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David McK (3425 KP) rated The Running Man in Books
Jan 28, 2019
First and foremost, if you think this is anything like the Arnie movie, think again! That movie only shares the title, a few names, and the idea of a game show with the book.
Written by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King), this is set in a future dystopia where the gulf between the rich and the poor has widened even further, to the extent that, while the rich have access to new gadgets, medicine and groceries, life is a daily struggle to survive for the poor (who are now treated as vermin by the rich).
The top TV shows are all game shows (OK: like the movie); in all the poor are more-or-less tortured (the shows have names like 'Swimming with Crocidiles' or 'Treadmill to Fortune') to earn money. Of these, the most popular by far is 'The Running Man', which is - basically - a televised manhunt.
This is a pretty quick read - only took me about one day - with the Ben Richards of the novel far more sickly and wasted than the muscular Arnie of the film (Steve Buscemi, perhaps?), with the novel also covering a wider area of land than the Running Man set of that movie (which, remember, is only set in four zones - here, it's more-or-less right across America). The ending is also far more downbeat!
Written by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King), this is set in a future dystopia where the gulf between the rich and the poor has widened even further, to the extent that, while the rich have access to new gadgets, medicine and groceries, life is a daily struggle to survive for the poor (who are now treated as vermin by the rich).
The top TV shows are all game shows (OK: like the movie); in all the poor are more-or-less tortured (the shows have names like 'Swimming with Crocidiles' or 'Treadmill to Fortune') to earn money. Of these, the most popular by far is 'The Running Man', which is - basically - a televised manhunt.
This is a pretty quick read - only took me about one day - with the Ben Richards of the novel far more sickly and wasted than the muscular Arnie of the film (Steve Buscemi, perhaps?), with the novel also covering a wider area of land than the Running Man set of that movie (which, remember, is only set in four zones - here, it's more-or-less right across America). The ending is also far more downbeat!
Ali: A Life
Book
When the frail, trembling figure of Muhammad Ali lit the Olympic flame in Atlanta in 1996, a TV...
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Ant-Man (2015) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Paul Rudd like you've never seen him before
You can almost hear the groans, yet another superhero film bulldozes its way into cinemas. Sandwiched between the ambitious Avengers: Age of Ultron and the Fantastic Four reboot, Marvel’s Ant-Man is the first of this year’s summer superheroes.
However, numerous setbacks that included a director walking out halfway through filming meant that Ant-Man would be haunted by the action behind-the-scenes, rather than that on it. But what is the finished product like?
Peyton Reed took over from Edgar Wright after some “creative differences” and directs one of the best films to come out of Marvel studios, despite a few issues.
The film follows the story of former criminal Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, as he is tasked with becoming the mightily tiny superhero and stop a dangerous form of weaponry falling into the wrong hands – notably those of Darren Cross.
Helping him along the way is scientist Hank Pym, Michael Douglas, and his daughter Hope – played by the wonderful Evangeline Lilly.
Rudd’s casting raised a few eyebrows during the films pre-production but he is as charming as ever and really gets stuck into the role of a superhero. Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly are both more than a match for Rudd’s charisma and play their roles well.
What sets Ant-Man apart from the plethora of other big-budget superhero movies is the unique way the titular character utilises the environments around him. Summoning a host of ants to infiltrate buildings adds a new dimension to the genre that is much needed.
The CGI during these sequences is absolutely top-notch. When Rudd shrinks down we are drawn into a whole new world of giant carpet pile and huge ants and it’s hard not to get involved with the insects – you’ll never look at them in the same way again.
Marvel’s usual sense of humour is also in fine form, but again taking a different approach. This is a film well aware of the fact that Ant-Man is a ridiculous character, one of the most bizarre creations to ever come out of the studio.
Thankfully, this doesn’t stop Ant-Man from being ridiculously good fun. The action sequences are thrilling and beautifully choreographed throughout the film and on the whole show that the change in director hasn’t harmed the finished product.
However, like the titular character, the film feels ultimately, very small. After the city-levelling antics of Avengers: Age of Ultron and all the previous Marvel movies, Ant-Man comes across a little lightweight and lacking in substance.
Overall, Paul Rudd’s first foray into the superhero genre is highly commendable. Peyton Reed has managed to overcome near constant bad publicity to create a film that’s funny, thrilling and a little different.
