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Erika (17788 KP) rated The Four Feathers (1939) in Movies
Jan 28, 2018
This movie is the best adaptation of the novel, "The Four Feathers' by A.E.W. Mason, and probably one of my top ten favorite films. Well worth the $40 to buy the Criterion Collection blu-ray. The Four Feathers is about a soldier that decides not to deploy to Egypt when needed, and his friends and fiance send him 4 feathers for his cowardice. The then goes and proves that he's not a coward, and returns the feathers to each of the four people that gave him. He breaks his friends out of jail, gets one to safety, and finally shuts up his fiance's father who tells the same, inaccurate story at every dinner party.
David McK (3185 KP) rated The Mummy (1999) in Movies
Aug 3, 2019 (Updated Aug 27, 2023)
Rachel Weisz (2 more)
Brendan Fraser
Indiana Jones alike plot!
I remember going to see this in the cinema when it first came out. I also remember a warning sign up in the ticket booth about how, although the film had a PG-13 rating, it had some rather nasty scenes, particularly during the prologue.
You know, the prologue where they show Imhotep and his priests being mummified alive?
That bit.
However, this then becomes a thoroughly enjoyable action romp through Egypt, with Brendan Fraser doing his best Indiana Jones impersonation after he and Rachel Weisz (and John Hannah) accidentally manage to awaken Arnold Vosloo's Imhotep from his undead slumber.
You know, the prologue where they show Imhotep and his priests being mummified alive?
That bit.
However, this then becomes a thoroughly enjoyable action romp through Egypt, with Brendan Fraser doing his best Indiana Jones impersonation after he and Rachel Weisz (and John Hannah) accidentally manage to awaken Arnold Vosloo's Imhotep from his undead slumber.
Entertainment Editor (1988 KP) rated Ra in Tabletop Games
Mar 8, 2018
It’s difficult to spend time in the board gaming hobby and not hear the name “Reiner Knizia.” His name is a staple in the industry, and depending on your gaming sensibilities, that can be a good thing or a bad thing. For my birthday, my sister gave me one of Knizia’s flagship games, Ra. And while for me Knizia’s fame is a very good thing, not everyone agrees with me (namely, @Futurewolfie). Read on for an explanation of the game and our review. Spoiler alert: lots of disagreement ahead.
Original Rating: 7.8
Reviewer: Wolfie and Farmerlenny
Read the Full Review here: http://islaythedragon.com/game-reviews/auctions-in-egypt-a-review-of-ra/
Original Rating: 7.8
Reviewer: Wolfie and Farmerlenny
Read the Full Review here: http://islaythedragon.com/game-reviews/auctions-in-egypt-a-review-of-ra/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2063 KP) rated Death on Tour (Jocelyn Shore, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
No one is too upset with the tour group busy body is found dead on the groups first day in Egypt. But Jocelyn soon begins to suspect that the death wasn't an accident. As the trip continues, strange things seem to happen wherever they go. What's going on? I enjoyed the tour parts of the book, although they did seem to slow the book down. That's not necessarily a bad thing because it is painfully obvious what is happening very early on. Add to that characters that aren't always likeable, and you've got something that could have been fun but winds up only average.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-death-on-tour-by-janice.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-death-on-tour-by-janice.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Lion in the Valley (Amelia Peabody, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth of Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series of books, this again sees the Victorian archaeologist return to Egypt, in the company of her husband and precocious son.
As before, they are then caught up in a mystery surrounding a murder as well as the usual romantic entanglements for these novels. This also sees the return of the 'Master Criminal' from the previous books, who is both named (obviously not his real name) and looks like becoming a recurring character in the series as a whole.
I found this to be a diverting enough read, but not up to the standards of the first novel, perhaps due to the fact that I am now familiar with the type of story it is.
As before, they are then caught up in a mystery surrounding a murder as well as the usual romantic entanglements for these novels. This also sees the return of the 'Master Criminal' from the previous books, who is both named (obviously not his real name) and looks like becoming a recurring character in the series as a whole.
I found this to be a diverting enough read, but not up to the standards of the first novel, perhaps due to the fact that I am now familiar with the type of story it is.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Mummy (1932) in Movies
Oct 8, 2019 (Updated Mar 4, 2020)
Boris Karloff
The Mummy- is spooky, horrorfying, excellent, creepy and more . Boris Karloff is terrorfying as Ardath Bey / Imhotep / The Mummy. He is so creepy in this film, you will have nightmares.
