Melody's Reading Corner: Action Thriller

Showing posts with label Action Thriller. Show all posts

The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas

Melody

Swoon Reads | August 2018 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

In the city of Morriston, there are a few superheroes who have special powers since they were young. No one knew how they've gotten their powers; but one thing they are positive about it is, they know they can always rely on these few superheroes to save them should circumstances happen.

Abby Hamilton's view of the superheroes aren't that complicated as compared to others. To her, they're ordinary people like her. After all, her older brother, Connor, is Red Comet and she's seen all the good and the not-so-good sides of him so you can say she's kind of immuned to them. Red Comet is quite a popular superhero in Morriston and it is no wonder many teenagers idolised him, including Abby's bestie, Sarah.

So far things are going on well until Iron Phantom appears in their city. Abby first met him through an unforgettable and a horrifying state after he'd saved her from a mugging attempt. But Iron Phantom, in the residents' eyes, is nothing but a supervillain who caused an uproar by burning city hall and then vanished (or perhaps in hiding). Abby has her doubts though, after all Iron Phantom couldn't be that bad given how he'd saved her on that fateful day.

Back in school, Abby is excited about having a major part in a musical. It is also at this moment when Iron Phantom starts to show up randomly in her life and makes her wonder if they're in the same school. As she gets to understand more of Iron Phantom, she begins to see him more of a vigilante after he's convinced her that Morriston is under a new threat and what he'd done before is simply a diversion and he needs her help if they want to uncover the secrets surrounding the city.

This was a fun and entertaining story but I thought the story doesn't really match the title. Iron Phantom isn't a supervillain (even the blurb stated he's a vigilante) so perhaps it's more of a metaphor and I've to admit the title is indeed eye-catching. Aside from this, the action scenes are minimal (well, except towards the end) but there are lots of interactions among the characters, thus making this more of a character-driven kind of book. There's some teenage angst and romance element added as part of the feature; and it's not hard to guess who Iron Phantom is. The concept was interesting though I wished there was more explanations given to the superheroes' powers than a hasty mention. All in all it was enjoyable but I think it'd make a more engrossing read if there was more punch to the superheroes'/villains' world and their dynamics.

© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Action Thriller, Book Review, Young Adult 8 comments |

Movie Review: The Villainess (恶女)

Melody

This 2017 South Korean movie depicts the story of a female assassin and her espionage missions so be forewarned that there's violence and gore.

Since a girl, Sook-hee had seen enough terrors and the cruelty of life ever since she witnessed her father being murdered by his friend over greed. Just when she felt hopeless, a man rescued her and through him she was raised to be a deadly assassin. But unexpected circumstances arises and she found herself captured and kept in the cell in an intelligence agency. There, she underwent a plastic surgery and took on a new identity. Sook-hee became history and Chae Yeon-soo was born. The agency has promised her freedom after ten years of service but before then she has to take up all the missions assigned by them with no questions. Meanwhile, the agency has also planted one of their male agents (starring Sung Joon) to spy on her, posing as her next door neighbour.

Yeon-soo has no problem with the agency's stringent condition although her attention is mainly on her young daughter. Her relationship with her "neighbour" becomes a bit complicated as she finds herself liking him, but a mission leads her to confronting her past and unlocks a few dark secrets which results to an explosive revenge and Yeon-soo knew she couldn't turn her back no matter how much she look forward to normalcy.

(Credit Source)

I've to admit I'm squeamish when violence and gore are concerned but I thought this movie was quite well executed and that the shooting technique (no pun intended) is artistic in some ways (e.g. the opening scene made you feel like you're Sook-hee in a video game). While there are lots of action scenes and one might expect the story is filled with cold-blooded characters and more revenge and killings, surprisingly there is still a thread of humanity left as the story progresses. Is there even a love story here? I'm sure inquiring minds want to know. Yes, there is, although it is not a major plot and it doesn't end happily. This is not a movie for everyone, that's for sure, but it is a thrilling ride for fans of the genre and Kim Ok-bin portrayed her roles (be it Sook-hee or Yeon-soo) perfectly through her expressive acting skill both in the fighting and emotional scenes.

