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Jamie (131 KP) rated Uzumaki (3-in-1, Deluxe Edition): Includes Vols. 1, 2 & 3: Vols. 1, 2 & 3 in Books
Jun 4, 2017
Nightmare fuel in it’s purest form
Spirals exist everywhere in nature: in the shells of snails, the petals of a flower, the swirling clouds of a hurricane, even the shape of whole galaxies. Why this shape continues to show up over and over again in nature is still a bit of a mystery. For the most part spirals are viewed as aesthetically pleasing, appealing to humanity throughout the centuries.
What makes Uzumaki so brilliant is that it takes something so abstract and transforms it into pure nightmare fuel, utterly corrupting one of nature's most beautiful shapes: the spiral. When I had first started reading this comic I was skeptical, how could a geometic shape be scary? There is nothing inherently sinister about a shape, just as there is nothing all that unusual about the town.
Uzumaki challenged my perception of horror in it’s twisting narrative, starting slow as the madness began to spread, spiraling out like a flower in bloom. As the story reached a fever pitch, it quickly descends, like a whirlpool sucking everything underneath it’s surface. Pure genius.
The art is also a wonder in itself, with extremely detailed drawings depicting some of the best examples of body horror that I’ve ever seen. While this is of course up for debate, many fans and critics have chosen Uzumaki as Ito’s magnum opus, and after reading a couple of his other comics I would have to agree. Uzumaki is one of the best works of horror I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I highly recommend this for any fan of horror, but especially for fans of the works of H.P. Lovecraft, whose books greatly influenced Ito in his creation of the series.
What makes Uzumaki so brilliant is that it takes something so abstract and transforms it into pure nightmare fuel, utterly corrupting one of nature's most beautiful shapes: the spiral. When I had first started reading this comic I was skeptical, how could a geometic shape be scary? There is nothing inherently sinister about a shape, just as there is nothing all that unusual about the town.
Uzumaki challenged my perception of horror in it’s twisting narrative, starting slow as the madness began to spread, spiraling out like a flower in bloom. As the story reached a fever pitch, it quickly descends, like a whirlpool sucking everything underneath it’s surface. Pure genius.
The art is also a wonder in itself, with extremely detailed drawings depicting some of the best examples of body horror that I’ve ever seen. While this is of course up for debate, many fans and critics have chosen Uzumaki as Ito’s magnum opus, and after reading a couple of his other comics I would have to agree. Uzumaki is one of the best works of horror I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I highly recommend this for any fan of horror, but especially for fans of the works of H.P. Lovecraft, whose books greatly influenced Ito in his creation of the series.
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Volume 3 in Books
May 25, 2018
I had a lot of fun with this book.
Contains spoilers, click to show
*DOES contain at least ONE spoiler*
This book was pretty decent. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hadn't already watched the series or read the original comic books simply because the three different stories are written by different people, and they wrote these stories with different time periods in mind.
For instance, the first story is meant to take place near the beginning of the series when Buffy and Angel are still in that "honeymoon" phase of their relationship. Then, when the second story opens, Buffy and Angel are mortal enemies and Buffy is trying to consider how exactly she's going to bring herself to kill him. In the third story, Buffy and Angel are all snuggly again.
So, if someone who had never watched the series simply picked this book up on a whim to read it, I think they would find it very hard and confusing to read. But the storylines were good, and the characterization of the characters was great. I could just hear some of the lines coming from the mouths of Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz.
Individually, the second story was probably the best. It had an entirely original storyline (within the framework of the overall series, that is) that was just really involved and really well-done. I really loved that one. The first one was good, as well. I was less fond of the third and final story because parts of it were very similar to other Buffy episodes/comics already available AND because some of thing things that happened (like Angel actually deciding to kill Willow to save Buffy) just were NOT realistic. Of the three, the last one was definitely the weakest.
However, the anthology was still a nice addition to anyone who loves Buffy.
This book was pretty decent. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hadn't already watched the series or read the original comic books simply because the three different stories are written by different people, and they wrote these stories with different time periods in mind.
