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David McK (3562 KP) rated Extinction in Books
Aug 11, 2024 (Updated Aug 11, 2024)
I remember, back in the mid to late 90s, reading both 'Relic' and it's sequel 'Reliquary', and quite enjoying the both of them.
(The movie 'Relic', on the other hand, was a bit of a dud).
They're the only 2 novels by Douglas Preston I'd ever read, until I decided to give this one a go based on both the premise (extinct animals being brought back to life) and the blurb.
I knew it wouldn't be a 'Jurassic Park' (which is name-checked) scenario; wasn't quite sure what it would be. What I got was an enjoyable enough read that put me in mind of something from the late Michael Crichton: I also have to say that, whilst I didn't get either the specifics nor who was behind it (or the reason), I did see what was coming from just over roughly the halfway mark!
(The movie 'Relic', on the other hand, was a bit of a dud).
They're the only 2 novels by Douglas Preston I'd ever read, until I decided to give this one a go based on both the premise (extinct animals being brought back to life) and the blurb.
I knew it wouldn't be a 'Jurassic Park' (which is name-checked) scenario; wasn't quite sure what it would be. What I got was an enjoyable enough read that put me in mind of something from the late Michael Crichton: I also have to say that, whilst I didn't get either the specifics nor who was behind it (or the reason), I did see what was coming from just over roughly the halfway mark!

David McK (3562 KP) rated Star Wars X-Wing: The Krytos Trap (X-Wing #3) in Books
Oct 26, 2024 (Updated Oct 26, 2024)
Now considered part of 'Legends' rather than canon, this is the third in the 90s series of Star Wars: X Wing books by MMichael A Stackpole, back before the sequels and even before the prequels were a thing!
Here, this novel primarily deals with the fallout from the conquest of Coruscant (or Imperial Centre, as it was originally called in the films), with the main character of Corran Horn captured by Ysanne Isard and believed dead by his comrades.
Isard, meanwhile, has unleashed a deadly contagion upon the denizens of the city planet in a plan to stir up foment amongst the various species (and leaders) of the New Republic.
While the novel does show its age somewhat - Jedi had family, no Padawans (remember, written before the prequels!) - this is still an entertaining read that, I feel, stands up well amongst several of the 'newer' novels.
Here, this novel primarily deals with the fallout from the conquest of Coruscant (or Imperial Centre, as it was originally called in the films), with the main character of Corran Horn captured by Ysanne Isard and believed dead by his comrades.
Isard, meanwhile, has unleashed a deadly contagion upon the denizens of the city planet in a plan to stir up foment amongst the various species (and leaders) of the New Republic.
While the novel does show its age somewhat - Jedi had family, no Padawans (remember, written before the prequels!) - this is still an entertaining read that, I feel, stands up well amongst several of the 'newer' novels.

David McK (3562 KP) rated Twisters (2024) in Movies
Dec 1, 2024 (Updated Dec 6, 2024)
There's no flying cow.
I remember going to see the original 'Twister' movie in the cinema, in the mid 90s.
This is a reboot/continuation of the same, with the prologue here having a group of students trying to launch Dorothy into the sky in front of a Tornado, with disastrous consequences.
That's about the only link to that earlier film, with this one then moving on a few years from the prologue and following a new generation (or, rather, 2 groups) of storm chasers - 1 in it for the science, the other for the thrill. Or so the lead character initially believes until she discovers that things are not that straight-forward ...
I missed this in the cinema; only catching it on the small screen.
Which, I feel, is a pity - it would have been so much more impressive on the big screen, particularly on an IMAX.
This is a reboot/continuation of the same, with the prologue here having a group of students trying to launch Dorothy into the sky in front of a Tornado, with disastrous consequences.
That's about the only link to that earlier film, with this one then moving on a few years from the prologue and following a new generation (or, rather, 2 groups) of storm chasers - 1 in it for the science, the other for the thrill. Or so the lead character initially believes until she discovers that things are not that straight-forward ...
I missed this in the cinema; only catching it on the small screen.
Which, I feel, is a pity - it would have been so much more impressive on the big screen, particularly on an IMAX.

