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Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging
9.0
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Show-business legend Dick Van Dyke is living proof that life does get better the longer you live it....
NCIS: Hidden Crimes
Games
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Time to find your first clue, probie! Join Gibbs, Abby and other NCIS agents to investigate crimes...
Repentant Monk: Illusion and Disillusion in the Art of Chen Hongshou
Book
Repentant Monk: Illusion and Disillusion in the Art of Chen Hongshou is the first U.S. exhibition...
Paris Immortal Atonement
Book
Michel, Madrid. Kar approached the conspicuously armed man by the gate, who asked him in Spanish who...
The Vegetarian Chef: Mastering the Art of Recipe-Free Cooking
Book
Mastering the Art of Recipe-Free Cooking "This information-packed book--part memoir, part...
Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years
Book
New York Times Bestseller (Humor) "The book everyone is laughing about!"--Joe Scarborough, Morning...
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The Suicide Squad (2021) in Movies
Aug 5, 2021
James Gunn returns with the sequel to 2016’s Suicide Squad. This time, the nefarious company woman Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), returns to Belle Reve to recruit the next iteration of Task Force X. Initially, we are introduced to the new recruits: Savant (Michael Rooker), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), Javelin (Flula Borg), Mongal (Mayling Ng), T.D.K. (Nathan Fillion) and The Weasel (Sean Gunn). We meet our favorites from the first film: Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney). They have signed on to be dropped into a small island nation, Corto Maltese.
This country, just taken over by a military coup has a lab with a 30-year secret weapon. Ms. Waller offers them years off each team member’s sentence to “Save the World”. Or, in this case, infiltrate Corto Maltese to find and destroy the project. Our hapless but highly skilled group lands and takes on heavy fire.
Meanwhile, we have Team B led by Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Polka Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), King Shark (The physical, John Economos with the voice of Sylvester Stallone). As the separate teams go forth and bond in violence, we find out more about their personal childhood traumas that made them the criminals they have become.
This sequel has James Gunn’s DNA all over the film. He raised the bar from the first film by providing bright, visual treats. The action is violent in a cartoonish manner that buffers the impact when one looks at the many ways one can dispatch a human. The story goes from sarcasm, dry wit, demented clown to the stooges’ physical hilarity. As we watch the Squad fight their way across the island, there are points where these characters are skilled killers despite the humor in their murderous madness.
I was laughing throughout the film, it certainly felt like a panacea for these challenging times. Pay attention, there are little moments of snappy comebacks that feel like they’re from old-school Mad Magazine. The pace runs steadily which helps the dissonance become more impactful. The Suicide Squad was not boring, it was very entertaining and such a campy ride. FYI: there are TWO after-credit scenes.
The Soundtrack is so very good from the first shot, to the after credit, shotsThis Summer Blockbuster certainly delivers the entertainment.
4.75 out of 5 Stars
This country, just taken over by a military coup has a lab with a 30-year secret weapon. Ms. Waller offers them years off each team member’s sentence to “Save the World”. Or, in this case, infiltrate Corto Maltese to find and destroy the project. Our hapless but highly skilled group lands and takes on heavy fire.
Meanwhile, we have Team B led by Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Polka Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), King Shark (The physical, John Economos with the voice of Sylvester Stallone). As the separate teams go forth and bond in violence, we find out more about their personal childhood traumas that made them the criminals they have become.
This sequel has James Gunn’s DNA all over the film. He raised the bar from the first film by providing bright, visual treats. The action is violent in a cartoonish manner that buffers the impact when one looks at the many ways one can dispatch a human. The story goes from sarcasm, dry wit, demented clown to the stooges’ physical hilarity. As we watch the Squad fight their way across the island, there are points where these characters are skilled killers despite the humor in their murderous madness.
I was laughing throughout the film, it certainly felt like a panacea for these challenging times. Pay attention, there are little moments of snappy comebacks that feel like they’re from old-school Mad Magazine. The pace runs steadily which helps the dissonance become more impactful. The Suicide Squad was not boring, it was very entertaining and such a campy ride. FYI: there are TWO after-credit scenes.
The Soundtrack is so very good from the first shot, to the after credit, shotsThis Summer Blockbuster certainly delivers the entertainment.
4.75 out of 5 Stars
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Bride of Frankenstein (1935) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
She's alive!
I am trying to remember the last film I saw where the title character doesn't appear until the last 10 minutes? I don't think I can. In Superman, you don't see Christopher Reeve for the first hour, in Aliens you don't see any full grown Aliens until an hour in. Can you think of any others?
The 2nd Frankenstein film is certainly a continuation as it starts right when the last film ends. The monster is presumed dead, during the windmill fire. He is eventually found, chained and hauled off to prison. He escapes and then wanders the countryside encountering a friendly bling man. Unknowing the hideous nature of his new friend, he invites the monster in to eat, drink and smoke. The monster begins to actually act civilized for a bit even spurting out his first words and smiling. This is short-lived as he is again located and flees.
Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein is still recovering himself when he meets Doctor Pretorius, an even more wacky scientist bent on creating his own abomination. Frankenstein has had a change of mind and heart about his monster and wants it to be destroyed. Pretorius kidnaps Frankenstein's new wife and blackmails him into helping with the new project.
Eventual success brings us the Bride of Frankenstein!
Karloff continues his stellar performance as the monster, this time giving him humanity, humor and benevolence in addition to the usual rage. You see his loneliness and wanting to belong with no one who gazes upon him ever giving him a chance to have a personality.
The look of the film also has a starring role including the vast depth of the Frankenstein home which seems to go on forever and again showcased in glorious black and white. The majesty of the outdoor landscapes are also beautiful and really assist the audience in merging with its storytelling beautifully.
I did find is strange they introduced the bride so late in the film. She doesn't really have much to do other than get introduced to her new groom and make a few grunting noises. I am assuming she will play a bigger role in Son of Frankenstein which is up next!
The 2nd Frankenstein film is certainly a continuation as it starts right when the last film ends. The monster is presumed dead, during the windmill fire. He is eventually found, chained and hauled off to prison. He escapes and then wanders the countryside encountering a friendly bling man. Unknowing the hideous nature of his new friend, he invites the monster in to eat, drink and smoke. The monster begins to actually act civilized for a bit even spurting out his first words and smiling. This is short-lived as he is again located and flees.
Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein is still recovering himself when he meets Doctor Pretorius, an even more wacky scientist bent on creating his own abomination. Frankenstein has had a change of mind and heart about his monster and wants it to be destroyed. Pretorius kidnaps Frankenstein's new wife and blackmails him into helping with the new project.
Eventual success brings us the Bride of Frankenstein!
Karloff continues his stellar performance as the monster, this time giving him humanity, humor and benevolence in addition to the usual rage. You see his loneliness and wanting to belong with no one who gazes upon him ever giving him a chance to have a personality.
The look of the film also has a starring role including the vast depth of the Frankenstein home which seems to go on forever and again showcased in glorious black and white. The majesty of the outdoor landscapes are also beautiful and really assist the audience in merging with its storytelling beautifully.
I did find is strange they introduced the bride so late in the film. She doesn't really have much to do other than get introduced to her new groom and make a few grunting noises. I am assuming she will play a bigger role in Son of Frankenstein which is up next!
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
Alpha, the inter-universal coalition of a thousand planets that has evolved to support millions of life forms, is under attack. Valerian and his partner, Laureline are assigned to find the culprits and destroy them. Based on the main characters in the 1967 French comic book series Valerian and Laureline. Luc Besson sends us out into the vastness of the universe and shows us how wondrous it can be.
The director of The Fifth Element has been working on this film for about ten years. Besson has mentioned he had wanted to work on this project for years and it would not have been made before the technology used in James Cameron’s Avatar. The film is a eye-gasming smorgasbord of star systems, planets and five hundred different alien species. The story itself does not hold many surprises. Heroes looking for villains, lasers pew-pewing across time and space. Goal to save the world as they know.
Valerian (Dane DeHann) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) have a cool/electric repartee of partners who know each other well and are working to combat the underlying…tensions. We learn that Valerian, quite confident in his abilities does not work as well without Laureline by him. Not as the sidekick, but equal. Throughout the film, we see the humor in their relationship with the push and push of their personalities trying to gain the upper hand. The film has some visual and physical comedic moments that tip the hat to screwball, buddy comedies.
The movie is such an incredible visually dazzling event throughout, there’s so much going on that at times I wondered what I could have been missing . The characters are striking: Rhianna’s performance as Bubble was an ocular delight. The costuming and makeup were fanciful, artistic and offbeat. All the CG work in this movie truly makes me wonder what it is like to live in Luc Besson’s mind. I can see the inspiration taken from the comic books which give us the characters and storyline, but the imagination that illustrates Valerian and Laureline’s universe on the big screen is absolutely mind-blowing.
If you are a fan of the Fifth Element, you will enjoy this film. However, you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy this adventure. I highly recommend that you view this in 3D, it enhances the vision created by Besson.
The director of The Fifth Element has been working on this film for about ten years. Besson has mentioned he had wanted to work on this project for years and it would not have been made before the technology used in James Cameron’s Avatar. The film is a eye-gasming smorgasbord of star systems, planets and five hundred different alien species. The story itself does not hold many surprises. Heroes looking for villains, lasers pew-pewing across time and space. Goal to save the world as they know.
