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Abaddon's Gate (The Expanse, #3)
Abaddon's Gate (The Expanse, #3)
James S.A. Corey | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've said it before, I'll say it again. The Expanse is hands down the best SF series this side of Frank Herbert. The story is so tight, the characters so real, and the plot threads so engaging, it blows my mind that the show adaptation was hanging by a thread. Not that the show should have any bearing on the books. The Expanse is <i>exactly</i> what I've been wanting out of a science fiction universe for years. It hits all the buttons for me and hits them hard.

In this installment, every conflict seems dire. The villains are sinister and competent, the protomolecule is apathetically devastating, and humanity is unsurprisingly shortsighted and self-centered. What could go wrong?

All hail JSAC.
  
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
2014 | Action, Sci-Fi
“Marvel has gone mad.” This was the kind of reaction that many film-fans greeted the news of a film adaptation of Guardians of the Galaxy, one of the comic-book company’s lesser known band of heroes.

Thankfully, the film is an absolute masterclass. With the best ensemble cast of the entire MCU, some crazy set design and a great soundtrack, James Gunn’s MCU directorial-debut is practically perfect in every single way. We even get a decent villain in Lee Pace’s Ronan the Accuser. Plus, it’s got Glenn Close spouting absolute nonsense and Vin Diesel getting paid a ridiculous amount of money to say three words over and over again. What could be better?

https://moviemetropolis.net/2018/04/21/the-entire-marvel-cinematic-universe-ranked/
  
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
1993 | Comedy, Drama, Family
This film started my love affair with the wonderful Robin Williams and his loss feels raw even today.

Mrs Doubtfire has become something of a cult classic over the years and its impressive script means it still remains relatable today – and just as hilarious.

Chris Columbus, who later went on to direct the first two Harry Potter films crafted a near-perfect adaptation of Anne Fine’s Madame Doubtfire. Most people don’t realise the film is based on a novel, and I have to admit, I only discovered this a few years ago.

Even decades after its theatrical release, Mrs Doubtfire proves films can still throw up a few surprises if you look deep enough.

https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/07/04/films-that-influenced-me-adam-brannon/
  
Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One (2018)
2018 | Sci-Fi
Pretty good adaptation of a phenomenal book!
The book led me to expect great things... And I wasn't disappointed. Granted, I had to convince myself that they were different to enjoy the movie, since Spielberg wanted to leave references to his own works out, which basically changed everything.

I have been waiting for this movie for a long time, and I habe to say I wasn't disappointed. I can see why it took so long... There was a lot of CG work, and much of it was as smooth as an actual video game. I think they chose the right people for each role and it's clear that the alternate story line was considered heavily before it was implemented. Well done!!
  
The Little Drummer Girl
The Little Drummer Girl
2018 | Thriller
When it was announced that Little Drummer Girl was going to be adapted, directed by Park Chan-Wook, starring Alexander Skarsgård, I was so completely excited. Park Chan-Wook's Stoker is one of my favorite films, and Skarsgård is always good.
I feel like there was a high bar set by The Night Manager, another Le Carre adaptation, and this fell way below it. Every few minutes, my friend and I compared them... Little Drummer Girl was just boring. I feel like they could have easily updated it, since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is still alive and well.
Skarsgård essentially played the same character as when he lost his memory as Eric in True Blood. I like Florence Pugh, but her character was just flat for me.
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Rampage (2018) in Movies

Jan 20, 2019 (Updated Jan 20, 2019)  
Rampage (2018)
Rampage (2018)
2018 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Riotously silly computer game adaptation, as magic DNA jollop falls out of the sky and turns animals into giant, aggressive monsters; one of them happens to be genial Dwayne Johnson's pet gorilla, so there's bound to be trouble.

One of those films where everyone is in on the joke - doesn't bear much resemblance to the original game, but works pretty well as a piece of nonsense anyway. Johnson is a reassuring presence in the middle of it all, and the film does a surprisingly good job of catching some of the essence of the classic Japanese monster movies which obviously inspired it. Probably not going to win any of the major Oscars but still good fun while it's in front of you.
  
Exit: The Game – The Pharaoh&#039;s Tomb
Exit: The Game – The Pharaoh's Tomb
2016 | Deduction, Real-time
Puzzles (2 more)
Complexity
Team work
Only good once as you must destroy components. (0 more)
An almost perfect adaptation of an escape room
My friends and I love these mini escape rooms. They have a ton of different puzzles that really do require thinking outside of the box. Be prepared to destroy the components so it cannot be reused. I will often recycle my favorite puzzles in my D&D campaigns spread out over different sessions (exploring a Egyptian tomb, spooky cabin in the woods, tropical beach or a science lab are perfect campaign themes). Some puzzles are much harder than others but there are hints for each clue. Some people might balk at using hints but that's their own issue. Pharaohs Tomb has been my favorite so far.
  
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EmersonRose (320 KP) rated By the Book in Books

Nov 20, 2019  
By the Book
By the Book
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I was very excited when I heard about this book as Persuasion is my favorite of her novels, thank you to Touch My Spine Book Reviews for turning me onto this book! I loved seeing these characters come to life in a new light. I thought the setting was interesting and worked very well in adapting it into a modern time. I must say though that my favorite parts of the book were where it diverged from its source material and made something new. It was certainly successful in taking its inspiration from Austen but also did a great job of creating something interesting and unique. This is a fun romance story that I would definitely recommend.
  
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
2019 | Classics, Comedy, Drama
Armando Ianucci's adaptation of Charles Dickens' semi-autobiographical novel strikes an interesting balance between being the movie you expect and something new and unusual. Somewhat rambling plot: David Copperfield is born, grows up, goes from rags to riches and back again, meets various colourful characters, and so on. Obviously an opportunity for some actors to turn in rather big comedy performances, and the cast duly oblige.

However, the film is also quite studied in its non-naturalism - it doesn't even pretend to be realistic (this obviously extends to many of the casting choices), and in this context the experiment just about succeeds. However, it doesn't feel affected, and the film retains a warmth and sincerity that make it a real pleasure to watch.