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The CyberHippy (15 KP) rated Reel Steel (2011) in Movies
Jul 15, 2017
Can a robot fight as well as a person?
Contains spoilers, click to show
Set in the near future Real Steel is the comeback story of a washed-up boxer, who's only inspiration is is estranged son.
Former boxer Charlie Kenton has had to move with the times as traditional boxing has been replaced by the mega-sport of Robot Boxing and Charlie isn't very good at moving with the times. But when his ex-wife dies and he gains custody of his estranged son, Max, who he's never met, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
Charlie must juggle is meager on-the-road, always look for a new robot and a new fight lifestyle, with looking after an 11-year-old child. But when a freak accident leads Charlie and Max to an old sparring bot, Max is determined to get it running again. Once fixed up the pair find that the bot, named Atom, they discover it has a very rare feature, a mode that will literally let it copy the moves of a user in real time.
Starting in the underground fighting leagues, Atom rapidly rises through the ranks until it is noticed by the Robot Fighting League and offered an official fight. Whilst fighting and winning in the official league, Max sets his sights for Atom on an undefeated mega-robot, much to Charlie's distress.
This is the story of a boy reconnecting with the father he never knew though the one thing they have in common, Robot Boxing. Through the destruction and crashing metal come some heart-wrenching emotional scenes.
Look out for some interesting product placement and a very unusual statue outside the final arena.
10/10
Former boxer Charlie Kenton has had to move with the times as traditional boxing has been replaced by the mega-sport of Robot Boxing and Charlie isn't very good at moving with the times. But when his ex-wife dies and he gains custody of his estranged son, Max, who he's never met, the adventure of a lifetime begins.
Charlie must juggle is meager on-the-road, always look for a new robot and a new fight lifestyle, with looking after an 11-year-old child. But when a freak accident leads Charlie and Max to an old sparring bot, Max is determined to get it running again. Once fixed up the pair find that the bot, named Atom, they discover it has a very rare feature, a mode that will literally let it copy the moves of a user in real time.
Starting in the underground fighting leagues, Atom rapidly rises through the ranks until it is noticed by the Robot Fighting League and offered an official fight. Whilst fighting and winning in the official league, Max sets his sights for Atom on an undefeated mega-robot, much to Charlie's distress.
This is the story of a boy reconnecting with the father he never knew though the one thing they have in common, Robot Boxing. Through the destruction and crashing metal come some heart-wrenching emotional scenes.
Look out for some interesting product placement and a very unusual statue outside the final arena.
10/10
The Story contains excerpts of the NIV Bible in a modern day format, as if the Bible was a novel. The text fills up the full page rather than the usual two columns, and it it has the regular paragraph breaks and quotation marks. History and explanations are italics, poetry is indented, and events and dialogue are in regular body text.
One thing I really like about this version is the quotes. In many Bibles it's hard to tell when someone is saying something, or quoting something from somewhere else. In this version, it's very clear, because it sets it in a block quote, with proper quotation marks.
Again, this version is excerpts. It's not the full version. It's not something that can be referenced, because the books and chapters and verse numbers aren't shown. It's separated into chapters with titles rather than the traditional books and chapters.
This is good and bad. Good because I think it would be easier for some people to read, and maybe more friendly to teens who are just trying to get an overall grasp of the Bible. It's not so great because then if you say "Wait, where is that in the Bible, and what chapter/verse is it?" it's not going to be easy to find.
I think The Story is a nice way to read the Bible in a casual setting, or for a small group or Bible study for people who want to get the big picture of the Bible and want to see how it ties together on a larger scale, but it's not really suitable for intensive study (which is fine; you need both).
One thing I really like about this version is the quotes. In many Bibles it's hard to tell when someone is saying something, or quoting something from somewhere else. In this version, it's very clear, because it sets it in a block quote, with proper quotation marks.
Again, this version is excerpts. It's not the full version. It's not something that can be referenced, because the books and chapters and verse numbers aren't shown. It's separated into chapters with titles rather than the traditional books and chapters.
This is good and bad. Good because I think it would be easier for some people to read, and maybe more friendly to teens who are just trying to get an overall grasp of the Bible. It's not so great because then if you say "Wait, where is that in the Bible, and what chapter/verse is it?" it's not going to be easy to find.
