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Gareth Michael Lewis (6 KP) rated Family Guy: The Quest for Stuff in Video Games
Jan 20, 2018
It's better on an android tablet
So, I played this on facebook and hated it because it slowed everything down and glitched too often to be truly fun.
I then found it for windows phone and downloaded it. It plays really well and is good fun for a click and wait game. Set your characters to tasks to earn and unlock other characters and buildings from Quahog.
Sadly, windows support for the game is non-existent and you cannot unlock area 9 which means your progress stalls and stops.
You can spend real money on the game in windows, which is utterly pointless as you can only buy stuff which is unlocked up to area 8. I cannot stress enough DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON THE WINDOWS VERSION.
If, however, you have an Android phone or tablet, have at it. Limited time events run often to add new fun elements to the game. It is supported with regular updates and bug fixes, all areas can be unlocked and all characters can be earned by watching videos to earn clams (in-game currency) if you are patient enough to wait for them.
I then found it for windows phone and downloaded it. It plays really well and is good fun for a click and wait game. Set your characters to tasks to earn and unlock other characters and buildings from Quahog.
Sadly, windows support for the game is non-existent and you cannot unlock area 9 which means your progress stalls and stops.
You can spend real money on the game in windows, which is utterly pointless as you can only buy stuff which is unlocked up to area 8. I cannot stress enough DO NOT SPEND MONEY ON THE WINDOWS VERSION.
If, however, you have an Android phone or tablet, have at it. Limited time events run often to add new fun elements to the game. It is supported with regular updates and bug fixes, all areas can be unlocked and all characters can be earned by watching videos to earn clams (in-game currency) if you are patient enough to wait for them.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Radio Free Albemuth in Books
Mar 2, 2018
A lot of semi-autobiographical elements
While this is not PKD's best science fiction, the fact that much of it comes from his own experiences makes this an interesting read.
From being burgled, by what PKD believed to be an FBI covert operation, to hallucinatory visions, this posthumous book reveals much about his thought processes at the end of his life. Although this novel was written and scrapped, it was released in 1985 and has similar themes to his Valis series. In this, PKD plays a main character himself as a science fiction writer, while Nicholas Brady, a quirky record shop clerk, is his friend although he represents parts of the author himself.
In this dystopian science fiction, an alternate reality shows the US being run by a secret Communist regime despite appearing to be the opposite. Brady one day starts seeing visions in which he is controlled and he is able to communicate with an outer being who is trying to change the course of the country. His sceptic friend, PKD follows him wherever he goes only to find that there are some truths to his ravings.
It's quite a horrifying ending, and it does make you wonder how mentally stable PKD was at the end - but it definitely shows why PKD is still the master of sci-fi.
From being burgled, by what PKD believed to be an FBI covert operation, to hallucinatory visions, this posthumous book reveals much about his thought processes at the end of his life. Although this novel was written and scrapped, it was released in 1985 and has similar themes to his Valis series. In this, PKD plays a main character himself as a science fiction writer, while Nicholas Brady, a quirky record shop clerk, is his friend although he represents parts of the author himself.
In this dystopian science fiction, an alternate reality shows the US being run by a secret Communist regime despite appearing to be the opposite. Brady one day starts seeing visions in which he is controlled and he is able to communicate with an outer being who is trying to change the course of the country. His sceptic friend, PKD follows him wherever he goes only to find that there are some truths to his ravings.
It's quite a horrifying ending, and it does make you wonder how mentally stable PKD was at the end - but it definitely shows why PKD is still the master of sci-fi.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Hatching (The Hatching #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Some people find spiders horrifying, others don't have much problem with them. I belong to the former group, and as such, found much in this book to creep me out. The story follows a large and diverse cast of characters located around the world, as a series of bizarre incidences involving spiders begins to point towards a larger disaster looming around the corner. With the cast featuring everyone from doomsday preppers to an FBI agent to an arachnologist to the President of the United States, it's practically a who's who of monster and disaster movie cliches. But thanks to the brisk pace and effectively gross manner of death, this combination of "Arachnophobia", "Alien" and pretty much any Roland Emmerich blockbuster winds up being very hard to put down. There are a few flaws, like some forced-feeling romance elements, and far too many of the characters being described as very attractive. The complete lack of any resolution presented by the ending is a bit of a disappointment as well, though I am left definitely interested in the next book. I don't know how much the type of person who would happily let a tarantula crawl up their arm will get out of this, but for everyone else, you will likely find yourself checking the corners of your walls for a couple days after finishing.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Bone Tomahawk (2015) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
The Citizen Kane of horror westerns
First of all, any time a movie combines two of my favorite things, in this case, a western and Kurt Russell, you have a recipe for success.
Certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart, the horribly awesome brutality in this film rivals any I have seen in my life and that's saying a lot.
The plot is your basic four men set out to find and rescue several townspeople who have been kidnapped by horrible cave-dwelling "Indians" who no one seems to know anything about. Along the way, they have to face the elements of the weather, their own injuries and the eminent threat of encountering the ferocious beats that they are always on edge.
Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins and Matthew Fox are all also wonderful as the men who set off with Russell on their rescue quest.
For what the movie sets out to do, it succeeds wholeheartedly. Thoroughly engaging throughout, I was glued to my seat the entire time and the 135 minute runtime goes by in a flash.
In reading about it afterwards, it is unbelievable to me the movie was shot in only 21 days and for only $1.8 million.
Who says creativity is dead in Hollywood? Just takes great writing. I'd watch this before Iron Man 12 anytime.
Certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart, the horribly awesome brutality in this film rivals any I have seen in my life and that's saying a lot.
The plot is your basic four men set out to find and rescue several townspeople who have been kidnapped by horrible cave-dwelling "Indians" who no one seems to know anything about. Along the way, they have to face the elements of the weather, their own injuries and the eminent threat of encountering the ferocious beats that they are always on edge.
Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins and Matthew Fox are all also wonderful as the men who set off with Russell on their rescue quest.
For what the movie sets out to do, it succeeds wholeheartedly. Thoroughly engaging throughout, I was glued to my seat the entire time and the 135 minute runtime goes by in a flash.
In reading about it afterwards, it is unbelievable to me the movie was shot in only 21 days and for only $1.8 million.
Who says creativity is dead in Hollywood? Just takes great writing. I'd watch this before Iron Man 12 anytime.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Halloween (2007) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
A successful re-imagining but turned up to 11!
When I first heard director Rob Zombie was going to have a hand at Halloween, I couldn't have been more excited. His films up to that point had been intense, scary, gruesome, gothic, sexual and down-rite awesome!
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated The Witch In The Window (2018) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018
Performances from father and son (1 more)
Exploration of a complex relationship
Not at all scary, but actually rather enjoyable
This is a Shudder original, and I was expecting a fairly standard haunted house scenario, and the setup doesn't disappoint in this regard.
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Runnin' - Single by SHōTA LōDI in Music
Jun 18, 2019
SHōTA LōDI (pronounced Show-Ta Low-Dee) is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Tokyo, Japan. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Runnin’” single.
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Parachute - Single by Jaclyn Manfredi in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Jaclyn Manfredi is a singer-songwriter from Long Island, New York. Not too long ago, she released a grungy contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “Parachute”.
“We’re five thousand feet in the air. But it feels like you couldn’t care. I can see right through your blank stare. And I know it’s time for me to prepare.” – lyrics
‘Parachute’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who feels cold whenever she’s by her significant other’s side.
Every day, thoughts about their relationship being a mistake filter into her mind, and her frustration about her partner’s missteps has multiply sky high.
Later, she admits that they’re running out of time, and the air in their relationship is running thin.
‘Parachute’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-comforting vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with retro-soul, R&B, and funk elements.
“‘Parachute’ is a song about a toxic relationship that you can’t wait to get out of and the feeling of having a weight lifted off your shoulders.” – Jaclyn Manfredi
At the age of seventeen, Jaclyn Manfredi performed at the acclaimed Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Shortly afterward, she won the IMTA national singing talent competition in 2017.
