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Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Hell Fest (2018) in Movies
Mar 5, 2019
This generations scream? No - but still ok!
Not to be confused with the very similar 'Blood fest' this slasher has a group of teenagers who go to a horror theme park at Halloween where they start to get picked off my a masked killer. This film is better than 'Blood fest' mainly due to better/cleverer gore and death scenes and a much better killer. What let's it down is highly forgettable and annoying characters (yes - I'm looking at you Bex Taylor Klaus) so you don't really care who survives. The real highlight is the killer and the film keeps them wrapped in mystery and hands us one of the most interesting endings in a long time. Nowhere near a game changer but definitely worth a watch.
Mothergamer (1511 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Persona 5 Strikers in Video Games
Mar 29, 2021
This is a sequel to Persona 5. Set 6 months after the events in Persona 5, Joker is ready to reunite with his fellow Phantom Thieves for a Summer vacation camping trip. Things take a turn and they end up on another insane adventure. The road trip aspect of the game is great and the combat system is different too. It's an action hack and slash making exploration of each dungeon known as jails fun. Fusing personas is in there as well as a new bond system that levels up the entire party's skills. The art and story in the game keep the spirit of the Persona 5 game alive, but also form its own unique thing as well making for a fun experience. You can read the full review here: http://mg28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2021/03/persona-5-strikers-more-fun-with.html
I adore this book. It's not only a good science fiction story, but also fantastically character-driven, which is rare in genre fiction. That's great for me. When I read a book, I care more about psychological development than what a shiny setting and fun toys it has.
It's not a happy, frolic-through-the-daisies type of story. We're talking not only about war, but child abuse, human trafficking and rape. It can be quite disturbing, if that type of thing isn't your cup of tea. But if that doesn't particularly bug you, it's a fantastic book.
One thing that really bugs me, though, is how so many people insist there's slash. As a person who's not into that kind of thing, that originally turned me off of reading it, because I had a bad feeling the main character, Jos, was going to find healing comfort from his trauma in the loving arms of another guy, and it would go downhill from there.
Luckily, I decided to read it anyway. And I don't see very much slash there. Sure, one character definitely has a thing for Jos, and the villain's a real creep, and then there's a character who's gay by Word Of God, but that's it for this book. The rest of it's pretty much characters insinuating, which is designed to anger other characters. That's it.
Jos, himself, is on the asexual side. He treats attraction as a completely alien concept. Niko is a surrogate father to him. I see him as feeling responsible for protecting Evan. Evan, who frustrates him a great deal. And one time, Jos seriously needed a hug, and fell asleep while being hugged. Woke up, and went right back to the asexual, PTSD, Hates-Being-Touched Jos we know and love.
None of that makes him gay. And three characters who are bi or gay does in no way a majority make. Sure, the shipping potential is there for fans if they want to use it, but certain type of fans are always finding stuff where there's canonically nothing.
In short, one of the best books I've read, and I absolutely loved the main character. He is not gay, and neither are the majority of characters.
It's not a happy, frolic-through-the-daisies type of story. We're talking not only about war, but child abuse, human trafficking and rape. It can be quite disturbing, if that type of thing isn't your cup of tea. But if that doesn't particularly bug you, it's a fantastic book.
One thing that really bugs me, though, is how so many people insist there's slash. As a person who's not into that kind of thing, that originally turned me off of reading it, because I had a bad feeling the main character, Jos, was going to find healing comfort from his trauma in the loving arms of another guy, and it would go downhill from there.
Luckily, I decided to read it anyway. And I don't see very much slash there. Sure, one character definitely has a thing for Jos, and the villain's a real creep, and then there's a character who's gay by Word Of God, but that's it for this book. The rest of it's pretty much characters insinuating, which is designed to anger other characters. That's it.
Jos, himself, is on the asexual side. He treats attraction as a completely alien concept. Niko is a surrogate father to him. I see him as feeling responsible for protecting Evan. Evan, who frustrates him a great deal. And one time, Jos seriously needed a hug, and fell asleep while being hugged. Woke up, and went right back to the asexual, PTSD, Hates-Being-Touched Jos we know and love.
None of that makes him gay. And three characters who are bi or gay does in no way a majority make. Sure, the shipping potential is there for fans if they want to use it, but certain type of fans are always finding stuff where there's canonically nothing.
In short, one of the best books I've read, and I absolutely loved the main character. He is not gay, and neither are the majority of characters.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock, #6) in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Nov 8, 2019)
This one is lower mostly because she gets really emotional (for good reasons) and is more "alone time". One of the things I love about most Jane Yellowrock books is the interactions between her and the other characters especially her and Eli. This seems like a "builder book" a book to set the story up for something else. Although, it has a lot of elements of "placement book" too; as in, let me place this book here to give some background information on a couple of characters. I would have liked more background on Jane although it was fun to see her interact with people from her past. The is still that three way triangle thing with Bruiser and Rick. As well as where Eli fits into the structure of friend/romantic partner/business partner/brother type. The romance parts, well, it's all a little understated when compared to the previous books this one being more of a hack and slash version. And there is very little of the fang head Leo.