(The Villainess trailer)

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Movie Review 8 comments |

Movie Review: Midnight Runners (青年警察)

Melody

Park Seo-joon and Kang Ha-neul played two young police cadets in this action comedy and I've to say aside from their cuteness overload, it's also a story of their friendship, their dreams and passion as well as to right the wrong despite their inexperience and various bureaucracy obstacles.

The story opens with the two of them admitting into Korean National Police University where they learn to be a cop and master various martial arts. However, most of the things they've learned are mostly textbook theories and in spite of their two years training, they still find themselves at a loss and just when they're having doubts about being a cop as their career, they witness a kidnapping when they're out partying one night. They manage to track down the location and the kidnappers eventually but they're faced with several obstacles - lack of evidence, inexperienced and such cases have to be dealt with the appropriate departments and bureaucracy. They decided it'd be too late by then and the only option they could come up with is to take matters into their own hands.

(L: Kang Ha-neul, R: Park Seo-joon)

I've been a fan of Park Seo-joon (Fight for My Way and Hwarang are some of his works this year) so naturally this movie captured my attention. While Kang Ha-neul is no stranger to me, I've to admit I'm not really familiar with his works since I can be selective when dramas/movies are concerned and this explains why I may have missed him while choosing a new drama to watch. That said, I was quite impressed with his acting here as a quiet, nerdy cop as I understand he is actually an easy-going guy and one who smile a lot. I totally loved the rapport and the guy bonding moments they've for each other. But of course what moved me most is their passion and their enthusiasm in pursuing justice (human trafficking and selling of young women's eggs to illegal fertility and surrogacy agency are the cases they're investigating here and I think these topics will further raise the awareness considering the seriousness and a problem the world still face today.) Overall I enjoyed the movie and I'll definitely keep an eye on Kang Ha-neul's future works.

© 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Crime, Korean, Movie, Movie Review 4 comments |

Movie Review: The Con Artists (技术者们)

Melody

This 2014 South Korean film on con artists and deceptions was a fun, entertaining watch.

When it comes to cracking open safe and counterfeiting, no one beats Ji-Hyeok (starring Kim Woo-Bin). With Koo-In (starring Ko Chang-Seok) as his sidekick (he is more into the mechanical works), they have worked on countless "projects" without fail. Koo-In then introduces elite hacker, Jong-Bae (starring Lee Hyun-Woo) to Ji-Hyeok so as the trio could work with each of their expertise to steal some very valuable jewellery at a high-end jewellery store. That store's owner is none other than Director Jo (starring Kim Young-Chul), and he has plans for the trio.

Director Jo has been eyeing the stacks of million dollars which are stored in the highly secured Korean customs in Incheon. He believes that all would be benefited from the fraud once they have their hands on the money; after all the trio wouldn't know of this information without him, isn't it? The trio then work on a plan on how to get past the security and how to get the money out safely without alarming the custom staff with their fully equipped high technology gadgets.

But of course there is always a fault when it comes to high risk jobs; and all the more when trust and greed become an issue and this is where the plot starts to thicken and intensify.

As I mentioned before, this film was an entertaining watch. Kim Woo-Bin played a charismatic thief with brains and Lee Hyun-Woo was a cute hacker to boot. I didn't want to say more about the story to avoid spoilers but suffice it to say I enjoyed it.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Action Thriller, Korean, Movie Review 4 comments |

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

Melody

Scout Press | January 2017 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

I have never tried white water rafting but after having read The River at Night I have more or less understand much about this recreational outdoor activity and not to mention how challenging (and yes, dangerous) they can be especially for a novice, such as for our four protagonists in this book.

Winifred Allen's life has always been simple and quiet but she still feel crushed by the death of her younger brother and the end of a fifteen-year marriage. Her work as a graphic designer doesn't seem to be any better and when she began to feel stifled by this thing called life, her three best friends coax her into going for an outdoor adventure as a getaway for their annual girls' trip.