Valerian (Dane DeHann) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) have a cool/electric repartee of partners who know each other well and are working to combat the underlying…tensions. We learn that Valerian, quite confident in his abilities does not work as well without Laureline by him. Not as the sidekick, but equal. Throughout the film, we see the humor in their relationship with the push and push of their personalities trying to gain the upper hand. The film has some visual and physical comedic moments that tip the hat to screwball, buddy comedies.
The movie is such an incredible visually dazzling event throughout, there’s so much going on that at times I wondered what I could have been missing . The characters are striking: Rhianna’s performance as Bubble was an ocular delight. The costuming and makeup were fanciful, artistic and offbeat. All the CG work in this movie truly makes me wonder what it is like to live in Luc Besson’s mind. I can see the inspiration taken from the comic books which give us the characters and storyline, but the imagination that illustrates Valerian and Laureline’s universe on the big screen is absolutely mind-blowing.
If you are a fan of the Fifth Element, you will enjoy this film. However, you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy this adventure. I highly recommend that you view this in 3D, it enhances the vision created by Besson.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The Lego Batman Movie (2017) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
You know a movie is going to be hilarious when you find yourself laughing
out loud before the beginning credits start.
It’s no surprise a second film was in development after the massive success
of the first LEGO movie in 2014. The lengthy list of Batman movies/TV
shows that have existed–yes, this film actually addresses each one–always
ask the questions, but never quite answers them. The LEGO Batman movie
will answer them all for you in the best way LEGO movies can–with major
master builder craftsmanship, sarcasm, and slapstick humor.
In serious denial about his loneliness, Batman (Will Arnett) spends most of
his days saving Gotham from the Joker(Zach Gilfianakis), eating alone, and
watching sappy romantic comedies. He never lets anyone get close enough to
him for fear that he will lose them just like he lost his parents when he
was a young boy.
Commissioner Jim Gordon (Hector Elizondo) retires thus handing the baton
and Bat signal over to his daughter, Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). The
newly appointed commissioner decides that Gotham Police Department should
take a more involved approach instead of just relying on one person to
fight crime. Of course, Batman isn’t having it—he works alone!
By this point in the film, Batman has managed to adopt a son, Dick Grayson
(Michael Cera), released the kracken on some of movies most notorious (some
forgettable) villains, and broken up one of the greatest relationships ever
to exist. I don’t want to give away too much because there are some great
cameos.
In true LEGO spirit, this movie addresses the importance of relationships,
working together, being part of a team, and trust. Batman is such an
important character to pop culture–we all have our own interpretation of
him–our ideals, our definition of a hero, and our own moral choices. It’s
nice to have this refreshing and comical take with way more depth,
creativity, and character development than we’ve seen from some of DCs
latest feature films. If you’re not too big on delving into the dark side
and complexity of Batman, don’t fret. Just sit back, relax, laugh, and
enjoy a wonderful movie for the whole family. Be sure and stay till the
end to watch the credits. The reason we all have come to love Batman
throughout the years is addressed and appreciated.
out loud before the beginning credits start.
It’s no surprise a second film was in development after the massive success
of the first LEGO movie in 2014. The lengthy list of Batman movies/TV
shows that have existed–yes, this film actually addresses each one–always
ask the questions, but never quite answers them. The LEGO Batman movie
will answer them all for you in the best way LEGO movies can–with major
master builder craftsmanship, sarcasm, and slapstick humor.
In serious denial about his loneliness, Batman (Will Arnett) spends most of
his days saving Gotham from the Joker(Zach Gilfianakis), eating alone, and
watching sappy romantic comedies. He never lets anyone get close enough to
him for fear that he will lose them just like he lost his parents when he
was a young boy.
Commissioner Jim Gordon (Hector Elizondo) retires thus handing the baton
and Bat signal over to his daughter, Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). The
newly appointed commissioner decides that Gotham Police Department should
take a more involved approach instead of just relying on one person to
fight crime. Of course, Batman isn’t having it—he works alone!
By this point in the film, Batman has managed to adopt a son, Dick Grayson
(Michael Cera), released the kracken on some of movies most notorious (some
forgettable) villains, and broken up one of the greatest relationships ever
to exist. I don’t want to give away too much because there are some great
cameos.
In true LEGO spirit, this movie addresses the importance of relationships,
working together, being part of a team, and trust. Batman is such an
important character to pop culture–we all have our own interpretation of
him–our ideals, our definition of a hero, and our own moral choices. It’s
nice to have this refreshing and comical take with way more depth,
creativity, and character development than we’ve seen from some of DCs
latest feature films. If you’re not too big on delving into the dark side
and complexity of Batman, don’t fret. Just sit back, relax, laugh, and
enjoy a wonderful movie for the whole family. Be sure and stay till the
end to watch the credits. The reason we all have come to love Batman
throughout the years is addressed and appreciated.