So I've been remiss in posting, but I have still been watching movies. Lots of movies. Loads of movies! So, instead of giving a long review for each one, which would take me forever and I would never catch up, I've decided to just list them and give them a grade between D minus and A plus. I will only put comments for those that have something special about them, either good or bad. So here goes...
Kinky Boots (2006) A
Hysteria (2012) A+ . A hilarious movie about feminism and how repressed Victorians were. Not for those with delicate sensibilities.
Amazing Grace (2007) A+
Meet Dave (2008) C+
Minions (2015) A . The only reason this didn't get an A plus is that it didn't last long enough...
Zookeeper (2011) B
Chaplin (1992) A. Boy does Robert Downey Jr. look young in this!
Captain America: The Winter Soldier( 2014) A
Boyhood (2014) A+. Beautiful movie, fascinating to watch the main characters literally grow up in front of us. For some strange reason, I keep thinking about Seinfeld though, and his 'show about nothing'. This was and wasn't like that, a movie where nothing too dramatic happens, an ordinary life. But seeing it, you realize it is also an extraordinary one.
Thor: The Dark World (2013) B+
Pride (2014) A+. Based on a true story of the Miners strike during the Thatcher era, and the Gays for Miners support group that arose. A very moving story.
From Up on Poppy Hill (2012) A+. Miyazaki does it again!
Young Triffie (2006) B+. Based on a play, featuring a familiar face from Corner Gas.
Transformers (2007) B
Maleficent (2014) B. Disappointed in the lack of substance of this movie.
Pan's Labyrinth (2007) A-. Only reason for the minus is the depressing aura of the film.
Watchmen (Director's Cut) (2009) A-. Again, depressing, but magnificently done.
Into the White (2013) A. Based on a true story from WWII.
Hancock (2008) B+
Home (2015) A+ .Be warned, there are some tearjerker moments in this one, for real!
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)A+. You know it's a good movie if I endorse a Tom Cruise film!
Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013) A
22 Jump Street (2014) B+
Monday, 26 October 2015
Saturday, 24 October 2015
Graphic Novels and Young Adult Novels
First up is a fun graphic novel called Night Powers: The Adventures of Dr. McNinja by Chris Hastings (2011). Now, right in the title you see the reason why I picked it up. I mean, honestly, how can I not read something with a character named Dr. McNinja? This is a color version of the web comic Adventures of Dr. McNinja. I had not come across this web comic before, but I will be looking it up as soon as I have a chance, because this is definitely a keeper!
Dr. McNinja comes from a family of - what else - ninjas. Both his parents and brother are ninjas and proud of it, but he, for reasons not explained in this book, decided that he would become a doctor. And he does practice medicine, when his office is not being bombed by King Radical's minions of course. Dr. McNinja's sidekick is Gordo, the mustached boy, riding his tame dinosaur. His secretary is a gorilla. That tells you the level of absurd in this comic.
This reminds me a lot of Axe Cop, but with more plot continuity and a bit more of a planned approach. I really liked the silliness mixed with intensity of the character's emotions. They take it so seriously. It's frankly hilarious.
Next, A Young Adult novel called simply Flip, by Martyn Bedford (2011).
This page turner follows Alex, who is fourteen years old and in a bit of a pickle. He just woke up in somebody else's body, with no idea what happened. Alex is now Phillip, or Flip to his friends. Flip is everything Alex is not: popular, athletic, and a player. Alex tries to adapt to his situation while he tries to figure out what has happened to him. He eventually finds out that his situation has a name: Psychic Evacuation. Somehow, his soul has left his body and entered Phillip's. And Alex's own body is still alive.
The suspense and unpredictability of this story means that I could hardly put it down while I was reading it. If you like the supernatural, the unexplained, and body swapping stories, this book will interest you.
Saga
A visceral an gripping series about an intergalactic war, and an inter-racial love story told from the viewpoint of the lover's child. If you love graphic novels, and you like science-fiction epics, and you don't mind a bit of ultra-violence in your tea, this is for you. two thumbs up.
Here are a few must read novels for the LGBTQI crowd, or anyone who is interested:
FreakBoy
what do you do if you don't want to wear a dress, but you also don't always feel comfortable as a guy? Interesting writing style.
Geography Club (2003) by Brent Hartinger
For teens who aren't out, but who want to talk to like minded teens, there's the Geography club. Geography knowledge is not mandatory.
