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Darren (1599 KP) rated *batteries not included (1987) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: *batteries not included starts by introducing us to Frank (Cronyn), Faye (Tandy) Harry (Noble), Marisa (Pena) and Mason (Boutsikaris) who all are the remaining residents living in the middle of a building site, constantly being hounded by Carlos (Carmine) trying to force them to move out to the building can be demolished.
The lives of these residents takes a surprise turn when robotic aliens enter the apartment fixing the damaged caused within as the resident try to communicate with them. The Aliens become part guardians of the residents who continue to fight to keep their homes.
*batteries not included is a charming comedy fantasy that we get to see the serious side of the human life where people are forced relocated. I think this point comes through strong with each side be it the residents the rich or the thugs to remove the characters it all comes off great. We also get to see the unknown with the robots appearing in the story. overall this story is easy to follow and truly enjoyable throughout.
Actor Review
Hume Cronyn: Frank Riley is the café owner and husband to Faye, he does everything he can to look after her and run a business but it is his wish that comes true when the aliens arrive. We see Frank start to have to make the difficult decision about caring for Faye in her condition. Hume is good in this role leading the film.
Jessica Tandy: Faye Riley is the wife of Frank who is suffering with dementia, she spends nearly every moment of her waking day waiting for her son to return and making friends with her condition. Jessica is great in this role where we get to see the most laughs from her character.
Frank McRae: Harry Noble is the former fighter that now is a mute living in the building watching television most of his time. He finds a way to communicate with the aliens that the others can’t. Frank is good in this role where we get to see the stronger character with a heart of gold.
Elizabeth Pena: Marisa Esteval is a pregnant resident of the home who has been getting harassed by the people trying to get her out but she is strong independent woman. Elizabeth is good in this role going through her own struggles in the story.
Support Cast: *batteries not included has a supporting cast that is mostly just Carlos who is trying to chase them out and artist Mason living in the building, we don’t really have a need for a big cast to make this enjoyable.
Director Review: Matthew Robbins – Matthew gives us a truly enjoyable touching and charming fantasy film.
Comedy: *batteries not included has good laughs throughout mixing slapstick with jokes well.
Family: *batteries not included is one I do think the family can all enjoy.
Fantasy: *batteries not included throws us into a world where aliens can be friendly and not a threat.
Sci-Fi: *batteries not included uses the alien side of the story for the science fiction side of the story.
Settings: *batteries not included keeps most of the settings inside the building showing us how these unlikely residents could become friends.
Special Effects: *batteries not included has special effects which still look good today when it comes to the robots.
Suggestion: *batteries not included is one I do think people will enjoy. (Watch)
Best Part: Robots.
Worst Part: Not one.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears:
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes
Tagline: Five ordinary people needed a miracle. Then one night, Faye Riley left the window open.
Overall: Truly enjoyable fantasy comedy.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/08/24/batteries-not-included-1987/
The lives of these residents takes a surprise turn when robotic aliens enter the apartment fixing the damaged caused within as the resident try to communicate with them. The Aliens become part guardians of the residents who continue to fight to keep their homes.
*batteries not included is a charming comedy fantasy that we get to see the serious side of the human life where people are forced relocated. I think this point comes through strong with each side be it the residents the rich or the thugs to remove the characters it all comes off great. We also get to see the unknown with the robots appearing in the story. overall this story is easy to follow and truly enjoyable throughout.
Actor Review
Hume Cronyn: Frank Riley is the café owner and husband to Faye, he does everything he can to look after her and run a business but it is his wish that comes true when the aliens arrive. We see Frank start to have to make the difficult decision about caring for Faye in her condition. Hume is good in this role leading the film.
Jessica Tandy: Faye Riley is the wife of Frank who is suffering with dementia, she spends nearly every moment of her waking day waiting for her son to return and making friends with her condition. Jessica is great in this role where we get to see the most laughs from her character.
