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Army of the Dead (2021)
Army of the Dead (2021)
2021 | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
6
6.8 (21 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Zombie gore (1 more)
Funny
Cliche (1 more)
Long
Funny, easy watching
Somehow I keep watching Dave Bautista films and wondering why I end up writing reviews like this. He is very obvious actor. In AOD the main story between Dav and his daughter is very forced down your throat and could have been done subtley.

I love the characters, the setting, storyline and general zombie stupidity. I think there were a few plot holes that were filled hastily and it was interesting to see the twist on the usual zombies.

Long for what the story consists of.
  
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)
2011 | Animation, Comedy, Family
6
5.5 (11 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Alvin and the Chipmunks are back in an all new adventure along with Dave and the Chipettes. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this is the third installment in the new Chipmunk franchise. The voices of the Chipmunks and Chipettes include none other than Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon), Jesse McCartney (Theodore), Amy Poehler (Eleanor), Anna Faris (Jeanette), Christina Applegate (Brittany), Alan Tudyk (Simone), David Cross (Ian ) and of course we can’t forget Jason Lee (Dave) . This installment, like the other two, are jam-packed with great actors and comedians who together have made an entertaining film not only for children but for adults as well.

The Chipmunks and the Chipettes are on their way to performing at the International Music Awards and are taking a small vacation before their big show to relax. At least that is what the plan was, until good ol’ Alvin, who always has to be the risk taker, changes the plans. Because of his crazy antics he ends up causing himself, his brothers, the Chipettes, Dave and the ships pelican mascot to go over board and get subsequently marooned on a deserted island. Dave and the pelican mascot end up on a different part of the island than the Chipmunks and Chipettes and both groups think they are doomed and will never be found. As luck would have it, they meet Zoe (Jenne Slate). Zoe has been on the island for quite a few years after being marooned herself and has made it her home. When the island is in trouble when a sleeping volcano begins to wake up; it is up to everybody to get over their inhibitions and help each other get to safety. Along the way everybody learns some life lessons but will Dave ever get to see the Chipmunks again and make it to the music awards?

The plot of this film is very simple and a bit short, but you have to remember that it is geared mainly to children. I still enjoy the Chipmunks and it is such a treat after having grown up watching the cartoons and seeing what modern filmmaking offers a new generation of kids. Most adults may not like the new songs and may find it annoying. I on the other hand love it, with some of the songs being performed better by chipmunks than the actual artists. This movie is recommended for families and the young at heart for a great afternoon movie. Although the first two movies in the franchise are my favorite, this installment is entertaining and will for sure put a smile on your face.
  
I received this book free in exchange for a honest review.

[Boston Strong] by [Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge] was a very well told account of the events leading to, during and after the Boston Marathon bombing. As I finished this book the surviving bomber is just going to trial so the whole thing is a bit surrealistic. I am used to reading about disasters and horrific events but usually long after they have occurred. i don't expect to see them on my news feed.

I believe the authors did a great job of telling the story without too much bias and with an event like this (as 9-11) that is hard because there is so much emotion tied up in it. I recommend this book especially if you want to know more about the survivors, hero's, and even the bombers.
  
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
2015 | Card Game, Civilization, Economic
Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilizaton Review
From the moment it arrived in 2006, Vlaada Chvátil’s Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization has occupied a lofty perch in BoardGameGeek’s top ten. Thus, it seems strange that the game is often characterized, even by its fans, by its flaws. The general consensus was that military was unbalanced and overpowered, several cards were either overpowered or useless, and the game was too blasted long. It seems Vlaada didn’t entirely disagree with those assessments as Czech Games Edition released Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization in late 2015 with the goal of addressing the original game’s shortcomings. To quote Meat Loaf, two out of three ain’t bad.

Critic: Dave Neumann
Read the full review here: https://opinionatedgamers.com/2016/01/19/through-the-ages-a-new-story-of-civilizaton-review/
  
Blue on Blue - Single by Just Loud
Blue on Blue - Single by Just Loud
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Just Loud is a New York-based singer-songwriter from Virginia. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Blue on Blue” single.

The Ben Guzman-directed audiovisual is all about getting to know who Just Loud is and his constantly changing character. The music video reflects him as an entertainer, artist, and his real self.

‘Blue on Blue’ tells an interesting tale which echoes the aftermath of a toxic relationship and downward spiral of a young guy who self-medicates.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, Prince-style falsetto vocals, and neo-funk instrumentation scented with an alternative-pop fragrance.

Written by Just Loud with Dave Katz “Sluggo” (Neon Trees, Good Charlotte) and Patrick Nissley (Thirty Seconds to Mars, Yungblud.

Just Loud was raised around a small county church, but his rebellious and inquisitive nature saw him cast away at the age of 15. Shortly afterward, he found himself homeless in New York on a pursuit to pursue music.

Not too long ago, he released his debut EP, entitled, “Episode 1”. The pleasant project features the Top 25 US Alternative Radio hit, “Electrified”, which has amassed millions of streams online.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/just-loud-blue-on-blue/
  
A Star Is Born (2018)
A Star Is Born (2018)
2018 | Drama, Romance
Give Bradley Cooper ALL the awards.
Let me start off by saying I've never seen the 1937 or 1954 versions of A Star Is Born, and I only very vaguely remember the 1976 Streisand version. That said, this movie was everything I wanted it to be, and I was enthralled from the very beginning.

