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Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Hitman: Agent 47 (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Video game movies get an incredibly bad rep these days. I think it’s because people go into them expecting them to be something there not. The expectation of these films to follow the rules of our reality, instead of the reality of the game itself, which is not always the same. I think that it is for this reason that many reviewers out there, including some that I saw the film with, will lambaste this movie in their write-ups. Now full disclosure, I may be one of the few who actually enjoyed the first Timothy Olyphant Hitman from 2007. I own the DVD. But did Hitman: Agent 47 surpass it, or will it join it down at the very bottom of everyone’s list? Read on.
Agent 47 begins by giving background on what the “Agent” program is: a research project to genetically enhance humans to make them the perfect weapons; however, Litvenko (Clarán Hinds), the man who unlocked the key to the genetics behind the program, morally disagreed with the direction the program was going in and went on the run with his young daughter. Fast forward to present day where we find Katia (Hannah Ware) search for Litvenko, but she doesn’t know that he is her father. She just know that she needs to find him. The problem is that Syndicate International, the corporation trying to restart the agent program, is searching for her believing that she knows where her father is. They send an agent of their own, John Smith (Zachary Quinto), to find her and protect her, though he is not exactly what he seems to be. Enter Agent 47 (Rupert Friend) who reveals the nefarious plans of Syndicate International, and begins to unlock the secrets to Katia’s past, and her own enhanced abilities.
Now remember, this is based on a very popular video game franchise. The rules of reality that we know do not necessarily apply. You already need to take into account the fact that “Agents” exist where they have been genetically altered to not feel fear, love, sadness… anything really. Genetically altered humans to be faster, smarter, instinctual, and emotionless. But people tend to forget this when we start to see what Syndicate International has done in their own attempts to create an agent. I do not want to give much away on that, as some of it plays big to the plot, but just keep an open mind.
So was it good? I believe so. I am a big fan of the highly successful game franchise. Even though I liked the 2007 film, it did bother me that it didn’t feel like the game I had come to love and play over and over. Agent 47 hits that feel right on the nose. The mission he is sent on is fraught with scenarios that would be right in the game, and the story line is similar enough to some of the plots we have seen, that the movie was really enjoyable. The action sequences were great, the story was decent, and Friend managed to portray the stoic agent well enough that I almost thought I was watching the game for a short time.
All in all, this is a good film if you are a fan of the game franchise. Also, if you can go into it with an open mind about some of the ideals and plotlines involved in the movie, you will love it. Some do not know this, but the late Paul Walker was originally set to star in the role as Agent 47. Knowing this going into the film, I could pinpoint certain lines of dialogue that may have been written with him in mind, and it made me wonder if the film would have been better, or worse, received than its current form. Sadly, we will never know.
If you want some good, if not over the top, action sequences, along with an interesting take on the Hitman universe, definitely check out this film. This is one that is going into my collection upon home release.
Agent 47 begins by giving background on what the “Agent” program is: a research project to genetically enhance humans to make them the perfect weapons; however, Litvenko (Clarán Hinds), the man who unlocked the key to the genetics behind the program, morally disagreed with the direction the program was going in and went on the run with his young daughter. Fast forward to present day where we find Katia (Hannah Ware) search for Litvenko, but she doesn’t know that he is her father. She just know that she needs to find him. The problem is that Syndicate International, the corporation trying to restart the agent program, is searching for her believing that she knows where her father is. They send an agent of their own, John Smith (Zachary Quinto), to find her and protect her, though he is not exactly what he seems to be. Enter Agent 47 (Rupert Friend) who reveals the nefarious plans of Syndicate International, and begins to unlock the secrets to Katia’s past, and her own enhanced abilities.
Now remember, this is based on a very popular video game franchise. The rules of reality that we know do not necessarily apply. You already need to take into account the fact that “Agents” exist where they have been genetically altered to not feel fear, love, sadness… anything really. Genetically altered humans to be faster, smarter, instinctual, and emotionless. But people tend to forget this when we start to see what Syndicate International has done in their own attempts to create an agent. I do not want to give much away on that, as some of it plays big to the plot, but just keep an open mind.
