Search
Search results
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated My Spy (2019) in Movies
Apr 4, 2020
Eleven months after first being slated for release we finally got My Spy in the cinema. With its predecessors like Playing With Fire, The Pacifier and The Game Plan leaving a very mixed tough guy/kid's movie playing field I wasn't expecting great things.
JJ has stepped over the line one too many times and now he's relegated to surveillance with Bobbi, the agency tech wizard. Their mission is to stay put and watch the wife and child of a man who was connected to the case.
When they get to their stakeout position the last thing they expect is to be made by the very person they're watching. Sophie may only be 9 but she's no fool and she's about to use her new found leverage to her benefit.
I absolutely loved this, it was looking a little rough at the start but I genuinely enjoyed myself once it hit its stride.
But it was a 12A? Honestly astounded to see that pop up at the beginning, I would have assumed it would be a PG, but that extra allowance gave the film a bit more colour.
This comedy felt perfect for Dave Bautista, I don't think I've seen him in a role that really felt suited to him, I like his humour but even the lovable Drax was always a bit off. Everest in Hotel Artemis was probably the best until I saw this. I love that he got a chance to do a mix of drama and comedy all in one film.
His pairing with Kristen Schaal as Bobbi was such fun. Their completely different approaches coupled with her to-the-point attitude make for a great team. Bobbi's adoration and desire to do more fieldwork is played off incredibly well.
I'm not usually a fan of child actors, it can seem forced and unnatural, but Chloe Coleman as Sophie is savage and I love it. Her standing up to JJ and her vulnerable side comes over so well, I genuinely enjoyed her acting and her comic timing, I can't wait to see her in more things.
The only actor I would query is Ken Jeong, he's funny and I find him generally amusing in most things he does but in this A) he wasn't entirely believable in the role and B) his humour was a step apart from the rest of the script, his parts in particular weren't in scenes designed for humour. It was the only part of the film that made me pause as I watched it, but it wasn't a massively negative impact on the whole.
We get some great settings and amazing action style sequences, the ones with both Bautista and Coleman had some real heart and humour. The whole storyline where he teaches her how to spy is amusing and well done.
I really did enjoy My Spy, that 12A totally helped it from being like those before it, the script could be aimed more at adults and the humour could cover both adult and children's amusement, it's a great stress-free film and I would absolutely watch it again.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/04/my-spy-movie-review.html
JJ has stepped over the line one too many times and now he's relegated to surveillance with Bobbi, the agency tech wizard. Their mission is to stay put and watch the wife and child of a man who was connected to the case.
When they get to their stakeout position the last thing they expect is to be made by the very person they're watching. Sophie may only be 9 but she's no fool and she's about to use her new found leverage to her benefit.
I absolutely loved this, it was looking a little rough at the start but I genuinely enjoyed myself once it hit its stride.
But it was a 12A? Honestly astounded to see that pop up at the beginning, I would have assumed it would be a PG, but that extra allowance gave the film a bit more colour.
This comedy felt perfect for Dave Bautista, I don't think I've seen him in a role that really felt suited to him, I like his humour but even the lovable Drax was always a bit off. Everest in Hotel Artemis was probably the best until I saw this. I love that he got a chance to do a mix of drama and comedy all in one film.
His pairing with Kristen Schaal as Bobbi was such fun. Their completely different approaches coupled with her to-the-point attitude make for a great team. Bobbi's adoration and desire to do more fieldwork is played off incredibly well.
I'm not usually a fan of child actors, it can seem forced and unnatural, but Chloe Coleman as Sophie is savage and I love it. Her standing up to JJ and her vulnerable side comes over so well, I genuinely enjoyed her acting and her comic timing, I can't wait to see her in more things.
The only actor I would query is Ken Jeong, he's funny and I find him generally amusing in most things he does but in this A) he wasn't entirely believable in the role and B) his humour was a step apart from the rest of the script, his parts in particular weren't in scenes designed for humour. It was the only part of the film that made me pause as I watched it, but it wasn't a massively negative impact on the whole.
We get some great settings and amazing action style sequences, the ones with both Bautista and Coleman had some real heart and humour. The whole storyline where he teaches her how to spy is amusing and well done.