For instance, the first story is meant to take place near the beginning of the series when Buffy and Angel are still in that "honeymoon" phase of their relationship. Then, when the second story opens, Buffy and Angel are mortal enemies and Buffy is trying to consider how exactly she's going to bring herself to kill him. In the third story, Buffy and Angel are all snuggly again.
So, if someone who had never watched the series simply picked this book up on a whim to read it, I think they would find it very hard and confusing to read. But the storylines were good, and the characterization of the characters was great. I could just hear some of the lines coming from the mouths of Sarah Michelle Geller and David Boreanaz.
Individually, the second story was probably the best. It had an entirely original storyline (within the framework of the overall series, that is) that was just really involved and really well-done. I really loved that one. The first one was good, as well. I was less fond of the third and final story because parts of it were very similar to other Buffy episodes/comics already available AND because some of thing things that happened (like Angel actually deciding to kill Willow to save Buffy) just were NOT realistic. Of the three, the last one was definitely the weakest.
However, the anthology was still a nice addition to anyone who loves Buffy.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Polar (2019) in Movies
Feb 23, 2019
Could’ve been so much better
Right from the start, this film is an absolute mess. It’s so garish and in your face, and not in a good way. It’s never good when the opening scene makes you turn your nose up in dislike, and sadly the rest of the film never manages to get past this.
The main problem is the villains. Yes this is based on a comic book, but is that an excuse for having such vile looking and plain bad villains. They are all horrendously bad characters and beyond irritating, although the worst is by far the boss villain played by Matt Lucas. I do like Matt Lucas, but I’ve come to realise he’s only good when he’s playing silly sketch characters. Which is what he’s doing here, but it’s out of place and far too cheesy. He doesn’t make for a menacing villain and although he’s laughable, it’s not in the way intended.
Mads Mikkelsen is the only real reason that this film is watchable. Every time he’s on screen the film becomes as enjoyable as it can be. It’s a shame really as there is potential buried in this - the plot as a whole isn’t bad, and I like a lot of the fight scenes that Duncan is in and the gory bits too. It’s just a pity they made it so damn garish and cheesy. If they’d have tried to make it a little darker, maybe a little like Sin City or something, it could actually have been quite good and have lived up to all of Mads Mikkelsens scenes.
Unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. And if you’re a Mads Mikkelsen fan, you’d be better off choosing one of his better offerings than this!
The main problem is the villains. Yes this is based on a comic book, but is that an excuse for having such vile looking and plain bad villains. They are all horrendously bad characters and beyond irritating, although the worst is by far the boss villain played by Matt Lucas. I do like Matt Lucas, but I’ve come to realise he’s only good when he’s playing silly sketch characters. Which is what he’s doing here, but it’s out of place and far too cheesy. He doesn’t make for a menacing villain and although he’s laughable, it’s not in the way intended.
Mads Mikkelsen is the only real reason that this film is watchable. Every time he’s on screen the film becomes as enjoyable as it can be. It’s a shame really as there is potential buried in this - the plot as a whole isn’t bad, and I like a lot of the fight scenes that Duncan is in and the gory bits too. It’s just a pity they made it so damn garish and cheesy. If they’d have tried to make it a little darker, maybe a little like Sin City or something, it could actually have been quite good and have lived up to all of Mads Mikkelsens scenes.
Unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. And if you’re a Mads Mikkelsen fan, you’d be better off choosing one of his better offerings than this!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Miles from Where We Started in Books
Mar 5, 2019
These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.
Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.
The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.
Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?
My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.
The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.
Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.
The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.
Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?
My Thoughts: What happens when you put a couple on the brink of divorce, a foster teen and a micro camper on a road trip? A very interesting novel! This is a story of hope, faith, and commitment. As you read this story you learn how important it is to keep your commitments. When we make our promises they are not meant to be broken, broken promises hurt and in this story emphasizes this. Broken promises can break people, by breaking their spirit as we read with the youth at the teen center and with the foster teen. This is a story of standing with and holding on no matter what the circumstances may be... in sickness and in health.