When Love Comes to Town
A look at how things were for gay teens in Ireland in the 90s. Big culture shock.
Fan Art
A look at how things are for gay teens in North America in the current day. With bonus mini comic!
Dr. McNinja comes from a family of - what else - ninjas. Both his parents and brother are ninjas and proud of it, but he, for reasons not explained in this book, decided that he would become a doctor. And he does practice medicine, when his office is not being bombed by King Radical's minions of course. Dr. McNinja's sidekick is Gordo, the mustached boy, riding his tame dinosaur. His secretary is a gorilla. That tells you the level of absurd in this comic.
This reminds me a lot of Axe Cop, but with more plot continuity and a bit more of a planned approach. I really liked the silliness mixed with intensity of the character's emotions. They take it so seriously. It's frankly hilarious.
Next, A Young Adult novel called simply Flip, by Martyn Bedford (2011).
This page turner follows Alex, who is fourteen years old and in a bit of a pickle. He just woke up in somebody else's body, with no idea what happened. Alex is now Phillip, or Flip to his friends. Flip is everything Alex is not: popular, athletic, and a player. Alex tries to adapt to his situation while he tries to figure out what has happened to him. He eventually finds out that his situation has a name: Psychic Evacuation. Somehow, his soul has left his body and entered Phillip's. And Alex's own body is still alive.
The suspense and unpredictability of this story means that I could hardly put it down while I was reading it. If you like the supernatural, the unexplained, and body swapping stories, this book will interest you.
Saga
A visceral an gripping series about an intergalactic war, and an inter-racial love story told from the viewpoint of the lover's child. If you love graphic novels, and you like science-fiction epics, and you don't mind a bit of ultra-violence in your tea, this is for you. two thumbs up.
Here are a few must read novels for the LGBTQI crowd, or anyone who is interested:
FreakBoy
what do you do if you don't want to wear a dress, but you also don't always feel comfortable as a guy? Interesting writing style.
Geography Club (2003) by Brent Hartinger
For teens who aren't out, but who want to talk to like minded teens, there's the Geography club. Geography knowledge is not mandatory.
When Love Comes to Town
A look at how things were for gay teens in Ireland in the 90s. Big culture shock.
Fan Art
A look at how things are for gay teens in North America in the current day. With bonus mini comic!
Thursday, 24 September 2015
For Little Kids and Big Kids
The Book of Life (DVD 2014)
This was a wonderful movie, I urge everyone to watch it. Manolo and Joaquin are both in love with Maria. When Manolo is tricked into dying before his time so that Xibalba (ruler or the land of the Forgotten) can win a bet with la Muerte (who rules the land of the Remembered), he vows to return to life and find Maria again. What follows is the most colorful, magical and musical movie I've seen in a long time. The music is so addictive that you'll find yourself humming the tunes long after the movie is over. The Mexican underworld is so colorful and different to what we are used to, truly a feast for the eyes and the heart.
Boxtrolls (DVD 2015)
What happens if a baby is found and raised by trolls who disguise themselves as boxes? Apparently, you get a well adjusted youth with a slight lisp. And that is not a bad thing; although there are obvious plot holes, they seem to be intentional in order to give a sense of childlike innocence to the storytelling. The world of the boxtrolls is stuck in a quasi-Victorian steampunk era, where leadership is determined by how well one runs the cheese board. The villain of the story is an ambitious pest control officer who has designs on the white hat of the ruling class, and who is not above blackmail and sabotage to get it. Enter Eggs, a young boy raised by the boxtrolls since infancy, who is dismayed to learn when he encounters humans that his friends are being hunted like beasts! A fun flight of fancy that brings classic Claymation technology to new heights. I found it enchanting, especially the villain's unusual disguise. A good laugh for anyone who likes fantasy.
Jedi Academy - Return of the Padawan by Jeffrey Brown(JF 2014)
This is a great series for kids who enjoy all things Star Wars and like to imagine life if they were Jedi. Our young Padawan, as the title states, returns to the Jedi Academy for the second year of school. How will he do in class? Will he avoid falling to the dark side? Will he find out what is in the mystery meat?
