Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 101
September 4, 2019
Okko's Inn
Just finished watching "Okko's Inn" released by Shout! Factory
Learning how to expand your world while striving to be the very best you can be is the heart felt moral of Okko's Inn, as Okko, who just lost her parents in a tragic car accident must learn if she is going to continue on with her life after moving to the inn that her Grandmother owns and operates. The inn is next to a hot spring that provides healing for all visitors. With each new situation that Okko finds herself in, she finds the inner resolve to raise above and meet the challenges head on, even when her heart gets broken by a startling revelation about a guest who greatly and unknowingly impacted her life.
I believe that this is the first full length animated movie from Kitara Kosaka,who was a key animator on many classic Studio Ghibli movies.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Okkos-Inn-Blu-...
Learning how to expand your world while striving to be the very best you can be is the heart felt moral of Okko's Inn, as Okko, who just lost her parents in a tragic car accident must learn if she is going to continue on with her life after moving to the inn that her Grandmother owns and operates. The inn is next to a hot spring that provides healing for all visitors. With each new situation that Okko finds herself in, she finds the inner resolve to raise above and meet the challenges head on, even when her heart gets broken by a startling revelation about a guest who greatly and unknowingly impacted her life.
I believe that this is the first full length animated movie from Kitara Kosaka,who was a key animator on many classic Studio Ghibli movies.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Okkos-Inn-Blu-...
"Attack on Titan - Season Three, Part One"
Just finished watching "Attack on Titan - Season Three, Part One" released by Funimation.
Many various curtains are parted during the first half of "Attack on Titan" third season. How Eren obtained his ability to change into a Titan is revealed along with a partial reason why such a desperate course of action was inflicted upon a young boy is revealed along with the ability of the right royal family to alter the memories of humanity so that they never learn too much about the horrific world they find themselves in. Also revealed is the fact that some families like the Archers, are immune to the Rice Family's en-mass mind wiping ability. It all leads back to the cellar in Eren's demolished family home and the secrets that his father hid there in order to save humanity from extinction at the hands of the Titans.
Season Three of "Attack on Titan" expounds upon the mystery of the who, what, and why of the Titan's existence and exposes a corrupt political system designed to keep humanity in fear of the Titan threat and suggests that there are people who know the full truth about the Titans and the world.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of the second half of this season.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Attack-Titan-S...
Many various curtains are parted during the first half of "Attack on Titan" third season. How Eren obtained his ability to change into a Titan is revealed along with a partial reason why such a desperate course of action was inflicted upon a young boy is revealed along with the ability of the right royal family to alter the memories of humanity so that they never learn too much about the horrific world they find themselves in. Also revealed is the fact that some families like the Archers, are immune to the Rice Family's en-mass mind wiping ability. It all leads back to the cellar in Eren's demolished family home and the secrets that his father hid there in order to save humanity from extinction at the hands of the Titans.
Season Three of "Attack on Titan" expounds upon the mystery of the who, what, and why of the Titan's existence and exposes a corrupt political system designed to keep humanity in fear of the Titan threat and suggests that there are people who know the full truth about the Titans and the world.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of the second half of this season.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
FIVE STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Attack-Titan-S...
September 1, 2019
"The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
Just finished reading "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu, released by McElderry Books.
It never goes well for a novel when the writer feels compelled to write an afterward stating that she is responsible for introducing LGBTQ characters in young adult novels thus greatly having significant impact on the lives of young people who are struggling with their own sexual identities.
No Cassandra Clare, you are not the first science fiction/fantasy writer to write science fiction and fantasy novels featuring LGBTQ heroes and heroines in a positive light.
Diane Duane's "The Door Into Fire," was the first mainstream fantasy novel to feature two gay heroes and it wasn't the "problem novel" that you referred to. "Problem novels" usually featured a protagonist doing something that was deemed unacceptable by society and suffering harsh consequences with no real happy endings in sigh.
Let's not forget Mercedes Lackey. whose "Magic Price" trilogy featured a gay protagonist who went on heroic adventures. And I suspect I will create a firestorm for mentioning this, but the Darkover Novels of Marion Zimmer Bradley also featured LGBTQ protagonists - though it must be noted that MZB molested her daughter and her works have now fell out of popularity as a result. Oh, and lest I forget, Joanna Russ's science fiction prominently LGBTQ characters and so does Samuel Delany's fiction.
In other words Ms. Clare, others proceeded you and you should acknowledge them before self-grandstanding in an afterwards you wrote to stroke your own ego to claim you're the sole LGBTQ champion of science fiction and fantasy literature.. William Chu's afterward isn't any better.
Unfortunately, "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" reads like fanfic that makes liberal use of established cannon in order to tell a story that checks off all the prerequisite LGBTQ stereotypes - yep Magnus and Alec are off on a vacation in Europe where Magnus wants to deflower Alec in the most gentlemanly and romantic way possible. Bi-sexual Shadowhunters - Check. Asexual Vampires - Check. Allegory against strict U.S. Immigration Policies against illegal aliens - Check. No mention of safe sex practices - Check.
The problems with "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" - and there are many - is that writing for agenda politics doesn't tell a good story that doesn't provide any new insights into the characters that you've established a cannon for.
Sadly, I can not recommend "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One". It fell far short of my expectations.
NOT RECOMMENDED!
ZERO STARS!
.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Scrolls-Ma...
It never goes well for a novel when the writer feels compelled to write an afterward stating that she is responsible for introducing LGBTQ characters in young adult novels thus greatly having significant impact on the lives of young people who are struggling with their own sexual identities.
No Cassandra Clare, you are not the first science fiction/fantasy writer to write science fiction and fantasy novels featuring LGBTQ heroes and heroines in a positive light.
Diane Duane's "The Door Into Fire," was the first mainstream fantasy novel to feature two gay heroes and it wasn't the "problem novel" that you referred to. "Problem novels" usually featured a protagonist doing something that was deemed unacceptable by society and suffering harsh consequences with no real happy endings in sigh.
Let's not forget Mercedes Lackey. whose "Magic Price" trilogy featured a gay protagonist who went on heroic adventures. And I suspect I will create a firestorm for mentioning this, but the Darkover Novels of Marion Zimmer Bradley also featured LGBTQ protagonists - though it must be noted that MZB molested her daughter and her works have now fell out of popularity as a result. Oh, and lest I forget, Joanna Russ's science fiction prominently LGBTQ characters and so does Samuel Delany's fiction.
In other words Ms. Clare, others proceeded you and you should acknowledge them before self-grandstanding in an afterwards you wrote to stroke your own ego to claim you're the sole LGBTQ champion of science fiction and fantasy literature.. William Chu's afterward isn't any better.
Unfortunately, "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" reads like fanfic that makes liberal use of established cannon in order to tell a story that checks off all the prerequisite LGBTQ stereotypes - yep Magnus and Alec are off on a vacation in Europe where Magnus wants to deflower Alec in the most gentlemanly and romantic way possible. Bi-sexual Shadowhunters - Check. Asexual Vampires - Check. Allegory against strict U.S. Immigration Policies against illegal aliens - Check. No mention of safe sex practices - Check.
The problems with "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One" - and there are many - is that writing for agenda politics doesn't tell a good story that doesn't provide any new insights into the characters that you've established a cannon for.
Sadly, I can not recommend "The Red Scrolls of Magic - The Eldest Curses Book One". It fell far short of my expectations.
NOT RECOMMENDED!
ZERO STARS!
.
https://www.amazon.com/Red-Scrolls-Ma...
August 13, 2019
Batman: Hush
Just finished watching "Batman: Hush" released by Warner Brothers.
Who is Hush?
It's a question that Bruce Wayne/Barman finds himself asking after rescuing a child that Bane kidnapped for apparently just mere money. Kidnapping isn't Bane's standard m/o. Then add in a surprise visit from Lady Shiva who informs that somebody had broken in and used a Lazarus Pit in one of the League of Shadow's strongholds. Add into the mixture that Poison Ivy has not only Cat Woman, but Superman under her control as well adds a layer of complexity to a puzzle the likes that Batman has never seen before. Someone knows who Batman is and is going after him.
"Batman: Hush" is based on the original comic book/graphic novel by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee and is considered to be one of the greatest Batman stories of all time - personally I think that there are some great stories from the 1960s on up to the 1990s that would make great animated movies - especially the "What Ever Happened To The Man of Steel" two-part issue, but that's neither here nor there.
Not only does "Batman: Hush" stay true to the original story line, but it as a vibrantly lush animation style that adds a gritty visual tone to the movie.
Highly Recommeded!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/DCU-Batman-Hus...
Who is Hush?