Frank McRae: Harry Noble is the former fighter that now is a mute living in the building watching television most of his time. He finds a way to communicate with the aliens that the others can’t. Frank is good in this role where we get to see the stronger character with a heart of gold.
Elizabeth Pena: Marisa Esteval is a pregnant resident of the home who has been getting harassed by the people trying to get her out but she is strong independent woman. Elizabeth is good in this role going through her own struggles in the story.
Support Cast: *batteries not included has a supporting cast that is mostly just Carlos who is trying to chase them out and artist Mason living in the building, we don’t really have a need for a big cast to make this enjoyable.
Director Review: Matthew Robbins – Matthew gives us a truly enjoyable touching and charming fantasy film.
Comedy: *batteries not included has good laughs throughout mixing slapstick with jokes well.
Family: *batteries not included is one I do think the family can all enjoy.
Fantasy: *batteries not included throws us into a world where aliens can be friendly and not a threat.
Sci-Fi: *batteries not included uses the alien side of the story for the science fiction side of the story.
Settings: *batteries not included keeps most of the settings inside the building showing us how these unlikely residents could become friends.
Special Effects: *batteries not included has special effects which still look good today when it comes to the robots.
Suggestion: *batteries not included is one I do think people will enjoy. (Watch)
Best Part: Robots.
Worst Part: Not one.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears:
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes
Tagline: Five ordinary people needed a miracle. Then one night, Faye Riley left the window open.
Overall: Truly enjoyable fantasy comedy.
https://moviesreview101.com/2016/08/24/batteries-not-included-1987/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (AVP 2) (2007) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
Two of the biggest creature franchises in cinematic history clash again this Christmas in the new film Aliens VS Predator: Requiem.
Picking up where the last film ended, “AVP-R” follows the surprise attack inside a predator ship and its subsequent crash in the woods near the small town of Gunnison Colorado. The crash does not go unnoticed, and sadly for a father and son on a hunting trip, investigating the crash site turns out to be a fatal mistake when they are infected by a pair of Alien Face-huggers from the crash site.
As if the Aliens were not bad enough, the locales also have to content with a Predator elite warrior who has been dispatched to stop the spread of the Aliens as well as cover up any evidence of the creatures and Predator technology from the crash.
In short order, an Alien infestation of Gunnison is underway and the local townspeople an unprepared to deal with the series of events that are underway and they find that even the local National Guard units are not prepared to face the ever expanding Alien legions.
In a race against time, a few survivors attempt to flee the carnage and our racing against time before even stronger containment methods are put into place.
The film is packed with action and there are enough solid visuals to keep fans entertained. However the films biggest failing, is a complete and utter lack of character development. While I do not usually expect much in this department from a film in this genre, “AVP-R” barely plays this lip service. We know that Dallas (Steven Pasquale) is an ex-con who is returned home to see his brother who in turn is drawing heat from his interest in girl who is dating the locale goon. We also know that Kelly (Reiko Aylesworth) is a soldier who has returned home to her daughter and husband and whose daughter resents her mom being away. Beyond those factors, there is precious else we are given about the characters which in turn makes it very hard to bond with them and care if they survive as they are little more than fodder for the interstellar killing machines.
The plot of the film is also very linear as the script from Shane Salerno does a nice job of setting up the events, but does not hold any real twists or turns and plays out in a very standard manner. While there is an attempt at the end to offer a little bonus for fans, it is not really enough to push the film over the top.
Directors Greg and Colin Strause have done a great job of capturing the look and feel of the franchise and have given fans what they have long asked for, a chance to see the Aliens loose in a modern setting on Earth. While the battle scenes shine and the duo keep the film moving along at a steady pace, they are hampered by the script and character issues I mentioned earlier.
Thankfully the series has returned to its R-Rated roots and the gore is back which is essential to show just how dangerous and destructive the two species are. The introduction of a new Alien/Predator hybrid is a nice touch, and does add a new albeit it controversial new chapter in Alien reproduction that is sure to get the fans talking.
