Search
Search results
Ross (3284 KP) rated College Dropout by Kanye West in Music
May 22, 2020
Rolling Stone's 298th greatest album of all time
Fantastic album, from before the ego landed. While Kanye's personality and ego is still present, it is far from as overbearing as it became. "All Falls Down" is an undeniably superb song, "Jesus Walks" is a very interesting piece of music. The album as a whole shows a diverse range of influences and styles and is a really good listen. This is due to Kanye's prior focus being on production and not being at the forefront of songs, allowing him to hone that side of songwriting. Last Call is a very interesting long rolling history of West's career to that point, striving to be recognised as a rapper as well as just a talented producer, though at times he comes across as an annoying desperate Jay-Z fan-boy.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 17, 2018
Diverse casting (no, seriously.) (6 more)
STRONG WOMEN
Subverting stereotypes all day long
Excellent soundtrack
Ambiguous "villain"
Representation
The seamless blending of tech and tradition
BEST. MARVEL. MOVIE.
Contains spoilers, click to show
OH my god. This was definitely the best Marvel movie yet. Chadwick Boseman was absolutely amazing as T'Challa. (Warning, SPOILERS AHEAD.)
I loved that the love interest was already established - there weren't any "falling in love butterflies" to distract from the plot. SO MANY STRONG WOMEN. All of T'Challa's support were strong, gorgeous women of color. His mother, his sister, his general, his love interest. The female guards. Absolutely fantastic.
The blending of technology and traditions was superbly done. People still tend crops and animals and tan hides and go to the marketplace in Wakanda - but they have vibranium armor and weapons, and technological wonders on their wrists that pop up virtual screens, and their medical care is the best in the world. Oh, and ships. Spaceships, basically.
THE CLOTHES. The dresses, the makeup, the armor, the weapons - the appearance of Wakanda was amazing.
And then the plot. The difference between "Well, we're Wakandan, and we look out for the Wakandan people" and "We should be looking out for ALL of our people (black people all over the world, not just Wakandans.)" That was where the real conflict arose in Black Panther - and it was interesting that the two leads, while opposing each other, actually felt the same about it. Just with different ideas of how to do so. (There's a lot to unpack about why they feel this way - some of it, I think, goes back to African-Americans having their nationalities forcibly stripped from them during the slave trade - so being black is the only thing white people left them with; while non-American Africans have their national identities to look to. So they might be Nigerian or Ethiopian instead of one unified black group. And the opposing lead was brought up in America.)
The differences between how the Wakandans viewed white people, and how the American prince viewed white people, are a very important conflict. You can watch the movie as just another superhero movie, and it'll be good. But watching it looking for the racial undertones makes it absolutely fantastic.
Also - the casting is diverse. Just because it's almost all black people doesn't mean it's not diverse. Again, that's a white American thing, looking at black people as one unified group. They're not. Also how many movies have been almost all white people with a token black guy? People complaining about "lack of diversity" in this movie need to take their white supremacist selves out of the theater and away from this amazing movie.
I loved that the love interest was already established - there weren't any "falling in love butterflies" to distract from the plot. SO MANY STRONG WOMEN. All of T'Challa's support were strong, gorgeous women of color. His mother, his sister, his general, his love interest. The female guards. Absolutely fantastic.
The blending of technology and traditions was superbly done. People still tend crops and animals and tan hides and go to the marketplace in Wakanda - but they have vibranium armor and weapons, and technological wonders on their wrists that pop up virtual screens, and their medical care is the best in the world. Oh, and ships. Spaceships, basically.
THE CLOTHES. The dresses, the makeup, the armor, the weapons - the appearance of Wakanda was amazing.
And then the plot. The difference between "Well, we're Wakandan, and we look out for the Wakandan people" and "We should be looking out for ALL of our people (black people all over the world, not just Wakandans.)" That was where the real conflict arose in Black Panther - and it was interesting that the two leads, while opposing each other, actually felt the same about it. Just with different ideas of how to do so. (There's a lot to unpack about why they feel this way - some of it, I think, goes back to African-Americans having their nationalities forcibly stripped from them during the slave trade - so being black is the only thing white people left them with; while non-American Africans have their national identities to look to. So they might be Nigerian or Ethiopian instead of one unified black group. And the opposing lead was brought up in America.)
The differences between how the Wakandans viewed white people, and how the American prince viewed white people, are a very important conflict. You can watch the movie as just another superhero movie, and it'll be good. But watching it looking for the racial undertones makes it absolutely fantastic.
Also - the casting is diverse. Just because it's almost all black people doesn't mean it's not diverse. Again, that's a white American thing, looking at black people as one unified group. They're not. Also how many movies have been almost all white people with a token black guy? People complaining about "lack of diversity" in this movie need to take their white supremacist selves out of the theater and away from this amazing movie.
