Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 17
March 30, 2025
LEO
Just finished watching "LEO" which was released by Netflix back on November 2023.
"LEO" is perhaps a good example of an animated movie that would be right at home in PIXAR, before PIXAR fired John Lassiter and went down hill in story telling.
"LEO" is the second animated feature from Adam Sandler's production company Happy Madison Productions which came 21 years after "Eight Crazy Nights" back in 2002; and it conveys a very simple story about trying to find your place in the world - which is why it was so successful because it touches upon ordinary concerns.
Longtime class pets Leo the tuatara and Squirtle the Florida box turtle live in a fifth-grade classroom at a Fort Myers elementary school. During a parent-teacher conference, the pregnant fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Salinas announces her maternity leave. As the parents come to express their displeasure with the substitute teacher whom Principal Spahn has selected to cover for Mrs. Salinas, Leo overhears one of them say that tuataras live to be 75 years old and despairs when he realizes he is 74 and has not accomplished his dreams of going to the Everglades. The next day, the strict substitute Virginia Malkin[b] arrives and is quickly loathed by the students.
Leo is taken home for the weekend by Summer, an overly talkative girl. While trying to make his escape, Leo accidentally reveals to Summer that he can talk, and suggests to her that she ask more questions to improve her conversations with classmates. As a result, Summer becomes more popular. One by one, her fellow students Eli, Jayda, two boys both named Cole, Skyler, Logan, Mia, Kabir, TJ, Zane, and Anthony take Leo home each weekend, confiding in him with their own issues and concerns, to which he provides wisdom and support, improving each of their lives. However, Leo requests that each student keep his talking ability a secret from the others and doesn't tell any of them that the others know he can talk.
Jealous of the attention Leo is getting, Squirtle decides to expose him. Feeling betrayed, the class disregards Leo. Ms. Malkin takes Leo home when she discovers he talks and has been helping her students. Leo learns that she never accomplished her dream of being a real teacher, which is why she's always mean to the students, and he attempts to give her advice.
The next day, the students win the history fair with their historical figure reenactments, with their prize being a field trip to Magic Land Park. Wanting to take all the credit, Ms. Malkin abandons Leo at the Everglades. When the students want to apologize to Leo, Ms. Malkin reports that Leo left them.
As the students travel to Magic Land Park, a guilt-ridden Squirtle uses Eli's drone to catch up with them and reveals that Ms. Malkin lied to which she confesses. The students and Ms. Malkin hijack the bus and head to the Everglades. Meanwhile, Leo learns from wild tuataras that he can live to be over 110 years old, reinvigorating him. Leo is threatened by a congregation of alligators, but is rescued by Ms. Malkin and the students.
On the final day of the school year, Leo tells the class to look out for one another as they enter middle school. Ms. Malkin is given a full-time job as a teacher by Principal Spahn and is promptly assigned to the kindergarteners, with Leo and Squirtle as the class pets.
"LEO" isn't groundbreaking, but it is a solid story that tells a story about coming to terms with who you are and how you can relate to other people in the world.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356417236994...
"LEO" is perhaps a good example of an animated movie that would be right at home in PIXAR, before PIXAR fired John Lassiter and went down hill in story telling.
"LEO" is the second animated feature from Adam Sandler's production company Happy Madison Productions which came 21 years after "Eight Crazy Nights" back in 2002; and it conveys a very simple story about trying to find your place in the world - which is why it was so successful because it touches upon ordinary concerns.
Longtime class pets Leo the tuatara and Squirtle the Florida box turtle live in a fifth-grade classroom at a Fort Myers elementary school. During a parent-teacher conference, the pregnant fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Salinas announces her maternity leave. As the parents come to express their displeasure with the substitute teacher whom Principal Spahn has selected to cover for Mrs. Salinas, Leo overhears one of them say that tuataras live to be 75 years old and despairs when he realizes he is 74 and has not accomplished his dreams of going to the Everglades. The next day, the strict substitute Virginia Malkin[b] arrives and is quickly loathed by the students.
Leo is taken home for the weekend by Summer, an overly talkative girl. While trying to make his escape, Leo accidentally reveals to Summer that he can talk, and suggests to her that she ask more questions to improve her conversations with classmates. As a result, Summer becomes more popular. One by one, her fellow students Eli, Jayda, two boys both named Cole, Skyler, Logan, Mia, Kabir, TJ, Zane, and Anthony take Leo home each weekend, confiding in him with their own issues and concerns, to which he provides wisdom and support, improving each of their lives. However, Leo requests that each student keep his talking ability a secret from the others and doesn't tell any of them that the others know he can talk.
Jealous of the attention Leo is getting, Squirtle decides to expose him. Feeling betrayed, the class disregards Leo. Ms. Malkin takes Leo home when she discovers he talks and has been helping her students. Leo learns that she never accomplished her dream of being a real teacher, which is why she's always mean to the students, and he attempts to give her advice.
The next day, the students win the history fair with their historical figure reenactments, with their prize being a field trip to Magic Land Park. Wanting to take all the credit, Ms. Malkin abandons Leo at the Everglades. When the students want to apologize to Leo, Ms. Malkin reports that Leo left them.
As the students travel to Magic Land Park, a guilt-ridden Squirtle uses Eli's drone to catch up with them and reveals that Ms. Malkin lied to which she confesses. The students and Ms. Malkin hijack the bus and head to the Everglades. Meanwhile, Leo learns from wild tuataras that he can live to be over 110 years old, reinvigorating him. Leo is threatened by a congregation of alligators, but is rescued by Ms. Malkin and the students.
