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Ross (3284 KP) rated Nightblade in Books
Sep 27, 2017
The book tells the parallel journeys of three young people growing up in the Three Kingdoms, a trio of countries at an uneasy truce. All three suffer awful hardships at a young age and are ripped from their families in different, though all unpleasant, circumstances and all three grow up and are trained in different facets of life in the kingdoms.
The book focuses mainly on Ryuu, a boy gifted with "the sense": the ability to heighten his senses and anticipate attacks (think Jedi meets Spidey-sense, Luke SkyParker if you will. Actually, both had an Uncle Ben didn't they?! Woah that's weird.) He is a driven young man who the reader develops a strong liking for. His interactions with the other young characters and how they come about are well written, with realistic emotions, behaviours and dialogue.
This is really the story of trying to do the right thing with what you have been given and how to take responsibility for the repercussions.
I have immediately continued with the next book in the trilogy, which says a lot for the quality of the writing and the story told.
The book is fairly low on magic, much more sword than sorcery. Something like a Japanese Joe Abercrombie is one way of thinking of it.
The book focuses mainly on Ryuu, a boy gifted with "the sense": the ability to heighten his senses and anticipate attacks (think Jedi meets Spidey-sense, Luke SkyParker if you will. Actually, both had an Uncle Ben didn't they?! Woah that's weird.) He is a driven young man who the reader develops a strong liking for. His interactions with the other young characters and how they come about are well written, with realistic emotions, behaviours and dialogue.
This is really the story of trying to do the right thing with what you have been given and how to take responsibility for the repercussions.
I have immediately continued with the next book in the trilogy, which says a lot for the quality of the writing and the story told.
The book is fairly low on magic, much more sword than sorcery. Something like a Japanese Joe Abercrombie is one way of thinking of it.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Once upon a Time in Mexico (2003) in Movies
Dec 19, 2017
The third instalment in the Mariachi trilogy (which I still don't quite agree with as El Mariachi and Desperado were basically the same film but with the title character being weak/strong) sees El happily together with Salma Hayek but on the run from banditos who finally tracked him down. Opening silly action sequence where they climb down a building while chained at the wrist and escape on top of a bus. Johnny Depp appears as a very naughty CIA agent, who is constantly building up empires/governments to watch them fall and profiting from the spoils. He becomes embroiled in Willem Defoe's coup of the Mexican Culiacan region, meanwhile tries to even out the balance in Mexico by killing all chefs whose Puerco Pibil is too good or not good enough.
Roles for Mickey Rourke as a fugitive, Enrique Eglesias as a down on his luck mariachi gigolo, Cheech Marin as ... Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo as ... Danny Trejo give this film a strong cast and a familiar Rodriguez film.
Further silly action scenes, exploding / remote controlled guitar cases and double/triple crossing complete an excellent fun ride of a film where belief has to be suspended.
Roles for Mickey Rourke as a fugitive, Enrique Eglesias as a down on his luck mariachi gigolo, Cheech Marin as ... Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo as ... Danny Trejo give this film a strong cast and a familiar Rodriguez film.
Further silly action scenes, exploding / remote controlled guitar cases and double/triple crossing complete an excellent fun ride of a film where belief has to be suspended.
kitty ♡ (68 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Jul 26, 2017
tony stark's presence (5 more)
peter's friend, ned, & his lines
zendaya's character
pepperony is back together
no uncle ben dying
miles morales mention
it did what it set out to do.
Contains spoilers, click to show
this isn't the most amazing movie i've seen marvel produce. but it's pretty good. i think what marvel wanted to do is to create a movie that just screams TEENHOOD, and they did just that. i've read other reviews that said the movie was rather john hughes-esque, and i agree.
the best part about this movie is unlike in the previous franchises (the original trilogy & the amazing spider-man), the actors playing these teens aren't in their mid-20s, going on 30s. while it is true that peter's aged up in those versions, a 27 year old still shouldn't be playing a high school student.
the other great things about this movie are the "oh shit" factor of peter finding out who his crush's dad is, his conversations with the suit's AI, and the "asset manager" constantly ignoring peter
i would have loved more of donald glover. i would love to see his character alongside peter, & as miles morales is mentioned, i reckon he's going to make an appearance soon! YES!
