Search
Search results
Dude Perfect 2
Games and Entertainment
App
1.5 billion YouTube views later, Dude Perfect is back with the most epic trick shot challenge yet! ...
Steph (468 KP) rated Special Topics in Calamity Physics in Books
Aug 14, 2018
Wow. This book is incredible. First, the prose is absolutely brilliant. From the very beginning, its intellectual and detailed nature gripped me and pulled me into the story. When the plot was slow (and it is at times), I still couldn't put it down because of how beautifully it was written. The author has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of famous books and quotations and references them throughout the text in a really clever way. These references really make the metaphors hit home and are a creative way to allow the main character's personality to come through.
The end of this book is a shock like jumping into a cold pool. How Hannah dies and what is going on with this woman is the focus of 2/3 or 3/4 of the book. At the slow points I would sometimes think that with all the build up, the ending better be good- and it absolutely does not disappoint. There are little clues throughout the book that become obvious once the ending has been revealed. The author leaves us clues to this mystery just like the clues that Hannah leaves for Blue that unravel into her life story. You don't see them at first, but in retrospect, everything fits together in a puzzle that leaves you incredibly satisfied. Everything you thought was just worldbuilding or intricate detail to enhance the characters or setting actually is relevant to the entire mystery.
I'm very impressed with this book. I'm already looking forward to my next re-read when I can go through the book knowing the ending- I imagine it will be an entirely different, but still absolutely wonderful, experience.
The end of this book is a shock like jumping into a cold pool. How Hannah dies and what is going on with this woman is the focus of 2/3 or 3/4 of the book. At the slow points I would sometimes think that with all the build up, the ending better be good- and it absolutely does not disappoint. There are little clues throughout the book that become obvious once the ending has been revealed. The author leaves us clues to this mystery just like the clues that Hannah leaves for Blue that unravel into her life story. You don't see them at first, but in retrospect, everything fits together in a puzzle that leaves you incredibly satisfied. Everything you thought was just worldbuilding or intricate detail to enhance the characters or setting actually is relevant to the entire mystery.
I'm very impressed with this book. I'm already looking forward to my next re-read when I can go through the book knowing the ending- I imagine it will be an entirely different, but still absolutely wonderful, experience.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Silver Linings Playbook (2012) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019
Classic
A man trying to piece his life together after being released from a mental institution befriends a woman just as whacky and out of control as he is.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 8
Genre: 8
Silver Linings Playbook is a unique story about finding The One while finding your way. It’s a wild ride of storytelling where you hope it plays out in a certain fashion, but you’re never really sure. It’s hilarious, thought-provoking, and touching all at once. A definite classic.
Memorability: 10
One of my favorite scenes in this whole movie occurs when Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts Pat (Bradley Cooper) after he missed their scheduled dance practice. It’s a brilliant scene where Tiffany and Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) go back and forth about why missing practice was the worst thing Pat Jr. could have done. There are quite a few moments like these where the dialogue is just right and the scene unfolds perfectly. These moments not only captivate your attention but have you anticipating the next great moment.
Pace: 10
And it’s because of those moments that the overall pace is managed so well. Outside of a slow beginning, the story moves at an extremely consistent pace. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and sometimes both, it forces you through the story while you ride an emotional high.
Plot: 10
The originality of the story gives me nothing to compare it to and that’s a great thing. It’s a film that succeeds by staying in its own lane and not trying to be anything else. It also succeeds with consistency: There are no holes or weaknesses that make the overall story come up short.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 91
Memorable scenes abound in Silver Linings Playbook. Anytime Chris Tucker shows up randomly, you know it’s going to be a good time. It’s not just a good movie, but a movie with staying power. The more I watch it, the more I end up loving it.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 5
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 8
Genre: 8
Silver Linings Playbook is a unique story about finding The One while finding your way. It’s a wild ride of storytelling where you hope it plays out in a certain fashion, but you’re never really sure. It’s hilarious, thought-provoking, and touching all at once. A definite classic.
Memorability: 10
One of my favorite scenes in this whole movie occurs when Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts Pat (Bradley Cooper) after he missed their scheduled dance practice. It’s a brilliant scene where Tiffany and Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) go back and forth about why missing practice was the worst thing Pat Jr. could have done. There are quite a few moments like these where the dialogue is just right and the scene unfolds perfectly. These moments not only captivate your attention but have you anticipating the next great moment.
Pace: 10
And it’s because of those moments that the overall pace is managed so well. Outside of a slow beginning, the story moves at an extremely consistent pace. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and sometimes both, it forces you through the story while you ride an emotional high.
Plot: 10
The originality of the story gives me nothing to compare it to and that’s a great thing. It’s a film that succeeds by staying in its own lane and not trying to be anything else. It also succeeds with consistency: There are no holes or weaknesses that make the overall story come up short.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 91
Memorable scenes abound in Silver Linings Playbook. Anytime Chris Tucker shows up randomly, you know it’s going to be a good time. It’s not just a good movie, but a movie with staying power. The more I watch it, the more I end up loving it.
I'll Tell You What...
Book
Robbie Savage is one of Britain's most recognisable football pundits. Incisive, forthright and bold,...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Never Hike Alone (2017) in Movies
Oct 20, 2020
Never Hike Alone is a hell of an accomplishment - a fan made film based on Friday the 13th that is as good, maybe even better, than the best entries in the main franchise.
It's premise is simple - a survival/hiking enthusiast is collecting footage for his YouTube channel when he accidentally stumbles across the remains of Camp Crystal Lake, resulting in a one on one fight for his life when he discovers that Jason Voorhees still resides there - and it's short runtime (clocking in at just under an hour) make for a no-filler, sharp-shock slice of slasher goodness.
It carries a lot of tension, the first half being relatively calm as protagonist Kyle (Drew Leighty) explores the remnant of the camp. Fans of the original film will surely get a kick out of recognisable landmarks, including the bed that Kevin Bacon was skewered through. It's a nice way of showing that this short is a true love letter to the franchise. Kyle is a likable and believable lead who's survival skill set makes him a good match for the big bad.
When Jason eventually shows up, he's damn scary! This version of Jason is just relentless. He's quick, heavy footed, and smashes through doors like they're not even there. Director Vincent DiSanti fills the shoes of Jason, and his tall and broad figure make for a genuinely intimidating version of this beloved horror icon.
He looks fantastic as well, it's clear that a lot of effort was put into his make up and costume.
Top all of this off with a cameo from Thom Mathews himself, and what you get is a recipe for a successful short film, made for fans, by fans.
Never Hike Alone is a real treat for anyone who even has a passing interest in Friday the 13th. Hats off to Womp Stomp Films for their great work.
It's premise is simple - a survival/hiking enthusiast is collecting footage for his YouTube channel when he accidentally stumbles across the remains of Camp Crystal Lake, resulting in a one on one fight for his life when he discovers that Jason Voorhees still resides there - and it's short runtime (clocking in at just under an hour) make for a no-filler, sharp-shock slice of slasher goodness.
It carries a lot of tension, the first half being relatively calm as protagonist Kyle (Drew Leighty) explores the remnant of the camp. Fans of the original film will surely get a kick out of recognisable landmarks, including the bed that Kevin Bacon was skewered through. It's a nice way of showing that this short is a true love letter to the franchise. Kyle is a likable and believable lead who's survival skill set makes him a good match for the big bad.
When Jason eventually shows up, he's damn scary! This version of Jason is just relentless. He's quick, heavy footed, and smashes through doors like they're not even there. Director Vincent DiSanti fills the shoes of Jason, and his tall and broad figure make for a genuinely intimidating version of this beloved horror icon.
He looks fantastic as well, it's clear that a lot of effort was put into his make up and costume.
Top all of this off with a cameo from Thom Mathews himself, and what you get is a recipe for a successful short film, made for fans, by fans.
Never Hike Alone is a real treat for anyone who even has a passing interest in Friday the 13th. Hats off to Womp Stomp Films for their great work.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated A Brat for Kinkmas (Naughty or Nice Season Three) in Books
Jan 6, 2023
A BRAT FOR KINKMAS is J.P. Sayle's addition to the Naughty or Nice Season #3 and you really need to take notice of the title! I've come to the conclusion that I definitely like the caring/nurturing daddies and sweet boys more than I like domineering daddies and bratty boys. It was a bit of a surprise for me as I like some books that are heavier on the BDSM side than this was. I think it's the daddy side of things that does it for me.