On the final day of the school year, Leo tells the class to look out for one another as they enter middle school. Ms. Malkin is given a full-time job as a teacher by Principal Spahn and is promptly assigned to the kindergarteners, with Leo and Squirtle as the class pets.
"LEO" isn't groundbreaking, but it is a solid story that tells a story about coming to terms with who you are and how you can relate to other people in the world.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/356417236994...
March 23, 2025
Rouge Angel #64 - Cleopatra's Tomb
Just finished listening to "Rouge Angel #64 - Cleopatra's Tomb" released by Graphic Audio.
A little bit of background on the "Rouge Angel" series may be a bit helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the series.
"Rogue Angel" was a series of paperback novels produced bi-monthly since July 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises, published under a succession of imprints and written under the house name of "Alex Archer". Actual authors are credited with small notes inside the books but not on the front covers or spines. Each novel relates to history or mythology with a heavy fantasy slant, and the main character is Annja Creed - who may or may not be the reincarnation of Joan of Arc.
The series was first envisioned by Randall Toye, a Harlequin executive who fell in love with the history concerning Joan of Arc and wanted to develop the idea of a present-day Joan. Veteran action-adventure editors Feroze Mohammed and Nicole Brebner teamed up with Mel Odom to flesh out their series.
Typically, each volume is named after a historical or mythological artefact, around which the plot revolves. The plot structure tends to follow a pattern where the heroine discovers the item in question. The villain or another party then steals the item or abducts the heroine, motivated by their believing the item holds special power or significance. In the course of the story, Annja discovers more about a historical period and the people who lived in it.
Annja is the bearer of Joan of Arc's sword.
When Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy, her sword was shattered by an English soldier, and the fragments were widely dispersed. However, Roux and Garin, two of the knights in her personal retinue, were cursed with immortality in order to be able to eventually track down and reassemble the artifact.
Annja was present when this came to pass, and at her touch, the blade magically reformed, making her its new bearer. It cannot be taken from her against her will, and she has the power to remove it to and retrieve it from a supernatural location referred to as "the Otherwhere". This process works regardless of the Sword's current location, giving her the ability to, for example, use the weapon as a projectile and then immediately recall it to her hand.
Moreover, it also enhances her general constitution and helps her recover from injuries.
There are 57 traditionally published paperback books in the "Rouge Angel" series, which came to an end in 2015 following the shutdown of Gold Eagle Publishing by Harlequin. Not wanting to loose a popular series, Graphic Audio, acquired the rights to create original, in-house sequels to the novels, available exclusively in a narrated audio drama format.
Mom, Dad, and I always listened to the latest "Rouge Angel" adaptation when Graphic Audio released it, and I'm glad that Graphic Audio was able to continue the series.
As a series, "Rouge Angel" often lacked continuity and never really referred to previous adventures or of any of Annja's previous paramours.
"Cleopatra's Tomb" is the first in the "Rouge Angel" series that sets up continuity, referring to her previous adventure in discovering the jewels and treasure associated with a queen of Henry VIII, and we actually get to see Annja with her journalist boyfriend Conrad Fox - who actually chastises Annja for showing up in worn-torn Sudan on her quest to find Cleopatra's tomb.
Joan's sword also now seems to have the power to send Annja through time and space, allowing her to observe and interact with people in the time period she is visiting.
Roux and Garin are also accompanying Annja on this outing because each wants to obtain Cleopatra's curse breaker. They are prompted on this journey when a necklace belonging to Cleopatra is unexpectedly found during a home renovation in Brooklyn.
Yet, when they finally reach Cleopatra's Tomb, they find it guarded by one of the Egyptian gods, which is a first in the Rouge Angel series, where Annja is forced into a fight to the death with a supernatural being.
Great Action Packed Fun!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.graphicaudio.net/rogue-an...
A little bit of background on the "Rouge Angel" series may be a bit helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the series.
"Rogue Angel" was a series of paperback novels produced bi-monthly since July 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises, published under a succession of imprints and written under the house name of "Alex Archer". Actual authors are credited with small notes inside the books but not on the front covers or spines. Each novel relates to history or mythology with a heavy fantasy slant, and the main character is Annja Creed - who may or may not be the reincarnation of Joan of Arc.
The series was first envisioned by Randall Toye, a Harlequin executive who fell in love with the history concerning Joan of Arc and wanted to develop the idea of a present-day Joan. Veteran action-adventure editors Feroze Mohammed and Nicole Brebner teamed up with Mel Odom to flesh out their series.
Typically, each volume is named after a historical or mythological artefact, around which the plot revolves. The plot structure tends to follow a pattern where the heroine discovers the item in question. The villain or another party then steals the item or abducts the heroine, motivated by their believing the item holds special power or significance. In the course of the story, Annja discovers more about a historical period and the people who lived in it.
Annja is the bearer of Joan of Arc's sword.
When Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy, her sword was shattered by an English soldier, and the fragments were widely dispersed. However, Roux and Garin, two of the knights in her personal retinue, were cursed with immortality in order to be able to eventually track down and reassemble the artifact.
Annja was present when this came to pass, and at her touch, the blade magically reformed, making her its new bearer. It cannot be taken from her against her will, and she has the power to remove it to and retrieve it from a supernatural location referred to as "the Otherwhere". This process works regardless of the Sword's current location, giving her the ability to, for example, use the weapon as a projectile and then immediately recall it to her hand.
Moreover, it also enhances her general constitution and helps her recover from injuries.