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Matthew Scott (7 KP) rated Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) in Movies
Mar 25, 2019
Greatest movie ever? MoviePoopChute.com thinks not!
There is not a more positive culture relevant movie in existence. If you like any movie or TV show from the 70s-90s, chances are somebody from that show is in this movie. Mark Hamil, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Carrie Fisher, George Carlin, Pie fucker, that dude that screwed Joey on Dawson's, Stiffler, not to mention hetero life mates Jay and Silent Bob! The jokes on this movie are a mile a minute, so you need to pay attention if you want to catch them all. If you're new to Kevin Smith and his impulsive friend Jason Mewes, then check out their Smodcast podcasts, or any of the other movies they've done together. Mallrats, Clerks, Dogma, Chasing Amy, etc. This is a must see for any fan of pop culture. This movie is like every Funko Pop figure wrapped into one.

Asiza Tait (139 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Apr 12, 2019
Writing is excellent (2 more)
Full of well developed characters
Very believable
If I had been a teenager in the 80s I’m sure I would be absolutely loved the constant references to familiar games, but the 90s was my decade so a great deal went straight over my head. That said the future envisioned by the author is compelling and if I may say, utterly frightening. To not have any future in the real world and to only live in a virtual reality is my worst nightmare come to life. I enjoy playing games but having it BE my life is a step too far. The level of despair I could feel in the book was fascinating. The characters and plot were well developed, believable and realistic. By the time I put this book down, though satisfied with the ending I was relieved to get back to the real world.

David McK (3562 KP) rated Solo Command (Star Wars: X-Wing, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Released pre Episode I, the Star Wars: X-Wing books are, I believe, amongst the first EU ('Extended Universe') novels that do not focus on the main protaganists of the films as their central characters, taking instead LucasArts X-Wing/TIE fighter games of the 90s (as an aside - somebody really REALLY needs to re-make those for modern machines) as their inspiration.
This is the 7th book in the X-Wing series, and the 3rd to focus primarily on the activities of Wraith squadron, after both <i>Wraith Squadron</i> and <i>Iron Fist</i>. Unlike the previous novels in the series, this also includes a larger role for some of the characters from the original film series - the 'Solo' of the title actually refers to Han Solo, and not to Solo as in 'single'. As well, this also includes members of the first 4 X-Wings books (i.e. Rogue Squadron) in the story.
Blasted through this one in about 2 days flat.
This is the 7th book in the X-Wing series, and the 3rd to focus primarily on the activities of Wraith squadron, after both <i>Wraith Squadron</i> and <i>Iron Fist</i>. Unlike the previous novels in the series, this also includes a larger role for some of the characters from the original film series - the 'Solo' of the title actually refers to Han Solo, and not to Solo as in 'single'. As well, this also includes members of the first 4 X-Wings books (i.e. Rogue Squadron) in the story.
Blasted through this one in about 2 days flat.

David McK (3562 KP) rated The Death of Superman (The Death and Return of Superman, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Superman dies
It doesn't hold.
Back in the early 90s, I remember one comic book,in particular, that made the headlines, when DC decided to take what was then a massive risk and kill off one of their lead characters.
This was in the days, of course, before that trick became 'old hat; before the comic industry kept killing off and bringing back to life their leads.
Reading it now, even if the plot isn't that strong (who is Doomsday? Where has he come from? What does he want? Why was it the the Justice League of Americas B-team that went out to face him and got taken apart?), it's interesting to see how the medium has moved on: in particular (mostly) away for the lurid brightly coloured panels of this comic.
I have to say, as well, if you thought the devastation of Metropolis at the end of the recent(ish) 'Man of Steel' movie was bad, read this ...
It doesn't hold.
Back in the early 90s, I remember one comic book,in particular, that made the headlines, when DC decided to take what was then a massive risk and kill off one of their lead characters.
This was in the days, of course, before that trick became 'old hat; before the comic industry kept killing off and bringing back to life their leads.
Reading it now, even if the plot isn't that strong (who is Doomsday? Where has he come from? What does he want? Why was it the the Justice League of Americas B-team that went out to face him and got taken apart?), it's interesting to see how the medium has moved on: in particular (mostly) away for the lurid brightly coloured panels of this comic.
I have to say, as well, if you thought the devastation of Metropolis at the end of the recent(ish) 'Man of Steel' movie was bad, read this ...