Minions (2015)
If you're a fan of Despicable Me, you'll love this movie. I went to see it in 3D in theaters, and although 3D always makes me nauseous, it was still worth seeing. We finally get to see more of the origins of our loveable yellow henchmen, and the origin of their language is clarified thanks to the opening sequences of the movie. The new villainess is also a hoot, with just the right mix of allure and meanness. For those patient enough to stay seated until the end of the credits, there are also plenty of bonus scenes. With the 3rd Despicable Me movie scheduled to come out in a while, one wonders if Minions has the sown the seeds of a few interesting plot points. Long lost relatives of some character(s), perhaps? In any case, this movie is great for the kid, and the kid in you!
This was a wonderful movie, I urge everyone to watch it. Manolo and Joaquin are both in love with Maria. When Manolo is tricked into dying before his time so that Xibalba (ruler or the land of the Forgotten) can win a bet with la Muerte (who rules the land of the Remembered), he vows to return to life and find Maria again. What follows is the most colorful, magical and musical movie I've seen in a long time. The music is so addictive that you'll find yourself humming the tunes long after the movie is over. The Mexican underworld is so colorful and different to what we are used to, truly a feast for the eyes and the heart.
Boxtrolls (DVD 2015)
What happens if a baby is found and raised by trolls who disguise themselves as boxes? Apparently, you get a well adjusted youth with a slight lisp. And that is not a bad thing; although there are obvious plot holes, they seem to be intentional in order to give a sense of childlike innocence to the storytelling. The world of the boxtrolls is stuck in a quasi-Victorian steampunk era, where leadership is determined by how well one runs the cheese board. The villain of the story is an ambitious pest control officer who has designs on the white hat of the ruling class, and who is not above blackmail and sabotage to get it. Enter Eggs, a young boy raised by the boxtrolls since infancy, who is dismayed to learn when he encounters humans that his friends are being hunted like beasts! A fun flight of fancy that brings classic Claymation technology to new heights. I found it enchanting, especially the villain's unusual disguise. A good laugh for anyone who likes fantasy.
Jedi Academy - Return of the Padawan by Jeffrey Brown(JF 2014)
This is a great series for kids who enjoy all things Star Wars and like to imagine life if they were Jedi. Our young Padawan, as the title states, returns to the Jedi Academy for the second year of school. How will he do in class? Will he avoid falling to the dark side? Will he find out what is in the mystery meat?
Minions (2015)
If you're a fan of Despicable Me, you'll love this movie. I went to see it in 3D in theaters, and although 3D always makes me nauseous, it was still worth seeing. We finally get to see more of the origins of our loveable yellow henchmen, and the origin of their language is clarified thanks to the opening sequences of the movie. The new villainess is also a hoot, with just the right mix of allure and meanness. For those patient enough to stay seated until the end of the credits, there are also plenty of bonus scenes. With the 3rd Despicable Me movie scheduled to come out in a while, one wonders if Minions has the sown the seeds of a few interesting plot points. Long lost relatives of some character(s), perhaps? In any case, this movie is great for the kid, and the kid in you!
Friday, 3 July 2015
Movies Galore
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Simon Pegg has done it again! Every movie I've watched starring this guy, I've loved. Pegg stars as officer Nicholas Angel, a big city cop in London who is unbeatable. Angel's arrest record is pristine, in fact he's so good at his job that he makes every other cop in London look bad. This culminates in him being redeployed in Sandford, a quiet village in the country where nothing ever happens. Or does it? Has officer Angel discovered a sinister plot, or is he just paranoid? This being a buddy cop parody comedy, there are of course gruesome murders, plots and car chase scenes. I found this an excellent movie to watch when you're in the mood for a bit of comedy with your action, but are tired of American style. A definite A+ to this movie. And if you like it, look up Shaun of the Dead, and The World's End.
City of Ember (2008)
One of these days I will read the book, then watch the movie. Based on the children's novel of the same name, this movie is a visual treat for the eyes. The action takes place in the city of Ember, deep underground many centuries after a cataclysm has supposedly destroyed mankind. The city has been experiencing blackouts, the generator sustaining it suffering from age strain and ready to give out. Lina and Doon are two young people just coming of age in the city, and have been assigned their new jobs to contribute to society. Amid the uncertainty of a failing generator, Lina finds a mysterious box containing instructions left by the city's Builders. Could it be the solution they're looking for?
The set designs in this movie were beautiful, very steampunk and different. Although the plot was a bit simplistic, it was well executed and held up pretty well to scrutiny.