Pia is optimistic and a daredevil among the girls, while Rachel and Sandra are more realistic and level headed. Wini feels most connected with Sandra, partly because Sandra understands her and knows all the right words to say, unlike Pia or Rachel. While they are enthusiastic about the trip, Wini feels otherwise. She isn't sure about hiking and rafting in the remote Allagash wilderness. Pia assured her that an experienced guide would be with them and that they have nothing to worry about.

What seems like an exciting excursion suddenly becomes a nightmare after a freak accident leaves the women stranded in the wilderness without their raft and their surviving kits. As they stumble and wander deeper into the woods, they will soon find out that they are not alone. Saviours or not, the women know that they must get out of the wilderness before death gets to them.

The River at Night has all the elements I want in a thriller - actions, intensity, fear factors and not to mention a setting in the remote Maine wilderness. The author skilfully captures the voices of the four protagonists, although Wini remains the narrator throughout the story. But what really drew me in was the setting and that harrowing rafting journey; and then of course, that terrifying turn towards the conclusion (it was something out of my expectations, but didn't lessen the thrill nonetheless). I don't remember reading such a book with that kind of adrenaline rush and had me on edge from the beginning till the end. It is definitely a book not to be missed if you are a thriller reader who wants some adventures to go along with the thrill.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Book Review, Suspense 10 comments |

Drama Review: W

Melody

This drama tells a story between two characters living in two different worlds and will most likely appeal to comics fans since the plot is set in the reality world and the comics world as well.

Oh Yeon-joo (starring Han Hyo-joo) works as a surgeon and her father is a popular comics artist. His project "W" has garnered lots of attention and praises from many fans both online and in print. The character he created in "W" is a wealthy and good-looking man named Kang Chul (starring Lee Jong-suk) and is a skilled marksman. He was also an Olympics winner but that glory was taken away from him after he was a suspect for murdering his family members. His last appearance in the comics world saw him lying on the ground bathed in blood, apparently being assaulted by someone who wanted him dead.

On the other end in reality world, Yeon-joo's father is missing and while searching for his whereabouts she stumbles into the comics world and found the injured Kang Chul. She managed to save him and later learned that he is the lead character her father created in "W" after she finds herself back in the reality world.

Filled with mystery, action and romance, W (aka W - Two Worlds) was one intriguing fantasy which had me at the edge of my seat. Aside from the refreshing concept of having the comics world co-exist with the reality world, I was also quite fascinated by actor Jong-suk's portrayal of the charismatic Kang Chul and the mystery surrounding him (by the way, I loved the illustrations! See above.) While one may have to pay extra attention to what's happening between the two worlds, it didn't really create much confusions, at least not to me. There are some scenes which took me by surprise and of course there are also a few romantic scenes which would make female viewers' hearts flutter. Chemistry sizzled between Jong-suk and Hyo-joo and it made me wonder if their romantic relationship onscreen continues offscreen as well. Overall I enjoyed the drama. I had also watched an older drama starring Lee Jong-suk and review will be forthcoming.

(Above images credit to Google Images)

(Love Is and my TBR pile)

Jong Wen Books Co., Ltd | August 2016

Source: Purchased

Love Is was featured in W as we saw Yeon-joo showing Kang Chul a few things they could do together to make their life more colourful and meaningful. Illustrated by Korean artist Da-mi Park (Puuung), this is a great collection especially for married couples and although some of them are a few simple things we may be doing daily, the artist added some thoughts and sentiments alongside these illustrations which I felt makes this book such a wonderful read. There are two editions (Korean and Chinese) and I am hoping that there would be an English edition in the near future.

© 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Fantasy, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

Drama: Descendants of the Sun (太阳的后裔) (Thoughts)

Melody

Starring: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Kim Ji-won, Jin Goo, Kang Shin-il, Onew

Written by: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Synopsis from DramaWiki:

This story tells of doctors stationed in the fictional war zone of Urk, and follows the love story that develops between a surgeon, Dr Kang Mo Yeon (starring Song Hye-kyo) and a special forces officer, Captain Yoo Shi Jin (starring Song Joong-ki), both elite in their respective fields. The story will track both their personal and professional struggles while exploring issues about the value of life.