So was it good? I believe so. I am a big fan of the highly successful game franchise. Even though I liked the 2007 film, it did bother me that it didn’t feel like the game I had come to love and play over and over. Agent 47 hits that feel right on the nose. The mission he is sent on is fraught with scenarios that would be right in the game, and the story line is similar enough to some of the plots we have seen, that the movie was really enjoyable. The action sequences were great, the story was decent, and Friend managed to portray the stoic agent well enough that I almost thought I was watching the game for a short time.
All in all, this is a good film if you are a fan of the game franchise. Also, if you can go into it with an open mind about some of the ideals and plotlines involved in the movie, you will love it. Some do not know this, but the late Paul Walker was originally set to star in the role as Agent 47. Knowing this going into the film, I could pinpoint certain lines of dialogue that may have been written with him in mind, and it made me wonder if the film would have been better, or worse, received than its current form. Sadly, we will never know.
If you want some good, if not over the top, action sequences, along with an interesting take on the Hitman universe, definitely check out this film. This is one that is going into my collection upon home release.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The After Party in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Received an ARC from penguin's first to read program. I was super excited to read this book, and while it was quite good it wasn't what I was expecting. the word that comes to mind is melancholy. I spent the majority of the book wondering why Cecelia was so obsessed with joan, it went much deeper than simply friendship, and it's something I still don't quite understand...it was almost creepy. I also would have liked to have had a few chapters from joans perspective, I felt it would have given a bit more development to the characters and i was curious about her opinion of Cecelia and her constant hovering and neediness. overall it was an enjoyable read, very well written and deeper than I expected.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Back to the Garden in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Right, I could not finish this book. When reading a book becomes more like a chore I dread doing, I have to stop unfortunately or I'd never end up reading any other book until I finished this one.
I just found the pacing to be a bit too slow for my liking, and I just felt confused about who's who in the book. Laura felt more like a male character than a female character...I don't know, it just felt all wrong to me.
However, this could just be me. I'd recommend others to read it because they may end up liking it.
Right, I could not finish this book. When reading a book becomes more like a chore I dread doing, I have to stop unfortunately or I'd never end up reading any other book until I finished this one.
I just found the pacing to be a bit too slow for my liking, and I just felt confused about who's who in the book. Laura felt more like a male character than a female character...I don't know, it just felt all wrong to me.
However, this could just be me. I'd recommend others to read it because they may end up liking it.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Dark Deception (Defenders of Justice #2) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a long time fan of Nancy Mehl's and just finishing Fatal Frost from the library, I couldn't wait to dive into this beauty. I was definitely not disappointed! She is a seasoned author who knows just what to bring her readers.
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
I loved the edge of your seat suspense in this novel. From page one, I was wrapped up in Kate's story. She was chiseled perfectly and really came to life while I followed her on this whirl wind journey. Her journey was not an easy one, that's for sure. In the witness protection program, she has dealt with so much in her life already. But, when she finds out she may have to retestify against the attacker that left her in the wfieitness program to begin with, the story line intensifies and I was pulled even deeper into the story.
Tony Deluca's character was also well chiseled and I loved watching him trying to get a grip on his feelings for Kate once again. The sparks between were evident and when the plot turns to a whole new surprise, those feelings might have to be on the back burner in order to save Kate, and himself, once again.
This book is definitely going on my top 10 2017 list! It's full of the perfect amount of romance, twists and turns, all while weaving in God's mercy and faith. More often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering just what was going to happen next. This 5 star worthy, heart pounding, nail biting goodness is highly recommended! I can't wait to see what's in store for us readers next. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/tlc-book-tours-review-dark-deception-by-nancy-mehl-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Darren (1599 KP) rated A Cure For Wellness (2017) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: A Cure for Wellness starts young executive Lockhart (DeHaan) is sent to a remote wellness centre in Switzerland to bring the CEO Pembroke (Groener) back to help close a merge in New York. After being involved in a car accident Lockhart finds himself with a broken leg and now a patient of the Wellness Program.
