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Paul Weller recommended I Talk With The Spirits by Rahsaan Roland Kirk in Music (curated)
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The New Legends of Monkey in TV
Jun 13, 2021
The New Legends of Monkey is the Netflix reboot of the 70's 'Monkey' (aka Monkey Magic) and follows a similar storyline, Demons are over running the world and a monk named Tripitaka must free the Monkey King and track down the sacred scrolls.
Most people will remember the original Monkey as seeming a bit low budget and silly so when you first see the 'The New Legends of Monkey' you may be forgiven for thinking that it's going to be different, Monkey is good looking (& doesn't have his cloud), the fights and action scenes are well choreographed and there is some tension. It is different, it's been updated but, as you watch you realise that the humour is still there, Monkey is now a himbo, vain and self centred but in a likeable way, none of the gods know what it's like to be human but all still have their own problems with make them likable. Tripitaka is the straight monk to all the gods foolishness as she tries to keep them on mission.
The series is silly without being stupid and does allow for character growth as having some emotional scenes and, overall dose a good job of re booting the original.
Most people will remember the original Monkey as seeming a bit low budget and silly so when you first see the 'The New Legends of Monkey' you may be forgiven for thinking that it's going to be different, Monkey is good looking (& doesn't have his cloud), the fights and action scenes are well choreographed and there is some tension. It is different, it's been updated but, as you watch you realise that the humour is still there, Monkey is now a himbo, vain and self centred but in a likeable way, none of the gods know what it's like to be human but all still have their own problems with make them likable. Tripitaka is the straight monk to all the gods foolishness as she tries to keep them on mission.
The series is silly without being stupid and does allow for character growth as having some emotional scenes and, overall dose a good job of re booting the original.
Platitudes put forward in an unpretentious way
This is a wonderful reflective source, with wisdom articulated in an unpretentious way. Unlike many 'self-help' gurus, Haemin Sunim is a Buddhist monk born in Korea and educated in the US, and he practices what he preaches.
Offering advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with relationships, he combines his teachings and translates them into simple messages. And while much of his advice are things that we may be aware of but dont necessarily put in place, it's laid out clearly in a non-obtrusive way. A pleasant read.
Offering advice on everything from handling setbacks to dealing with relationships, he combines his teachings and translates them into simple messages. And while much of his advice are things that we may be aware of but dont necessarily put in place, it's laid out clearly in a non-obtrusive way. A pleasant read.
David Byrne recommended Pangaea by Miles Davis in Music (curated)
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Beating Ruby (Spotless Series Book 2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I have been putting off this review for a long time because once I write it, I must accept that I have finished the novel and the wait for book 3 begins. If I loved Spotless, I dont think there are words for how I feel about Beating Ruby. I dont think I could love this series more if I tried. It is utter perfection in every way and has everything you could ever want in a novel whether that be action, romance, or humor. Monk (and her leading lady Island) has a unique voice that gives her life all her own. I didnt think it was possible for an author to fit so much personality into a fictional character, but I feel as if Island and I are old friends, that she is flesh and blood instead of words on paper. Not to mention she is far more relatable than the plethora of heroines I read about.
I will be honest and say that Beating Ruby was a bit hard to get into. Mainly because, like Island, I was still too hung up on March to give Alex, or the plotline itself, a chance. I am so glad I hung in there though. Monk likes to torture her readers with what ifs and maybes, but at least in the instance, she wasnt a complete sadist.
While I enjoyed Spotless, I definitely feel that Beating Ruby surpassed the bar its prequel raised. It still had the same sassy humor and brains that Spotless had. However, I feel Beating Ruby brought more emotions that Spotless just didnt touch. Of course, there was plenty of leftover turmoil from secrets revealed in Spotless to fuel the emotional fire as well as questions that still needed answers.
Again, Monk ends her sequel with what I would consider a cliffhanger. I should be furious that I have to suffer yet again until she graces us with the third in the series. However, I think I can forgive her since Beating Ruby surpassed its predecessor. Even if the third is only half as good as the first two, I will content.
