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Andy K (10823 KP) rated Emperor (2013) in Movies
Sep 9, 2019
A tough challenge
The end of Asian campaign of World War II is complicated. The Japanese surrender following the US dropping the pair of atomic bombs; killing hundreds of thousands, wounding many more and leaving cities in ruins. Tensions are still running at a fever pitch and many people are demanding answers and swift justice for those responsible.
"Supreme Commander" General Douglas MacArthur is put in charge of rebuilding Japan and enlists General Bonner Fellers the nearly impossible task of investigating the involvement of Japan's emperor Hirohito and whether or not he should be tried convicted and hung as a result of his orders. Did he order the attack on Pearl Harbor? What did he know and when did he know it? Was he the one who gave the orders or were his generals in charge of the overall operations? In addition, Fellers is given only 10 days to find his ruling before MacArthur has to report back to his commanders in the US.
Sellers starts with trying to figure out the people involved, find them, interview them and find those who don't want to be found. His interviews ask more questions than answer them and he feels like he is going nowhere fast.
Intertwined are his recollections of a romance he had years earlier with a Japanese exchange student who left the US and returned to her home in Japan. His emotions are getting the better of him while he thinks about his former love and attempts to locate her or learn her fate while he does his job.
Matthew Fox is the best part of this film. As a military man, he respects the chain of command and works within in, but also is able to show his emotions when he is with the woman he loves. I loved the flashback scenes as they were able to show the man as well as just the uniform and Fox did this very well.
Tommy Lee Jones played the character he plays in most of his movies. Barking orders to his underlings and enjoying very much being in charge.
I don't know very much about Japanese culture and this film helped me understand what values they hold sacred. These values highly motivate their actions which can be very noble and traditional or unrelenting and barbaric depending on the situation.
You feel real turmoil as the investigation concludes and the results which are found (or not found) and how the situation is resolved. The characters are flawed which makes them more real. This makes the story more emotional and believable.
The Japanese countryside is beautiful in the time of peace contrasted with the desolate scarred Earth shown after the bombs fell.
Compelling historical dramas always intrigue me and this one did the same.
"Supreme Commander" General Douglas MacArthur is put in charge of rebuilding Japan and enlists General Bonner Fellers the nearly impossible task of investigating the involvement of Japan's emperor Hirohito and whether or not he should be tried convicted and hung as a result of his orders. Did he order the attack on Pearl Harbor? What did he know and when did he know it? Was he the one who gave the orders or were his generals in charge of the overall operations? In addition, Fellers is given only 10 days to find his ruling before MacArthur has to report back to his commanders in the US.
Sellers starts with trying to figure out the people involved, find them, interview them and find those who don't want to be found. His interviews ask more questions than answer them and he feels like he is going nowhere fast.
Intertwined are his recollections of a romance he had years earlier with a Japanese exchange student who left the US and returned to her home in Japan. His emotions are getting the better of him while he thinks about his former love and attempts to locate her or learn her fate while he does his job.
Matthew Fox is the best part of this film. As a military man, he respects the chain of command and works within in, but also is able to show his emotions when he is with the woman he loves. I loved the flashback scenes as they were able to show the man as well as just the uniform and Fox did this very well.
Tommy Lee Jones played the character he plays in most of his movies. Barking orders to his underlings and enjoying very much being in charge.
I don't know very much about Japanese culture and this film helped me understand what values they hold sacred. These values highly motivate their actions which can be very noble and traditional or unrelenting and barbaric depending on the situation.
You feel real turmoil as the investigation concludes and the results which are found (or not found) and how the situation is resolved. The characters are flawed which makes them more real. This makes the story more emotional and believable.
The Japanese countryside is beautiful in the time of peace contrasted with the desolate scarred Earth shown after the bombs fell.
Compelling historical dramas always intrigue me and this one did the same.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017) in Movies
Dec 28, 2017
Beautiful to watch (1 more)
Good battle scenes
Contains spoilers, click to show
I know I am late to the party just seeing today, but I think this film has gotten a bad wrap. I went in to it listening to the negative Nancy's out there, but the film ultimately turned me around and I enjoyed a lot.
