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Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Equalizer 2 (2018) in Movies
Mar 10, 2019
Revenge not as sweet the 2nd time...
When we left Robert McCall, he had just vanquished a set of Russian baddies and went back to trying to enjoy a normal life. When we meet him again, he is up to his old tactics trying to help those who cannot help themselves. After some initial carnage, the film takes a different turn striking McCall where it hurts with someone close to him. The situation is challenging McCall gets drawn in as he tries to figure out who is responsible.
Meanwhile, he befriends a young man who lives near him and tries to give him advice and steer him along the right course in life avoiding the temptation to fall in with the wrong crowd.
After the true nature of the crimes is discovered and the perpetrators reveal themselves, McCall falls into his old ways of doing whatever it takes and using whatever means necessary to attempt to prevail.
Although I thought the idea to strike closer to home for McCall was an interesting one, and took him out of his comfort zone, the screenplay was not good enough and I saw the twist coming almost immediately. These characters didn't seem to be very smart and made the film more cumbersome and not nearly as fun.
The climax scene was kind of cool I guess, but seemed very forced and something the writer thought would be cooler than what it was.
Kind of disappointed.
Meanwhile, he befriends a young man who lives near him and tries to give him advice and steer him along the right course in life avoiding the temptation to fall in with the wrong crowd.
After the true nature of the crimes is discovered and the perpetrators reveal themselves, McCall falls into his old ways of doing whatever it takes and using whatever means necessary to attempt to prevail.
Although I thought the idea to strike closer to home for McCall was an interesting one, and took him out of his comfort zone, the screenplay was not good enough and I saw the twist coming almost immediately. These characters didn't seem to be very smart and made the film more cumbersome and not nearly as fun.
The climax scene was kind of cool I guess, but seemed very forced and something the writer thought would be cooler than what it was.
Kind of disappointed.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Bianca's Vineyard in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
We learn about what life was like in Italy at that time. You can read the book in a form of a diary or as someone is telling a story in a storytelling. You can learn the secrets of this family. You also learn a bit about Italian culture. You will learn what Italian culture was at that time in history.
Most of this story is about Egisto and his wife that he married before going to America. Tough as soon as her children when to school. She decided to go back to Italy. The book really does teach us lessons that were going on in Italy.
You also see the family deals with her and the rest of the family. Egisto father was fond of his niece Bianca. Egisto knew the war was coming to Italy. We learn about Armida and her what she decides. She is going to need to make a choice. I feel bad for Armida and Egisto children especially when Armida gets a bit strange.
We learn what the vineyard is about and it meaning to the family. I really like the fact it was told somewhat in a form of a diary. You also learn about each family member that's in Egisto life. It mostly takes place in Italy and his Italian family members. The author did a really good job of showing us what it was like during World War 2 era. You see the reliant of the Italians after the war and shows how the family was back together when Egisto returns.
Most of this story is about Egisto and his wife that he married before going to America. Tough as soon as her children when to school. She decided to go back to Italy. The book really does teach us lessons that were going on in Italy.
You also see the family deals with her and the rest of the family. Egisto father was fond of his niece Bianca. Egisto knew the war was coming to Italy. We learn about Armida and her what she decides. She is going to need to make a choice. I feel bad for Armida and Egisto children especially when Armida gets a bit strange.
We learn what the vineyard is about and it meaning to the family. I really like the fact it was told somewhat in a form of a diary. You also learn about each family member that's in Egisto life. It mostly takes place in Italy and his Italian family members. The author did a really good job of showing us what it was like during World War 2 era. You see the reliant of the Italians after the war and shows how the family was back together when Egisto returns.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2426 KP) rated A Streetcar Named Murder in Books
Dec 15, 2022
Promising First Draft, but Needed Lots of Work
Valerie Cooper is facing changes in her life. A young widow, her twin sons are now off at college, and she struggling to fill her days. An unexpected letter reveals she’s inherited the estate of one of her late husband’s great uncles, a man that Valerie didn’t know existed. The inheritance includes an antique shop. Meanwhile, Valerie attends a Halloween costume ball, but the night ends when she finds a woman she knows stabbed to death outside the dance. What is going on?
I sat down to read this hoping to find a new series I’d enjoy. Sadly, it was very disappointing. The author tried for something different when it came to the plot, which I appreciate, but the result wasn’t plotted well at all but did pick up in the second half. It wasn’t helped by Valerie’s constant reflections on her life before her husband died and questioning why she’d never heard of this great uncle. While this is important for Valerie’s character growth, it got to be a bit much. Unfortunately, the ARC I read was also riddled with errors that should have been caught in editing, some of which made me question if what I saw from the suspects was the suspects hiding something or the sloppy editing. Meanwhile, the author goes too far in making the victim unlikeable, turning her one dimensional. I did like Valerie and her family and friends. But there is not enough good here to recommend the book.