Still searching for Pembroke, Lockhart makes a deal with the director Volmer (Issacs) to stay for a couple of days to finish up the treatment for Pembroke. In this time Lockhart meets a mysterious young woman Hannah (Goth) the only other young patient who he tries to unlock the secrets of the program, which will test his own sanity.
Thoughts on A Cure for Wellness
Characters/Performance – Lockhart is the driven ambitious young man who has nearly reach the peak of his career at such a young age, he is haunted by his past which does include his father’s suicide and his mother’s death, this leaves him alone but in search for answers once he becomes the latest patient in the program. Volmer is the director of the clinic, he constantly remains calm through any incidents that occur and does have his own motives for the clinic. Hannah is the mysterious young woman also in the clinic, she is the only young patient there and she is Volmer’s main project but we are left to wonder about her past.
Performance wise, Dane DeHaan is good in this leading role and you can clearly see why he is tipped for a great career. Jason Isaacs always makes for a good doctor figure and this is no exception, while Mia Goth continues to make a name for herself in these stranger roles.
Story – The story is filled with questions which always makes for a good story, I will have to point out that this is a long film nearing the 2 and half hour’s mark and even at that you can see how the pace can be questioned but it doesn’t feel long. We get a new look into the asylum genre which I feel is something we needed but the weakness is that we never hit the full levels of any of the genres involved.
Fantasy/Horror/Mystery – The fantasy elements of this film come from the world we are placed into, this also comes for the sci-fi side of everything too. The horror comes from see what happens within the walls which is quite shocking at times but the best use of the genres comes from the mystery element which keeps us guessing from start to finish as we simply don’t know where it will go.
Settings – With most of the film taking place in the clinic we find ourselves trapped just like Lockhart in a place which doesn’t have an escape because being there means you don’t want to leave.
Final Thoughts – This is one long mystery thriller that doesn’t stop you wanting to see where the film will go and then it will leave you shocked by the end.
Overall: A rewarding mystery thriller
https://moviesreview101.com/2017/06/02/movie-reviews-101-midnight-horror-a-cure-for-wellness-2017/
Still searching for Pembroke, Lockhart makes a deal with the director Volmer (Issacs) to stay for a couple of days to finish up the treatment for Pembroke. In this time Lockhart meets a mysterious young woman Hannah (Goth) the only other young patient who he tries to unlock the secrets of the program, which will test his own sanity.
Thoughts on A Cure for Wellness
Characters/Performance – Lockhart is the driven ambitious young man who has nearly reach the peak of his career at such a young age, he is haunted by his past which does include his father’s suicide and his mother’s death, this leaves him alone but in search for answers once he becomes the latest patient in the program. Volmer is the director of the clinic, he constantly remains calm through any incidents that occur and does have his own motives for the clinic. Hannah is the mysterious young woman also in the clinic, she is the only young patient there and she is Volmer’s main project but we are left to wonder about her past.
Performance wise, Dane DeHaan is good in this leading role and you can clearly see why he is tipped for a great career. Jason Isaacs always makes for a good doctor figure and this is no exception, while Mia Goth continues to make a name for herself in these stranger roles.
Story – The story is filled with questions which always makes for a good story, I will have to point out that this is a long film nearing the 2 and half hour’s mark and even at that you can see how the pace can be questioned but it doesn’t feel long. We get a new look into the asylum genre which I feel is something we needed but the weakness is that we never hit the full levels of any of the genres involved.
Fantasy/Horror/Mystery – The fantasy elements of this film come from the world we are placed into, this also comes for the sci-fi side of everything too. The horror comes from see what happens within the walls which is quite shocking at times but the best use of the genres comes from the mystery element which keeps us guessing from start to finish as we simply don’t know where it will go.
Settings – With most of the film taking place in the clinic we find ourselves trapped just like Lockhart in a place which doesn’t have an escape because being there means you don’t want to leave.
Final Thoughts – This is one long mystery thriller that doesn’t stop you wanting to see where the film will go and then it will leave you shocked by the end.