The Plot: A team of British archaeologists led by Sir Joseph Whemple (Arthur Byron) discover the mummified remains of the ancient Egyptian prince Imhotep (Boris Karloff), along with the legendary scroll of Thoth. When one of the archaeologists recites the scroll aloud, Imhotep returns to life, but escapes. Several years later, Imhotep has taken on the guise of a wealthy man, as he searches Egypt for his lost love, who he believes has been reincarnated as the lovely Helen Grosvenor (Zita Johann).
I would highly reccordmend this movie.
The Plot: A team of British archaeologists led by Sir Joseph Whemple (Arthur Byron) discover the mummified remains of the ancient Egyptian prince Imhotep (Boris Karloff), along with the legendary scroll of Thoth. When one of the archaeologists recites the scroll aloud, Imhotep returns to life, but escapes. Several years later, Imhotep has taken on the guise of a wealthy man, as he searches Egypt for his lost love, who he believes has been reincarnated as the lovely Helen Grosvenor (Zita Johann).
I would highly reccordmend this movie.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Gods Of Egypt (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Gods of Egypt is a visually stunning fantasy film that teeters on the edge of being campy.
The trailers for this film set high expectations, promising a story of the mythical, god-like beings that come from Egyptian lore. But they also raised questions: would the story keep in tune with common mythos, or branch out into a whole new realm?
With Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau taking the lead, along with 300’s Gerard Butler, the film starts off in a beautiful, ancient Egypt, ruled over by Osiris and his Queen. Horus, Osiris’s son (Coster- Waldau), is ready to assume the crown, but Set (Butler), brother to Osiris, has other plans. He feels scorned for having to live in the desert, and decides it is his time to rule all of Egypt. He murders Osiris, but leaves Horus alive, taking his eyes instead of his life.
Enter a thief, who wants to rescue his beloved from the clutches of Set’s architect (Rufus Sewell). The love of his life somehow talks him into rallying a dejected Horus to fight Set.
All the gods of Egypt are represented in some form or fashion, even if in minor capacity.
The gods have the ability to morph into larger, more powerful beings. They are nigh invincible, but still age, and die. They pray to Ra, god of the sun and grandfather to Horus.
This two-hour movie is filled to the brim with star-power, and superb acting. The special effects are a sight to behold, and they instill a sense of wonderment. The adventure is grand indeed, and will certainly leave you entertained.
That said, the script is sub-par. There are moments where emotional lines could be delivered, but aren’t. This is not from lack of trying on the part of the actors; the writers simply failed to find the proper words. In these moments, there was laughter from the audience at my viewing — during scenes clearly not meant for humor. This is the precarious knife-edge the movie walks between greatness and campy.
I’ve read several articles about how moviegoers are upset at the very Caucasian-looking cast. I shared this sentiment, to a certain degree. It seemed odd that a movie about a specific time and place in history made little effort to be ethnically accurate.
In the end, I let it go. The movie’s lore turned out to be so far from a real-world tie in that it no longer mattered. It was clear this was some sort of alternate universe; one of the major plot holes is a lack of connection to planet Earth.
If you can divorce yourself from some of these elements, you can really enjoy the film for what it is.
My screener companion said he didn’t care for the graphics, because they were obviously fake. I experienced this movie using animated films as my frame of reference, and that made it easier to watch. It is also clearly a High Fantasy film.
In summary: great acting is the glue that holds this film together. Without that talent, it wouldn’t stand up. It is, however, worth seeing if you love fantasy films. You will be entertained, for sure.
3.5 out 5 stars
The trailers for this film set high expectations, promising a story of the mythical, god-like beings that come from Egyptian lore. But they also raised questions: would the story keep in tune with common mythos, or branch out into a whole new realm?
With Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau taking the lead, along with 300’s Gerard Butler, the film starts off in a beautiful, ancient Egypt, ruled over by Osiris and his Queen. Horus, Osiris’s son (Coster- Waldau), is ready to assume the crown, but Set (Butler), brother to Osiris, has other plans. He feels scorned for having to live in the desert, and decides it is his time to rule all of Egypt. He murders Osiris, but leaves Horus alive, taking his eyes instead of his life.
Enter a thief, who wants to rescue his beloved from the clutches of Set’s architect (Rufus Sewell). The love of his life somehow talks him into rallying a dejected Horus to fight Set.
All the gods of Egypt are represented in some form or fashion, even if in minor capacity.
The gods have the ability to morph into larger, more powerful beings. They are nigh invincible, but still age, and die. They pray to Ra, god of the sun and grandfather to Horus.
This two-hour movie is filled to the brim with star-power, and superb acting. The special effects are a sight to behold, and they instill a sense of wonderment. The adventure is grand indeed, and will certainly leave you entertained.
That said, the script is sub-par. There are moments where emotional lines could be delivered, but aren’t. This is not from lack of trying on the part of the actors; the writers simply failed to find the proper words. In these moments, there was laughter from the audience at my viewing — during scenes clearly not meant for humor. This is the precarious knife-edge the movie walks between greatness and campy.