I really did enjoy My Spy, that 12A totally helped it from being like those before it, the script could be aimed more at adults and the humour could cover both adult and children's amusement, it's a great stress-free film and I would absolutely watch it again.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/04/my-spy-movie-review.html
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Secret Agent in Books
Nov 1, 2017
The story of a reluctant spy and a tragic plot
Joseph Conrad continues to write about the dark side of humanity, similar to his other work the Heart of Darkness. The book reads like two separate tales - that of the Verloc family and that of the anarchists.
Set in bleak Victorian London, the novel follows the life of Mr. Verloc, a secret agent, who also is a married businessman on the side selling inappropriate bric-a-brac. His friends are a group of anarchists of which three people are most prominent. Although largely ineffectual as terrorists, they are well known to the police. Verloc is also secretly employed by the Embassy as an agent provocateur. And here it all falls apart.
The more intriguing part of the book surrounds the family, especially his wife Winnie who essentially behaves like a timid matriarch before becoming distraught over the thought of being hanged. Stevie, Winnie's brother who has a mental disability, is treated more like a son than a sibling. And when he encounters tragedy, Winnie changes into a completely different person.
At times, the political aspect can be long-winded, but it ends in a major climax so it's worth getting to the end.
Set in bleak Victorian London, the novel follows the life of Mr. Verloc, a secret agent, who also is a married businessman on the side selling inappropriate bric-a-brac. His friends are a group of anarchists of which three people are most prominent. Although largely ineffectual as terrorists, they are well known to the police. Verloc is also secretly employed by the Embassy as an agent provocateur. And here it all falls apart.
The more intriguing part of the book surrounds the family, especially his wife Winnie who essentially behaves like a timid matriarch before becoming distraught over the thought of being hanged. Stevie, Winnie's brother who has a mental disability, is treated more like a son than a sibling. And when he encounters tragedy, Winnie changes into a completely different person.
At times, the political aspect can be long-winded, but it ends in a major climax so it's worth getting to the end.
Merissa (13105 KP) rated Until Forever Comes (Mates #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2017
Until Forever Comes (Mates #2) by Cardeno C.
This book is about Ethan and Miguel, who we have already met or heard mention of in the other two books. Ethan is only young but Miguel is already over four hundred years old. Ethan is used to being the runt of the pack, weak and ineffective. Miguel is a cold-blooded, cold-hearted killer who has no qualms about hurting those in his 'care'.
This book is about how opposites attract and how, if it's your true mate, then anything is possible. Of course, you get your idiots (Ralph) and those who don't believe, but in the course of any book of Cardeno C, you know that true love will win!
Very well written with a smooth story and pace, I actually wish that I'd read this one first as I thought it gave a good history to the different packs and attitudes. From this book, I can see how Zev had his work cut out for him in Wake Me Up Inside. Another excellent story that I can definitely recommend.
I received this book from WLK Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is about how opposites attract and how, if it's your true mate, then anything is possible. Of course, you get your idiots (Ralph) and those who don't believe, but in the course of any book of Cardeno C, you know that true love will win!
Very well written with a smooth story and pace, I actually wish that I'd read this one first as I thought it gave a good history to the different packs and attitudes. From this book, I can see how Zev had his work cut out for him in Wake Me Up Inside. Another excellent story that I can definitely recommend.
I received this book from WLK Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book when I signed up to host the review tour via YA Bound Book Tours. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Before I begin let me say that I found the cover of this book to be pleasing to the eye.
Now, if you love reading books about royalty and their drama filled lives then you will definitely want to read this and if you also enjoy romance, then know that you have hit the jackpot. The story line kept me glued to every turn of the page and the author's world building creativity made me feel like I was there experiencing it all. Instead of telling you who my favorite characters are I will tell you which characters I hated with every fiber of my being; Vacilla and Silas as they truly made life a living hell for the people around them.
I found the characters to be well written and I loved reading this book. This book contains just the right amount of romance, drama and adventure. I will definitely be reading the second book. Kudos to J.D. Wright for a fantastically written fantasy.
Before I begin let me say that I found the cover of this book to be pleasing to the eye.
Now, if you love reading books about royalty and their drama filled lives then you will definitely want to read this and if you also enjoy romance, then know that you have hit the jackpot. The story line kept me glued to every turn of the page and the author's world building creativity made me feel like I was there experiencing it all. Instead of telling you who my favorite characters are I will tell you which characters I hated with every fiber of my being; Vacilla and Silas as they truly made life a living hell for the people around them.