Fench Fletcher (5 KP) rated DRAGON QUEST III in Apps
Apr 29, 2019
This is probably my favorite game of all time, I played it first on the Gameboy Color when I was a kid. It has great story telling, interesting monsters, and a diverse set of character types you can have in your team. Its very challenging unless you overlevel your characters before moving to a new area. That being said, leveling up can get tedeous, and even a little boring (you can only beat up slimes so many times before it becomes mind numbingly repetitive). When you are in an area that is your level, or even slightly higher, it can be very rewarding to beat a tough enemy. Its also a fairly long game, especially for a game that started on the NES. I highly recommend this game, if you only play one Dragon Quest game, this is the one you should pick up.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Shivers in the Night in Books
May 27, 2019
Clever twists (1 more)
plot
From Campfire type to suspense this ten story book has a little something for almost any fan of the diverse horror genre.
In 'The Baby' you learn how hard it can be trying to be brave in front of an older brother walking at night in the dark of rural Oklahoma. Not all gifts are what they seem as you will learn in 'Mr. Sweater's Gift'. The Law will never be the same in 'Revenger' as a small town judge goes to the extremes of having the punishment fit the crime. Detective Clint Mahan has his work cut out for him as he juggles his serial killer case with an aggressive FBI agent in the who done it story 'In Stitches'.
Shivers in the Night is independently published by the Yukon Writer's Society, it includes stories from beginner authors to published authors.
In 'The Baby' you learn how hard it can be trying to be brave in front of an older brother walking at night in the dark of rural Oklahoma. Not all gifts are what they seem as you will learn in 'Mr. Sweater's Gift'. The Law will never be the same in 'Revenger' as a small town judge goes to the extremes of having the punishment fit the crime. Detective Clint Mahan has his work cut out for him as he juggles his serial killer case with an aggressive FBI agent in the who done it story 'In Stitches'.
Shivers in the Night is independently published by the Yukon Writer's Society, it includes stories from beginner authors to published authors.
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Tales of the City in TV
Jul 2, 2019
This was amazing, diverse, colourful, and beautifully done
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is a story of Anna, the owner of a big old house in San Francisco. Her lodger, or her family as she calls them, are primarily LGBTQI +. The story delves into their lives, their troubles and strifes but all in all, the story is brought back to Anna. The back story to Anna's life is great. Anna, it turns out, is a trans woman who has hidden her secret from her lodgers, not because she is ashamed, but because of the way she got the house in the first place. I liked the fact that the story could hold its own and not center too much around Ellen Page, whose character is equal to the others. This is an important Netflix show with an inclusive, well rounded story. I loved it so much.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Taking Chances (The Chances Series Book 2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Taking chance by Traci Wooden-Carlisle was a great example of its title; It is a book about taking chances. It is the second book in the Chances Series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is my first time reading a book by Traci Wooden-Carlisle and I loved her writing style, it is conversational and built with good detail.
Andrew and Pietra (Which is a cool name, but I had to look up how to say it!) is a classic unrequired love/friends to lovers’ type storyline that was engaging, heartfelt, and had some deep thought stirring moments. I enjoyed their banter back and forth, Andrews's culture was fascinating, and I truly loved Pietra’s patience with Andrew through everything. It was a good culturally diverse book that kept me interested and I did not put it down until I finished!
Andrew and Pietra (Which is a cool name, but I had to look up how to say it!) is a classic unrequired love/friends to lovers’ type storyline that was engaging, heartfelt, and had some deep thought stirring moments. I enjoyed their banter back and forth, Andrews's culture was fascinating, and I truly loved Pietra’s patience with Andrew through everything. It was a good culturally diverse book that kept me interested and I did not put it down until I finished!
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Hercules (1997) in Movies
May 4, 2020
I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is the first time I've ever seen Hercules. I've heard amazing things about it, I've listened to the soundtrack, but it was never one I wanted to see as a kid. I was all about the princesses and if we're being honest, that hasn't changed much. The music in this film is already top-notch, but then to see the film and watch it come to life? Incredible.
I think Meg is my favorite character. She feels the most real and the most diverse. I think she is the most rounded out character in this film. Not that the others aren't great, it just feels like you can relate to her in some way or another and that's why I love her so much.
I really enjoyed watching this film and I'm sure I'll find my way back to it again.
I think Meg is my favorite character. She feels the most real and the most diverse. I think she is the most rounded out character in this film. Not that the others aren't great, it just feels like you can relate to her in some way or another and that's why I love her so much.
I really enjoyed watching this film and I'm sure I'll find my way back to it again.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Prey of Gods in Books
Jul 14, 2017
Amazeballs!
Amazeballs. Bananapants. Just WOW! All accurate descriptions of my feelings about this book. To say the plot is extraordinarily unique would be an understatement. I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like it and I mean that in the best way possible. A crab and a dolphin in flagrante delicto? Sure, why not?