I will be honest and say that Beating Ruby was a bit hard to get into. Mainly because, like Island, I was still too hung up on March to give Alex, or the plotline itself, a chance. I am so glad I hung in there though. Monk likes to torture her readers with what ifs and maybes, but at least in the instance, she wasnt a complete sadist.
While I enjoyed Spotless, I definitely feel that Beating Ruby surpassed the bar its prequel raised. It still had the same sassy humor and brains that Spotless had. However, I feel Beating Ruby brought more emotions that Spotless just didnt touch. Of course, there was plenty of leftover turmoil from secrets revealed in Spotless to fuel the emotional fire as well as questions that still needed answers.
Again, Monk ends her sequel with what I would consider a cliffhanger. I should be furious that I have to suffer yet again until she graces us with the third in the series. However, I think I can forgive her since Beating Ruby surpassed its predecessor. Even if the third is only half as good as the first two, I will content.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Rasputin, the Mad Monk (1966) in Movies
Nov 10, 2020
Mad Monk
Rasputin, The Mad Monk- is a entertaining horror film.
The story is largely fictionalized, although some of the events leading up to Rasputin's assassination are very loosely based on Prince Yusupov's account of the story. For legal reasons (Yusupov was still alive when the film was released), the character of Yusupov was replaced by Ivan (Matthews).
Christopher Lee play as Grigori Rasputin, the Russian peasant-mystic who gained great influence with the Tsars prior to the Russian Revolution.
The emphasis is on Rasputin's terrifying powers both to work magic and to seduce women.
Rasputin the Mad Monk was filmed back-to-back in 1965 with Dracula: Prince of Darkness, using the same sets at Hammer's Bray Studios. Lee, Matthews, Shelley and Farmer appeared in both films. In some markets, it was released on a double feature with The Reptile.
It was the third collaboration between Christopher Lee and Don Sharp, following The Devil Ship Pirates and The Face of Fu Manchu.
Lee later said, "The only way you can present him is the way he was historically described. He was a lecher and a drunk, and definitely had healing powers. So he was a saint and a sinner... There were very few good sides to him. Rasputin is one of the best things I’ve done. "
"I think it's the best thing Chris Lee's ever done," said Sharp in 1992. "Rasputin was supposed to have had this ability to hypnotise people.
The original ending had the lifeless Rasputin lying on the ice with his hands held up to his forehead in benediction. However, it was considered controversial for religious reasons, and was removed. Stills of the original ending still exist.
Sharp says the final fight scene between Francis Matthews and Christopher Lee was greatly cut by Tony Keys when Sharp had to leave the film during editing. Sharp had greatly enjoyed the experience of making his first two Hammer films - Kiss of the Vampire and Devil Ship Pirates - but not Rasputin.
As a child in the 1920s, Lee had actually met Rasputin's killer, Felix Yusupov. In later life Lee met Rasputin's daughter Maria.
Its a good horror film.
The story is largely fictionalized, although some of the events leading up to Rasputin's assassination are very loosely based on Prince Yusupov's account of the story. For legal reasons (Yusupov was still alive when the film was released), the character of Yusupov was replaced by Ivan (Matthews).
Christopher Lee play as Grigori Rasputin, the Russian peasant-mystic who gained great influence with the Tsars prior to the Russian Revolution.
The emphasis is on Rasputin's terrifying powers both to work magic and to seduce women.
Rasputin the Mad Monk was filmed back-to-back in 1965 with Dracula: Prince of Darkness, using the same sets at Hammer's Bray Studios. Lee, Matthews, Shelley and Farmer appeared in both films. In some markets, it was released on a double feature with The Reptile.
It was the third collaboration between Christopher Lee and Don Sharp, following The Devil Ship Pirates and The Face of Fu Manchu.
Lee later said, "The only way you can present him is the way he was historically described. He was a lecher and a drunk, and definitely had healing powers. So he was a saint and a sinner... There were very few good sides to him. Rasputin is one of the best things I’ve done. "
"I think it's the best thing Chris Lee's ever done," said Sharp in 1992. "Rasputin was supposed to have had this ability to hypnotise people.