Ghost Town (2008)
Ricky Gervais is not who I usually think of as the male lead for a rom com, yet he acquits himself well in this movie. Playing the role of an antisocial dentist, Bertram Pincus, who finds out after the fact that he had died for seven minutes during a routine surgery. How did he find out, you ask? Well, by starting to see ghosts! From the moment he wakes after surgery, Pincus is stalked by the deceased in search of a resolution to their unfinished business. Pincus wants none of it. Until he meets Frank's widow, that is. Frank is a hot air blowing, grandstanding jerk, and he's dead. He enlists Pincus's help in breaking up his widow's current romance, and things tumble on from there.
Gervais plays the misanthrope to a T. Every nuance of body language is fine tuned to perfection, and one can't help but feel put off by his actions. He only thaws out once he realizes that he is missing out on things in life. A good movie overall.
Rio 2 (2014)
The birds are back and they're going on a family vacation! Blue and his family go to the rainforest when they find out their human friends have found more blue macaws in the wild. Time to meet the in-laws! This was a good family movie, even script and of course beautiful music throughout. The character that stole the show this time is a small, poison dart frog; her operatic daydream is sublime. I highly recommend it.
The Simpsons movie (2007)
In true Simpsons fashion, the movie gives you ups and downs, but ultimately ends up with the family sticking together, with everyone having learned a lesson in why trying to get rid of the Simpsons never works... I give it a B overall, mainly because the movie didn't deviate much from the formula used in the show, so it didn't really feel like it deserved to be called a movie. It was more like three back to back episodes following one storyline. Alright for when you just want to veg in front of the tube.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
While I admire a movie starring a female hero, the effect is ruined by the double standards illustrated by the movie's main storyline. An everyday joe meets with and starts dating a woman, but finds her too clingy and decides to dump her. Unfortunately for him, she has superpowers and is not taking no for an answer! I found this movie only mildly funny, and the justifications used by the characters for their violent tendencies insufficient. If the superhero in this movie were a man, would his use of force to abuse and try to kill an ex be accepted as funny? no! Being bitter because a former crush became your enemy is not a good reason for it! If the genders of the characters were reversed, not only would the main character have been labeled a criminal abusive man, but the movie would have never been made. But because the hero is female, it's somehow seen as funny that she's beating up and trying to kill this poor man. Not only that, but she's not arrested or punished in any way for her actions at the end of the movie! In fact, she's even rewarded. Don't watch this movie if you have any respect for women, or abuse victims.
The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
I knew what was coming, I've read the book, and I still was shocked and moved when the deaths of certain characters happened in this movie. If you haven't been living under a rock you know who I mean. The landscapes were spectacular as usual, and the epic scale of the battle scenes were breathtaking, but it was the more intimate scenes, and the heartbreaking losses that makes the movie worth watching. That said, I have no clue how Bilbo wasn't still crying at the end of the movie. I will have to re-watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy just to cheer myself up; is that what you call irony?
Simon Pegg has done it again! Every movie I've watched starring this guy, I've loved. Pegg stars as officer Nicholas Angel, a big city cop in London who is unbeatable. Angel's arrest record is pristine, in fact he's so good at his job that he makes every other cop in London look bad. This culminates in him being redeployed in Sandford, a quiet village in the country where nothing ever happens. Or does it? Has officer Angel discovered a sinister plot, or is he just paranoid? This being a buddy cop parody comedy, there are of course gruesome murders, plots and car chase scenes. I found this an excellent movie to watch when you're in the mood for a bit of comedy with your action, but are tired of American style. A definite A+ to this movie. And if you like it, look up Shaun of the Dead, and The World's End.
City of Ember (2008)
One of these days I will read the book, then watch the movie. Based on the children's novel of the same name, this movie is a visual treat for the eyes. The action takes place in the city of Ember, deep underground many centuries after a cataclysm has supposedly destroyed mankind. The city has been experiencing blackouts, the generator sustaining it suffering from age strain and ready to give out. Lina and Doon are two young people just coming of age in the city, and have been assigned their new jobs to contribute to society. Amid the uncertainty of a failing generator, Lina finds a mysterious box containing instructions left by the city's Builders. Could it be the solution they're looking for?
The set designs in this movie were beautiful, very steampunk and different. Although the plot was a bit simplistic, it was well executed and held up pretty well to scrutiny.