Yes it did borrow a lot from the other Star Wars films, but it also went in a few surprising directions also. I was a bit surprised they did not resolve Leia's character since the death of Carrie Fisher, I'm sure that will be explained in the next film.
Mark Hamill was on record as saying he disagreed with the direction of Luke, but I'm not sure what he wanted to happen. I suppose some grand death scene after saving the universe once again and going out in a blaze of glory, but who is to say that won't still happen.
I think what it boils down to is people are unwilling to be left in suspense. Those of us who are old enough to remember know how we felt when we had to wait three years to see if Han Solo would get free of the carbonite and how the Rebellion would prevail against the Empire the first time around, so I say just be patient and see how it all comes together in the end (it had Better)!
Yes it did borrow a lot from the other Star Wars films, but it also went in a few surprising directions also. I was a bit surprised they did not resolve Leia's character since the death of Carrie Fisher, I'm sure that will be explained in the next film.
Mark Hamill was on record as saying he disagreed with the direction of Luke, but I'm not sure what he wanted to happen. I suppose some grand death scene after saving the universe once again and going out in a blaze of glory, but who is to say that won't still happen.
I think what it boils down to is people are unwilling to be left in suspense. Those of us who are old enough to remember know how we felt when we had to wait three years to see if Han Solo would get free of the carbonite and how the Rebellion would prevail against the Empire the first time around, so I say just be patient and see how it all comes together in the end (it had Better)!
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Joe Rogan Experience in Podcasts
Jan 8, 2018
Informative (2 more)
Great guest on all sorts of topics
MMA devoted episodes
What needs to be said about a pod that has over 1000 episodes??
I've been a fan of Joe Rogan for almost twenty years. His stand up comedy is some of the funniest shit I have ever heard. So naturally I become a fan of his podcast as well. Listening to Joe's chemistry with his guests and how well and articulate he speaks makes people forget he's also a full time color commentator for the UFC. The man has a wealth of knowledge at his Beck and call and he shows that. Keeping up with conversations involving astrophysicists, doctor's and Eddie Bravo(insert laugh track here).
His devotion to the pod can give listeners three to four new episodes a week. The vast library of episodes have something for everyone, including but not limited to comedians, doctors, fighters and other sports figures. Joe keeps the listener intrigued and involved and wanting more. Even if it's a goofy episode involving pod regulars and Fighter and the Kid podcasters Brian Called and Brendan Shaub, where the guys do nothing but drink, smoke weed and watch fights. They never just talk about the fights... They cover a wide variety of topics that are both serious and hilarious.
Ear candy for those who want to be informed...or misinformed... Depending how serious the episodes are.
Great podcast. In my top 5 for life.
His devotion to the pod can give listeners three to four new episodes a week. The vast library of episodes have something for everyone, including but not limited to comedians, doctors, fighters and other sports figures. Joe keeps the listener intrigued and involved and wanting more. Even if it's a goofy episode involving pod regulars and Fighter and the Kid podcasters Brian Called and Brendan Shaub, where the guys do nothing but drink, smoke weed and watch fights. They never just talk about the fights... They cover a wide variety of topics that are both serious and hilarious.
Ear candy for those who want to be informed...or misinformed... Depending how serious the episodes are.
Great podcast. In my top 5 for life.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Dark Defender (Paladins of Darkness, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I enjoyed this book even more than the last in the Paladin series. Everything was fleshed out more and there weren't as many spots that needed some editing.
I loved Blake, he was wonderful, and I liked Brenna too, after she got over her having to argue over every little thing in the beginning of the book. I get that people grieve differently and it took her a time for the death of her father to hit her, but I do not like romances where the heroine argues against everything the hero asks (or sometimes demands) she do, especially when it's for her own good - you know like living. I actually felt their love for each other in the book, where Dark Protector was lacking, and I liked how there was more background on the Paladins, so the book was wholly enjoyable.
