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Rick Nielsen recommended Are You Experienced? by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in Music (curated)
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Justice League International, Vol. 4 in Books
Nov 30, 2020
The 80s. I know, right? What the heck happened??! When did things get so confusing and angstastically heavy?! I mean, beside the frelled up election result for 2016??
Thankfully, despite all of that, there are many good outlets to remind us how to have fun and to also remind us that WE actually used to be FUN! Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis truly know how to have fun times with the likes of Batman, Blue Beetle, and Martian Manhunter, just to name a few of the characters within.
The art, from artists Mike McKone, Ty Templeton, and Kevin Maguire was equally enjoyable, further enhancing the suing fun times. The only art I wasn't wowed by was Bill Willingham's. Not that it was bad or anything of the sort, I just thought it wasn't one of his stronger contributions. But, yeah, the other guys were all aces!
The only reason it didn't warrant Five Stars, or even Four for that matter, was the last issue in the TPB: "Teenage Biker Mega-Death!" (Vol. 1, Issue #30). The story itself was a weaker offering from Giffen and DeMatteis, only made weaker by the art from Willingham. The "big bad" of the story was neither <i>big</i> nor really very <i>bad</i>! Again, not the worst, but not the best.
Overall, though, this is yet another great example of how to make comics fun and enjoyable! If only they had gone this route for 2017's JUSTICE LEAGUE film!
Thankfully, despite all of that, there are many good outlets to remind us how to have fun and to also remind us that WE actually used to be FUN! Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis truly know how to have fun times with the likes of Batman, Blue Beetle, and Martian Manhunter, just to name a few of the characters within.
The art, from artists Mike McKone, Ty Templeton, and Kevin Maguire was equally enjoyable, further enhancing the suing fun times. The only art I wasn't wowed by was Bill Willingham's. Not that it was bad or anything of the sort, I just thought it wasn't one of his stronger contributions. But, yeah, the other guys were all aces!
The only reason it didn't warrant Five Stars, or even Four for that matter, was the last issue in the TPB: "Teenage Biker Mega-Death!" (Vol. 1, Issue #30). The story itself was a weaker offering from Giffen and DeMatteis, only made weaker by the art from Willingham. The "big bad" of the story was neither <i>big</i> nor really very <i>bad</i>! Again, not the worst, but not the best.
Overall, though, this is yet another great example of how to make comics fun and enjoyable! If only they had gone this route for 2017's JUSTICE LEAGUE film!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Halo (Fallen Angel, #1) in Books
Jan 20, 2021
I got this from the Kindle Unlimited library after being a bit of a geek and going through the story on Chapters - the interactive story app? - and getting intrigued by these two guys and how their relationship would progress.
This starts with the successful rock band TBD looking for another front-man after their old one walked out several months ago and never came back. In walks Halo, a talented guy with the voice they're looking for and decide to make him their frontman. Viper, an original member of TBD, feels an intense attraction to Halo from the moment he walks in the room and it only grows when he hears him sing - the only issue is Halo claims he's straight.
Since I'd read through the story on Chapters, I pretty much knew everything that was going to happen although in the app we only see Halo's POV and in this book we get alternating POV's between both Halo and Viper and i thought it was great to see what was going on in Viper's head.
I love the progression of this thing that sparks between them and Viper's innuendo and single mindedness when it comes to wanting to get in Halo's pants. That's why I've called it a thing because Viper isn't exactly the romantic type but the care and attention he's shown Halo makes me believe he truly cares about him and I cannot wait to read the next book to see where their relationship goes next.
This starts with the successful rock band TBD looking for another front-man after their old one walked out several months ago and never came back. In walks Halo, a talented guy with the voice they're looking for and decide to make him their frontman. Viper, an original member of TBD, feels an intense attraction to Halo from the moment he walks in the room and it only grows when he hears him sing - the only issue is Halo claims he's straight.
Since I'd read through the story on Chapters, I pretty much knew everything that was going to happen although in the app we only see Halo's POV and in this book we get alternating POV's between both Halo and Viper and i thought it was great to see what was going on in Viper's head.
I love the progression of this thing that sparks between them and Viper's innuendo and single mindedness when it comes to wanting to get in Halo's pants. That's why I've called it a thing because Viper isn't exactly the romantic type but the care and attention he's shown Halo makes me believe he truly cares about him and I cannot wait to read the next book to see where their relationship goes next.
GoAddMe - Make More Friends
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GoAddMe is a social network for making friends with a very curious proposal. With it, the user can...
Safari Hunting 4x4
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Safari Hunting 3D simulator is an unforgettable adventure for real guys on the African continent,...
