Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

David McK (3587 KP) rated The Dark Knight Rises (2012) in Movies

Jun 30, 2019 (Updated Aug 2, 2024)  
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
2012 | Action, Drama, Mystery
The final part of Christopher Nolan's Christian Bale starring Batman trilogy (after both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) that takes a large part of its inspiration from the 1990s Knightfall series of graphic novels in introducing the character of Bane: the man who (quote unquote) 'Breaks the Bat'.

As portrayed by Tom Hardy, this version of the character is nothing at all like you might remember from the Batman and Robin abomination: there's no mention of venom (the drug) in this movie, nor is it overstuffed with villains like that earlier movie/portrayal of the character was.

Instead, we have Bane as the primary antagonist throughout, although - in the tradition of Batman Begins - he is later revealed to be but a pawn, with deliberate call-backs to that first movie. While Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow does make a return (in what largely amounts as a camoe) alongside Ra's Al-Ghul (again, largely as a cameo in flashbacks), there's no Joker this time round - probably as a result of the real-world death of Heath Ledger (although I might have preferred even a throw-away line saying why the character wasn't in this!)

We also have Anne Hathaway's take on Catwoman/Selina Kyle, here portrayed more as a cat burglar than the Michelle Pfeiffer version from Batman Returns, and the 'passing on' of the mantle of Gotham's protector to another very-familiar character (who doesn't use his given name until the very end).
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated Under the Paper Moon in Books

Apr 25, 2024 (Updated Apr 25, 2024)  
Under the Paper Moon
Under the Paper Moon
Shaina Steinberg | 2024 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I Wished I’d Liked It Better
Not content to stay home during World War II, Evelyn Bishop went to Europe and joined the OSS. Now back in Los Angeles, she has settled into life as a PI. But when the target of her latest case is murdered, Evelyn must join forces with Nick Gallagher, the man who betrayed her, to figure out what is going on. Can they do it?

The premise and setting for this book intrigued me, and I dove in excited to see what would be happening. We get some flashbacks to the war, but most of the book is set in the “present” of 1948. The story was good with plenty going on to keep us engaged and a climax that makes sense. But there are many things that didn’t work for me, including the relationship between the leads. I also feel like the author forced a certain ending on Evelyn’s life. But maybe it was just that I was rooting for other things to happen. In the end, I was okay with the way Evelyn’s life turned out. Maybe it was just that the film noir inspiration didn’t work for me here. The narration got a little awkward at times as well, but most of the time it worked. I’m not sorry I read this book, and I got caught up in the story, but I’ll probably pass on anything else from the author.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2387 KP) rated A Very Woodsy Murder in Books

Jul 25, 2024 (Updated Jul 25, 2024)  
A Very Woodsy Murder
A Very Woodsy Murder
Ellen Byron | 2024 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Sitcom Writer’s Death Isn’t a Laughing Matter
Dee Stern is looking for something new after her career as a sitcom writer declines. When she spots the Golden Motel outside of Majestic National Park, she buys it with her best friend, Jeff Cornetta. Their first guest is Michael Adam Baker, a former co-worker from Dee’s sitcom writing days. She’s less than happy to see him again. But then he’s murdered. With Dee and Jeff both on the suspect list and all reservations cancelling because of the news, Dee has to figure out what happened to save her livelihood. Can she do it?

While the motel and the areas where the action takes place are all fictional, anyone familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountains will pick up on the inspiration for the setting. Between that and the motel itself, I was completely charmed and wanted to go visit in real life. The characters we meet are a bit eccentric even for a cozy but also just as delightful. Dee’s background as a sitcom writer provides some good laughs and adds to how Dee views the events. The mystery sets itself up well so it can really get going once Michael is killed. I was hooked and surprised by the logical conclusion. While not a full-blown culinary cozy, there are a couple of recipes at the end. I was utterly charmed by this debut and am already booking my return visit.
  
WO
Wolverine: Old Man Logan
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
(edit: the really-rather-good movie 'Logan' supposedly takes its inspiration from this one, and it's not hard to spot where, despite that movie also being it's own thing)

Well, that was unexpected.

I'd heard good things about this one, but had never got round to reading it until fairly recently.

And I have to say, that this one does live up to the hype.

It's also quite easy to spot some of the influences on this: set in the future (like The Dark Knight Returns), this sees Logan - who has given up violence and just wants to live a quiet life - travelling across America in the company of an ex-Avenger (Hawkeye), that has since fallen to the super-villains and been divided up amongst them, all to earn some cash so he can pay-off the gang-lords (descendants of Bruce Banner) of the sector in which he lives: a road-trip fairly reminiscent of Mad Max.

Reading it, I kinda want to learn more about what happened; about how did the world get into the state it is portrayed in (although there are brief snippets given throughout). Forswearing violence for the majority of the tale, it's only towards the end that he finally lets loose, in some rather graphic scenes and depictions - it's no wonder that this comes with a parental guidance! - before finally riding off into the sunset (Pale Rider? Unforgiven?) after he returns home to find tragedy has befallen his family while he was away.
  
2T
2 To The 6 - Single by Unchained
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Unchained XL is a UK-born “Afro-roots hip-hop” artist and producer with Nigerian roots. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “2 to the 6” single.

“Already got labels tryna doctor me. If you can’t beat ‘em then join ‘em that’s their philosophy. You can try to change the tides, however obviously. It never works out how you want it like democracy.” – lyrics

‘2 to the 6’ finds Unchained XL dropping a thoughtful 64-bar verse in the main room of Black Orange Studios.

The likable tune’s cryptic title refers to the mathematical expression 2^6 (2 raised to the 6th power), which equals 64, representing the number of bars.

‘2 to the 6’ contains a relatable narrative, supreme rap vocals, and lush instrumentation scented with an Afrocentric hip-hop fragrance.

Also, the song covers a range of hard-hitting topics such as issues of racism, corruption, and economic injustice.

Unchained XL sneaks in a few references to various icons such as Nigerian filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji (Lionheart); British Nigerian artist, “Burna Boy”; “Split” main character Kevin Crumb; and famous inventor, Thomas Edison.

The progressive emcee writes songs of protest, social commentary, and everyday experiences through the lens of a ‘third culture’ African migrant.

He draws inspiration from Afrobeat legend and political icon Fela Kuti, as well as artists like M.anifest, Antibalas, and A Tribe Called Quest.

2018 saw him touring the UK with shows in London, Bristol, Sheffield, Leeds, and Cardiff. Also, he performed alongside artists such as Mungos HiFi, Afro Cluster, and Eva Lazarus.
  
    ORSAY

    ORSAY

    Shopping and Lifestyle

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    Download the ORSAY-App now and experience the biggest choice of ORSAY styles on your smart phone....