I sat down to read this hoping to find a new series I’d enjoy. Sadly, it was very disappointing. The author tried for something different when it came to the plot, which I appreciate, but the result wasn’t plotted well at all but did pick up in the second half. It wasn’t helped by Valerie’s constant reflections on her life before her husband died and questioning why she’d never heard of this great uncle. While this is important for Valerie’s character growth, it got to be a bit much. Unfortunately, the ARC I read was also riddled with errors that should have been caught in editing, some of which made me question if what I saw from the suspects was the suspects hiding something or the sloppy editing. Meanwhile, the author goes too far in making the victim unlikeable, turning her one dimensional. I did like Valerie and her family and friends. But there is not enough good here to recommend the book.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated St. Vincent (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
“St. Vincent” is a comedy about the complexity of being human, and the need to make connections with one another. It mostly follows the daily life of Vincent (Bill Murray), a crotchety old man who likes to gamble, keeps the company of a “lady of the night,” and could care less what anybody thinks about him.
I think it’s safe to say Bill Murray is a comedy legend. So it should come as no surprise that yet again, Murray has delivered an impeccable performance.
The audience experience is not just one of watching a very famous actor play a role, but instead Murray steps outside of himself and truly becomes Vincent. Each detail, from his physical appearance, to his demeanor, are flawless.
He is a man stuck in his ways, though his life appears to be in disarray. His house is filled with dirt. He owes money to bad people. He lives alone with his cat, and doesn’t really like anyone.
When Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) move in next door, Vincent is in no way kind to them.
In this film McCarthy is subtle in a good way. She is funny, but at the same time her role is heart wrenching. She is a single mom who is pushed to the limit of what one person can do, and has no choice but to roll with the punches.
She becomes swamped at her new job, and Vincent kind of just falls into the role of Oliver’s babysitter (paid babysitter of course). From that point on, Vincent takes Oliver along with him as he continues with his mostly seedy life.
The interplay between the young boy and the grouchy old man is where the element of humanness is communicated most. Despite differences in age or perspective, people need each other and can make profound connections.
The characters are developed well enough to illustrate that people are not one dimensional. Whether they have a hard or a soft exterior, there is always more than meets the eye.
It is filled with moments of outrageous hilarity, but also has a few emotional ones. Life isn’t always pleasant, and this comedy stays true to that reality.
Don’t be surprised if, at the end of the film, the audience gives a standing ovation.
I give “St. Vincent” 5 out of 5 stars.
I think it’s safe to say Bill Murray is a comedy legend. So it should come as no surprise that yet again, Murray has delivered an impeccable performance.
The audience experience is not just one of watching a very famous actor play a role, but instead Murray steps outside of himself and truly becomes Vincent. Each detail, from his physical appearance, to his demeanor, are flawless.
He is a man stuck in his ways, though his life appears to be in disarray. His house is filled with dirt. He owes money to bad people. He lives alone with his cat, and doesn’t really like anyone.
When Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) move in next door, Vincent is in no way kind to them.
In this film McCarthy is subtle in a good way. She is funny, but at the same time her role is heart wrenching. She is a single mom who is pushed to the limit of what one person can do, and has no choice but to roll with the punches.
She becomes swamped at her new job, and Vincent kind of just falls into the role of Oliver’s babysitter (paid babysitter of course). From that point on, Vincent takes Oliver along with him as he continues with his mostly seedy life.
The interplay between the young boy and the grouchy old man is where the element of humanness is communicated most. Despite differences in age or perspective, people need each other and can make profound connections.
The characters are developed well enough to illustrate that people are not one dimensional. Whether they have a hard or a soft exterior, there is always more than meets the eye.
It is filled with moments of outrageous hilarity, but also has a few emotional ones. Life isn’t always pleasant, and this comedy stays true to that reality.
Don’t be surprised if, at the end of the film, the audience gives a standing ovation.
I give “St. Vincent” 5 out of 5 stars.
Marked Yours (Sentries #1)
10.0
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When one society fell, assaulted by natural disaster, in its place rose another, molded into...
Action Adventure Science Fiction Futuristic MM Romance
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Lara Croft - Tomb Raider (2001) in Movies
Aug 11, 2019 (Updated Aug 14, 2019)
I remember very clearly going to see this in the cinema when it came out (I was but a starry eyed 11 year old full of hopes and dreams back then), and I absolutely loved it. It was loud, obnoxious, and it had Lara Croft in it (again - I was an 11 year old boy...)
I also grew up playing the original Tomb Raider trilogy, so this was an exciting event in my pre adolescent life.