The characters are wonderful, I truly loved Judah, he was the comic relief in the storyline. Well written and fun to read I think this is a great book for everyone.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Clerks (1994) in Movies
May 6, 2019
Dante and Randal - together forever
I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin Smith when he appeared at the Hollywood Video manager's meeting in Las Vegas in the summer of 1999. Clerks was revered at that time by all of us since we were living the life of Randal to a certain extent being video store managers. We could all relate to the examples of stupid customers and things we wanted to say to them, but couldn't since "the customer is always right".
Smith's appearance at our meeting must've shocked the Mormon founder, Mark Wattles, when Smith began using excessive profanity and talking about giving blow jobs in the bathroom for cash.
My own experiences as a video store manager were reflected in a lot of what Randal says especially when it came to movie recommendations. I'll never forget being asked "Which is better, Booty Call or Schindler's List" or arguing with customers during the "full screen" vs. "widescreen" debate explaining widescreen was better because you could see the entire picture instead of the side of the film being cut off.
Every time I rewatch Clerks it always reminds me of those times and how I reflect fondly on them now so many years later.
Smith was a funny guy and he certainly tells good stories if you have ever seen one of his stand-up specials where he talks about meeting Prince, Bruce Willis or his experiences writing a Superman draft.
Jay and Silent Bob are iconic too even getting their own reboot movie now.
Clerks is a comedy cinema cult classic having lived far beyond its original $27,000 budget where Smith had to sell his comic book collection and its characters will live on forever due to some classic screenwriting.
Smith's appearance at our meeting must've shocked the Mormon founder, Mark Wattles, when Smith began using excessive profanity and talking about giving blow jobs in the bathroom for cash.
My own experiences as a video store manager were reflected in a lot of what Randal says especially when it came to movie recommendations. I'll never forget being asked "Which is better, Booty Call or Schindler's List" or arguing with customers during the "full screen" vs. "widescreen" debate explaining widescreen was better because you could see the entire picture instead of the side of the film being cut off.
Every time I rewatch Clerks it always reminds me of those times and how I reflect fondly on them now so many years later.
Smith was a funny guy and he certainly tells good stories if you have ever seen one of his stand-up specials where he talks about meeting Prince, Bruce Willis or his experiences writing a Superman draft.
Jay and Silent Bob are iconic too even getting their own reboot movie now.
Clerks is a comedy cinema cult classic having lived far beyond its original $27,000 budget where Smith had to sell his comic book collection and its characters will live on forever due to some classic screenwriting.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Pow right in the kisser
#shazam is DC's answer to #deadpool its witty, dark & stylish but also feels a tad 'weve seen all this before'. Shazam always looked to me like a film nobody asked for or a straight to #netflix film so when it started I was actually very surprised with what I was watching. Its an extremely well shot film with seemingly high production values, stylish cinematography & a pretty neat soundtrack too. I was also pleasantly surprised at the dark tone/atmosphere the film decided to go for & considering the trailers suggest this was to be a comedy for a younger audience there are some quite horrific deaths, adult #humour, nasty enemies & also some very dark subject matter. All this darkness however is balanced out quite nicely with goofy humour & some genuinely #funny gags & some brilliant references to films like #tomhanks #Big & the #terminator. Theres a running theme throughout about #family/sticking together & another about there being #heroes inside all of us be it from security guards that keep our schools safe, #mums raising #kids, people who adopt & even people who dress up as #santa can help #inspire our kids to do good. Shazam does alot right & at times its a spellbinding film full of #charm but sadly I found it to fall apart in the final act where it loses its #freakazoid mixed with #hancock & #batman the #animated series vibe in favour for a more generic & forgettable conclusion with a main #villain who came across more pedestrian than menacing which is a shame. Shazam is generally a really great #popcorn flick & crowed pleaser, its got #heart & #laughs but I can see it being forgotten about in a few years but for now its well worth your time. #odeon #odronlimitles #dc #dcuniverse #superhero #geek #comic
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated Double Whammy in Books
May 18, 2019
I Wanted to Like this Book More Than I Actually Did
Former police officer Davis Way has finally landed a new job. She’s working as undercover security at the Bellissimo Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The first thing she’s asked to do is figure out how someone is rigging the Double Whammy machines to win the jackpot. She’s just started the investigation when she makes a startling discovery – the person getting the jackpots is her ex-ex-husband, a man she doesn’t want back in her life. Can she figure out how he is rigging the machines without crossing his path?
