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Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Apollo 11 (2019) in Movies
Jan 22, 2021
This extraordinary documentary exploring the build up, launch and landing of the most famous mission in NASA history, and arguably the pinnacle of human space exploration to date, is a mesmeric and unique experience like no other factual film you have ever seen. You can find it tucked away on Netflix, and I urge you to do so if you ever found yourself wondering for one minute about the moon landing of ’69 and what all the fuss was about.
Director Todd Douglas Miller makes the bold choice to do away with all narrative, cutaway interviews and commentaries, and just shows you what happened in gorgeous detail, with a kind of retro super 8 camera vibe, and a very evocative sountrack. The degree of unseen footage of the entire project is jaw-dropping, especially if there is something of a science or even science fiction geek within you.
Some of what you see and hear is, of course, so iconic that when you see or hear them you feel a sense of deja vu that feels like a dream in the context of the full story. The rest is so amazing to contemplate as something that humanity actually achieved that it is tempting to see it as an odd retro sci-fi movie with quite bad effects and a dull plot; the control room, suits, the rocket itself, the sense of endless patience, anticipation and waiting – you just wouldn’t believe it would work if it was a fiction.
At several points I found myself reminding myself that it wasn’t a fiction, and then marvelling at the entire world that existed at the end of the 60s, and how so essentially different it was, and how ancient it feels now. I wasn’t quite born when all this happened, but it has been very much in my imagination all my life. I wanted to be an astronaut, as did most other kids in the Star Wars era of the late 70s and early 80s, and I only really gave up when I realised that meant being as smart and dedicated as Neil Armstrong and not as reckless and cool as Han Solo. Now I am older, I can appreciate things about it that I never could, and in understanding Human history, it is a riveting chapter.
What we see in this film is how detail and hard work and maths and safety precautions and thousands of team members made this happen. Every nut and bolt, and every drop of sweat and fuel is counted, recounted and considered. At times it seems mundane and without drama, boring even, and then the sheer scale of acheivement and wonder overtakes you as you catch yourself realising how incredible it was that any of this was done at all.
There is no political overtone or background here, no conspiracy theory, no other voice questioning the economic impact or wisdom of the entire endeavour, just a childlike but serious minded wonder at doing something because we could if we set our minds to it. And for that it has a beauty and transcendent elegance that rarely accompanies the subject. By the end, there is really only one word to describe the fact that over 50 years ago three men looked down on the Earthrise and beheld every other living thing in existence in one glance. And that word is: wow!
It is slow, for sure, but only because we have become used to pace and forced drama, from our fictions and our documentaries. Apollo 11 won’t be for everyone in that case, and may even be fairly called dull by some who can’t relate to it in any way. For me it was a trance like epiphany I can’t forget. Highly recommended if you are looking for something fascinating, educational and thought provoking out of your comfort zone and out of this world!
Director Todd Douglas Miller makes the bold choice to do away with all narrative, cutaway interviews and commentaries, and just shows you what happened in gorgeous detail, with a kind of retro super 8 camera vibe, and a very evocative sountrack. The degree of unseen footage of the entire project is jaw-dropping, especially if there is something of a science or even science fiction geek within you.
Some of what you see and hear is, of course, so iconic that when you see or hear them you feel a sense of deja vu that feels like a dream in the context of the full story. The rest is so amazing to contemplate as something that humanity actually achieved that it is tempting to see it as an odd retro sci-fi movie with quite bad effects and a dull plot; the control room, suits, the rocket itself, the sense of endless patience, anticipation and waiting – you just wouldn’t believe it would work if it was a fiction.
At several points I found myself reminding myself that it wasn’t a fiction, and then marvelling at the entire world that existed at the end of the 60s, and how so essentially different it was, and how ancient it feels now. I wasn’t quite born when all this happened, but it has been very much in my imagination all my life. I wanted to be an astronaut, as did most other kids in the Star Wars era of the late 70s and early 80s, and I only really gave up when I realised that meant being as smart and dedicated as Neil Armstrong and not as reckless and cool as Han Solo. Now I am older, I can appreciate things about it that I never could, and in understanding Human history, it is a riveting chapter.
What we see in this film is how detail and hard work and maths and safety precautions and thousands of team members made this happen. Every nut and bolt, and every drop of sweat and fuel is counted, recounted and considered. At times it seems mundane and without drama, boring even, and then the sheer scale of acheivement and wonder overtakes you as you catch yourself realising how incredible it was that any of this was done at all.
There is no political overtone or background here, no conspiracy theory, no other voice questioning the economic impact or wisdom of the entire endeavour, just a childlike but serious minded wonder at doing something because we could if we set our minds to it. And for that it has a beauty and transcendent elegance that rarely accompanies the subject. By the end, there is really only one word to describe the fact that over 50 years ago three men looked down on the Earthrise and beheld every other living thing in existence in one glance. And that word is: wow!
It is slow, for sure, but only because we have become used to pace and forced drama, from our fictions and our documentaries. Apollo 11 won’t be for everyone in that case, and may even be fairly called dull by some who can’t relate to it in any way. For me it was a trance like epiphany I can’t forget. Highly recommended if you are looking for something fascinating, educational and thought provoking out of your comfort zone and out of this world!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Subtle Knife in Books
Nov 14, 2017 (Updated Nov 14, 2017)
An interesting take on religion and theology
In The Subtle Knife, you finally find out what Lord Asriel's plan is that is never explained in the first book, Northern Lights. I won't go into detail for anyone who hasn't read the book, but it's a little bit bonkers. I'd be intrigued to hear a review from someone religious, as this book expands further on the anti-religion, atheistic themes.
