Search
Search results
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) in Movies
Sep 5, 2021 (Updated Oct 2, 2021)
The latest entry into the MCU is a definitely a ride, both in terms of quality and in what unfolds on screen. The things I disliked about Shang-Chi are very clear cut - it's pacing is all over the place, there's an unholy amount of exposition dumps, and the humourous moments didn't always land. I have nothing against Awkwafina, but her character here is a constant quip-machine, and takes up a hefty amount of screen time, whilst simultaneously feeling a little pointless when all is said and done.
However, the things I did like about Shang-Chi are also extremely clear cut. For a starter, I'm just generally stoked that the character himself has his own movie. We've come a long way since X-Men blew the superhero genre wide open back in 2000.
It has a great cast, including lead Simu Liu, as well as the likes of Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. The inner comic book nerd in me was beyond excited to see minor villains such as Razor Fist and Death Dealer on screen, and then of course (no spoilers!) a third act villain that is a true deep cut from the comics. Tony Leung's Wenwu aka The Mandarin strikes an imposing presence as the main big bad, and the subsequent theme of power and family gives the movie a beating, if tragic, heart.
Pretty much all of the fight scenes are great, and any flaws that I found were completely obliterated by the batshit insane final third, that honestly verges on live action anime at times.
The general tone of this movie feels like something new for the MCU. From street level fighting, to crazy fantasy style set pieces, to the exploration of Asian culture, Shang-Chi is a fresh new entry for the MCU, as the studio steps a little further out of its comfort zone. Please try to see it on the big screen if you can!
However, the things I did like about Shang-Chi are also extremely clear cut. For a starter, I'm just generally stoked that the character himself has his own movie. We've come a long way since X-Men blew the superhero genre wide open back in 2000.
It has a great cast, including lead Simu Liu, as well as the likes of Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. The inner comic book nerd in me was beyond excited to see minor villains such as Razor Fist and Death Dealer on screen, and then of course (no spoilers!) a third act villain that is a true deep cut from the comics. Tony Leung's Wenwu aka The Mandarin strikes an imposing presence as the main big bad, and the subsequent theme of power and family gives the movie a beating, if tragic, heart.
Pretty much all of the fight scenes are great, and any flaws that I found were completely obliterated by the batshit insane final third, that honestly verges on live action anime at times.
The general tone of this movie feels like something new for the MCU. From street level fighting, to crazy fantasy style set pieces, to the exploration of Asian culture, Shang-Chi is a fresh new entry for the MCU, as the studio steps a little further out of its comfort zone. Please try to see it on the big screen if you can!
Merissa (13489 KP) rated Zall's Captain (Planetary Submissives #3) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the third and, so far, final book in the Planetary Submissives series and speaking of the series as a whole, I have loved how each story has gone. With only a touch or hint of BDSM and a storyline designed to tease and titillate whilst giving the reader the HEA, these books have been wonderful. Perfect for those coffee breaks when you want something steamy to read without being the equivalent of War & Peace.
In this story, we meet again with Zall, who is still on the ship that Chalice put him on. He has found his own niche amongst the crew - sort of - but wishes he had something more. Everyone just sort of puts up with him because of his connection to the Emperor. When the new Captain arrives on the ship, the lust is instantaneous but Zall is determined to never put himself in the thrall of anyone else again. Mixed in with this is a smuggling plot, abduction and attempted murder. Will Danner and Zall be able to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement and stay alive long enough to enjoy it?
Full of fun, frolics and yearning, this was a wonderful read from the start. Zall makes an observation about Prince Chalice that runs true for the series - the Pet may be the one wearing the collar, but he is also the one holding the leash. It doesn't matter who is called what, if the role they have is changeable or fixed, so long as the couple is happy and content with that, that's good enough for me.
