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David McK (3425 KP) rated The Postman (1997) in Movies
Jun 21, 2022
Kevin Costner released 'Waterworld' in 1995.
It sunk at the box office.
This was a few years later, based on the highly-respected David Brin novel of the same name.
I'm sure he wasn't expecting this one to flop either. Set in the far-off future of 2013, following a un-named catastrophe of some sort (no, not Trump)
The problem, I feel, is simply the length at nearly 3 hours long - there's some good ideas in here, and some good scenes, and a refreshing society-is-now-getting-better-again thread, after the unnamed events that led to the dystopian future shown at the start of the movie, but I do feel that the first act (in particular), playing up the threat of the fascist army led by General Bethlehem, could have been excised somewhat.
I understand why it's there - it needs to give Costner's character something to push against - but I think the book (and from what I remember) handled that aspect better than the movie does.
So, yeah, Costner plays a drifter who - after his escape from that army - discovers an old Postman uniform, initially putting it on only to become warm and then 'delivering the mail' simply as a scam to get food and shelter. However, over the course of that movie, that scam takes on a life of its own and more and more becomes the truth, finally ending with a code in the late 2040s after his death and where - going by dress, etc, - things seem to be back to 'normal'.
It sunk at the box office.
This was a few years later, based on the highly-respected David Brin novel of the same name.
I'm sure he wasn't expecting this one to flop either. Set in the far-off future of 2013, following a un-named catastrophe of some sort (no, not Trump)
The problem, I feel, is simply the length at nearly 3 hours long - there's some good ideas in here, and some good scenes, and a refreshing society-is-now-getting-better-again thread, after the unnamed events that led to the dystopian future shown at the start of the movie, but I do feel that the first act (in particular), playing up the threat of the fascist army led by General Bethlehem, could have been excised somewhat.
I understand why it's there - it needs to give Costner's character something to push against - but I think the book (and from what I remember) handled that aspect better than the movie does.
So, yeah, Costner plays a drifter who - after his escape from that army - discovers an old Postman uniform, initially putting it on only to become warm and then 'delivering the mail' simply as a scam to get food and shelter. However, over the course of that movie, that scam takes on a life of its own and more and more becomes the truth, finally ending with a code in the late 2040s after his death and where - going by dress, etc, - things seem to be back to 'normal'.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Titane (2021) in Movies
Mar 22, 2022
Titane is a truly mind bending experience, with several layers to work through to get to its core. It's been marketed as a sex fuelled body horror, which it certainly is to a degree, but beyond that, it's a fascinating character drama between two people who are coasting through life with their own separate issues. It's a love story that explores grief to an uneasy level, and dives headfirst into gender fluidity in the modern world. It's a bold vision that uses horror to great effect. To delve into the details any further would defeat the whole point of how the narrative unfolds - definitely recommend going in as blind as possible.
Agathe Rousselle is a revelation in the lead roll, an actor who certianly comes across as steadfast and fearless in her first feature length project. I'm excited to see what she brings to the table in the future. Vincent Lindon by comparison is a veteran of the industry, and the two of them share a chemistry that is equally electric as it is uncomfortable.
It's wonderfully directed by Julia Ducournau, who has crafted a visually striking and vibrant piece that will worm it's way into your brain and stay there for a while. Between this and her last film Raw, she surely has a big part to play in the future of the genre.
Titane isn't an easy watch, and is sometimes challenging, but is ultimately rewarding, and certainly unique. A modern body horror that gets under the skin in more ways than one.
Agathe Rousselle is a revelation in the lead roll, an actor who certianly comes across as steadfast and fearless in her first feature length project. I'm excited to see what she brings to the table in the future. Vincent Lindon by comparison is a veteran of the industry, and the two of them share a chemistry that is equally electric as it is uncomfortable.
It's wonderfully directed by Julia Ducournau, who has crafted a visually striking and vibrant piece that will worm it's way into your brain and stay there for a while. Between this and her last film Raw, she surely has a big part to play in the future of the genre.
Titane isn't an easy watch, and is sometimes challenging, but is ultimately rewarding, and certainly unique. A modern body horror that gets under the skin in more ways than one.
Merissa (12069 KP) rated The Cowboy and the Outcast (Farthingdale Valley #3) in Books
Sep 29, 2023
THE COWBOY AND THE OUTCAST is the third book in the Farthingdale Valley series. We see Gabe and Blaze, as well as Royce and Jonah, but it's time for Marston and Kell to take the spotlight - somewhere neither of them likes to be!
Kell had the perfect life, a good kid, with a bright future waiting for him. That is until he came out. And then that life crumbled - painfully and horribly. My heart broke for him, it really did. Marston, well, Marston didn't have that bright future but he did the best he could with what he had. I would have liked more about his past - as he grew older, if his siblings ever made an appearance (although I'm guessing not).
So many parts of this story touched me, some in a very personal manner. The writing is simply first-class. The actions and reactions are all understandable and make 100% sense to the person involved. There is no unnecessary drama and yet my eyes were still leaking on more than one occasion.
And one other thing... I'd love to hear more about Bede!!! Just saying!
