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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax (Mrs. Pollifax, #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Mrs. Pollifax is on her first investigative assignment when the CIA sends her to a resort in Switzerland to find the stolen plutonium. But suddenly, she finds herself on her own just hoping to figure everything out before the villain catches up with her. I loved this book just as much on the reread as I did the first time over a decade ago.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-palm-for-mrs-pollifax-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-palm-for-mrs-pollifax-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
6.3
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A team of extraordinary figures culled from great adventure literature (including Alan Quatermain,...
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Her Every Fear in Books
Mar 5, 2018
Suspenseful with a hateful villain!
I love these kinds of stories where there’s a twist with a horrible villain that’s rotten to the core. There’s plenty of mystery and the creep factor is definitely there throughout the book.
What I liked about the book was the mood and the way it’s written. The element of mystery is excellent. You’re even doubting Kate and questioning her sanity because of certain events in the book. When you realize it’s all real the creep factor greatly increases.
The characters in this book are well done. You do feel for Corbin but at the same time, he brought it upon himself. (Doesn’t anyone just TALK about it anymore? It’s all about just lashing out and getting revenge???!!) And Henry, he’s just a special character all in his own group. I’ve read some pretty hateful characters...but Henry’s pretty high up on the list. He’s got some pretty serious issues and he’s overall a pretty unlikable character. But, to his credit he’s devious. Devious to the point where he could be a runner for villain of the year. His planning and methods were crafty and calculating. Imagining having someone like Henry in your vicinity is enough to get the hairs on your arms rise.
The plot was well done and flowing nicely. There is also a good amount of backstory throughout the novel so it helps you understand the actions and behavior of the characters, and that’s what I really enjoyed the most of this book. The climax of the novel was also very well done and everything comes to a perfect closing towards the end.
Two things that irked me in this book; Kate and Alan. Alan’s creepy in his own way (harmless creep) but a creep nevertheless. He’s awkward and not that likable but then again, Kate’s choices aren’t really that stellar anyway (not her fault).
Another thing; I have no idea why the author had to be so descriptive to the point as to describe *exactly* what novel Kate’s reading, what type of music Alan is listening to, etc. Are you trying to name drop? To advertise? It was to the point where it got annoying - perhaps it’s because I’ve had bad experiences with this type of writing so I’m thinking that’s why it stands out and irked me. Next time, no need to advertise? Please?
Greatly recommended for thriller lovers! You got a good villain to hate here!
What I liked about the book was the mood and the way it’s written. The element of mystery is excellent. You’re even doubting Kate and questioning her sanity because of certain events in the book. When you realize it’s all real the creep factor greatly increases.
The characters in this book are well done. You do feel for Corbin but at the same time, he brought it upon himself. (Doesn’t anyone just TALK about it anymore? It’s all about just lashing out and getting revenge???!!) And Henry, he’s just a special character all in his own group. I’ve read some pretty hateful characters...but Henry’s pretty high up on the list. He’s got some pretty serious issues and he’s overall a pretty unlikable character. But, to his credit he’s devious. Devious to the point where he could be a runner for villain of the year. His planning and methods were crafty and calculating. Imagining having someone like Henry in your vicinity is enough to get the hairs on your arms rise.
The plot was well done and flowing nicely. There is also a good amount of backstory throughout the novel so it helps you understand the actions and behavior of the characters, and that’s what I really enjoyed the most of this book. The climax of the novel was also very well done and everything comes to a perfect closing towards the end.
Two things that irked me in this book; Kate and Alan. Alan’s creepy in his own way (harmless creep) but a creep nevertheless. He’s awkward and not that likable but then again, Kate’s choices aren’t really that stellar anyway (not her fault).
Another thing; I have no idea why the author had to be so descriptive to the point as to describe *exactly* what novel Kate’s reading, what type of music Alan is listening to, etc. Are you trying to name drop? To advertise? It was to the point where it got annoying - perhaps it’s because I’ve had bad experiences with this type of writing so I’m thinking that’s why it stands out and irked me. Next time, no need to advertise? Please?
Greatly recommended for thriller lovers! You got a good villain to hate here!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Dec 10, 2017
The casting of Gal Gadot (1 more)
The correct spirit and mood for the film/character
Finally seeing Wonder Woman for the first time, I am torn between joining the film's praise bandwagon and complaining about another stupid villain. While I certainly don't want to go back to the cheesy Bane, Poisin Ivy, Mr. Freeze days of old, I also am not a big fan of the generic CGI villain, in this case Ares, God of War. I would think they could come up with a happy medium using The Dark Knight as a basis for a complex, grounded human character.
As for Wonder Woman herself, I thought Gal Gadot was amazing in personality, spirit, and the physical embodiment of Wonder Woman as a modern, yet retro female superhero.