Ghost Town (2008)
Ricky Gervais is not who I usually think of as the male lead for a rom com, yet he acquits himself well in this movie. Playing the role of an antisocial dentist, Bertram Pincus, who finds out after the fact that he had died for seven minutes during a routine surgery. How did he find out, you ask? Well, by starting to see ghosts! From the moment he wakes after surgery, Pincus is stalked by the deceased in search of a resolution to their unfinished business. Pincus wants none of it. Until he meets Frank's widow, that is. Frank is a hot air blowing, grandstanding jerk, and he's dead. He enlists Pincus's help in breaking up his widow's current romance, and things tumble on from there.
Gervais plays the misanthrope to a T. Every nuance of body language is fine tuned to perfection, and one can't help but feel put off by his actions. He only thaws out once he realizes that he is missing out on things in life. A good movie overall.
Rio 2 (2014)
The birds are back and they're going on a family vacation! Blue and his family go to the rainforest when they find out their human friends have found more blue macaws in the wild. Time to meet the in-laws! This was a good family movie, even script and of course beautiful music throughout. The character that stole the show this time is a small, poison dart frog; her operatic daydream is sublime. I highly recommend it.
The Simpsons movie (2007)
In true Simpsons fashion, the movie gives you ups and downs, but ultimately ends up with the family sticking together, with everyone having learned a lesson in why trying to get rid of the Simpsons never works... I give it a B overall, mainly because the movie didn't deviate much from the formula used in the show, so it didn't really feel like it deserved to be called a movie. It was more like three back to back episodes following one storyline. Alright for when you just want to veg in front of the tube.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
While I admire a movie starring a female hero, the effect is ruined by the double standards illustrated by the movie's main storyline. An everyday joe meets with and starts dating a woman, but finds her too clingy and decides to dump her. Unfortunately for him, she has superpowers and is not taking no for an answer! I found this movie only mildly funny, and the justifications used by the characters for their violent tendencies insufficient. If the superhero in this movie were a man, would his use of force to abuse and try to kill an ex be accepted as funny? no! Being bitter because a former crush became your enemy is not a good reason for it! If the genders of the characters were reversed, not only would the main character have been labeled a criminal abusive man, but the movie would have never been made. But because the hero is female, it's somehow seen as funny that she's beating up and trying to kill this poor man. Not only that, but she's not arrested or punished in any way for her actions at the end of the movie! In fact, she's even rewarded. Don't watch this movie if you have any respect for women, or abuse victims.
The Hobbit: the Battle of the Five Armies (2014)
I knew what was coming, I've read the book, and I still was shocked and moved when the deaths of certain characters happened in this movie. If you haven't been living under a rock you know who I mean. The landscapes were spectacular as usual, and the epic scale of the battle scenes were breathtaking, but it was the more intimate scenes, and the heartbreaking losses that makes the movie worth watching. That said, I have no clue how Bilbo wasn't still crying at the end of the movie. I will have to re-watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy just to cheer myself up; is that what you call irony?
Thursday, 21 May 2015
confusing novels and strange movies
How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu (2010)
This book was surprising in that as I was reading it I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. I like the idea behind the plot, that is that the main character lives in a science fictional universe, and is cognizant of that fact. I did not like the writing style as much, which consisted of overly long run-on sentences where the author used every conceivable permutation of an idea, every hyperbole, every simile, every comparison possible to get across his thoughts, his ideas, his thought processes. (much as I have just done in this last sentence). The main character is by turns sympathetic and depressing. He seems depressed and disillusioned by his life, and is reluctant to live it fully. He is so reluctant in fact that he has spent most of his time in the past 10 years of his job as time machine repairman parked in the Indefinite Present, just so he could avoid moving forward in time. And now the unthinkable has happened. He is now stuck in a time loop, and unless he can escape it he will undoubtedly die.