I think The Story is a nice way to read the Bible in a casual setting, or for a small group or Bible study for people who want to get the big picture of the Bible and want to see how it ties together on a larger scale, but it's not really suitable for intensive study (which is fine; you need both).
Merissa (13472 KP) rated Tomboy in Books
May 7, 2018
Tomboy by Janelle Reston
Tomboy is a short but sweet, dare I say gentle, novella about two young girls. One is the tomboy in the title, and one comes from a "traditional" family. The story is told through Harriet's eyes as she compares her upbringing and beliefs with those of Jackie, who is allowed to wear clothes more suited for a boy. Her mum isn't exactly 'normal' though, and this great attitude has rubbed of onto Jackie. We meet them as young children, and stay with them as they progress through school, until they've been to college.
This novella skips along quite merrily with the transitions from one age to the next being absolutely seamless. Jackie always knows (or at least that's the impression I got) who she is, and what she wants, whereas Harriet isn't too sure, and does some experimenting before coming to her senses. Rich in the history of the time, with references to films and actors that I loved, we see the support Harriet gets from her dad, the unusual attitude of Jackie's mum, and also mentions of the cold war. I found this to be an absolutely fascinating read, and loved every moment.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, the time spent in this book sped by all too quickly. However, it has certainly given me another author to follow! A wonderful book that I would highly recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This novella skips along quite merrily with the transitions from one age to the next being absolutely seamless. Jackie always knows (or at least that's the impression I got) who she is, and what she wants, whereas Harriet isn't too sure, and does some experimenting before coming to her senses. Rich in the history of the time, with references to films and actors that I loved, we see the support Harriet gets from her dad, the unusual attitude of Jackie's mum, and also mentions of the cold war. I found this to be an absolutely fascinating read, and loved every moment.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, the time spent in this book sped by all too quickly. However, it has certainly given me another author to follow! A wonderful book that I would highly recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I had to read this book of poetry for my Modern Elegy English course at my school and I found it very interesting. This was the first elegy we had read by a female author, even though we are well over half way through our quarter. I found the poems themselves very convoluted, but they were still fascinating.
I loved the structure of the book itself. It was made to look like a continuous piece of paper, much like a timeline to which someone's life may be measured against. I thought it was really cool the way Carson would pull in the definitions of the words in Latin only to reveal about half way or three quarters of the way through that is was because she was translating an old poem that had originally been written in Latin. That gave it the sense that everything was pulled together.
One thing I enjoyed about this poem was how different it was from other elegies I have had to read over the course of this quarter. Instead of only lauding the deceased, Carson makes them realistic. She does not make them out to be some saint-like, or even god-like creature that had done no wrong. In giving them flaws and pointing those flaws out, the poem itself becomes more realistic and approachable.
I loved how it looked like everything was just scanned in, as well. It gave an informal quality to the poem that, again, makes it accessible to wider audiences than the more traditional elegies might.
Overall, this was a pretty cool poem! I suggest you pick it up if you want to read something different.
I loved the structure of the book itself. It was made to look like a continuous piece of paper, much like a timeline to which someone's life may be measured against. I thought it was really cool the way Carson would pull in the definitions of the words in Latin only to reveal about half way or three quarters of the way through that is was because she was translating an old poem that had originally been written in Latin. That gave it the sense that everything was pulled together.
One thing I enjoyed about this poem was how different it was from other elegies I have had to read over the course of this quarter. Instead of only lauding the deceased, Carson makes them realistic. She does not make them out to be some saint-like, or even god-like creature that had done no wrong. In giving them flaws and pointing those flaws out, the poem itself becomes more realistic and approachable.
I loved how it looked like everything was just scanned in, as well. It gave an informal quality to the poem that, again, makes it accessible to wider audiences than the more traditional elegies might.
Overall, this was a pretty cool poem! I suggest you pick it up if you want to read something different.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Jul 26, 2018
Fun Summer Blockbuster
Taking place three years after Jurassic World, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) find themselves back on Isla Nublar where a dormant volcano is on the verge of erupting. Their mission is to safely rescue as many dinosaurs as they can, but there are others who have more sinister plans.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
The Jurassic Park series has set the standard for visuals and this new installment is no exception. From the opening scene to the film's conclusion, you are treated to the beautiful dino goodness that keeps viewers coming back for more. I appreciated the consistent attention to detail and the constant refining of the traditional dinos like the t-rex and pesky raptor. I left as I always do, thinking this is how these creatures must have moved and acted when they were alive.