There are 57 traditionally published paperback books in the "Rouge Angel" series, which came to an end in 2015 following the shutdown of Gold Eagle Publishing by Harlequin. Not wanting to loose a popular series, Graphic Audio, acquired the rights to create original, in-house sequels to the novels, available exclusively in a narrated audio drama format.
Mom, Dad, and I always listened to the latest "Rouge Angel" adaptation when Graphic Audio released it, and I'm glad that Graphic Audio was able to continue the series.
As a series, "Rouge Angel" often lacked continuity and never really referred to previous adventures or of any of Annja's previous paramours.
"Cleopatra's Tomb" is the first in the "Rouge Angel" series that sets up continuity, referring to her previous adventure in discovering the jewels and treasure associated with a queen of Henry VIII, and we actually get to see Annja with her journalist boyfriend Conrad Fox - who actually chastises Annja for showing up in worn-torn Sudan on her quest to find Cleopatra's tomb.
Joan's sword also now seems to have the power to send Annja through time and space, allowing her to observe and interact with people in the time period she is visiting.
Roux and Garin are also accompanying Annja on this outing because each wants to obtain Cleopatra's curse breaker. They are prompted on this journey when a necklace belonging to Cleopatra is unexpectedly found during a home renovation in Brooklyn.
Yet, when they finally reach Cleopatra's Tomb, they find it guarded by one of the Egyptian gods, which is a first in the Rouge Angel series, where Annja is forced into a fight to the death with a supernatural being.
Great Action Packed Fun!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.graphicaudio.net/rogue-an...
We're On Your Side, Charlie Brown
Just finished reading "We're On Your Side, Charlie Brown" by Charles M. Schulz, published by Fawcett Crest.
Many frequent visitors to Barnes & Noble and other "big box" bookstores and independently owned bookstores with physical retail locations will find it hard to believe that once upon a time that bookstores did not have sections devoted entirely to graphic novels like they do nowadays.
Now the bookstores of old did have shelves/sections devoted to what I call "comic strip books" which essentially were collections of previously ran strips of a newspaper comic ran that were reprinted in paperback. It was really only later, at least here in the Untied States, where hardcover collections of comic strips like "Calvin & Hobbes" and "The Farside" were reprinted in hardcover and readily available to collectors and consumers here in the United States and across the world. [Sidenote: Just wait to Zack and Jeff when they find out who gets which collection in my will Bwahahahahahahaha].
While Michelle's Bookstore in the Brynn Marr shopping center in Jacksonville, North Carolina closed its doors for the last time in the mid-1990s, they did have a section that was ceiling-to-floor of shelves filled with comic strip books - a majority of which "Peanuts" books by Charles M. Schulz. Schulz, shared a similarity to Andre Norton in the 1970s because they completely dominated the shelves in their respective sections in bookstores.
Now a majority of my "Peanuts" books were lost in time due to when we moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and I got my "replacement" copies at Chamblin's Bookmine out on Roosevelt Avenue.
The "Peanuts" strips in "We're on Your Side, Charlie Brown" originally were printed in newspapers from 1957-to-1959. Now this is only my opinion, and I don't have access to the newspapers that they were printed in - though I probably could go the UNF Library and access them on microfiche. I'm NOT going to pay for online access to a newspaper morgue. I do believe that the "Peanuts" strips in this collection show that Schulz had reached the "modern" era style of drawing in his work.
One of the main sequences in this collection is how Lucy and Linus interact with each other over her fascination and ongoing study of bugs - which for the time in the late 1950s was quiet progressive and forward thinking when looking back with Modern eyes, because Schulz was stating that it was perfectly acceptable for girls and young women to pursue fields in science.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Were-your-side...
Many frequent visitors to Barnes & Noble and other "big box" bookstores and independently owned bookstores with physical retail locations will find it hard to believe that once upon a time that bookstores did not have sections devoted entirely to graphic novels like they do nowadays.
Now the bookstores of old did have shelves/sections devoted to what I call "comic strip books" which essentially were collections of previously ran strips of a newspaper comic ran that were reprinted in paperback. It was really only later, at least here in the Untied States, where hardcover collections of comic strips like "Calvin & Hobbes" and "The Farside" were reprinted in hardcover and readily available to collectors and consumers here in the United States and across the world. [Sidenote: Just wait to Zack and Jeff when they find out who gets which collection in my will Bwahahahahahahaha].
While Michelle's Bookstore in the Brynn Marr shopping center in Jacksonville, North Carolina closed its doors for the last time in the mid-1990s, they did have a section that was ceiling-to-floor of shelves filled with comic strip books - a majority of which "Peanuts" books by Charles M. Schulz. Schulz, shared a similarity to Andre Norton in the 1970s because they completely dominated the shelves in their respective sections in bookstores.
Now a majority of my "Peanuts" books were lost in time due to when we moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and I got my "replacement" copies at Chamblin's Bookmine out on Roosevelt Avenue.
The "Peanuts" strips in "We're on Your Side, Charlie Brown" originally were printed in newspapers from 1957-to-1959. Now this is only my opinion, and I don't have access to the newspapers that they were printed in - though I probably could go the UNF Library and access them on microfiche. I'm NOT going to pay for online access to a newspaper morgue. I do believe that the "Peanuts" strips in this collection show that Schulz had reached the "modern" era style of drawing in his work.
