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Searching (2018)
Searching (2018)
2018 | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Unexpectedly good
I've read a lot of very good reviews about this film, and I was glad that it has finally been released on Sky, especially as it turned out to be really rather good!

What I loved most about this film was the way in which it tells it's story. This isnt the first time a film has been told entirely through what you see on a computer screen, however this is definitely the first time it has ever been done to such a high standard. It's a brilliant way to tell a story and was a very good and subtle mechanism to get across certain plot points. It makes for such an engaging and intriguing film and really makes you wonder about social media and technology in general. John Cho has to hold this film virtually on his own for the most part, and he does a marvellous job. My only criticism is the ending as it was a bit predictable and felt a little disappointing after such a tense and exciting build up during the rest of the film. Such a shame too that this film has mostly gone under the radar when released originally, as it deserves a lot more attention!
  
Black Mirror - Season 5
Black Mirror - Season 5
2019 | Drama, Sci-Fi
Not up to it’s usual high standard
Black Mirror is known for having a dark and futuristic take on modern society, and this is why it has always succeeded. It’s bleak and harrowing at times and whilst it’s not a happy programme to watch, it’s bloody good. The problem with series 5 is that it feels like an entirely different show, and not for the better.

Whilst each episode has it’s own take on modern society and technology (VR, social media and musical pop culture), none of this felt particularly new or unique. Don’t get me wrong, the episodes aren’t bad at all. But they’re just not brilliant. There are good performances (Andrew Scott especially) and the storylines are vaguely interesting, they just don’t get pushed far enough into the dark and bleak Black Mirror world we’re used to. Not only that, but none of these stories have particularly bad endings. It all just feels a little bit meh and after the rather wonderful Bandersnatch, I’d been looking forward to another great season. Sadly, it’s been a bit of a letdown. I’m really hoping that this is just a blip and that the next series is back on form, and not a sign that Black Mirror has run out of decent ideas...
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017) in Movies

Feb 13, 2018 (Updated Mar 7, 2018)  
Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)
Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters (2017)
2017 | Sci-Fi
4
5.8 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Now, there's nothing wrong in principle with doing an animated Godzilla movie; most of the problems with this one arise from the fact it is largely unrecognisable as such.

Earth is abandoned due to excessive growth in the giant monster population; timey-wimey plot device means the survivors return twenty years later and find thousands of years have gone past and the place has reverted to a primeval state; the ecology is now distinctly Godzillaesque. Has their technology improved to the point where they can stand a chance against the Big G himself?

Reasonable, if somewhat convoluted premise is torpedoed by a persistent mood of nihilistic misery and absence of likeable human characters; Godzilla is largely absent, and mostly passive when he does appear. You want to see Godzilla demolishing Tokyo and fighting other monsters, not mooching about in a jungle, anyway. A good way of catching up on recent tropes in mainstream SF (this is just a nice way of saying the film is rather derivative), some interesting designs, but on the whole this is hard work to watch. English subtitles seem to have been written using Google Translate, which only adds to the essentially frustrating nature of the experience.
  
Cover Me - Single by Camille Miller
Cover Me - Single by Camille Miller
2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Camille Miller is a German-born singer-songwriter who was raised on military bases all over Canada. Not too long ago, she released a cool indie-alternative tune, entitled, “Cover Me”.

“Stand before me, let me your soul. Let me feel the warmth of your touch. Hearts unguarded, bodies perfect in their flaws. I can’t do this on my own. Modern life through the telephone staring in and fading out. We’re all covered in lonely, we’re all covered in doubt.” – lyrics

‘Cover Me’ contains a relatable narrative, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with indie-pop and alternative elements. Also, the track possesses a tasty guitar solo.

“Thinking about how technology and social media sometimes make us doubt ourselves. How something that can brilliantly bring us together, can also keep us separated in ways we have never experienced before. How the need and want of human interaction is so important and deeply needed.” – Camille Miller

Camille Miller was brought up on a hearty diet of Motown, Carly Simon, The Carpenters, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones.

With the sound of these greats of yesteryear oozing through her veins, she continues her global trend of turning listeners into lifelong fans.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/camille-miller-cover-me/
  
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David McK (3562 KP) rated Ender's Game in Books

Jan 28, 2019  
Ender's Game
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card | 1985 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.4 (37 Ratings)
Book Rating
Originally starting life as a short story that was later expanded into a full-length novel, this was one of those 'classic' sci-fi stories that I was marginally aware of, but never really had any inclination to read.

When I started seeing the trailers for the movie adaptation to be released this week (on 25/10/13), I decided I actually would read it before going to see the movie (which is sometimes a good idea, other times not).

Having done so, it's interesting to see how Card predicted many of today's technology (remember, this was written mid-80s), in particular the kids portable tables (today's tablet computers), and the proliferation of blogging (although it was never actually called such) on the internet (again, never called such).

The plot? Very briefly (and roughly): Earth is at war with an alien insectoid race, so the best and brightest kids are taken to a 'battle school' in space at a young age in order to be trained in how to become leaders. Andrew 'Ender' (so called because he is the youngest child of 3) Wiggins is one such kid, who proves to be the brightest and best of the bunch ...

How will the movie compare? I'll just have to wait and see!
  
Betron AMT30 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Betron AMT30 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Headphones
7
7.2 (13 Ratings)
Tech Rating
Most important, the sound is good (1 more)
fit around the head is adjustable and cans are rotating
fit is tight around the ears (0 more)
Solid wireless headphones.
I have one other pair of wireless headphones which are now 4 years old, I was curious to see how different these might be with more modern technology.... performance wise they are the same, both have great quality sound. This one has the adjustable headband which can be adjusted in small measured amounts, which works fine. The "cans" themselves were very tight for my ears, and I didn't feel like anything longer than a 1/2 hour or an hour was comfortable. I would never pair these with my TV and watch a movie while my wife slept or anything like that. I didn't attempt to play them with any video games, but they worked perfectly with my phone listening to podcasts, it automatically connects when I turn it on which is nice. The other one I have is pads rather than cans and it slides to adjust rather than increments. Overall they are both good. they aren't going to make anyone's top ten list, but they are solid.

This review was posted based on getting them in a giveaway here on smashbomb.