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Dec 14, 2019
A "Game" Cast makes this fun film as good as the last one
Did you enjoy the previous JUMANJI film where Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan were video game avatars of 4 teens sucked into a video game? It was alot of fun, an unexpected big hit and, inevitably, spun a sequel.
Well...if you liked the last one, then you'll like this one, for JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL pretty much delivers the same type of fun film, but avoids the cliches and lack of energy that a "quickie" sequel inevitably delivers.
Credit for this should go to returning Director Jake Kasdan and a "game" cast that are ALL back from the previous film. While the plot is fairly similar (4 teens are sucked into a real-life video game where they can be trapped forever if they cannot "win" the game), the twist of adding 2 old folks (played in the real world by Danny Glover and Danny DeVito) almost derails the fun, but this winning cast and passably exciting action sequences steers this film into an enjoyable entertainment activity.
I am a big Kevin Hart fan - and he does a great job of channeling Danny Glover in his character. He really brought the charm - and the funny - from the get go. He is ably assisted by Karen Gillan, who doesn't really have anything new to do, but brings the same "kick-butt action with a wink in the eye" characterization and energy as the first film. The surprise for me was Jack Black who I thought was very, very funny and energized. If anything, I thought his characterization was BETTER than the previous film. Only "The Rock" fails to equal his previous efforts - and he is just fine (he is "The Rock" after all). When you are talking about a team of actors playing against each other in an action/comedy and "The Rock" is the weak link, then you are in good shape.
A fine addition to the proceedings is the always watchable Awkwafina as another character in the game while Nick Jonas returns as the avatar Alex and Rory McCann (the Hound in GAME OF THRONES) is very fun as the "big bad" in this film.
The action scenes are fun, the characters are enjoyable to spend 2 hours with and the puzzle that they are trying to solve is clever (enough) that you will be able to pass a few enjoyable hours with your family this Holiday season.
Letter Grade: B+
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Well...if you liked the last one, then you'll like this one, for JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL pretty much delivers the same type of fun film, but avoids the cliches and lack of energy that a "quickie" sequel inevitably delivers.
Credit for this should go to returning Director Jake Kasdan and a "game" cast that are ALL back from the previous film. While the plot is fairly similar (4 teens are sucked into a real-life video game where they can be trapped forever if they cannot "win" the game), the twist of adding 2 old folks (played in the real world by Danny Glover and Danny DeVito) almost derails the fun, but this winning cast and passably exciting action sequences steers this film into an enjoyable entertainment activity.
I am a big Kevin Hart fan - and he does a great job of channeling Danny Glover in his character. He really brought the charm - and the funny - from the get go. He is ably assisted by Karen Gillan, who doesn't really have anything new to do, but brings the same "kick-butt action with a wink in the eye" characterization and energy as the first film. The surprise for me was Jack Black who I thought was very, very funny and energized. If anything, I thought his characterization was BETTER than the previous film. Only "The Rock" fails to equal his previous efforts - and he is just fine (he is "The Rock" after all). When you are talking about a team of actors playing against each other in an action/comedy and "The Rock" is the weak link, then you are in good shape.
A fine addition to the proceedings is the always watchable Awkwafina as another character in the game while Nick Jonas returns as the avatar Alex and Rory McCann (the Hound in GAME OF THRONES) is very fun as the "big bad" in this film.
The action scenes are fun, the characters are enjoyable to spend 2 hours with and the puzzle that they are trying to solve is clever (enough) that you will be able to pass a few enjoyable hours with your family this Holiday season.
Letter Grade: B+
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Love or Sacrifice (Mages of the Nether #3) by A.M. Halford
Love or Sacrifice is the third book in the Mages of the Nether series, and we focus on another 'Shield' - this time, it's William. He has appeared aloof, even cold, in previous books but we learn more about him in this one, and realise that it is just because he takes himself and his duty to Daniel and Aiden very seriously. However, he does want more, but is resigned to a lack of love in his life as he always put duty first. When Nevada drops into his life, he wants more, a lot more, but is afraid to move forwards. It takes some words from Daniel before he is prepared to open his heart to Nevada.