Is Descendants of the Sun really over? The finale of the drama was aired last night and here I was still in denial. I am sure many fans of DOTS will share the same sentiments as me. Unlike the other Korean drama series, DOTS was pre-produced so it is unlikely the producers would prolong this popular series with a few more episodes but hey, I understood that there would be a 3 special episodes next due to the popularity of the drama so I am looking forward to that.

So, my thoughts on DOTS? I loved, loved, loved this drama series so much that on few occasions I had to search the raw clips without any subtitles on the same night it was aired because I just wanted to know what happened. And then the following day I would watch it again with English subtitles (not every episode, though, as there were some nights I couldn't find any raw clips and had to endure the wait).

And so, what made DOTS so addictive? The premise, the cast and not to mention a few beautiful scenes shot at Zakynthos Island, Greece. Plus, it was an action thriller with lots of alpha males in military gear and yes, there is romance in it, too. For the romantics, there are enough unforgettable and romantic moments as well as swoon-worthy dialogues (quoted a few below) that had had me sigh, and sigh some more.

(Zakynthos Island, Greece)

But most of all, I think it is Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo who have brought their roles to life; thus leading us into wondering if their romance in the drama is real in reality as well. I had anticipated this drama since knowing that Song Joong-ki would be starring in it, after all this drama marked his comeback after his discharge from the military service last year. The role of Captain Yoo fits him perfectly especially after his military completion and I think what makes his role unforgettable is aside from his macho-ism, it is his devotion and his protectiveness towards Dr Kang that has won not only her heart but many female viewers' as well. And Song Hye-kyo is as beautiful as before; I remember seeing her on Autumn in My Heart (2000) and that story simply blown me away. In the past, she often portrayed as a vulnerable woman but in DOTS she played a surgeon who took full pride in her job and wouldn't succumb to bribery and political pressures and I like that trait in a female character. However, she also shows us her cutesy side whenever Captain Yoo teases or making fun of her.

And then, there is our secondary characters, Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young (starring Jin Goo) and First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju (starring Kim Ji-won), who seemed to have an on-off relationship and their love is further complicated by the disapproval of Myun''s father, who held a high rank in the military force. Like the lead characters, I enjoyed watching this couple as well.

(First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju and Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young)

Finally, I think what attributed to this drama is these elements in it - humanity, patriotism and friendship that has no boundaries when it comes to racial and countries. I would ramble on like a fangirl would do but I won't so I shall leave you a few interesting links to read here, here and here.

A few notable dialogues:

“Don’t worry. Protecting beauties, elders, and children is my rule.” ~ Captain Yoo
“The doctor will save her patient and I will protect what I have to (protect)” ~ Captain Yoo
Captain Yoo: “Doctors don’t have boyfriends because they’re too busy.”
Dr Kang Mo Yeon: “Soldiers don’t have girlfriends because it’s too hard (too much work).”
“About that kiss... should I apologize or should I confess my love?” ~ Captain Yoo
“If I had known I would die like this, I should honestly confessed my feeling – I was kissed by an awesome man and my heart was fluttering the whole time.” ~ Dr Kang Mo Yeon
“I want our relationship to be a melodrama but it turns into a blockbusters.” ~ Captain Yoo
Captain Yoo: "What’s your blood type?"
Dr Kang Mo Yeon: "Your ideal type. A beauty? A doll? The type that would get me locked up in your heart?”

(All pictures credit to Google Images)

Labels: 5 stars, Action Thriller, Drama review, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

Drama: You Are All Surrounded (你们被包围了)

Melody

You Are First Surrounded was released in May 2014 and I wanted to kick myself for not watching it earlier. Bad villains, police procedural and a sweet romance... yes, these about sum up the drama and now that I'd finished watching I found myself having a hangover.

Young Kim Ji-yong (starring Lee Seung-Gi) witnessed her mother being murdered at their own house when she attempted to testify as a witness to a crime. Although there wasn't any clue of the murderer, he did leave behind an important evidence - a unique designer necklace. Named as the Masan School Nurse Murder, this case was closed after there wasn't any lead following that incident.

Eleven years have passed and Ji-yong became a detective in Gangnam Police Station under the Violent Crimes Unit. To protect his identity, he has since changed his name to Eun Dae-Koo and is placed under the guardianship of the Police Chief after his mother passed. She raises him like her own son, although she is single. No one knew about their relationship.

