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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Piranha (Oregon Files #10) in Books
Nov 25, 2019
Let's be honest here some of the Cussler franchises are getting a little tired and in need of some fresh momentum. Who better to take up the baton of the secret spy ship Oregon than Boyd Morrison? His characterisation and love of technology and gadgets fits perfectly with plots that require several different protagonists in play (there are 4 main 'bad guys' alone in this book, not mention a ship full of the good guys) and high-tech confrontations.
Morrison does indeed tackle this book with gusto. This is mostly action from cover to cover with very little time to catch breath between and exposition being done on the move. There is certainly no feeling that the narrative is moving from set piece to set piece without much momentum or reason.
The main plot is also interesting - what if someone always knew what you were going to do, as if they had an omniscient eavesdropping device. How would you counter that? Add in a vengeful Venezuelan Navy captain and some particularly nasty henchmen and you have the basics for a real thrill ride.
I do like Morrison's work (if you have never read any of the Tyler Locke series I recommend that you do) and expected to like this book, but it exceeded my every expectation. Our heroes are assaulted on all sides - and notably often not under the protection of the Oregon - and the only way they win through is by simply being good at what they do - there are no escapes due to fortunate circumstances.
This is definitely one of the most impressive Cussler brand books for years, probably the best Oregon Files book there is. Although mention is made in passing of various previous exploits, reading the previous novels is not required to enjoy this book.
If you like fast paced adventure with plenty of thrills then you can't go far wrong reading this
Morrison does indeed tackle this book with gusto. This is mostly action from cover to cover with very little time to catch breath between and exposition being done on the move. There is certainly no feeling that the narrative is moving from set piece to set piece without much momentum or reason.
The main plot is also interesting - what if someone always knew what you were going to do, as if they had an omniscient eavesdropping device. How would you counter that? Add in a vengeful Venezuelan Navy captain and some particularly nasty henchmen and you have the basics for a real thrill ride.
I do like Morrison's work (if you have never read any of the Tyler Locke series I recommend that you do) and expected to like this book, but it exceeded my every expectation. Our heroes are assaulted on all sides - and notably often not under the protection of the Oregon - and the only way they win through is by simply being good at what they do - there are no escapes due to fortunate circumstances.
This is definitely one of the most impressive Cussler brand books for years, probably the best Oregon Files book there is. Although mention is made in passing of various previous exploits, reading the previous novels is not required to enjoy this book.
If you like fast paced adventure with plenty of thrills then you can't go far wrong reading this
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Winter Queen (Erast Fandorin #1) in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Erast Fandorin is a low level civil servant in nineteenth century Russia. An orphan with no real friends or prospects he has been assigned to the police department as a clerk simply because he has to be somewhere. But following a bizarre suicide Fandorin reveals that under his unassuming exterior is a keen mind and he soon uncovers sinister goings on both at home in Russia and abroad in London.
This is the first appearance of Akunin's master detective. Lacking the arrogance of either Holmes or Poirot but easily their equal in terms of deduction and intelligence he makes a good hero. Each of Akunin's novels is designed to represent a different type of novel and this is closest to spy novels with Fandorin spending much of his time going undercover to infiltrate a secret society or staking out and sneaking into houses. There are also plenty of physical scenes for the young hero to endure.
The plot is suitably obscure and opaque with each clue removing another layer and moving both the reader and Fandorin closer to finding out what is going on.
There is also fascinating detail of life in Tsarist Russia although as with any novel set during that time the seemingly endless Russian names - so hard to pronounce for my Anglophone brain - are sometimes a little overwhelming.
Special mention to the translator who does a fantastic job. Some Russion idioms are left intact for authenticity but others are rendered into English. This may have been originally written in Russian but it reads as if Akunin is a native English speaker.
This wasn't my first Fandorin novel and to be honest I'm not sure it's the best one to start with, despite it being the genesis of the character. To me the complexities of having to understand the Tsarist Russia (and the names) and the plot would be frustrating. But nevertheless a good and interesting read.
