Search
Search results
Digital Forensics
Book
The definitive text for students of digital forensics, as well as professionals looking to deepen...
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated The Hard Way (2019) in Movies
Jul 5, 2020
The Way Or Not The Hard Way - 6/10
The Hard Way is a 2019 action movie directed by Keoni Waxman and written by Keoni Waxman and Thomas J. Churchill; also produced by Binh Dang and Phillip B. Goldfine. Starring Michael Jai White, Luke Goss and Randy Couture.
In Romania, Cody (Grant Campbell) is killed pursuing a criminal while involved in an undercover operation. After learning of his brother's death, Payne (Michael Jai White), travels to Romania to investigate and exact revenge. He speaks with his brother's partner Mason (Luke Goss) and their employer, local chief investigator Briggs (Randy Couture) and finds possible leads while also attending the funeral.
This movie wasn't too bad but as a big fan of Michael Jai White, I was surprised I didn't like it more. Of course the fight scenes were awesome but I liked how the firefight scenes were really well done as well. That being said t wasn't one of his best movies. The acting of the two Russian mobsters in the opening scene was horrible and cliche. The casting was good as Luke Goss and Michael Jai White seem to have good chemistry on screen but the lack of a clear and captivating plot definitely brought the film down. The writing wasn't the greatest either as some dialogue said by Michael didn't come off natural. Not sure how I thought about Randy Couture being cast, his acting didn't seem to fit as well in the movie but he did kind of grow on me. Overall the film feels like it left something unfulfilled, it lacks some of the emotions that it should've had and doesn't live up to its potential. It's a good action flick if that's all you care about seeing on screen. I give it a 6/10.
In Romania, Cody (Grant Campbell) is killed pursuing a criminal while involved in an undercover operation. After learning of his brother's death, Payne (Michael Jai White), travels to Romania to investigate and exact revenge. He speaks with his brother's partner Mason (Luke Goss) and their employer, local chief investigator Briggs (Randy Couture) and finds possible leads while also attending the funeral.
This movie wasn't too bad but as a big fan of Michael Jai White, I was surprised I didn't like it more. Of course the fight scenes were awesome but I liked how the firefight scenes were really well done as well. That being said t wasn't one of his best movies. The acting of the two Russian mobsters in the opening scene was horrible and cliche. The casting was good as Luke Goss and Michael Jai White seem to have good chemistry on screen but the lack of a clear and captivating plot definitely brought the film down. The writing wasn't the greatest either as some dialogue said by Michael didn't come off natural. Not sure how I thought about Randy Couture being cast, his acting didn't seem to fit as well in the movie but he did kind of grow on me. Overall the film feels like it left something unfulfilled, it lacks some of the emotions that it should've had and doesn't live up to its potential. It's a good action flick if that's all you care about seeing on screen. I give it a 6/10.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated B: The Beginning in TV
Jul 5, 2020
Killer B - 6/10
B: The Beginning is an anime series produced by Production I.G. and directed by Kazuto Nakazawa and Yoshiki Yamakawa. Nakazawa designed the characters and served as key animation supervisor. Both Nakazawa and Yamakawa wrote scripts and Yoshihiro Ike composed the music.
In the fictional European archipelago nation of Cremona, Keith Flick, a brilliant ex detective, returns to the force from years of isolation. He is assisting the local police, the R.I.S. (Royal Investigation Service), with an investigation involving a series of killings by a man they have named "Killer B". Meanwhile a mysterious criminal organization (Market Maker) with a hidden agenda steals a prototype weapon and has the authorities overwhelmed going on a rampage. Koku, a seemingly normal young man, has supernatural powers and knowledge the organization exists, He is going after them with a singular purpose, to find someone he lost long ago and nothing will stop him.
