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Merissa (13958 KP) rated Cut to the Chase (City Shifters: the Pride #4) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is the fourth book in the City Shifters series, but I agreed to read and review after being assured that it could be read as a standalone. I agree with that statement, but I do feel that you would gain the most from reading the prior books, simply because it sounds like they are all good stories!
Ruby is the joint alpha, along with her brother Rafe, of one of the two wolf packs in town. When the alpha of the other pack approaches her with a business/personal proposition, she is taken aback. She speaks to Carter, a friend of the pack and a lion shifter himself, and he offers an alternative - one she had never thought of. Ruby is all about the pack, but nothing apart from that is mentioned. The pack doesn't play a big part in this book as all the action is between Ruby and everyone else. It alludes that Carter is in to light BDSM, but this is not mentioned in detail, rather it fades to black.
This book is told both from the first perspective (Ruby) and third (Carter), so it is obvious from the start of each chapter who is 'talking'. Well-written, with developed characters and situations, and with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this was a thoroughly enjoyable paranormal romance. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2016
Ruby is the joint alpha, along with her brother Rafe, of one of the two wolf packs in town. When the alpha of the other pack approaches her with a business/personal proposition, she is taken aback. She speaks to Carter, a friend of the pack and a lion shifter himself, and he offers an alternative - one she had never thought of. Ruby is all about the pack, but nothing apart from that is mentioned. The pack doesn't play a big part in this book as all the action is between Ruby and everyone else. It alludes that Carter is in to light BDSM, but this is not mentioned in detail, rather it fades to black.
This book is told both from the first perspective (Ruby) and third (Carter), so it is obvious from the start of each chapter who is 'talking'. Well-written, with developed characters and situations, and with no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, this was a thoroughly enjoyable paranormal romance. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 22, 2016
Rockin’ Around the Chickadee
9.0
Rate It
Book
Bells are ringing and alarms are sounding in Donna Andrews' latest cheery addition in the New York...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ruthless ( The Privileged of Pembroke High 4) in Books
Mar 23, 2024
55 of 220
Kindle
Ruthless ( The Privileged of Pembroke High 4)
By Ivy Fox
⭐️⭐️
Since before I could even spell the name Grayson, I only had eyes for one boy—my perfect, larger than life best friend, who always managed to bring his bright light into my very dark existence with just one of his boyish smiles.
With Chad, I could forget the dismal life I had of being the flawless privileged daughter of a cruel, evil man.
He was my escape.
My solace.
My hope that one day I’d be free of it all and live how I always envisioned with my green-eyed boy at my side.
He was my everything until the devil’s piercing black eyes seduced him away from me.
They call him Saint, but heaven is not at fault for his pitiful creation.
Only the devil could produce such mouth-watering beauty to hide the ugliness that dwells inside.
He’s the demon that terrorizes my days and haunts my restless nights.
Saint wants to steal all that I love, believing he can beat me, but the fool has another thing coming.
I’m Eleanor Grayson, b*tch.
You want a fight, Saint?
Well, I’ll give you one you’ll never forget.
I was born and bred to be ruthless.
By the time I’m through, not even hell will recognize you.
Got to admit I wasn’t keen on this one! Think i expected more as the I really enjoyed the first 3 something was missing. This is the start of Elles story but I honestly struggled.
Kindle
Ruthless ( The Privileged of Pembroke High 4)
By Ivy Fox
⭐️⭐️
Since before I could even spell the name Grayson, I only had eyes for one boy—my perfect, larger than life best friend, who always managed to bring his bright light into my very dark existence with just one of his boyish smiles.
With Chad, I could forget the dismal life I had of being the flawless privileged daughter of a cruel, evil man.
He was my escape.
My solace.
My hope that one day I’d be free of it all and live how I always envisioned with my green-eyed boy at my side.
He was my everything until the devil’s piercing black eyes seduced him away from me.
They call him Saint, but heaven is not at fault for his pitiful creation.