Marvel will continue to churn out these movies until audiences are fed up with the genre, and if the quality remains at this level, it may be a while yet.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2015/07/19/paul-rudd-like-youve-never-seen-him-ant-man-review/
However, numerous setbacks that included a director walking out halfway through filming meant that Ant-Man would be haunted by the action behind-the-scenes, rather than that on it. But what is the finished product like?
Peyton Reed took over from Edgar Wright after some “creative differences” and directs one of the best films to come out of Marvel studios, despite a few issues.
The film follows the story of former criminal Scott Lang, played by Paul Rudd, as he is tasked with becoming the mightily tiny superhero and stop a dangerous form of weaponry falling into the wrong hands – notably those of Darren Cross.
Helping him along the way is scientist Hank Pym, Michael Douglas, and his daughter Hope – played by the wonderful Evangeline Lilly.
Rudd’s casting raised a few eyebrows during the films pre-production but he is as charming as ever and really gets stuck into the role of a superhero. Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly are both more than a match for Rudd’s charisma and play their roles well.
What sets Ant-Man apart from the plethora of other big-budget superhero movies is the unique way the titular character utilises the environments around him. Summoning a host of ants to infiltrate buildings adds a new dimension to the genre that is much needed.
The CGI during these sequences is absolutely top-notch. When Rudd shrinks down we are drawn into a whole new world of giant carpet pile and huge ants and it’s hard not to get involved with the insects – you’ll never look at them in the same way again.
Marvel’s usual sense of humour is also in fine form, but again taking a different approach. This is a film well aware of the fact that Ant-Man is a ridiculous character, one of the most bizarre creations to ever come out of the studio.
Thankfully, this doesn’t stop Ant-Man from being ridiculously good fun. The action sequences are thrilling and beautifully choreographed throughout the film and on the whole show that the change in director hasn’t harmed the finished product.
However, like the titular character, the film feels ultimately, very small. After the city-levelling antics of Avengers: Age of Ultron and all the previous Marvel movies, Ant-Man comes across a little lightweight and lacking in substance.
Overall, Paul Rudd’s first foray into the superhero genre is highly commendable. Peyton Reed has managed to overcome near constant bad publicity to create a film that’s funny, thrilling and a little different.
Marvel will continue to churn out these movies until audiences are fed up with the genre, and if the quality remains at this level, it may be a while yet.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2015/07/19/paul-rudd-like-youve-never-seen-him-ant-man-review/
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Envy (Seven Princes of Sin #5) in Books
May 31, 2023
Please read the TWs!
ENVY is the fifth book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, in my opinion, you really need to have read the others to receive the full benefit of this one. Also, and it's a biggie, you really need to read the Trigger Warnings for this series. It is hella dark and disturbing in places. Now, moving on…
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
May 31, 2023
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
May 31, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated How the Finch Stole Christmas! (Meg Langslow #22) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This Christmas, Meg’s husband Michael has turned his one-man production of A Christmas Carol into a full play. In an effort to bring in more people to watch, Malcolm Haver has been cast as Scrooge. Malcolm is best known for a part in a cult TV show from 30 years ago, but he does have a loyal fan base. Unfortunately, he also has a habit of showing up late and drunk. In an effort to find out where Malcolm is getting his alcohol, Meg follows him from the theater one day. Where will Malcolm lead her?
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-how-finch-stole-christmas.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While my teaser doesn’t reveal much of it, there is a mystery, even a murder, in this book. It’s just best to watch it all unfold for yourself. I did feel the ending was a tad weak, and the pacing was a little uneven early on, but these are minor complaints. I love these characters, and they are in fine form here. We get some laughs as grins along the way as always. Really, it’s hard to not have fun while reading this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-how-finch-stole-christmas.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated First Blood (1982) in Movies
Jun 23, 2018 (Updated Jun 23, 2018)
They drew First Blood, not me!
Sylvester Stallone will probably always be best remembered for his portrayal of boxer Rocky Balboa, but a close second is his role and character of troubled Vietnam War veteran John Rambo.
All he wanted to do was stop and settle in a small, rural town, but the local sheriff would have none of that. Rambo, the drifter, was arrested and booked for just wanting to have a hot meal somewhere. Thus, this is when the ordeal began. Rambo quickly escaped his captors as well as the police station and set forth a sequence of events, like a game of cat and mouse, whereas the authorities try to bring him back into custody.
After their initial attempt are unsuccessful they even try bringing in his former commanding officer, Colonel Trautman, to try and talk him in.