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a brilliant book in the series, and we reunite with Daniel and Aiden, as well as Marcus and Edmond, whilst still giving William and Nevada plenty of time. As with the previous couples, you get some serious sexy times, but you get a story too. It isn't just erotica! It is a hot and steamy, well-thought-out and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was engrossed from start to finish. And now I am left REALLY wanting Zachary's story! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Garden State (2004) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020 (Updated Nov 26, 2020)
Whole quirk, probably just a feature length "Try not to cringe" challenge if I really think about it - which as a cringe connoisseur I always have a soft spot for and you will too if that's your thing - but this taps into something buried deep in the psyche, with an almost primal force. Not only does this capture how fucking insufferable "Hey, how've you been?" small talk can be, but this does better than most movies before or after it in depicting that time in your life (late adolescence/early adulthood) where you were the center of your own moody universe and nothing else mattered - when you thought that's how life would be forever and you just Felt So Deeply™, for good and for ill. It has this authentic, free youthful energy about it but it also has a pretty mopey demeanor to it as well. Hence why I think this would work better if these characters were a bit younger, but I digress - it does that so impeccably well that all of its other blatant shortcomings are easy to forgive (for instance I still can't decide if Braff nailed the emotionally detached, despondent aura of his disillusioned lead character... or if he just sucked). It's so magnetic stylistically (soundtrack is stacked and the cinematography rules) I think it does its job more than capably. Pretty mesmerizingly walks a fine line between "What the fuck is this?" and "Hey who left this bowl of onions here?". Portman is the final boss Manic Pixie Dream Girl.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Arlo: An MM Age Play Daddy Romance in Books
Aug 4, 2024
Loved This!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ima gush about this book, k? It's my review and I can do that, right??
Cos what this is, is a whole bunch of sweet and smexy; cute and downright angry enducing; cat rescuing and pirate fighting (not literally, mind) and the cutest Lolo ever!
I mean, come on! Thomas needs a boy of his own, and Arlo just needs someone to love him. His parental units have mapped out a life for Arlo that he does not want, but he cannot fight them. Thomas helps him see, really see himself for the first time in his life. And I loved Thomas for Arlo.
I loved how Thomas was able to interpret Arlo talking about the pirates and what that really meant. Loved that, cos at first, I wasn't getting it, and then I had a lightbulb moment!
Loved how, at first, Arlo was adamant that there would be no grown up feelings/stuff. He soon changed his mind, but it was ARLO who moved the goalposts, and no pressure was put on him, at all.
Hated the parental units and how they made Arlo feel.
Loved what Thomas does for Jolly!
I'm gonna wrap up, or I'll go on and on, and a ranting review does not a good review make!
I
LOVED
THIS!
Every time Ms Welch writes these kinds of books, I think it's the best yet, and here we go again! Her best one yet!!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ima gush about this book, k? It's my review and I can do that, right??
Cos what this is, is a whole bunch of sweet and smexy; cute and downright angry enducing; cat rescuing and pirate fighting (not literally, mind) and the cutest Lolo ever!
I mean, come on! Thomas needs a boy of his own, and Arlo just needs someone to love him. His parental units have mapped out a life for Arlo that he does not want, but he cannot fight them. Thomas helps him see, really see himself for the first time in his life. And I loved Thomas for Arlo.
I loved how Thomas was able to interpret Arlo talking about the pirates and what that really meant. Loved that, cos at first, I wasn't getting it, and then I had a lightbulb moment!
Loved how, at first, Arlo was adamant that there would be no grown up feelings/stuff. He soon changed his mind, but it was ARLO who moved the goalposts, and no pressure was put on him, at all.
Hated the parental units and how they made Arlo feel.
Loved what Thomas does for Jolly!
I'm gonna wrap up, or I'll go on and on, and a ranting review does not a good review make!
I
LOVED
THIS!
Every time Ms Welch writes these kinds of books, I think it's the best yet, and here we go again! Her best one yet!!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere