Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 103
July 8, 2012
Virtual Tourist - Secret World and Star Wars The Old Republic 7/8/12
My daughter has just started playing the new MMO Secret World, so I've drafted her to take touristy photos as she plays as well. Bwahahahahaha!
The Secret World (She showed me some cool ones in a Chinese setting, but didn't get them to me yet. For shame!)
Star Wars The Old Republic
Imperial Spy on Alderaan
Energy cage/holding cell in the Rist compound
Republic Side
Station where bad news are to be had.
This space mission had the weirdest planet.
Recreated projector for the Neocrons. Eight or Nine Masters computerized essences.
New Planet! Belsavis (Dang it, several of the pics didn't tkae. Wah!)
Back to the Imperial Spy on Alderaan
Found the location of a new Datacron! Could not figure out how to get to it. Wah!
Escape pod wreck.
That looks to be it for this time around. Have a great Sunday![image error]
The Secret World (She showed me some cool ones in a Chinese setting, but didn't get them to me yet. For shame!)
Star Wars The Old Republic
Imperial Spy on Alderaan
Energy cage/holding cell in the Rist compound
Republic Side
Station where bad news are to be had.
This space mission had the weirdest planet.
Recreated projector for the Neocrons. Eight or Nine Masters computerized essences.
New Planet! Belsavis (Dang it, several of the pics didn't tkae. Wah!)
Back to the Imperial Spy on Alderaan
Found the location of a new Datacron! Could not figure out how to get to it. Wah!
Escape pod wreck.
That looks to be it for this time around. Have a great Sunday![image error]
July 7, 2012
Movie Review - The Amazing Spider-man
The Amazing Spider-man
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, Chris Sylka, and more.
Directed by: Marc Webb Screenplay by: James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves Story by: James Vanderbilt Based on the Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Cinematography by: John Schwartzman Original Music by: James Horner
Premise: When Peter Parker stumbles across and old leather briefcase that once belonged to his father, he finds an old newspaper picture of a colleague and decides to go to Oscorp and see what more he can find. While there, he illegally enters a lab and accidentally picks up a hitchhiker - a modified spider which later bites him in the back of the neck. As Peter tries to deal with his new found powers, high school problems, and budding affections for Gwen, he also inadvertently gives away a secret his father may have died to protect and opens the door for huge problems for New York City. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Andrew Garfield, with his great acting skills and thin, almost gawky build, was a great choice for Peter Parker. Emma Stone was vibrant as Gwen Stacy. Rhys Ifans gave us a multi layered Curt Connors. Denis Leary oozed protective parent and added a bit of fun and seriousness to his role as Captain Stacy.
2) Special Effects - Thumbs Up: While all the effects and CGI were well done, there was nothing spectacular presented. Following behind the awesome special effects in movies like "Prometheus", "John Carter", and others, "The Amazing Spider-man" appeared almost blase in comparison. Sadly, it made the higher expense of seeing it in IMAX 3D not worthwhile. Sadder still, there were several instances where they had an opportunity of doing so much more but didn't and it showed. (And most of the good ones were given away in the previews!)
But like I said, what was there was very well done - the room with the spiders and fibers was very cool. There just should have been more. And for the fans, they did incorporate several "classic moves" for the costumed vigilante that could have been pulled straight from the comic book pages. Those were a lot of fun. (They even sneaked in the traditional look of Dr. Connors' lizard form with the torn lab coat in there. Though the look of the lizard's face itself was not.)
3) Plot/Story - Neutral: To be honest, story wise, while replacing Mary Jane with Gwen, the Green Goblin with Dr. Connors, and adding a touch of mystery to what happened to Peter's parents and why, there was little that was different or all that new with regards to the story when compared to the 2002 "Spider-man" film. Not only that, but the way the story was set up added its own set of issues to trip it up without any new twists or real surprises.
Gwen is a high school student, yet she is not only working at Oscorp but has tremendous amounts of both training on very high tech equipment and security clearances. Also the means by which Peter picked up the spider didn't match the intelligence and cunning he showed in just getting to that section of the building. So it made it very difficult to believe it. More so was the fact no alarm was raised by his interference in the smooth running of the particular room. The major 'about face' by Flash with regards to Peter, just had me shaking my head.
Another big issue was Spider-man's web. He got the idea from a commercial of an Oscorp product and when we saw him build the wrist mechanisms, he used the containers we'd seen at the lab (which implied he was using their product in his machine). Logic dictates that not only would he not be able to afford to buy the stuff, the government would have seen the commercials and figured out what he was using and used that knowledge to try to track him down. (In the comics he'd come up with the formulas for the webbing and the mechanism on his own.)
But I must definitely give kudos for the writers' attempts to show Peter could not save New York alone, that everyone could do their part to help.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Whether real, CGI, or a mix of the two, the stunts for the film were great. The fight scenes were smooth and believable. Stan Lee's cameo during the high school combat was particularly fun.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Cool shifting points of view, a couple even done through Peter's eyes to try to give the audience an idea of what it would feel like to swing around from building to building in downtown New York. There were several great span shots and even overhead shots of the city. Several cool views of the bridge during combat were taken as well.
Conclusion: The movie is worth seeing for the great acting and watching Peter cope with his new found powers. Aside from trying to sow seeds for mysteries to explore in further films, the basic story of the web slinger remains much the same as previously shown. There were not enough cool things to make it worth the higher price of IMAX 3D, which was a pity.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Matinee Price)[image error]
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, Chris Sylka, and more.