I found that the book read as a metaphor for regret. Regrets about one's life, and one's relationships with others. It also had a lot to say about memory, how it works, how it fails, how subjective it is. I'm not certain if the ending was happy or just bittersweet, but it was well written. I think the part of this book that annoyed me was the writing style. Although it had quality prose, I just don't enjoy reading someone take a paragraph to say something that at most should have taken one sentence. I give this book an A- , because despite the style and the milquetoast main character, it is a very good book. And if you like this one, a book that I found similar in tone was Super Sad True Love Story.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
This is a very touching movie, if you let yourself feel for the protagonist. The premise is quite a strange one; Lars lives in the garage next to his parents' house, where his brother and sister-in-law now live. Lars is very reserved, even standoffish with everyone in his life. His sister-in-law, who is pregnant with her first child, worries for his state of mind constantly. When Lars comes over with his first female friend, her fears prove well founded. Because Lars's friend is a life sized anatomically correct doll. What follows is a heartwarming story of a community coming together to help heal one of their own, despite their misgivings. I was skeptical about this movie at the start, thinking from the summary that it was some type of comedy. Instead I was treated to a message of acceptance and the healing power of community in the face of mental illness and grief. I found myself moved to tears by the end of the movie, but I won't give you any spoilers. If you enjoy movies such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or The Silver Linings Playbook, then chances are you will like this one.
Bourne Legacy (2012)
I quite enjoy the Bourne series of films, and this one was no exception. This movie takes place at the same time as Bourne Ultimatum, though Jason Bourne is only seen in photographs during this film. Instead we follow another agent, Aaron Cross, who is part of a black ops experiment called Operation Outcome. Cross is genetically enhanced thanks to a drug he has to take every day to keep the effects going. When a whistleblower threatens to expose the operation, Aaron Cross and all other members of Outcome are slated for elimination. Cross escapes, and decides to track down the source of the enhancing drugs with the help of a former scientist who worked on them. The movie has a pretty satisfying ending, although I felt some parts were rushed. I enjoyed the action scenes, and although they were fast they didn't suffer from as much of the blurriness I often notice with high speed martial arts fights. All in all a very good action film. I recommend watching Bourne Ultimatum either before or after to clarify some of the plot points.
Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
My advice about this movie: if you lived through the 70s and hated it, you might not be able to tolerate this movie. Anchorman takes everything that was tacky, bad, chauvinistic about the 70s and puts it all in one place. This movie is filled to the brim with references to iconic 70s movie tropes, such as the gang fight, office romance, and cheesy 'romance' music. If it weren't making fun of itself pretty clearly, this movie would not have been watchable. They went out of their way to make the characters act offensively towards women, as a nod to the hostile work environment faced by women in that decade. Although this movie is meant as a parody, I was disappointed when the female lead decided to get into a romance with one of the chauvinistic males. It seems she was betraying all her ideals when she did that. I don't know if that was meant as again parodying the 70s mentality, but I would have preferred if the female lead had stuck to her guns and foregone the romance altogether. If you like Will Ferrell movies, you will probably like this one. I give it a B- overall. It was ok, but it's not what I would choose again.
This book was surprising in that as I was reading it I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. I like the idea behind the plot, that is that the main character lives in a science fictional universe, and is cognizant of that fact. I did not like the writing style as much, which consisted of overly long run-on sentences where the author used every conceivable permutation of an idea, every hyperbole, every simile, every comparison possible to get across his thoughts, his ideas, his thought processes. (much as I have just done in this last sentence). The main character is by turns sympathetic and depressing. He seems depressed and disillusioned by his life, and is reluctant to live it fully. He is so reluctant in fact that he has spent most of his time in the past 10 years of his job as time machine repairman parked in the Indefinite Present, just so he could avoid moving forward in time. And now the unthinkable has happened. He is now stuck in a time loop, and unless he can escape it he will undoubtedly die.
I found that the book read as a metaphor for regret. Regrets about one's life, and one's relationships with others. It also had a lot to say about memory, how it works, how it fails, how subjective it is. I'm not certain if the ending was happy or just bittersweet, but it was well written. I think the part of this book that annoyed me was the writing style. Although it had quality prose, I just don't enjoy reading someone take a paragraph to say something that at most should have taken one sentence. I give this book an A- , because despite the style and the milquetoast main character, it is a very good book. And if you like this one, a book that I found similar in tone was Super Sad True Love Story.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
This is a very touching movie, if you let yourself feel for the protagonist. The premise is quite a strange one; Lars lives in the garage next to his parents' house, where his brother and sister-in-law now live. Lars is very reserved, even standoffish with everyone in his life. His sister-in-law, who is pregnant with her first child, worries for his state of mind constantly. When Lars comes over with his first female friend, her fears prove well founded. Because Lars's friend is a life sized anatomically correct doll. What follows is a heartwarming story of a community coming together to help heal one of their own, despite their misgivings. I was skeptical about this movie at the start, thinking from the summary that it was some type of comedy. Instead I was treated to a message of acceptance and the healing power of community in the face of mental illness and grief. I found myself moved to tears by the end of the movie, but I won't give you any spoilers. If you enjoy movies such as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or The Silver Linings Playbook, then chances are you will like this one.
