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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Zombies Vs. Unicorns in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>Book Review</b>
I had heard about this feud soon after it started, so when news that a book was coming out I had to read it. C'mon, zombies and unicorns, this is a combination I couldn't miss out on. After a lackluster and disappointing start, with many stories I didn't like at all, I was starting to think I'd have a hard time finishing the book, even with the different authors. It wasn't until The Children of the Revolution by Maureen Johnson on page 147 that the stories picked up and I ended up enjoying the rest, though my enjoyment deviated from okay to great. The "arguments" between editors Holly Black (Team Unicorn) and Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie) were usually quite amusing, though they themselves don't contribute to the book. I, for one, would have liked to have read their takes on their chosen teams.
I'm not going to review each story individually, but list them with my (very) basic impression of the story. The book has varying degrees of gore, cursing, sexual innuendo and references, bestiality (you read that right, but it's more referred to than shown, thank goodness), suicide, and other violent acts.
<u>Stories</u> (in order of appearance):
*The Highest Justice by Garth Nix (Marked as a unicorn story, this is actually both unicorn and zombie. A decent story.)
*Love Will Tear Us Apart by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Zombie. Did not care for this at all)
*Purity Test by Naomi Novik (Unicorn. Didn't hate this story, but wasn't fond of it either)
*Bougainvillea by Carrie Ryan (Zombie. Didn't like.)
*A Thousand Flowers by Margo Lanagan (Unicorn. Also wasn't fond of.)
*The Children of the Revolution by Maureen Johnson (Zombie. Rather twisted, but so am I, so I enjoyed it.)
*The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn by Diana Peterfreund (Unicorn. My favorite story in the anthology.)
*Inoculata by Scott Westerfield (Zombie. Pretty good.)
*Princess Prettypants by Meg Cabot (Unicorn. Very tongue-in-cheek, I liked this story a lot.)
*Cold Hands by Cassandra Clare (Zombie. Interesting world created here. Definitely passed my likability test.)
*The Third Virgin by Kathleen Duey (Unicorn. An okay story.)
*Prom Night by Libba Bray (Zombie. Second favorite of the book and very close to a tie with Peterfreund's tale.)
The unicorn stories went in many different directions, with all sorts of unicorns, while most of the zombie stories stayed where you would expect them and had typical zombies, though there were a few surprises still in store. I went into this as Team Zombie, and while my favorite was a unicorn story, I still firmly remain with the shamblers. Overall, I ended up enjoying the majority of the book, so if you're interested in zombies, unicorns, or especially both, pick this up for an interesting assortment of stories.
3.5 stars for the print version
<b>Audio Review</b>
This unabridged CD set includes ten discs, which average a little over one story each, though generally there is one whole story bookended by the end of one preceding it and the start of another afterward that will continue onto the next disc. They have very short chapters, generally less than a minute and I could tell when each chapter ended and the next began, which didn't make for totally smooth listening but it also wasn't too bad either. I would have rather have had longer chapters that had a clearer starting and stopping point to make it easier to find my place again. Most of the readers, both male and female, sound fairly young, which makes sense since this is a YA anthology, but the majority also sounded as if they were reading to school children, which makes for annoying listening. I found most of the voices grating and unfortunately none of them are named for me to be more specific. However, the one male was fine and the woman who did Diana Peterfreund was good and I believe she also narrated one or two others in the book. The use of sound effects break up stories, a groan that also says "brains" for zombies and trumpets and a horse whinny for unicorns. Immediately after is the intro from the editors with their ongoing debate that became increasingly irritating as I read on; this may have to do with how they performed those discussions. As written word, these exchanges are far more entertaining. For the most part, I really didn't enjoy listening to this and much prefer reading it in print.
2 stars for audio
I had heard about this feud soon after it started, so when news that a book was coming out I had to read it. C'mon, zombies and unicorns, this is a combination I couldn't miss out on. After a lackluster and disappointing start, with many stories I didn't like at all, I was starting to think I'd have a hard time finishing the book, even with the different authors. It wasn't until The Children of the Revolution by Maureen Johnson on page 147 that the stories picked up and I ended up enjoying the rest, though my enjoyment deviated from okay to great. The "arguments" between editors Holly Black (Team Unicorn) and Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie) were usually quite amusing, though they themselves don't contribute to the book. I, for one, would have liked to have read their takes on their chosen teams.
I'm not going to review each story individually, but list them with my (very) basic impression of the story. The book has varying degrees of gore, cursing, sexual innuendo and references, bestiality (you read that right, but it's more referred to than shown, thank goodness), suicide, and other violent acts.
<u>Stories</u> (in order of appearance):
*The Highest Justice by Garth Nix (Marked as a unicorn story, this is actually both unicorn and zombie. A decent story.)
*Love Will Tear Us Apart by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Zombie. Did not care for this at all)
*Purity Test by Naomi Novik (Unicorn. Didn't hate this story, but wasn't fond of it either)
*Bougainvillea by Carrie Ryan (Zombie. Didn't like.)
*A Thousand Flowers by Margo Lanagan (Unicorn. Also wasn't fond of.)
