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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Beguiled (2017) in Movies
Nov 22, 2017 (Updated Nov 22, 2017)
Dull and rather pointless
There was very little that was beguiling about this film apart from the usual fantastic performances from Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell.
The premise of the film surrounds the American Civil War, in which an injured soldier (Farrell) is taken in quite reluctantly by a group of women and young girls where Kidman is the matriarch. The mysterious circumstances of Farrell is never explicitly revealed, but he begins to attempt to worm his way into staying by charming all of the women and girls creating sexual tension in a rather repressive household.
The problem was that the film is sold as empowering to women yet it was nothing of the sort. Watching the women throw themselves at a man was rather unappealing, and to be honest the entire movie was very dull. I hear the Clint Eastwood version of the same film @The Beguiled (1971) is superb and the one to watch.
The premise of the film surrounds the American Civil War, in which an injured soldier (Farrell) is taken in quite reluctantly by a group of women and young girls where Kidman is the matriarch. The mysterious circumstances of Farrell is never explicitly revealed, but he begins to attempt to worm his way into staying by charming all of the women and girls creating sexual tension in a rather repressive household.
The problem was that the film is sold as empowering to women yet it was nothing of the sort. Watching the women throw themselves at a man was rather unappealing, and to be honest the entire movie was very dull. I hear the Clint Eastwood version of the same film @The Beguiled (1971) is superb and the one to watch.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, #8) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
After my disappointment with the last installment in the Stephanie Plum series, I was happy to see Evanovich bring it in Hard Eight. This book was much more engaging than the last. I couldn't put it down.
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!
Cassie (47 KP) rated The Missing - Season 2 in TV
Jul 31, 2017
writing (2 more)
cast/acting
direction
Season 2 of The Missing sees the return of our favorite French detective from Season 1, Julien Baptiste. Right off the bat, this season feels bigger than the first. The fact that we see the return of the missing child in this from the first episode sets of the show for a more interesting run. Relationships become muddled as a family tries to cope with the return of a daughter who has been gone so long. I don't wish to give anything away, but I will say that the twists and turns and interconnected plot-points in this are much greater than in season 1. Whereas season 1 did not feel like a race against time, this season does 100%. The tension is there from start to finish. I think the writers did a better job of making the story as well as the characters strong in this season.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Cross My Heart in Books
Aug 12, 2017
A very easy read, you can't put it down (2 more)
Lots of twists and turns
The tension builds and builds
Another thrilling Cross story
I'm not a huge book reader, as my many film reviews give away. I do like the Alex Cross stories with @Along Came a Spider (2001) one of my favourite Thrillers. This is actually the 21st Alex Cross novel of 25 so far. Hopefully more will be made into films.
This was so easy to get into and before you know it you are a few chapters in. The characters and the various plotlines are all neatly interwoven. This story switches between Cross and his antagonist's perspectives. There as always are a few great twists along the way. It does feel like a story in its own right but it does continue with Hope to die. So best to know that from the start, make sure you have both.
This was so easy to get into and before you know it you are a few chapters in. The characters and the various plotlines are all neatly interwoven. This story switches between Cross and his antagonist's perspectives. There as always are a few great twists along the way. It does feel like a story in its own right but it does continue with Hope to die. So best to know that from the start, make sure you have both.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Hour of Dust and Ashes (Charlie Madigan, #3) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the second one came out last August. I love this series! The tension starts at the very beginning and follows through the entire book, to the last page. I love the characters (Charlie is my hero) and I was furious about what happened at the end (in a good way. I have to read the next book now!).
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Grandfather's House in Books
May 15, 2018
Like VC Andrews with a flamethrower
I enjoyed this book. Although it was a quick read, it was a disturbing one. Like THE ABUSE OF ASHLEY COLLINS, GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE deals with subject of child abuse. The focus, though, is on character rather than out and out violence, and it's a better novel because of it. It felt much more realistic, which gives it a stronger impact.
Our protagonist isn't especially likeable at the beginning of the story, but he's a teenager. Teenagers aren't likeable in the first place. But his grandparents are so disturbing right off the bat that you're immediately behind him. Athan takes the stereotype of the sweet grandparent and flips it on its head. There's a good amount of tension throughout the book from beginning to end--and while this is definitely horrific, I wouldn't classify it as extreme horror because more attention was paid to characterization than ripping people apart. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE was like a V.C. Andrews book on speed.
Our protagonist isn't especially likeable at the beginning of the story, but he's a teenager. Teenagers aren't likeable in the first place. But his grandparents are so disturbing right off the bat that you're immediately behind him. Athan takes the stereotype of the sweet grandparent and flips it on its head. There's a good amount of tension throughout the book from beginning to end--and while this is definitely horrific, I wouldn't classify it as extreme horror because more attention was paid to characterization than ripping people apart. GRANDFATHER'S HOUSE was like a V.C. Andrews book on speed.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated All the Money in the World (2017) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019
Drawn out
It's a shame that this film will always be known as the film that deleted Kevin Spacey. And although i like Christopher Plummer, I spent the entirety of this wondering if it would've been any better if they had left Spacey in.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Seaforth Prison (The Haunted #3) in Books
Feb 18, 2019
A disappointing continuation of the series
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which I've been reading as part of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, even if certain elements felt a little predictable.
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
The second book didn't have quite the same level of excitement and tension as the first, but was still enough to hook a reader and kept with "The Haunted" theme of the series.
With this third book, any "haunting" element has really been pushed into the background and I don't feel that the story is quite as compelling in this latest installment. I also read some reviews of the second book after I finished it, and one in particular mentioned the lack of variety in the swearing - and now that I'm aware of it, it REALLY started to bother me.
I know I'm going to go ahead and read the next book in the series, at least. Hopefully this will be return to the more exiting themes of the earlier books
Awix (3310 KP) rated Styx (2018) in Movies
May 1, 2019 (Updated May 1, 2019)
No-frills drama from Germany (not much dialogue, and most of that in English) achieves genuine tension after a slow start. Competent, compassionate doctor seems to be having no trouble sailing the Atlantic until she comes across a ship loaded with refugees in very bad shape: her small boat can't help, and the authorities advise her by radio to leave the area; but they show no sign of doing anything to help. The arrival on board of a young boy only complicates matters further. What is she supposed to do?
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Before I Wake (2016) in Movies
May 15, 2019
....meh
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Stars: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane and Jacob Tremblay
What's it about?
New foster carers look after a sweet young boy whos dreams and nightmares come to life.
Is it scary?
Well, the first 20 to 30 minutes are really good. It builds slow and has a real confidence about it that is refreshing. sadly after that it devolves into standard horror clichés and is deeply not scary. It switches from tension building to attempted jump scares that simply don't land.
Does it have any redeeming features?
The reveal/twist is rushed and half arsed. Cody (the young boy) is so sweet and struggles with what is happening. Trying everything he can to stay awake because of his ability is so refreshing from the normal "evil child" trope.
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's mainstream. It offers a really nice premise but sadly doesn't do much with it.