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Old Guard (2020) in Movies
Jul 26, 2020
Decent entertainment
I never hold out much hope for Netflix original films, however I was pleasantly surprised with this as it managed to hold my attention throughout with a decent amount of entertainment.
The star of this film is undoubtedly Charlize Theron. There no one better to call when you want a kick ass female lead, and she plays this role to perfection in the same way she did Atomic Blonde. She is without a doubt the best thing about this film. However the rest of the cast are decent - it’s been a while since I’ve seen Matthias Schoenaerts in anything and Chiwetel Ejiofor is always good, but I do think they have been let down a little by the majority of the focus being on Andy.
The plot is probably the biggest letdown with this film as immortality aside, this is nothing new. It’s full of one dimensional bad guys (Harry Melling hamming it up to the max) and plot twists that you can see coming a mile off. However despite the plot unoriginality, the action and the general fast pace of the film along with the endearing cast, the fitting flashbacks and the decision not to explain the immortality origins (I hate it when films concoct overelaborate explanations that are entirely unnecessary) make for a pretty enjoyable and entertaining watch. The 2 hours virtually fly by. I’m not convinced by the sequel baiting ending as I dislike films doing this, but would I watch a sequel? Actually yes I would.
The star of this film is undoubtedly Charlize Theron. There no one better to call when you want a kick ass female lead, and she plays this role to perfection in the same way she did Atomic Blonde. She is without a doubt the best thing about this film. However the rest of the cast are decent - it’s been a while since I’ve seen Matthias Schoenaerts in anything and Chiwetel Ejiofor is always good, but I do think they have been let down a little by the majority of the focus being on Andy.
The plot is probably the biggest letdown with this film as immortality aside, this is nothing new. It’s full of one dimensional bad guys (Harry Melling hamming it up to the max) and plot twists that you can see coming a mile off. However despite the plot unoriginality, the action and the general fast pace of the film along with the endearing cast, the fitting flashbacks and the decision not to explain the immortality origins (I hate it when films concoct overelaborate explanations that are entirely unnecessary) make for a pretty enjoyable and entertaining watch. The 2 hours virtually fly by. I’m not convinced by the sequel baiting ending as I dislike films doing this, but would I watch a sequel? Actually yes I would.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020) in Movies
May 28, 2020
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released the latest Animated DC film with the impressive Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. The film brings a very impressive cast who voice a large collection of DC heroes and villains in an R-rated film that is gripping and engaging.
When Darkseid (Tony Todd) Threatens the Earth; the Justice League must rally to save the day. What really makes the film shine is not only the very large cast; but the fact that so many heroes and villains from the DC universe come into play and at times take actions that viewers would not normally expect from the characters.
There is a complexity to the movie that one would not usually expect as the characters show their flaws and this is not a collection of pristine heroes vs scenery chewing bad guys.
Characters have baggage as well as strong motivations and even doubt which is very refreshing. The story also can be enjoyed by fans who are well versed in the mythos as well as more casual viewers who may not be as up to date on the actions leading up to the film as well as some of the characters.
The story is dark and mature which is reflected in the R-rating which for me is a great thing as Warner has been doing more and more R-rated animated content which is very appealing as there are far fewer restrictions on story content.
The animation is first-rate and the very impressive cast makes this one that fans will not want to miss.
When Darkseid (Tony Todd) Threatens the Earth; the Justice League must rally to save the day. What really makes the film shine is not only the very large cast; but the fact that so many heroes and villains from the DC universe come into play and at times take actions that viewers would not normally expect from the characters.
There is a complexity to the movie that one would not usually expect as the characters show their flaws and this is not a collection of pristine heroes vs scenery chewing bad guys.
Characters have baggage as well as strong motivations and even doubt which is very refreshing. The story also can be enjoyed by fans who are well versed in the mythos as well as more casual viewers who may not be as up to date on the actions leading up to the film as well as some of the characters.
The story is dark and mature which is reflected in the R-rating which for me is a great thing as Warner has been doing more and more R-rated animated content which is very appealing as there are far fewer restrictions on story content.
The animation is first-rate and the very impressive cast makes this one that fans will not want to miss.
Merissa (11953 KP) rated Lost Cause (Life Sucks #8) in Books
Oct 10, 2023
LOST CAUSE is the eighth book in the Life Sucks and it would be handy to have read the others, just so you know the other characters and the bit of backstory that is mentioned.