Stallone's portrayal of Rambo in First Blood shows real depth and emotion. Subsequent Rambo sequels show him as more of a huklish, strongman, badass, one man army, but First Blood shows his emotional scars come to the surface several times. You feel empathy for him and realize his actions were defensive and only used because of his intense training.
It's one of the great chase movies ever made.
All he wanted to do was stop and settle in a small, rural town, but the local sheriff would have none of that. Rambo, the drifter, was arrested and booked for just wanting to have a hot meal somewhere. Thus, this is when the ordeal began. Rambo quickly escaped his captors as well as the police station and set forth a sequence of events, like a game of cat and mouse, whereas the authorities try to bring him back into custody.
After their initial attempt are unsuccessful they even try bringing in his former commanding officer, Colonel Trautman, to try and talk him in.
Stallone's portrayal of Rambo in First Blood shows real depth and emotion. Subsequent Rambo sequels show him as more of a huklish, strongman, badass, one man army, but First Blood shows his emotional scars come to the surface several times. You feel empathy for him and realize his actions were defensive and only used because of his intense training.
It's one of the great chase movies ever made.
David McK (3425 KP) rated The Hunger Games in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated Jun 18, 2020)
This is one of those books/films that I've heard of, but never actually got round to reading before now (perhaps as a sub-conscious reaction to the perceived 'it's just for teenage girls' feeling)
I've previously heard it described as a bloodless <i>Battle Royale</i> for teenagers, but never having read that, I'm not really in a position to compare. What I did notice, though, were the more-than-a-few similarities to Stephen King/Richard Bachman novel <i>The Running Man</i> or even David Brin's <i>The Postman</i> in the dystopian setting (as the latter), and in the idea of a televised game show where people die (the former), and with a wide gap between the haves (i.e The Capitol) and the have-not's (anyone else)(again, from the former).
I'm happy to report, however, that's it's not *just* a for-teenage-girls-only novel: while there is the set-up for a 3-way love triangle to (presumably) later follow, that's actually not the main focus. It's also rather unusual in that it is told in both the present-tense and first person and, while I was never *really* hooked, it was also one of those novels that before I realized it I was more than half-way through!
I've previously heard it described as a bloodless <i>Battle Royale</i> for teenagers, but never having read that, I'm not really in a position to compare. What I did notice, though, were the more-than-a-few similarities to Stephen King/Richard Bachman novel <i>The Running Man</i> or even David Brin's <i>The Postman</i> in the dystopian setting (as the latter), and in the idea of a televised game show where people die (the former), and with a wide gap between the haves (i.e The Capitol) and the have-not's (anyone else)(again, from the former).
I'm happy to report, however, that's it's not *just* a for-teenage-girls-only novel: while there is the set-up for a 3-way love triangle to (presumably) later follow, that's actually not the main focus. It's also rather unusual in that it is told in both the present-tense and first person and, while I was never *really* hooked, it was also one of those novels that before I realized it I was more than half-way through!
Bound to Please: More Secrets from a Submissive
Book
A true story of submission, dominance, bondage and fabulous sex. Having split up with her Dom, Max,...
Mekhi Phifer recommended Aliens (1986) in Movies (curated)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat.
After having rewatched the first offering from this franchise I was fully up to date with my rip off Transformers. For those of you who don’t remember the first one, they’re man operated robots that think they’re a combination of your favourite superheroes with almost power poses, and almost hero landings.
You don’t have to worry about not having seen the first one. It's very accommodating to show you what you missed... World was bad. World had a war. World won! There are bits that would benefit from the original knowledge, but you can glean what happened from what's going on.
There's certainly entertaining action, and a few moments where they seem to have a little laugh at themselves. It will pass the time relatively easily... as long as you ignore the very out of place montage in the middle.
I'm glad they brought new elements in and it didn't end up just being a resurgence of the Kaiju and "oh no, let's get the band back together".
After having rewatched the first offering from this franchise I was fully up to date with my rip off Transformers. For those of you who don’t remember the first one, they’re man operated robots that think they’re a combination of your favourite superheroes with almost power poses, and almost hero landings.
You don’t have to worry about not having seen the first one. It's very accommodating to show you what you missed... World was bad. World had a war. World won! There are bits that would benefit from the original knowledge, but you can glean what happened from what's going on.
There's certainly entertaining action, and a few moments where they seem to have a little laugh at themselves. It will pass the time relatively easily... as long as you ignore the very out of place montage in the middle.
I'm glad they brought new elements in and it didn't end up just being a resurgence of the Kaiju and "oh no, let's get the band back together".