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Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Apr 6, 2019
So close to a super super film
Contains spoilers, click to show
I try to not publish spoilers they're unavoidable here to explain why this only a 7/10 film. The first hour is great, building up the story leading to what you think will be an epic climax. The story starts with James McAvoy's 24 personalities having kidnapped 4 cheerleaders and Bruce Willis' David Dunn on the hunt to rescue them. After a confrontation they're taken to a psych hospital for evaluation which happens to be where they're keeping Samuel L Jackson's Mr Glass. All of this is awesome with the star of the show being McAvoy flowing through his personalities is a truly epic piece of acting. So the film plays out and leads to a good fight towards the end but then it goes a bit weird. You start to notice plot holes like this psych hospital only seems to have 1 orderly or security guard on duty at any one time. Or when McAvoy and Jackson are trying to escape they go through a security gate and get buzzed through straight away even though neither has their faces covered. It's like 'those 2 guys kinda look like 2 of the 3 highly dangerous multiple murderers that we're here guarding? Oh well!'...then we get into the obligatory M.Mike Salmonhands twist involving a secret society that just seemed uneeded and tacked on for no other reason than the film didn't have a twist...so there you have it. So close to being a truly great film but sloppy writing let it down.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Trouble in Paradise (Paradise, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I am not entirely certain that I want to publicly acknowledge having read this book. The blurb is not only poorly written, but inaccurate. The cover art - is that art? I'm not sure what or who it's supposed to depict, and after reading the book I still couldn't describe the four main characters in terms of anything but sexual characteristics, and even then, all three men might as well be one guy copied a few times, what with all the huge, throbbing, hard, chiseled, tan, and muscled going on.
I probably wasn't supposed to demand any kind of real plot or continuity out of erotica, but I'm contrary that way. We meet a woman who has worked all night in her garage. We're told she has exceptionally good hearing as she takes off her iPod headphones. Shortly afterwards, we learn that some THING has been stalking her - wait, she worked all night in an unlocked place without an alarm system, wearing headphones that block her oh-so-good hearing, despite supposedly being all anxious about a killer who is after her? I don't buy it.
I frequently felt that this might be an excerpt of a larger work, or from a series of stories that readers are expected to be familiar with. Decent authors know how to repeat key information without boring returning fans so as to help new readers get their footing. Is that just not done in erotica?
Yes, I'm probably being too critical. But if it doesn't work for wanking, it should work as story. And it didn't work for either, for me, at least.
I probably wasn't supposed to demand any kind of real plot or continuity out of erotica, but I'm contrary that way. We meet a woman who has worked all night in her garage. We're told she has exceptionally good hearing as she takes off her iPod headphones. Shortly afterwards, we learn that some THING has been stalking her - wait, she worked all night in an unlocked place without an alarm system, wearing headphones that block her oh-so-good hearing, despite supposedly being all anxious about a killer who is after her? I don't buy it.
I frequently felt that this might be an excerpt of a larger work, or from a series of stories that readers are expected to be familiar with. Decent authors know how to repeat key information without boring returning fans so as to help new readers get their footing. Is that just not done in erotica?
Yes, I'm probably being too critical. But if it doesn't work for wanking, it should work as story. And it didn't work for either, for me, at least.
Dana (24 KP) rated Hamilton: The Revolution in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I am so happy Hamilton was made into a book, especially since I most likely won't be able to see the musical in person anytime soon!
The physical book is so freaking beautiful. I love how huge it is, the cover is amazing, the spine makes me think of all of the Barnes and Noble leather bound classics. I am just so freaking happy about this book!
I love the little annotations throughout the lyrics! It is so awesome to be able to see the amount of detail and thought that went into creating the musical that I didn't think went into writing the musical!
The stories about the cast and writing process were so interesting as well. It makes everything seem more grounded in the lives of the actors. They were all so perfect for their roles.
The stories in here were all very heartwarming. I cried at least four times that I'll admit to. Also, Lin's annotations about the lyrics and his note books are great insights into the depth of how he thought of these lyrics.
I love being able to see the pictures. It's almost like being there. (almost...)
Honestly, I just can't think about anything bad to say about this freaking book! I am just so happy and I love it so much!!
I know they probably do this for a lot of musicals, but this is the first one I've seen and I hope they keep doing this for more Broadway lays-it allows people to get access to something otherwise unavailable to them (myself included).
I just love this all so much!!
The physical book is so freaking beautiful. I love how huge it is, the cover is amazing, the spine makes me think of all of the Barnes and Noble leather bound classics. I am just so freaking happy about this book!