Only the devil could produce such mouth-watering beauty to hide the ugliness that dwells inside.
He’s the demon that terrorizes my days and haunts my restless nights.
Saint wants to steal all that I love, believing he can beat me, but the fool has another thing coming.
I’m Eleanor Grayson, b*tch.
You want a fight, Saint?
Well, I’ll give you one you’ll never forget.
I was born and bred to be ruthless.
By the time I’m through, not even hell will recognize you.
Got to admit I wasn’t keen on this one! Think i expected more as the I really enjoyed the first 3 something was missing. This is the start of Elles story but I honestly struggled.
Merissa (13958 KP) rated Palaces and other Prisons (Part of: Tinsel and Tentacles 3.0) in Books
Nov 21, 2025
PALACES AND OTHER PRISONS is part of the Tinsel and Tentacles 3:0 series, and features Ul, king of the Krakke, and Dawson, an oil rig worker. Their worlds collide when the island of Felloi is magically transported to the mundane world, landing beneath the oil platform. Similar occurrences happen all over the world, but not everyone is as lucky. Dawson volunteers to meet with the 'monsters' as those on the platform ration food and water.
This is a low steam, slow-burning story with some big differences right from the start, language being the main one. I liked the explanation of how the Felloi learn languages, and how it was portrayed in the story. The other differences, such as clothing and customs, were also well written.
Personally, I would have preferred a little more time spent with Dawson and Ul, especially when they were sneaking off together, and after. Apart from moments, it didn't seem as though they actually spent that much time together.
There were also little things, like how Dawson was poisoned. We know where, and we know what with, but how, especially when he never felt it happen, just the aftereffects. That, and with Ul's cousin, felt like an afterthought.
Overall, this was a cute read with some nice characters.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
This is a low steam, slow-burning story with some big differences right from the start, language being the main one. I liked the explanation of how the Felloi learn languages, and how it was portrayed in the story. The other differences, such as clothing and customs, were also well written.
Personally, I would have preferred a little more time spent with Dawson and Ul, especially when they were sneaking off together, and after. Apart from moments, it didn't seem as though they actually spent that much time together.
There were also little things, like how Dawson was poisoned. We know where, and we know what with, but how, especially when he never felt it happen, just the aftereffects. That, and with Ul's cousin, felt like an afterthought.
Overall, this was a cute read with some nice characters.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
Merissa (13958 KP) rated Furious Angels (The Order of the Senary #4) in Books
Feb 26, 2026
FURIOUS ANGELS is the fourth book in the Order of the Senary series, although the last book was published quite a while ago (2019), so it did take me some time to fall back into their world.
Unlike the other books, Kasen and Veronica are already together, engaged, and Ronnie is pregnant when the story starts. Told from both perspectives, you see how the world is for Kasen and Veronica, how the Knights are pretty much hunted by those who 'appear' to want to help, and just how much stress and strain the Knights are under. Any story with a pregnant human woman carrying a half-vampire hybrid/half-human baby is bound to have its problems, not even counting those that are snooping for their own nefarious purposes.
Being as it's been such a long time between books, it was good to catch up with the others whose stories we've already had. However, I am intrigued by what's happening to Rome! And Shaul, well, I can't wait for his story, because if anyone deserves a HEA, it's him!
This story is full of action, of found family, hope, heartbreak, and sorrow. It was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 25, 2026
Unlike the other books, Kasen and Veronica are already together, engaged, and Ronnie is pregnant when the story starts. Told from both perspectives, you see how the world is for Kasen and Veronica, how the Knights are pretty much hunted by those who 'appear' to want to help, and just how much stress and strain the Knights are under. Any story with a pregnant human woman carrying a half-vampire hybrid/half-human baby is bound to have its problems, not even counting those that are snooping for their own nefarious purposes.
Being as it's been such a long time between books, it was good to catch up with the others whose stories we've already had. However, I am intrigued by what's happening to Rome! And Shaul, well, I can't wait for his story, because if anyone deserves a HEA, it's him!