The best of the series so far, in my opinion, and that's saying a lot as I thoroughly enjoyed every word of the previous books. HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Sep 27, 2023
Kell had the perfect life, a good kid, with a bright future waiting for him. That is until he came out. And then that life crumbled - painfully and horribly. My heart broke for him, it really did. Marston, well, Marston didn't have that bright future but he did the best he could with what he had. I would have liked more about his past - as he grew older, if his siblings ever made an appearance (although I'm guessing not).
So many parts of this story touched me, some in a very personal manner. The writing is simply first-class. The actions and reactions are all understandable and make 100% sense to the person involved. There is no unnecessary drama and yet my eyes were still leaking on more than one occasion.
And one other thing... I'd love to hear more about Bede!!! Just saying!
The best of the series so far, in my opinion, and that's saying a lot as I thoroughly enjoyed every word of the previous books. HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Sep 27, 2023
A Royal Affair
8.0
Rate It
Book
More goes wrong than could be imagined when Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge of The Right Sort...
You have to stick with it
Red Nexus is a magnificent book, but it did take me a while to read it as I kept putting it off again and again. Sammy and Andrei were my favourite characters from the beginning, right until the end. When Wen's heart broke, mine followed right after. Joe always surprised me. The way technology was used in this book really made me think about it some more. Is this where we are headed? Could this be our future? It actually caused me to ask a lot of questions. The last couple of chapters made me feel like getting up and doing something more with my life. It made me empowered. When they cheered, I cheered.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Body Electric in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Beth Revis] does it again with [The Body Electric]. In this futuristic world things are not always what they may seem. Ella is miserable due to the death of her father and the impending death of her mother. She just wants to be happy and make her mother happy. Unfortunately there are dark secrets hidden that will turn her world upside down.
If you have been wise enough to read the [Across the Universe] trilogy (and if you haven't you should, NOW) you will recognize the wonderful writing style and storytelling as well as references to Godspeed. [Revis] imagines a dark yet hopeful future. She does a magnificent job of showing both the good and evil of the human spirit.
If you have been wise enough to read the [Across the Universe] trilogy (and if you haven't you should, NOW) you will recognize the wonderful writing style and storytelling as well as references to Godspeed. [Revis] imagines a dark yet hopeful future. She does a magnificent job of showing both the good and evil of the human spirit.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Enders (Starters, #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I have been waiting for [Enders] by [Lissa Price] since I read [Starters] as an ARC. I absolutely love the premise of these stories. I have recommended(and will continue) to recommend them to my students. In fact I have pretty much made [Starters] required reading for the kids in my Future Problem Solving group.
The characters are strong and I am always happy to see a female in a strong role which thankfully has been the trend in YA literature (with one blaring exception recently).
The story is fast paced, in fact I read the book in under 24 hours. [Enders] picked up right where [Starters] left off. I look forward to reading more books written by [Lissa Price].
The characters are strong and I am always happy to see a female in a strong role which thankfully has been the trend in YA literature (with one blaring exception recently).
The story is fast paced, in fact I read the book in under 24 hours. [Enders] picked up right where [Starters] left off. I look forward to reading more books written by [Lissa Price].
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Forty Days at Kamas (Kamas Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
In the beginning [Forty Days at Kamas] it was a little difficult to follow. I understood that this was the United States in the future and a totalitarian government was in place that was persecuting people. The question was why? I don't think that was ever fully cleared up but the plot and the characters were strong enough to keep the story moving.
I think the confusion may have been intentional so the reader could feel what the characters were feeling. The parallel story lines of the characters worked well.
I bought this book since I had received [The Star Chamber Brotherhood] as by [Preston Fleming] and wanted to read the whole trilogy. I recommend it for a deeper read. It definitely is not a light read.
I think the confusion may have been intentional so the reader could feel what the characters were feeling. The parallel story lines of the characters worked well.
I bought this book since I had received [The Star Chamber Brotherhood] as by [Preston Fleming] and wanted to read the whole trilogy. I recommend it for a deeper read. It definitely is not a light read.
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated Star Wars Galactic Atlas in Books
Aug 2, 2017
If you are a fan of Star Wars, especially of the new interconnected canon, this book is for you. Including a timeline, a who's who of important figures in the Star Wars universe, information on the more important planets in the Star Wars galaxies, and then more detailed maps of the areas of importance on each of these planets, this books has a little bit of everything to help you map out the where/when/who of the new canon. Very informative and artistically detailed, this is an excellent addition to any Star Wars fan's library. I'm hoping that as future movies, books, and cartoons are released, they will release updated editions of this book to include the new locales. A Star Wars geek's dream!
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Battle of the Sexes (2016) in Movies
Apr 14, 2018
How far have we come?
While watching this film I kept thinking these events happened nearly fifty years ago and attitudes by powerful men toward women really haven't changed that much. The revelations in Hollywood recently were obviously long overdue and hopefully will start changing things for the better in the future.
The attention to detail in this film and acting were very believable and made you engage with the story immediately. Although the second act seemed to drag a bit, the developing relationships needed time to manifest to assist in the film's payoff.
I love a movie with a good soundtrack and this one didn't disappoint either as my toes were tappin' throughout.
Highly recommended.
The attention to detail in this film and acting were very believable and made you engage with the story immediately. Although the second act seemed to drag a bit, the developing relationships needed time to manifest to assist in the film's payoff.
I love a movie with a good soundtrack and this one didn't disappoint either as my toes were tappin' throughout.
Highly recommended.