I love the little annotations throughout the lyrics! It is so awesome to be able to see the amount of detail and thought that went into creating the musical that I didn't think went into writing the musical!
The stories about the cast and writing process were so interesting as well. It makes everything seem more grounded in the lives of the actors. They were all so perfect for their roles.
The stories in here were all very heartwarming. I cried at least four times that I'll admit to. Also, Lin's annotations about the lyrics and his note books are great insights into the depth of how he thought of these lyrics.
I love being able to see the pictures. It's almost like being there. (almost...)
Honestly, I just can't think about anything bad to say about this freaking book! I am just so happy and I love it so much!!
I know they probably do this for a lot of musicals, but this is the first one I've seen and I hope they keep doing this for more Broadway lays-it allows people to get access to something otherwise unavailable to them (myself included).
I just love this all so much!!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Occasional Diamond Thief (#1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Kia is a 16 year old girl with a troubled family life and a penchant for languages. When her father dies, leaving her with a mother who seems to despise her and a sister who wont give her the time of day, she leaves home and starts school to become a translator. After being caught stealing to finance her new life, she is sent to Malem to act as a translator for a Select (a religious title, something akin to a nun or priest) named Agatha. This is the same world where her father contracted the illness that eventually killed him. Its also the world where her father acquired the gem he gave her right before he died a Malem diamond that it is illegal for anyone who is not Malemese to posses.
I really enjoyed this story. Kia didnt seem to be able to get a break at all, and even thought being sent to Malem kept her out of prison, it still seemed like punishment for her. Once she and Agatha arrived on Malem, the story kept moving at a pace that kept me reading, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Both Kia and Agatha were well developed, likable characters who learned and grew throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to shout at Kia for her behavior, but considering her age it was perfectly appropriate.
There was no cliffhanger ending, and it may turn out to be a standalone novel, but I wouldnt be surprised to see more adventures for Kia in the future.
Disclaimer I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. Kia didnt seem to be able to get a break at all, and even thought being sent to Malem kept her out of prison, it still seemed like punishment for her. Once she and Agatha arrived on Malem, the story kept moving at a pace that kept me reading, wanting to know what was going to happen next. Both Kia and Agatha were well developed, likable characters who learned and grew throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to shout at Kia for her behavior, but considering her age it was perfectly appropriate.
There was no cliffhanger ending, and it may turn out to be a standalone novel, but I wouldnt be surprised to see more adventures for Kia in the future.
Disclaimer I received a free digital copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Lila and the Crow in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Nov 18, 2019
I finished this a while ago and it has taken me a while to find the words to describe how heartbreaking this truly is. This book is filled with diary entries from a doctor: from training to the end of his career. Behind the hysterically funny incidents (it amazing what people shove up vaginas and bum holes) is the painful truth in how we are working our NHS staff to the ground. How they have to advocate healthy mental well-being, work-life balance and self care but the majority of the time they cannot practice these vital aspects of life themselves. And it's through no fault of their own. It's through a system that is so understaffed that it relies on the goodwill of staff and something has to give. I cried for Adam when I read the diary entry about picking up his stuff after the break up from his partner. Another thing that shocked me about the anecdotes is how surprisingly "throw them in the deep end" the training seems to be. It must be truly terrifying to have a training system that is "watch once, do once, teach once". Please don't be put off by the negativity I've seemed to have painted here. It is truly an hilarious book. There are some really memorable anecdotes that had me in stitches and that I keep telling my friends about: my favourite being the sharpener comparison (I shan't spoil it for you, if you've read it and know what I'm talking about just give me a wave!) I cannot wait to read Adam's next book. It's on my Christmas list 😉
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Body of Ash (Victoria Cage Necromancer #3) in Books
Jan 26, 2020
Fab series
Contains spoilers, click to show
Fire, fire, burning higher, fairy better fight.
Victoria’s a necromancer, fairy, Blood Queen… hot freaking mess. Her identity is so twisted up in supernatural nonsense, that all she wants to do is go back to embalming bodies and coffin brochures. Being in love should make things easier, but when your beau’s a bear and you’ve got a fairy suitor waiting in the wings, romance is just another complication.
While preparing the victims of a tragic fire for their funerals, Victoria discovers that their deaths were not accidents, as the police have ruled. Soon, she’s hot on the trail of a Firestarter who’s been scorching their way through the surrounding counties. It’s about more than murder and flame, though.