In the end, fans are left with a mixed bag as the film is better than the previous film in the series but pales when compared with “Alien”, “Aliens”, and “Predator” where interesting characters combined with suspense and action to create true genre classics. As it stands,” AVP-R” is a worthy effort that comes up short of its aspirations.
Picking up where the last film ended, “AVP-R” follows the surprise attack inside a predator ship and its subsequent crash in the woods near the small town of Gunnison Colorado. The crash does not go unnoticed, and sadly for a father and son on a hunting trip, investigating the crash site turns out to be a fatal mistake when they are infected by a pair of Alien Face-huggers from the crash site.
As if the Aliens were not bad enough, the locales also have to content with a Predator elite warrior who has been dispatched to stop the spread of the Aliens as well as cover up any evidence of the creatures and Predator technology from the crash.
In short order, an Alien infestation of Gunnison is underway and the local townspeople an unprepared to deal with the series of events that are underway and they find that even the local National Guard units are not prepared to face the ever expanding Alien legions.
In a race against time, a few survivors attempt to flee the carnage and our racing against time before even stronger containment methods are put into place.
The film is packed with action and there are enough solid visuals to keep fans entertained. However the films biggest failing, is a complete and utter lack of character development. While I do not usually expect much in this department from a film in this genre, “AVP-R” barely plays this lip service. We know that Dallas (Steven Pasquale) is an ex-con who is returned home to see his brother who in turn is drawing heat from his interest in girl who is dating the locale goon. We also know that Kelly (Reiko Aylesworth) is a soldier who has returned home to her daughter and husband and whose daughter resents her mom being away. Beyond those factors, there is precious else we are given about the characters which in turn makes it very hard to bond with them and care if they survive as they are little more than fodder for the interstellar killing machines.
The plot of the film is also very linear as the script from Shane Salerno does a nice job of setting up the events, but does not hold any real twists or turns and plays out in a very standard manner. While there is an attempt at the end to offer a little bonus for fans, it is not really enough to push the film over the top.
Directors Greg and Colin Strause have done a great job of capturing the look and feel of the franchise and have given fans what they have long asked for, a chance to see the Aliens loose in a modern setting on Earth. While the battle scenes shine and the duo keep the film moving along at a steady pace, they are hampered by the script and character issues I mentioned earlier.
Thankfully the series has returned to its R-Rated roots and the gore is back which is essential to show just how dangerous and destructive the two species are. The introduction of a new Alien/Predator hybrid is a nice touch, and does add a new albeit it controversial new chapter in Alien reproduction that is sure to get the fans talking.
In the end, fans are left with a mixed bag as the film is better than the previous film in the series but pales when compared with “Alien”, “Aliens”, and “Predator” where interesting characters combined with suspense and action to create true genre classics. As it stands,” AVP-R” is a worthy effort that comes up short of its aspirations.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Saints Row IV: Re-Elected in Video Games
Jul 27, 2017
Total Mayhem
Remember when this series was a GTA clone, telling a semi series crime story? Some people say that Saints Row has jumped the shark at this point, but I still have fun with these games. If you are looking for a deeper, more serious open world crime game, then you can go play GTA or Mafia, but if you want mindless fun and crass humour and plenty of random violence, then you should pick this one up. It's essentially more of Saints Row 3, but with added superpowers and aliens. It also works as a satirical parody on modern video games and pokes fun at its peers with a wink and a nod.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Prom Nights from Hell in Books
Apr 27, 2018
this book was very mediocre.
there were several stories. the one by Meg Cabot was poorly writen and stupid.
the one by Lauren Myracle made me angry.
Kim Harrison didn't finish her story. when i finally found the novel that finished it, it was dumb, and she didn't hardly explain anything, so i didn't like it much.
Michelle Jaffe's characters were sketchy and i never connected with them. bleah.
Stephenie Meyer... well, let's just say, she should stick to vampires and mind-controlling aliens.
all in all, i read this book on a vote (and did a riddle on it, also on a vote) and didn't really enjoy it. waste of ten bucks. don't bother.
there were several stories. the one by Meg Cabot was poorly writen and stupid.
the one by Lauren Myracle made me angry.