The original ending had the lifeless Rasputin lying on the ice with his hands held up to his forehead in benediction. However, it was considered controversial for religious reasons, and was removed. Stills of the original ending still exist.
Sharp says the final fight scene between Francis Matthews and Christopher Lee was greatly cut by Tony Keys when Sharp had to leave the film during editing. Sharp had greatly enjoyed the experience of making his first two Hammer films - Kiss of the Vampire and Devil Ship Pirates - but not Rasputin.
As a child in the 1920s, Lee had actually met Rasputin's killer, Felix Yusupov. In later life Lee met Rasputin's daughter Maria.
Its a good horror film.
Rache (174 KP) rated Astonishing Legends in Podcasts
Nov 30, 2018
Mysteries (2 more)
Intelligent conversation
Fantastic Research
Mysteries and the paranormal from around the world, from Dyatlov Pass and the Bloop to the Money Pit and the Black Monk of Pontefract. Scott and Forrest discuss the whole case, with excellent research support from the Astonishing Research Corps, and all of the possible explanations, from the very sensible to the utterly outlandish, without being judgemental, but with a healthy dose of scepticism. It can feel a bit like listening in on a conversation between two old friends, talking about the weird and wonderful backed up by a library of esoteric knowledge. With the research corps including astrophysicists and professional researchers, you can be confident that any topic has been thoroughly investigated from all angles.
A fascinating podcast, great to listen to for sceptics and believers alike.
A fascinating podcast, great to listen to for sceptics and believers alike.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) in Movies
Jul 10, 2021
Casting (2 more)
Plot
Special effects
No sequel (1 more)
Seemed a little familiar in more ways than one
The First Karate kid
Loosely Based on Chinese mythology, kung fu legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li Co star in this fun adventure loosely based on Chinese mythology.
Full of stunning visual effects and kung fu moves as only they can do, this punch (and kick) adventure places the two in anchient China, when an everyday teen hooked on Goofy but classic kung fu movies is mysteriously thrown back in time where here meets the drunken master (Chan) and a mysterious Monk (Li).
Together the two must train the boy to fight as the chosen protector of the staff of the Monkey King in a journey to return it to its master.
Then they can kill each other (movie joke).
Full of stunning visual effects and kung fu moves as only they can do, this punch (and kick) adventure places the two in anchient China, when an everyday teen hooked on Goofy but classic kung fu movies is mysteriously thrown back in time where here meets the drunken master (Chan) and a mysterious Monk (Li).
Together the two must train the boy to fight as the chosen protector of the staff of the Monkey King in a journey to return it to its master.
Then they can kill each other (movie joke).
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Sweet read but not for everyone
A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind is literally a cleaning manual for those who follow spirituality as part of their general course. Shoukei Matsumoto, a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk, has created a simple guide for those who want to be mindful about their daily chores and why monks themselves do each task with such vigour and importance.
While the book itself is sweet, with lovely picture representations, I did feel that some of it may not apply to a secular western household as they speak of how to repair an altar. And when you live by yourself, sharing chores is not really an option. With that in mind, the book is geared for a certain audience, many of which may have to read this as just a pleasant handbook.
While the book itself is sweet, with lovely picture representations, I did feel that some of it may not apply to a secular western household as they speak of how to repair an altar. And when you live by yourself, sharing chores is not really an option. With that in mind, the book is geared for a certain audience, many of which may have to read this as just a pleasant handbook.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Thir13en Ghosts (2001) in Movies
Jun 18, 2018 (Updated Jun 30, 2021)
Another cool Dark Castle entertainment horror re-make. Didn't know of the original until I saw some reviews mention it. This reminded me a lot of the House on Haunted Hill remake made 2 years earlier. It's fun, not too serious, has a good mix of humour and gore/kills. The cast is ok and well known with Shannon Elizabeth and Matthew Lillard, but it was a nice surprise to see Tony Shalhoub (Monk) appear in this. What really makes this film enjoyable in my opinion, along with House on Haunted Hill, is the set design, make up and ghoulish characters created. Both films have a great wacky house setting, good SFX and the ghosts in this look awesome. A great way to enjoy 90mins. So if you liked House on Haunted Hill you will like this just as much.