Whilst these books may not be suited to everyone as they are not 'hardcore', I have personally loved each and every one and would love to read more in this series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2015
In this story, we meet again with Zall, who is still on the ship that Chalice put him on. He has found his own niche amongst the crew - sort of - but wishes he had something more. Everyone just sort of puts up with him because of his connection to the Emperor. When the new Captain arrives on the ship, the lust is instantaneous but Zall is determined to never put himself in the thrall of anyone else again. Mixed in with this is a smuggling plot, abduction and attempted murder. Will Danner and Zall be able to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement and stay alive long enough to enjoy it?
Full of fun, frolics and yearning, this was a wonderful read from the start. Zall makes an observation about Prince Chalice that runs true for the series - the Pet may be the one wearing the collar, but he is also the one holding the leash. It doesn't matter who is called what, if the role they have is changeable or fixed, so long as the couple is happy and content with that, that's good enough for me.
Whilst these books may not be suited to everyone as they are not 'hardcore', I have personally loved each and every one and would love to read more in this series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 17, 2015
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Tiny Epic Galaxies: BLAST OFF! in Tabletop Games
Mar 30, 2021
Yes, we have reviewed Tiny Epic Galaxies in the past. We loved it. It’s close to being a Golden Feather Award recipient. It has earned a spot on my Top 10 Games of All Time list. I cannot say enough great things about the game. But wait, a newer updated version has recently hit the scene. Is it just new art on the same game? Nope. Read on.
I will not be explaining the entire game in this review as indeed it is mostly the same game as before. However, I will be visiting some differences between this version and the original.
Firstly, the art is most certainly different. The card layouts are all different. The components are completely different. It is markedly improved for me, but I will save my gushings until the end.
Mechanics-wise, the differences are slight, but perfectly altered. For starters, many of the benefits of using planet powers have been streamlined, simplified, and make a lot of sense. Much of this has to do with iconography on the cards, but also the powers are mostly brand new. Additionally, this version rids players of the Secret Mission cards from the original. Now, I enjoyed that aspect of OG TEG, but I did not find myself pining for it whilst playing BLAST OFF! Also removed from this version is the seventh action die; BLAST OFF! comes complete with six dice total. Again, it reduces the number of actions that can be completed on a turn, but I haven’t missed that extra die. One of the greatest changes in this version is the Converter tweak. In the original game a player would need to sacrifice two inactive dice to convert a third die to whichever face was needed. In the new version, only one die is needed for sacrifice along with either one Energy or one Culture value. The Converter was always neglected in the older version, and now it’s a real option during play.
I do wish certain aspects of the older version were included, however. What has been eliminated in the streamlining process is the Solo mode and the fifth player. BLAST OFF! can accommodate two to four players now instead of one to five players, with the black components being axed from this version. I will miss the Solo mode mostly because I used to love breaking out the game later at night once the kids were asleep to try to conquer the Red rival (I almost never play Red). I do understand that a Solo mode may still be created in the future by Gamelyn directly or by another gamer.
All of these changes are minor, but equate to a much better gameplay overall. I do want to speak more on components, so let’s away with them.
Components. Okay, BLAST OFF! boasts improvements on the original game on every facet of components. Yes, the materials are similar quality, so it’s a wash there, but everything else is so much better. The dice are bigger, and ORANGE (great choice btw)! The iconography is much easier to understand and decipher throughout the game. The planets now have two new alignments: Life (plant icon) and Tech (gear icon). I feel the iconography and terminology in the first version could be confusing to new players, but plants vs gears is easy to distinguish. The ships are more stylized now, and the inclusion of this new Galaxy Slider to move up the Galaxy Track on the mats is most excellent. All of these improvements definitely cater to new Tiny Epic Galaxies players, and are most welcome as I try to convince my brother that this is one of the best games out there.