It's a question that Bruce Wayne/Barman finds himself asking after rescuing a child that Bane kidnapped for apparently just mere money. Kidnapping isn't Bane's standard m/o. Then add in a surprise visit from Lady Shiva who informs that somebody had broken in and used a Lazarus Pit in one of the League of Shadow's strongholds. Add into the mixture that Poison Ivy has not only Cat Woman, but Superman under her control as well adds a layer of complexity to a puzzle the likes that Batman has never seen before. Someone knows who Batman is and is going after him.
"Batman: Hush" is based on the original comic book/graphic novel by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee and is considered to be one of the greatest Batman stories of all time - personally I think that there are some great stories from the 1960s on up to the 1990s that would make great animated movies - especially the "What Ever Happened To The Man of Steel" two-part issue, but that's neither here nor there.
Not only does "Batman: Hush" stay true to the original story line, but it as a vibrantly lush animation style that adds a gritty visual tone to the movie.
Highly Recommeded!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/DCU-Batman-Hus...
July 29, 2019
The Butch Factor
Just finished watching "The Butch Factor" released by Wolfe Video.
For those who came in late, frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other places around here on the Internet know that sometimes it takes me a while to get around seeing a DVD, or listening to a music cd or listening to an audio drama cd, or reading a book and get around to reviewing it. I first received "The Butch Factor" back in 2012 - so yes, it's been over seven years. The only promise I make is that I will give an honest review based on my opinion and that anything x-rated and inappropriate will immediately be returned to sender.
Written, produced, and directed by Christopher Hines, "The Butch Factor" examines the lives of gay men who don't fit into the traditional stereotypes of what people perceive how gay men should act and how they should think and feel.
It's a compelling documentary that creates a vivid picture of a vibrant picture of gay culture among men of many backgrounds who not only had to struggle with their own sexuality, but additionally the preconceived notions that society believes on how gay men should act and be..
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars
https://www.amazon.com/Butch-Factor-D...
For those who came in late, frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other places around here on the Internet know that sometimes it takes me a while to get around seeing a DVD, or listening to a music cd or listening to an audio drama cd, or reading a book and get around to reviewing it. I first received "The Butch Factor" back in 2012 - so yes, it's been over seven years. The only promise I make is that I will give an honest review based on my opinion and that anything x-rated and inappropriate will immediately be returned to sender.
Written, produced, and directed by Christopher Hines, "The Butch Factor" examines the lives of gay men who don't fit into the traditional stereotypes of what people perceive how gay men should act and how they should think and feel.
It's a compelling documentary that creates a vivid picture of a vibrant picture of gay culture among men of many backgrounds who not only had to struggle with their own sexuality, but additionally the preconceived notions that society believes on how gay men should act and be..
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars
https://www.amazon.com/Butch-Factor-D...
The Venture Bros. - Season 7
Just finished watching "The Venture Bros. - Season 7" released by Warner Brothers.
"The Venture Brothers" is one of my guilty pleasures for it's obscenely comical riffs on the established mythos behind the science fiction and fantasy televisions shows I grew up watching - and even hysterically lampooning such old time radio shows such as the Green Hornet - with the Monarch very ineptly taking over the role of the Blue Morpho.
Also key to this "The Venture Bros." popularity is that it keeps all the characters evolving and making mistakes and even triumphing in unexpected ways - even hinting at new mysteries of a timeline that has been corrupted and in desperate need of repair by the unlikeliest of time-traveling duos. There is even a "Darkman"/"Batman" cliff hanger at the end of Season Seven which will make Season Eight very intriguing - when it gets made and released in a few years....sigh....
Overall, "The Venture Bros. - Season 7" is a worthy jewel in the Venture Bros. crown and I am looking forward to where this series goes next.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - But Not For Prudes!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Bros-C...
"The Venture Brothers" is one of my guilty pleasures for it's obscenely comical riffs on the established mythos behind the science fiction and fantasy televisions shows I grew up watching - and even hysterically lampooning such old time radio shows such as the Green Hornet - with the Monarch very ineptly taking over the role of the Blue Morpho.
Also key to this "The Venture Bros." popularity is that it keeps all the characters evolving and making mistakes and even triumphing in unexpected ways - even hinting at new mysteries of a timeline that has been corrupted and in desperate need of repair by the unlikeliest of time-traveling duos. There is even a "Darkman"/"Batman" cliff hanger at the end of Season Seven which will make Season Eight very intriguing - when it gets made and released in a few years....sigh....
