Movie Review 4/5 Stars Eagle Eye

December 12, 2021November 30, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Movie Reviews, thriller thriller

Starring: Shia Labouf

Genre: thriller, action

Spoiler free version- it was great if somewhat confusing and unrealistic yet oddly terrifying.

Spoilers ahead.

Summary:

Two strangers are forced to take part in a dangerous adventure.

Additional Comments:

– Jerry Shaw is the screwup twin content with working at copy cabana and barely making rent.

– Ethan Shaw is the twin who always aimed high. He ends up working for a secret government program that is in charge of a super computer.

– the computer decides the leadership of the US needs to change. So she embarks on an endeavor to accomplish that at the state of the union address

– what follows is a convoluted series of chase scenes.

Conclusion:

Good movie. High action. There is a little character development. It’s not quite HEA but the sacrifices end up being noble and meaningful.

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Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 50 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)

Movie Review 4/5 Stars No Time to Die

December 3, 2021November 30, 2021 Julie Gilbert Movie Reviews, thriller James Bond, Movie Review

2 hrs and 43 mins

Summary:

There’s a fair amount of setup and a lot going on. Despite some slow points, it’s a fun action flick. It hits every typical bond film box, including shootouts, fancy gadgets, pretty women, fancy dresses, spiffy suits, car chases, death, and destruction.

Additional Comments:

Here, more than in other Bond movies, James has more to fight for.
The casting was reasonably well done.
Daniel Craig has always made a stellar James Bond. I’m sure they’ll resurrect the franchise with a new pretty face when they need another paycheck.
I never watched all the Bond movies in order. They’re basically the film version of candy.
The intro was typically long and drawn out, somewhat pretty, but mostly just a kaleidoscope of weird. The song was performed by Billie Ellish. Call me old, but I am not a fan. (She may very well be a talented singer and an influence upon a lot of young people, but she still looks stoned in every picture I’ve ever seen of her.)
I might be tempted to see this again, but not a late showing. At almost 3 hrs, this is kinda a beast.

Conclusion:

Worth watching on the big screen.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 58 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Stars Venom: Let There Be Carnage

November 21, 2021October 23, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Movie Reviews, superhero Movie Review, Venom 2

Starring: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Naomie Harris, and Michelle Williams

Summary:

Venom is an alien living inside Eddie Brock, a down on his luck in life journalist. The symbiotes have a spat and go their separate ways for a time, which almost turns out disastrously. A serial killer gets a hold of part of the alien creature, developing his own mayhem inducing ability. Carnage ensues.

Additional Comments:

This is a sequel, but you can probably watch it without having seen the first. You’ll likely enjoy it more if you have seen Venom though.
It’s definitely got some slow points, but the setup is worth it.
I enjoyed the drama side where Venom and Eddie were having an emotional crisis.
It’s open to a third movie, but there is enough closure that you feel you have an entire story.
As typical of these kinds of superhero/supervillain movies, there’s massive CGI destruction of property and even a thrilling chase sequence.
The part with Frances Barrister being locked away sort of didn’t make sense to me, but that could be because I haven’t experienced the comics.

Conclusion:

Worth seeing on a big screen.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

(Movie Review) 4/5 Stars: Free Guy

September 17, 2021September 16, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, drama, Movie Reviews Free Guy, Jodie Comer, Ryan Reynolds

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi

Summary:

It’s a bit like Edge of Tomorrow meets Leverage meets Inception meets a guy having an existential crisis. There are several layers to the movie. It attempts to find the balance between telling a fun story and a meaningful story. Mostly, it succeeds, but there are some jokes that fall incredibly flat. Okay, so there are a lot of jokes that fall flat.

Additional Comments:

The movie is a very odd mix of colorful characters.
There’s an inner and an outer story, which can be a lot of fun. They found a decent balance between the two. In the inner story, Guy is an NPC (Non Playable Character) in a video game called Free City. In the outer story, a woman is trying to prove that the guy who runs free city, stole her AI system to do it. The guy who helped her build that system now works for the jerk that stole the work.
I’m not a huge Ryan Reynolds fan, but he fits the character guy pretty well. And the movie was well done over all.
I enjoyed the fact that you could take the movie as a superficial fluff piece or as a deeper, more complex study of the meaning of life.
The bad guy in the outer story is over-the-top, money hungry.
The outer story love angle was cute. Predictable but cute.
The deal at the end sort of doesn’t make sense, but whatever. Probably their bid for a sequel.