Overall: A rewarding mystery thriller
https://moviesreview101.com/2017/06/02/movie-reviews-101-midnight-horror-a-cure-for-wellness-2017/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Cozy Up to Trouble in Books
Apr 21, 2022
Trouble in a High Rise
Beau Smith’s latest identity is Skeeter Dursky, and he’s landed at a senior apartment building on Lake Michigan in Chicago. He’s been on the job for three days when someone from a previous location where the Witness Protection Program placed him walks in. Then someone dies, and the police lock down the building. Can Skeeter figure out what happened before his cover is completely blown again?
This book focuses more on the crime at hand than bringing Skeeter’s past too much into the story. However, it felt very light. The characters, even Skeeter, were thin, with the focus being on the plot. There is enough going on to keep us from seeing the solution until Skeeter brings it to light. I do enjoy the humor, including the gentle digs at cozies. The books are short enough that I still find myself enjoying them, but the tradeoff is that there isn’t time to develop anything fully. If you are interested and can find these on sale, then snap them up.
This book focuses more on the crime at hand than bringing Skeeter’s past too much into the story. However, it felt very light. The characters, even Skeeter, were thin, with the focus being on the plot. There is enough going on to keep us from seeing the solution until Skeeter brings it to light. I do enjoy the humor, including the gentle digs at cozies. The books are short enough that I still find myself enjoying them, but the tradeoff is that there isn’t time to develop anything fully. If you are interested and can find these on sale, then snap them up.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Go Ask Fannie in Books
May 29, 2018
I really enjoyed Go Ask Fannie by Elisabeth Hyde. The characters were very well-defined, as well as likeable, and the story progressed so, so well and it was a very satisfying read from start to finish.
Fannie, is not the character I presumed her to be! But a clever feature of the story that I really enjoyed! The three siblings followed, Lizzie, George and Ruth, as well as they patriarch of the family, Murray, are going through some stuff. A LOT of stuff. There are secrets, and fighting, and lots of unspoken words. It was a sneak peek into a weekend of this family, and all the issues they possess. And also all the Love.
I'm a big fan of Elisabeth Hyde now - and will definitely look out for anything else she has written! I received a copy of Go Ask Fannie as part of the Penguin First to Read program in exchange for my honest review.
Fannie, is not the character I presumed her to be! But a clever feature of the story that I really enjoyed! The three siblings followed, Lizzie, George and Ruth, as well as they patriarch of the family, Murray, are going through some stuff. A LOT of stuff. There are secrets, and fighting, and lots of unspoken words. It was a sneak peek into a weekend of this family, and all the issues they possess. And also all the Love.
I'm a big fan of Elisabeth Hyde now - and will definitely look out for anything else she has written! I received a copy of Go Ask Fannie as part of the Penguin First to Read program in exchange for my honest review.
Michelle (114 KP) rated Supernatural in TV
Mar 15, 2018
I was late to getting to know about this series, yet with saying that it is the first TV series which I was hooked on. In the first season we are introduced to Sam and Dean whose father is away on a hunting trip and has not returned and their mother was killed by a yellow eyed demon. Sam and Dean give up a normal life of going to collage and working in a garage and became hunters. They befriend various people along the way over the rest of the seasons , even becoming friends with an angel who will do anything to save the brothers from becoming human vessals for Lucifer and Michael. Longest running CW TV program out as the show is now in it's 13th season.
Becs (244 KP) rated The Third Act in Books
Sep 3, 2018
The history aspect. (2 more)
The storyline.
The characters and their stories.
Great young adult history read!
I received The Third Act by John Wilson as a read and review copy from Libray Thing Early Reviewers program for my full honest review.
I honestly loved reading this. It was fun, thrilling, and even fast-paced, the majority of the time. Would I change anything? Not at all. It was beautifully written for the history aspect of it and held my attention. Which is very surprising because I can never have my attention grabbed by history related books.
The cover of this little novel is really cool. I like how they have a faded ‘ghost of the past’ on the cover. I actually didn’t realize that it was there until I was about halfway through with the book. The plotline was one that I wasn’t sure I was going to like at first. But as I kept reading, the history of the Nanjing Massacre and the switching from the past to the present, drew my attention in like a mouse to cake crumbs. The characters weren’t as developed, but it worked for this storyline.
