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David McK (3372 KP) rated The A-Team (2010) in Movies
Sep 2, 2020 (Updated Aug 11, 2024)
"Still wanted by the government, today they exist as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if nobody else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... the A-Team!"
Big screen remake of the popular 80s TV show, with Liam Neeson taking on the role of Colonel Hannibal Smith, the leader of that group of soldiers that includes Face (and, yes, the original Face gets a cameo), BA Barracus and 'Howling Mad' Matt Murdoch and that takes as its primary plot point just why they are wanted by the government (to do with stolen printing press, apparently).
And I have seven words to sum it up: "No. They're trying to fly a tank".
Big screen remake of the popular 80s TV show, with Liam Neeson taking on the role of Colonel Hannibal Smith, the leader of that group of soldiers that includes Face (and, yes, the original Face gets a cameo), BA Barracus and 'Howling Mad' Matt Murdoch and that takes as its primary plot point just why they are wanted by the government (to do with stolen printing press, apparently).
And I have seven words to sum it up: "No. They're trying to fly a tank".
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 1 in TV
Nov 16, 2017
This is a very good, entertaining show, I just really don't think it lives up to all the hype. For me, although i found it fun and interesting to watch, I didn't want to binge watch the whole first season in one go like everyone else seems to have done.
I'll start with the positives. I love the 80s setting, music and title sequence. The whole plot itself is like an amalgamation of The X-Files, Stephen King and 80s films like ET, and King himself is even referenced in an episode to my joy. Its a great throwback to the films of my childhood. The friendship between the younger characters is also very reminiscent of IT and Stand by Me. The characters themselves are in the main well developed and acted. The three boys and Eleven are very good, and I adore David Harbour.
Sadly it isn't perfect. Some of the CGI is a little lacking, the government seem a bit inept at points and I almost feel like the plot has been dumbed down to lessen the scares. Yes there are bits that are creepy and scary, but they couldve done so much more.
In all, this is a very good tv show, one of the best new shows I've seen in quite a while. I don't think it quite lives up to the hype, but I'll still be watching the second series. Just might give the binge watching a miss.
One last thing, after watching IT earlier this year, every time Finn Wolfhard was on screen, all I could think of was "Beep Beep Richie!"...
I'll start with the positives. I love the 80s setting, music and title sequence. The whole plot itself is like an amalgamation of The X-Files, Stephen King and 80s films like ET, and King himself is even referenced in an episode to my joy. Its a great throwback to the films of my childhood. The friendship between the younger characters is also very reminiscent of IT and Stand by Me. The characters themselves are in the main well developed and acted. The three boys and Eleven are very good, and I adore David Harbour.
Sadly it isn't perfect. Some of the CGI is a little lacking, the government seem a bit inept at points and I almost feel like the plot has been dumbed down to lessen the scares. Yes there are bits that are creepy and scary, but they couldve done so much more.
In all, this is a very good tv show, one of the best new shows I've seen in quite a while. I don't think it quite lives up to the hype, but I'll still be watching the second series. Just might give the binge watching a miss.
One last thing, after watching IT earlier this year, every time Finn Wolfhard was on screen, all I could think of was "Beep Beep Richie!"...
Crystal (148 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Jun 4, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
Gaming references (3 more)
80s Easter eggs
Immersive
Not your typical dystopia
Don't judge a book by its movie
I still have not seen the movie and I have heard mixed reviews. However, I very much enjoyed this book. If you are into young adult dystopia then this book is for you. Ready Player One is one of the few books I've read multiple times. It is one of those books where you can really catch on to little details you may have missed the first time around. This book is chock full of 80s pop culture references.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
May 7, 2018
So, I saw the movie before I read this. After I read through the second chapter, I decided to evaluate it completely separate from the movie.
The nostalgia was high in this, it was a 80s/90s fest. I liked it, because that's my jam, but I can see why some people saw it as forced. The writing wasn't anything to write home about (pun unintended), and I know why Ernie changed some things around for his screenplay of the novel. Some of the scenes would have been really boring to watch.
My one issue with the differences between the book and movie... Seriously, you cast Simon Pegg, then don't use him as much as the book? Lame.
Anyway, I liked the book, and I'm strongly considering reading Armada now.
The nostalgia was high in this, it was a 80s/90s fest. I liked it, because that's my jam, but I can see why some people saw it as forced. The writing wasn't anything to write home about (pun unintended), and I know why Ernie changed some things around for his screenplay of the novel. Some of the scenes would have been really boring to watch.
My one issue with the differences between the book and movie... Seriously, you cast Simon Pegg, then don't use him as much as the book? Lame.
Anyway, I liked the book, and I'm strongly considering reading Armada now.
Auburn (57 KP) rated The Rancher's Baby in Books
Apr 10, 2019
This was a compellingly sweet read with a bit of mystery thrown in. The first pages draw you in and tell you that this won't just be a romance but actually have some content to keep you interested. That to me makes this stand out from other romances.
The characters aren't just one dimensional and they bring a backstory that gives the relationships substance.
Perfect for those who enjoy a mystery romance with substance that isn't just about the sexual attraction and nothing else. For those who don't want a lot of extras it may not be for you.
On a side note the cover to me doesn't do this book justice. To me it looks like an 80s cheap romance cover and takes away from the book, which is actually very good.
The characters aren't just one dimensional and they bring a backstory that gives the relationships substance.
Perfect for those who enjoy a mystery romance with substance that isn't just about the sexual attraction and nothing else. For those who don't want a lot of extras it may not be for you.
On a side note the cover to me doesn't do this book justice. To me it looks like an 80s cheap romance cover and takes away from the book, which is actually very good.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated The Martian Chronicles in TV
Sep 24, 2018
Why do I love cheesy 70s and 80s sci-fi so much?
I think I watched this as a kid for the first time and was fascinated and spooked out all at the same time. Since I have been an adult, a purchased the VHS tapes, the original MG DVD release and will probably purchase the new Blu Ray editions some time soon (but haven't yet).
I am not a reader (wish I was), but this story of the first expeditions to Mars, what the humans find there and how they have to learn to set aside differences to peacefully coexist is still very enthralling.
Everything about it is cheese for sure, but I still very much enjoy the characters, stories and situations.
I am not a reader (wish I was), but this story of the first expeditions to Mars, what the humans find there and how they have to learn to set aside differences to peacefully coexist is still very enthralling.
Everything about it is cheese for sure, but I still very much enjoy the characters, stories and situations.
David McK (3372 KP) rated The Terminator (1984) in Movies
Nov 26, 2019
The first - and, in my opinion, best - film in The Terminator series, where Arnie first portrays what would become his signature role: the story goes that he was originally approached for the role of Kyle Reese before reading the script and opting instead to play The Terminator, the unstoppable cyborg killing machine of the title, with 80s action hero (and James Cameron stalwart) instead taking on the role of Reese.
Of note is how every action Arnie carries out is with an economy of movement (just like a machine), and just how unstoppable The Terminator is in this movie (notably diminished in future instalments), with the plot essentially one long chase scene setting up a temporal time loop, especially evident in the DVD deleted scenes: that warehouse for the final showdown? Belongs to Cyberdene systems.
Of note is how every action Arnie carries out is with an economy of movement (just like a machine), and just how unstoppable The Terminator is in this movie (notably diminished in future instalments), with the plot essentially one long chase scene setting up a temporal time loop, especially evident in the DVD deleted scenes: that warehouse for the final showdown? Belongs to Cyberdene systems.
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