One of the main sequences in this collection is how Lucy and Linus interact with each other over her fascination and ongoing study of bugs - which for the time in the late 1950s was quiet progressive and forward thinking when looking back with Modern eyes, because Schulz was stating that it was perfectly acceptable for girls and young women to pursue fields in science.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Were-your-side...
Rouge Angel #63 - The Queen Jewels
Just finished listening to "Rouge Angel #63 - The Queen Jewels" released by Graphic Audio.
A little bit of background on the "Rouge Angel" series may be a bit helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the series.
"Rogue Angel" was a series of paperback novels produced bi-monthly since July 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises, published under a succession of imprints and written under the house name of "Alex Archer". Actual authors are credited with small notes inside the books but not on the front covers or spines. Each novel relates to history or mythology with a heavy fantasy slant, and the main character is Annja Creed - who may or may not be the reincarnation of Joan of Arc.
The series was first envisioned by Randall Toye, a Harlequin executive who fell in love with the history concerning Joan of Arc and wanted to develop the idea of a present-day Joan. Veteran action-adventure editors Feroze Mohammed and Nicole Brebner teamed up with Mel Odom to flesh out their series.
Typically, each volume is named after a historical or mythological artefact, around which the plot revolves. The plot structure tends to follow a pattern where the heroine discovers the item in question. The villain or another party then steals the item or abducts the heroine, motivated by their believing the item holds special power or significance. In the course of the story, Annja discovers more about a historical period and the people who lived in it.
Annja is the bearer of Joan of Arc's sword.
When Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy, her sword was shattered by an English soldier, and the fragments were widely dispersed. However, Roux and Garin, two of the knights in her personal retinue, were cursed with immortality in order to be able to eventually track down and reassemble the artifact.
Annja was present when this came to pass, and at her touch, the blade magically reformed, making her its new bearer. It cannot be taken from her against her will, and she has the power to remove it to and retrieve it from a supernatural location referred to as "the Otherwhere". This process works regardless of the Sword's current location, giving her the ability to, for example, use the weapon as a projectile and then immediately recall it to her hand.
Moreover, it also enhances her general constitution and helps her recover from injuries.
There are 57 traditionally published paperback books in the "Rouge Angel" series, which came to an end in 2015 following the shutdown of Gold Eagle Publishing by Harlequin. Not wanting to loose a popular series, Graphic Audio, acquired the rights to create original, in-house sequels to the novels, available exclusively in a narrated audio drama format.
Mom, Dad, and I always listened to the latest "Rouge Angel" adaptation when Graphic Audio released it, and I'm glad that Graphic Audio was able to continue the series.
Octavia J. McKenzie and Nanette Savard - who narrates the "Rouge Angel" series for Graphic Audio - wrote "The Queen Jewels."
Annja Creed is in London on a secret archaeological dig on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. The body of a decapitated medieval woman is unearthed. Annja helps to determine her cause of death and identify her. Who murdered her and why was she silenced? The grisly discovery leads Annja and Roux Dupree to a secret society of knights as they uncover a royal conspiracy.
In the 1500s, King Henry VIII had two of his wives arrested and beheaded. Is this new body connected to the dead queens? Annja races against time and her nemesis, Garin Braden to find a secret tomb. With the help of her producer, Doug, Annja films Chasing History’s Monsters in London’s city of the dead, as she hunts for a royal buried treasure.
Now, this is just speculation on my part, but I believe that "The Queen Jewels" is part of a three-party story arc where Garin and Roux have their own agendas based on their own feelings about their immortality.
It's also nice to see Annja, who is one of the co-hosts of "Chasing History's Monsters" actually doing some field work with Doug, her producer.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.graphicaudio.net/rogue-an...
A little bit of background on the "Rouge Angel" series may be a bit helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the series.
"Rogue Angel" was a series of paperback novels produced bi-monthly since July 2006 by Harlequin Enterprises, published under a succession of imprints and written under the house name of "Alex Archer". Actual authors are credited with small notes inside the books but not on the front covers or spines. Each novel relates to history or mythology with a heavy fantasy slant, and the main character is Annja Creed - who may or may not be the reincarnation of Joan of Arc.
The series was first envisioned by Randall Toye, a Harlequin executive who fell in love with the history concerning Joan of Arc and wanted to develop the idea of a present-day Joan. Veteran action-adventure editors Feroze Mohammed and Nicole Brebner teamed up with Mel Odom to flesh out their series.
Typically, each volume is named after a historical or mythological artefact, around which the plot revolves. The plot structure tends to follow a pattern where the heroine discovers the item in question. The villain or another party then steals the item or abducts the heroine, motivated by their believing the item holds special power or significance. In the course of the story, Annja discovers more about a historical period and the people who lived in it.
Annja is the bearer of Joan of Arc's sword.
When Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy, her sword was shattered by an English soldier, and the fragments were widely dispersed. However, Roux and Garin, two of the knights in her personal retinue, were cursed with immortality in order to be able to eventually track down and reassemble the artifact.
Annja was present when this came to pass, and at her touch, the blade magically reformed, making her its new bearer. It cannot be taken from her against her will, and she has the power to remove it to and retrieve it from a supernatural location referred to as "the Otherwhere". This process works regardless of the Sword's current location, giving her the ability to, for example, use the weapon as a projectile and then immediately recall it to her hand.
Moreover, it also enhances her general constitution and helps her recover from injuries.
There are 57 traditionally published paperback books in the "Rouge Angel" series, which came to an end in 2015 following the shutdown of Gold Eagle Publishing by Harlequin. Not wanting to loose a popular series, Graphic Audio, acquired the rights to create original, in-house sequels to the novels, available exclusively in a narrated audio drama format.