I honestly loved reading this. It was fun, thrilling, and even fast-paced, the majority of the time. Would I change anything? Not at all. It was beautifully written for the history aspect of it and held my attention. Which is very surprising because I can never have my attention grabbed by history related books.
The cover of this little novel is really cool. I like how they have a faded ‘ghost of the past’ on the cover. I actually didn’t realize that it was there until I was about halfway through with the book. The plotline was one that I wasn’t sure I was going to like at first. But as I kept reading, the history of the Nanjing Massacre and the switching from the past to the present, drew my attention in like a mouse to cake crumbs. The characters weren’t as developed, but it worked for this storyline.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Storm Track (Deborah Knott Mysteries, #7) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Hurricane Fran is barrelling down toward Judge Deborah Knott's Colleton County, but that isn't even the worst of it. A young woman is found murdered in town: Lynn Bullock was the wife of Jason Bullock, a lawyer in Colleton. It looks like Lynn's philandering has finally caught up with her. Deborah begins her own investigation -- mostly in attempt to make sure that her cousin, Reed, who was involved with Lynn, wasn't also a part of her murder. But as Deborah keeps digging, she finds that Lynn and Jason's story goes much deeper and links in with many of the townspeople of Colleton County. When someone else turns up dead, Deborah knows there is more to Lynn's death than meets the eye.
Goodreads tells me that I haven't picked up one of Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott mysteries since 2009, which is hard to believe, because reading one of these cozy mystery novels is always easy and familiar. My kids and I have been participating in our library's Summer Reads program, and this year the program gives away free books to adults, too! (How cool is that?) I chose a Maron book for June's prize and quickly realized how long it had been since I read a Deborah Knott mystery--and how many books I'd need to read to catch up with the one I picked up (#13, I think).
So here we are. I have a soft spot for Maron's mysteries due to my love of southern literature. She has a lovely and easy way of capturing her southern characters--their drawls, their southern ways, the complicated (yet simple) sprawling nature of Deborah's large extended family. This novel features a sweet young boy named Stan, who easily steals the show, as well as Deborah's typical interactions with her family and friends. While I always feel like trouble finds Deborah awfully easily (the murder rate in Colleton County is awfully high), these books are enjoyable, quick reads. Even after all these years, it was easy to pick back up again with Deborah and her clan. Deborah's sleuthing isn't particularly complicated--and the ending was fairly quick, with a twist that I had started to guess--but it was still a comfortable mystery. I always enjoy Deborah and will try to keep catching up with the series over the next few months. Oh who are we kidding... years. I still have a ways to go before I catch up and can read that free book from the library's program!
<a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">My Blog</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/justacatandbook">Twitter</a>;
Goodreads tells me that I haven't picked up one of Margaret Maron's Deborah Knott mysteries since 2009, which is hard to believe, because reading one of these cozy mystery novels is always easy and familiar. My kids and I have been participating in our library's Summer Reads program, and this year the program gives away free books to adults, too! (How cool is that?) I chose a Maron book for June's prize and quickly realized how long it had been since I read a Deborah Knott mystery--and how many books I'd need to read to catch up with the one I picked up (#13, I think).
So here we are. I have a soft spot for Maron's mysteries due to my love of southern literature. She has a lovely and easy way of capturing her southern characters--their drawls, their southern ways, the complicated (yet simple) sprawling nature of Deborah's large extended family. This novel features a sweet young boy named Stan, who easily steals the show, as well as Deborah's typical interactions with her family and friends. While I always feel like trouble finds Deborah awfully easily (the murder rate in Colleton County is awfully high), these books are enjoyable, quick reads. Even after all these years, it was easy to pick back up again with Deborah and her clan. Deborah's sleuthing isn't particularly complicated--and the ending was fairly quick, with a twist that I had started to guess--but it was still a comfortable mystery. I always enjoy Deborah and will try to keep catching up with the series over the next few months. Oh who are we kidding... years. I still have a ways to go before I catch up and can read that free book from the library's program!
<a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">My Blog</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/justacatandbook">Twitter</a>;