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Lee (2222 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jun 7, 2019
Awful dialogue (1 more)
Pointless villain
Disappointing
Dark Phoenix marks the end of an era for the X-Men franchise, being the last of their movies to go into production before the recent acquisition of Fox by Disney. It's a series of movies which unfortunately has had more misfires than hits. But for me, the hits have been right up there with the biggest of the MCU movies in terms of storytelling and entertainment. It's therefore a real shame that Dark Phoenix turns out to be yet another misfire.
Dark Phoenix start off well though. It's 1992, and the X-Men are currently riding high on popularity, with Charles Xavier even having his own hotline to the president. A trip up into space to save some astronauts in peril is impressive, with the X-Men working effectively as a team under pressure. In fact, these team moments are the best thing about the movie - all working together, with every character getting a chance to utilise their specific set of skills.
The worst thing about Dark Phoenix is the script - awkward, cheesy or just plain boring. Moments that are supposed to be emotional, intense or poignant just come across as dull and frustrating, making the heavy handed soundtrack all the more noticeable. Many of the cast do their best with what they've been given, but it rarely works. Add to that a completely pointless villain (Jessica Chastain) without any clearly defined motivation that you can get behind, and the negative elements far outweigh the positive for me. Who knows what form the X-Men may eventually take within the MCU, but hopefully they'll be utilised to their full potential once more.
Dark Phoenix start off well though. It's 1992, and the X-Men are currently riding high on popularity, with Charles Xavier even having his own hotline to the president. A trip up into space to save some astronauts in peril is impressive, with the X-Men working effectively as a team under pressure. In fact, these team moments are the best thing about the movie - all working together, with every character getting a chance to utilise their specific set of skills.
The worst thing about Dark Phoenix is the script - awkward, cheesy or just plain boring. Moments that are supposed to be emotional, intense or poignant just come across as dull and frustrating, making the heavy handed soundtrack all the more noticeable. Many of the cast do their best with what they've been given, but it rarely works. Add to that a completely pointless villain (Jessica Chastain) without any clearly defined motivation that you can get behind, and the negative elements far outweigh the positive for me. Who knows what form the X-Men may eventually take within the MCU, but hopefully they'll be utilised to their full potential once more.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Now You See Her in Books
Jun 14, 2019
An ability to suspend belief required for this thriller.
My first James Patterson read or as it was an audiobook - listen (yes I live under a rock) and I was really hoping to love it (my parents have passed on a load of books by him so I have a pile to read)
Nina Bloom is a successful New York lawyer and mother but she has only been Nina for 18 years and she would happily forget the life she had before that. Unfortunately events conspire to make Nina have to face her difficult past head on.
Unfortunately the level of craziness in events was too steep for me to get over. I really need a book to play by the rules of the universe it operates in and this just seemed to be one mad capped thing after another. I can deal with the odd coincidence or strange behaviour to try and move the plot along but I felt this needed the suspense of the readers belief to an extent I can't manage. It wasn't helped by a protagonist I felt personally no sympathy for.
It was certainly a fast paced book and if you are happy to go along for the ride I can imagine this being satisfying. I unfortunately found myself just stopping and going "really?" far to much.
Minor issue that I think affected the audio version was the number of chapters in the book meant the narrator going "Chapter x" every few minutes spoiling the flow. I think it had like 120 chapters which for a book I think is around 360 pages seems excessive, probably less jarring if you are reading rather than listening. The breaks just seemed to be in some odd spots as well.
Might give a written Patterson a try and see if I get along better with that.
Nina Bloom is a successful New York lawyer and mother but she has only been Nina for 18 years and she would happily forget the life she had before that. Unfortunately events conspire to make Nina have to face her difficult past head on.
Unfortunately the level of craziness in events was too steep for me to get over. I really need a book to play by the rules of the universe it operates in and this just seemed to be one mad capped thing after another. I can deal with the odd coincidence or strange behaviour to try and move the plot along but I felt this needed the suspense of the readers belief to an extent I can't manage. It wasn't helped by a protagonist I felt personally no sympathy for.