The team he is in consists of six staff. Four rookies, including himself, are placed under Seo Pan-Seok (starring Cha Seung-Won), the Team Leader of Team 3. Seo is a legend at the precinct as he is known for solving the toughest cases except the Masan case eleven years ago which still haunts him.

These four rookies have no intention of becoming detectives in the first place, but of course Eun Dae-Koo's goal is to investigate the murder case of his mother. And his primary suspect is Chief Investigator Seo, ever since he'd heard his name being mentioned after the murderer took a call after finishing his "mission".

What follows next is a series of investigations and some twisty turns but halfway through the drama, the mastermind is revealed and the staff of Team 3 has to gather evidence so that he could be put to justice. It is these scenes (gathering of evidences) that makes this drama entertaining; there are definitely some intense moments but there are also comedies as some of the characters could make you giggle.

Aside from the characters and the sweet romance between Dae-Koo and fellow rookie, Soo-Sun (starring Go Ara), what I liked about this drama is the dreams of these four rookies never waver even though they are young and inexperienced. They show their team spirit despite of their differences, and they never back down even if their leads led them to a dead end. Cliché or not, I still enjoyed the drama and of course, there are some moments that moved me, too. I also liked it that Dae-Koo and Soo-Sun are schoolmates during their teenage years and they've liked each other then but they were too proud to admit it. Soo-Sun didn't know Dae-Koo is the "reincarnation" of Ji-yong initially until much later.

You know what left me cold about this story? Not the runners who are paid to murder people but the extent of a person's doings just to be more powerful and wealthy at the expense of his loved ones. But of course this bad feeling is replaced by characters such as Team Leader Seo and Dae-Koo, not only of their righteousness but also they are good to look at, ha.

(Soundtrack: What's Wrong With Me, featuring Dae-Koo and Soo-Sun)

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Drama review, Korean drama, Romance 4 comments |

Name of the Devil by Andrew Mayne

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062348890
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 7 July 2015
Format: Paperback, 432 pgs
Source: Publisher

Magician-turned-FBI-agent Jessica Blackwood returns in this sequel to Angel Killer; in which the last investigation case requires her intelligence and her expertise in the art of illusions, something which she'd done in the past and tried to bury after she'd left home to live on her own. Her father and grandfather had worked together in countless performances on stage, and Jessica was taught to perform little acts since she was a girl. However, one incident had nearly caused her death, and she'd tried to shun away from performing since then. Her relationship with her grandfather remains lukewarm, but she respect him and would still approach him for some magic advice, just like the case she's looking into in this installment.

An explosion took away four lives in a church and a local sheriff is the suspect until he was found dead eventually. The FBI has gathered evidence that these people had known each other and that their death are connected to an event happened years ago. But what they aren't sure of is is the sheriff's erratic behaviour is psychological or pharmacological. Did someone lead him to doing something under a confused mind?

As Jessica digs further, she realises there's something more than meets the eye and someone wants her dead, as well. With no evidence of her suspicion and no support from her superiors, Jessica knew she has to rely on her own to unravel all the truth and she is fortunate she has one or two reliable agents who trusted her and Damian Knight, an ex-boyfriend who seems to have many connections but whose real identity remains a mystery to many, including Jessica.

From state cities to rural Tixato in Mexico, Jessica learnt that whoever is responsible for the church explosion is someone who has intelligence, resources and power to rid of any links pointing at him or her and the ultimate purpose of all is to seek revenge of what happened on one fateful night involving the sheriff and victims of the church explosion.

If there's magic and mayhem in the first installment, Angel Killer, then there's actions and more actions in this sequel as there are implications ranging from diabolical forces to drug cartels to the Vatican that have our determined heroine running around. While I found the actions entertaining, what I also enjoyed reading about this book is Jessica's relationship with her grandfather as I felt it is more in depth here. Raised from a family of illusionists, Jessica is fully aware of the danger they are always in and perhaps because of this mindset, she isn't afraid of taking chances and relying on her instincts. I also liked reading about the complicated relationship she'd had with Damian. I still wasn't sure about him, but after saving Jessica for countless times (despite his obsessive attention on her) I think he wouldn't be that bad of a character, right?