Obviously I am keeping this version and am seriously considering weeding out my original version of TEG with all expansions in favor for this. I just feel better playing it. It is more streamlined, easier to play and teach, and I love the way it looks on the table much more. One minor wish I have for the game is different player colors. This game could have been a triumph with just four different player colors from the original. Now, there’s nothing wrong with tried and true blue, yellow, green, and red, but I’m much more interested in playing a game with fuscia, purple, volt (like our green color we use throughout our branding), and aqua. Maybe it has to do with colorblindness, I don’t know, but take on the colors like are found in Seasons or something, and this game would blast off higher on my Top 10 Games of All Time list for sure.
That said, Purple Phoenix Games still gives this one a rocket of a GOLDEN FEATHER AWARD! If you are a fan of the original but wish new players to the game would enjoy it more, check out BLAST OFF! Nearly everything that has been changed caters to newer players and giving all players a more aesthetically-pleasing experience over the original. I will definitely be playing my copy a TON. Maybe if I ask nicely Gamelyn Games will make me some different player colors. Maybe.
I will not be explaining the entire game in this review as indeed it is mostly the same game as before. However, I will be visiting some differences between this version and the original.
Firstly, the art is most certainly different. The card layouts are all different. The components are completely different. It is markedly improved for me, but I will save my gushings until the end.
Mechanics-wise, the differences are slight, but perfectly altered. For starters, many of the benefits of using planet powers have been streamlined, simplified, and make a lot of sense. Much of this has to do with iconography on the cards, but also the powers are mostly brand new. Additionally, this version rids players of the Secret Mission cards from the original. Now, I enjoyed that aspect of OG TEG, but I did not find myself pining for it whilst playing BLAST OFF! Also removed from this version is the seventh action die; BLAST OFF! comes complete with six dice total. Again, it reduces the number of actions that can be completed on a turn, but I haven’t missed that extra die. One of the greatest changes in this version is the Converter tweak. In the original game a player would need to sacrifice two inactive dice to convert a third die to whichever face was needed. In the new version, only one die is needed for sacrifice along with either one Energy or one Culture value. The Converter was always neglected in the older version, and now it’s a real option during play.
I do wish certain aspects of the older version were included, however. What has been eliminated in the streamlining process is the Solo mode and the fifth player. BLAST OFF! can accommodate two to four players now instead of one to five players, with the black components being axed from this version. I will miss the Solo mode mostly because I used to love breaking out the game later at night once the kids were asleep to try to conquer the Red rival (I almost never play Red). I do understand that a Solo mode may still be created in the future by Gamelyn directly or by another gamer.
All of these changes are minor, but equate to a much better gameplay overall. I do want to speak more on components, so let’s away with them.
Components. Okay, BLAST OFF! boasts improvements on the original game on every facet of components. Yes, the materials are similar quality, so it’s a wash there, but everything else is so much better. The dice are bigger, and ORANGE (great choice btw)! The iconography is much easier to understand and decipher throughout the game. The planets now have two new alignments: Life (plant icon) and Tech (gear icon). I feel the iconography and terminology in the first version could be confusing to new players, but plants vs gears is easy to distinguish. The ships are more stylized now, and the inclusion of this new Galaxy Slider to move up the Galaxy Track on the mats is most excellent. All of these improvements definitely cater to new Tiny Epic Galaxies players, and are most welcome as I try to convince my brother that this is one of the best games out there.
Obviously I am keeping this version and am seriously considering weeding out my original version of TEG with all expansions in favor for this. I just feel better playing it. It is more streamlined, easier to play and teach, and I love the way it looks on the table much more. One minor wish I have for the game is different player colors. This game could have been a triumph with just four different player colors from the original. Now, there’s nothing wrong with tried and true blue, yellow, green, and red, but I’m much more interested in playing a game with fuscia, purple, volt (like our green color we use throughout our branding), and aqua. Maybe it has to do with colorblindness, I don’t know, but take on the colors like are found in Seasons or something, and this game would blast off higher on my Top 10 Games of All Time list for sure.
