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Lee (2222 KP) rated Station 19 - Season 1 in TV
Jun 27, 2018 (Updated Jun 27, 2018)
Chicago Fire Wannabee
My wife and I are huge fans of Chicago Fire, so were keen to see whether another firefighter show could come close to that kind of quality. My wife is also a big fan of Grey's Anatomy, with Station 19 coming from the team responsible for that, so even more reason to give Station 19 a shot.
The season starts off badly though. Terrible acting, dodgy plot-lines, and no real likeable characters at all. You can't help but compare it to Chicago Fire, it's like they're just trying to emulate that buddy drama vibe Chicago Fire does so well. Hell, one of the Station 19 characters even looks exactly like a character from Chicago Fire!!
We stuck with it, and to be fair it did get better towards the end of its 10 episode run. The final episode featured a big 'Towering Inferno' style plot as numerous fire teams tackle a serious skyscraper fire, and the episode ended with at least 3 or 4 major cliffhangers. A very enjoyable episode and I'd certainly be prepared to give it a chance if it makes it to season 2.
The season starts off badly though. Terrible acting, dodgy plot-lines, and no real likeable characters at all. You can't help but compare it to Chicago Fire, it's like they're just trying to emulate that buddy drama vibe Chicago Fire does so well. Hell, one of the Station 19 characters even looks exactly like a character from Chicago Fire!!
We stuck with it, and to be fair it did get better towards the end of its 10 episode run. The final episode featured a big 'Towering Inferno' style plot as numerous fire teams tackle a serious skyscraper fire, and the episode ended with at least 3 or 4 major cliffhangers. A very enjoyable episode and I'd certainly be prepared to give it a chance if it makes it to season 2.
ErinSJ (112 KP) rated The Bone Queen (The Books of Pellinor #0.5) in Books
Jun 20, 2018
When I found out The Bone Queen was coming out it was a pleasant surprise. I read the original Pellinor series years ago and have always remembered it as one of my favorite fantasy series. I was originally a bit worried that all these years later this book wouldn't live up to the rest of the series, but I'm happy to report that my fears were unjustified.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
The Bone Queen is beautifully written, and something about the writing or perhaps the general world building evokes a feeling very similar to that of The Lord of the Rings, with an emphasis on the ultimate powers of good over evil, even when evil manages to take a terrible toll on the world. Though there is certainly action and plenty of adventure to be had, this book focuses on very human themes of forgiveness and guilt. Cadvan struggles to forgive himself for the irreparable damage one foolish mistake caused, and those around him struggle to do the same.
For those looking for a thoughtful bit of epic fantasy that still manages to have some fun, this is a must read.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
Plot doesn't live up to the technology
I don't want to be judgemental, but when a film gets released on Sky Movies the same day it apparently comes out at the cinema, it isn't a good sign. Whilst Anon isn't terrible, it isn't particularly good or memorable either.
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Selfless (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
I’ll keep this short.
What if the extremely brilliant minds, could live another 50 years on this earth after their body is about to expire by transporting their mind into a new, younger body…could those minds continue to create amazing legacy? This is the premise for the film Self/less. Ben Kingsley plays Damian, a wealthy business tycoon type who is dying of cancer decides to “shed” his body for a younger healthy body. That body is played by Ryan Reynolds. But when things do not exactly turn out as they appear to be, Damian has a crisis of conscience and has to decide what is right.
That being said, somewhere in this film there is a good story…they just forgot to show us the right chapters. And thus a movie about identity, doesn’t know what it is. Instead of a great nuanced psychological thriller, we get a ho-hummed derivate small action film that is not something terrible to watch, but not something encouraging you to seek it out. In the end, this is really a redbox movie. And that’s a shame
http://sknr.net/2015/07/10/selfless/
What if the extremely brilliant minds, could live another 50 years on this earth after their body is about to expire by transporting their mind into a new, younger body…could those minds continue to create amazing legacy? This is the premise for the film Self/less. Ben Kingsley plays Damian, a wealthy business tycoon type who is dying of cancer decides to “shed” his body for a younger healthy body. That body is played by Ryan Reynolds. But when things do not exactly turn out as they appear to be, Damian has a crisis of conscience and has to decide what is right.
That being said, somewhere in this film there is a good story…they just forgot to show us the right chapters. And thus a movie about identity, doesn’t know what it is. Instead of a great nuanced psychological thriller, we get a ho-hummed derivate small action film that is not something terrible to watch, but not something encouraging you to seek it out. In the end, this is really a redbox movie. And that’s a shame
http://sknr.net/2015/07/10/selfless/
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Small Soldiers (1998) in Movies
Dec 24, 2019
Lots of fun
I remember watching this as a child at the cinema when it was first released (I was 11), and absolutely loved it. And to be honest watching it again now, i still think it's a huge amount of fun.
