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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Oct 21, 2017
Fun, a little too geeky, poor context development
This book is no doubt quite exciting at times, and has an underlying cautionary message of being obsessed with technology. The story, set in a dystopian 2044, follows Wade Watts on his search for an Easter egg in a virtual simulation, the discovery of which will lead him to inherit a vast fortune in a world wrecked by an energy crisis.
Growing up in the 1980's means I can relate to much of the references in this book such as Blade Runner, Ferris Bueller's Day Out etc. but it seems to be laid on too thick as if it's trying to go along with this new revival of the era (Stranger Things, Ghostbusters).
Also as a non-gamer, this virtual world appears fatuous and vapid, hence the author seems to be gearing this book towards a new generation of players rather than those who were actually living during this time.
The character development and context of much of the book is poor, as Wade seems to have skills that materialise from nowhere, we just have to accept that he had indeed "read this and that". Overall, this book was clearly made to be a film, so it's unsurprising that Steven Spielberg has bought the rights.
Growing up in the 1980's means I can relate to much of the references in this book such as Blade Runner, Ferris Bueller's Day Out etc. but it seems to be laid on too thick as if it's trying to go along with this new revival of the era (Stranger Things, Ghostbusters).
Also as a non-gamer, this virtual world appears fatuous and vapid, hence the author seems to be gearing this book towards a new generation of players rather than those who were actually living during this time.
The character development and context of much of the book is poor, as Wade seems to have skills that materialise from nowhere, we just have to accept that he had indeed "read this and that". Overall, this book was clearly made to be a film, so it's unsurprising that Steven Spielberg has bought the rights.
Jcadden76 (64 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Grand Theft Auto V in Video Games
Jun 11, 2018
Trevor (3 more)
The story mode
Vehicle selection and vehicle physics
Size and diversity of the map
Let me cut the radio off as default in the cars (2 more)
Building skills in side quests - ehh...
Storyline economy
Trevor makes the game for me.
This is my favorite GTA game so far. I know that sounds ridiculous, of course it is, but I LOVE the story line in this one. There is something about the ease of moving between the main characters, their skill sets, and of course the way they interact, kept me wanting to move the story along and having to remember that I needed to do side quests for money and other things.
In particular, Trevor made the game for me. Steven Ogg is a tremendous actor and his voice being lent to the character of Trevor Phillips was perfect casting. I want a pre-GTA5 game where I get to play as Trevor for the whole game.
The multiplayer is my stumbling block. I like it, I get the attraction, but it has not hooked me. I have played a little in it, I enjoy the race series but that is about all.
I am looking forward to the next GTA game already.
In particular, Trevor made the game for me. Steven Ogg is a tremendous actor and his voice being lent to the character of Trevor Phillips was perfect casting. I want a pre-GTA5 game where I get to play as Trevor for the whole game.
The multiplayer is my stumbling block. I like it, I get the attraction, but it has not hooked me. I have played a little in it, I enjoy the race series but that is about all.
I am looking forward to the next GTA game already.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Logan Lucky (2017) in Movies
Jul 22, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Promising but doesn't quite deliver
You expect a lot from Steven Soderbergh, and I think sadly it doesn't quite deliver.
In short, it's basically a country/hillbilly version of Ocean's Eleven, but not nearly as fun or stylish. There are some hilarious moments in this film (the scene referencing Game of Thrones had me cracking up) but these moments aren't as often as I'd like. The plot itself is interesting and although the denouement is quite clever, how the heist itself plays out is a little bit dull and not up to the standard you'd expect. Daniel Craig is a hoot as Joe Bang and Tatum and Driver are good as well, although I'm not entirely sure what was going on with Hilary Swank, her acting seemed completely ott. I should also add that I was surprised to see Sebastian Stan in this, but disappointed that he wasn't in it for long! Have a little crush on him so he really needed to be in this film a little more.
This is a vaguely entertaining heist movie made more bearable by some hilarious lines and scenes. However there's much better heist films out there (Ocean's Eleven being one of them).
In short, it's basically a country/hillbilly version of Ocean's Eleven, but not nearly as fun or stylish. There are some hilarious moments in this film (the scene referencing Game of Thrones had me cracking up) but these moments aren't as often as I'd like. The plot itself is interesting and although the denouement is quite clever, how the heist itself plays out is a little bit dull and not up to the standard you'd expect. Daniel Craig is a hoot as Joe Bang and Tatum and Driver are good as well, although I'm not entirely sure what was going on with Hilary Swank, her acting seemed completely ott. I should also add that I was surprised to see Sebastian Stan in this, but disappointed that he wasn't in it for long! Have a little crush on him so he really needed to be in this film a little more.