Set in Africa in the future, it features a cast of wonderfully diverse characters, whose DNA is altered through the use of a new designer drug allowing them to tap into divine superpowers they never knew they had, allied with newly sentient household robots, in a fight to save the world from an evil ancient demigoddess. Sounds wild, right? That’s because it is. It is also 100% pure greatness, not from concentrate.
This isn’t a book that eases you into its craziness. It begins with the preparation of a circumcision to be followed by a celebratory party. Within the first chapter we find out about the whole crab and dolphin thing. (Sorry y’all, trying to avoid spoilers here lol.) I enjoyed seeing this particular romance develop and unfold throughout the story, in such a strange world it was a refreshing spot of sweet and normal. Well, as normal as it could be in this book lol. I also liked seeing the way the author brought sentience to the robots and how they even developed their own personalities and loyalties. There honestly wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this. The numerous threads and subplots were each well developed and expertly woven together into a cohesive story, the characters were just awesome, the world building and mythology were well done and easy to imagine, the writing style and pacing had me hooked from page one. It’s just really well done on every level.
By far the most original and compelling book I’ve read so far this year. Nicky Drayden is definitely an author to watch! Highly recommended; two super enthusiastic thumbs up; five solid sun-sized stars!
Set in Africa in the future, it features a cast of wonderfully diverse characters, whose DNA is altered through the use of a new designer drug allowing them to tap into divine superpowers they never knew they had, allied with newly sentient household robots, in a fight to save the world from an evil ancient demigoddess. Sounds wild, right? That’s because it is. It is also 100% pure greatness, not from concentrate.
This isn’t a book that eases you into its craziness. It begins with the preparation of a circumcision to be followed by a celebratory party. Within the first chapter we find out about the whole crab and dolphin thing. (Sorry y’all, trying to avoid spoilers here lol.) I enjoyed seeing this particular romance develop and unfold throughout the story, in such a strange world it was a refreshing spot of sweet and normal. Well, as normal as it could be in this book lol. I also liked seeing the way the author brought sentience to the robots and how they even developed their own personalities and loyalties. There honestly wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this. The numerous threads and subplots were each well developed and expertly woven together into a cohesive story, the characters were just awesome, the world building and mythology were well done and easy to imagine, the writing style and pacing had me hooked from page one. It’s just really well done on every level.
By far the most original and compelling book I’ve read so far this year. Nicky Drayden is definitely an author to watch! Highly recommended; two super enthusiastic thumbs up; five solid sun-sized stars!
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018) in Movies
Jun 27, 2018
A real tearjerker of a documentary
It felt weird rating this documentary as "epic," but whatever.
I saw this in theaters this week and cried like a little girl. This is a documentary about a wonderful man who did wonderful things. It showcased how he cared--truly, truly cared--and it called on the audience to remember his message: that you don't have to do anything spectacular to be special. You're perfect just the way you are. You have inherent value as a person, and you deserve to be loved and to be able to love.
If ever there was a man who embodied Christian values, it was Mr. Rodgers. The interviews here were especially poignant. They have the diverse cast and crew offer their memories and opinions. Some are heartbreaking, like interview with Francois "Officer" Clemmons.
Do yourself a favor. Watch this documentary. Remember what you learned all those years ago: you are perfect just the way you are.
I saw this in theaters this week and cried like a little girl. This is a documentary about a wonderful man who did wonderful things. It showcased how he cared--truly, truly cared--and it called on the audience to remember his message: that you don't have to do anything spectacular to be special. You're perfect just the way you are. You have inherent value as a person, and you deserve to be loved and to be able to love.
If ever there was a man who embodied Christian values, it was Mr. Rodgers. The interviews here were especially poignant. They have the diverse cast and crew offer their memories and opinions. Some are heartbreaking, like interview with Francois "Officer" Clemmons.
Do yourself a favor. Watch this documentary. Remember what you learned all those years ago: you are perfect just the way you are.
Vegas (725 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Red Dead Redemption 2 in Video Games
Jul 7, 2019 (Updated Jul 8, 2019)
The story (1 more)
The gameplay
Improvement on the original
The long awaited sequel (prequel) to red dead doesn't disappoint in the solo game, the story is an epic adventure travelling through the open plains to the growing towns and cities, railroads, carriages, and horseback are all ways of getting around the massive map. Build up your camp, help the gang, or rob stores and banks the choice is yours, you can even spend time fishing or hunting...
The cast of characters you meet are diverse, funny, serious, violent or just odd but whoever you meet, you do find yourself caring one way or another about the people in the game you interact with...
I will say I did struggle to get as engaged in the multi player game side of it, but that is just a personal thing as I do prefer solo gaming...
For shear enjoyment aspect and length of game, this is one of the best games of recent times.
The cast of characters you meet are diverse, funny, serious, violent or just odd but whoever you meet, you do find yourself caring one way or another about the people in the game you interact with...
I will say I did struggle to get as engaged in the multi player game side of it, but that is just a personal thing as I do prefer solo gaming...
For shear enjoyment aspect and length of game, this is one of the best games of recent times.