Bodies with their hearts missing. A dark coven. And a gate to hell.
It’s not long before Victoria goes from the hunter, to the hunted. But she’ll do whatever it takes to bring the arsonist to justice—even if that means getting a few burns along the way.
I love this series!!
Body of ash we rejoin Tori as she battles to stop killer arsonists and a hellmouth being opened. Tori is struggling to keep out of fey politics as well staying of the radar as a necromancer. Her personal relationships with Kyle and Liam are getting harder to seperate when she relies on Liam and the fey to save Kyle's life. Also things with Terrance the detective becomes a little bit strained when he realises the damage magic has done this time. I almost cried as we watched Tori home and family business burn.
Really good series!
Recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Victoria’s a necromancer, fairy, Blood Queen… hot freaking mess. Her identity is so twisted up in supernatural nonsense, that all she wants to do is go back to embalming bodies and coffin brochures. Being in love should make things easier, but when your beau’s a bear and you’ve got a fairy suitor waiting in the wings, romance is just another complication.
While preparing the victims of a tragic fire for their funerals, Victoria discovers that their deaths were not accidents, as the police have ruled. Soon, she’s hot on the trail of a Firestarter who’s been scorching their way through the surrounding counties. It’s about more than murder and flame, though.
Bodies with their hearts missing. A dark coven. And a gate to hell.
It’s not long before Victoria goes from the hunter, to the hunted. But she’ll do whatever it takes to bring the arsonist to justice—even if that means getting a few burns along the way.
I love this series!!
Body of ash we rejoin Tori as she battles to stop killer arsonists and a hellmouth being opened. Tori is struggling to keep out of fey politics as well staying of the radar as a necromancer. Her personal relationships with Kyle and Liam are getting harder to seperate when she relies on Liam and the fey to save Kyle's life. Also things with Terrance the detective becomes a little bit strained when he realises the damage magic has done this time. I almost cried as we watched Tori home and family business burn.
Really good series!
Recommended
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) in Movies
Mar 16, 2020
Gotta go fast...
Contains spoilers, click to show
After so many videogame movie adaptations to ever happen, I was ecstatic when this movie was announced but also very concerned aswell.
From the super mario bros movie to detective pikachu and every tomb raider in between, this seemed like it was designed to tank from the beginning.
So starting from the original trailer drop, I had no idea what had happened, I saw my childhood being destroyed by Hollywood and in a state of shock, looking very disturbing and more like a human/hedgehog genetic failure - sonic was in trouble and this time, Dr Robotnik wasn't to blame!?
Luckily the entire sonic fan base banded together & they were heard, this resulted in the team behind the movie redesigning sonic himself and the movies release being delayed several months.
On the plus side, the redesign was well worth the wait & was praised by fans and critics alike.
Since the release the movie has been shown so much love and is in line to topple detective pikachu as the best selling videogame movie adaptation in history.
Story:
As a young hedgehog, sonic was a wild child with an ability like no other who caught the attention of many.
This ability pinned sonic as a target and eventually forces sonic to escape to another realm/dimension -Earth.
After several years in hiding, sonic accidentally taps into his inner speed force (Ha!) Causing a total blackout & is then hunted by the evil genius, Dr Robotnik.
This brings with it an adventure, frienship & really cool & fun chase scenes.
A great family movie that does not disappoint.
From the super mario bros movie to detective pikachu and every tomb raider in between, this seemed like it was designed to tank from the beginning.
So starting from the original trailer drop, I had no idea what had happened, I saw my childhood being destroyed by Hollywood and in a state of shock, looking very disturbing and more like a human/hedgehog genetic failure - sonic was in trouble and this time, Dr Robotnik wasn't to blame!?
Luckily the entire sonic fan base banded together & they were heard, this resulted in the team behind the movie redesigning sonic himself and the movies release being delayed several months.
On the plus side, the redesign was well worth the wait & was praised by fans and critics alike.
Since the release the movie has been shown so much love and is in line to topple detective pikachu as the best selling videogame movie adaptation in history.
Story:
As a young hedgehog, sonic was a wild child with an ability like no other who caught the attention of many.
This ability pinned sonic as a target and eventually forces sonic to escape to another realm/dimension -Earth.
After several years in hiding, sonic accidentally taps into his inner speed force (Ha!) Causing a total blackout & is then hunted by the evil genius, Dr Robotnik.
This brings with it an adventure, frienship & really cool & fun chase scenes.
A great family movie that does not disappoint.
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