the best part about this movie is unlike in the previous franchises (the original trilogy & the amazing spider-man), the actors playing these teens aren't in their mid-20s, going on 30s. while it is true that peter's aged up in those versions, a 27 year old still shouldn't be playing a high school student.
the other great things about this movie are the "oh shit" factor of peter finding out who his crush's dad is, his conversations with the suit's AI, and the "asset manager" constantly ignoring peter
i would have loved more of donald glover. i would love to see his character alongside peter, & as miles morales is mentioned, i reckon he's going to make an appearance soon! YES!
Ross (3284 KP) rated King of Thorns in Books
Sep 5, 2017
The second in the broken empire trilogy continues from where the "prince..." left off. Jorg is now King of Renar having successfully taken over rule from his naughty uncle.
In this book we see Jorg seemingy become more regal, less of a renegade loose canon, though this turns out not to be through his choice.
Similar to the first book, the story line is split between the "present", 4 years after the events of the Prince of Thorns and a separate timeline following immediately from the first book. The way these are woven together allows a good rate of reveals of key events and information along the way, while also leaving enough mystery behind for later.
The plot follows Jorg on his wedding day trying to defend his land from the would-be emperor, the prince of Arrow, and also in the past on a tour of the outlying countries trying to solve various problems.
The post-apocalyptic element hinted at in the first book is further explored here, but not in a way to detract from the important points of the story.
Overall this is an excellent follow-up with top-notch storytelling and engaging action, with the prince/king we love to hate and hate to hate.
In this book we see Jorg seemingy become more regal, less of a renegade loose canon, though this turns out not to be through his choice.
Similar to the first book, the story line is split between the "present", 4 years after the events of the Prince of Thorns and a separate timeline following immediately from the first book. The way these are woven together allows a good rate of reveals of key events and information along the way, while also leaving enough mystery behind for later.
The plot follows Jorg on his wedding day trying to defend his land from the would-be emperor, the prince of Arrow, and also in the past on a tour of the outlying countries trying to solve various problems.
The post-apocalyptic element hinted at in the first book is further explored here, but not in a way to detract from the important points of the story.
Overall this is an excellent follow-up with top-notch storytelling and engaging action, with the prince/king we love to hate and hate to hate.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Kathleen's Story (Angels in Pink, #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Even though this book is supposed to revolve around one of three best friends, Kathleen, I found that it was divided pretty evenly between the three girls. Kathleen's mother is afflicted with multiple sclerosis, which adds a human interest element to the plot that makes the reader sympathetic to Kathleen's struggles. This is also makes it quite understandable as to why Kathleen would be attracted to bad-boy Carson -- she lives such a controlled life that she needs some rebellion and unpredictability to make life more interesting.
The three girls volunteer for a program at the local hospital, called the Pink Angels. This makes for great background material as there is plenty of fodder for creating obstacles and conflicts. It was also somewhat familiar to me, thanks to what I've gone through with my youngest daughter's two hospital stays. My heart especially melted at one of the girl's interactions with a boy sick with cancer.
The characters were not overly unique and some were more likable than others. What really bothered me the most was how the book ended -- it just sort of cuts off. I understand that this book is part of a trilogy, but as it attempts to focus on one particular character, Kathleen, the plot lines pertaining to her should be resolved.
The three girls volunteer for a program at the local hospital, called the Pink Angels. This makes for great background material as there is plenty of fodder for creating obstacles and conflicts. It was also somewhat familiar to me, thanks to what I've gone through with my youngest daughter's two hospital stays. My heart especially melted at one of the girl's interactions with a boy sick with cancer.
The characters were not overly unique and some were more likable than others. What really bothered me the most was how the book ended -- it just sort of cuts off. I understand that this book is part of a trilogy, but as it attempts to focus on one particular character, Kathleen, the plot lines pertaining to her should be resolved.
Sonofdel (6291 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Mar 29, 2019
What was the point
Contains spoilers, click to show
Well i saw the first one of these and i was pleasantly surprised. It had just the right amount of good story, characters, humour and special effects so i was looking forward to this second instalment. What a disappointment !!!!