This story is full of action, of found family, hope, heartbreak, and sorrow. It was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 25, 2026
Merissa (13958 KP) rated A Heart of Gold and Glass (Secret Fairy Tales #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2026
A HEART OF GOLD AND GLASS is the start of a fantastic new series called Secret Fairy Tales, and we begin with a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.
In a kingdom where magic is an everyday occurrence, some magic is more highbrow than others. Hugo can create anything with glass, which is wonderful, but not so highly placed. His mother is desperate for him to marry well, so tells people he can spin straw into gold. This gets him locked up, where a strange man saves him. Prince Everand is the heir to the throne, and fed up with his mother's matchmaking. Together, these two have adventures, find love, stop a war, and reunite families. All in a day's work.
I loved these two. Hugo is humble without being too self-deprecating. Ev is charming and funny, especially when he is head over heels for Hugo. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with Hugo's brothers, and I even liked his mother. She reminded me of Mrs Bennett.
I thought this was a brilliant start to the series. It is sweet and sexy, with great world-building, and plenty of characters I want to see more of. It is Dorian's turn next, and I can't wait. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2026
In a kingdom where magic is an everyday occurrence, some magic is more highbrow than others. Hugo can create anything with glass, which is wonderful, but not so highly placed. His mother is desperate for him to marry well, so tells people he can spin straw into gold. This gets him locked up, where a strange man saves him. Prince Everand is the heir to the throne, and fed up with his mother's matchmaking. Together, these two have adventures, find love, stop a war, and reunite families. All in a day's work.
I loved these two. Hugo is humble without being too self-deprecating. Ev is charming and funny, especially when he is head over heels for Hugo. I thoroughly enjoyed all the scenes with Hugo's brothers, and I even liked his mother. She reminded me of Mrs Bennett.
I thought this was a brilliant start to the series. It is sweet and sexy, with great world-building, and plenty of characters I want to see more of. It is Dorian's turn next, and I can't wait. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 13, 2026
Merissa (13958 KP) rated Blood Ties (Monsters of London #2) in Books
Mar 11, 2025
BLOOD TIES is the second book in the Monsters of London series and absolutely needs to be read as the series not as a standalone. We continue the story with Drew making his escape and meeting up with Kieran, and Sam and Adam dancing around each other.
WHAT. A. STORY! It just gets better! I loved how Drew was the biggest but also the softest cinnamon roll you'll ever see. The relationship between the three of them was so well written - all of them were so concerned about not being in the way of the others. I was glad when Adam stepped up. Before they get jiggy with it though, there is so much tenderness, touches, and heartfelt looks, that my heart just melted.
The overarching story moves on and becomes even more in-depth and layered. You still don't know the half of it, but what you do know makes it clearer. Kieran and Lucien are still big players, with Kieran becoming even bigger by the end of the book, which made perfect sense to me. I am absolutely loving this series. Not only does it have outstanding main characters, but the side characters are also amazing, adding their own flair to the scenes.
I can't wait for the next book. This was outstanding and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 4, 2024
WHAT. A. STORY! It just gets better! I loved how Drew was the biggest but also the softest cinnamon roll you'll ever see. The relationship between the three of them was so well written - all of them were so concerned about not being in the way of the others. I was glad when Adam stepped up. Before they get jiggy with it though, there is so much tenderness, touches, and heartfelt looks, that my heart just melted.
The overarching story moves on and becomes even more in-depth and layered. You still don't know the half of it, but what you do know makes it clearer. Kieran and Lucien are still big players, with Kieran becoming even bigger by the end of the book, which made perfect sense to me. I am absolutely loving this series. Not only does it have outstanding main characters, but the side characters are also amazing, adding their own flair to the scenes.
I can't wait for the next book. This was outstanding and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 4, 2024
Steven Sklansky (231 KP) rated Live By Night (2017) in Movies
Sep 10, 2017
Cast (2 more)
Gun play
Costumes and Sets
Gangsters, Guns and Money. What more is there?
