wants her to look into his brother case that is that Ben Ali is not a killer.
There seems to be some corruption going on in the NYPD in the year of 1894. Who does all the cover-up? Who the Killer of more than a dozen woman.
Looks like Mary get pulled into an investigation that has to do with Sage Bombing and as she gets more into the case of Ben Ali she finds more clues and finding the killer. Who is Jack the Ripper, the killer?
You will be turning the page to find out. Have you read the book you learn about that time period in NY? We even meet Teddy Roosevelt before he becomes President of United States and the reason why or at least partly.
If you are a historical Fiction fan you will enjoy this book. It a Mystery and part historical so you will get both if you are a fan of both or one or the other.