Reading this book has also set me thinking that some things may not always seem what we think them to be. Right and wrong, good and bad... there's always a fine line between them and sometimes it's hard to judge them, viewing from different perspectives. While Name of the Devil is a sequel, it could be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading it in order for the characters development.

Labels: 4 stars, Action Thriller, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 10 comments |

Alphabet House by Jussi Adler-Olsen

Melody

ISBN-13: 9781843915447
Publisher: Hesperus Press Ltd
Publication Date: 11 August 2014
Format: Paperback, 522 pgs
Source: Personal Library
Translated from the Danish by Steve Schein

This story is split into two parts with different settings. The setting of the first part is WWII Germany. However, this is not really a war story but more of a psychological wartime thriller about two RAF pilots' harrowing experience after escaping from death and finding themselves in a more dangerous position.

James Teasdale and Bryan Young are from the British flight crew. They are two out of the twelve crew to have selected for a mission. Their job is to take photographs of the aeroplane factories at some designated locations and map out the area thoroughly, including the railway network around Dresden. The Intelligence had a hunch that these factories produce synthetic fuel and that they could lend impetus to new German V-bomb projects. And after James and Bryan have completed their jobs, they would rejoin through formation on its way back to England.

Unfortunately, the bad weather is just the beginning. Despite the place is heavily guarded, they managed to have the photos taken but in the end, they couldn't escape the fate of having their plane shot down. Still, Lady Luck decided to give them a chance as they parachuted out of the plane before it landed. On cold ground, it made it even harder for them to run but they have no other options. They jumped into a train after spotting a railway line. A transported hospital train, it is the start of their nightmarish trip after they have swapped places with two wounded and barely conscious SS officers. They later learnt that the patients sharing the same carriages with them are all mentally ill, and their destination is the Alphabet House, a secure mental institute for high-ranking officers damaged by war. The other threat they are to face is four malingerers within their ward who would do anything for their own greed and freedom.

In the second part of the story, the scenario changed and thirty years have passed. Germany was capitulated; Bryan is moving on with his own business in England and James' life remains unknown after Bryan managed to escape from the Alphabet House alone. It was only a visit from Captain Wilkens, a former intelligence officer whom Bryan had briefly met after the rescue that makes Bryan want to dig up into the past, again. He is set to find James at any costs, but that also means crossing paths with his tormentors once again, those malingerers from the Alphabet House.

I think the premise is intriguing, but what also makes this story an interesting read is James and Bryan. They may be college mates and combat buddies, but their personality differ vastly and at times it seems it is impossible that they could work together. James seems to have the say and make most decisions under many circumstances, while Bryan is the simple and more practical one. It would be rather interesting and amusing to see their personality clash under other (normal) circumstances, but with this gloomy setting it just complicates matters.

Alphabet House is an extremely intense psychological thriller that had me at the edge from the start till the end. Jussi Alder-Olsen is well known for his Department Q series, which I have yet to explore, thinking that this standalone would be a great start to familiarise with his writing style and the storytelling. And I have to say they didn't disappoint me. His prose is wonderful; and the pace and the intensity are excellent. It had me thinking about friendship, love and survival all in all; it was both a compelling and thought-provoking read. I found myself at a loss for words after reading the last page because I was still grasping of the meaning of the outcome. Bottom line, I was simply blown away by this story. I think this would be one of my top reads this year.

Labels: 5 stars, Action Thriller, Book Review, Psychological Thriller 8 comments |

Movie Review: The Maze Runner

Melody

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Aml Ameen, Ki Hong Lee

I notice post-apocalyptic and dystopia themes seem to be all the rage lately. Honestly speaking, I don't minding reading them. With a good plot and great characterisations, they could linger in your mind for a long time.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I have this book for a while but just never got around to reading it. It is one of those reading mood thing, which I'm sure many readers are able to relate. I'm also one of those readers who would prefer to reading the book first than watching the film adaptation, but sometimes it's the timing that overtakes the mood and The Maze Runner is one of those moments.