While Lady Gaga's performance was amazing, Bradley Cooper's performance was a level above, and the fact that he directed as well just adds to that for me. The supporting cast was wonderful - notably Andrew Dice Clay as Ally's father, and Dave Chappelle as Jack's childhood friend.

The music was great, and I've already downloaded the soundtrack for the express purpose of listening to "Black Eyes" on repeat.

I went through all the emotions while watching this movie, and I'd definitely watch it again. It didn't feel too long, which is the case with so many movies these days, and the pace was steady but not slow.

Plus, as I overheard from one moviegoer: "I've never seen Bradley Cooper so hot." Amen, sister.
  
Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018)
Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018)
2018 | Action, Thriller
Following up “Escape Plan”; Lionsgate and Sylvester Stallone have teamed up for “Escape Plan 2: Hades”. This time around Dave Bautista is teamed with Stallone as security expert Ray Breslin (Stallone), is trying to find a locale known as “HADES” where one of his top operatives Shu Ren (Xiaoming Huang), has become an inmate.

Life in the high-tech Hades is harsh as inmates are matches up to fight one another and the place appears to be escape proof.

In a race against time, Breslin must find out all he can about HADES and find a way into the prison in order to break out with his man before it is too late.

The film has good production values for a home video release. It may not have the grand scope of the previous film but it does have enough elements to entertain. I would have liked a bit more screen time for Bautista and Stallone but with a third film already reportedly shot, it would be great to see where the series goes next.

For now, the film despite some flaws is entertaining enough for fans of the original and does make for some decent viewing at home as long as you set reasonable expectations.

http://sknr.net/2018/07/05/escape-plan-2-hades/
  
Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast
Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast
Arts, Society & Culture, TV & Film
8
6.7 (7 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
The Star Wars podcast with the longest track record of any Star Wars podcast. Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac work tirelessly on giving you all the Star Wars every week.
They are both guys with long time radio and podcasting pedigrees so it comes as no surprise that their show is always well edited and has great production value.

They always bring on great guest stars including Rebels creator Dave Filoni among others. You can always count on well rounded Star Wars discussion.


They also do voicemail responses to fans on the show so if you want to join the discussion, there is always an opportunity.


The only downside I have with them is at times they react to things without doing a lot of investigating, which I think is a big negative for easily the most downloaded Star Wars podcast ever. There have been a number of times I have known answers to questions they ask or know why something they go off on makes perfect sense. And I don't just mean inane Star Wars trivia. I just mean I read the basic officially released stuff all the way through before reacting.


Otherwise they are great and always entertaining. You are pretty much not part of the Star Wars community discussion if you don't tune in to them at least occasionally.
  
Hotel Artemis (2018)
Hotel Artemis (2018)
2018 | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
This review is probably a little unfair in that I actually managed to fall asleep for the last 20 minutes of it! It was a very hot cinema, very comfortable seating and the end of a very long week for me, so not my fault. Who am I kidding, I'm just an old aged lightweight!

Anyway, the year is 2028, we're in Los Angeles and there is currently rioting on the streets. In among all of this, Jodie Foster is running Hotel Artemis, an emergency hospital and recuperation area where criminals who have paid for membership can go to get patched up. Dave Bautista is her assistant, he's basically Drax the hospital porter.

A small number of criminals are already recuperating in the hotel and are soon joined by a couple of guys fresh off a job and in need of medical attention. Unknowingly though, one of the guys has stolen something he shouldn't have done, a pen vault containing some very previous gems...

What I saw of the movie was a bit of a slow burn. It's all very John Wick, but without the action, and nowhere near as good. However, you just know that the action is coming and everything is building up to it. Unfortunately though, that's where I checked out for a while, and I can't tell you how annoyed I was when I woke up again, 2 minutes from the end!
  
Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (Red Dwarf #1)
Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (Red Dwarf #1)
Grant Naylor | 1992 | Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
7.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Back in the late 80s/early 90s, there was a TV show on British terrestial channles, that gained a bit of a cult following: 'Red Dwarf'.

Set on a 6-mile long mining ship in deep space, the early years of Red Dwarf were centred around the odd-couple pairing of Dave Lister (the last known Human alive, who was in a stasis booth - released thousands of years later - when a radiation leak wiped out the crew of the eponymous ship) and Arnold J Rimmer: a hologram of his dead bunk-mate, and perhaps the most annoying man in existence. Added to this are the ships now-senile computer Holly and the Cat: a creature evolved from a cat that Lister had smuggle aboard (and why he was in the stasis booth in the first place).

To this, and round about season 3 (although he first made an appearance in season 2), was added Kryten: a mechanoid with an overactive guilt chip.

Some novels based on a TV show seem to pretty much just repeat the episode scene for scene; others seem to share nothing in common with hteir source material except the name. This, I felt, falls somewhere in the middle: while certain segments of the novel do indeed follow (very) closely to their source, others only use that as their starting-off point. It aslo does a better job of tying the episodes together than the TV show ever could!