As as I've gotten older, it has become apparent that I don't have a lot of love for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider after all. It's just another shoddy video game adaption that doesn't have a lot of meat to it.
It's a film firmly stuck in the early 00s, with leather jackets, shades, and cringey breakbeat dance music in the background (thanks a lot Matrix).
One thing that is a huge positive, and why it still deserves at least 4/10 from me is Angelina Jolie. The script is just awful, but she is the embodiment of the original Lara Croft. It's honestly like watching the original game hero come to life.
The rest of the cast are pretty so-so. An early appearance from Daniel Craig (with a super dodgy American accent) is largely forgettable.
Iain Glen plays a pretty vanilla villain (although I really find it hard to dislike good old Iain), and Lara's assistants (played by Noah Taylor and Chris Barrie) are mostly enjoyable comic relief.
The action scenes aren't too bad (apart from the aforementioned music choices), and it's good to see some actual Tomb Raiding, but unfortunately Jolie alone isn't enough to elevate Tomb Raider above the ever growing pile of underwhelming video game movies.
I would like to finish this review with an apology to my girlfriend (who is also on Smashbomb and who will read this) who absolutely f***ing loves these movies - please don't hate me!
I also grew up playing the original Tomb Raider trilogy, so this was an exciting event in my pre adolescent life.
As as I've gotten older, it has become apparent that I don't have a lot of love for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider after all. It's just another shoddy video game adaption that doesn't have a lot of meat to it.
It's a film firmly stuck in the early 00s, with leather jackets, shades, and cringey breakbeat dance music in the background (thanks a lot Matrix).
One thing that is a huge positive, and why it still deserves at least 4/10 from me is Angelina Jolie. The script is just awful, but she is the embodiment of the original Lara Croft. It's honestly like watching the original game hero come to life.
The rest of the cast are pretty so-so. An early appearance from Daniel Craig (with a super dodgy American accent) is largely forgettable.
Iain Glen plays a pretty vanilla villain (although I really find it hard to dislike good old Iain), and Lara's assistants (played by Noah Taylor and Chris Barrie) are mostly enjoyable comic relief.
The action scenes aren't too bad (apart from the aforementioned music choices), and it's good to see some actual Tomb Raiding, but unfortunately Jolie alone isn't enough to elevate Tomb Raider above the ever growing pile of underwhelming video game movies.
I would like to finish this review with an apology to my girlfriend (who is also on Smashbomb and who will read this) who absolutely f***ing loves these movies - please don't hate me!
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Montgomery Schnauzer P.I. and the Case of the Stealthy Cat Burglar in Books
Nov 30, 2020
Okay, upfront confession.. I am someone who spent 9 years of his life learning/experiencing the joy that is owning (or, maybe in my case, it would be <i>owned by</i> a Mini Schnauzer! They were some of the best years of my life, and it helped me realize how awesome the breed is! So, that said, when I saw this book offered for my Kindle, I had to get it!
The author lets you know upfront that it is a book for young adults, but that it could be enjoyed by parents, or even those who opted not to be parents. Either way, I was kinda prepared when I went into it. What I was <u>not</u> prepared for was how much I enjoyed the book!
Forner is clearly a fellow Schnauzer enthusiast, as well as being a parent to one. It shows in the way that he writes for the character of Monty, coming off as someone who has had experience with one, as well as paying good attention to their behaviors.
I sometimes like to read before going to sleep, but unfortunately, it tends to leave me waking up the next morning having to re-read what I read the night before, as it was just too much to remember after I fell asleep. With ...THE CASE OF THE STEALTHY CAT BURGLAR, I was provided with a suitable way to a) have an enjoyable read before bed and b) have a book that I could read a couple chapters before bed and still be able to remember them in the one. Bravo, good sir!
Look, this is a great little read! Only folks who probably wouldn't enjoy are cat lovers and people without a soul! Now, that's enough from me, go get this book and be prepared to enjoy the heck out of it!
Now, where is Monty's next adventure, hmm? ;)
The author lets you know upfront that it is a book for young adults, but that it could be enjoyed by parents, or even those who opted not to be parents. Either way, I was kinda prepared when I went into it. What I was <u>not</u> prepared for was how much I enjoyed the book!
Forner is clearly a fellow Schnauzer enthusiast, as well as being a parent to one. It shows in the way that he writes for the character of Monty, coming off as someone who has had experience with one, as well as paying good attention to their behaviors.
I sometimes like to read before going to sleep, but unfortunately, it tends to leave me waking up the next morning having to re-read what I read the night before, as it was just too much to remember after I fell asleep. With ...THE CASE OF THE STEALTHY CAT BURGLAR, I was provided with a suitable way to a) have an enjoyable read before bed and b) have a book that I could read a couple chapters before bed and still be able to remember them in the one. Bravo, good sir!