I'm an atheist, so for me I found this book really interesting. It's a fantasy take on Paradise Lost, and it's such an intriguing and well written story. I missed a few characters in this, namely Iorek and the Gyptians, but it was good to see Lyra develop and become more mature. I like Will as a new character, he's very much the sensible one to Lyra's rash character.
In all, the story is quite a bit bonkers but still a very satisfying and well written read. Can't wait to read the last one.
I'm an atheist, so for me I found this book really interesting. It's a fantasy take on Paradise Lost, and it's such an intriguing and well written story. I missed a few characters in this, namely Iorek and the Gyptians, but it was good to see Lyra develop and become more mature. I like Will as a new character, he's very much the sensible one to Lyra's rash character.
In all, the story is quite a bit bonkers but still a very satisfying and well written read. Can't wait to read the last one.
Chelsea (449 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Sep 7, 2017
This book was not what I expected it to be, but I don't think that makes it deserve the many negative reviews.
This book is not a "horror" book, with the exception of the "evil" characters who created the reasons for the plot to go where it went. It IS a weird book. I love weird, or should I say "peculiar".
The best thing about the book (and why so many thought it was different than what it was) is that the story was written completely around these found vintage, sometimes creepy, photographs. None of the images were altered with "modern" photoshop, but no one actually knows the real stories behind them or how much they were actually a trick of the camera.
This is Young Adult and so a fairly quick read, but it's also a different kind of fantasy story that is worth the read. Beware, however, the ending does NOT allow you to leave this book without needing to read the sequel.
This book is not a "horror" book, with the exception of the "evil" characters who created the reasons for the plot to go where it went. It IS a weird book. I love weird, or should I say "peculiar".
The best thing about the book (and why so many thought it was different than what it was) is that the story was written completely around these found vintage, sometimes creepy, photographs. None of the images were altered with "modern" photoshop, but no one actually knows the real stories behind them or how much they were actually a trick of the camera.
This is Young Adult and so a fairly quick read, but it's also a different kind of fantasy story that is worth the read. Beware, however, the ending does NOT allow you to leave this book without needing to read the sequel.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated What Does Consent Really Mean? in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Where to start? Well, this is certainly the book I wish I'd had when I was growing up and when my own children were of the age to need this advice for that fact. This book, "What does consent really mean?" is presented as a graphic novel and shows multi-cultural characters discussing and growing in knowledge about the topic of consent. This inclusion of such a range of opinions, yet, still coming to a consensus, also demonstrates to young people how you can and should be able to discuss matters openly in a healthy relationship. I found especially good the part where the teenage girls were more able to discuss this area than the teenage lads although through their clearly good friendships they worked through this, once again demonstrating a mature attitude to the audience.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated What Does Consent Really Mean? in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Where to start? Well, this is certainly the book I wish I'd had when I was growing up and when my own children were of the age to need this advice for that fact. This book, "What does consent really mean?" is presented as a graphic novel and shows multi-cultural characters discussing and growing in knowledge about the topic of consent. This inclusion of such a range of opinions, yet, still coming to a consensus, also demonstrates to young people how you can and should be able to discuss matters openly in a healthy relationship. I found especially good the part where the teenage girls were more able to discuss this area than the teenage lads although through their clearly good friendships they worked through this, once again demonstrating a mature attitude to the audience.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated His Majesty's Dragon in Books
Nov 13, 2019
A Magisterial Read
This first book came free when I pre ordered another book, and at first, I paid it no attention. One day, I found it, and I have not looked back.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.
Baxter Dury recommended Handsome by Kilburn and The High Roads in Music (curated)
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Dec 15, 2020
An average thriller
I havent reviewed anything in a few weeks and this is the first book I've read in a while, and to be honest despite being a thriller, it didn't really thrill me.
The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.
Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!
The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.
Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!
Hot StepDad Summer (Stepdad Summer #1)
6.0
Rate It
Book
Wrongs righted. Love fated. Passionate desires unleashed. I didn't need a protector. And I wanted...
Contemporary Romance MM Romantic Suspense Taboo - stepdad Forbidden Love Bisexual and Gay Awakenings
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated His Untameable Wickedness (Untameable #1) in Books
Dec 9, 2022
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Leo is a highly regarded businesswoman that has fought tooth and nail for what she has. She has done things she's not proud of to protect the ones she loves, her mother - who is in a maximum security prison - ends up in a coma through an overdose of an illegal substance. It's up to Leo and the few people she trusts to get to the bottom of what happened.
This book is not for the faint-hearted there is quite a bit of dark stuff in here that could be a trigger for some people as there is abuse mentioned. I did enjoy the story once I got into it. I just found it a bit backward and forward to start with but then you travel farther into the story and it gets easier to comprehend.
A recommendation by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Leo is a highly regarded businesswoman that has fought tooth and nail for what she has. She has done things she's not proud of to protect the ones she loves, her mother - who is in a maximum security prison - ends up in a coma through an overdose of an illegal substance. It's up to Leo and the few people she trusts to get to the bottom of what happened.
This book is not for the faint-hearted there is quite a bit of dark stuff in here that could be a trigger for some people as there is abuse mentioned. I did enjoy the story once I got into it. I just found it a bit backward and forward to start with but then you travel farther into the story and it gets easier to comprehend.
A recommendation by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **