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Charles Burbridge (13 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Mar 29, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
"Ready Player One" is a good, almost great, popcorn flick. There are visual jokes throughout the film, references to every 80s pop culture item you can think of, and characters that are likeable.
The vast majority of the film is animated, which is obvious given the subject matter. The animation, however, doesn't allow the actors to deliver nuanced performances. Everything in the film is turned up to 11. There's no breaks, no subtle moments. It's full throttle, pedal to the metal, all the way through.
Now, there are some very cute character bits that are blown away by the bombast, not the least of which is the film's villain uses a Superman avatar in the Oasis, and I'm pretty sure it's the Injustice Superman, which is fitting. Yes, we've all seen the Iron Giant in the previews, as well as the cars in the race sequence.
The most surprising inclusion in the movie, the best filmed and the most impressive story-wise, is the sequence involving the retrieval of the second key. It's pitch perfect and the film should have done more like that and less Where's Waldo. Speaking of, I didn't see Waldo, but I'm sure he's in the film.
Spielberg did as Spielberg does when he wants to make enough money to finance another serious film. He made a popcorn flick. Ready Player One should please audiences and in a year without Marvel's juggernaut would have been the geek culture film of the season.
Instead, it's playing second fiddle to Black Panther, Infinity War, and, to me, Incredibles 2. Still, it's great fun and as long as you're part of geek culture, you'll enjoy it. And then tear it to pieces on the Internet because that's what we do.
The vast majority of the film is animated, which is obvious given the subject matter. The animation, however, doesn't allow the actors to deliver nuanced performances. Everything in the film is turned up to 11. There's no breaks, no subtle moments. It's full throttle, pedal to the metal, all the way through.
Now, there are some very cute character bits that are blown away by the bombast, not the least of which is the film's villain uses a Superman avatar in the Oasis, and I'm pretty sure it's the Injustice Superman, which is fitting. Yes, we've all seen the Iron Giant in the previews, as well as the cars in the race sequence.
The most surprising inclusion in the movie, the best filmed and the most impressive story-wise, is the sequence involving the retrieval of the second key. It's pitch perfect and the film should have done more like that and less Where's Waldo. Speaking of, I didn't see Waldo, but I'm sure he's in the film.
Spielberg did as Spielberg does when he wants to make enough money to finance another serious film. He made a popcorn flick. Ready Player One should please audiences and in a year without Marvel's juggernaut would have been the geek culture film of the season.
Instead, it's playing second fiddle to Black Panther, Infinity War, and, to me, Incredibles 2. Still, it's great fun and as long as you're part of geek culture, you'll enjoy it. And then tear it to pieces on the Internet because that's what we do.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Midnight City (Conquered Earth, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I won an ARC print copy of this book from a FirstReads giveaway.
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
I'll start by saying I'm not generally a fan of science fiction. That being said, I entered the giveaway for "Midnight City" because the premise sounded very interesting to me, and after reading it, I was not disappointed. The idea is that an alien race, called the Assembly, has taken over Earth using force and what is called "the Tone." The Tone immediately took control of most adults, anybody over the age of 20-21, and left the kids/teenagers to fend for themselves, under they are old enough to lose themselves to the Tone, as well. Holt Hawkins, on the other hand, is Heedless, meaning the Tone doesn't affect him at all, but he must suffer watching those around him Succumb to its effects. The story follows him and his dog Max on their quest to fulfill a bounty on Mira Toombs, and it just gets more interesting from there, as the trio finds a downed Assembly ship with a little girl named Zoey inside.
I've tried to explain this book to a few people, and they all looked at me like a grew a second head. It sounds extremely "out there," but it a very good story, the first in a series, and it really held me through the entire book. I was anxious to see what was around the corner for the group, and every time it looks like fate has smiled on them, their hopes get dashed again. It's a very intriguing roller-coaster ride from start to finish, and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. It ends on a cliff-hanger, and definitely leaves you wanting more. =)
5 stars
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Ninth Rain in Books
Aug 27, 2018
The Ninth Rain takes place in a world with two main dominant races: humans and eborans. The latter used to derive strength from the sap of Ygserin, the life-giving god-tree. This tree also used to dispatch war-beasts when needed, following invasion from the "worm-people", an alien race who seem determined to destroy the land and its people. The story follows the adventures of Vintage and Tormalin (a human and her Eboran companion) as they try to research the worm people's motives and weaknesses, and Noon, a Fell-witch who can take someone's life force and turn it into a weapon of fire.
The plot is very well planned out and interwoven, with the history of the land and its people, and the main characters, being revealed over the course of the book as needed to fit in with the current timeline.
The characters are well crafted and develop in different ways over the course of the book.
For me, the middle third dragged a little as a fairly humdrum adventure across country unfolded and numerous incidents and conflicts occurred. There just didn't seem to be a great deal of direction and it was more that "things that need to happen will happen here" but it didn't really serve much purpose. The story before and after that was very strong, but this section was a chore.
I am always nervous when a character suddenly has a voice in their head telling them what to do, afraid of irritating deus ex machina. Here however that was not the case as the voice was a very important, and (eventually) well-grounded plot point.
Overall a very good story, set up nicely for the follow-up in the series.
The plot is very well planned out and interwoven, with the history of the land and its people, and the main characters, being revealed over the course of the book as needed to fit in with the current timeline.
The characters are well crafted and develop in different ways over the course of the book.
For me, the middle third dragged a little as a fairly humdrum adventure across country unfolded and numerous incidents and conflicts occurred. There just didn't seem to be a great deal of direction and it was more that "things that need to happen will happen here" but it didn't really serve much purpose. The story before and after that was very strong, but this section was a chore.
I am always nervous when a character suddenly has a voice in their head telling them what to do, afraid of irritating deus ex machina. Here however that was not the case as the voice was a very important, and (eventually) well-grounded plot point.
Overall a very good story, set up nicely for the follow-up in the series.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Dread Nation in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I read Dread Nation a few months ago and I thought it was just ok. I had been looking forward to it for some time before I read it so maybe because of my high expectations I didn't give it a fair shot, idk.
I did like the analogous way Ireland tackled the race and social issues for the most part but the plot was basically a mess. It just didn't flow well from the events in Maryland to being sent out west and some parts felt more like random filler than relevant to the plot. I'm generally a fan of longer books but this one could have easily been 100 pages shorter without really losing anything, at least in my opinion.
The world building wasn't anything special. I felt like she had the chance to do something truly original here but instead it relies on preconceived notions of the old south and the wild west as depicted in old westerns, just with the addition of zombies.
With the exception of Jane, I didn't really think the characters were as well developed as they could have been. Jane's sass was great, I enjoyed how clearly her personality comes through in the writing but I did find her kind of 'know-it-all,' smarter than everyone around her type of attitude a bit grating at times. I was hoping to see something more than just the enemies to friends trope with Jane and Katherine as well.
Overall, I was a little disappointed with Dread Nation. I expected it to be so much more original than it turned out to be as far as a piece of spec fiction. As commentary on slavery, racism, and social injustice issues I thought it was done well.
I'll most likely pick up the sequel though, as I believe this series will continue to improve.
I did like the analogous way Ireland tackled the race and social issues for the most part but the plot was basically a mess. It just didn't flow well from the events in Maryland to being sent out west and some parts felt more like random filler than relevant to the plot. I'm generally a fan of longer books but this one could have easily been 100 pages shorter without really losing anything, at least in my opinion.
The world building wasn't anything special. I felt like she had the chance to do something truly original here but instead it relies on preconceived notions of the old south and the wild west as depicted in old westerns, just with the addition of zombies.
With the exception of Jane, I didn't really think the characters were as well developed as they could have been. Jane's sass was great, I enjoyed how clearly her personality comes through in the writing but I did find her kind of 'know-it-all,' smarter than everyone around her type of attitude a bit grating at times. I was hoping to see something more than just the enemies to friends trope with Jane and Katherine as well.
Overall, I was a little disappointed with Dread Nation. I expected it to be so much more original than it turned out to be as far as a piece of spec fiction. As commentary on slavery, racism, and social injustice issues I thought it was done well.
I'll most likely pick up the sequel though, as I believe this series will continue to improve.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Hole.io in Apps
Oct 8, 2018
Graphics (3 more)
Skins you can earn for your hole are fun
When people are eaten, it's oddly darkly satisfying.