To me Ben Affleck has always been a good actor. It doesn't matter if it is a good movie or a bad one, he seems to make his acting ability known. Live by Night was no different, he played gangster very well. It might be because he was also directing himself. Some movies you can tell that the movie is being directed by the actor in the movie, but in this one you could not see that line. The senses he was in you could tell they were done with the same quality as a director sitting in a chair.
Ben Affleck really does love Boston, because once again that where this whole thing begins. I didn't live in the 20's but the Boston accent must not have been established yet. It was quite refreshing not to hear it in a movie. I really didn't know Boston's backstory but I guess like everywhere on the East Coast there was a mob presence. They did a really good job showing the life of someone in the mob. It wasn't just the killing and booze. It really went deep with the love story of both women and what he had to go though to keep the love and them alive. Even though one of them turned out to be a backstabbing bitch.
When the story progressed to Tampa it was interesting to see something that I don't think has been portrayed in movies. Or I have never seen it. The mob in Florida. The interactions between the Irish and Italian mob in a world of Mexicans and Cubans was done very well. There was a lot going on and it never got boring. The only part of the story that got a little off was rivalry of the mob in Tampa and Miami. You never saw the fights between them until the end. I just thought it was over and done with after the Italians were run out of town. Or maybe I just missed it.
I won't tell you what happened to anyone at the end but the gun fight was amazing. So may parts put in and the chirography was done very well. I think the very end could have been done differently. To me it was very off putting and didn't understand why they choose to go that direction. Granted it was based off a book that I never read and maybe that's the way it had to be. But it could have been written better in the book too. Books seem to get the point across better anyway.
If you like gangster movies, see it. If you like Ben Affleck, see it. If you just want to watch a movie not to be bored, see it.
Ben Affleck really does love Boston, because once again that where this whole thing begins. I didn't live in the 20's but the Boston accent must not have been established yet. It was quite refreshing not to hear it in a movie. I really didn't know Boston's backstory but I guess like everywhere on the East Coast there was a mob presence. They did a really good job showing the life of someone in the mob. It wasn't just the killing and booze. It really went deep with the love story of both women and what he had to go though to keep the love and them alive. Even though one of them turned out to be a backstabbing bitch.
When the story progressed to Tampa it was interesting to see something that I don't think has been portrayed in movies. Or I have never seen it. The mob in Florida. The interactions between the Irish and Italian mob in a world of Mexicans and Cubans was done very well. There was a lot going on and it never got boring. The only part of the story that got a little off was rivalry of the mob in Tampa and Miami. You never saw the fights between them until the end. I just thought it was over and done with after the Italians were run out of town. Or maybe I just missed it.
I won't tell you what happened to anyone at the end but the gun fight was amazing. So may parts put in and the chirography was done very well. I think the very end could have been done differently. To me it was very off putting and didn't understand why they choose to go that direction. Granted it was based off a book that I never read and maybe that's the way it had to be. But it could have been written better in the book too. Books seem to get the point across better anyway.
If you like gangster movies, see it. If you like Ben Affleck, see it. If you just want to watch a movie not to be bored, see it.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Blast from the Past (Where Are They Now? #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
In this third entry into the Where Are They Now? series, Tilda Harper finds herself doubting her abilities as a journalist after two unfortunate incidents go awry. Invited to meet and interview the star of the movie, which itself is based on a comic from the eighties that is now a cult classic, Tilda sets off. As she interviews the star, John Laryea, who was also in a musical-adventure television show as a teen, and various others involved with the film project, she witnesses the hit-and-run of Laryea and his assistant. While she discovers who was behind that "accident" and works to clear the main suspect's name, she also is hired to find out who Leviathan, the mysterious creator of the classic comic book series, Pharos, actually is.