Fred (860 KP) rated God of War in Video Games
Jul 26, 2018
Top-notch story telling (2 more)
Moves along at a great pace
Great voice & motion-capture acting
Uncharted: God of War
As I was playing this game, all I could think of was the Uncharted Series. Great stories, great cinematics, great game play. Now, I'm going to be honest, I am not a fan of the series. Not really into hack-n-slash. They bore me after a while & I wind up not finishing the game, as it gets too monotonous. But changing the game play to match the Uncharted series is brilliant! And it works so well. The learning curve is a little steep, with the ability to unlock new moves as you also upgrade your weapons.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
At first I didn't like Kratos' son. I felt he was a little annoying & never used him in combat. But as the game progressed, I not only cared for him as a character, but as an intricate tool in my combat arsenal.
Each character is like a living being. You really feel for them. I attribute this to the acting & the writing. Like I say above, the story is top-notch. In fact, everything is top notch. If you're a fan of the Uncharted series and/pr the God of War series, then run out & get this.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated the Xbox Series X version of Immortals: Fenyx Rising in Video Games
Nov 30, 2020
Immortals Fenyx Rising is a rare treat in that it is a game that did not come in with the massive wave of hype that usually accompanies a major release; yet delivers beyond expectations.
The game is set in Ancient Greece and casts players as Fenyx who must travel to set right the many things that have gone wrong along the way.
Greek gods provide humorous narration to help move the story along as there is lots for players to do and see in the game.
Once a character is created; players will have to climb, swim, battle, and solve puzzles in a highly-detailed universe. While some may think the combat would be hack and slash being able to gain advanced weapons such as a divine axe and bow really help mix things up.
The Arrow of Apollo as an example allows players to control the arrow in flight which is ideal for solving puzzles and making precisions shots. I also used it to scout an area by firing it into the air and using it to study the layout of the area.
Puzzles are a big part of the game and being able to hold and throw large boulders is key to defeating large enemies as well as moving large objects onto pressure plates to open doors or move heavy objects into position.
After each main mission; players will be able to obtain new powers by completing a challenge from the Gods. This usually involves jumping from objects, solving puzzles, and combat. Upon completion players will obtain a new device/ability which will help them going forward. I can tell you that having a set of wings really helped cover the map by being able to jump from a cliff and glide to a destination as long as my stamina holds up.
One great mission had me move a large pearl across the land and down hills to the see. Not only was it fun and varied; but it also showed how the missions are not repetitions of the prior ones.
I had several hours invested in the game before the area with the cosmetic options and upgrades arrived and the sheer scale of the game ensures that players will not find this a quick gaming experience.
Combat is a mix of hack and slash and ranged combat; but I am a big fan of smashing enemies with large boulders when able.
Some may have issues with the campy dialogue and delivery of the lines but this would be missing the point as the game is a fun and immersive adventure which will provide gamers with plenty of hours of enjoyment.
4 stars out of 5
The game is set in Ancient Greece and casts players as Fenyx who must travel to set right the many things that have gone wrong along the way.
Greek gods provide humorous narration to help move the story along as there is lots for players to do and see in the game.
Once a character is created; players will have to climb, swim, battle, and solve puzzles in a highly-detailed universe. While some may think the combat would be hack and slash being able to gain advanced weapons such as a divine axe and bow really help mix things up.
The Arrow of Apollo as an example allows players to control the arrow in flight which is ideal for solving puzzles and making precisions shots. I also used it to scout an area by firing it into the air and using it to study the layout of the area.
Puzzles are a big part of the game and being able to hold and throw large boulders is key to defeating large enemies as well as moving large objects onto pressure plates to open doors or move heavy objects into position.
After each main mission; players will be able to obtain new powers by completing a challenge from the Gods. This usually involves jumping from objects, solving puzzles, and combat. Upon completion players will obtain a new device/ability which will help them going forward. I can tell you that having a set of wings really helped cover the map by being able to jump from a cliff and glide to a destination as long as my stamina holds up.
One great mission had me move a large pearl across the land and down hills to the see. Not only was it fun and varied; but it also showed how the missions are not repetitions of the prior ones.
I had several hours invested in the game before the area with the cosmetic options and upgrades arrived and the sheer scale of the game ensures that players will not find this a quick gaming experience.
Combat is a mix of hack and slash and ranged combat; but I am a big fan of smashing enemies with large boulders when able.