This is a vaguely entertaining heist movie made more bearable by some hilarious lines and scenes. However there's much better heist films out there (Ocean's Eleven being one of them).
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated Spielberg (2017) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
Watched another amazing documentary from HBO tonight simply titled Spielberg, but there is nothing simple about the man behind the name. Growing up with Steven Spielberg movies has been a true blessing. The Duel between story and shot crafted in a way that ultimately results in everyone's Jaws dropping. It was nice seeing the cameras turned and getting what will surely be my Closest Encounter with him. He is a true Raider of cinema who has created a Temple of film and I've loved every second of his Crusade. His Empire of movies is so out of this world he could be classified an Extra-Terrestrial. A master of being able to Hook the audience with beautiful Color and Jurassic shots; I could go on forever making a List of praises. I'm sure you were able Catch my many inteded puns, but the One thing I wanted to make clear in my Bridge of words in this Post is my love for Spielberg and this great documentary. I know I left out some great titles in my play on words, but one I definitely did not forget and had to find a way to use is Saving Private Ryan. There, I used it :p
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Contagion (2011) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
The Outbreak
With all of this news about the coronavirus, i thought i reviewing this movie. This came out when the swine flu was around, so back in 2011. When the trailer came out, it looked really scary, because it was about a deadly virus speading. Now thats happening right now with the coronavirus. Its scary, but if you wash your hands with soap and water/hand Sanitizer, keep away from sick people, cover your mouth when you snezze and dont touch your eyes, you will be okay.
Anways to the plot:
When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. However, two days later, Beth is dead, and doctors tell her shocked husband (Matt Damon) that they have no idea what killed her. Soon, many others start to exhibit the same symptoms, and a global pandemic explodes. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but society begins to collapse as a blogger (Jude Law) fans the flames of paranoia.
It has a all-star cast: includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Ehle. Plus Steven Soderbergh directed it.
If you like medical action thriller film, than you will like this film.
Anways to the plot:
When Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. However, two days later, Beth is dead, and doctors tell her shocked husband (Matt Damon) that they have no idea what killed her. Soon, many others start to exhibit the same symptoms, and a global pandemic explodes. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but society begins to collapse as a blogger (Jude Law) fans the flames of paranoia.
It has a all-star cast: includes Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Jennifer Ehle. Plus Steven Soderbergh directed it.
If you like medical action thriller film, than you will like this film.
JT (287 KP) rated I Love You Phillip Morris (2010) in Movies
Mar 23, 2020
Good performances (1 more)
Genuine emotion
Carrey and McGregor on top form
Jim Carrey is an up and down sort of an actor, one minute he’s displaying comedic or dramatic genius and the next he’s falling flat on this face out of his depth. Thankfully this turn is one of his best and was arguably one of the funniest films of 2009.
Carrey is in his element playing con artist Steven Russell who after coming to terms with his sexuality following a freak car crash ends up in prison and in the arms of the loveable Phillip Morris.
Writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who also penned another dark yet hilariously funny comedy Bad Santa keep the script tight. The jokes are well thought out and areas such as company fraud and anal sex are highlighted in detail, but tastefully done.
The more serious areas of the film are attacked with compassionate subtly and I don’t think anyone would be offended, no lines have been crossed at all.
Through all the humour there are definitive dramatic performances from both Carrey and McGregor which create lots of genuine emotion, let’s not forget this is a love story. It’s a great return to form from Carrey and well worth a watch.
Carrey is in his element playing con artist Steven Russell who after coming to terms with his sexuality following a freak car crash ends up in prison and in the arms of the loveable Phillip Morris.
Writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who also penned another dark yet hilariously funny comedy Bad Santa keep the script tight. The jokes are well thought out and areas such as company fraud and anal sex are highlighted in detail, but tastefully done.
The more serious areas of the film are attacked with compassionate subtly and I don’t think anyone would be offended, no lines have been crossed at all.
Through all the humour there are definitive dramatic performances from both Carrey and McGregor which create lots of genuine emotion, let’s not forget this is a love story. It’s a great return to form from Carrey and well worth a watch.
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