I found the characters to be well written and I loved reading this book. This book contains just the right amount of romance, drama and adventure. I will definitely be reading the second book. Kudos to J.D. Wright for a fantastically written fantasy.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Kill (Maeve Kerrigan, #5) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the Dead Good Crime Book Group on Goodreads and I want to thank them, once again, for introducing me to another new author that I may never have found.
I haven't read any of the preceding books in this series so started reading with no background or information on any of the characters at all. In hindsight, I think it would have been better to have that knowledge as I did find myself wondering where some of the characters were coming from. Having said that though, I thought it was well written with engaging and complex characters. The storyline was great, delivered with good pace and with interesting twists. I like the relationships between the various characters and despite Derwent being a chauvinistic pig, he was the cause of an internal battle I had with myself - one minute I liked him, the next he was a total [insert appropriate swear word]. Derwent was also the one who made me laugh out loud by his ludicrous statements and the situation he found himself in towards the end of the book.
Overall, a good read but one that would probably have been much better had I read previous books in the series.
I haven't read any of the preceding books in this series so started reading with no background or information on any of the characters at all. In hindsight, I think it would have been better to have that knowledge as I did find myself wondering where some of the characters were coming from. Having said that though, I thought it was well written with engaging and complex characters. The storyline was great, delivered with good pace and with interesting twists. I like the relationships between the various characters and despite Derwent being a chauvinistic pig, he was the cause of an internal battle I had with myself - one minute I liked him, the next he was a total [insert appropriate swear word]. Derwent was also the one who made me laugh out loud by his ludicrous statements and the situation he found himself in towards the end of the book.
Overall, a good read but one that would probably have been much better had I read previous books in the series.
Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated John Wick (2014) in Movies
Jul 13, 2017
Keanu Reeves (4 more)
The established hitman universe
Incredible gunplay
Solid fight choreography
Decipherable cinematography during action
Best Action Movie Post-Matrix
The problem with many modern action movies lies in the bullshit concept known as "shaky-cam." Perhaps well meant at first, in order to make audiences "feel" the impact of punches and gunshots, it is now so overused that you can't even tell what's going on or who is hitting who in many action movies. Enter John Wick: not a single use of "shaky-cam." Not one. All camera shots during action sequences are stable and staged at angles that allow the audience to see exactly what is going on. I used to think Jason Bourne was the best action series post-Matrix, but John Wick and its sequel changed that as fast the titular character can shoot another goon in the head. The fight choreography is sublime, the script is simple but tight, and Keanu Reeves is slicker than ever. John Wick is the best action movie since The Matrix, and it just so happens to star the same bad-ass guy we've been dreaming of being since 1999. Now I have to go review John Wick: Chapter 2!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Where We Belong in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wow! Let me begin by saying that I don't often recommend a book on my Facebook status, but for this 1 I did! Yes, it was that good!
The characters are all so well written & so incredibly believable...they could be your next door neighbor, your friend, or you. The plot was so real & emotional without being preachy or cheesy. I compare it to a Jodi Piccoult work minus the hidden social agenda that sometimes bugs me with her work.
This book tells the story of a thirty something TV producer woman names Marian. At the same time it is also told from the viewpoint of 18 year old Kirby. Their lives are separate, until a chance knock on a swanky, Manhattan penthouse door. The story follows both women through their journey by alternating chapters. Sounds confusing, but it flows together seamlessly. The stories follow in order, just alternate from each of their points of view. I hate to say more for fear of ruining the plot for someone who might chance upon this review. (I hate when that happens to me!!)
If you want to know more, go get the book! It will be worth your time & $$...TRUST ME!
The characters are all so well written & so incredibly believable...they could be your next door neighbor, your friend, or you. The plot was so real & emotional without being preachy or cheesy. I compare it to a Jodi Piccoult work minus the hidden social agenda that sometimes bugs me with her work.
This book tells the story of a thirty something TV producer woman names Marian. At the same time it is also told from the viewpoint of 18 year old Kirby. Their lives are separate, until a chance knock on a swanky, Manhattan penthouse door. The story follows both women through their journey by alternating chapters. Sounds confusing, but it flows together seamlessly. The stories follow in order, just alternate from each of their points of view. I hate to say more for fear of ruining the plot for someone who might chance upon this review. (I hate when that happens to me!!)