Thomas wakes up and find himself in an elevator. He has no memory who he is and why he's lying in the elevator. When he steps out of it when it landed, all he could see is a vast land and some boys about his age. They "welcomed" him to the glade; an enclosed environment where they grow their own food and supplies given from below. Every 30 days a new boy will arrive to the glade and Thomas, no doubt is a newbie. They teach him all the knacks of living there, but told him not to enter into the maze under any circumstances.

Thomas gets curious and that feeling intensifies after he saw a few boys entering into the maze when its door opens during the day. The answer he got is they are the runners and they are trying to find a way to escape through it that surrounds their living space. However, it has taken them years as the maze changes; plus there are dangerous creatures looming around it too. Thomas wants to be one of the runners, but the others felt he isn't ready but of course there's always the surprise.

Then a comatose girl arrives with a strange note, and they are more determined to find ways of escaping when they knew the elevator will no longer comes up to the glade. That also means their supplies would be cut off too. They are on their own, and whatever are in store for them.

I have to say The Maze Runner has a great concept. I have always been fascinated by books or movies that have a maze or lybrinth setting. The possibilities there are endless. Intrigue or horror? Or better still, both. I remember Stephen King's The Shining and there's a scene of a maze too. That film is a classic and to this day that particular scene of a boy running from his father at the hotel's hedge maze still lingers in my mind. The concept, no doubt, is different but what I'm trying to say is mazes have a mysterious factor that is captivating.

That said, as much as I find The Maze Runner intriguing, it doesn't hook me as I'd wanted to. I think the story and the characterisations are great, but there are times it left me wondering the purposes behind the overall scenarios. I felt the boys' determination and there are a few who are courageous enough, but somehow I felt it is as if they are waiting for something bigger to happen when they have the gists of what's happening around them. Perhaps this is done so intentionally to build up the intensity, but I felt it made the characters weak, and I'm sure some of them have great potential. My favourite character among all? Minho, the leader of the runner.

Maybe my feelings might be different if I'd read the book first, I don't know, but I was a bit disappointed with the film. However, if you are going for the visual effects, you won't be disappointed.

At this point I'm not really in a hurry to read the book after knowing the gist of this first installment. That said, I understand there are readers who love this trilogy so this is probably just me. I may want to watch the second installment, being the curiosity type and I hope it'd be better.

Labels: 3 stars, Action Thriller, Movie Review, Movie Tie-In 8 comments |

Angel Killer by Andrew Mayne

Melody

ISBN-13: 9780062348876

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Publication Date: 23 September 2014

Format: Paperback, 368 pgs

Source: ARC from the publisher

Jessica Blackwood was five when she first started learning magic from her grandfather. She came from a family of magicians but decided to leave the glamour and her past behind after a performance almost got her killed when she was twenty. It was also the same time she decided to leave her family and be on her own.

At present, she volunteered to teach magic tricks as a form of therapy at a children's hospital since college and continued all the way through her career in the FBI. She was in forensic accounting, not really an adventurous job but she took pride in her work and had managed to crack a few cases through her persistence and observations.

However her careful constructed world was turned upside down when the FBI wanted her expertise when someone called himself 'Warlock' had hacked into their network and left them a code, which led them to a body. Jessica wasn't into homicide, but the FBI thought maybe she could help unravel the mystery, given her name as a magician years ago.

Now the mysterious part is the victim, Chloe McDonald's body is only hours old in the spot where they found it, but the fact is she was already dead for two years. What made it so horrific is Chloe face was filled with horror and her body was still half buried in the ground; it appeared she was trying to crawl her way free of the earth where she was buried. The creepiest part? Her coffin was empty.

While Jessica managed to make an explanation about what happened is a clever and elaborate combination of illusions, the team is wondering if it's the same killer who murdered the real Chloe, since the other Chloe appeared to have the same wounds at the exact location.

While they were speculating, another bigger and unexplainable case dropped onto their lap, this time round is an airplane which was claimed to be an original Avenger bomber which was believed to be lost in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945. Would it be the Warlock's work, again? After all, the pilot who was perished in the missing plane was found too.