That said, Purple Phoenix Games still gives this one a rocket of a GOLDEN FEATHER AWARD! If you are a fan of the original but wish new players to the game would enjoy it more, check out BLAST OFF! Nearly everything that has been changed caters to newer players and giving all players a more aesthetically-pleasing experience over the original. I will definitely be playing my copy a TON. Maybe if I ask nicely Gamelyn Games will make me some different player colors. Maybe.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2450 KP) rated Murder on Lenox Hill in Books
Feb 13, 2019
My First Disappointment in This Series
It’s a cold winter’s day when midwife Sarah Brandt is summoned to the Linton home. When she arrives, it is to discovered they are worried about their daughter Grace. While biologically almost a young woman, mentally she is still a child. And yet, her parents think she is pregnant. Sarah’s examination confirms their suspicions, but Grace never leaves them. How could this have happened to her? Who would take advantage of her like that? Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy has been summoned to see Sarah’s father. Mr. Decker wants Frank to work further on his investigation into the murder of Sarah’s husband, Tom. Decker insists that Tom was not that man that Sarah thought he was, and he is certain that this investigation will help Sarah learn the truth. Is Decker correct? Can Frank find the truth while sparing Sarah from any pain?
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Gets weirder each series
I loved the first series of Fortitude. The setting, Arctic Norway, was beautiful. The town of Fortitude has a selection of characters from different countries, all of whom seem to have some kind of secret, and who are played by a great cast. It can be quite slow moving at times, but there is a lot to take in. This is not a show to watch half-heartedly. There's mystery, intrigue and a bit of gore thrown in, too. I've seen comparisons to Twin Peaks - that might give you a bit of an idea of what to expect. If you like scandi-noir and a bit of dark humour, you'll like Fortitude.
(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
In series one, a mammoth is found under the ice, threatening the development of a new hotel and Fortitude's first murders occur. There are many potential suspects but it turns out it's not just a straightforward case of finding who is responsible.
Throughout the three series' there are scientific discoveries and experiments, a shaman, missing persons, people possessed by parasites, a schoolteacher with a feeding fetish and many, many questions.
The first series was superb. The second series was just as good but started to get a little weirder. The third series is shorter than the previous two at only four episodes, but managed to fit in a whole lot more weirdness. (Dance with a burnt corpse, anyone?)
Series three is reported to be the last, and I think that's the right choice, but the ending does leave the possibility of the cause of Fortitude's 'problems' starting again somewhere else.
(SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD)
In series one, a mammoth is found under the ice, threatening the development of a new hotel and Fortitude's first murders occur. There are many potential suspects but it turns out it's not just a straightforward case of finding who is responsible.
Throughout the three series' there are scientific discoveries and experiments, a shaman, missing persons, people possessed by parasites, a schoolteacher with a feeding fetish and many, many questions.
The first series was superb. The second series was just as good but started to get a little weirder. The third series is shorter than the previous two at only four episodes, but managed to fit in a whole lot more weirdness. (Dance with a burnt corpse, anyone?)
Series three is reported to be the last, and I think that's the right choice, but the ending does leave the possibility of the cause of Fortitude's 'problems' starting again somewhere else.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown in TV
Apr 18, 2018
Great fun
I’ll have to start off by saying i had the opportunity to watch them film this yesterday evening, and it is a hell of a lot of fun.
I’m not a huge fan of the original Countdown series, I’ll be honest I find it a little boring. However the humorous 8 Out of 10 Cats take on Countdown is hilarious. There’s obviously an emphasis more on humour than the gameplay itself, but this is actually much more fun. It’s good that it varies the teams and dictionary corner each episode, although it does often tend to be the usual suspects. Some of the humour can be a little oddball or risqué, and I’m not everything will appeal to everyone, but it’s such a fun programme and brings the letters and numbers game to a much wider audience.