The end was nicely done without being too sappy, and I ended up reading the excerpt at the back for the next book, which I cannot wait to read! I hadn't looked up the books at all and didn't know Barak was getting his own book (and then Cullen, yay!). It's going to be hard for me to wait, but I don't have the money to get either of those books (poor me :P) right now. I guess I'll just have to impatiently wait with other paranormal romances.
4.5 stars
I loved Blake, he was wonderful, and I liked Brenna too, after she got over her having to argue over every little thing in the beginning of the book. I get that people grieve differently and it took her a time for the death of her father to hit her, but I do not like romances where the heroine argues against everything the hero asks (or sometimes demands) she do, especially when it's for her own good - you know like living. I actually felt their love for each other in the book, where Dark Protector was lacking, and I liked how there was more background on the Paladins, so the book was wholly enjoyable.
The end was nicely done without being too sappy, and I ended up reading the excerpt at the back for the next book, which I cannot wait to read! I hadn't looked up the books at all and didn't know Barak was getting his own book (and then Cullen, yay!). It's going to be hard for me to wait, but I don't have the money to get either of those books (poor me :P) right now. I guess I'll just have to impatiently wait with other paranormal romances.
4.5 stars
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated United 93 (2006) in Movies
Feb 18, 2019
A gripping and moving historical document...
This is simply an incredible movie. Certainly one of the most moving and intense that I have seen in many years.
Now, seventeen years on, this film’s poignancy is still as relevant today as it ever was. Casting relative unknowns was the key to this frightening realistic portrayal of the world shattering events of September 11. Though, due to the casting real people in many of the their actual roles, the dialogue’s delivery does suffer from time to time, but it is also those faults that make this so credible.
The sense of shock at the second plane hitting the South Tower was so well portrayed, edited and directed that it still sends shivers down my spine. Though in many ways because I saw this day unfold live myself as millions around shared this inexplicable experience. This is a gripping drama, which has the courage of its convictions, staying the path of its internal truths and never drifting into theatricalities often attributed to movie of this type. Simply put; The story is dramatic enough in its own right and needs little if any real embellishment.
This is truly one of the greats, dealing with a historical event in such a mature way that it should stand as a historical document for decades to come.
Now, seventeen years on, this film’s poignancy is still as relevant today as it ever was. Casting relative unknowns was the key to this frightening realistic portrayal of the world shattering events of September 11. Though, due to the casting real people in many of the their actual roles, the dialogue’s delivery does suffer from time to time, but it is also those faults that make this so credible.
The sense of shock at the second plane hitting the South Tower was so well portrayed, edited and directed that it still sends shivers down my spine. Though in many ways because I saw this day unfold live myself as millions around shared this inexplicable experience. This is a gripping drama, which has the courage of its convictions, staying the path of its internal truths and never drifting into theatricalities often attributed to movie of this type. Simply put; The story is dramatic enough in its own right and needs little if any real embellishment.
This is truly one of the greats, dealing with a historical event in such a mature way that it should stand as a historical document for decades to come.
Sam (74 KP) rated Why Mummy Drinks in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Set out to appear as a diary, Why Mummy Drinks follows the day-to-day life of middle-class mummy Ellen. From trying to be the popular Pinterest-worthy parent to aspiring to seem like she has everything together, the life of Ellen is documented in hilarious honesty.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was so funny and honest, and I can definitely see how it sold so well. I loved the perfect parents in the playground who Ellen aspired to be, and how they fed their kids on quinoa. It was just so funny.
My favourite characters were Bardo and Louisa. Everyone has those embarrassing relatives that you’d rather people didn’t know about, but these took it to another extreme. They lived outside and brought their children up outside, almost like animals. They were so surreal and I would have happily read a book just on their lives.
I wasn’t sure whether to buy this one, mainly because of it being aimed more towards parents than me. But now I can safely say that you don’t have to be a parent to appreciate the humour.
