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David McK (3786 KP) rated Blood's Campaign in Books

Mar 5, 2020

Blood's Campaign

Angus Donald | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Third entry in Angus Donald's Holcroft Blood series (after Blood's Game and Blood's Revolution), with this one set in Ireland.

Which is where I live (well, in Northern Ireland).

Living, as I do, not that far from Carrickfergus in Belfast I was aware of the siege of Carrickfergus, and (of course) of the Battle of the Boyne - it's impossible not to be, living here! With William's victory celebrated by a section of the community every 12th of July - although the subjects were never really taught at all in my school days; seemingly more concerned with the Norman conquest or with the English Civil War or World War 2 than with 'local' history. In retrospect, I think that might be because local history is (still) a touchy subject: what is one man's hero, for example, is another man's villain in this country!

Anyway, I've gone off topic: Blood's Campaign.

An interesting read, with Holcroft Blood still an unusual protagonist (hinted as being on the autistic spectrum?), with - even for someone born and raised in Northern Ireland - some fascinating history thrown in, although (I have to say), that this one didn't quite grip me as much as Angus Donald's 'Outlaw' (Robin Hood) series.

Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Wolverine (2013) in Movies

Jul 30, 2019

An ok film that could have been so much more.

Here we have the 6th entry into the X-Men franchise, and the second solo outing for Wolverine.

I, like many comic fans, was thrilled when it was announced that this film would be diving into Logan's time in Japan. It's arguably one of the strongest solo Wolverine storylines from the comic!
The finished film however misses the mark. Not completely - remnants of the comic are left intact, buts it's clear that the studio meddled once again. When The Wolverine is concentrating on the dialogue heavy scenes, it's good. When it throws Logan against ninjas, it's (mostly) good.

However, FOX obviously didn't have enough faith in this as a whole, and opted to push James Mangold in the direction of dodgy CGI orgies.
The climatic battle against a massive CGI robot ninja (referred to as Silver Samurai - the bloody cheek), is so out of place, that it nearly ruins the whole film.

I feel that James Mangold is not to blame. He clearly has respect for the source material, and isn't about big CGI blowouts - he would go on to direct the stellar Logan a few years later.

A wasted opportunity then, and a storyline I really hope Marvel Studios revisits again in the future

Kudos

Mothergamer (1634 KP) rated Final Fantasy VII Remake in Video Games

Apr 21, 2020

Final Fantasy VII Remake

2020 | Action/Adventure, Role-Playing

8.5

(24 Ratings)

Video Game Rating

I just finished the game and it really delivered. The main story is pretty much the same as the original, but there are some new elements that change a few things here and there. Those changes honestly make the game better and add some great elements to the story as well as allowing you to get to know some characters better like Biggs, Jessie, and Wedge. The battle system is done really well making fights and boss fights fun. There are side quests and mini games that add more to the exploration of Midgar. Getting to see Midgar in depth like this definitely adds to the atmosphere and story of the game. The music for the game is perfect and the fact that each character has their own theme song is a nice touch. Cloud is much better here too. The story takes the time to show the pain and trauma he has suffered, but also allows him to be a little more vulnerable with his emotions as well. Getting to see him gradually open up and grow as a person as he gets to know everyone was great to see. The game is amazing and got everything just right.

Kudos

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies

Feb 25, 2020

Bumblebee (2018)

2018 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

7.8

(80 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

Micheal Bay isnt the director (0 more)

Micheal Bay is the Producer. (0 more)

Car Robot Machine

Bumblebee- I didnt expect thie movie to be this excellent/great. I mean the Transformers Franchise is Garbage, trash and awful, expect for the first one. The first one was good and i liked, but the others though sinkey/pee-ew. Anyways Bumblee was really good, the plot was good, the action was good, no Micheal Bay explotations/what he is known for like shots of hot woman, product placment, explosions, racist charcters/racist people, long run times, etc. I mean thier are some product placements and explosions, but not ever god damn second/minute. Thank you Travis Knight, for taking this franchise into a different direction/new sight.

The plot: On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the brink of turning 18 years old and trying to find her place in the world, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.

If you havent seen this film, than go see it, it is a must watch film.