It was certainly a fast paced book and if you are happy to go along for the ride I can imagine this being satisfying. I unfortunately found myself just stopping and going "really?" far to much.
Minor issue that I think affected the audio version was the number of chapters in the book meant the narrator going "Chapter x" every few minutes spoiling the flow. I think it had like 120 chapters which for a book I think is around 360 pages seems excessive, probably less jarring if you are reading rather than listening. The breaks just seemed to be in some odd spots as well.
Might give a written Patterson a try and see if I get along better with that.
Dawn Marie (22 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Jan 21, 2018
I like this movie more than most people.before anyone says anything this film does have issues some that the dvd release remedies. Harley Quinn was the highlight of the movie and I know people gripe about her costume but if you read the new 52 comics her costume is just as revealing. Jared leto as the joker takes some getting used to but I am one that can separate each actor who has played joker and while he was not the greatest joker he was good as the joker. Another highlight that surprised me was will Smith as deadshot I was prepared not to like him as deadshot but he really surprised me. I would have liked to know more about killer croc and captain boomerang but unlike some people I read the comics before I saw the movie which helped with some back stories that were not provided. It almost would have been better to make a couple of movies with some of the more major characters in suicide squad. I also really liked el Diablo as well. Some of the issues were that it felt like back stories were rushed some were left out so if you weren't familiar with the villain you wouldn't completely understand what was driving them. I loved all the Harley Quinn things because I have been a fan of Harley Quinn since she first appeared in the 90s that being said the back story of her and joker would have been better in a harley/ joker movie it's not bad but not the movie it could of been. I really enjoy the movie and can't wait for the next one but hope they take the advice of the fans
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Hearts Held Hostage (Chronicles of the Serai, #1) in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Loved this!
Did you ever buy a book based SOLELY on its cover??
I did with this book! I have a *thing* for shifters and paranormal beings out of the norm, and I thought this handsome creature on the front was a Centaur of some description. THAT'S what pulled me in, and I found I had pre-ordered before I read the blurb.
And I regret nothing!
Jytrerd is not a centaur, but a breed of aliens who defended their peaceful outlaying colonies against the invasion from Earth. Ian, a captain in the space navy is captured, and finds himself in Jytrerd's household. Ian pulls to Jytrerd, pulls to his brooding instinct like no other ever did. He just needs to make Ian see how precious he is.
While not what I was hoping for, this short book, some 140 pages, pulled me in and did not let go. It has all the footings for a first in series, and I will be reading them as they come out.
It's very well written, first of Ms Tannah I've read. It's not overly explicit, but I didn't mind that, and nor is it overly graphic, but there is punishment here, and it's not pretty. Just enough to make you cringe, I think.
BUT!!!
Only Jytrerd has a say! I was waiting, hoping, pleading that Ian would get a say, and he doesn't. And I so desperately wanted to hear from him, I really did! When he tells of how he came to save Woll, the youngling; when he finds himself burnt to a crisp for being insubordinate; when Jytrerd sends him away, and when Ian returns and finally gets Jytrerd to admit to his feelings. I NEEDED to hear from Ian, I really did.
And that's why I gave it 4.5 stars, but rounded them up to 5.
I did with this book! I have a *thing* for shifters and paranormal beings out of the norm, and I thought this handsome creature on the front was a Centaur of some description. THAT'S what pulled me in, and I found I had pre-ordered before I read the blurb.
And I regret nothing!
Jytrerd is not a centaur, but a breed of aliens who defended their peaceful outlaying colonies against the invasion from Earth. Ian, a captain in the space navy is captured, and finds himself in Jytrerd's household. Ian pulls to Jytrerd, pulls to his brooding instinct like no other ever did. He just needs to make Ian see how precious he is.