Bourne Legacy (2012)
I quite enjoy the Bourne series of films, and this one was no exception. This movie takes place at the same time as Bourne Ultimatum, though Jason Bourne is only seen in photographs during this film. Instead we follow another agent, Aaron Cross, who is part of a black ops experiment called Operation Outcome. Cross is genetically enhanced thanks to a drug he has to take every day to keep the effects going. When a whistleblower threatens to expose the operation, Aaron Cross and all other members of Outcome are slated for elimination. Cross escapes, and decides to track down the source of the enhancing drugs with the help of a former scientist who worked on them. The movie has a pretty satisfying ending, although I felt some parts were rushed. I enjoyed the action scenes, and although they were fast they didn't suffer from as much of the blurriness I often notice with high speed martial arts fights. All in all a very good action film. I recommend watching Bourne Ultimatum either before or after to clarify some of the plot points.
Anchorman: the Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
My advice about this movie: if you lived through the 70s and hated it, you might not be able to tolerate this movie. Anchorman takes everything that was tacky, bad, chauvinistic about the 70s and puts it all in one place. This movie is filled to the brim with references to iconic 70s movie tropes, such as the gang fight, office romance, and cheesy 'romance' music. If it weren't making fun of itself pretty clearly, this movie would not have been watchable. They went out of their way to make the characters act offensively towards women, as a nod to the hostile work environment faced by women in that decade. Although this movie is meant as a parody, I was disappointed when the female lead decided to get into a romance with one of the chauvinistic males. It seems she was betraying all her ideals when she did that. I don't know if that was meant as again parodying the 70s mentality, but I would have preferred if the female lead had stuck to her guns and foregone the romance altogether. If you like Will Ferrell movies, you will probably like this one. I give it a B- overall. It was ok, but it's not what I would choose again.
Thursday, 23 April 2015
When in ancient Rome... become a detective?
Hi all!
I thought I would write about one of my favorite series of books, by Ruth Downie. She writes the Gaius Petreius Ruso novels set in ancient Rome, right around the era of Emperor Hadrian. The first novel is titled Medicus, and was published in 2006. It introduces the central characters of the series, the medicus - Latin for doctor - Ruso and the native British woman Darlughdacha, otherwise known as Tilla. The latest novel, which came out just this year, is titled Tabula Rasa, and is not yet available in libraries (I had to go out and buy it). There are 6 books so far, the last two of which are not in NB libraries, though book five can be obtained through interlibrary loan.
What attracted me to this series is the main protagonist, Gaius Ruso. He is a plain, honest, overworked doctor, just trying to do his job as medicus with the 20th Legion while they are posted in Britain. His main character flaw, which is also how he ends up embroiled in so much trouble, is that he just cannot let a mystery go. He is like a dog that has scented a trail, following every little clue to the bitter end, no matter the consequences to himself or his career. Ruso knows this is his flaw, but seems unable to let matters lie when he knows that something is wrong.
I have tried to think of who his character reminds me of, but so far I haven't been able to decide. He seems to have the same bad luck as Jackson Brodie from Kate Atkinson's series. He also reminds me a bit of Martin Freeman's portrayal of John Watson, in his exasperation over the behaviors of his friend and flatmate.
Overall, I think I'm just charmed by the portrayal of ancient Rome as filled with people, just like us. They may have had different habits, social customs and the like, but they were still people trying to make a living and find happiness. The mysteries are also usually not so clear to unravel as you find in some detective novels. The clues left by the author are subtle, and I am often as baffled by it all as Ruso is.
Anyway, I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good mystery, or a good historical fiction. Or even a good romance, as this book has that too!
I thought I would write about one of my favorite series of books, by Ruth Downie. She writes the Gaius Petreius Ruso novels set in ancient Rome, right around the era of Emperor Hadrian. The first novel is titled Medicus, and was published in 2006. It introduces the central characters of the series, the medicus - Latin for doctor - Ruso and the native British woman Darlughdacha, otherwise known as Tilla. The latest novel, which came out just this year, is titled Tabula Rasa, and is not yet available in libraries (I had to go out and buy it). There are 6 books so far, the last two of which are not in NB libraries, though book five can be obtained through interlibrary loan.