Mom, Dad, and I always listened to the latest "Rouge Angel" adaptation when Graphic Audio released it, and I'm glad that Graphic Audio was able to continue the series.
Octavia J. McKenzie and Nanette Savard - who narrates the "Rouge Angel" series for Graphic Audio - wrote "The Queen Jewels."
Annja Creed is in London on a secret archaeological dig on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. The body of a decapitated medieval woman is unearthed. Annja helps to determine her cause of death and identify her. Who murdered her and why was she silenced? The grisly discovery leads Annja and Roux Dupree to a secret society of knights as they uncover a royal conspiracy.
In the 1500s, King Henry VIII had two of his wives arrested and beheaded. Is this new body connected to the dead queens? Annja races against time and her nemesis, Garin Braden to find a secret tomb. With the help of her producer, Doug, Annja films Chasing History’s Monsters in London’s city of the dead, as she hunts for a royal buried treasure.
Now, this is just speculation on my part, but I believe that "The Queen Jewels" is part of a three-party story arc where Garin and Roux have their own agendas based on their own feelings about their immortality.
It's also nice to see Annja, who is one of the co-hosts of "Chasing History's Monsters" actually doing some field work with Doug, her producer.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.graphicaudio.net/rogue-an...
March 22, 2025
The Old Guard
Just finished watching "The Old Guard" released by Netflix.
"The Old Guard" is based on the original graphic novel written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Leandro Fernandez.
Now I have not read the original source material, but I had heard a lot of good word-of-mouth on this movie, so I decided to take a chance on this movie and order the region free Blu-ray of off eBay.
In my defense, I don't have a subscription to any streaming services and I prefer to own physical copies of books, DVDs, and CDs. [I believe that Zack and his family may actually have more audio drama CDs and DVDs and Blu-rays that I do], so when I want to see a movie and/or series, I have to get a Blu-ray, and I turn to eBay, because I believe that eBay would immediately shut down any bootleg sales.
"The Old Guard" tells the story of Andromache "Andy" of Scythia, Booker, Joe, and Nicky are millenia-old warriors with unexplained regenerative healing abilities who use their vast experience to work as mercenaries, taking missions to help people. They accept a job from former CIA operative James Copley to rescue a group of kidnapped girls in South Sudan, breaking their rule of never working for the same employer twice.
The mission proves to be a ruse, and they are ambushed and killed. They realize that Copley set them up to remotely film their regeneration after quickly recovering and killing their attackers.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Nile Freeman is killed by having her throat slit while taking down a military target during a house search, but recovers and heals without a scratch. Later, she shares a disturbing dream with the other immortals, who are then alerted to her existence, as they experience dreams of any new immortals until found. Andy tracks down a confused Nile and extracts her from Afghanistan before military personnel can transfer her for further testing.
Copley shows the video of the ambush to pharmaceutical executive Steven Merrick, who sends operatives to capture the team. Andy brings Nile to a safe house in France, where she meets Booker, Joe, and Nicky.
The group shares some of their past and reveals that they are not fully immortal: their ability to heal eventually stops without warning. They share that this happened to a previous immortal, Lykon. That night, Nile dreams about repeatedly drowning in an iron maiden. When she shares her dream with the others they tell her about Quynh, the first immortal aside from herself that Andy's found, who was sentenced for witchcraft and cast into the sea in an iron maiden approximately 500 years previously. The other immortals have been unable to locate Quynh, and she has been continuously drowning ever since with Andy bearing the guilt for her punishment.
The group is soon ambushed by Merrick's forces. Joe and Nicky are captured while a seemingly deceased Booker is left behind. Upon discovering the attack, Andy kills all of the remaining assailants while Booker recuperates, but she's mildly wounded and realizes she isn't healing. She hides this from Booker and Nile. Booker locates Copley, and Nile separates from the group to reunite with her family.
Meanwhile, Joe and Nicky are transported to Merrick Pharmaceutical's headquarters in London. When they kiss each other in the transport van, the paramilitary forces that are guarding them attack. Joe and Nicky kill all of the paramilitaries in the back of the van off-screen but do not escape. They are transported to Merrick's headquarters, where they are strapped down and tortured in the lab to observe their regeneration and take tissue samples.
Andy and Booker confront Copley, but Booker betrays Andy and shoots her, arguing that Merrick might find a way to end the immortality they have both grown weary of. Booker realizes that Andy is not healing as they are captured. Simultaneously, Nile discovers evidence that Booker sold out the group, but she arrives too late to intervene. Booker and Andy are brought to Merrick Pharmaceuticals and are both strapped down beside Joe and Nicky.
Copley has a change of heart when he sees that Merrick is primarily motivated by greed and sadism, not medical advancement, and is planning to kill Andy and torture all of them indefinitely, primarily to prevent rival pharmaceutical companies from discovering proprietary trade secrets. Later, Nile confronts Copley and he agrees to assist her in a rescue mission.
With Copley's help locating them, Nile storms Merrick's London headquarters and frees the four other group members. They fight their way through Merrick's security, with Joe killing Merrick's right-hand man Keane. Merrick corners Andy and Nile, but they distract and disarm him with Andy wounding him and Nile killing him by grabbing him and jumping out of a window. All five of them, including the no-longer-immortal Andy, make it out and get away.