Overall, "The Venture Bros. - Season 7" is a worthy jewel in the Venture Bros. crown and I am looking forward to where this series goes next.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! - But Not For Prudes!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Venture-Bros-C...
July 28, 2019
"Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
Just finished watching "Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" released by Warner Brothers.
Confession time - I was a little hesitant about this latest animated Batman movie from Warner Brothers which is based on the original comic book crossover which spawned a sequel - it will be curious to see if Warner Brothers creates an animated sequel to this movie.
Thankfully "Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" pays homage to both comic book superhero families and is a love letter to fans of the Batman Family and the Ninja Turtles. It was great fun watching Batman engage Shredder and seeing how both .superhero teams complimented each other. And yes, there is plenty of pizza. Perhaps the most comical moment in the movie was when the Ninja Turtles discover Batman's secret identity.
[And no Zack Newsome, you can not "borrow" this movie.]
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Teenage...
Confession time - I was a little hesitant about this latest animated Batman movie from Warner Brothers which is based on the original comic book crossover which spawned a sequel - it will be curious to see if Warner Brothers creates an animated sequel to this movie.
Thankfully "Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" pays homage to both comic book superhero families and is a love letter to fans of the Batman Family and the Ninja Turtles. It was great fun watching Batman engage Shredder and seeing how both .superhero teams complimented each other. And yes, there is plenty of pizza. Perhaps the most comical moment in the movie was when the Ninja Turtles discover Batman's secret identity.
[And no Zack Newsome, you can not "borrow" this movie.]
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Teenage...
July 22, 2019
The Doctor's Wife
Just finished watching "The Doctor's Wife" released by Guest House Films.
When Jonathan Duffy and his partner Dr. Vincent Cornellsse decided to take advantage of a student debt reduction for doctors who agree to live and practice medicine in rural communities -they choose to leave the Brisbane for the small country town of Mundubbera, a small country town in Queensland, Australia. Both Jonathan and Vincent were unsure of what type of reception they would receive in a small town since they arriving as a committed gay couple. So when a friend suggested that Jonathan create a video log of everything that happened in Mundubbera to them in case they were murdered - they both sought it was a good idea. In other words, Jonathan and Vincent carried preconceived prejudices about what life would be like in a small country town even before setting foot there. What they found was a community that welcomed them with open arms for their willingness to be a part of that community.
A very interesting documentary. I did try to find out what happened to Jonathan and Vincent, and I did see a short video about a second "The Doctor's Wife 2" documentary, but I can find nothing about it, and while it seems Jonathan is now in Iceland, there is nothing to indicate what happened to him and Vincent. Perhaps Rob Williams can shed some light here on the two.
A nice, indie-documentary about how misconceptions can be altered by real life encounters.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Wife-J...
When Jonathan Duffy and his partner Dr. Vincent Cornellsse decided to take advantage of a student debt reduction for doctors who agree to live and practice medicine in rural communities -they choose to leave the Brisbane for the small country town of Mundubbera, a small country town in Queensland, Australia. Both Jonathan and Vincent were unsure of what type of reception they would receive in a small town since they arriving as a committed gay couple. So when a friend suggested that Jonathan create a video log of everything that happened in Mundubbera to them in case they were murdered - they both sought it was a good idea. In other words, Jonathan and Vincent carried preconceived prejudices about what life would be like in a small country town even before setting foot there. What they found was a community that welcomed them with open arms for their willingness to be a part of that community.
A very interesting documentary. I did try to find out what happened to Jonathan and Vincent, and I did see a short video about a second "The Doctor's Wife 2" documentary, but I can find nothing about it, and while it seems Jonathan is now in Iceland, there is nothing to indicate what happened to him and Vincent. Perhaps Rob Williams can shed some light here on the two.
A nice, indie-documentary about how misconceptions can be altered by real life encounters.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Wife-J...
July 10, 2019
"Our Miss Brooks - School Spirit"
Just finished listening to "Our Miss Brooks - School Spirit" released by Radio Spirits.
When Eve Arden stepped into the role of Madison High School's English Teacher Connie Brooks, she created an iconic fictional character who brought warmth, humor, fragility, and humanity to how society as a whole viewed school teachers.
Always at odds with Principal Osgood Conklin - Miss Brooks often got into hi-jinks and trouble with her fellow teacher and love interest the frog obsessed biology teacher Philip Boynton, along with students Walter Denton, Harriet Conklin, and Madison's star athlete Stretch Cunningham.