I’ve had this series and this book on my radar for a while. While I don’t gamble, the casino setting intrigued, and I know this series is very popular. Unfortunately, this is one of those books that entertains while you are reading, but when you set it down, you begin to see the flaws. There is a good plot here, but it gets distracted several times with sub-plots that slow things down. I did like how Davis’s complicated past is given to us in flashbacks spread out over the entire novel; it helps give some of her actions more context. Unfortunately, I felt she made some very stupid decisions over the course of the novel, especially in the final third. There’s a complication in that final third that stretched my ability to suspend disbelief as well. It’s a shame because I liked the characters and can see them growing even more over the course of a series. This book describes itself as a comic caper, and I’ve found that some just don’t work for me, and I think that’s the case here. I know the series has many fans, but this debut didn’t work for me as well as I wanted it to.
I’ve had this series and this book on my radar for a while. While I don’t gamble, the casino setting intrigued, and I know this series is very popular. Unfortunately, this is one of those books that entertains while you are reading, but when you set it down, you begin to see the flaws. There is a good plot here, but it gets distracted several times with sub-plots that slow things down. I did like how Davis’s complicated past is given to us in flashbacks spread out over the entire novel; it helps give some of her actions more context. Unfortunately, I felt she made some very stupid decisions over the course of the novel, especially in the final third. There’s a complication in that final third that stretched my ability to suspend disbelief as well. It’s a shame because I liked the characters and can see them growing even more over the course of a series. This book describes itself as a comic caper, and I’ve found that some just don’t work for me, and I think that’s the case here. I know the series has many fans, but this debut didn’t work for me as well as I wanted it to.
Terry Nation's apocalyptic drama-adventure series came out of the same mid-70s interest in self-sufficiency that produced The Good Life, but also clearly owes a debt to George R Stewart's 1949 novel Earth Abides. A man-made virus devastates civilisation forcing the few who survive to rebuild; over the course of three series the programme deals with individual responses to the catastrophe, the characters coming together to build a community, and then an attempt to reconstruct something like a nation.
Many changes on both sides of the camera mean that Survivors is an inconsistent show, with nearly everyone agreeing the best episodes are all in the first season. This is not to say the first season is perfect or the others are not worth watching (though there are a few dud episodes). The best episodes are ones which mix character-based drama and big ideas - the capital punishment-themed Law and Order, in which the members of the community must decide what to do with one of their number they believe to be a murderer, is a particular highlight. Series anticipates Nation's Blake's 7 in the way a supporting character ends up as the de facto lead, in both cases a ruthless pragmatist becoming a very unconventional hero.
Criticisms that the show is middle class are somewhat justified; members of the working class are either comic relief or shotgun-toting menaces (trade unionists are also depicted as a menace). The low budget of the later episodes (most of which were made on VT rather than film) also shows. The second season can be a bit dull but the others are seldom less than interesting, and occasionally extremely good.
Many changes on both sides of the camera mean that Survivors is an inconsistent show, with nearly everyone agreeing the best episodes are all in the first season. This is not to say the first season is perfect or the others are not worth watching (though there are a few dud episodes). The best episodes are ones which mix character-based drama and big ideas - the capital punishment-themed Law and Order, in which the members of the community must decide what to do with one of their number they believe to be a murderer, is a particular highlight. Series anticipates Nation's Blake's 7 in the way a supporting character ends up as the de facto lead, in both cases a ruthless pragmatist becoming a very unconventional hero.
Criticisms that the show is middle class are somewhat justified; members of the working class are either comic relief or shotgun-toting menaces (trade unionists are also depicted as a menace). The low budget of the later episodes (most of which were made on VT rather than film) also shows. The second season can be a bit dull but the others are seldom less than interesting, and occasionally extremely good.
Dana (24 KP) rated Annihilation, Book Two in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So in this, the second book of the Annihilation comic series, we get even more characters in the universe!
