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Taxi Driver (1976)
Taxi Driver (1976)
1976 | Thriller
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.
  
My Lovely Wife
My Lovely Wife
Samantha Downing | 2019 | Thriller
6
8.2 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great premise (0 more)
Predictable (0 more)
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.
  
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
1995 | Horror
6
5.5 (17 Ratings)
Movie Rating
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.
  
Shooting At The Moon by Kevin Ayers
Shooting At The Moon by Kevin Ayers
2015 | Rock
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"This is from that same period. He's such an unusual artist. I could have chosen the first album but I'll choose Shooting At The Moon because I saw him play when I was in Coventry and it was just absolutely extraordinary. It was the group that had Herbie Flowers, David Bedford, Mike Oldfield... This was another John Peel thing. I heard 'Joy Of A Toy', 'The Lady Rachel', 'Stop This Train' with Robert Wyatt playing drums, and all that early Soft Machine stuff which he liked. It's beautiful, things like 'May I?', incredibly gentle, beautiful love songs. Sexy. That gentle and sexy thing has always been there in Wire. When you think of 'Blessed State', which is Bruce's song, absolutely beautiful. There's always that temptation to make it simple; Colin with his white hat and us with our black hats, that's the tension. It's not as if we haven't been accused of being obscure on occasion, or opaque. But usually it's the things that people think are opaque are the things that are straight reportage. People do it, you see it, you write it. Real life is stranger than fiction but it seems as if in popular song it's not - it makes real life really dull and not about love, negotiation, and mess, and passion."

Source
  
Every Waking Hour
Every Waking Hour
Joanna Schaffhausen | 2021 | Crime, Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
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.