There were a few parts that took the humour a bit too far for me and were past funny, but they didn’t ruin the book. I found the book a bit slow in some places as well, but I read the second half on a sunny day within a few hours and quickly forgot about that.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was so funny and honest, and I can definitely see how it sold so well. I loved the perfect parents in the playground who Ellen aspired to be, and how they fed their kids on quinoa. It was just so funny.
My favourite characters were Bardo and Louisa. Everyone has those embarrassing relatives that you’d rather people didn’t know about, but these took it to another extreme. They lived outside and brought their children up outside, almost like animals. They were so surreal and I would have happily read a book just on their lives.
I wasn’t sure whether to buy this one, mainly because of it being aimed more towards parents than me. But now I can safely say that you don’t have to be a parent to appreciate the humour.
There were a few parts that took the humour a bit too far for me and were past funny, but they didn’t ruin the book. I found the book a bit slow in some places as well, but I read the second half on a sunny day within a few hours and quickly forgot about that.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Boy: Broussard and Fourcade Book 2 in Books
Mar 28, 2019
2nd novel in Tami Hoag's Broussard and Fourcade series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The Boy by Tami Hoag is the 2nd novel in her series about Broussard and Fourcade, a husband and wife team who are detectives in Bayou Breaux, a little town in Louisiana. I often read detective fiction and enjoyed the pairing of Detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard. The novel focuses mostly on their police pairing but does have some sections about their home life. The dynamics of the relationships of the people surrounding the investigative team are well formed but not the main focus of the story. The boy is. Well, the murder of the boy is.
Hoag shows her characters' flaws but she does not make them the focus of the characters. Broussard and Fourcade are like every married couple and have difficult days. Again, Hoag does not make those days the focus of the story. The boy is. The story has twists and turns. Some of the reveals were expected but not all of them. Hoag surprised me with several details.
I have had Tami Hoag on my "want to read" list for years but never got around to reading any of her work. After reading The Boy, I am disappointed I have not read her sooner.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/27/19.
The Boy by Tami Hoag is the 2nd novel in her series about Broussard and Fourcade, a husband and wife team who are detectives in Bayou Breaux, a little town in Louisiana. I often read detective fiction and enjoyed the pairing of Detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard. The novel focuses mostly on their police pairing but does have some sections about their home life. The dynamics of the relationships of the people surrounding the investigative team are well formed but not the main focus of the story. The boy is. Well, the murder of the boy is.
Hoag shows her characters' flaws but she does not make them the focus of the characters. Broussard and Fourcade are like every married couple and have difficult days. Again, Hoag does not make those days the focus of the story. The boy is. The story has twists and turns. Some of the reveals were expected but not all of them. Hoag surprised me with several details.
I have had Tami Hoag on my "want to read" list for years but never got around to reading any of her work. After reading The Boy, I am disappointed I have not read her sooner.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/27/19.
Ashley Cresswell (8 KP) rated Conan Exiles in Video Games
Jun 3, 2019
Online Multiplayer (6 more)
No pressure on doing things
Plenty to do
Nothing is impossible
Adventure
Leveling up
No set storyline
Aiming is slightly off (2 more)
Controls can be a bit jerky
A little difficult to figure things out
Conan Exileant
I downloaded Conan Exiles for the ps4 thinking it was going to be another of the crappy free games that you could complete within a night and feel no satisfaction from.
Then i loaded up the game... How wrong i was. From the get go i was hooked on this beautiful world full of creatures and adventure and possibilities. At first i died... A lot. It was a little bit difficult to get the hang of the game and the controls. But once i figured it out i was hooked. From the fighting of creatures and exiles to the building of your own base even taming wild animals it's a game i have never experienced before. Leveling up is quite easy too and those tricky beasts soon become more of an annoyance than challenging.
My experience was made even more enjoyable when i joined an online clan run by my friend. Exploring and adventuring had never been more fun. Usually i am a solo player but with this game i really enjoyed the company. It's a fully immersive game with so much to do either on your own or with a group of people.