This is like the antidote to Toy Story. Yes there are good toys in this, but the stars of this film are the rather nasty Commando Elite led by Chip Hazard, voiced perfectly by the wonderful Tommy Lee Jones. The idea of toys playing out real life war games against other toys (and humans) makes for such a fun and entertaining film. It's not scary but not entirely child friendly either, and is really quite funny at times. And unusually for a kids film made in the 90s, the script isn't completely terrible or cheesy. The special effects are for the most part fairly decent and the cast too (both voice and real life) are all very good. Considering this is made by Joe Dante who brought us both Gremlins films, it's no surprise really it's such a fun film and yet strangely underrated.
This is like the antidote to Toy Story. Yes there are good toys in this, but the stars of this film are the rather nasty Commando Elite led by Chip Hazard, voiced perfectly by the wonderful Tommy Lee Jones. The idea of toys playing out real life war games against other toys (and humans) makes for such a fun and entertaining film. It's not scary but not entirely child friendly either, and is really quite funny at times. And unusually for a kids film made in the 90s, the script isn't completely terrible or cheesy. The special effects are for the most part fairly decent and the cast too (both voice and real life) are all very good. Considering this is made by Joe Dante who brought us both Gremlins films, it's no surprise really it's such a fun film and yet strangely underrated.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) created a post in Dear Smashbomb....
Jan 18, 2019 (Updated Jan 18, 2019)
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) created a post
Jan 18, 2019
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Jason X (2001) in Movies
Nov 8, 2019
Laughably bad
I will readily admit to not being a massive fan of the Friday the 13th sequels, especially not some of the more modern ones, and this is possibly one of the worst sequels there is. All manner of logic or plot continuity disappears out of the window for this one. It’s ridiculous from the very start and just gets more laughable as the film goes on. The cast go from the awful and annoying (most of the ‘students’ who’s names I couldn’t even bring myself to pay attention to), to the boringly average. Even the pairing of Lexa Doig and Lisa Ryder, an Andromeda “reunion” as such despite this coming during the time Andromeda was airing isn’t enough to keep this film being anything other than terrible. Lexa Doig especially is given so little to do in this which is a shame as the beginning makes out like she could be a proper kickass hero. And don’t get me started on Jason’s upgrade later on in the film...
This is one of those films that is so bad it’s vaguely entertaining, but not in a good way.
This is one of those films that is so bad it’s vaguely entertaining, but not in a good way.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Demon Road in Books
Nov 26, 2019
Pre entertainment where good and evil fight
Derek Landy's 'Skullduggery Pleasant' series is great. i read them to my son, so when Demon road came out I got it for him and he recommended I read it too. I was pleasantly surprised, Landy has created a trilogy that is brilliant and very cinematic.
This takes place in our world and in our world are demons, some of whom have made deals with high demons for powers and in return has to do terrible things as payment. The lead character is the daughter of such demons but is a normal girl...until she hits puberty. But then she finds out her parents don't quite have her best interests at heart.
I don't read many teen books unless sent for me to review or because i am reading to my kids but this is a gripping brilliant read. it is so cinematic it deserves to become a movie.
Characters are very strong, the adventure is adrenaline fuelled and its done in a completely non cheesy way. Its brilliant and I went straight to book two afterwards.
This takes place in our world and in our world are demons, some of whom have made deals with high demons for powers and in return has to do terrible things as payment. The lead character is the daughter of such demons but is a normal girl...until she hits puberty. But then she finds out her parents don't quite have her best interests at heart.
I don't read many teen books unless sent for me to review or because i am reading to my kids but this is a gripping brilliant read. it is so cinematic it deserves to become a movie.
Characters are very strong, the adventure is adrenaline fuelled and its done in a completely non cheesy way. Its brilliant and I went straight to book two afterwards.
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Downhill (2020) in Movies
Mar 14, 2020
404. Downhill. It has terrible reviews. Then i read them, and a lot of them seem to be hating because it's a remake of a foreign film. I didn't see it. But I liked this one, an uncomfortable comedy drama. Looking like the perfect family, Billie and Pete take the kids skiing, yay! Everything is going great, until one day at breakfast, one of the controlled avalanches goes a little out of bounds a bit and feels like a bunch of people are about to buried alive. Spoiler alert... In those seconds were they realize the snow is about to smack em hard, Billie puts her arms around her children and ducks down to protect them, Pete on the other hand, grabs his cell phone and splits, after its all over, the initial shock wears off and now Billie is left with the knowledge of what hubby did in the face of danger. Movie goes on to follow both on now their separate vacations, leading to some funny though uncomfortable situations. Check it out!! Will Ferrell was great as the slowing imploding Pete, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus was great as Billie trying to keep shit together! Filmbufftim on FB