The group sentences Booker to loneliness as punishment for his betrayal, and forbids him from contacting them for 100 years. Booker and Andy say goodbye to each other. Andy, Nicky, Joe, and Nile meet with Copley, who explains how his research revealed their past missions had a greater effect than they ever knew, including how the descendants of people they had rescued went on to help the world in many different ways. They task Copley with the job of using his skills and experience with the CIA to cover their tracks going forward, and assisting to position them into jobs where they will have the largest positive impact.
In an epilogue set six months later in Paris, a depressed and drunken Booker stumbles into his apartment to find Quynh waiting for him.
A fun fact, Rucka's contract for the rights to his work stipulated that a major scene highlighting the romance between the characters Joe and Nicky from the book had to be kept in the film adaptation. Note: Rucka is married to a woman.
I greatly enjoyed the movie which has a richly realized world for its characters, and a sequel is scheduled to be released later this year.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405460505465
"The Old Guard" is based on the original graphic novel written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Leandro Fernandez.
Now I have not read the original source material, but I had heard a lot of good word-of-mouth on this movie, so I decided to take a chance on this movie and order the region free Blu-ray of off eBay.
In my defense, I don't have a subscription to any streaming services and I prefer to own physical copies of books, DVDs, and CDs. [I believe that Zack and his family may actually have more audio drama CDs and DVDs and Blu-rays that I do], so when I want to see a movie and/or series, I have to get a Blu-ray, and I turn to eBay, because I believe that eBay would immediately shut down any bootleg sales.
"The Old Guard" tells the story of Andromache "Andy" of Scythia, Booker, Joe, and Nicky are millenia-old warriors with unexplained regenerative healing abilities who use their vast experience to work as mercenaries, taking missions to help people. They accept a job from former CIA operative James Copley to rescue a group of kidnapped girls in South Sudan, breaking their rule of never working for the same employer twice.
The mission proves to be a ruse, and they are ambushed and killed. They realize that Copley set them up to remotely film their regeneration after quickly recovering and killing their attackers.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Nile Freeman is killed by having her throat slit while taking down a military target during a house search, but recovers and heals without a scratch. Later, she shares a disturbing dream with the other immortals, who are then alerted to her existence, as they experience dreams of any new immortals until found. Andy tracks down a confused Nile and extracts her from Afghanistan before military personnel can transfer her for further testing.
Copley shows the video of the ambush to pharmaceutical executive Steven Merrick, who sends operatives to capture the team. Andy brings Nile to a safe house in France, where she meets Booker, Joe, and Nicky.
The group shares some of their past and reveals that they are not fully immortal: their ability to heal eventually stops without warning. They share that this happened to a previous immortal, Lykon. That night, Nile dreams about repeatedly drowning in an iron maiden. When she shares her dream with the others they tell her about Quynh, the first immortal aside from herself that Andy's found, who was sentenced for witchcraft and cast into the sea in an iron maiden approximately 500 years previously. The other immortals have been unable to locate Quynh, and she has been continuously drowning ever since with Andy bearing the guilt for her punishment.
The group is soon ambushed by Merrick's forces. Joe and Nicky are captured while a seemingly deceased Booker is left behind. Upon discovering the attack, Andy kills all of the remaining assailants while Booker recuperates, but she's mildly wounded and realizes she isn't healing. She hides this from Booker and Nile. Booker locates Copley, and Nile separates from the group to reunite with her family.
Meanwhile, Joe and Nicky are transported to Merrick Pharmaceutical's headquarters in London. When they kiss each other in the transport van, the paramilitary forces that are guarding them attack. Joe and Nicky kill all of the paramilitaries in the back of the van off-screen but do not escape. They are transported to Merrick's headquarters, where they are strapped down and tortured in the lab to observe their regeneration and take tissue samples.
Andy and Booker confront Copley, but Booker betrays Andy and shoots her, arguing that Merrick might find a way to end the immortality they have both grown weary of. Booker realizes that Andy is not healing as they are captured. Simultaneously, Nile discovers evidence that Booker sold out the group, but she arrives too late to intervene. Booker and Andy are brought to Merrick Pharmaceuticals and are both strapped down beside Joe and Nicky.
Copley has a change of heart when he sees that Merrick is primarily motivated by greed and sadism, not medical advancement, and is planning to kill Andy and torture all of them indefinitely, primarily to prevent rival pharmaceutical companies from discovering proprietary trade secrets. Later, Nile confronts Copley and he agrees to assist her in a rescue mission.
With Copley's help locating them, Nile storms Merrick's London headquarters and frees the four other group members. They fight their way through Merrick's security, with Joe killing Merrick's right-hand man Keane. Merrick corners Andy and Nile, but they distract and disarm him with Andy wounding him and Nile killing him by grabbing him and jumping out of a window. All five of them, including the no-longer-immortal Andy, make it out and get away.
The group sentences Booker to loneliness as punishment for his betrayal, and forbids him from contacting them for 100 years. Booker and Andy say goodbye to each other. Andy, Nicky, Joe, and Nile meet with Copley, who explains how his research revealed their past missions had a greater effect than they ever knew, including how the descendants of people they had rescued went on to help the world in many different ways. They task Copley with the job of using his skills and experience with the CIA to cover their tracks going forward, and assisting to position them into jobs where they will have the largest positive impact.
In an epilogue set six months later in Paris, a depressed and drunken Booker stumbles into his apartment to find Quynh waiting for him.
A fun fact, Rucka's contract for the rights to his work stipulated that a major scene highlighting the romance between the characters Joe and Nicky from the book had to be kept in the film adaptation. Note: Rucka is married to a woman.