Some may have issues with the campy dialogue and delivery of the lines but this would be missing the point as the game is a fun and immersive adventure which will provide gamers with plenty of hours of enjoyment.
4 stars out of 5
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Anna and the Apocalypse (2018) in Movies
Feb 18, 2020
Just Strange Overall
Anna and the Apolcalypse- is basically Shaun of the Dead meets Santa Clarita Diet meets a musical. You throw horror, comedy, action, drama and music all togther you get Anna and the Apolcalypse. I think their is too many genres in this movie. First its wants to be a drama, than a musical than a zombie film than a zombie action film than musical mix comedy in. So many genres i cant tell what this movie wants to be. And thats its major downfall.
The plot: A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.
Ohh i almost forgot its also trying to be a christmas film, revolving around christmas and set during christmas. Yes its one of those horror films. A horror film based/set around a holiday.
The reason im giving it a "7", because it reminds me so much of "Shaun of Dead" and i loved that film. And this film had good zombie kills in it and good action.
The plot: A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.
Ohh i almost forgot its also trying to be a christmas film, revolving around christmas and set during christmas. Yes its one of those horror films. A horror film based/set around a holiday.
The reason im giving it a "7", because it reminds me so much of "Shaun of Dead" and i loved that film. And this film had good zombie kills in it and good action.
Butch Vig recommended Country Life by Roxy Music in Music (curated)
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated The Perfect Whore in Books
Jun 12, 2018
Fanfiction is usually free. You can find better stuff there
Once upon a time, I read Star Wars slash fanfiction. That was a lot better than this. I don't quite know what the author was going for here, as the story leans too far into plot and exposition to be a "romance" novel (not a bad thing, if the plot wasn't just a vehicle for the romance), and the erotica was less than erotic. I've read female authors who could write believable gay characters, but this isn't one of them. These characters interact more like men in Japanese yaoi, which is to say, you could sub one of the men with a woman and have the same story. I would be more generous (considering one character is a shapeshifting alien with no true gender) but her author's bio specifically states she writes gay erotica. So let's be clear: this is gay erotica for women. So if you're a lady who fetishizes gay men, this is in your wheelhouse. If you're a gay man, probably avoid this one, unless you really have a thing for sci-fi and lizardmen.
Circling back around, of course the title is attention grabbing. And the story is short enough to be fun. Both characters are obnoxious, but not so much that you can't sit two or three hours with them. The story employs standard tropes, including using rape as a dramatic crutch. If that's your thing, you'll probably enjoy this and also what's wrong with you?
Circling back around, of course the title is attention grabbing. And the story is short enough to be fun. Both characters are obnoxious, but not so much that you can't sit two or three hours with them. The story employs standard tropes, including using rape as a dramatic crutch. If that's your thing, you'll probably enjoy this and also what's wrong with you?
HLD (99 KP) rated God of War in Video Games
Jun 12, 2018
A new direction for the franchise (2 more)
Beautiful - as always
You really see another dimension to Kratos. The hack and slash psycho of the past is only slightly present in this.
Balls to the wall fun
When I first started playing this, I was disappointed that there weren't a multitude of Gods to rip apart as I slowly but surely upgraded Kratos to defeat the main God... However, it didn't take long for me to get into the swing of things.
The real story is of Kratos and Atreus - father and son, who appear more like uncle and recently orphaned nephew. They start out with the kind of relationship you might have with the local drunk who buys alcohol for underage kids.
They have their problems, and Baldur, the main antagonist, has a HOST of mummy issues.
While he is threatening throughout - he can't die after all. You never feel like he's going to kill Kartos, even if he is immortal.
The story is fresh and definitely a new direction for Kartos' character, but the only real challenge were the Valkyries, who aren't really a part of the main story.
All in all, it's the first in what is clearly going to be a new set of games taking on a fresh story for the God killer. It's fun and exciting, but it leaves the opportunity to really dive into this new world that we find ourselves in for future games.
The real story is of Kratos and Atreus - father and son, who appear more like uncle and recently orphaned nephew. They start out with the kind of relationship you might have with the local drunk who buys alcohol for underage kids.
They have their problems, and Baldur, the main antagonist, has a HOST of mummy issues.
While he is threatening throughout - he can't die after all. You never feel like he's going to kill Kartos, even if he is immortal.
The story is fresh and definitely a new direction for Kartos' character, but the only real challenge were the Valkyries, who aren't really a part of the main story.
All in all, it's the first in what is clearly going to be a new set of games taking on a fresh story for the God killer. It's fun and exciting, but it leaves the opportunity to really dive into this new world that we find ourselves in for future games.
Chloe (514 KP) Mar 7, 2019
Stephen (210 KP) Mar 7, 2019