This is the first appearance of Akunin's master detective. Lacking the arrogance of either Holmes or Poirot but easily their equal in terms of deduction and intelligence he makes a good hero. Each of Akunin's novels is designed to represent a different type of novel and this is closest to spy novels with Fandorin spending much of his time going undercover to infiltrate a secret society or staking out and sneaking into houses. There are also plenty of physical scenes for the young hero to endure.
The plot is suitably obscure and opaque with each clue removing another layer and moving both the reader and Fandorin closer to finding out what is going on.
There is also fascinating detail of life in Tsarist Russia although as with any novel set during that time the seemingly endless Russian names - so hard to pronounce for my Anglophone brain - are sometimes a little overwhelming.
Special mention to the translator who does a fantastic job. Some Russion idioms are left intact for authenticity but others are rendered into English. This may have been originally written in Russian but it reads as if Akunin is a native English speaker.
This wasn't my first Fandorin novel and to be honest I'm not sure it's the best one to start with, despite it being the genesis of the character. To me the complexities of having to understand the Tsarist Russia (and the names) and the plot would be frustrating. But nevertheless a good and interesting read.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Zoolander 2 (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Zoolander 2” picks up just a couple days after the first film left off. Staying true to the story line, Zoolander and Hansel are as vapid as ever and have retreated to lives in exile after the school for children who couldn’t read good (or whatever) collapsed due to shoddy construction. With their dreams dashed, both models are licking their wounds when they are summoned back into the world of fashion by a disgustingly beautiful fashionista with the Botox of the gods, Alexanya Ato (Kristen Wiig). With a face that can hardly move Ato is unsettlingly inviting.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Lola's ABC Party FREE - Learn to Read
Education and Games
App
Lola’s ABC Party FREE teaches letters for children ages 3-6. This free version of Lola's ABC Party...
I Know You Got Soul
9.0
Rate It
Book
In I Know You Got Soul, Jeremy Clarkson writes about the machines that he believes have 'soul'. It...
Gemini Rue
Games
App
Pocket Gamer: Game of the Week "You'll rue the day you missed this one." Kotaku "There's something...
Germany: Beyond the Enchanted Forest: A Literary Anthology
Book
'German military figures had a certain terrifying glamour,' wrote Patrick Leigh Fermor, recalling...
Kelly Knows (95 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Jun 27, 2019
Press Start to Join The Rebellion
A truly excellent movie for the whole family to enjoy. Ready Player One has all of the elements required for a movie to truly excel in the telling of its story. The action is epic, the heroes are cool, and oh boy the fun and laughs you'll have along the way. The voice acting cast was well handled, but is probably the main reason I did not give this one full points. The studio could have gotten higher level actors to sell the more emotional plot points. Olivia Cooke and Tye Sheridan still do a masterful job with their roles, but some lines were delivered with a Spy Kids level of corniness. In truth, you have to hunt for flaws in this movie as if they were easter eggs themselves. Parzival, and the rest of the hunters on the quest, weave a beautiful tapestry of tropes that blends modern gaming escapism with social revolution. Not all the characters are super deep, nor do they have to be. You will find yourself cheering for the good guys, and jeering the bad. That's the beauty of this movie. It is a perfect chance to enjoy a thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and world domination, without having to buckle in for an Oscar level drama. The best of this movie however, and the reason I would ultimately recommend it to just about anyone is the sheer beauty and power of the visual effects, and the warm nostalgia that permeates every aspect of the plot. Pop culture references that are sure to make you grin are peppered throughout as the story unfolds. Any gamer, movie buff, rebel at heart, or really just about anyone who has ever had any kind of electronic fun since the 60s will find a note in the proverbial song meant just for them. Get your game face on, this is a good one.
Trigger Fist
Games and Entertainment
App
Forged in the minds of battle-hardened gamers, Trigger Fist delivers precisely what you want in the...