Unfortunately, the film's historical setting and perspective has already been done better in the first Captain America film, but had to be the way they did it to make it close to the comic book origin of the character. The scene where Wonder Woman emerges on the battlefield was very strong as you, the viewer, had been anticipating this moment throughout the first half of the film.
The use of CGI during some of the fight scenes with the Nazi soldiers was poor and looked very false. Even when she jumped great distances, I thought that looked fake and was more believable in a Hulk film or even the Wonder Woman TV series from the 1970s.
I also sorely missed an appearance by the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. They have said they will have her in the next film. They had better. 😊
Overall, I enjoyed the film more than most recent superhero flicks, but in 10 years, won't all these films just start to run together?
As for Wonder Woman herself, I thought Gal Gadot was amazing in personality, spirit, and the physical embodiment of Wonder Woman as a modern, yet retro female superhero.
Unfortunately, the film's historical setting and perspective has already been done better in the first Captain America film, but had to be the way they did it to make it close to the comic book origin of the character. The scene where Wonder Woman emerges on the battlefield was very strong as you, the viewer, had been anticipating this moment throughout the first half of the film.
The use of CGI during some of the fight scenes with the Nazi soldiers was poor and looked very false. Even when she jumped great distances, I thought that looked fake and was more believable in a Hulk film or even the Wonder Woman TV series from the 1970s.
I also sorely missed an appearance by the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. They have said they will have her in the next film. They had better. 😊
Overall, I enjoyed the film more than most recent superhero flicks, but in 10 years, won't all these films just start to run together?
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Black Phone (2022) in Movies
Aug 8, 2022
After a swift MCU detour, Scott Derrickson is back in the horror business, and it's a welcome return. The Black Phone is unpleasant and tense, well crafted in its execution and pacing, and possesses quite a bit of heart, portrayed by a great cast, the stand-outs of course being Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw. The two child actors provide some outstanding performances and ensure that their character moments pack a punch. Opposite to them, Ethan Hawke gives us a genuinely creepy horror villain, a villain who is unhinged, and acts in a manner that is grounded in reality, reiterating what makes The Black Phone scary in the first place. This film plays on the very real fear that ones child could be taken. It's bleak, and hardly enjoyable, but it's effective. There are some moments of more supernatural horror, as well as a couple of well earned jump scares, and whilst this makes proceedings a little more unsettling, it doesn't take away from how utterly terrifying real life can be.
The Black Phone isn't perfect by any means, but it's a tight horror/thriller that looks great, and will worm its way under your skin.
The Black Phone isn't perfect by any means, but it's a tight horror/thriller that looks great, and will worm its way under your skin.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Dec 4, 2017
Yet another unnecessary Spider-Man movie. The entire point of this movie was to set up for Infinity War. The movie was entertaining, and Tom Holland was a good Spidey. Ned was one of the best parts as well. Batman, I mean, Michael Keaton, was a fairly solid villain. I felt like the casting of Zendaya was unnecessary, and wait, plot twist, she's MJ.
I could live my entire life without having to see Tony Stark in another damn movie, but alas, he's at least in Infinity War.
I could live my entire life without having to see Tony Stark in another damn movie, but alas, he's at least in Infinity War.
Pete (121 KP) rated Ant-Man (2015) in Movies
Jul 28, 2017
Paul Rudd (3 more)
Michael Douglas
Falcon
Giant Thomas the tank engine
Alot better than expected
Wasn't expecting to enjoy the film as much as i did. Comedy and fight scenes were brilliant. The scenes of a small nature made the film even better. It was obvious who the bad guy was to be in the film but how they portrayed him was very poor, kinda your basic old school villain, not what the film needed. Then there was the big Thomas..... loved it lol
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Season 1 in TV
Aug 9, 2017
Titus Andromedon - literally my favourite character (1 more)
John Hamm is such a good villain
Slightly ridiculous, over the top comedy
While this series is rather funny and watchable, there are times it's utterly cringe-worthy and I really did not like how the court scenes were handled. It's an incredibly dark topic, which writer Tina Fey does an almost excellent job of hilarity, but it falls short because it should never have been done given the horrible spate of male violence against women, and women being held against their will.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated X-Men: First Class (2011) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
After Kingsman: The Secret Service director Matthew Vaughn left X-Men: The Last Stand because of its rushed production schedule, Fox decided to bring him back to direct this reboot of the series. Things worked well overall, though the introduction of James McAvoy as Professor X did draw some criticism. Michael Fassbender’s role as young Magneto went down very well but fans still missed the original actors. The film was nicely paced but without a compelling villain, the overall script suffered.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/01/the-entire-x-men-franchise-ranked/
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/01/the-entire-x-men-franchise-ranked/