This anime was very hard to follow. I liked the whole two intertwining storylines and eventually they intersect and things do make sense, i just wished it was better thought out or planned. The concept had me intrigued and the animation is really quite a visual treat. The action is also top notch right along with the animation. I really liked it, but like i said it's pretty hard to follow. If you are looking for an anime with good action and a plot that will have you thinking this would be it. It does have it's flaws though, like the storytelling isn't that great and there is a lot of dialogue exposition (characters just info dumping) but towards the end it all comes together. If you make it that far. I wouldn't give it my seal of approval but if your bored and haven't seen it, it'll definitely keep you entertained. I give it a 6/10.
In the fictional European archipelago nation of Cremona, Keith Flick, a brilliant ex detective, returns to the force from years of isolation. He is assisting the local police, the R.I.S. (Royal Investigation Service), with an investigation involving a series of killings by a man they have named "Killer B". Meanwhile a mysterious criminal organization (Market Maker) with a hidden agenda steals a prototype weapon and has the authorities overwhelmed going on a rampage. Koku, a seemingly normal young man, has supernatural powers and knowledge the organization exists, He is going after them with a singular purpose, to find someone he lost long ago and nothing will stop him.
This anime was very hard to follow. I liked the whole two intertwining storylines and eventually they intersect and things do make sense, i just wished it was better thought out or planned. The concept had me intrigued and the animation is really quite a visual treat. The action is also top notch right along with the animation. I really liked it, but like i said it's pretty hard to follow. If you are looking for an anime with good action and a plot that will have you thinking this would be it. It does have it's flaws though, like the storytelling isn't that great and there is a lot of dialogue exposition (characters just info dumping) but towards the end it all comes together. If you make it that far. I wouldn't give it my seal of approval but if your bored and haven't seen it, it'll definitely keep you entertained. I give it a 6/10.
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated I Am a Killer in TV
Apr 8, 2021
Although the first season of this series is from August 2018, I came to it most recently when season 2 was advertised and released just 3 weeks ago. It is an interesting concept that sometimes works well and sometimes doesn’t. Basically, it is a talking heads documentary where inmates on death row get an opportunity to restate their standpoint of their case and what led them to a death sentence. Quite often that standpoint is either maintaining innocence completely or partially, or admitting full culpability with some caveat based on mitigating circumstances they feel were never fully explored. It covers such a varied range of personalities and detail that the main point of interest for me was how little each death row inmate had in common, except a past of deprivation and a series of smaller crimes that led to the big one – either committed by them or upon them as the victim.
Stories of drug abuse, sexual and physical abuse from parents, role models and influencing figures seems so common that almost all of the 20 inmates interviewed so far can pin some of the blame on their childhood in some way. But our sympathy also ranges from zero to quite a lot as each tale is told, depending on the personality we are now seeing. In many cases there is no contrition, only more blame or excuses and self pity. In some cases there is a lot of regret and sorrow. And in one or two cases, a definite sense of a massive injustice. In the main however, it is all just so sad – how easily lives were taken or ruined by a moment of impulsive behaviour. There is a lot to find of use in studying the criminal mind in this show, but on the whole I found it very depressing and hard going. Maybe one at a time and not a binge on this one!
Stories of drug abuse, sexual and physical abuse from parents, role models and influencing figures seems so common that almost all of the 20 inmates interviewed so far can pin some of the blame on their childhood in some way. But our sympathy also ranges from zero to quite a lot as each tale is told, depending on the personality we are now seeing. In many cases there is no contrition, only more blame or excuses and self pity. In some cases there is a lot of regret and sorrow. And in one or two cases, a definite sense of a massive injustice. In the main however, it is all just so sad – how easily lives were taken or ruined by a moment of impulsive behaviour. There is a lot to find of use in studying the criminal mind in this show, but on the whole I found it very depressing and hard going. Maybe one at a time and not a binge on this one!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer in TV
Apr 8, 2021
This Emmy award winning 3 parter plays like a long movie when watched back to back, which is exactly what I did back in November. It was the first of a full week of watching nothing but True Crime Docs, as it sparked the idea of looking out for the very best ones out there, several of which have made this list. I have rarely felt more tense or uneasy watching anything, ever. I knew the subject matter wasn’t going to be easy, and the apprehension / genuine fear it gave me going in was palpable. It helped, if that is the right word, that I knew absolutely nothing of what to expect. As the talking heads started piecing together their hunt for a guy with a penchant for animal cruelty, posting videos online that may or may not have been a hoax, I was drawn in to such a degree that at one point I believe I was literally on the edge of my seat.