I greatly enjoyed the movie which has a richly realized world for its characters, and a sequel is scheduled to be released later this year.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405460505465
March 20, 2025
YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan - World Tour 2017-2018 - The Challengers - Live in London" released by YAMATO.
Just finished watching "YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan - World Tour 2017-2018 - The Challengers - Live in London" released by YAMATO.
I was fortunate to catch a performance of "YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan" during their performance at the Florida Theater here in Jacksonville, and I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that their merchandise store at the theater did not offer any CDs and/or DVDs of their music and performances. In the past, however, YAMATO did offer CDs and DVDs in the past and you can find them on eBay, which is where I found this DVD.
What intrigued me about YAMATO's "The Challengers" performance/world tour is that they acknowledge that striving and reaching towards a challenge is hard work and more than often you fall by the wayside and have to pick yourself up and push yourself even harder to succeed. Something that is not really taught and/or encouraged these days.
YAMATO's "The Challengers" consists of seven segments: "Idomi," "Rekkaramawari," "Ran-Ran," "Aozoraion," "Gokuraoh," "Garakuta-five," and "Rakuten," along with an encore.
While I do question a few of the camera angles and fade-ins and fade-outs, it was obviously shot during a live performance, and there are times that it was too dark; but it is the next best thing to being at a actual live performance.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256700253425...
I was fortunate to catch a performance of "YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan" during their performance at the Florida Theater here in Jacksonville, and I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that their merchandise store at the theater did not offer any CDs and/or DVDs of their music and performances. In the past, however, YAMATO did offer CDs and DVDs in the past and you can find them on eBay, which is where I found this DVD.
What intrigued me about YAMATO's "The Challengers" performance/world tour is that they acknowledge that striving and reaching towards a challenge is hard work and more than often you fall by the wayside and have to pick yourself up and push yourself even harder to succeed. Something that is not really taught and/or encouraged these days.
YAMATO's "The Challengers" consists of seven segments: "Idomi," "Rekkaramawari," "Ran-Ran," "Aozoraion," "Gokuraoh," "Garakuta-five," and "Rakuten," along with an encore.
While I do question a few of the camera angles and fade-ins and fade-outs, it was obviously shot during a live performance, and there are times that it was too dark; but it is the next best thing to being at a actual live performance.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/256700253425...
March 16, 2025
Aquaria II - Ascension
Just finished listening to "Aquaria II - Ascension" by Diane Arkenstone, released by Neo Pacifica.
Sequel mania isn't only just limited to movies and books. About a quarter-of-a-century ago, back in 2001, Arkenstone released "Aquaria: A Liquid Blue Trancescape," and she finally released the follow-up sequel to her popular CD. As with the first CD, "Aquaria II - Ascension" was written and performed by Diane and her ex-husband David Arkenstone. It follows the theme of humanity's evolution from the Piscean Age of water, to the Aquarian Age of air, and the shift to more awareness and nurturing energy.
Again note, just because I like the music, doesn't mean I believe the salespitch.
My favorite tracks are: "A Sea of Ghosts,' "Myth is Magic," "Above The Waters," "Goddessea," and "Light From the Center of All."
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Aquaria-Ii-Asc...
Sequel mania isn't only just limited to movies and books. About a quarter-of-a-century ago, back in 2001, Arkenstone released "Aquaria: A Liquid Blue Trancescape," and she finally released the follow-up sequel to her popular CD. As with the first CD, "Aquaria II - Ascension" was written and performed by Diane and her ex-husband David Arkenstone. It follows the theme of humanity's evolution from the Piscean Age of water, to the Aquarian Age of air, and the shift to more awareness and nurturing energy.
Again note, just because I like the music, doesn't mean I believe the salespitch.
My favorite tracks are: "A Sea of Ghosts,' "Myth is Magic," "Above The Waters," "Goddessea," and "Light From the Center of All."
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Aquaria-Ii-Asc...
Aetopus
Just finished listening to "iota" by Aetopus, released by Spotted Peccary Music.
I'm always willing to give a listen to musicians whose music is being presented to me for the first time, and when I got one of my regular emails for Spotted Peccary Music about an upcoming release by Aetopus, I was intrigued by the sample clips to actually order the CD.
Now it should comes as no surprise that I prefer physical media to electronic media. Hint, physical media is always accessible and isn't dependent on cloud storage on the Internet - which can go out.
Aetopus is actually Bryan Tewell Hughes. I don't think this is a 'big" reveal since his name is on the interior of the CD cover.
"iota," is AeTopus’s second release on Spotted Peccary Music, stylistically picks up where his previous album Cup left off, built from twirling arpeggiations, stuttering grooves and subtle traditional flourishes. However, while Cup was drawn from a specific concept, the Zen parable of the broken cup, iota takes a broader view. This new work draws inspiration from the interconnectedness of our world, and thus invites the listener to become one with it.
Now I was recently asked how do I reconcile the artist's spiritual intent with my beliefs as a Conservative Jew. I don't. I can enjoy a work without believing in the spiritual intent of the artist. There are some Christian New Age artists works who I enjoy, but I'm not going to suddenly believe what they believe. Faith doesn't mean you can't study and listen to other beliefs.
Moving on from my sermon on the mount, my favorite tracks on this CD are: "Level," "Probe," "Sunny," "Wave Hello," "Accent," "Finespun," and "Museum."
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://spottedpeccary.com/shop/iota/
I'm always willing to give a listen to musicians whose music is being presented to me for the first time, and when I got one of my regular emails for Spotted Peccary Music about an upcoming release by Aetopus, I was intrigued by the sample clips to actually order the CD.