The story was so convoluted and drawn out that half way through i almost fell asleep. Its got the wrong title for me as Grindlewald (Johnny Depp) is only in the film for about thirty minutes at the most. Its central character is a man who is trying to find out who he really is and so a rather thin plot then develops involving mythical creatures, characters from the first film and a rather too brief glimpse of the Niffler (who made the first film according to my wife). Now she is a massive fan of the Wizarding World and even she got bored and lost in the ridiculous plot. Her description (not mine as i enjoyed it) 'Its like the middle film of The Lord of The Ring Trilogy, pointless and nothing worth watching' unquote. All in all a big disappointment and to me its been stretched into five films because of the financial possibilities. Not worth buying for me.
The story was so convoluted and drawn out that half way through i almost fell asleep. Its got the wrong title for me as Grindlewald (Johnny Depp) is only in the film for about thirty minutes at the most. Its central character is a man who is trying to find out who he really is and so a rather thin plot then develops involving mythical creatures, characters from the first film and a rather too brief glimpse of the Niffler (who made the first film according to my wife). Now she is a massive fan of the Wizarding World and even she got bored and lost in the ridiculous plot. Her description (not mine as i enjoyed it) 'Its like the middle film of The Lord of The Ring Trilogy, pointless and nothing worth watching' unquote. All in all a big disappointment and to me its been stretched into five films because of the financial possibilities. Not worth buying for me.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Legend of Tarzan (2016) in Movies
Mar 30, 2019
Better than I thought it would be
On the recommendation from a friend I bought this movie used for like 3 bucks and it was worth every penny! ?
This isn't really an origin story of Tarzan, more of him coming back to where he was raised to attempt to save the day. His origins are revealed in flashback which helps the audience understand his motivations and reservations for returning to his homeland.
When the bankrupt king summons an evil henchman to help him cleanse the land of its inhabitants for the raw diamond lot, our heroes are summoned to stop them.
Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie and Samuel L. Jackson were all really good and believable. For some reason I normally love Christoph Waltz, but I think he's played the villain too many times now and this time it felt a little generic to me.
CGI for the most part was acceptable, although any CGI gorillas will always be compared to the recent Apes reboot trilogy which is still far superior.
The action scenes were decent if you can accept humans battling giant gorillas an kept me entertained throughout.
You will certainly not be disappointed with this one in my opinion.
This isn't really an origin story of Tarzan, more of him coming back to where he was raised to attempt to save the day. His origins are revealed in flashback which helps the audience understand his motivations and reservations for returning to his homeland.
When the bankrupt king summons an evil henchman to help him cleanse the land of its inhabitants for the raw diamond lot, our heroes are summoned to stop them.
Alexander Skarsgård, Margot Robbie and Samuel L. Jackson were all really good and believable. For some reason I normally love Christoph Waltz, but I think he's played the villain too many times now and this time it felt a little generic to me.
CGI for the most part was acceptable, although any CGI gorillas will always be compared to the recent Apes reboot trilogy which is still far superior.
The action scenes were decent if you can accept humans battling giant gorillas an kept me entertained throughout.
You will certainly not be disappointed with this one in my opinion.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) in Movies
May 15, 2019
Better than prequels. Not so much the originals.
Starring: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver and Harrison Ford.
With the weight of the entire franchise and fans who have been burnt once before, Abrams had a monumental task to achieve in revitalising the Star Wars saga. Having had a huge amount of success with Star Trek, Abrams was the obvious choice for Disney.
With elements from all three of the original films and completely ignoring the second trilogy in every way it could, it would appear that 'The force Awakens' knew what it was doing, with enough nostalgia to take anyone back to the 70's.
Unfortunately that's where things go wrong.
The film shifts tone with such regularity it just seems confused and panicked as to what needs to be done. Instead of moments of humour and clever nods to the previous films, it vomits bucket loads of both which is more distracting than entertaining.
This is possibly the closest you can get to a remake without calling it a remake, where the ethos just seems to be "make it the same but bigger."