Conclusion:

Not exactly a movie I would see a dozen times, but well-worth the effort to watch.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 55 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

Movie Review 4/5 stars The Protégé

September 11, 2021September 8, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Movie Reviews, thriller assassins, Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson

Saw it on 8/31/21

Starring: Maggie Q, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton (Also has Robert Patrick)

Summary:

A woman raised by an assassin finds herself embroiled in a weird and deadly game of cat and mouse with a crazy dude and the crazy dude’s sidekick.

Additional Comments:

They threw in at least one nice twist.
Anna (Maggie Q) and Moody (Samuel L. Jackson) make a pretty awesome team.
I suppose there are worse father figures than an assassin.
End turned out to be predictable but satisfying.
Has enough action to earn the thriller badge.
They threw in an obligatory sex scene that they probably could have done without.
There was a lot of shooting. Looked awesome from a visual standpoint.
Content warning: strong language. Some pretty gruesome kills.

Conclusion:

Not exactly a return for 8x kind of movie but enjoyable.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4.25/5 Stars Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Movie Reviews marvel, Movie Review, Shang-Chi

Saw it on 9/8/21

Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Fala Chen, and Michelle Yeoh

Summary:

Shaun and Katy are valet drivers who kind of just loaf about and do karaoke when not on the job. They’re friends who met in high school.

Additional Comments:

Shaun is Shang-Chi who has some serious daddy issues. But who wouldn’t if their mother got killed in front of him when he was just a kid. Then, daddy dearest trained him to be an assassin.
Katy kind of seems to be just along for the ride, but she has her moments.
Shang-Chi and his sister, Xialing, both have pendants their father wants for a crazy quest to save their mother.
The beginning kind of took a while to get through, but it’s necessary backstory for the most part.
I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks, but I’m also not sure there is any other way to tell such a story. I did enjoy that the flashbacks expanded each time to give the audience more details.
There’s a lot of subtitles.
I love Michelle Yeoh, and she makes one awesome aunt to Shang-Chi and his sister.
The baby and young boy who played Shang-Chi in flashbacks were heart-meltingly adorable.
I missed most of the first special scene, but it was still a great experience.

Conclusion:

Worth watching. Maybe worth watching a few times.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Disney’s Mulan (Live)

January 13, 2021December 26, 2020 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Fantasy, Movie Reviews Disney live action, Mulan

image from here: https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/original-mulan-disney-plus.html/

Starring

Yifei Liu as Mulan.

Donnie Yen plays Commander Tung.

Jason Scott Lee plays Bori Khan, the Rouran invader. Though his looks in this one go for a Jason Momoa Aquaman scruffy vibe.

Summary:

Hua Mulan is kinda a disappointment to her family because she’s overly adventurous. But when war breaks out across Imperial China, she steals her father’s conscription scroll and pretty sword and joins the army.

Additional Comments:

This isn’t the Mulan you remember from 1998. That one was animated, filled with amazing songs, and has a charming minidragon and cricket to keep our girl company. Still, this one’s a decent adaptation of the story.
This version adds in a witch, Xianniang, who’s helping the bad guys, but kinda has a soft spot for the plucky heroine.
My first introduction to Donnie Yen was in Rogue One, but he’s good here too.
Covid kinda hit this movie hard in the box office, but it’s still worth watching. I’m part of the latecomers who refused to pay $30 extra to Disney to watch it earlier than the general release on Disney Plus. I understand why they want to recoup their losses, but the Disney Plus year subscription is barely 2.5x that amount. It makes no sense unless they had some other SWAG program or charity thing attached to it.
Story 4/5: It’s different in many key points than the “original” Disney version, and I think that’s going to be a point of contention for many people. However, if taken as a separate entity, it’s a decent movie.
Action 4/5: The action’s well done and charming. I especially love the scene just before the avalanche.
Dialogue 4/5: Not the movie’s strongest point, but it fulfills the purpose.
If you want mindless reading, go read the Wikipedia controversies surrounding the movie. Kinda makes me pity Disney because people are absolutely ridiculous. I do sympathize with them cutting poor Captain Shang out of the story.

Conclusion:

Worth watching. Don’t think this alone would be enough to make me buy Disney Plus, but it’s a nice bonus.

Audiobook Promotions …

Many of my 42 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Guardian Angel Files:

4/5 Stars Bad Boys for Life

January 27, 2020January 26, 2020 Julie Gilbert Action Adventure, Movie Reviews, thriller Bad Boys, Martin Lawrence, Will Smith

Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Summary:

Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett, veteran cops go up against a drug cartel. Marcus just wants to retire and enjoy the good life, but he come back to help when it becomes clear somebody’s out to kill his former partner, Mike.