Frankie says she had a privileged upbringing, but it sounds absolutely horrible. No wonder she left that life behind... or did she? Lex isn't convinced and watches her for a year to see if she's telling the truth. When her father shows up, Lex thinks he's both vindicated in his thoughts and has also caught the criminal who nearly wrecked his life. Is it black and white though?
Of course not! This is an Elise Faber novel! There are some twists and turns to it, but it is clearly laid out and none of it comes as a surprise. I guess the only surprise for me was how easily Frankie accepts Lex's excuses, which is touched on in the story and explained. I know Frankie is supposed to have a 'quiet strength,' but at times, she almost seemed too easy-going - especially with someone as strong-willed as Lex.
This was an enjoyable read where love conquers all and the good guys get the win. So if that's what you're after, you've got the right book. Definitely recommended.
** 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!
Oct 9, 2023
Frankie says she had a privileged upbringing, but it sounds absolutely horrible. No wonder she left that life behind... or did she? Lex isn't convinced and watches her for a year to see if she's telling the truth. When her father shows up, Lex thinks he's both vindicated in his thoughts and has also caught the criminal who nearly wrecked his life. Is it black and white though?
Of course not! This is an Elise Faber novel! There are some twists and turns to it, but it is clearly laid out and none of it comes as a surprise. I guess the only surprise for me was how easily Frankie accepts Lex's excuses, which is touched on in the story and explained. I know Frankie is supposed to have a 'quiet strength,' but at times, she almost seemed too easy-going - especially with someone as strong-willed as Lex.
This was an enjoyable read where love conquers all and the good guys get the win. So if that's what you're after, you've got the right book. Definitely recommended.
** 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!
Oct 9, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Sweat Connection (Hot Under the Collar #1) in Books
Aug 8, 2023
Quite possibly McIntyre's best work to date!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not rehashing the blurb, and I'm not telling you the story, I'ma just gonna jump straight in!
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK, PEOPLE!
It's so well written, from both Rhys and Cole's POV, in the first person, each chapter headers the change.
It's steamy and smexy (sooooooooooooooooooo smexy!) It's deeply emotional, for both Rhys and Cole and that surprised me, don't ask me why, cos I've no freaking idea! I just expected this to be a light and fluffy book. And it is, but with a heavy side of emotions.
It's sweet and cute, it's so freaking cute. Full of the warm and fuzzies that low/no angst books carry. Full of emotion and love.
Rhys is in a dark place when he comes into contact with Cole, and after that, it's just two guys falling in love! Throw in McIntyre's skill with found families, and extended families, and a 2 yr old called Sammy and you've got, for me, possibly McIntyre's best work yet!
AND this is the first in a new series and I cannot wait for the next one!
I'm making this a relatively short review, I might start ranting and raving, and if I allow myself free reign, you could end up with a 10,000 word review!
I'm putting this on my Masterpiece shelf! I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book and I can't see why anyone wouldn't.
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm not rehashing the blurb, and I'm not telling you the story, I'ma just gonna jump straight in!
READ THIS FREAKING BOOK, PEOPLE!
It's so well written, from both Rhys and Cole's POV, in the first person, each chapter headers the change.
It's steamy and smexy (sooooooooooooooooooo smexy!) It's deeply emotional, for both Rhys and Cole and that surprised me, don't ask me why, cos I've no freaking idea! I just expected this to be a light and fluffy book. And it is, but with a heavy side of emotions.
It's sweet and cute, it's so freaking cute. Full of the warm and fuzzies that low/no angst books carry. Full of emotion and love.
Rhys is in a dark place when he comes into contact with Cole, and after that, it's just two guys falling in love! Throw in McIntyre's skill with found families, and extended families, and a 2 yr old called Sammy and you've got, for me, possibly McIntyre's best work yet!
AND this is the first in a new series and I cannot wait for the next one!
I'm making this a relatively short review, I might start ranting and raving, and if I allow myself free reign, you could end up with a 10,000 word review!
I'm putting this on my Masterpiece shelf! I abso-freaking-lutely loved this book and I can't see why anyone wouldn't.
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) in Movies
Apr 18, 2017
The Good, The Bad and The Editing
So...here's a movie that split so many fans and has caused COUNTLESS arguments online. My review may also cause arguments, but I'm willing to risk that as I have a fair bit to say about this movie, most importantly and foremost;
I enjoyed the movie!
The Good:
Let me start with what's good because I feel there's never enough positivity around this movie so here goes.
Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot were the two focuses of this movie because they had a lot of pressure on them to bring Batman and Wonder Woman to life and do the characters justice (terrible I know but I couldn't resist). All over the internet I saw hate for Ben Affleck and people saying Gal Gadot was too skinny. At first, I'll be honest, I did think Gal Gadot was really skinny and couldn't imagine her as Wonder Woman, BUT, unlike most people, I knew that before they would film her scenes, she would be 'buffing up' because I have faith in Zack Snyder because he is a fan and has made brilliant films. Man Of Steel made me like Superman, because of the way he was written as conflicted and the whole film made him more human and I loved it.
Here's where some people will disagree highly with me....I am not a big fan of the Nolan trilogy Batman. Now, before you throw a fit and verbally kick my ass, let me try and tell you why. The Voice! (it's not the only reason, but this is the reason I'm trying to make a point of) Batman a.k.a Bruce Wayne is a BILLIONAIRE, so who thought that the best way for him to disguise his voice would be to make him sound like he's fucked up his throat somehow? A billionaire with all those gadgets would surely think that what he needs is a voice modulator. Snyder brought in the voice modulator and I fell in love in that first trailer from hearing Batman talk through a voice modulator because I was sat there like "Hallelujah they finally worked out what a billionaire vigilante would do!" and I think it could be just me, but I honestly would prefer to think of Batman using one of those rather than grumbling his voice, because it just makes more sense.
So...Batfleck was incredible. My favourite portrayal so far and here's why:
- Arkham game fighting style
- Aged personality that says it all about why he's that violent
- He's definitely a great portrayal of the Dark Knight Returns version of Batman
- Ben Affleck is a great actor (in my opinion)
People's biggest complaint was 'Batman Kills' and I've had this discussion with my friends many times. Yes people died, IT'S HAPPENED BEFORE! It's rare but it's happened. You like the realism of Nolan's trilogy but there's a realism to Batfleck that you might not be seeing. He's been through all the same shit year in, year out for decades. Villains cause chaos, Batman fights villain, lets them live, puts them away, they break out, rinse repeat. Doing that for decades, losing people you love because of your choice not to kill, would surely cause a spark in your mind and Bruce Wayne says this in the movie through less words. "How many good guys are left? How many stay that way?"
If you think about it, he's essentially saying "I was a good guy but even I have had my boundaries pushed to the line and over". He's finally at the age where he has a state of mind that from his perspective...bad guys don't deserve to be shown mercy, but at the same time, he doesn't necessarily kill the bad guys directly.
Think of the warehouse scene. Bad Guy throws grenade, Batman kicks it back at him. Grenade goes BOOM. Bad guys die. BUT! If the guy hadn't have tried to throw the grenade, Batman wouldn't have kicked it back, and it wouldn't have ended in their death. Simple as that.
Let's move on though.
Superman is conflicted and the movie gets very political with a message of "Here's a God-Like figure. Should he be allowed to do what he wants or should we take away Choice by having under the Governments thumb?" and Superman personally is having internal issues of "I want this to be my home because it's the only home I've known, but these people don't want me and this stress is affecting both Clark Kent and Superman". He should have been able to see or hear the bomb in the wheelchair, but his mind was preoccupied with "Why does this government and these people hate me when I saved not only my city but the whole world?". Think about your stress with work, with college, school etc. and how it really does effect everything else around you. You might not want to go out with friends because you feel drained from the stress, now try to imagine that on the level of Superman! The poor guy just wanted to help.
My biggest enjoyment from this film was ALL OF THE DC REFERENCES! There were so many cool easter eggs, references etc. that I adored from Riddler Question Marks, to seeing Superman in a skeletal form after the Nuke explosion and then regaining his life force from the flowers through their Photosynthesis just like in the graphic novel! It was an incredible experience and I loved the film mainly for that.
The Bad:
Doomsday....I want to hope it's not the actual Doomsday and maybe just a failed experiment that Lex tried out but at the same time I know it probably is meant to be THE Doomsday.
The Editing:
The editing was jumpy and some cuts didn't make sense UNTIL the Ultimate Cut. The Ultimate Cut gives us some scenes with Clark Kent in Gotham BEFORE the big introduction to Batman in person, and hearing stories and investigating why people fear him, but also respect him. This would have worked so much better in the Theatrical Cut but sadly studios like to cut the film and people blame the Director for it which annoys me slightly.
Guaranteed this post might not change your mind, but I must say that you should try watching the film again if you've avoided it, watch the Ultimate Cut and really pay attention to how its being shown to the audience. Overall this is one of my favourite superhero movies and I will always stand up for it, BUT I'm not blind to it's faults.
I enjoyed the movie!
The Good:
Let me start with what's good because I feel there's never enough positivity around this movie so here goes.
Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot were the two focuses of this movie because they had a lot of pressure on them to bring Batman and Wonder Woman to life and do the characters justice (terrible I know but I couldn't resist). All over the internet I saw hate for Ben Affleck and people saying Gal Gadot was too skinny. At first, I'll be honest, I did think Gal Gadot was really skinny and couldn't imagine her as Wonder Woman, BUT, unlike most people, I knew that before they would film her scenes, she would be 'buffing up' because I have faith in Zack Snyder because he is a fan and has made brilliant films. Man Of Steel made me like Superman, because of the way he was written as conflicted and the whole film made him more human and I loved it.
Here's where some people will disagree highly with me....I am not a big fan of the Nolan trilogy Batman. Now, before you throw a fit and verbally kick my ass, let me try and tell you why. The Voice! (it's not the only reason, but this is the reason I'm trying to make a point of) Batman a.k.a Bruce Wayne is a BILLIONAIRE, so who thought that the best way for him to disguise his voice would be to make him sound like he's fucked up his throat somehow? A billionaire with all those gadgets would surely think that what he needs is a voice modulator. Snyder brought in the voice modulator and I fell in love in that first trailer from hearing Batman talk through a voice modulator because I was sat there like "Hallelujah they finally worked out what a billionaire vigilante would do!" and I think it could be just me, but I honestly would prefer to think of Batman using one of those rather than grumbling his voice, because it just makes more sense.
So...Batfleck was incredible. My favourite portrayal so far and here's why:
- Arkham game fighting style
- Aged personality that says it all about why he's that violent
- He's definitely a great portrayal of the Dark Knight Returns version of Batman
- Ben Affleck is a great actor (in my opinion)
People's biggest complaint was 'Batman Kills' and I've had this discussion with my friends many times. Yes people died, IT'S HAPPENED BEFORE! It's rare but it's happened. You like the realism of Nolan's trilogy but there's a realism to Batfleck that you might not be seeing. He's been through all the same shit year in, year out for decades. Villains cause chaos, Batman fights villain, lets them live, puts them away, they break out, rinse repeat. Doing that for decades, losing people you love because of your choice not to kill, would surely cause a spark in your mind and Bruce Wayne says this in the movie through less words. "How many good guys are left? How many stay that way?"
If you think about it, he's essentially saying "I was a good guy but even I have had my boundaries pushed to the line and over". He's finally at the age where he has a state of mind that from his perspective...bad guys don't deserve to be shown mercy, but at the same time, he doesn't necessarily kill the bad guys directly.
Think of the warehouse scene. Bad Guy throws grenade, Batman kicks it back at him. Grenade goes BOOM. Bad guys die. BUT! If the guy hadn't have tried to throw the grenade, Batman wouldn't have kicked it back, and it wouldn't have ended in their death. Simple as that.
Let's move on though.
Superman is conflicted and the movie gets very political with a message of "Here's a God-Like figure. Should he be allowed to do what he wants or should we take away Choice by having under the Governments thumb?" and Superman personally is having internal issues of "I want this to be my home because it's the only home I've known, but these people don't want me and this stress is affecting both Clark Kent and Superman". He should have been able to see or hear the bomb in the wheelchair, but his mind was preoccupied with "Why does this government and these people hate me when I saved not only my city but the whole world?". Think about your stress with work, with college, school etc. and how it really does effect everything else around you. You might not want to go out with friends because you feel drained from the stress, now try to imagine that on the level of Superman! The poor guy just wanted to help.
My biggest enjoyment from this film was ALL OF THE DC REFERENCES! There were so many cool easter eggs, references etc. that I adored from Riddler Question Marks, to seeing Superman in a skeletal form after the Nuke explosion and then regaining his life force from the flowers through their Photosynthesis just like in the graphic novel! It was an incredible experience and I loved the film mainly for that.
The Bad:
Doomsday....I want to hope it's not the actual Doomsday and maybe just a failed experiment that Lex tried out but at the same time I know it probably is meant to be THE Doomsday.
The Editing:
The editing was jumpy and some cuts didn't make sense UNTIL the Ultimate Cut. The Ultimate Cut gives us some scenes with Clark Kent in Gotham BEFORE the big introduction to Batman in person, and hearing stories and investigating why people fear him, but also respect him. This would have worked so much better in the Theatrical Cut but sadly studios like to cut the film and people blame the Director for it which annoys me slightly.
Guaranteed this post might not change your mind, but I must say that you should try watching the film again if you've avoided it, watch the Ultimate Cut and really pay attention to how its being shown to the audience. Overall this is one of my favourite superhero movies and I will always stand up for it, BUT I'm not blind to it's faults.