What attracted me to this series is the main protagonist, Gaius Ruso. He is a plain, honest, overworked doctor, just trying to do his job as medicus with the 20th Legion while they are posted in Britain. His main character flaw, which is also how he ends up embroiled in so much trouble, is that he just cannot let a mystery go. He is like a dog that has scented a trail, following every little clue to the bitter end, no matter the consequences to himself or his career. Ruso knows this is his flaw, but seems unable to let matters lie when he knows that something is wrong.
I have tried to think of who his character reminds me of, but so far I haven't been able to decide. He seems to have the same bad luck as Jackson Brodie from Kate Atkinson's series. He also reminds me a bit of Martin Freeman's portrayal of John Watson, in his exasperation over the behaviors of his friend and flatmate.
Overall, I think I'm just charmed by the portrayal of ancient Rome as filled with people, just like us. They may have had different habits, social customs and the like, but they were still people trying to make a living and find happiness. The mysteries are also usually not so clear to unravel as you find in some detective novels. The clues left by the author are subtle, and I am often as baffled by it all as Ruso is.
Anyway, I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good mystery, or a good historical fiction. Or even a good romance, as this book has that too!
Thursday, 16 April 2015
Remakes, why is it always remakes...
I recently watched the newest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie (2014 version), directed by Jonathan Liebesman. Now, I grew up on the TMNT; I saw the three movies, watched the first cartoons, and a bit of some subsequent versions, and read both the original and the rebooted comics. I love the turtles, and I don't begrudge their commercial potential for toys and other marketable products. That said, I like the original movies, and recently re-watched them for nostalgia.
Well, let me say, this reboot pales in comparison! Now don't get me wrong, the special effects are light-years ahead of what they had back then, for sure. And the martial arts aspect is not lacking, it's well choreographed. But the plot... oh, the plot. The movie starts with a monologue by splinter. A corny, cliché, horrible monologue. The dialogues between characters are stilted, cliché, and seem like they're only there as garnish for the action scenes. The motivations for their actions are one dimensional, when they're not out and out nonsensical (Hello, April, priorities much?). The new character, April O'Neil's cameraman, could have been a well developed, interesting character. Instead he's the chauffeur, and the butt of all the jokes. pity.
And don't get me started on the turtles. One word: nostrils! The pseudo science, which I'm usually a bit forgiving of because blockbuster, is just going to ridiculous lengths. The number of times the characters should have died is astounding, and they bend the laws of physics every five minutes, when they're not just outright ignoring them.
As for the commercialism, there is one thing I noticed, other than the action figure potential, is that if you put all the action scenes where the turtles are moving at a good clip from one place to another, you get a pretty good amusement ride. Orlando, or Disneyland, I wonder?
Anyway, that's it for my rant. If you want to watch this movie, I won't stop you. My six year old liked it. She said it was awesome. Even if I had lots I disliked about this movie, I still watched it from beginning to end. And I didn't even leave the room once.
Well, let me say, this reboot pales in comparison! Now don't get me wrong, the special effects are light-years ahead of what they had back then, for sure. And the martial arts aspect is not lacking, it's well choreographed. But the plot... oh, the plot. The movie starts with a monologue by splinter. A corny, cliché, horrible monologue. The dialogues between characters are stilted, cliché, and seem like they're only there as garnish for the action scenes. The motivations for their actions are one dimensional, when they're not out and out nonsensical (Hello, April, priorities much?). The new character, April O'Neil's cameraman, could have been a well developed, interesting character. Instead he's the chauffeur, and the butt of all the jokes. pity.
And don't get me started on the turtles. One word: nostrils! The pseudo science, which I'm usually a bit forgiving of because blockbuster, is just going to ridiculous lengths. The number of times the characters should have died is astounding, and they bend the laws of physics every five minutes, when they're not just outright ignoring them.
As for the commercialism, there is one thing I noticed, other than the action figure potential, is that if you put all the action scenes where the turtles are moving at a good clip from one place to another, you get a pretty good amusement ride. Orlando, or Disneyland, I wonder?
Anyway, that's it for my rant. If you want to watch this movie, I won't stop you. My six year old liked it. She said it was awesome. Even if I had lots I disliked about this movie, I still watched it from beginning to end. And I didn't even leave the room once.
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