Kim Harrison didn't finish her story. when i finally found the novel that finished it, it was dumb, and she didn't hardly explain anything, so i didn't like it much.
Michelle Jaffe's characters were sketchy and i never connected with them. bleah.
Stephenie Meyer... well, let's just say, she should stick to vampires and mind-controlling aliens.
all in all, i read this book on a vote (and did a riddle on it, also on a vote) and didn't really enjoy it. waste of ten bucks. don't bother.
Auburn (57 KP) rated The Darkest Star (Origin, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
A new book in the ever magnificent Lux universe. The Darkest Star brings new light to the world while standing on its own as a magnificent book. The plot focuses on both tragic love but equally on just what are Luxon and are they truly the most dangerous aliens out there.
Evie and Luc bring banter, tension, and laughs as they spend more time together and learn exactly who they could be together.
I absolutely adore this book and am excited that it can be read as a standalone and not as a continuation of the orignial series. If you haven't read Lux it is ok, you will still enjoy this book!
Evie and Luc bring banter, tension, and laughs as they spend more time together and learn exactly who they could be together.
I absolutely adore this book and am excited that it can be read as a standalone and not as a continuation of the orignial series. If you haven't read Lux it is ok, you will still enjoy this book!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2460 KP) rated A Princess of Mars (Barsoom, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
American Civil War vet John Carter is shocked to find himself suddenly on Mars where he becomes a semi-prisoner of a race of aliens. But then he meets another human and sets out to free them both.
I enjoyed the movie from last year and finally got around to reading the book. It was a lot of fun even if most of the plot was familiar thanks to the movie. There was one slow section that seemed to come out of no where to slow things down, but on the whole it was worth reading.
read my full review at<a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-princess-of-mars-by-edgar.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I enjoyed the movie from last year and finally got around to reading the book. It was a lot of fun even if most of the plot was familiar thanks to the movie. There was one slow section that seemed to come out of no where to slow things down, but on the whole it was worth reading.
read my full review at<a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-princess-of-mars-by-edgar.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I have always enjoyed Peter S. Beagle's short fiction books and these definitely are worth it. Even his attempt at the steampunk genre is pretty good. Some of these stories are a little on the dark side and slightly horror, however, you also get some action and adventure. It is a great way to visit some of his established worlds like The Last Unicorn and Inn Keeper's Song as well as find something new. Worlds that treat dragon's like guard dogs for drugs and the police that find them or a world that has humans communicating with aliens via a computer. It is a great travel from High Fantasy to futuristic Sci-Fi.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Terrornauts (1967) in Movies
Oct 20, 2019
Almost wholly inept British sci-fi B-movie. Aliens abduct a shed containing two astronomers, their secretary, an accountant, and the institute's tea lady in order to secure their help in repelling an attack on the Earth.
Starts slow, is dull in the middle, gets very silly towards the end (it's the kind of movie which seems to assume that the audience for SF films is made up of very young children and congenital idiots). Production values and special effects manage to be even worse than you'd expect, but deserves such a low score mainly because it doesn't contain a single interesting or original idea. Every bit as poor as its reputation would suggest.
Starts slow, is dull in the middle, gets very silly towards the end (it's the kind of movie which seems to assume that the audience for SF films is made up of very young children and congenital idiots). Production values and special effects manage to be even worse than you'd expect, but deserves such a low score mainly because it doesn't contain a single interesting or original idea. Every bit as poor as its reputation would suggest.
Supergods: Our World in the Age of the Superhero
8.0
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In 1938 Action Comics #1 introduced the world to Superman. In a matter of years, the skies of our...
Ali-A Adventures: Game on!
A. Ali-, Cavan Scott and Aleksandar Sotirovski
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It's launch time for the hotly anticipated video game Alien Liberator 2, and who better to invite...