For those of you that live in the UK, especially around the Manchester/North area, I’d highly recommend applying for tickets to watch this if it’s your kind of programme. Not only is it a highly entertaining day/night out, the tickets are entirely free! There’s obviously no guarantee you’ll get tickets, but it’s worth a punt. We got given tickets on a fairly last minute basis (found out Monday morning for Tuesday afternoon) and involved taking an afternoon off work, but it was such fun. We even got on the front row!
I’m not a huge fan of the original Countdown series, I’ll be honest I find it a little boring. However the humorous 8 Out of 10 Cats take on Countdown is hilarious. There’s obviously an emphasis more on humour than the gameplay itself, but this is actually much more fun. It’s good that it varies the teams and dictionary corner each episode, although it does often tend to be the usual suspects. Some of the humour can be a little oddball or risqué, and I’m not everything will appeal to everyone, but it’s such a fun programme and brings the letters and numbers game to a much wider audience.
For those of you that live in the UK, especially around the Manchester/North area, I’d highly recommend applying for tickets to watch this if it’s your kind of programme. Not only is it a highly entertaining day/night out, the tickets are entirely free! There’s obviously no guarantee you’ll get tickets, but it’s worth a punt. We got given tickets on a fairly last minute basis (found out Monday morning for Tuesday afternoon) and involved taking an afternoon off work, but it was such fun. We even got on the front row!
David McK (3642 KP) rated The Last Hero (Discworld, #27; Rincewind #7) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
<i>Fable (noun): a story about supernatural or extraordinary persons or incidents; legend: the fables of gods and heroes.
[from http://dictionary.reference.com]</i>;
This short story by Terry Pratchett ticks all those boxes with the blurb on my edition reading:
"He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember the great days of high adventure.
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation.
He can remember when people didn't tell you off for killing dragons.
But he can't alwyas remember, these days, where he put his teeth ...
He's not really happy about that bit.
.... He's going to climb the highest mountain in the Discworld and meet his gods. He doesn't like the way they let men grow old and die ... "
What ensues is, by the standards of Discworld novels, perhaps a return to the earlier novels that featured the gods (and Cohen the Barbarian) more prominently than the more recent. Also involved prominently in this story are the Wiz(z)ard Rincewind, Captain Carrot and Leonard of Quirm, with that latter character given more of a role than in the few previous he has been in (excepting, maybe, Jingo).
This is also unusual in that it is an illustrated story: whereas I've always found illustrations to be inferior to imagination when it comes to visualising events and characters, it does add an extra layer to this story - particularly where it concerns Leonard's creations.
[from http://dictionary.reference.com]</i>;
This short story by Terry Pratchett ticks all those boxes with the blurb on my edition reading:
"He's been a legend in his own lifetime.
He can remember the great days of high adventure.
He can remember when a hero didn't have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation.
He can remember when people didn't tell you off for killing dragons.
But he can't alwyas remember, these days, where he put his teeth ...
He's not really happy about that bit.
.... He's going to climb the highest mountain in the Discworld and meet his gods. He doesn't like the way they let men grow old and die ... "
What ensues is, by the standards of Discworld novels, perhaps a return to the earlier novels that featured the gods (and Cohen the Barbarian) more prominently than the more recent. Also involved prominently in this story are the Wiz(z)ard Rincewind, Captain Carrot and Leonard of Quirm, with that latter character given more of a role than in the few previous he has been in (excepting, maybe, Jingo).
This is also unusual in that it is an illustrated story: whereas I've always found illustrations to be inferior to imagination when it comes to visualising events and characters, it does add an extra layer to this story - particularly where it concerns Leonard's creations.
Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life
Book
"I was wowed and moved." (Tracy Chevalier). Anne Bronte is the forgotten Bronte sister, overshadowed...
Laetitia Sadier recommended Ex-Futur Album by Veronique Vincent and Aksak Maboul in Music (curated)
Thomas Quick: The Making of a Serial Killer
Hannes Rastam, Henning Koch and Elizabeth Day
Book
'I wonder what you'd think of me if you found out that I've done something really serious ...' So...