Look, this is a great little read! Only folks who probably wouldn't enjoy are cat lovers and people without a soul! Now, that's enough from me, go get this book and be prepared to enjoy the heck out of it!
Now, where is Monty's next adventure, hmm? ;)
Merissa (13329 KP) rated Over the Emerald Valley (Immortal Jewels) by Lee Colgin in Books
May 5, 2022 (Updated Jun 20, 2023)
OVER THE EMERALD VALLEY is a standalone story within the Immortal Jewels series. I haven't read any of the other books in this series although I do love the Outcasts series.
This book is set in ancient Egypt where Solon has been sent on a mission to visit some remote emerald mines where the Pharaoh thinks he is being short-changed. Once there, he is 'gifted' with Temaj, a concubine who may or may not be there to spy on him. He resists the attraction, but not for too long. Temaj has had a rough life but is now making the best of it. Will he help Solon rock the boat, or will he decide he is too comfortable?
I liked how Temaj was able to draw Solon out of himself, although I found his bratty attitude a bit much at times. I know it was his character but it didn't seem to fit with his role all of the time. Abasi must have been a very laid-back owner to allow him to speak in such ways in public. Temaj was also able to make Solon see things differently, and I loved his comparisons as he tried to make Solon understand his point of view.
The supporting characters were wonderful and I couldn't help a pang of sadness with Temaj at the thought of not seeing Seli or Met again. And Solon with Neku. I am hoping we will see more of Solon and Temaj's life with Eshe in different books.
Overall, this was a very good read that kept my attention to the end. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 3, 2022
This book is set in ancient Egypt where Solon has been sent on a mission to visit some remote emerald mines where the Pharaoh thinks he is being short-changed. Once there, he is 'gifted' with Temaj, a concubine who may or may not be there to spy on him. He resists the attraction, but not for too long. Temaj has had a rough life but is now making the best of it. Will he help Solon rock the boat, or will he decide he is too comfortable?
I liked how Temaj was able to draw Solon out of himself, although I found his bratty attitude a bit much at times. I know it was his character but it didn't seem to fit with his role all of the time. Abasi must have been a very laid-back owner to allow him to speak in such ways in public. Temaj was also able to make Solon see things differently, and I loved his comparisons as he tried to make Solon understand his point of view.
The supporting characters were wonderful and I couldn't help a pang of sadness with Temaj at the thought of not seeing Seli or Met again. And Solon with Neku. I am hoping we will see more of Solon and Temaj's life with Eshe in different books.
Overall, this was a very good read that kept my attention to the end. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 3, 2022
Rescued By The Alpha (Alaskan Wolf Alliance #1)
10.0
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M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance. When wishing for a new life, Elam finds out the hard way that he...
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Ninth Rain in Books
Aug 27, 2018
The Ninth Rain takes place in a world with two main dominant races: humans and eborans. The latter used to derive strength from the sap of Ygserin, the life-giving god-tree. This tree also used to dispatch war-beasts when needed, following invasion from the "worm-people", an alien race who seem determined to destroy the land and its people. The story follows the adventures of Vintage and Tormalin (a human and her Eboran companion) as they try to research the worm people's motives and weaknesses, and Noon, a Fell-witch who can take someone's life force and turn it into a weapon of fire.
The plot is very well planned out and interwoven, with the history of the land and its people, and the main characters, being revealed over the course of the book as needed to fit in with the current timeline.
The characters are well crafted and develop in different ways over the course of the book.
For me, the middle third dragged a little as a fairly humdrum adventure across country unfolded and numerous incidents and conflicts occurred. There just didn't seem to be a great deal of direction and it was more that "things that need to happen will happen here" but it didn't really serve much purpose. The story before and after that was very strong, but this section was a chore.
I am always nervous when a character suddenly has a voice in their head telling them what to do, afraid of irritating deus ex machina. Here however that was not the case as the voice was a very important, and (eventually) well-grounded plot point.
Overall a very good story, set up nicely for the follow-up in the series.
The plot is very well planned out and interwoven, with the history of the land and its people, and the main characters, being revealed over the course of the book as needed to fit in with the current timeline.
The characters are well crafted and develop in different ways over the course of the book.
For me, the middle third dragged a little as a fairly humdrum adventure across country unfolded and numerous incidents and conflicts occurred. There just didn't seem to be a great deal of direction and it was more that "things that need to happen will happen here" but it didn't really serve much purpose. The story before and after that was very strong, but this section was a chore.
I am always nervous when a character suddenly has a voice in their head telling them what to do, afraid of irritating deus ex machina. Here however that was not the case as the voice was a very important, and (eventually) well-grounded plot point.
Overall a very good story, set up nicely for the follow-up in the series.