*The Children of the Revolution by Maureen Johnson (Zombie. Rather twisted, but so am I, so I enjoyed it.)
*The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn by Diana Peterfreund (Unicorn. My favorite story in the anthology.)
*Inoculata by Scott Westerfield (Zombie. Pretty good.)
*Princess Prettypants by Meg Cabot (Unicorn. Very tongue-in-cheek, I liked this story a lot.)
*Cold Hands by Cassandra Clare (Zombie. Interesting world created here. Definitely passed my likability test.)
*The Third Virgin by Kathleen Duey (Unicorn. An okay story.)
*Prom Night by Libba Bray (Zombie. Second favorite of the book and very close to a tie with Peterfreund's tale.)
The unicorn stories went in many different directions, with all sorts of unicorns, while most of the zombie stories stayed where you would expect them and had typical zombies, though there were a few surprises still in store. I went into this as Team Zombie, and while my favorite was a unicorn story, I still firmly remain with the shamblers. Overall, I ended up enjoying the majority of the book, so if you're interested in zombies, unicorns, or especially both, pick this up for an interesting assortment of stories.
3.5 stars for the print version
<b>Audio Review</b>
This unabridged CD set includes ten discs, which average a little over one story each, though generally there is one whole story bookended by the end of one preceding it and the start of another afterward that will continue onto the next disc. They have very short chapters, generally less than a minute and I could tell when each chapter ended and the next began, which didn't make for totally smooth listening but it also wasn't too bad either. I would have rather have had longer chapters that had a clearer starting and stopping point to make it easier to find my place again. Most of the readers, both male and female, sound fairly young, which makes sense since this is a YA anthology, but the majority also sounded as if they were reading to school children, which makes for annoying listening. I found most of the voices grating and unfortunately none of them are named for me to be more specific. However, the one male was fine and the woman who did Diana Peterfreund was good and I believe she also narrated one or two others in the book. The use of sound effects break up stories, a groan that also says "brains" for zombies and trumpets and a horse whinny for unicorns. Immediately after is the intro from the editors with their ongoing debate that became increasingly irritating as I read on; this may have to do with how they performed those discussions. As written word, these exchanges are far more entertaining. For the most part, I really didn't enjoy listening to this and much prefer reading it in print.
2 stars for audio
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Unicorn Store (2017) in Movies
Apr 11, 2019
Magical and meaningful
I'm surprised at Brie Larson. Instead of picking something intensely serious and dramatic for her directorial debut, she goes for the whimsical Unicorn Store, and I commend her for it as it isn't half bad.
This is a very silly surreal film about a young woman who still believes in rainbows and unicorns and all things most people grew out of as children. Brie Larson is charming and loveable as the main character Kit and her turn at directing is also quite good too. It was also nice to see her and Samuel L Jackson back together again after Captain Marvel, and it was fun to see him looking silly and covered in streamers.
This might have a silly sounding plot about a unicorn store and there is a few laughs thrown in too, but beneath all of the sparkles and glitter this film has a few serious messages about life and love. To the point where I was almost shedding a tear at the end (and also wishing I had a unicorn and lots of rainbows and glitter in my life).
This film isn't perfect and I probably wouldn't watch it again, but it's a very heartwarming watch that should bring out the child in everyone.
This is a very silly surreal film about a young woman who still believes in rainbows and unicorns and all things most people grew out of as children. Brie Larson is charming and loveable as the main character Kit and her turn at directing is also quite good too. It was also nice to see her and Samuel L Jackson back together again after Captain Marvel, and it was fun to see him looking silly and covered in streamers.
This might have a silly sounding plot about a unicorn store and there is a few laughs thrown in too, but beneath all of the sparkles and glitter this film has a few serious messages about life and love. To the point where I was almost shedding a tear at the end (and also wishing I had a unicorn and lots of rainbows and glitter in my life).
This film isn't perfect and I probably wouldn't watch it again, but it's a very heartwarming watch that should bring out the child in everyone.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Happy! - Season 1 in TV
Feb 18, 2019
This show is bonkers in the best way.
Ex-cop and current trainwreck Nick Sax is visited by his daughter Hailey's imaginary friend, a flying blue unicorn named - you guessed it - Happy, who needs Nick to help him rescue Hailey from the creepiest Santa Claus you've ever seen. It's violent and hilarious and quite nuts, and I can't wait for season 2.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
Jun 18, 2018
Ryan Reynolds (2 more)
Cable
Cameos
Welcome to unicorn mountain
Contains spoilers, click to show
The fast talking Merc is back and for once bigger is better. It is rare to find a sequel that is better thanks first but in my opinion this is one.
I first saw this film at the UK fan screening and was fortune enough to see the cast Ryan introduced the film as a "Family film welcome to unicorn mountain." The promotion for the lead up to this film was quiet family genius.
Deadpool breaks the 3rd wall and just makes you smile. I have had "have you ever noticed that papa can you here me sounds exactly like do you want to build a snowman." In my head for weeks.
Cable is a fantastic charcter mainly because although techniqually the villain he only doing what he think is right to save hundreds.