A smart main character, Tilda may make some mistakes but she's never dumb and never annoying. She goes about her work in a very professional way even if she may have some sarcastic thoughts about someone or something. I really do like her, she's not a silly nitwit who gets by on luck or relies on a guy. The cast of characters are, as usual, interesting and incorporated very well into the plot. Along with the new faces, some familiar ones are here as well. Cooper, Tilda's best friend who always brings some lightheartedness, isn't as prominent in this book as he has been in the others, I believe it's only through phone conversations, but luckily the book doesn't suffer because of this. Tilda's sister, June is in it for a short amount of time that doesn't diminish her repartee with Tilda. Nick (Tilda's former and maybe future love interest) and his dad, Dom, are the two who feature predominantly since Dom's company is in charge of the film's security. Following the pattern of each book, a new roommate is introduced, though I'm sure she'll be gone by the next outing, this time the roommate is an animal collector, the latest being a snake Tilda's not too fond of.
The two plots are well-paced and complement each other nicely. Pretty much every page of the book was interesting, with clues so subtly embedded I didn't always pick up on them, that it held my attention to the very end. I love the concept of this series and while I liked the previous books, I believe this may just be the best one to date and hope there are many more to come.
Series order:
[b:Curse of the Kissing Cousins|2384227|Curse of the Kissing Cousins (Where are They Now?, #1)|Toni L.P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266777949s/2384227.jpg|2391239]
[b:Who Killed the Pinup Queen?|7518303|Who Killed the Pinup Queen? (Where are They Now?, #2)|Toni L.P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277167352s/7518303.jpg|9733117]
[b:Blast from the Past|8592435|Blast from the Past (Where Are They Now? #3)|Toni L. P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327922876s/8592435.jpg|13462058]
A smart main character, Tilda may make some mistakes but she's never dumb and never annoying. She goes about her work in a very professional way even if she may have some sarcastic thoughts about someone or something. I really do like her, she's not a silly nitwit who gets by on luck or relies on a guy. The cast of characters are, as usual, interesting and incorporated very well into the plot. Along with the new faces, some familiar ones are here as well. Cooper, Tilda's best friend who always brings some lightheartedness, isn't as prominent in this book as he has been in the others, I believe it's only through phone conversations, but luckily the book doesn't suffer because of this. Tilda's sister, June is in it for a short amount of time that doesn't diminish her repartee with Tilda. Nick (Tilda's former and maybe future love interest) and his dad, Dom, are the two who feature predominantly since Dom's company is in charge of the film's security. Following the pattern of each book, a new roommate is introduced, though I'm sure she'll be gone by the next outing, this time the roommate is an animal collector, the latest being a snake Tilda's not too fond of.
The two plots are well-paced and complement each other nicely. Pretty much every page of the book was interesting, with clues so subtly embedded I didn't always pick up on them, that it held my attention to the very end. I love the concept of this series and while I liked the previous books, I believe this may just be the best one to date and hope there are many more to come.
Series order:
[b:Curse of the Kissing Cousins|2384227|Curse of the Kissing Cousins (Where are They Now?, #1)|Toni L.P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1266777949s/2384227.jpg|2391239]
[b:Who Killed the Pinup Queen?|7518303|Who Killed the Pinup Queen? (Where are They Now?, #2)|Toni L.P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1277167352s/7518303.jpg|9733117]
[b:Blast from the Past|8592435|Blast from the Past (Where Are They Now? #3)|Toni L. P. Kelner|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327922876s/8592435.jpg|13462058]
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) in Movies
Jun 11, 2019
Somewhat misleading but thrilling nonetheless
It’s best to start off this review as honest as possible. If you’re expecting a fully-fledged sequel or even a prequel to Matt Reeves’ brilliant monster horror, Cloverfield in 10 Cloverfield Lane, you’ll be very disappointed.
But, if you’re expecting a superbly written, well-acted and claustrophobic thriller, then this is definitely the film for you. Dan Trachtenberg, who makes his directorial debut with this feature, has crafted a taut film that has no real connection with the 2008 hit. So is it as good?