Many people have been introduced to the Silver Surfer in the second Fantastic Four film by Sony pictures, but we get a lot more information of who he is in this book and I really liked seeing that! We get to see his interactions with the other former heralds of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. This also gives us some background of his power and relationships with the rest of the Marvel Comics Universe. He's a pretty cool character, in my opinion.
In this book, we also get a lot more information about Super Skrull. He's great and I love him. That's all.
Finally, we get to meet Ronan for real. I loved getting to see him as more than just the villain he is painted as in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. He gets a backstory and a reason for why he is the way he is! I am actually kind of sympathetic towards him, to be completely honest. I love it when people who can be seen as villains are portrayed as round characters who are more than just evil. He is The Accuser. He has the power to reduce people to ash at the drop of a few words, yet he only does it when he deems it necessary. That's a pretty cool move! Also, the fact that he is not working for the Annihilation crew is a redeeming quality if I have ever seen one!
I am keeping this review pretty short so I can move onto the next one! I can't wait to see how this ends!
Many people have been introduced to the Silver Surfer in the second Fantastic Four film by Sony pictures, but we get a lot more information of who he is in this book and I really liked seeing that! We get to see his interactions with the other former heralds of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. This also gives us some background of his power and relationships with the rest of the Marvel Comics Universe. He's a pretty cool character, in my opinion.
In this book, we also get a lot more information about Super Skrull. He's great and I love him. That's all.
Finally, we get to meet Ronan for real. I loved getting to see him as more than just the villain he is painted as in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. He gets a backstory and a reason for why he is the way he is! I am actually kind of sympathetic towards him, to be completely honest. I love it when people who can be seen as villains are portrayed as round characters who are more than just evil. He is The Accuser. He has the power to reduce people to ash at the drop of a few words, yet he only does it when he deems it necessary. That's a pretty cool move! Also, the fact that he is not working for the Annihilation crew is a redeeming quality if I have ever seen one!
I am keeping this review pretty short so I can move onto the next one! I can't wait to see how this ends!
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Jun 23, 2018
The music is back, the dinosaurs are back, the chaos is back!
Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorite movie series. There are so many iconic moments in the original movie and I love that this latest addition to the series makes some of those moments come alive for both long-time fans and a new generation of fans. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom brings fans all of the music and action they've fallen in love with over the years and mixes into that a whole new conundrum. With an active volcano threatening to wipe out all of the dinosaurs that have been abandoned on Isla Nublar, the world must decide if they want to step in and rescue the dinosaurs or let nature run its course.
Jeff Goldblum returns to the franchise as the famous mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm, and if you've seen any of the original movies you can probably guess where he stands on the matter. Chris Pratt and Dallas Bryce Howard also resume their former roles, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing respectively. The pair disagrees on what the outcome for the dinosaurs should be, but they team up nonetheless and their romantic tension provides a lot of comic relief throughout the movie.
Overall, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom does a wonderful job of blending the old with the new (in terms of themes, characters, etc). A number of well-placed twists keeps the audience in suspense. There are heart-wrenching moments that make you want to cry, celebratory moments that make you want to cheer, action-filled moments that make your heart rate skyrocket, and plain old funny moments that make you laugh. What more can you ask for in movie? Flock to a nearby theater, hold onto your butts, and watch it today!
Jeff Goldblum returns to the franchise as the famous mathematician, Dr. Ian Malcolm, and if you've seen any of the original movies you can probably guess where he stands on the matter. Chris Pratt and Dallas Bryce Howard also resume their former roles, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing respectively. The pair disagrees on what the outcome for the dinosaurs should be, but they team up nonetheless and their romantic tension provides a lot of comic relief throughout the movie.
Overall, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom does a wonderful job of blending the old with the new (in terms of themes, characters, etc). A number of well-placed twists keeps the audience in suspense. There are heart-wrenching moments that make you want to cry, celebratory moments that make you want to cheer, action-filled moments that make your heart rate skyrocket, and plain old funny moments that make you laugh. What more can you ask for in movie? Flock to a nearby theater, hold onto your butts, and watch it today!