I first saw this film at the UK fan screening and was fortune enough to see the cast Ryan introduced the film as a "Family film welcome to unicorn mountain." The promotion for the lead up to this film was quiet family genius.
Deadpool breaks the 3rd wall and just makes you smile. I have had "have you ever noticed that papa can you here me sounds exactly like do you want to build a snowman." In my head for weeks.
Cable is a fantastic charcter mainly because although techniqually the villain he only doing what he think is right to save hundreds.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Black Unicorn in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 4, 2018)
I read this book last, of the three unicorn books this one (for me) was the hardest to find. I actually started with the second book purchased at a school's book fair at about age 12 and found the third book somewhere in high school then after a decade found this one in a used books store. My first thought was this is a children’s book? This chaotic crazy story, that called the main character a slut when something goes bad that is put in situations that could go extremely wrong. An anger that has occasionally levity of the peeve (one of the best characters ever). This is a book for preteens? But it just shows that with age perspective changes. Because rereading it the story changed.
Tanith Lee is a great story teller and the ending of the book it worth the trouble of the beginning. How Tanaquil grows and how less self centered and selfish she becomes is subtle. I don’t know if I would recommend reading the second unicorn book first or this one. Either way, it is a journey of discovery.
Tanith Lee is a great story teller and the ending of the book it worth the trouble of the beginning. How Tanaquil grows and how less self centered and selfish she becomes is subtle. I don’t know if I would recommend reading the second unicorn book first or this one. Either way, it is a journey of discovery.
AJaneClark (3962 KP) rated Happy! - Season 1 in TV
Aug 9, 2019 (Updated Aug 9, 2019)
Great casting (1 more)
Very funny
It’s no law and order
Happy - a darkly comical crime series with plenty of action and outrageousness!! The series features Christopher Meloni ( looking somewhat ragged compared to his SVU days) we an ex cop turned hitman, that is injured and begins to see a flying blue unicorn.
His irritating blue sidekick takes him on an hilarious journey to rescue a young girl, who is the unicorn’s best friend! Expect a few laughs at this noir-ish style comedy that takes you to the borders of insanity!
His irritating blue sidekick takes him on an hilarious journey to rescue a young girl, who is the unicorn’s best friend! Expect a few laughs at this noir-ish style comedy that takes you to the borders of insanity!
Anne-Marie (3 KP) rated Despicable Me 3 (2017) in Movies
Jul 16, 2017
As good as the others in the series!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Gru gets fired from AVL and Lucy jacks it in to support her hubby, all because an ex Child TV star gets away from them. When at his lowest Gru discovers he has a twin brother, Dru. Dru is soft and giggly and a disappointment to their villain father; Dru wants to make it up to his memory by talking Gru into a heist, taking the world biggest diamond! Hilarity, family, love and a real unicorn make this movie a great continuation from the other two. Pity Bob isn't in it but Mel leads the other minions to mutiny and jail!
I have always enjoyed Peter S. Beagle's short fiction books and these definitely are worth it. Even his attempt at the steampunk genre is pretty good. Some of these stories are a little on the dark side and slightly horror, however, you also get some action and adventure. It is a great way to visit some of his established worlds like The Last Unicorn and Inn Keeper's Song as well as find something new. Worlds that treat dragon's like guard dogs for drugs and the police that find them or a world that has humans communicating with aliens via a computer. It is a great travel from High Fantasy to futuristic Sci-Fi.
Ally Alcopop (3 KP) rated Despicable Me 3 (2017) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Despicalbly Meh!
Contains spoilers, click to show
So after a long while I actually watched this and as an avid lover of Despicable Me, I can tell you...it was bland at best. The characters had their usual comical charm and the whole Agnes and finding a real unicorn thing was so cute but they really could have done more with Gru and Dru. Dru could have been given a better overall story arc. And I feel they could have brought more of this infamous villain father into things a lot more. I feel over all three was alot more room for story and comedic content in this one, compared to the first two movies
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Happy! - Season 1 in TV
Feb 7, 2018
What I assume doing coke for a week straight must be like.
How do I even describe a show like HAPPY!...because honestly I have no clue? This was one of the most over the top and fucked up shows I've ever watched and I freaking loved every single second of it.
HAPPY! Follows the human embodiment of a trashcan who you can't help but like named Nick Sax played by Christopher Meloni(best casting choice ever) who is a corrupt ex-cop turned hitman who ends up being visited by a little girl named Hailey's imaginary friend who is a talking flying unicorn named Happy voiced by Patton Oswalt(another perfect casting choice) who was sent by Hailey because she was kidnapped by a demented looking Santa Clause.
HAPPY! Follows the human embodiment of a trashcan who you can't help but like named Nick Sax played by Christopher Meloni(best casting choice ever) who is a corrupt ex-cop turned hitman who ends up being visited by a little girl named Hailey's imaginary friend who is a talking flying unicorn named Happy voiced by Patton Oswalt(another perfect casting choice) who was sent by Hailey because she was kidnapped by a demented looking Santa Clause.