Then i loaded up the game... How wrong i was. From the get go i was hooked on this beautiful world full of creatures and adventure and possibilities. At first i died... A lot. It was a little bit difficult to get the hang of the game and the controls. But once i figured it out i was hooked. From the fighting of creatures and exiles to the building of your own base even taming wild animals it's a game i have never experienced before. Leveling up is quite easy too and those tricky beasts soon become more of an annoyance than challenging.
My experience was made even more enjoyable when i joined an online clan run by my friend. Exploring and adventuring had never been more fun. Usually i am a solo player but with this game i really enjoyed the company. It's a fully immersive game with so much to do either on your own or with a group of people.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Thief With No Shadow in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I can understand why some other readers gave this such a low rating, but I enjoyed the book. It was slower paced than other books I have read but I finished it rather quickly. Each passage serves some purpose, whether its building the world, progressing the story, or familiarizing the reader with the characters. The characters had more self-loathing than I have read in any book but it was understandable considering what they have been through. I dont think some of the reviewers actually understand how the human mind works. With what these people have had to deal with in their life, they are actually well adapted.
There is also a lot of sex in this book. More than I expected there to be. And half of it is interspecies. I appreciate that the author had the decency not to describe one of them but I could have done without the other. I agree there definitely should be a warning about those scenes. Nowhere is there a warning that there are graphic scenes of any kind.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the mythology. The plot wasnt overly complicated but it kept me interested even through the slow parts. But mainly, I was so invested in the characters having their happy endings that I couldnt put the book down. However, I can definitely tell why its not for everyone.
There is also a lot of sex in this book. More than I expected there to be. And half of it is interspecies. I appreciate that the author had the decency not to describe one of them but I could have done without the other. I agree there definitely should be a warning about those scenes. Nowhere is there a warning that there are graphic scenes of any kind.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the mythology. The plot wasnt overly complicated but it kept me interested even through the slow parts. But mainly, I was so invested in the characters having their happy endings that I couldnt put the book down. However, I can definitely tell why its not for everyone.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018 (Updated Feb 9, 2018)
Chop Sucky
One of those movies where a bunch of very talented people get together and somehow manage to produce something not all that great. The famous British horror movie studio Hammer gets together with Hong Kong's Shaw Brothers to produce a Gothic horror kung fu movie that also manages to pastiche The Magnificent Seven (et al).
You want to know the plot? Well, a gaggle of Chinese vampires feel they aren't getting the respect they deserve, and so they recruit Dracula as a sort of foreign signing to help with their brand awareness, or something. However, also on a lecture tour of China is Dracula's nemesis Van Helsing (Peter Cushing, using all his powers to elevate deeply suspect material), even though they've apparently never met before, and he sets off with a gang of local kung fu experts to sort the problem out. Cushing is not required to do any kung fu, the Chinese cast are not required to say 'Transylvania' more often than is absolutely necessary, and Christopher Lee flatly refuses to participate (Dracula, who appears to be overdoing his make-up, is played by another actor).
Nevertheless this is still schlocky good fun, although the script doesn't even make sense on its own terms and credited director Roy Ward Baker doesn't seem quite sure of what to do with the kung fu genre. One of the most bonkers of the late-period Hammer horror movies, not that this is necessarily a bad thing.
You want to know the plot? Well, a gaggle of Chinese vampires feel they aren't getting the respect they deserve, and so they recruit Dracula as a sort of foreign signing to help with their brand awareness, or something. However, also on a lecture tour of China is Dracula's nemesis Van Helsing (Peter Cushing, using all his powers to elevate deeply suspect material), even though they've apparently never met before, and he sets off with a gang of local kung fu experts to sort the problem out. Cushing is not required to do any kung fu, the Chinese cast are not required to say 'Transylvania' more often than is absolutely necessary, and Christopher Lee flatly refuses to participate (Dracula, who appears to be overdoing his make-up, is played by another actor).
Nevertheless this is still schlocky good fun, although the script doesn't even make sense on its own terms and credited director Roy Ward Baker doesn't seem quite sure of what to do with the kung fu genre. One of the most bonkers of the late-period Hammer horror movies, not that this is necessarily a bad thing.