Conflict: 9
Genre: 5
Memorability: 5
Pace: 8
Plot: 1
Resolution: 10
Overall: 76
It's funny how critics rag on films like these saying, "Where is the heart? This film is all over the place, big on action, lacking on script." Is that accurate of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom? Absolutely. However, sometimes we also have to remember why we came to the see the film in the first place. You came for the action. You came for the dinosaurs. In that sense, the film delivers. You want an enriching story? Go see Lady Bird. Meanwhile, I'll keep munching on my Raisinets and enjoying films the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
P.S.--Lady Bird is actually a phenomenal film.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 9
The Jurassic Park series has set the standard for visuals and this new installment is no exception. From the opening scene to the film's conclusion, you are treated to the beautiful dino goodness that keeps viewers coming back for more. I appreciated the consistent attention to detail and the constant refining of the traditional dinos like the t-rex and pesky raptor. I left as I always do, thinking this is how these creatures must have moved and acted when they were alive.
Conflict: 9
Genre: 5
Memorability: 5
Pace: 8
Plot: 1
Resolution: 10
Overall: 76
It's funny how critics rag on films like these saying, "Where is the heart? This film is all over the place, big on action, lacking on script." Is that accurate of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom? Absolutely. However, sometimes we also have to remember why we came to the see the film in the first place. You came for the action. You came for the dinosaurs. In that sense, the film delivers. You want an enriching story? Go see Lady Bird. Meanwhile, I'll keep munching on my Raisinets and enjoying films the way they were meant to be enjoyed.
P.S.--Lady Bird is actually a phenomenal film.
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated Alien: Covenant (2017) in Movies
Nov 19, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Covanant colony mission is interrupted and discover a distress signal coming from a nearby planet. Liking the look of it more than going back into a dangerous hyper sleep, they go down to check it out. Down there they discover an alien species completely destroyed by causes unknown. The traditional saga formula insues: someone gets infected, the aliens reek havoc and the humans appear to have won.
Here we seem to have another reboot, posing as a sequel/ prequel, in that the format is very much like the first Alien film, back in 79'. Following a distress signal, lending on a planet, issues with a storm, evil company synthetic, alien inhabits host and ends up back on the ship, takes them.out one by one, juat wjen you think it is over, its not, Alien is blown out into space, heroine survives.
All making sence as it is Mr Scott back at the helm.
That is not this one does not have it's own flare, this film takes place after Prometheus, but before it's 79'older brother, so we see more of the creation and evolution of the Xenomorph (big happies for lovers of that horror puppy) and it keeps you fence throughout, like the originals.
There are some odd pacing issues with some parts, though it feels more like a bit of condensed editing to cut the film down (though what is with the flute scene?!?!?!)
Aliens (the Cameron 86' sequel) is one of my all time favourite films, and as a fan of the series, I did enjoy watching this film, but do hope for something truly compelling in the next instalment.
Here we seem to have another reboot, posing as a sequel/ prequel, in that the format is very much like the first Alien film, back in 79'. Following a distress signal, lending on a planet, issues with a storm, evil company synthetic, alien inhabits host and ends up back on the ship, takes them.out one by one, juat wjen you think it is over, its not, Alien is blown out into space, heroine survives.
All making sence as it is Mr Scott back at the helm.
That is not this one does not have it's own flare, this film takes place after Prometheus, but before it's 79'older brother, so we see more of the creation and evolution of the Xenomorph (big happies for lovers of that horror puppy) and it keeps you fence throughout, like the originals.
There are some odd pacing issues with some parts, though it feels more like a bit of condensed editing to cut the film down (though what is with the flute scene?!?!?!)
Aliens (the Cameron 86' sequel) is one of my all time favourite films, and as a fan of the series, I did enjoy watching this film, but do hope for something truly compelling in the next instalment.
