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Noah Kaulen (10 KP) rated Taxi Driver (1976) in Movies
Jun 18, 2020
Easily, one of the most iconic movies of all time. Legendary Martin Scorsese's 1976 classic tells the tale of Travis Bickle, played to perfection by Robert De Niro, isolated in New York, struggling to maintain his sanity in a place he subconsciously does not belong in. The film explores themes of loneliness in a way that is sympathetic and haunting at the same time, a beautiful contradiction. As an introvert who has struggled with loneliness my whole life, this movie affects me like no other. But aside from all the deep stuff within the film, it's extremely well directed and brilliantly written, led by the career defining performance of De Niro. One of the most compelling narratives I've ever experienced in film. The atmosphere is also a definite highlight in this film, as it adds that layer of tension that only gets more prevalent as the movie progresses. Without a doubt, it's my favorite movie of all time and I can't recommend it enough. If you're a movie buff and love movies that challenge you and give you an in depth look at such an intriguing concept, do yourself a favor and watch this movie, then add it to your collection and buy it.
Amy Norman (1048 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Jul 5, 2020
I received this book as one of the Smashbomb giveaways, and was really excited to read it!
I enjoyed the book and it was an easy read.
Unfortunately, I don't know if I've read, and watched, too many thriller type things, as the book felt a little too predictable. What would usually be subtle hints that eventually unfold, giving you those 'oh yeah!' moments, were just a bit obviously placed, and I could see where they were leading.
Like I've said, please don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book but it was a bit flat for me, there never felt like there was any real urgency, or tension.
I really felt like there could have been a more cat and mouse dynamic between a few of the different characters, and the ending could have been given more time to build up.
I look forward to reading her next book, but hope she learns a few lessons; for one, fleshing the characters out, and giving them more depth.
However, it was a good first foray into the genre for the author, and I hope she can find her footings, as there were some really good ideas in this book.
I enjoyed the book and it was an easy read.
Unfortunately, I don't know if I've read, and watched, too many thriller type things, as the book felt a little too predictable. What would usually be subtle hints that eventually unfold, giving you those 'oh yeah!' moments, were just a bit obviously placed, and I could see where they were leading.
Like I've said, please don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book but it was a bit flat for me, there never felt like there was any real urgency, or tension.
I really felt like there could have been a more cat and mouse dynamic between a few of the different characters, and the ending could have been given more time to build up.
I look forward to reading her next book, but hope she learns a few lessons; for one, fleshing the characters out, and giving them more depth.
However, it was a good first foray into the genre for the author, and I hope she can find her footings, as there were some really good ideas in this book.
KyleQ (267 KP) rated Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) in Movies
Jul 19, 2020
Better then #5, but still flawed.
In a weird turn for the franchise, a cult has forced Michael Myers to impregnate Jamie Lloyd, in an attempt to end his bloodline he kills Jamie, but she hid the baby from him, the infant is found by Tommy Doyle (Paul Rudd in his introductory role), Doyle lives across the street from the former Myers house, now housing a new family of Strode's. Michael returns to Haddonfield, and death follows.
It's apparent that director Joe Chappelle is trying to harken back to John Carpenter's style of film-making. Focusing more on trying to create tension then fill the film with death scenes. Michael actually doesn't have as much screen time here. We return to him sneaking around in the shadows.
Mostly H6's weakness is in it's acting, they just fail to feel believable, thus ruining what suspense Chappelle created, then there's the weird plotline which will turn away some viewers.
This one also marks Donald Pleasence's last time as Loomis, it's sad but he's also a bit unnecessary at this point.
I enjoyed Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers for what it was, I think if you're open to the strange plot you will too.
It's apparent that director Joe Chappelle is trying to harken back to John Carpenter's style of film-making. Focusing more on trying to create tension then fill the film with death scenes. Michael actually doesn't have as much screen time here. We return to him sneaking around in the shadows.
Mostly H6's weakness is in it's acting, they just fail to feel believable, thus ruining what suspense Chappelle created, then there's the weird plotline which will turn away some viewers.
This one also marks Donald Pleasence's last time as Loomis, it's sad but he's also a bit unnecessary at this point.
I enjoyed Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers for what it was, I think if you're open to the strange plot you will too.
Graham Lewis recommended Shooting At The Moon by Kevin Ayers in Music (curated)
AT
Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States
Book
An account of all the new and surprising evidence now available for the beginnings of the earliest...
CR
Competing Responsibilities: The Ethics and Politics of Contemporary Life
Susanna Trnka and Catherine Trundle
Book
Noting the pervasiveness of the adoption of "responsibility" as a core ideal of neoliberal...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Every Waking Hour in Books
Apr 22, 2021
Another thrilling entry in the Ellery & Reed series
Ellery Hathaway is trying to have a normal life. She's attempting to become a police detective in Boston. She's even trying to have a relationship with Reed Markham. But then Chloe Lockhart, a twelve-year-old girl, goes missing, and the case threatens everything Ellery has tried to build. Ellery has many scars--physical and emotional--from her own kidnapping. Is sending a former kidnapped child out to find another the right thing to do? Every moment that Chloe is missing reminds Ellery of her past--and how much she wants, needs, to find Chloe.