I swayed from thinking the entire thing might be a mockumentary and everything in it made up, to being so horrified by the creepy voyeuristic element that I almost had to turn it off several times. I found it astonishing to think that all the details of this case were real, and the more we found out about the criminal behind it all, the more it made my skin crawl… the interesting thing being that the minute it was finished I craved more of the same and ended up making a list of what others were saying were the best ones! Even reflecting dispassionately that the interviews given by the gang of internet pet-loving vigilantes that helped crack the case are uneven and highly forced, I can’t help admiring how this was put together. In terms of tension building and shock value it has to be one of the best examples to date of how to keep the audience entirely gripped.
I swayed from thinking the entire thing might be a mockumentary and everything in it made up, to being so horrified by the creepy voyeuristic element that I almost had to turn it off several times. I found it astonishing to think that all the details of this case were real, and the more we found out about the criminal behind it all, the more it made my skin crawl… the interesting thing being that the minute it was finished I craved more of the same and ended up making a list of what others were saying were the best ones! Even reflecting dispassionately that the interviews given by the gang of internet pet-loving vigilantes that helped crack the case are uneven and highly forced, I can’t help admiring how this was put together. In terms of tension building and shock value it has to be one of the best examples to date of how to keep the audience entirely gripped.
Matthew Weiner recommended And Now My Love (1974) in Movies (curated)
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) in Movies
May 28, 2021
Paul Walker reprises his role as Brian O'Conner as he's recruited to find out how a drug dealer is getting his ill gotten gains out of the country, using the talent of street racing.
I think that 2 Fast 2 Furious is actually slightly better than the first film (the Fast and the Furious), it has many of the same tropes and ideas of the first film, the street racing, cars and crime and it seems to have a better balance between the main elements. In both films Brian is tasked with infiltrating a criminal organisation with the task of finding out information and, from a narrative prospective 2 Fast seems to make a better job of this.
There is slightly less time given over to actual street racing but this is replaced with car chases which seem to use more police cars than 'The Blues Brothers'.
There is some time given over to character development as we find out more about Brian's past with the introduction of his old friend, Roman Pearce which gives us a bit more information as to his actions at the end of the first film.
Brian's relationship with the polices is surprisingly similar to the first film, even though Brian is now a wanted convict he is still aids and trust him. We also have the agent who doesn't trust Brian, this time in the form of customs Agent Markhan which basically gives us the same police set up the first film.
2 Fast 2 Furious does a good job of not being a clone of it's predecessor whilst still keeping the cars, the speed, the races and chases. There are a couple of scenes at the start that are similar to the first film but these are to help re introduce Brian and set the tone of the film. If you liked the first one then you should give the sequel a watch. (But you probably already know that as this is an old film 😊 )
I think that 2 Fast 2 Furious is actually slightly better than the first film (the Fast and the Furious), it has many of the same tropes and ideas of the first film, the street racing, cars and crime and it seems to have a better balance between the main elements. In both films Brian is tasked with infiltrating a criminal organisation with the task of finding out information and, from a narrative prospective 2 Fast seems to make a better job of this.
There is slightly less time given over to actual street racing but this is replaced with car chases which seem to use more police cars than 'The Blues Brothers'.
There is some time given over to character development as we find out more about Brian's past with the introduction of his old friend, Roman Pearce which gives us a bit more information as to his actions at the end of the first film.
Brian's relationship with the polices is surprisingly similar to the first film, even though Brian is now a wanted convict he is still aids and trust him. We also have the agent who doesn't trust Brian, this time in the form of customs Agent Markhan which basically gives us the same police set up the first film.