Physics engine makes it harder to eat things if they are the same size as you.
The "Skill" seems to be having a good internet connection without lag, and knowing the maps. (3 more)
Essentially a speed game where knowledge of where things you can eat quickly causes you to win.
When people fall over but aren't eaten, they just lay there... they should try to get up and run away...
Every game played earns you an ad before playing the next.
Solid little addicting time waster.
The premise of the game is very simple, you are a small hole, you are trying to eat things on the map and get bigger, and then be able to eat bigger things and get even bigger.... You get points for eating things. and there is a time limit, so it's a race to get as big as possible, and if you are bigger than other holes you can even eat them. This game has issues. Being the first to find a park which has lots of little things seems to be the trick to winning. Once you clear that out and size up, then you can get other things like parked cars, then move on to small buildings and fences and so on... This game could be better with a random map generator (which is probably hard) which would keep experienced players from dominating every time based on knowing the maps inside and out. This is single-handedly the reason why I am probably going to quit playing the game in a week or so, but right now I'm having fun with it anyway.
Carma (21 KP) rated Armed 'N' Ready (Federal K-9 #2) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Andi Hardt loves what she does, finally, leaving the rat race business world after a huge violation of trust she started her own business. The Dog Park Café, a restaurant and dog park all in one and fills her days with joy. She is currently staying at her ex-boyfriends house while the pipes in her house are being fixed, while she is washing her stray dog in the shower early one morning her life is totally upended.
Sergeant Nick Houston is trying not to pay attention to the woman in the teeny tiny bikini in the shower washing her dog. All he wanted to do was serve a warrant and get illegal guns off the street. His K9 Saxon is standing guard right along side him as always and seems to be wondering what is going on as well. This woman and her dog are in shock, but for only a minute though then she starts throwing things at him. Can she really be a partner in all this illegal activity?
Andi and Nick have to work together to find out what exactly is going on with her ex and to clear her name. She agrees to have Nick work at the club as a bartender and shadow her every move to draw out Joe and get some answers. Neither of them counted on the attraction they share moving front and center. Will that attraction be enough to let them throw caution to the wind and be together?
I received an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. My first read from this author with 4 ½ stars, it wont be my last by any means.
Sergeant Nick Houston is trying not to pay attention to the woman in the teeny tiny bikini in the shower washing her dog. All he wanted to do was serve a warrant and get illegal guns off the street. His K9 Saxon is standing guard right along side him as always and seems to be wondering what is going on as well. This woman and her dog are in shock, but for only a minute though then she starts throwing things at him. Can she really be a partner in all this illegal activity?
Andi and Nick have to work together to find out what exactly is going on with her ex and to clear her name. She agrees to have Nick work at the club as a bartender and shadow her every move to draw out Joe and get some answers. Neither of them counted on the attraction they share moving front and center. Will that attraction be enough to let them throw caution to the wind and be together?
I received an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. My first read from this author with 4 ½ stars, it wont be my last by any means.
Kelly (279 KP) rated The Birth of a Nation (2016) in Movies
Jan 9, 2019
Moving and powerful story
Contains spoilers, click to show
The birth of a nation tells the story of slave preacher Nat Turner, who leads an uprising on a plantation in the 1830s. The film itself is based on a true story.
The film tells a story of a personal history, which may otherwise be forgotten and serves as a stark reminder of what happens when we allow profits to prioritise over humanity. The bulk of the film concentrates on the slipping standards and increasing violence on the plantation where Nat was enslaved. Being a preacher, Nat was privy to conditions on nearby plantations, but chose to act after a series of event, which included the brutal attack of his wife and his own lashing for baptising a white man without the permission of his owner.
The acting within the film was good and believable. The plot line includes some pretty horrific scenes that demonstrates the ways in which slaves were punished. These scenes were used to serve a purpose to the story rather than forced to the audience.
Personally, I felt that the film itself focuses too much on the motivation of Nat Turners rebellion, and brushed over the events of the rebellion and Nat’s execution. However I have still scored the film highly, as I believe that it is a story that needs to be told in order to remind us of the horrific way that an entire race of people were perceived and treated during the 17 and 1800s. So many story’s of brave people have been lost, and we need to be aware of stories like that of Nat Turner in order to understand that slaves were not always complacent of their circumstance.