I just love the Ellery and Reed series so very much. Book number four is yet another excellent entry. There are two parallel case running, and both keep your attention. I love the tension between Reed and Ellery and how well so many present-day cases can tie back to Ellery's past. She's damaged, yes, but so strong. This is a compelling read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. And, the epilogue, oh my gosh! What a cliffhanger!
I cannot recommend this entire series enough! 4 stars, and I cannot wait for book #5.
I just love the Ellery and Reed series so very much. Book number four is yet another excellent entry. There are two parallel case running, and both keep your attention. I love the tension between Reed and Ellery and how well so many present-day cases can tie back to Ellery's past. She's damaged, yes, but so strong. This is a compelling read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. And, the epilogue, oh my gosh! What a cliffhanger!
I cannot recommend this entire series enough! 4 stars, and I cannot wait for book #5.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The New Legends of Monkey in TV
Jun 13, 2021
The New Legends of Monkey is the Netflix reboot of the 70's 'Monkey' (aka Monkey Magic) and follows a similar storyline, Demons are over running the world and a monk named Tripitaka must free the Monkey King and track down the sacred scrolls.
Most people will remember the original Monkey as seeming a bit low budget and silly so when you first see the 'The New Legends of Monkey' you may be forgiven for thinking that it's going to be different, Monkey is good looking (& doesn't have his cloud), the fights and action scenes are well choreographed and there is some tension. It is different, it's been updated but, as you watch you realise that the humour is still there, Monkey is now a himbo, vain and self centred but in a likeable way, none of the gods know what it's like to be human but all still have their own problems with make them likable. Tripitaka is the straight monk to all the gods foolishness as she tries to keep them on mission.
The series is silly without being stupid and does allow for character growth as having some emotional scenes and, overall dose a good job of re booting the original.
Most people will remember the original Monkey as seeming a bit low budget and silly so when you first see the 'The New Legends of Monkey' you may be forgiven for thinking that it's going to be different, Monkey is good looking (& doesn't have his cloud), the fights and action scenes are well choreographed and there is some tension. It is different, it's been updated but, as you watch you realise that the humour is still there, Monkey is now a himbo, vain and self centred but in a likeable way, none of the gods know what it's like to be human but all still have their own problems with make them likable. Tripitaka is the straight monk to all the gods foolishness as she tries to keep them on mission.
The series is silly without being stupid and does allow for character growth as having some emotional scenes and, overall dose a good job of re booting the original.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Serial Killer's Wife in Books
Jun 13, 2021
This isn't your usual 'serial killer' story; there isn't the plethora of bodies or frightening scenes of murder and mayhem but what it is is a surprisingly enthralling story that builds in tension and ends in an extremely, but strangely, satisfying way.
Alice Hunter has created a story that focusses on the wife of the suspected killer and I quickly became engrossed in her inner turmoil as to whether her husband was innocent or guilty, how she coped with the press intrusion, the fingers of suspicion pointing at her (surely she should have known or suspected something?) all whilst trying to look after her young daughter, Poppy, and run a business.
The short chapters helped the story to move quickly along and you soon find yourself passing a few hours before you know it. The setting of a small village added to the claustrophobic feel to Beth's situation. There are twists along the way and although I guessed most of them, I enjoyed watching how it played out and developed.
All in all, a pretty good book and an author I will look out for in the future.
Thank you must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Alice Hunter has created a story that focusses on the wife of the suspected killer and I quickly became engrossed in her inner turmoil as to whether her husband was innocent or guilty, how she coped with the press intrusion, the fingers of suspicion pointing at her (surely she should have known or suspected something?) all whilst trying to look after her young daughter, Poppy, and run a business.
The short chapters helped the story to move quickly along and you soon find yourself passing a few hours before you know it. The setting of a small village added to the claustrophobic feel to Beth's situation. There are twists along the way and although I guessed most of them, I enjoyed watching how it played out and developed.
All in all, a pretty good book and an author I will look out for in the future.
Thank you must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dog Rose Dirt in Books
Jul 25, 2021
This is an interesting mystery/thriller that's pretty dark and creepy with some scenes that some may find disturbing.
I'm finding this a difficult one to review because whilst overall, I think I enjoyed it, it did seem to take a long time to get there and there were times when I said to myself "oh, just get on with it!"
The plot of the book is intriguing and the tension is a constant throughout but it just seemed to be dragged out a little; it started great and I was hooked, the middle was slow and the ending was fast paced if a little OTT. The characters are well developed and interesting but Heather was a little tedious at times and I didn't really become invested in her much; some of her actions also seemed implausible to me.
The parts I did like were the "before" sections, the links to the Grimm Brothers stories, the scenes when Heather went to see Michael in prison and the general creepiness that was ever present but there was just something that I can't put my finger on properly that resulted in me not loving it.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I'm finding this a difficult one to review because whilst overall, I think I enjoyed it, it did seem to take a long time to get there and there were times when I said to myself "oh, just get on with it!"
The plot of the book is intriguing and the tension is a constant throughout but it just seemed to be dragged out a little; it started great and I was hooked, the middle was slow and the ending was fast paced if a little OTT. The characters are well developed and interesting but Heather was a little tedious at times and I didn't really become invested in her much; some of her actions also seemed implausible to me.
The parts I did like were the "before" sections, the links to the Grimm Brothers stories, the scenes when Heather went to see Michael in prison and the general creepiness that was ever present but there was just something that I can't put my finger on properly that resulted in me not loving it.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.