Instead of a continuation of the story, we are offered a setting up film. Don't we have six of those?
With the weight of the entire franchise and fans who have been burnt once before, Abrams had a monumental task to achieve in revitalising the Star Wars saga. Having had a huge amount of success with Star Trek, Abrams was the obvious choice for Disney.
With elements from all three of the original films and completely ignoring the second trilogy in every way it could, it would appear that 'The force Awakens' knew what it was doing, with enough nostalgia to take anyone back to the 70's.
Unfortunately that's where things go wrong.
The film shifts tone with such regularity it just seems confused and panicked as to what needs to be done. Instead of moments of humour and clever nods to the previous films, it vomits bucket loads of both which is more distracting than entertaining.
This is possibly the closest you can get to a remake without calling it a remake, where the ethos just seems to be "make it the same but bigger."
Instead of a continuation of the story, we are offered a setting up film. Don't we have six of those?
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Shadow Falls (Witch-Hunter, #3) in Books
May 22, 2019
Hunter Astley has always known that he is different: being a witch-hunter that can use magic has sealed his fate.
He must destroy the Shadow Witch once and for all, with the help of some unlikely allies.
We delve even deeper into the world of the Malleus Maleficarum; into myth, rumour and history that refuses to stay in the past.
The Shadow Falls by K.S. Marsden is the third and final book in the Witch Hunter trilogy.
I don't know how but each book has just gotten better each time.
The characters have all remained just as strong and you can see the natural progression with each one where they have grown.
I think that this one had more twists and turns than the last one. This one picks up where the Shadow reigns leaves off. Hunter is alone and on the run from the witches, searching for the Benandanti.
The plot, throughout all three books, was unpredictable and kept me guessing the entire time.
This is such a magnificent finale and surprise ending!
So sad to see this ending but loved getting the answers.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He must destroy the Shadow Witch once and for all, with the help of some unlikely allies.
We delve even deeper into the world of the Malleus Maleficarum; into myth, rumour and history that refuses to stay in the past.
The Shadow Falls by K.S. Marsden is the third and final book in the Witch Hunter trilogy.
I don't know how but each book has just gotten better each time.
The characters have all remained just as strong and you can see the natural progression with each one where they have grown.
I think that this one had more twists and turns than the last one. This one picks up where the Shadow reigns leaves off. Hunter is alone and on the run from the witches, searching for the Benandanti.
The plot, throughout all three books, was unpredictable and kept me guessing the entire time.
This is such a magnificent finale and surprise ending!
So sad to see this ending but loved getting the answers.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Life's a Beach
I'm fully aware I'm swimming against the tide on this one, but I didn't really understand the rapturous reception Dunkirk got from most people. Yup, well-made; yup, well-acted; yup, a highly significant moment in history - but I found the actual story to be rather thin, and - apart from all the funny business with the chronology - it is wholly lacking in the usual imagination and ambition you'd expect from a Christopher Nolan film.
Apparently Nolan wrote the script over twenty years ago and said to his wife 'I must now become a hugely successful director of blockbusters, as this will give me the experience I need to make this film' - well, for me this does almost feel like retrograde step from the man responsible for Interstellar, Inception, and the Batman trilogy. Then again, those are all SF and fantasy movies, and he's never going to win the Oscar he deserves if he carries on doing that sort of thing.
I expect I would have been impressed by this film if it had been made by anyone else, or if I wasn't so familiar with Nolan's other work. As it is, this is the only Nolan movie in over a decade I can't see myself owning on DVD.
Apparently Nolan wrote the script over twenty years ago and said to his wife 'I must now become a hugely successful director of blockbusters, as this will give me the experience I need to make this film' - well, for me this does almost feel like retrograde step from the man responsible for Interstellar, Inception, and the Batman trilogy. Then again, those are all SF and fantasy movies, and he's never going to win the Oscar he deserves if he carries on doing that sort of thing.
I expect I would have been impressed by this film if it had been made by anyone else, or if I wasn't so familiar with Nolan's other work. As it is, this is the only Nolan movie in over a decade I can't see myself owning on DVD.