Search

Search only in certain items:

Bad Karma (Criminally Insane, #1)
Bad Karma (Criminally Insane, #1)
Douglas Clegg | 1997 | Crime, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So much potential. This story had the potential to be something different, chilling, memorable. Unfortunately, it was vaguely interesting. My attention swung between bored and engrossed, without the demanding need to know what happened next. My favorite chapters were those from Agnes' point of view; it was eerie to step into the mind of a psychopath. True, there was some gore, but nothing worse than Karin Slaughter has provided. Overall, I enjoyed Bad Karma, I just think it could have been so much more.
  
40x40

Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Shock and Awe (2017) in Movies

Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)  
Shock and Awe (2017)
Shock and Awe (2017)
2017 | Biography, Drama, History
With Shock and Awe on DVD and Digital HD today, we checked out the movie over the weekend, the new movie starring Woody Harrelson, Rob Reiner, James Marsden, Jessica Biel and Tommy Lee Jones is based around the time that the term ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction‘ was very much on the lips of many in 2003.

With America on the very edge of a horrific war with Iraq, Shock and Awe is the true story of how the very phrase was twisted with shocking effect.
  
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018)
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018)
2018 | Adventure, Animation, Comedy
A lot of fun and a good story underneath all the humor.
Had been entertained by the multiple trailers for the movie, so heading in I was hoping for good things. Film took the trailer funnies and expanded on them. There's your expected internet jokes and memes, all integrated well into the retro characters from your favorite video games. The part, however, that really stuck out to me was the amazing story underneath all the humor. Movie tells a heartfelt tale of friendship, letting go, and the true bonds we make with those we love. Also loved how all the extra characters from other games and films were integrated in without damaging their respective stories and/or morals previously established. Job well done. Disney.
  
This memoir was written by Nitro from the original American Gladiators. It's the story of his life and his struggle with steroids. Yes, we get some time talking about the show that made him famous, but the majority of the time was actually spent on the price of that fame. You can tell Dan is trying to issue a warning to others about the dangers of steroids.

At times the book is a tough read just because Dan never holds back on the effects of the drugs. However, I enjoyed the book overall and I'm definitely glad I read it.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-gladiator-true-story-of.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
2018 | Biography, Comedy, Crime
I saw this movie around two weeks ago, and haven't been really able to decide on a number rating. I went between a 10, then an 8, but now I've settled on 9.
I haven't read the book, so I'm not sure how much the story was embellished and/or changed, but it was overall, an entertaining 'true story'. I know Spike Lee was drawing heavy parallels to today, which, is fine, but I think everyone would have still gotten the point without the last 5-10 minutes of news footage.
Adam Driver and John David Washington were a good team, and their work together was kind of what made the movie. The last scene on the phone was the best part of the movie.
  
40x40

speaker357 (212 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies

Oct 2, 2018 (Updated Jun 14, 2019)  
The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman (2017)
2017 | Drama, Musical
Hugh Jackman singing again! (2 more)
Circus oddities!
Broadway music.
Michelle Williams (Honestly, I just don't like her.) (1 more)
Too family friendly to truly paint Barnum's character.
A glance into the antics of P.T. Barnum
I do genuinely enjoy this movie, it's got a really great story that starts with a adolescent Barnum realizing what may be his calling all while pursuing a young girl. As the story progresses he begins to use the methods which gave him the prestige he's earned.

For the most part I believe that this is pretty close to the truth. Missing some of the few antics that I recalled from reading the "48 Laws of Power."

Overall, I think I wish that they showed the true colors of Barnum.
  
Unbroken (2014)
Unbroken (2014)
2014 | Biography, Drama, War
Cast, story (0 more)
A look at the inhumanity of war
This is a harrowing tale based on the story of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini (excellently played by Jack O'Connel) and his time in a pow camp in Japan during World War 2.
This film has a lot of hard scenes of soldiers captive being abused and having no rights at all, the camp director Watanabe especially seems to have an issue with young Louis.
A powerful film of a man reaching the heights of human accomplishment and ultimately being pushed further down than most will ever know.
A true take on the power of the human spirit and proof that no matter how bad it gets there's always a way to redemption.