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Shaun Collins (3 KP) rated Star Trek, Volume 9: The Q Gambit in Books
Jan 12, 2018
What feels like a gimmick or stunt casting (what if the Kelvin timeline encountered Q far earlier than they should) becomes a well put together adventure, anchored by the start in the Prime Universe. Q initially approaches Captain Picard, (now Ambassador) to console him over the death of Spock. He drops the bombshell that Spock didn't die, but set the alternate time line events in motion. Q of course, can't help but meddle, and challenges Kevlin Kirk to solve a true no win scenario by flinging the Enterprise and crew far into the future, where the events of the Dominion War ended far differently (and catastrophically) for the Federation.
This "post-apocalyptic" style story works incredibly well, and the cameos by established characters from down the line are met with great amounts of fun and just the right bit of timing. My one complaint is Kirk, who seems reactionary throughout the tale, and never manages to proactively become the hero (in fact, it is Spock and Q who solve the problem). But small potatoes, as they say. This was actually the first arc that convinced me to give IDWs Trek comics a chance, and while I disagree with their story telling choices on most of the run, the stories themselves are still entertainingly told. This one is no exception.
This "post-apocalyptic" style story works incredibly well, and the cameos by established characters from down the line are met with great amounts of fun and just the right bit of timing. My one complaint is Kirk, who seems reactionary throughout the tale, and never manages to proactively become the hero (in fact, it is Spock and Q who solve the problem). But small potatoes, as they say. This was actually the first arc that convinced me to give IDWs Trek comics a chance, and while I disagree with their story telling choices on most of the run, the stories themselves are still entertainingly told. This one is no exception.
Burrito Bison: Launcha Libre
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Burrito Bison is here and he’s brought friends! In the latest installment of one of the web’s...
The Glass Sentence (The Mapmakers Trilogy #1)
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She has only seen the world through maps. She had no idea they were so dangerous. Boston, 1891....
alternate universe time travel
The Golden Specific (The Mapmakers Trilogy #2)
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The eagerly-awaited sequel to the best-selling The Glass Sentence -- a historical, fantastical...
alternate universe time travel
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cult Classic by Fiona Grey in Music
Jun 21, 2019
Fiona Grey is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Saviour” single featuring Emma Cole.
The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).
The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.
‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.
Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.
“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey
‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.
Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.
“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey
Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.
She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.
The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).
The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.
‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.
Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.
“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey
‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.
Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.
“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey
Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.
She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.
Ryan Hill (152 KP) rated Doctor Strange (2016) in Movies
May 11, 2019
"Try me Beyoncé"
The 14th instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe marks the arrival of yet another avenger into the already crowded Marvel family while also bringing mystic arts & alternate dimensions into its ever-expanding universe. But even though it offers a kaleidoscopic journey through astral realms, infinite realities & spacetime contortions, it isn't entirely different from the norm.
Doctor Strange tells the story of Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a car accident, spends all his money on experimental surgeries to regain his abilities, and travels east for a last resort treatment where he meets a powerful sorcerer who teaches him ways to harness energy & shape realities through the mystic arts.
Co-written & directed by Scott Derrickson (best known for The Exorcism of Emily Rose & Sinister), Doctor Strange marks his first stint with comic book movies and while he succeeds in delivering a sufficiently entertaining blockbuster, his latest suffers from the same issues that marred his earlier works as Derrickson begins this story on a promising note but once again loses his grip in the middle.
The screenplay features a universe that's full of imaginations & possibilities yet beneath its parallel universes, time manipulation & astral projections lies the same generic storyline following the same predictable route that we all have seen many times before. What's interesting, however, is how the arc of the eponymous character is handled, for Stephen Strange remains an intriguing character at all times.
Production Design team chips in with set pieces that brim with mystical qualities while props such as ancient artefacts & antiquated relics provide added details to the desired spiritual environment. Camerawork is fine, Editing gets carried away by letting numerous CGI-infested moments overstay their welcome due to which it feels longer than it should. And Michael Giacchino contributes with a score that's fitting yet not enthralling.
Coming to the acting department, the film features a talented ensemble in Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen & Tilda Swinton. Cumberbatch as Strange is pitch-perfect casting and does total justice to his role by depicting his stubbornness, arrogance & ambition with precision while Swinton steals nearly every scene she's in. But the main highlight of this film is its shape-shifting & eye-popping visual effects.
On an overall scale, Doctor Strange does serve its purpose by delivering an entertaining, amusing & serviceable origin story but it isn't impressive enough to garner a spot amongst Marvel's finest features. Travelling a safe, risk-free route & sugarcoated with trippy, hallucinatory visuals, it is a typical fun-filled extravaganza that we've come to expect from Marvel Studios and is another enjoyable addition to their ever-inflating repertoire. Definitely worth a shot.