I’ve read several articles about how moviegoers are upset at the very Caucasian-looking cast. I shared this sentiment, to a certain degree. It seemed odd that a movie about a specific time and place in history made little effort to be ethnically accurate.
In the end, I let it go. The movie’s lore turned out to be so far from a real-world tie in that it no longer mattered. It was clear this was some sort of alternate universe; one of the major plot holes is a lack of connection to planet Earth.
If you can divorce yourself from some of these elements, you can really enjoy the film for what it is.
My screener companion said he didn’t care for the graphics, because they were obviously fake. I experienced this movie using animated films as my frame of reference, and that made it easier to watch. It is also clearly a High Fantasy film.
In summary: great acting is the glue that holds this film together. Without that talent, it wouldn’t stand up. It is, however, worth seeing if you love fantasy films. You will be entertained, for sure.
3.5 out 5 stars
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) created a post
Jun 12, 2017
Merissa (11643 KP) rated Horns of Power: Manifestations of the Horned God in Books
Dec 17, 2018
What an amazing book!
This, as you may already be aware, is a collection of different people's thoughts, meditations, dreams and meetings with the Horned God. As you read through each story you will travel the world, from Crete to Egypt to the wilds of Wales to London. Each story is as individual as the author and I loved every one of them, although I admit that I read the ones about Egypt and Crete with a mostly detached but isn't this informative kind of air.
The Horned God that I love, the one that has fascinated me all of my life is Cernunnos, the Lord of the Forest and the Wild Animals. For me, one of the best stories in the book was A Quest For Horns by Stephen Blake, and not only because he mentions Robin of Sherwood which still remains a favourite of mine!
Unfortunately, as people begin looking at Paganism to see if it is right for them, they usually tend to favour the Goddess only as they are usually changing from a patriarchal religion. This may work for a while but you need balance, and the Horned God is part of the equation!
If you have any interest in Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Pan or Puck then this is the book for you.
<blockquote> Above me and around me he roared and I, like the mouse, curled up, safe, secure and loved by this storm of rage; the emotional and physical pain that had engulfed me fled before his terrible gaze and I fell asleep. The rage of the Horned God is mighty indeed, but the love and blessings he bestows are greater still.</blockquote>
This, as you may already be aware, is a collection of different people's thoughts, meditations, dreams and meetings with the Horned God. As you read through each story you will travel the world, from Crete to Egypt to the wilds of Wales to London. Each story is as individual as the author and I loved every one of them, although I admit that I read the ones about Egypt and Crete with a mostly detached but isn't this informative kind of air.
The Horned God that I love, the one that has fascinated me all of my life is Cernunnos, the Lord of the Forest and the Wild Animals. For me, one of the best stories in the book was A Quest For Horns by Stephen Blake, and not only because he mentions Robin of Sherwood which still remains a favourite of mine!
Unfortunately, as people begin looking at Paganism to see if it is right for them, they usually tend to favour the Goddess only as they are usually changing from a patriarchal religion. This may work for a while but you need balance, and the Horned God is part of the equation!
If you have any interest in Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, Pan or Puck then this is the book for you.
<blockquote> Above me and around me he roared and I, like the mouse, curled up, safe, secure and loved by this storm of rage; the emotional and physical pain that had engulfed me fled before his terrible gaze and I fell asleep. The rage of the Horned God is mighty indeed, but the love and blessings he bestows are greater still.</blockquote>
David McK (3185 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Assassin's Creed: Origins in Video Games
Mar 10, 2019
The visuals (1 more)
Photo mode
Ubisoft's 2017 entry in their Assassins Creed series; a series that, as time goes on, has seemingly become further and further disconnected from its original template - the whole animus concept (that allows a user to relive the memories of their ancestor), for instance, is now little but a side thought.
This particular entry is set in ancient Egypt, and introduces the character of Bayek the Medjay, who becomes responsible for the birth of the Assassins Brotherhood. Combat has been overhauled, with the series moving more into RPG territory than before and, at least to my mind, losing part of its identity as a result. I'm also not a fan of the endless grinding needed in order to advance levels with most of the main quests requiring Bayek to be at a certain level to have any chance of succeeding.
This particular entry is set in ancient Egypt, and introduces the character of Bayek the Medjay, who becomes responsible for the birth of the Assassins Brotherhood. Combat has been overhauled, with the series moving more into RPG territory than before and, at least to my mind, losing part of its identity as a result. I'm also not a fan of the endless grinding needed in order to advance levels with most of the main quests requiring Bayek to be at a certain level to have any chance of succeeding.