The film tells a story of a personal history, which may otherwise be forgotten and serves as a stark reminder of what happens when we allow profits to prioritise over humanity. The bulk of the film concentrates on the slipping standards and increasing violence on the plantation where Nat was enslaved. Being a preacher, Nat was privy to conditions on nearby plantations, but chose to act after a series of event, which included the brutal attack of his wife and his own lashing for baptising a white man without the permission of his owner.
The acting within the film was good and believable. The plot line includes some pretty horrific scenes that demonstrates the ways in which slaves were punished. These scenes were used to serve a purpose to the story rather than forced to the audience.
Personally, I felt that the film itself focuses too much on the motivation of Nat Turners rebellion, and brushed over the events of the rebellion and Nat’s execution. However I have still scored the film highly, as I believe that it is a story that needs to be told in order to remind us of the horrific way that an entire race of people were perceived and treated during the 17 and 1800s. So many story’s of brave people have been lost, and we need to be aware of stories like that of Nat Turner in order to understand that slaves were not always complacent of their circumstance.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Assassin's Creed: Renaissance in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The Assassin's Creed video-games, for anyone who has been living in a cave for the last (roughly) decade or so, are Ubisoft's free-roaming murder-em-up games, detailing the ongoing secretive war between the order of the Assassins, and that of the Templars.
To date, I've played pretty much all of those games (or, atl least, those released for the PS3 and PS4), with the exception of Assassin's Creed: Unity. I'm also a heacvy reader, and have also seen to so-so Assassin's Creed movie (starring Michael Fassbender) that made the - in my eyes, wise, - decision to introduce a new character and historical period.
As such, I think it's fair to say I know enough about the series itself.
Of that series, the most enjoyable game (IMO) have been those set in the Renaissance period; those starring Ezio Auditore - the protaganist of this novel. Unfortunatley, however, this is a virtual retreading of the plot of the game, complete with passages where Ezio learns how to blend in (C'mon! It makes sense in the game, but not exactly an exciting narrative) or has to race hios accomplices from points A to point B (again, gives the player something to do in the game, but not exaclt exciting to read about).
It also doesn't help that this liberally mixes modern-day English and expressions with Italian phrases throughout (that require constant look-up to the glossary), nor that the author seemingly manages to make an entertaining game and compelling central character(s) into a bit of a chore to read through. On the plus side, it does away with all the modern-day Desmond sections from the game ...
Overall, however, I'm not impressed (sadly).
To date, I've played pretty much all of those games (or, atl least, those released for the PS3 and PS4), with the exception of Assassin's Creed: Unity. I'm also a heacvy reader, and have also seen to so-so Assassin's Creed movie (starring Michael Fassbender) that made the - in my eyes, wise, - decision to introduce a new character and historical period.
As such, I think it's fair to say I know enough about the series itself.
Of that series, the most enjoyable game (IMO) have been those set in the Renaissance period; those starring Ezio Auditore - the protaganist of this novel. Unfortunatley, however, this is a virtual retreading of the plot of the game, complete with passages where Ezio learns how to blend in (C'mon! It makes sense in the game, but not exactly an exciting narrative) or has to race hios accomplices from points A to point B (again, gives the player something to do in the game, but not exaclt exciting to read about).
It also doesn't help that this liberally mixes modern-day English and expressions with Italian phrases throughout (that require constant look-up to the glossary), nor that the author seemingly manages to make an entertaining game and compelling central character(s) into a bit of a chore to read through. On the plus side, it does away with all the modern-day Desmond sections from the game ...
Overall, however, I'm not impressed (sadly).
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Dreamland Burning in Books
Dec 22, 2018
Great Subject to Read on
I noticed a large trend in these kinds of books where it’s half in the present, and half in the past. It’s not a trend I particularly like as I adore historical fiction and mixing it with things happening in present day takes away the historical aspect, but I gave this book a chance. This one grabbed my attention because of the subject which interests me. I have not heard of the Tulsa Race Riot until I grabbed this book. It was an eye opener, and definitely something that can’t be ignored or forgotten.