As the FBI struggled to piece things together, Jessica feared that more victims would die under the Warlock's hands if they didn't find and stop him in time. But the Warlock seems to be a step ahead of them, and this made Jessica more determined to catch this man who thought himself a god through the "miracles" he conjured.

I really enjoyed reading Angel Killer. Aside it's an action thriller, I liked it that it's also packed with a magic theme and this made my reading experience a different one from the rest as I felt myself like an eager audience, watching those magic unfold in front of my eyes, except that it's on paper instead of in a theatre. It is no wonder the author could write it that way, since Andrew Mayne is a famous magician himself and is the star of A&E's magic reality show Don't Trust Andrew Mayne.

Written from Jessica's perspective, I found the writing style to be appropriate and convincing as Mr. Mayne takes his readers into her magical world and see how her mind works as she tried to "see through" his tricks and lead them to the clues he left behind. I liked Jessica as a character, but what really intrigued me is another character whom I felt is another great mystery to this story. Damian is Jessica's ex-boyfriend and he is charming and appears to be very devoted to her. But she broke up with him after knowing that he had deceived her with his multiple identities. Is he delusional? Or does he has something to hide? Jessica never knew, but she knew he's always there for her whenever she's in danger. Damian even left a few clues to her regarding the Warlock's works, and this made him a suspect.

Like Jessica, I don't know if I trust Damian but yet an instinct told me that he might not be a bad guy, even though he could be dangerous. I hope my instinct is correct. Although the identity of the Warlock is revealed, the ending gave the readers the hope of a sequel. I definitely want to read more of Jessica, and Damian as well.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Action Thriller, Book Review 6 comments |

Drama Review: 3 Days

Melody

There have been a lot of hype surrounding 3 Days way before it was filmed and aired. After all, the screen writer is none other than Kim Eun-Hee (the female screen writer who wrote Phantom and Sign and were received with good reviews). The other reason is Park Yoo-chun, a singer turned actor (who's still with pop group JYJ) whose success is witnessed by many since his debut drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal to his latest drama, 3 Days. Many fans/viewers were captivated by his role in Rooftop Prince, in which he played a Crown Prince from Joseon era and was transported to the modern day to solve a mystery involving his past and his future. His next drama, I Miss You aka Missing You, is another hit which he played a detective who believed his high school sweetheart is still alive after a kidnapping case 14 years ago involving his family.

Onto 3 Days, the plot is about the disappearance of the South Korean President during his vacation at a villa after three gunshots are heard. A team of the Presidential guards are alerted and given the task to find the President and to escort him safely back to the Blue House within three days. However, it was a complicated task as it involves political issue as well. On top of that, there are staff who would betray the President under the influence of money and power and one couldn't know who to trust anymore.

I liked the characterisations of Han Tae-Kyung (Park Yoo-chun), the President's elite bodyguard and Yoon Bo-Won (Park Ha-Sun), a female police officer who fought their way to save the President. They crossed each other's path by chance, and it is their righteous attitude that binds them together. Through their encouragement for each other, they find the courage and strength to overcome all obstacles which are thrown towards their way, even if it means their lives are at stake.

Like many viewers, I waited with anticipation for the airing of this drama and I was glad it delivered and that Yoo-chun's acting skill is getting better and better. Aside from his action performance (I was wowed by the fighting scene in a train and falling off from a storey against a glass window to fight the bad guy, etc), he also did well through his facial expression (oh, his eyes sure can 'talk'!) as he was given the challenge to act both as a loyal, protective bodyguard as well as a grieving son who had lost his father. In other words, he oozes charisma and once again he has captivated the viewers and proved to us all that he could really act, and he is not just any other pop idol turned actor who impressed with his looks. Another issue which makes me admire him more is his professionalism in his work as he injured his shoulder while filming this drama but he gritted his teeth and continued filming despite the pain it had caused him.

I still have a lot to say about the plot and the charming Han Tae-Kyung but it would be spoilers and also to avoid this post as a fan raving post, I think I had said enough and I shall leave it to you to judge for yourself if you haven't watched 3 Days.