2 Fast 2 Furious does a good job of not being a clone of it's predecessor whilst still keeping the cars, the speed, the races and chases. There are a couple of scenes at the start that are similar to the first film but these are to help re introduce Brian and set the tone of the film. If you liked the first one then you should give the sequel a watch. (But you probably already know that as this is an old film 😊 )
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Madam Tulip and the Bones of Chance (Madam Tulip #3) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This novel is the third book in Madam Tulip Mystery series, and overall, it left me longing for the mystery and Madam Tulip herself. In this novel, Derry and Bruce have to travel to Scotland to shoot a movie, where they meet and befriend some rich people. The shooting doesn’t go as well as planned, and like always, Derry is left empty-handed and involved in some serious criminal activities.
Through the pages of this novel, we not only, once again meet Derry’s closest friends and her eccentric parents, but also some new, quite strong characters. From a wide variety to choose, in this book, my favourite was personal assistant Jessica. Ambitious, career-oriented and overall strong character. That is what I liked about this novel, that author portrayed females as independent and powerful creations, who are not afraid to fight for what they want. #GirlPower
I don’t know, was it the Scottish moors or the stone castles that left me quite gloomy with the plot of this book. Like in previous books, the narrative is told from a single perspective, sharing only Derry’s point of view. There were some action and interesting nuances, but I missed Madam Tulip’s mystery and persona in this novel.(She showed up only once) For me, half of the book really dragged, and another half, was more interesting, but it felt very rushed. There are some of the things mentioned from the previous book so, I would recommend reading other parts before digging into this one.
The writing style was pleasant to read, and the language used was easily understandable. The chapters of this book were a decent length and didn’t bore me. The ending felt pleasant, and for me, concluded the story nicely. So, to conclude, even though I missed more mystery and more spice, it was an interesting experience, where I had a great insight into behind the scenes of film shooting and sets, so if you into this kind of thing, give this book a try, and hopefully, you will enjoy it
Through the pages of this novel, we not only, once again meet Derry’s closest friends and her eccentric parents, but also some new, quite strong characters. From a wide variety to choose, in this book, my favourite was personal assistant Jessica. Ambitious, career-oriented and overall strong character. That is what I liked about this novel, that author portrayed females as independent and powerful creations, who are not afraid to fight for what they want. #GirlPower
I don’t know, was it the Scottish moors or the stone castles that left me quite gloomy with the plot of this book. Like in previous books, the narrative is told from a single perspective, sharing only Derry’s point of view. There were some action and interesting nuances, but I missed Madam Tulip’s mystery and persona in this novel.(She showed up only once) For me, half of the book really dragged, and another half, was more interesting, but it felt very rushed. There are some of the things mentioned from the previous book so, I would recommend reading other parts before digging into this one.
The writing style was pleasant to read, and the language used was easily understandable. The chapters of this book were a decent length and didn’t bore me. The ending felt pleasant, and for me, concluded the story nicely. So, to conclude, even though I missed more mystery and more spice, it was an interesting experience, where I had a great insight into behind the scenes of film shooting and sets, so if you into this kind of thing, give this book a try, and hopefully, you will enjoy it
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Batman (1989) in Movies
Oct 10, 2019
Batman- i love this movie, i have seen it about 7-9 times. I love michael Keaton as bruce wayne/batman. I love jack nicholson as the joker. This movie has action, comedy, suspense, laughing gas, a prince song, adventure and so much more. Also you have darkness, romance, lots of screaming from Vicki Vale played by Kim Basinger. Did i mention that Tim Burton directed this film.
The Plot: Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman who calls himself "The Joker" (Jack Nicholson) seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger).
Keaton's casting caused a controversy since, by 1988, he had become typecast as a comedic actor and many observers doubted he could portray a serious role. Nicholson accepted the role of the Joker under strict conditions that dictated top billing, a high salary, a portion of the box office profits and his own shooting schedule.