The switch between Rowan and William is seamless and flows throughout the novel. Rowan attempts to figure out the mystery behind the skeleton while William’s story not only gives you the background information but also gives you the sense and the climate on how it was for African Americans back in those times. The historical aspects of the book is well written and gives you a good general idea.
At first, William doesn’t seem that all a likable character. As the plot progresses though, you change your mind as his behavior and outlook changes to something much more favorable. Rowan’s side of the story is interesting too. She’s been pretty much sheltered in a good, privileged life who is also suddenly awakened by recent events affecting herself and others around her. She’s a well written character as well, but I’d have to say I prefer reading William’s side of the story more as I found Rowan’s point of view dragged in a few areas of the story.
The plot overall is well done and interesting. The mystery and historical elements of the story also keeps the plot engaging and it’s a good educational read. Definitely something to read more into and a good subject to write about.
The switch between Rowan and William is seamless and flows throughout the novel. Rowan attempts to figure out the mystery behind the skeleton while William’s story not only gives you the background information but also gives you the sense and the climate on how it was for African Americans back in those times. The historical aspects of the book is well written and gives you a good general idea.
At first, William doesn’t seem that all a likable character. As the plot progresses though, you change your mind as his behavior and outlook changes to something much more favorable. Rowan’s side of the story is interesting too. She’s been pretty much sheltered in a good, privileged life who is also suddenly awakened by recent events affecting herself and others around her. She’s a well written character as well, but I’d have to say I prefer reading William’s side of the story more as I found Rowan’s point of view dragged in a few areas of the story.
The plot overall is well done and interesting. The mystery and historical elements of the story also keeps the plot engaging and it’s a good educational read. Definitely something to read more into and a good subject to write about.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated District 9 (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
For months the Internet has been ablaze with movie propaganda about “District 9” the anticipated Science Fiction hit of the year. The exciting ad campaign and constant mumbling regarding the film made me wary, it is not unheard for films to lack the luster their advertisements display.
The story takes place twenty years after an alien space ship appears above Johannesburg, South Africa filled with bug-like aliens. These aliens, derogatorily called prawns, are placed in a quarantined slum called District 9. The film begins as a documentary following bumbling cross-species specialist Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) an employee of Multi-National United (MNU) a private company on a mission to evict the aliens to a new location, Distinct 10. Additionally, MNU is the primary company working to integrate the advanced alien weaponry with our own.
As the film progresses Wikus builds a relationship with an alien father and son while his relationship with MNU, the company he had long worked for, deteriorates. Throw in some Nigerian gangsters selling cat food and powerful alien technology and you have the making of science fiction gold.
One of the best elements of the film is the choice of location. The tension regarding South African history and politics is well worked into the film. In particular, the idea of standing up against oppression, even under impossible odds, is well paralleled.
The film provides nonstop entertainment and solidifies its place as a great science fiction film by providing introspection into the human race through interaction with aliens. “District 9” begs the audience to wonder what is more important the essence of humanity or being human.
One of the best science fiction films since “The Fifth Element”, “District 9 “ is both a thought provoking and engrossing film.
The story takes place twenty years after an alien space ship appears above Johannesburg, South Africa filled with bug-like aliens. These aliens, derogatorily called prawns, are placed in a quarantined slum called District 9. The film begins as a documentary following bumbling cross-species specialist Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) an employee of Multi-National United (MNU) a private company on a mission to evict the aliens to a new location, Distinct 10. Additionally, MNU is the primary company working to integrate the advanced alien weaponry with our own.
As the film progresses Wikus builds a relationship with an alien father and son while his relationship with MNU, the company he had long worked for, deteriorates. Throw in some Nigerian gangsters selling cat food and powerful alien technology and you have the making of science fiction gold.
One of the best elements of the film is the choice of location. The tension regarding South African history and politics is well worked into the film. In particular, the idea of standing up against oppression, even under impossible odds, is well paralleled.
The film provides nonstop entertainment and solidifies its place as a great science fiction film by providing introspection into the human race through interaction with aliens. “District 9” begs the audience to wonder what is more important the essence of humanity or being human.
One of the best science fiction films since “The Fifth Element”, “District 9 “ is both a thought provoking and engrossing film.