If you want to know more, go get the book! It will be worth your time & $$...TRUST ME!
b.Young (97 KP) rated The Wordsmith in Books
May 15, 2018
Horrifying in a good way
Have you ever wondered how famous authors pump out great book after great book? Well, it's probably not quite how Walt Erickson does it...or is it???
I read this book because I found it offered for free in the Amazon Kindle store. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Y'all! I was wrong to set my expectations so low!
This was a truly horrifying glimpse into what one famous author does to keep writing those best-selling books of his. And (spoiler): He's. Not. Writing. Them.
So who is? How does he keep from being found out?
My first thought was that his typewriter is bewitched and doing the writing for him.
My second thought was that he had a ghost writer that he pays very handsomely to keep quiet.
I had some other thoughts about it, but they were just too PG.
Let me just tell you, that NONE of my thoughts were what was actually going on and I was beyond freaked out when I discovered the truth!
This story reminded me a little of Secret Garden and a little of some episode of The Twilight Zone I saw when I was like 10.
If you read this and you will think you entered The Twilight Zone.
I read this book because I found it offered for free in the Amazon Kindle store. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Y'all! I was wrong to set my expectations so low!
This was a truly horrifying glimpse into what one famous author does to keep writing those best-selling books of his. And (spoiler): He's. Not. Writing. Them.
So who is? How does he keep from being found out?
My first thought was that his typewriter is bewitched and doing the writing for him.
My second thought was that he had a ghost writer that he pays very handsomely to keep quiet.
I had some other thoughts about it, but they were just too PG.
Let me just tell you, that NONE of my thoughts were what was actually going on and I was beyond freaked out when I discovered the truth!
This story reminded me a little of Secret Garden and a little of some episode of The Twilight Zone I saw when I was like 10.
If you read this and you will think you entered The Twilight Zone.
Merissa (13105 KP) rated Challenge Accepted (Wolf Appeal #2) in Books
May 7, 2018
Challenge Accepted (Wolf Appeal #2) by KB Alan
Challenge Accepted is the second book in the Wolf Appeal series, but it can be read as a standalone, as I did. Adam was changed into a werewolf against his will, and has tried to remain off grid ever since. He comes into contact with others when some of the natural wolves in his woods get sick, and then some of the werewolves do too. The head honcho herself, Myra, turns up and is able to speak with him, letting him know just what she had done with the pack that turned him. The attraction between these two is sort of instantaneous, sort of not. The sparks are there, but the fire isn't lit (properly) until the end of the book. You'll see why ;)
This was a well-written story that fully explains Adam's situation without being bogged down in detail. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story was intriguing and engrossing, and was great as a standalone. Recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well-written story that fully explains Adam's situation without being bogged down in detail. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story was intriguing and engrossing, and was great as a standalone. Recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
RPGMP3 (211 KP) rated Joking Hazard in Tabletop Games
Apr 20, 2018
Cyanide and Happiness (1 more)
Can Be Really Funny
Some Good Games, Some Dull Games
I love Cyanide and Happiness. It is awesome. So I Kickstarted this game when it came out without any hesitation. The idea is pretty simple and similar to Cards Against Humanity with pictures. Everyone has seven cards. You draw one from the pile and play as the first card, the Judge plays another card either in front or behind the first card and then everyone else plays a card to complete the comic strip. Then the Judge decides who wins.
It can be totally hilarious and I have played games where my sides have hurt from laughing. I've even cried. Sadly, I have also had games where the images just don't work and nothing is funny and it is just a bit awkward as players try to play something and fail.
That being said, it is an easy beer and pretzels game that does what it sets out to do reasonably well. If you love Cyanide and Happiness and are willing to take the risk of some dull rounds (or even whole games) then it is definitely worth adding to your collection for those games where everything just drops into place.
It can be totally hilarious and I have played games where my sides have hurt from laughing. I've even cried. Sadly, I have also had games where the images just don't work and nothing is funny and it is just a bit awkward as players try to play something and fail.
That being said, it is an easy beer and pretzels game that does what it sets out to do reasonably well. If you love Cyanide and Happiness and are willing to take the risk of some dull rounds (or even whole games) then it is definitely worth adding to your collection for those games where everything just drops into place.