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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Videodrome: Days of O'Blivion in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review</i>
Written as a prequel to David Cronenberg’s horror film, Lee McGeorge explores the potential scenario that led up to the surrealist events in <i>Videodrome</i>. This short story is more science fiction than horror in nature as it only builds up the background and setting to the point in which the film begins.
<i>Days of O’Blivion</i>, as well as the original film, is set during the cold war between the US and USSR. It is a period of time threatened with atomic weapons of mass destruction, and the competition to create the most superior technology. In this particular scenario, two men: Professor Brian Olivier and his friend Barry have been experimenting with special television technology resulting in interesting outcomes. Their product, which they name <i>Veraceo</i> –a compound of Veracity and Video –, has the ability to make everyone believe what they are seeing on screen to be true. This could be a big boon to advertising establishments, however cause dire consequences if found in the wrong hands, i.e. communists.
Readers, including those unfamiliar with the film, should be able to ascertain several problems this technological advancement could pose, making it all the more foreboding when an unknown but powerful company pays out thousands of dollars to become partners with Brian and Barry. What makes it all the more ominous is Brian’s hesitancy in accepting the offer in contrast with Barry’s excitement. As the technology is adapted further it becomes clear that they are dealing with very dangerous concepts and people – hallucinations being only the smallest of side affects.
Although Lee McGeorge is using an already existing story, he makes this prequel his own by exploring the hows and whys <i>Veraceo</i> came to be developed. His narrative is accurate in terms of the way it builds up to coincide with the film script without damaging or giving new meaning to Cronenberg’s original storyline.
Although not horror as in scary, <i>Days of O’Blivion</i> contains many horrific scenes. Most of these are pornographic in nature and rather disturbing, particularly more so as the story progresses – something that lessened the general enjoyment of the book. The overall nature of the book (and film, probably) may appeal more towards a male market, particularly those with a less delicate temperament.
As with his previous books, which also incorporate pre-existing ideas, Lee McGeorge writes well in a way that engages the reader and even interests those without prior knowledge of the subject. There is also additional digital content alongside this book. Those lucky enough to own a paper back copy will be able to access these using an NFC enabled device.
Written as a prequel to David Cronenberg’s horror film, Lee McGeorge explores the potential scenario that led up to the surrealist events in <i>Videodrome</i>. This short story is more science fiction than horror in nature as it only builds up the background and setting to the point in which the film begins.
<i>Days of O’Blivion</i>, as well as the original film, is set during the cold war between the US and USSR. It is a period of time threatened with atomic weapons of mass destruction, and the competition to create the most superior technology. In this particular scenario, two men: Professor Brian Olivier and his friend Barry have been experimenting with special television technology resulting in interesting outcomes. Their product, which they name <i>Veraceo</i> –a compound of Veracity and Video –, has the ability to make everyone believe what they are seeing on screen to be true. This could be a big boon to advertising establishments, however cause dire consequences if found in the wrong hands, i.e. communists.
Readers, including those unfamiliar with the film, should be able to ascertain several problems this technological advancement could pose, making it all the more foreboding when an unknown but powerful company pays out thousands of dollars to become partners with Brian and Barry. What makes it all the more ominous is Brian’s hesitancy in accepting the offer in contrast with Barry’s excitement. As the technology is adapted further it becomes clear that they are dealing with very dangerous concepts and people – hallucinations being only the smallest of side affects.
Although Lee McGeorge is using an already existing story, he makes this prequel his own by exploring the hows and whys <i>Veraceo</i> came to be developed. His narrative is accurate in terms of the way it builds up to coincide with the film script without damaging or giving new meaning to Cronenberg’s original storyline.
Although not horror as in scary, <i>Days of O’Blivion</i> contains many horrific scenes. Most of these are pornographic in nature and rather disturbing, particularly more so as the story progresses – something that lessened the general enjoyment of the book. The overall nature of the book (and film, probably) may appeal more towards a male market, particularly those with a less delicate temperament.
As with his previous books, which also incorporate pre-existing ideas, Lee McGeorge writes well in a way that engages the reader and even interests those without prior knowledge of the subject. There is also additional digital content alongside this book. Those lucky enough to own a paper back copy will be able to access these using an NFC enabled device.
Speech in the Silence: Thelema & Magick
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Windy ~ Sleep Relax Meditate & white noise sounds
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Steph Freeman (26 KP) rated THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD in TV
Jan 6, 2018
The actors are well suited for their characters. (1 more)
Show stayed true to film noir through all 8 episodes.
The first two episodes were shown in the preview. (1 more)
Season was so short there was very little character development.
Film Noir Style Humor
This genre is my favorite, and very few movies or shows are successful at the dry, dark humor without giving up the true macabre nature of the subject. The teens that played the main characters are excellent, as are the two women that play the main detective constables.
I do wish there had been more character development. We know quite a bit about the kids by the end of the 8 episodes (roughly 20-25 minutes per episode), but we are only given a wisp of information about the detective constables relationship. This was very similar to how I felt about the end of Stranger Things season 1.
I do wish there had been more character development. We know quite a bit about the kids by the end of the 8 episodes (roughly 20-25 minutes per episode), but we are only given a wisp of information about the detective constables relationship. This was very similar to how I felt about the end of Stranger Things season 1.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated H is for Hawk in Books
Jan 14, 2018
A surprisingly fabulous memoir!
Helen Macdonald is an Academic and a Falconer. She loses her father and decides to get a Goshawk and train it - they're notoriously difficult to train; but the connection they have is special. T H White features heavily in this, and his memoir of training his Goshawk is recounted alongside Helen's own story. His first attempt with a Goshawk was disastrous (I believe he became more successful after.).