Additional Comments:

Action packed
I enjoyed the fact that there was a decent plot with some twists for the MCs to encounter
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence make a good team.
Most of the funny parts were in the trailer. That’s neither here nor there, but it would have been more fun to discover some of the gems.
The cops have some cool tech toys.
The bad guy was a tad overpowered but it made for good movie.
Content warning: strong language, pervasive violence
I have not watched the others in the series.

Conclusion:

Not every action movie must be seen on a big screen, but this is one where I do think the bigger screen enhances the experience.

Associate links to follow…

Available Audiobooks: I have free codes for almost everything.

New Release: The Shadow Council Series 1: Money Makes it Deadlier – An FBI agent gets caught up in a robbery gone wrong.

Shadow Council Book 2: Revenge Makes it Sweeter – A midnight summons calls FBI Special Agent Megan Luchek into a fight for a young girl’s life.

Shadow Council Book 3: Christmas Makes it Chaos – The FBI agent gets a strange ally in the quest to prevent chaos from rocking a lot of people’s holiday season.

The Collins Case – 2 FBI agents track down a kidnapped family. Kid friendly.

If fantasy’s more your thing, go Redeemer Chronicles. The first, Awakening, is available as an audiobook.

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – a kid deals with her parents’ divorce, bullies, and the wonder of discovery.

Try The Dark Side of Science – Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live.

Beyond Broken Pencils – Contemporary literary tale of a school shooting. Ian unleashes his inner demons on his classmates and teachers…

Scratched Off – FBI agent vs a serial killer. When Sam Kerman sets out to hunt a serial killer, he has no idea how personal the case will become.

Nonfiction:
5 Steps to Surviving Chemistry – A primer for chemistry students. Breaks down concepts into simple terms.

5 Steps to Better Blurbs – A book for writers looking to improve their book descriptions

Movie Review 3.5/5 Stars: Spies in Disguise

January 15, 2020January 11, 2020 Julie Gilbert Family, Fantasy, Movie Reviews Ben Mendelsoln, Tom Holland, Will Smith

Starring Will Smith and Tom Holland and Ben Mendelsohn

Summary:

The worlds greatest spy, Lance Sterling (Will Smith), gets framed for stealing dangerous tech. His only chance to catch the real bad guy and clear his name is turning to Walter Beckett (Tom Holland), a disgraced guy from the gadgets lab.

Additional Comments:

There are moments so stupid it hurts to watch, but overall, there’s a weird charm to the movie.
It’s definitely got some Hollywood preaching going on in there. Can’t we all just get along? Fire fighting fire makes a bigger fire, etc. Bad guys are people too.
They went all Disney on Beckett’s mother. Kinda uncalled for.
I get it’s a kid’s movie, but the humor is more juvenile than most animated flicks. More about pratfalls and potty humor than anything else.
Flip side, there were some genuinely hilarious moments. My favorite moment was the subtitle from Lovey (I was aiming for your face.)
Is it worth seeing? Yes, but I’d say moreso if you have somebody who falls in the target group of about 10-12 years old.
Is it worth seeing twice? Nope.
Am I glad I saw it? Jury’s still out on that one.

Conclusion:

Harmless kiddie flick about Will Smith being turned into a pigeon.

Associate links to follow…

Note: I’m starting to use a few ad sites for audiobooks, so codes are disappearing quickly.

Available Audiobooks: I have free codes for almost everything. That will change very soon.

New Release: The Shadow Council Series 1: Money Makes it Deadlier – An FBI agent gets caught up in a robbery gone wrong.

Shadow Council Book 2: Revenge Makes it Sweeter – A midnight summons calls FBI Special Agent Megan Luchek into a fight for a young girl’s life.

Shadow Council Book 3: Christmas Makes it Chaos – The FBI agent gets a strange ally in the quest to prevent chaos from rocking a lot of people’s holiday season.

Shadow Council Book 4: Treachery Makes it Tense – The agent and the assassin have to team up if they want to survive.

Shadow Council is also available as a ~13 hr bundle.

The Collins Case – 2 FBI agents track down a kidnapped family. Kid friendly.

If fantasy’s more your thing, go Redeemer Chronicles. The first, Awakening, is available as an audiobook.

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – a kid deals with her parents’ divorce, bullies, and the wonder of discovery.

Try The Dark Side of Science – Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live.