The horror genre can’t wait to splash the screen with as much blood and gore as possible, letting you know what the intentions of the film are going to be. In this Blumhouse produced thriller that isn’t the case, as Oscar winner Octavia Spencer plays quiet but dissociated veterinary assistant Sue-Ann, who befriends a group of adolescent teens.
On the outside she’s warm and friendly, only wanting to be accepted (this becomes apparent as to why later on). She secretly buys them alcohol and lets them have use of her basement to party – until she ‘becomes’ the party and local speakeasy. For the vast majority of the film there is little to class this as anything but a horror. It is relatively uneventful and offers no traditional jumpscares or shock moments.
The narrative unravels slowly allowing us to delve into Sue-Ann’s past and discover her motives, and it is these flashbacks that are most shocking of all, to the point of sympathy. The finale is frenetic, as Sue-Ann goes from likeable charmer to absolute psycho in a matter of moments – not that it hasn’t been building up to it.
Unfortunately it’s all delivered in such a short space of time that it feels rushed. Spencer’s performance is very good and there are distinct similarities to Kathy Bates and her equally psychotic character in Misery – there is even a subtle nod to the Stephen King classic.
Ma is not a total flop, but more could have been done to grip the viewer early on, instead of leaving it all to the final act.
On the outside she’s warm and friendly, only wanting to be accepted (this becomes apparent as to why later on). She secretly buys them alcohol and lets them have use of her basement to party – until she ‘becomes’ the party and local speakeasy. For the vast majority of the film there is little to class this as anything but a horror. It is relatively uneventful and offers no traditional jumpscares or shock moments.
The narrative unravels slowly allowing us to delve into Sue-Ann’s past and discover her motives, and it is these flashbacks that are most shocking of all, to the point of sympathy. The finale is frenetic, as Sue-Ann goes from likeable charmer to absolute psycho in a matter of moments – not that it hasn’t been building up to it.
Unfortunately it’s all delivered in such a short space of time that it feels rushed. Spencer’s performance is very good and there are distinct similarities to Kathy Bates and her equally psychotic character in Misery – there is even a subtle nod to the Stephen King classic.
Ma is not a total flop, but more could have been done to grip the viewer early on, instead of leaving it all to the final act.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2444 KP) rated Abstract Aliases in Books
Mar 25, 2020
Hunting for a Killer’s Alias
As this book opens, it’s been two months since we last checked in on Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes. While they have been doing their best to gather clues to stop the coming heist, things have been quiet. Too quiet. However, something is about to explode on New Year’s Day, and I’m not talking about the London fireworks. While Laurel and Jack are waiting for those fireworks to start, they are shocked have an encounter with one of the men involved in the upcoming heist. Then the next day, Laurel’s London office is broken into. Once again one step ahead of danger and one step behind their prey, Laurel and Jack must act quickly. Will they gain any new clues?
The teaser may seem a bit vague, but much of the fun of this book is watching the plot unfold and getting swept up in the proceedings. The plot is fast paced with hardly any time for the characters, or us, to breath. Still, we do get real characters, and I’m enjoying watching Laurel and Jack grow as individuals as well as in their relationship. The rest of the characters are just as strong. This is more of a caper type plot than a traditional cozy, and I loved it. There is a larger story going on, and it is helpful to read this series in order as a result – especially since events of the earlier books in the series are spoiled here. However, this book does have a satisfying story that ties into the larger story, and we get some interesting revelations. Fans of the series will enjoy this book.
The teaser may seem a bit vague, but much of the fun of this book is watching the plot unfold and getting swept up in the proceedings. The plot is fast paced with hardly any time for the characters, or us, to breath. Still, we do get real characters, and I’m enjoying watching Laurel and Jack grow as individuals as well as in their relationship. The rest of the characters are just as strong. This is more of a caper type plot than a traditional cozy, and I loved it. There is a larger story going on, and it is helpful to read this series in order as a result – especially since events of the earlier books in the series are spoiled here. However, this book does have a satisfying story that ties into the larger story, and we get some interesting revelations. Fans of the series will enjoy this book.
MathX – Calculator
Education and Productivity
App
MathX brings the power of a graphic and scientific calculator on your iPhone and iPad. It can solve...
Whiskey the spider
Education and Games
App
Whiskey the spider lets you into his world filled with games that stimulate children’s creativity...