This is a very moving story: we see Helen trying to 'become' more like a Hawk and not need people after her father's death. The descriptions of nature and the hawk are amazing, and i loved the language she used. A brave story in a lot of ways, to admit to mental health issues and her own (perceived) shortcomings. The end is particularly sad - but I'll leave it to you to read it and find out why!
This is a very moving story: we see Helen trying to 'become' more like a Hawk and not need people after her father's death. The descriptions of nature and the hawk are amazing, and i loved the language she used. A brave story in a lot of ways, to admit to mental health issues and her own (perceived) shortcomings. The end is particularly sad - but I'll leave it to you to read it and find out why!
Kelly (279 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Apr 23, 2019
Enjoyable
Having been nagged by my teen son to watch this movie for some time, I finally got around to watching it. I have to say, I was dubious about Tom Hardy playing the main character to begin with, however I was pleasantly surprised. Hardy was well cast and injected a sense of humour and fun into the role. I did find that Michelle Williams was poorly cast as Hardy’s girlfriend. I found the chemistry between Hardy and Williams was lacking, and Williams was a little wooden in parts.
The plot line was humorous and easy to follow, my teen son loved it. At times, I found the graphics, particularly Venom, were a little cheesy, but I think this was part of the nature of the film.
The film was not overly long, so did not drag out. All in all, an enjoyable watch.
The plot line was humorous and easy to follow, my teen son loved it. At times, I found the graphics, particularly Venom, were a little cheesy, but I think this was part of the nature of the film.
The film was not overly long, so did not drag out. All in all, an enjoyable watch.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Meaning of Human Existence in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This book may not be very long, but it does leave you with a lot to think about. The title is somewhat misleading, as of course that answer isn't really provided. I can't say I expected it would be as that is possibly something we can't ever really "know". That being said, the essays within leave you with a lot of pieces of the puzzle to help you piece it together as best as possible for yourself. Much of the book focuses on the scientific reasons for our existence, meaning evolution, but not just of the physical variety, but also the sociological, which provided for many of the book's most fascinating moments. I don't know that I feel all that much closer to understanding the meaning of human existence, but I do feel I learned some interesting things about the very nature of humanity, and that's something.
Gail (4 KP) rated Just the Way You Are in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Just the Way You Are by Allison M. Lewis
Four Stars
At first the story was interesting because hello how many fairy tales do you hear about where the princess is disabled. I was excited for the story to build up young girls spirits who didn’t believe they could. It did do that some what but I feel like it was corny and unrealistic. I liked how Derrick built her up and pushed her to believe in herself. How Misty stood up to her father and demanded he listen. There was no demand on a sexual nature between them and it was refreshing to read about a couple not dominated by sex. The direction the author wanted was somewhat there but the flow of the story was lacking. Conversations didn’t have the believable quality at all. Overall it was a good story so I would read more from this author.
Four Stars
At first the story was interesting because hello how many fairy tales do you hear about where the princess is disabled. I was excited for the story to build up young girls spirits who didn’t believe they could. It did do that some what but I feel like it was corny and unrealistic. I liked how Derrick built her up and pushed her to believe in herself. How Misty stood up to her father and demanded he listen. There was no demand on a sexual nature between them and it was refreshing to read about a couple not dominated by sex. The direction the author wanted was somewhat there but the flow of the story was lacking. Conversations didn’t have the believable quality at all. Overall it was a good story so I would read more from this author.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated The Dark Lake in Books
Sep 5, 2018
One to watch for.
A debut thriller that really kept me on the edge of my seat. Rosalind Ryan, a local Drama and English teacher, is found dead in the lake at a local nature reserve. Gemma Woodstock, a local Detective Sergeant, is put on the case. Except Gemma has a history with Rosalind, and she has a lot of other personal baggage.
I enjoyed this. They're all very human characters with lots of faults, sometimes unpleasant ones: but I liked that. I liked that the murderer wasn't at all obvious (to me, anyway!) and had me guessing right up to the end, and the whole reason for the murder was a shock, and at the same time, understandable.
I will keep an eye out for future novels by this author, particularly in this series. I really do think that she'll be one to watch out for in the future.
I enjoyed this. They're all very human characters with lots of faults, sometimes unpleasant ones: but I liked that. I liked that the murderer wasn't at all obvious (to me, anyway!) and had me guessing right up to the end, and the whole reason for the murder was a shock, and at the same time, understandable.
I will keep an eye out for future novels by this author, particularly in this series. I really do think that she'll be one to watch out for in the future.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Captain Marvel, Volume 1: Higher, Further, Faster, More in Books
Sep 17, 2018
Captain Marvel is not a superhero I am familiar with, but with a free Kindle Unlimited trial and an upcoming movie about her, I thought I should give it a try.
Some really good artwork here, being slightly cartoony in nature but not too twee. Some good interaction with Guardians of the Galaxy.
But in general, just a bit flimsy and dull. A lot of the book falls into Phantom Menace-esque international trade tariff discussions which take up quite a large proportion of the page count.
I don't feel like this really shows off one of the most powerful superheroes in all their glory, rather being a strong independent woman sorting things out through political discussion and diplomacy before eventually resorting to her powers. While this was right for the story being told, I found it a boring one. I may not be the target market for this.
Some really good artwork here, being slightly cartoony in nature but not too twee. Some good interaction with Guardians of the Galaxy.
But in general, just a bit flimsy and dull. A lot of the book falls into Phantom Menace-esque international trade tariff discussions which take up quite a large proportion of the page count.
I don't feel like this really shows off one of the most powerful superheroes in all their glory, rather being a strong independent woman sorting things out through political discussion and diplomacy before eventually resorting to her powers. While this was right for the story being told, I found it a boring one. I may not be the target market for this.