Her musical influences include Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and the contemporary funk of Bruno Mars.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/jaclyn-manfredi-parachute/
“We’re five thousand feet in the air. But it feels like you couldn’t care. I can see right through your blank stare. And I know it’s time for me to prepare.” – lyrics
‘Parachute’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who feels cold whenever she’s by her significant other’s side.
Every day, thoughts about their relationship being a mistake filter into her mind, and her frustration about her partner’s missteps has multiply sky high.
Later, she admits that they’re running out of time, and the air in their relationship is running thin.
‘Parachute’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-comforting vocals, and groovy instrumentation flavored with retro-soul, R&B, and funk elements.
“‘Parachute’ is a song about a toxic relationship that you can’t wait to get out of and the feeling of having a weight lifted off your shoulders.” – Jaclyn Manfredi
At the age of seventeen, Jaclyn Manfredi performed at the acclaimed Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Shortly afterward, she won the IMTA national singing talent competition in 2017.
Her musical influences include Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and the contemporary funk of Bruno Mars.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/jaclyn-manfredi-parachute/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Be prepared for a tale full of twists and turns that will knock you off your feet and steal the very breath from your lungs. Infused with the powers of the Elementals Storm Siren has everything a YA Fantasy novel should posses.
Epic battles, devastating loss, search for purpose, simmering romance, bad guys that are the most vicious sort of people and good guys that will sacrifice everything for the good of the people. Nym has totally swept me into her world and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series (which I was SMART this time around and placed all three books on hold at the same time at my library).
While the elements of faith are not blatantly in your face. I do recognize the threads weaving through the story. The constant battle between good and evil, the enemy being a deceiver, the good sacrificing everything. But maybe most importantly is seeing what is inside ourselves...and recognizing it for the GIFT it is rather than a curse.
If you enjoy Young Adult Fantasy with clean content and decent morals, you should definitely check this series out! Stay tuned for my thoughts on the remainder of the series.
I borrowed a copy of Storm Siren from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Epic battles, devastating loss, search for purpose, simmering romance, bad guys that are the most vicious sort of people and good guys that will sacrifice everything for the good of the people. Nym has totally swept me into her world and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series (which I was SMART this time around and placed all three books on hold at the same time at my library).
While the elements of faith are not blatantly in your face. I do recognize the threads weaving through the story. The constant battle between good and evil, the enemy being a deceiver, the good sacrificing everything. But maybe most importantly is seeing what is inside ourselves...and recognizing it for the GIFT it is rather than a curse.
If you enjoy Young Adult Fantasy with clean content and decent morals, you should definitely check this series out! Stay tuned for my thoughts on the remainder of the series.
I borrowed a copy of Storm Siren from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Storm Taken in Books
Jan 4, 2019
Storm Taken is one action packed but also as some different elements to it. It was enjoyable and really a good way to look at a storm and the way we prescriptive them. Ever wonder what it like to look at thunderstorm and wonder it something of it own.
There a storm that taking be surprised by all. Things start to go missing? Is there someone taking things with out anyone knowing. To the locals on Naples they do not know that the storm is feeding on something until they are trapped on the island and can not get off or anyone can get on the island.
Can a storm feed of fear and make people to turn on one another or will they unite? I wonder about this if a storm really can feed off our fear? Is it some weather weaponize from the government? Is is a freak storm? To know for sure it hard to say. But the story behind it is good. There seems to be few plots and is there a mad man running around?
The author does a really good job with it. There seems to be a bit mystery. We learn that we may need to learn survive and get along with neighbors. Will the families work together or will they start turning on each other?
There a storm that taking be surprised by all. Things start to go missing? Is there someone taking things with out anyone knowing. To the locals on Naples they do not know that the storm is feeding on something until they are trapped on the island and can not get off or anyone can get on the island.
Can a storm feed of fear and make people to turn on one another or will they unite? I wonder about this if a storm really can feed off our fear? Is it some weather weaponize from the government? Is is a freak storm? To know for sure it hard to say. But the story behind it is good. There seems to be few plots and is there a mad man running around?
The author does a really good job with it. There seems to be a bit mystery. We learn that we may need to learn survive and get along with neighbors. Will the families work together or will they start turning on each other?