Now it should comes as no surprise that I prefer physical media to electronic media. Hint, physical media is always accessible and isn't dependent on cloud storage on the Internet - which can go out.
Aetopus is actually Bryan Tewell Hughes. I don't think this is a 'big" reveal since his name is on the interior of the CD cover.
"iota," is AeTopus’s second release on Spotted Peccary Music, stylistically picks up where his previous album Cup left off, built from twirling arpeggiations, stuttering grooves and subtle traditional flourishes. However, while Cup was drawn from a specific concept, the Zen parable of the broken cup, iota takes a broader view. This new work draws inspiration from the interconnectedness of our world, and thus invites the listener to become one with it.
Now I was recently asked how do I reconcile the artist's spiritual intent with my beliefs as a Conservative Jew. I don't. I can enjoy a work without believing in the spiritual intent of the artist. There are some Christian New Age artists works who I enjoy, but I'm not going to suddenly believe what they believe. Faith doesn't mean you can't study and listen to other beliefs.
Moving on from my sermon on the mount, my favorite tracks on this CD are: "Level," "Probe," "Sunny," "Wave Hello," "Accent," "Finespun," and "Museum."
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://spottedpeccary.com/shop/iota/
Aozora
Just finished listening to "Aozora" by YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan, released back in 2002.
For those who are wondering, I believe all of YAMATO's previously released CDS were released by their own production company, but I am not 100% sure. I could be wrong with this assumption.
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world”. They have given more than 4,700 shows across 55 countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
I was fortunate to recently see one of the performances here in the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, and I was disappointed to learn that there were no CDs for sale in the lobby. The young lady at the merchandise stand told me that she wished they would release some CDs, which I thought was a rather odd comment, so I decided to hope onto Amazon and eBay when I got back home after the performance and decided to see if I could find any previous CD releases by YAMATO, and I met with success despite the CDs being long out of print and at more than reasonable prices - all three were under $10 each, plus shipping, and only one required international shipping.
I think I know the reason why YAMATO let their CDs fall out of print - the CDS don't capture the visual vibrance and energy and resounding sounds and athletics of the performance. In other words, a live performance is the best way to experience YAMATO.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Rekka," "Kumo," "Kurenai," "and "Aozora."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285321924868
For those who are wondering, I believe all of YAMATO's previously released CDS were released by their own production company, but I am not 100% sure. I could be wrong with this assumption.
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world”. They have given more than 4,700 shows across 55 countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
I was fortunate to recently see one of the performances here in the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, and I was disappointed to learn that there were no CDs for sale in the lobby. The young lady at the merchandise stand told me that she wished they would release some CDs, which I thought was a rather odd comment, so I decided to hope onto Amazon and eBay when I got back home after the performance and decided to see if I could find any previous CD releases by YAMATO, and I met with success despite the CDs being long out of print and at more than reasonable prices - all three were under $10 each, plus shipping, and only one required international shipping.
I think I know the reason why YAMATO let their CDs fall out of print - the CDS don't capture the visual vibrance and energy and resounding sounds and athletics of the performance. In other words, a live performance is the best way to experience YAMATO.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Rekka," "Kumo," "Kurenai," "and "Aozora."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285321924868
Yamato - The Wadaiko Drummers of Japan - Live In Amsterdam
Just finished listening to "Yamato - The Wadaiko Drummers of Japan - Live In Amsterdam, " released back in 2012.
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world”. They have given more than 4,700 shows across 55 countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
I was fortunate to recently see one of the performances here in the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, and I was disappointed to learn that there were no CDs for sale in the lobby. The young lady at the merchandise stand told me that she wished they would release some CDs, which I thought was a rather odd comment, so I decided to hope onto Amazon and eBay when I got back home after the performance and decided to see if I could find any previous CD releases by YAMATO, and I met with success despite the CDs being long out of print and at more than reasonable prices - all three were under $10 each, plus shipping, and only one required international shipping.
I think I know the reason why YAMATO let their CDs fall out of print - the CDS don't capture the visual vibrance and energy and resounding sounds and athletics of the performance. In other words, a live performance is the best way to experience YAMATO.
So, while "Yamato - The Wadaiko Drummers of Japan - Live In Amsterdam" doesn't capture that visual vibrance and energy of an actual performance, it does capture the spiritual heat of YAMATO.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Hayate," "Rakuda," "Raion-kumikyoku," and "Yakara."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Yamato-Live-in...
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world”. They have given more than 4,700 shows across 55 countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
I was fortunate to recently see one of the performances here in the Florida Theater in Jacksonville, and I was disappointed to learn that there were no CDs for sale in the lobby. The young lady at the merchandise stand told me that she wished they would release some CDs, which I thought was a rather odd comment, so I decided to hope onto Amazon and eBay when I got back home after the performance and decided to see if I could find any previous CD releases by YAMATO, and I met with success despite the CDs being long out of print and at more than reasonable prices - all three were under $10 each, plus shipping, and only one required international shipping.
I think I know the reason why YAMATO let their CDs fall out of print - the CDS don't capture the visual vibrance and energy and resounding sounds and athletics of the performance. In other words, a live performance is the best way to experience YAMATO.
So, while "Yamato - The Wadaiko Drummers of Japan - Live In Amsterdam" doesn't capture that visual vibrance and energy of an actual performance, it does capture the spiritual heat of YAMATO.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "Hayate," "Rakuda," "Raion-kumikyoku," and "Yakara."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/Yamato-Live-in...