Beyond Broken Pencils – Contemporary literary tale of a school shooting. Ian unleashes his inner demons on his classmates and teachers…

Scratched Off – FBI agent vs a serial killer. When Sam Kerman sets out to hunt a serial killer, he has no idea how personal the case will become.

2019 Movie Recap Part II – Mini-Awards

January 1, 2020December 22, 2019 Julie Gilbert drama, Family, Horror, Movie Reviews movie, reviews

Introduction:

I’ve already covered what I saw in 2019. This post will rehash some of that, but I’ll give you more insight into my reaction to each title by categorizing them. Think of it as my own mini-awards show.

One Hit Wonders for Me (Movies I Wouldn’t Seek to See Again)

Welcome to Marwen
Glass
The Upside
Cold Pursuit
Fighting With My Family
Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase – I enjoyed it, and I’m still a Nancy Drew fan, but it’s just not good enough to warrant seeking out again.
Captive State
Unplanned – Super-powerful and moving movie, but not exactly a feel-good story to re-experience.
Hellboy 2
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu
Godzilla: King of Monsters – Cool fights, but that’s about all it had going for it.
Aladdin
Dark Phoenix – Cool fights, but of the comic book movies, it’s just okay.
Shaft
Stuber – Not worth a re-watch.
The Lion King
The Matrix (20^th anniversary)
Rambo: Last Blood
Joker
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Black and Blue – Good movie, but there are so many movies and so little time.
IT Chapter Two – Horror is not my thing. This only confirms it.
Knives Out – Decent movie but I hated nearly every character. Ain’t nobody got time for that kind of irritated feeling.
Zombieland 2

Worth Re-Watching (Movies I Would See Again if the Chance Arose)

Captain Marvel
Avengers: End Game – I like that we finally got some closure. Infinity War ended horribly.
Men in Black 4 – Pawny is awesome.
Spider-Man: Far From Home – I’m borderline on this one, but I saw it a few times and enjoyed it both times.
Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw
How to Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World
Angel Has Fallen – When looking for mindless action, you can rely on this series.
Alita: Battle Angel
Charlie’s Angels
Lego Movie 2
Shazam!
Secret Life of Pets 2
Terminator: Dark Fate

Movies I Hope to See Again Someday (Will Likely Seek Out)

Jumanji: The Next Level – Would definitely see twice in theaters. It has that sort of larger than life appeal that’s great on a big screen.
Star Wars Ep IX: The Rise of Skywalker – Definitely seeing a few times in theater.
Frozen 2 – Not as good as the first, but it carries the torch well.

Surprisingly Good

Jumanji: The Next Level
Black and Blue
Captain Marvel
Zombieland 2
Terminator: Dark Fate

Favorite Movie of 2019

Jumanji: The Next Level

Since I’m a big Star Wars fan, you might find that surprising. Jumanji turns out to be the “better movie” because it had less expectations. It found its brand of weird comedy and capitalized big time. They also managed to fit a few awesome side stories in and around the main plot.

Conclusion:

I’m not sure how many times I’ll see Star Wars, Jumanji: The Next Level, and Frozen 2, but suffice to say it’s likely more than once. I enjoyed the majority of the movies I got to see in 2019. Looking forward to what 2020 holds.

Associate links to follow…

Note: I’m starting to use a few ad sites for audiobooks, so codes are disappearing quickly.

Available Audiobooks: I have free codes for almost everything. That will change very soon.

New Release: The Shadow Council Series 1: Money Makes it Deadlier – An FBI agent gets caught up in a robbery gone wrong.

Shadow Council Book 2: Revenge Makes it Sweeter – A midnight summons calls FBI Special Agent Megan Luchek into a fight for a young girl’s life.

Shadow Council Book 3: Christmas Makes it Chaos – The FBI agent gets a strange ally in the quest to prevent chaos from rocking a lot of people’s holiday season.

Shadow Council Book 4: Treachery Makes it Tense – The agent and the assassin have to team up if they want to survive.

Shadow Council is also available as a ~13 hr bundle.

The Collins Case – 2 FBI agents track down a kidnapped family. Kid friendly.

If fantasy’s more your thing, go Redeemer Chronicles. The first, Awakening, is available as an audiobook.

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – a kid deals with her parents’ divorce, bullies, and the wonder of discovery.

Try The Dark Side of Science – Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live.

Beyond Broken Pencils – Contemporary literary tale of a school shooting. Ian unleashes his inner demons on his classmates and teachers…

Scratched Off – FBI agent vs a serial killer. When Sam Kerman sets out to hunt a serial killer, he has no idea how personal the case will become.