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Ross (3284 KP) rated The Shattered Realm of Ardor Benn in Books
Mar 12, 2021
The second Ardor Benn book is another epic tale of the ruse artist taking on the royal family. The first book saw Ard's efforts depose the current king and save the dragon race (and hence the world). Sadly, the replacement royalty is no better and the Great Chain is now scattered into different, warring islands. Ard finds himself embroiled in a plot to unearth the conspiracy that the new king's dead nephew, and the rightful heir, is not actually dead.
There is also an interesting new subplot where we see a university professor tasked with discovering new Grit types (the world's magic system, whereby different materials once digested and fired by a dragon produce different magical results). This angle, like the industrial/medical revolution is surprisingly thrilling, with additional intrigue as the results become the interests of some unsavoury characters.
Ard and Raek are once again superb and quickly put together a plot to infiltrate a secret criminal underworld and discover the whereabouts of the true king. The secrecy and plotting, and use of the world's magic makes for some excellent exciting passages.
There are the usual twists and turns along the way, as the security measures in place in the secret society make it hard for Ard to progress too quickly.
As with the first book, the true nature of this strange world is unveiled a little more over the course of the book in spectacular fashion.
A wonderful fun read.
Billy Gibbons recommended Changes by Charles Bradley in Music (curated)
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jun 10, 2021
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Borat (2006) in Movies
Oct 22, 2020
Borat is offensive in so many ways, but I'll be damned if it isn't clever. The character is anti-semitic, sexist, and homophobic. Of course, Cohen himself isn't any of these things, but this role he plays truly brings out the worst in real life people that he interviews for his "documentary". As soon as he says something unorthodox, his subject will let their guard down, feel comfortable, and join in. It's quite something, and results in Cohen exposing the ugliness of somenof these people.
The over-arching narrative is thread bare (and honestly not intended to be the main focus) but climaxes in such a hilariously surreal fashion.
I'm not conviced that some of the stuff in this movie would fly now (at the time of writing, the second Borat movie is due to release tomorrow so we will see!), but Cohen's recent series, Who Is America?, showed clear as day that he is still as sharp, brutal, and out for blood as he ever has been.
Borat is another fine semi-exposé, that is frequently hilarious, and constantly disturbing, that is still as relevant and needed now as it was back in 2006.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated 1917 (2020) in Movies
Oct 25, 2020
Acting: 10
George Mackay is brilliant as Lance Corporal Schofield. He takes you through the entirety of this journey as a man reluctant to accept the fate that’s befallen him. His showcase of fear in the face of danger is really what drives the intensity of this movie.
Beginning: 9
Not the best first ten minutes of action, but a decent setup nonetheless. I was immediately drawn into this wartorn world and was curious to see what would happen next. Not perfect, but it’s definitely full speed ahead from here.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
There is such a quiet intensity here that drives the pace of the story. Even when shots aren’t being fired, I couldn’t help but be on the edge of my seat. With danger around every single turn, the pace is phenomenal.
Plot: 10
The story is straightforward with a clear objective. Where the plot wins is with a few unexpected turns that throw you off course. Not to mention to be able to do all of this in a set of one shots is remarkable.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 99
1917 touts beautiful imagery seeped in a mountain of dread. There is a scene where the protagonists are wading through heaps of dead bodies that really sets the stage for how harrowing the film is throughout. As war movies go, this one is definitely the most unique.