This recent collection of "Our Miss Brooks" episodes released by Radio Spirits gathers 20 episodes from the shows that aired between 1954 through 1956.
My favorite episodes are: "An American Tragedy," "Summer Vacation," "Saving the School Newspaper," "Mr Conklin's Statue," "Male Superiority," and "Stretch Is In Love Again."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.radiospirits.com/detailsv...
When Eve Arden stepped into the role of Madison High School's English Teacher Connie Brooks, she created an iconic fictional character who brought warmth, humor, fragility, and humanity to how society as a whole viewed school teachers.
Always at odds with Principal Osgood Conklin - Miss Brooks often got into hi-jinks and trouble with her fellow teacher and love interest the frog obsessed biology teacher Philip Boynton, along with students Walter Denton, Harriet Conklin, and Madison's star athlete Stretch Cunningham.
This recent collection of "Our Miss Brooks" episodes released by Radio Spirits gathers 20 episodes from the shows that aired between 1954 through 1956.
My favorite episodes are: "An American Tragedy," "Summer Vacation," "Saving the School Newspaper," "Mr Conklin's Statue," "Male Superiority," and "Stretch Is In Love Again."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.radiospirits.com/detailsv...
July 4, 2019
Professor Bernice Summerfield - Epoch
Just finished listening to "Bernice Summerfield - Epoch" first released by Big Finish Productions back in 2011.
When Big Finish first announced that it was "relaunching" it's Bernice Summerfield series back in 2010 as boxed sets, I was intrigued enough to put it on my subscription list at Doctor Who North America. Benny, as her friends call her, was likable as a companion of the Seventh Doctor and fellow companion Ace in the audio adventure that I had listened to with them in it. In fact, Bernice Summerfield was the first series launched by Big Finish Productions when they were still trying to obtain the rights to make new audio adventures with the original Doctors and Companions. I even enjoyed Lisa Bowerman's - who plays Benny - work on the long running Jago & Litefoot series as Ellie.
Sooooo...while it took me nearly eight years to get around to listening to this first box set, I wish I could say that I enjoyed it more than I did. I didn't like any of the four audio adventures that comprise this box set: "The Kraken's Lament, "The Temple of Questions," "Private Enemy No. 1," and "Judgement Day." Oh yes, this box set also includes the short animated movie "Dead and Buried."
Benny wakes up clueless and friendless in a city that resembles Atlantis but with significant differences. Across the four audio adventures she must unravel the puzzle and find out who the Epoch are and why they are trying to force her to choose between alternate realities - and her choice may determine the outcome of the universe.
Wasn't impressed and/or intrigued by any of it because it seemed all done before and much better in previous Doctor Who audio adventures. So yes, I will be listing this on eBay sometime in the next few days.
Sadly Disappointing.
One Star.
https://www.amazon.com/Epoch-Bernice-...
When Big Finish first announced that it was "relaunching" it's Bernice Summerfield series back in 2010 as boxed sets, I was intrigued enough to put it on my subscription list at Doctor Who North America. Benny, as her friends call her, was likable as a companion of the Seventh Doctor and fellow companion Ace in the audio adventure that I had listened to with them in it. In fact, Bernice Summerfield was the first series launched by Big Finish Productions when they were still trying to obtain the rights to make new audio adventures with the original Doctors and Companions. I even enjoyed Lisa Bowerman's - who plays Benny - work on the long running Jago & Litefoot series as Ellie.
Sooooo...while it took me nearly eight years to get around to listening to this first box set, I wish I could say that I enjoyed it more than I did. I didn't like any of the four audio adventures that comprise this box set: "The Kraken's Lament, "The Temple of Questions," "Private Enemy No. 1," and "Judgement Day." Oh yes, this box set also includes the short animated movie "Dead and Buried."
Benny wakes up clueless and friendless in a city that resembles Atlantis but with significant differences. Across the four audio adventures she must unravel the puzzle and find out who the Epoch are and why they are trying to force her to choose between alternate realities - and her choice may determine the outcome of the universe.
Wasn't impressed and/or intrigued by any of it because it seemed all done before and much better in previous Doctor Who audio adventures. So yes, I will be listing this on eBay sometime in the next few days.
Sadly Disappointing.
One Star.
https://www.amazon.com/Epoch-Bernice-...