10 Cloverfield Lane follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) as she embarks on a new chapter in her life after a break-up. Unfortunately, a car crash leaves her seriously injured and unconscious. After waking up in an underground bunker, she meets her saviour in Howard (John Goodman), and as the story progresses, Michelle and fellow resident Emmett, try to make a bid for freedom.
The performances by the cast of three are terrific with Winstead coming on leaps and bounds since her role in Final Destination 3 and John Goodman is absolutely incredible. Cloverfield utilised its monster very well, but Goodman is more than a match with a simple shaking of his fists – his booming voice and burly frame mean he was a perfect casting choice and a human as psychotic as Howard is infinitely more terrifying to me than any monster.
It’s all very Hitchcockian, claustrophobic and exceptionally tense. Director Dan Trachtenberg has a real eye for the smaller details and the underground bunker setting is the perfect location to craft this kind of film. The use of jagged camera angles and low shots help aid the enclosed feeling and you can’t help but become panicked with Michelle, as she desperately tries to figure out a way to freedom.
After the bloated mess of London Has Fallen and the overlong Allegiant, it’s nice to see a film that doesn’t dwell more than it needs to. At 103 minutes, 10 Cloverfield Lane is relatively short and all the better for it. Despite only having three characters and being confined to a few small rooms for the majority of the running time, it never drags or becomes dull.
Unfortunately, the final third unravels a little of this good work, coming across like the ending to a completely different film; but Trachtenberg’s ideas and reasoning behind the finale are clear throughout, despite the lack of connection to the two acts that preceded it.
Overall, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a smart and well-thought out thriller that is related to Cloverfield in name only. That’s no bad thing, as the film we are left with is one of the best directorial debuts in years, even though its muddled ending leaves somewhat of a sour taste.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2016/03/20/somewhat-misleading-but-thrilling-nonetheless-10-cloverfield-lane-review/
But, if you’re expecting a superbly written, well-acted and claustrophobic thriller, then this is definitely the film for you. Dan Trachtenberg, who makes his directorial debut with this feature, has crafted a taut film that has no real connection with the 2008 hit. So is it as good?
10 Cloverfield Lane follows Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) as she embarks on a new chapter in her life after a break-up. Unfortunately, a car crash leaves her seriously injured and unconscious. After waking up in an underground bunker, she meets her saviour in Howard (John Goodman), and as the story progresses, Michelle and fellow resident Emmett, try to make a bid for freedom.
The performances by the cast of three are terrific with Winstead coming on leaps and bounds since her role in Final Destination 3 and John Goodman is absolutely incredible. Cloverfield utilised its monster very well, but Goodman is more than a match with a simple shaking of his fists – his booming voice and burly frame mean he was a perfect casting choice and a human as psychotic as Howard is infinitely more terrifying to me than any monster.
It’s all very Hitchcockian, claustrophobic and exceptionally tense. Director Dan Trachtenberg has a real eye for the smaller details and the underground bunker setting is the perfect location to craft this kind of film. The use of jagged camera angles and low shots help aid the enclosed feeling and you can’t help but become panicked with Michelle, as she desperately tries to figure out a way to freedom.
After the bloated mess of London Has Fallen and the overlong Allegiant, it’s nice to see a film that doesn’t dwell more than it needs to. At 103 minutes, 10 Cloverfield Lane is relatively short and all the better for it. Despite only having three characters and being confined to a few small rooms for the majority of the running time, it never drags or becomes dull.
Unfortunately, the final third unravels a little of this good work, coming across like the ending to a completely different film; but Trachtenberg’s ideas and reasoning behind the finale are clear throughout, despite the lack of connection to the two acts that preceded it.
Overall, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a smart and well-thought out thriller that is related to Cloverfield in name only. That’s no bad thing, as the film we are left with is one of the best directorial debuts in years, even though its muddled ending leaves somewhat of a sour taste.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2016/03/20/somewhat-misleading-but-thrilling-nonetheless-10-cloverfield-lane-review/