Doctor Strange tells the story of Stephen Strange, a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands after a car accident, spends all his money on experimental surgeries to regain his abilities, and travels east for a last resort treatment where he meets a powerful sorcerer who teaches him ways to harness energy & shape realities through the mystic arts.
Co-written & directed by Scott Derrickson (best known for The Exorcism of Emily Rose & Sinister), Doctor Strange marks his first stint with comic book movies and while he succeeds in delivering a sufficiently entertaining blockbuster, his latest suffers from the same issues that marred his earlier works as Derrickson begins this story on a promising note but once again loses his grip in the middle.
The screenplay features a universe that's full of imaginations & possibilities yet beneath its parallel universes, time manipulation & astral projections lies the same generic storyline following the same predictable route that we all have seen many times before. What's interesting, however, is how the arc of the eponymous character is handled, for Stephen Strange remains an intriguing character at all times.
Production Design team chips in with set pieces that brim with mystical qualities while props such as ancient artefacts & antiquated relics provide added details to the desired spiritual environment. Camerawork is fine, Editing gets carried away by letting numerous CGI-infested moments overstay their welcome due to which it feels longer than it should. And Michael Giacchino contributes with a score that's fitting yet not enthralling.
Coming to the acting department, the film features a talented ensemble in Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Mads Mikkelsen & Tilda Swinton. Cumberbatch as Strange is pitch-perfect casting and does total justice to his role by depicting his stubbornness, arrogance & ambition with precision while Swinton steals nearly every scene she's in. But the main highlight of this film is its shape-shifting & eye-popping visual effects.
On an overall scale, Doctor Strange does serve its purpose by delivering an entertaining, amusing & serviceable origin story but it isn't impressive enough to garner a spot amongst Marvel's finest features. Travelling a safe, risk-free route & sugarcoated with trippy, hallucinatory visuals, it is a typical fun-filled extravaganza that we've come to expect from Marvel Studios and is another enjoyable addition to their ever-inflating repertoire. Definitely worth a shot.
Sheep Frenzy 2
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Have you ever wondered if there’s an alternate universe where animals rule the world. What if…...
Zombicide Season 2: Prison Outbreak
8.3
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Season 2: Prison Outbreak is a standalone game that takes the players to an indoor environment with...
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Burned (Dark Reflections #5) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
So, this is the fifth book in the series so I'm not going to rehash the synopsis and the previous four books for you. Instead, I will just launch straight into this one, although, be warned! It may contain mild spoilers from the first four books, but I'll try to keep it as generic as possible.
Adri is still grieving and reeling from what happened in Minnesota and as such, can't bring herself to be civil to Alec. He is trying to make things easier for her as he does understand but he is also dealing with a lot of pressure from every which way.
The story that is told inside this book is speeding up and gaining momentum. It is an action-packed book but there is still a thin trickle of romance for the die-hard romantics like me. Things are never straightforward for Adri and Alec, although I sometimes wish they could catch a break, and never more so than here. Instead of a love triangle, Dean has gone one further and made it a love quadrangle! I am really hoping that Alec and Adri get their HEA even though this is an alternate universe.
We have new threats, old threats, conspiracies, betrayal, and love - it's all here. This is a series that is getting better with each book. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 19, 2016
Adri is still grieving and reeling from what happened in Minnesota and as such, can't bring herself to be civil to Alec. He is trying to make things easier for her as he does understand but he is also dealing with a lot of pressure from every which way.
The story that is told inside this book is speeding up and gaining momentum. It is an action-packed book but there is still a thin trickle of romance for the die-hard romantics like me. Things are never straightforward for Adri and Alec, although I sometimes wish they could catch a break, and never more so than here. Instead of a love triangle, Dean has gone one further and made it a love quadrangle! I am really hoping that Alec and Adri get their HEA even though this is an alternate universe.
We have new threats, old threats, conspiracies, betrayal, and love - it's all here. This is a series that is getting better with each book. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 19, 2016
Kyera (8 KP) rated Jem and the Holograms: Infinite in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've never seen the original tv show, but I discovered the Jem and the Holograms comics in my local comic book store and fell in love. Our main character Jerrica and her sisters Kimber, Aja and Shana are all in a band together - there's only one problem. Jerrica has major stage fright and can't perform in front of people. Thankfully their dad was a genius who created realistic hologram technology, which (although not its intended purpose) allows Jerrica to take on an alternate identity, Jem. This rockstar persona allows Jerrica to perform onstage and of course, shenanigans ensue over the course of the plotline.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.