While not what I was hoping for, this short book, some 140 pages, pulled me in and did not let go. It has all the footings for a first in series, and I will be reading them as they come out.
It's very well written, first of Ms Tannah I've read. It's not overly explicit, but I didn't mind that, and nor is it overly graphic, but there is punishment here, and it's not pretty. Just enough to make you cringe, I think.
BUT!!!
Only Jytrerd has a say! I was waiting, hoping, pleading that Ian would get a say, and he doesn't. And I so desperately wanted to hear from him, I really did! When he tells of how he came to save Woll, the youngling; when he finds himself burnt to a crisp for being insubordinate; when Jytrerd sends him away, and when Ian returns and finally gets Jytrerd to admit to his feelings. I NEEDED to hear from Ian, I really did.
And that's why I gave it 4.5 stars, but rounded them up to 5.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated If I Die Before I Wake in Books
Jan 21, 2018
An accomplished debut
A who-dunnit story with a difference; told completely from the perspective of Alex who is trapped within his own body and with only the ability to speak to himself inside his own head trying to piece together the clues from the snippets of conversations he can hear and from his own fragmented memory as to how he got where he is.
This was an intriguing read and I really enjoyed that it was told from Alex's point of view - the sense of complete frustration and, at times, desolation at being completely helpless - was excellent and, at times, heart-breaking. I imagine it was extremely difficult to write and it must have taken great restraint not to introduce other concepts or parts of the story that may have helped to move it on but would have reduced the impact of Alex's situation.
This is a very original psychological mystery told in a unique way and I did feel constant anticipation that something was going to happen but, unfortunately, it never really seemed to ... well not until the end that is. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it; it's a good book with great characters and I can't fault the writing style, the flow or the concept, but it just left me with a sense of "is that it?" when I finished when I feel it could have been a fantastic book.
Overall though, this is an accomplished debut novel for the author so if this book is anything to go by, I await the next with eager anticipation.
Many thanks to the publisher, Random House UK Vintage Publishing, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This was an intriguing read and I really enjoyed that it was told from Alex's point of view - the sense of complete frustration and, at times, desolation at being completely helpless - was excellent and, at times, heart-breaking. I imagine it was extremely difficult to write and it must have taken great restraint not to introduce other concepts or parts of the story that may have helped to move it on but would have reduced the impact of Alex's situation.
This is a very original psychological mystery told in a unique way and I did feel constant anticipation that something was going to happen but, unfortunately, it never really seemed to ... well not until the end that is. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it; it's a good book with great characters and I can't fault the writing style, the flow or the concept, but it just left me with a sense of "is that it?" when I finished when I feel it could have been a fantastic book.
Overall though, this is an accomplished debut novel for the author so if this book is anything to go by, I await the next with eager anticipation.
Many thanks to the publisher, Random House UK Vintage Publishing, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Toy Story 2 (1999) in Movies
Jan 23, 2018
Masterpiece
Toy Story 2 picks up right where it left off packing the same creativity from the first film. It's an absolute marvel from start to finish, a film that not only checks all the boxes but touches you on every level. I found myself laughing way harder than someone should've after multiple watches. Is it perfect? Maybe not, but it's damn close.
If the animation was groundbreaking in the original movie, Toy Story 2 surpasses that by taking it up to new heights. Spectacular doesn't even begin to define it. Colors are more vibrant. Movements are more crisp. The attention to detail in every single frame is unreal.
Success also comes from a number of clever moments sprinkled throughout the film. In one scene, the gang is driving a toy car down an aisle being led by Barbie while Rex is chasing after them. He gets closer and closer to their rearview mirroring a very similar moment in Jurassic Park. It was terrifying in the dinosaur film, but hilarious in this context.
With such a fun film, you never expect your feelings to get caught up in it but they do. You feel heartbroken for Woody (Tom Hanks) when Andy feels he has to leave him behind while Andy goes to Cowboy Camp. Woody was so excited to be chosen to go and he's devastated when Andy decides to leave him.
