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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Guns of the Dawn in Books
Nov 14, 2019
A couple of years a go I was involved in a Twitter conversation about strong female characters in fantasy. The conclusion what that they were there but not very common. This book addresses this by adding another in the shape of Emily Marshwic.
Born into a priviliged family, she is nothing but practical, sparring with the local governor whom she blames for the suicide of her father. Then war breaks out with a neighbouring country and as the fighting drags on, taking the men of the Marshwic household, Emily ends up joining the army to do her bit. The war is brutal and through her experiences Emily finds out unexpected things about not only herself but those around her.
This story is entirely driven by character, not only of Emily but of all of those she meets and this is where Tchaikovsky shines, conjuring up a host of main and supporting cast, all of whom are three dimensional and painted in shades of light and shadow, even those whose lives are destined to be cut short. Emily herself is the central pillar of the book and is more than capable of that task.
The descriptions of the war - both of the frantic, muddled fighting and the times in between - is spot on, showing the futility of it all but also why the sides feel they must fight on. The plot is far from predictable and takes sudden turns onto new territory just as the reader becomes comfortable with the current situation.
The world is well drawn. This is definitely fantasy in style and there are magic users in the shape of the flame wielding Warlocks, but the main fighting is with muskets and flintlock pistols and it is clear that the war is driving technology on.
The only problem with this book? It is stand alone. I would definitely read more stories about Emily and will now be searching out Tchaikovsky's epic Shadows of the Apt series for future reading.
Advisory: Voilent scenes of battle and some sexual violence and references
Born into a priviliged family, she is nothing but practical, sparring with the local governor whom she blames for the suicide of her father. Then war breaks out with a neighbouring country and as the fighting drags on, taking the men of the Marshwic household, Emily ends up joining the army to do her bit. The war is brutal and through her experiences Emily finds out unexpected things about not only herself but those around her.
This story is entirely driven by character, not only of Emily but of all of those she meets and this is where Tchaikovsky shines, conjuring up a host of main and supporting cast, all of whom are three dimensional and painted in shades of light and shadow, even those whose lives are destined to be cut short. Emily herself is the central pillar of the book and is more than capable of that task.
The descriptions of the war - both of the frantic, muddled fighting and the times in between - is spot on, showing the futility of it all but also why the sides feel they must fight on. The plot is far from predictable and takes sudden turns onto new territory just as the reader becomes comfortable with the current situation.
The world is well drawn. This is definitely fantasy in style and there are magic users in the shape of the flame wielding Warlocks, but the main fighting is with muskets and flintlock pistols and it is clear that the war is driving technology on.
The only problem with this book? It is stand alone. I would definitely read more stories about Emily and will now be searching out Tchaikovsky's epic Shadows of the Apt series for future reading.
Advisory: Voilent scenes of battle and some sexual violence and references
JT (287 KP) rated The A-Team (2010) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
It might be seen as a risk to make a film off the back of a successful T.V. show, especially if you take Transformers as the prime example of poor execution, but the A-Team was the big budget blockbuster that everyone expected it to be.
The back story is still pretty much the same, four decorated soldiers are framed for a crime they didn’t commit are out on the run to clear their names. The opening sequence allows for all the characters to be introduced in their own unique way.
Gruff talking Liam Neeson as Col. Hannibal Smith, Smooth talking Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck, Rough talking Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson as the iconic mohawk styled B.A. Baracus and the crazy talking Sharlto Copley as howling mad Murdoch. It really couldn’t be a more perfectly cast ensemble, only Jessica Biel’s Charissa Sosa proves to be the weak link in the chain.
Director Joe Carnahan is no stranger to full bloodied action scenes having previously helmed Smokin Aces, but with the A-Team he got the chance to push the envelope even further on the non believable. From a falling tank to a finale that does to a container ship what an iceberg did to the Titanic. It’s a balls out testosterone filled epic that is surely not going to cause any disappointment.
Its a film in its own right, of course everything and anything can be drawn to the original and long running T.V. series but as a plot goes it’s quite an entertaining script, with some of the trademark A-Team mechanical inventions…you know in the garage queue the music, and a few cheeky cameos you’ll do well to spot.
Talk of a sequel has been mooted, whether that actually happens would be anyone’s guess but the rumour mill is always churning and we should never say never. I do love it when a plan come together!
The back story is still pretty much the same, four decorated soldiers are framed for a crime they didn’t commit are out on the run to clear their names. The opening sequence allows for all the characters to be introduced in their own unique way.
Gruff talking Liam Neeson as Col. Hannibal Smith, Smooth talking Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck, Rough talking Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson as the iconic mohawk styled B.A. Baracus and the crazy talking Sharlto Copley as howling mad Murdoch. It really couldn’t be a more perfectly cast ensemble, only Jessica Biel’s Charissa Sosa proves to be the weak link in the chain.
Director Joe Carnahan is no stranger to full bloodied action scenes having previously helmed Smokin Aces, but with the A-Team he got the chance to push the envelope even further on the non believable. From a falling tank to a finale that does to a container ship what an iceberg did to the Titanic. It’s a balls out testosterone filled epic that is surely not going to cause any disappointment.
Its a film in its own right, of course everything and anything can be drawn to the original and long running T.V. series but as a plot goes it’s quite an entertaining script, with some of the trademark A-Team mechanical inventions…you know in the garage queue the music, and a few cheeky cameos you’ll do well to spot.
Talk of a sequel has been mooted, whether that actually happens would be anyone’s guess but the rumour mill is always churning and we should never say never. I do love it when a plan come together!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Zoolander 2 (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Zoolander 2” picks up just a couple days after the first film left off. Staying true to the story line, Zoolander and Hansel are as vapid as ever and have retreated to lives in exile after the school for children who couldn’t read good (or whatever) collapsed due to shoddy construction. With their dreams dashed, both models are licking their wounds when they are summoned back into the world of fashion by a disgustingly beautiful fashionista with the Botox of the gods, Alexanya Ato (Kristen Wiig). With a face that can hardly move Ato is unsettlingly inviting.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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