The tone and themes of the film were influenced in part by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's The Killing Joke and Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. The film primarily adapts the "Red Hood" origin story for the Joker, in which Batman inadvertently creates the Joker by causing him to fall into Axis Chemical acid, resulting in his transformation into a psychopath, but it adds a unique twist in presenting him specifically as a gangster named Jack Napier.
Considered the role of Batman, including Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Charlie Sheen, Tom Selleck, Bill Murray, Harrison Ford and Dennis Quaid.
Brad Dourif, Tim Curry, David Bowie, John Lithgow and James Woods were considered for the Joker.
This film is great and should be watched.
The Plot: Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman who calls himself "The Joker" (Jack Nicholson) seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger).
Keaton's casting caused a controversy since, by 1988, he had become typecast as a comedic actor and many observers doubted he could portray a serious role. Nicholson accepted the role of the Joker under strict conditions that dictated top billing, a high salary, a portion of the box office profits and his own shooting schedule.
The tone and themes of the film were influenced in part by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's The Killing Joke and Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. The film primarily adapts the "Red Hood" origin story for the Joker, in which Batman inadvertently creates the Joker by causing him to fall into Axis Chemical acid, resulting in his transformation into a psychopath, but it adds a unique twist in presenting him specifically as a gangster named Jack Napier.
Considered the role of Batman, including Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Charlie Sheen, Tom Selleck, Bill Murray, Harrison Ford and Dennis Quaid.
Brad Dourif, Tim Curry, David Bowie, John Lithgow and James Woods were considered for the Joker.
This film is great and should be watched.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Dark Knight (2008) in Movies
Oct 10, 2019
My Favorite Movie of All Time
This is my favorite movie of all time. It is my number 1 movie of all time. I love this movie. Its my number 1 best movies of all time. Its number 1 of my top ten best movies of all time.
The Dark Knight- to me is perfect, it is excellent, epic and tops batman begins. This to me is the best sqeuel of all time. It does so much within 2hrs and 45mins, that you have to watch it again because it was that great.
The Plot, the suspense, the darkness, the acting, the performaces, the lines, every last detail is great.
You have lines like:
"Ya wanna know how I got these scars?"
"Why so Serious?"
"Let's put a smile on that face!".
"Some men just want to watch the world burn."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stranger."
"Its simple, we kill the Batman."
"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain".
So many great and memorable lines.
Two Words- Heath Ledger- he make his joker his own. He was so excellent and great as the joker. I even have a poster of his joker, thats how much i love this film. Heath Ledger will go down as to me the best joker of all time. He will be missed.
The Plot: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker (Heath Ledger) suddenly throws the town into chaos, the caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism.
I can go on and on, on how much i love this film. If you havent seen it, than go watch it. I highly reccordmend watching this movie.
The Dark Knight- to me is perfect, it is excellent, epic and tops batman begins. This to me is the best sqeuel of all time. It does so much within 2hrs and 45mins, that you have to watch it again because it was that great.
The Plot, the suspense, the darkness, the acting, the performaces, the lines, every last detail is great.
You have lines like:
"Ya wanna know how I got these scars?"
"Why so Serious?"
"Let's put a smile on that face!".
"Some men just want to watch the world burn."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stranger."
"Its simple, we kill the Batman."
"You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain".
So many great and memorable lines.
Two Words- Heath Ledger- he make his joker his own. He was so excellent and great as the joker. I even have a poster of his joker, thats how much i love this film. Heath Ledger will go down as to me the best joker of all time. He will be missed.
The Plot: With the help of allies Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and DA Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman (Christian Bale) has been able to keep a tight lid on crime in Gotham City. But when a vile young criminal calling himself the Joker (Heath Ledger) suddenly throws the town into chaos, the caped Crusader begins to tread a fine line between heroism and vigilantism.
I can go on and on, on how much i love this film. If you havent seen it, than go watch it. I highly reccordmend watching this movie.