I can't think of anything to dislike about the film as a whole. It's a fun ride to remember about a toy trying to find himself and his place in the world. You'll love everything from the old characters to the new dog who is just plain adorable. Welcome to my All-Time Top Ten, Toy Story 2. Hope you enjoyed the stay, Safety Not Guaranteed. We have another well-deserved 100.
If the animation was groundbreaking in the original movie, Toy Story 2 surpasses that by taking it up to new heights. Spectacular doesn't even begin to define it. Colors are more vibrant. Movements are more crisp. The attention to detail in every single frame is unreal.
Success also comes from a number of clever moments sprinkled throughout the film. In one scene, the gang is driving a toy car down an aisle being led by Barbie while Rex is chasing after them. He gets closer and closer to their rearview mirroring a very similar moment in Jurassic Park. It was terrifying in the dinosaur film, but hilarious in this context.
With such a fun film, you never expect your feelings to get caught up in it but they do. You feel heartbroken for Woody (Tom Hanks) when Andy feels he has to leave him behind while Andy goes to Cowboy Camp. Woody was so excited to be chosen to go and he's devastated when Andy decides to leave him.
I can't think of anything to dislike about the film as a whole. It's a fun ride to remember about a toy trying to find himself and his place in the world. You'll love everything from the old characters to the new dog who is just plain adorable. Welcome to my All-Time Top Ten, Toy Story 2. Hope you enjoyed the stay, Safety Not Guaranteed. We have another well-deserved 100.
Mayhawke (97 KP) rated The Baby Who Wouldn't Go To Bed in Books
Feb 7, 2018
The Best Bed Time Book For Babies & Toddlers. Ever.
This book is delightful on so many levels that it is almost difficult to know where to start. Cooper's artwork is, as always, breathtaking. The imaginative pictures depict a landscape made up of all the things around which the baby's world revolves: the sleepy tiger that is in fact a pyjama case; the train crowded with all the sleeping toys and nursery rhyme characters. Cooper builds a world that is enchanting and delightful to parents and at the same time interesting to children. More importantly her use of subtle colours, and soft lines add a restful and dreamlike quality to these images that is in keeping with the notion of sleep and bedtime.
And all that is before you even get to the text! This is a wonderfully well-structured story. The text starts out full of energy and vigour as the baby 'Vroom-chuga-chug's' off into this make-believe world and then gradually the pace becomes slower and more restful and - in the best possible way - more soporific.
It is not hard to read this book, the text leads even the most awkward reader by the hand, making it's own patterns and rhythms almost magically dictating the speed and volume for the reader.
I bought my first copy many years ago when the older of my nine children were still quite young and the smaller ones hadn't yet made an appearance. My youngest (now two) won't go to bed without it and I have reached the point of being able to read it without even thinking about it.
We've are on our third copy of this book and it has been universally successful, in spite of gender, taste and personality differences. It is hard to imagine a child to whom this book wouldn't appeal.
And all that is before you even get to the text! This is a wonderfully well-structured story. The text starts out full of energy and vigour as the baby 'Vroom-chuga-chug's' off into this make-believe world and then gradually the pace becomes slower and more restful and - in the best possible way - more soporific.
It is not hard to read this book, the text leads even the most awkward reader by the hand, making it's own patterns and rhythms almost magically dictating the speed and volume for the reader.
I bought my first copy many years ago when the older of my nine children were still quite young and the smaller ones hadn't yet made an appearance. My youngest (now two) won't go to bed without it and I have reached the point of being able to read it without even thinking about it.
We've are on our third copy of this book and it has been universally successful, in spite of gender, taste and personality differences. It is hard to imagine a child to whom this book wouldn't appeal.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Sleepwalker in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I went into this book blind. I had seen the cover and heard of the author, but hadn't read any of his books and didn't know what this one was about until after I started listening. Annalee Ahlberg, a woman who has issues with sleepwalking, goes missing. She leaves behind two daughters and a husband who must come to terms with her disappearance. Told from the point of view of her eldest daughter, Lianna, the listener gets to go along for the ride as the search continues and the police try to decide if Annalee met with foul play, or possibly harmed herself in her sleep. The truth ends up being neither, and is nothing I saw coming until right before it was spelled out for me.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
The Sleepwalker is equal parts mystery novel and family drama. Everyone has their secrets, and Lianna isn't sure who she can trust. I wish it would have moved along a little more quickly, but overall it was a good story. I will look for more by Chris Bohjalian.
The narration was not so great. The main narrator was soft-spoken, and her voice fit the mood of the story very well, but she paused in odd places and put emphasis on what felt like the wrong word in many sentences. This was jarring and distracting. There were also brief passages at the beginning of each chapter read by a 2nd voice, which I found very irritating. In all fairness, these passages were apparently journal entries, and the 2nd voice did help to distinguish them from the rest of the story. I do think I might have enjoyed the book a little more if there had been different narrators, however.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Secrets of the Weird in Books
Jun 5, 2018
Chad Stroup’s novel, Secrets of the Weird is a piece of bizarro fiction that leaves me with more questions than answers. That’s not to say the book is bad by any means; I just feel that it does not live up to its full potential. Sweetville is a decidedly dark setting, with its own underground that we as readers get a brief glimpse of and nothing more. It’s as if Stroup teases us.
What I loved: the dynamic cast of characters Stroup creates. His ability to write lifelike and engaging characters is astounding. The main character, Trixie, is so real in her struggles that I imagine she’s quite relatable for several people. Her trek to being a woman is filled with bump after bump, and yet she still finds a reason to carry on, to seek her own happiness. In fact, much of this book focuses on her journey to self-acceptance, culminating in a beautiful metamorphosis. Other characters are equally fleshed out, but in ways that make my stomach turn. For instance, Cypress and the Angelghoul are despicable. Were either character to perish, I’d be fine. But its these anti-heroes that open up a lot of unanswered questions – if they can be called that.
First, there’s the Withering Wyldes. A creature whose purpose is to convert others into joining their cult like organization. Their history is explained, and they consistently show up throughout the book, but after a few chapters in which a linguist tries to understand their method of communication, they become background noise. The Angelghoul’s quest for enlightenment goes uncompleted. Trixie’s boyfriend fades away into nothing. And finally, Cypress’s threats seem to… well, not come to fruition.
The book is most definitely a fun read, but with those plot issues it falls short of a five skull rating for me. I’ll have to give it three.
What I loved: the dynamic cast of characters Stroup creates. His ability to write lifelike and engaging characters is astounding. The main character, Trixie, is so real in her struggles that I imagine she’s quite relatable for several people. Her trek to being a woman is filled with bump after bump, and yet she still finds a reason to carry on, to seek her own happiness. In fact, much of this book focuses on her journey to self-acceptance, culminating in a beautiful metamorphosis. Other characters are equally fleshed out, but in ways that make my stomach turn. For instance, Cypress and the Angelghoul are despicable. Were either character to perish, I’d be fine. But its these anti-heroes that open up a lot of unanswered questions – if they can be called that.
First, there’s the Withering Wyldes. A creature whose purpose is to convert others into joining their cult like organization. Their history is explained, and they consistently show up throughout the book, but after a few chapters in which a linguist tries to understand their method of communication, they become background noise. The Angelghoul’s quest for enlightenment goes uncompleted. Trixie’s boyfriend fades away into nothing. And finally, Cypress’s threats seem to… well, not come to fruition.
The book is most definitely a fun read, but with those plot issues it falls short of a five skull rating for me. I’ll have to give it three.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Midnight City (Conquered Earth, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I won an ARC print copy of this book from a FirstReads giveaway.
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
Erika (17789 KP) Jun 8, 2019