Directed by: Marc Webb Screenplay by: James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves Story by: James Vanderbilt Based on the Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Cinematography by: John Schwartzman Original Music by: James Horner
Premise: When Peter Parker stumbles across and old leather briefcase that once belonged to his father, he finds an old newspaper picture of a colleague and decides to go to Oscorp and see what more he can find. While there, he illegally enters a lab and accidentally picks up a hitchhiker - a modified spider which later bites him in the back of the neck. As Peter tries to deal with his new found powers, high school problems, and budding affections for Gwen, he also inadvertently gives away a secret his father may have died to protect and opens the door for huge problems for New York City. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Andrew Garfield, with his great acting skills and thin, almost gawky build, was a great choice for Peter Parker. Emma Stone was vibrant as Gwen Stacy. Rhys Ifans gave us a multi layered Curt Connors. Denis Leary oozed protective parent and added a bit of fun and seriousness to his role as Captain Stacy.
2) Special Effects - Thumbs Up: While all the effects and CGI were well done, there was nothing spectacular presented. Following behind the awesome special effects in movies like "Prometheus", "John Carter", and others, "The Amazing Spider-man" appeared almost blase in comparison. Sadly, it made the higher expense of seeing it in IMAX 3D not worthwhile. Sadder still, there were several instances where they had an opportunity of doing so much more but didn't and it showed. (And most of the good ones were given away in the previews!)
But like I said, what was there was very well done - the room with the spiders and fibers was very cool. There just should have been more. And for the fans, they did incorporate several "classic moves" for the costumed vigilante that could have been pulled straight from the comic book pages. Those were a lot of fun. (They even sneaked in the traditional look of Dr. Connors' lizard form with the torn lab coat in there. Though the look of the lizard's face itself was not.)
3) Plot/Story - Neutral: To be honest, story wise, while replacing Mary Jane with Gwen, the Green Goblin with Dr. Connors, and adding a touch of mystery to what happened to Peter's parents and why, there was little that was different or all that new with regards to the story when compared to the 2002 "Spider-man" film. Not only that, but the way the story was set up added its own set of issues to trip it up without any new twists or real surprises.
Gwen is a high school student, yet she is not only working at Oscorp but has tremendous amounts of both training on very high tech equipment and security clearances. Also the means by which Peter picked up the spider didn't match the intelligence and cunning he showed in just getting to that section of the building. So it made it very difficult to believe it. More so was the fact no alarm was raised by his interference in the smooth running of the particular room. The major 'about face' by Flash with regards to Peter, just had me shaking my head.
Another big issue was Spider-man's web. He got the idea from a commercial of an Oscorp product and when we saw him build the wrist mechanisms, he used the containers we'd seen at the lab (which implied he was using their product in his machine). Logic dictates that not only would he not be able to afford to buy the stuff, the government would have seen the commercials and figured out what he was using and used that knowledge to try to track him down. (In the comics he'd come up with the formulas for the webbing and the mechanism on his own.)
But I must definitely give kudos for the writers' attempts to show Peter could not save New York alone, that everyone could do their part to help.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Whether real, CGI, or a mix of the two, the stunts for the film were great. The fight scenes were smooth and believable. Stan Lee's cameo during the high school combat was particularly fun.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Cool shifting points of view, a couple even done through Peter's eyes to try to give the audience an idea of what it would feel like to swing around from building to building in downtown New York. There were several great span shots and even overhead shots of the city. Several cool views of the bridge during combat were taken as well.
Conclusion: The movie is worth seeing for the great acting and watching Peter cope with his new found powers. Aside from trying to sow seeds for mysteries to explore in further films, the basic story of the web slinger remains much the same as previously shown. There were not enough cool things to make it worth the higher price of IMAX 3D, which was a pity.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Matinee Price)[image error]
July 6, 2012
Movie Review - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell, Alan Tudyk, Jimmi Simpson, Marton Csokas, Erin Wasson, and more.
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov Screenplay by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Based on the Novel by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Cinematography by: Caleb Deschanel Original Music by: Henry Jackman
Premise: History gets written, but sometimes not all the details of what actually happened are disclosed. This is the untold story of Abraham Lincoln. Of the horrors he faced in his youth and the path he chose to try to reap vengeance on those who destroyed his family. A close look at the life of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. (Rated R)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Benjamin Walker did a great job portraying Mr Lincoln, especially in the later years, as he assumed the poses and mannerisms of the President that we've come to know from photos and other accounts.
There were several surprises in unexpected faces in the film such as Alan Tudyk and Jimmi Simpson. It was great to see them and they added their awesome talents to the film, even in the small bits.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead was adorable as Mary Todd.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Twice in the film the land around the viewer shifts from one time to another, but done subtly with layers being peeled back one by one. These were exceptional! They also were a great way to transfer the audience to another time at the same place and impart the look and feel of the era of each sequence before actually zooming in to those involved.
The fighting scene which ran through the middle of a CGI horse stampede was a sight to see! It truly brought home just exactly the type of supernatural beings Abraham was having to deal with. Where else will you see horses used as weapons? Too much fun.
The entire train sequence too was masterful. And done in such a way as to make some of the amazing actions appear plausible.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Depending on the viewer, they will either accept the film as an Alternate History (the best route to take) or a rewriting of it. In general, the plot maintained historical accuracy, though not always in the specifics. Lincoln had several children, not just one, for instance.
But, pushing historical accuracy aside, and adding a small amount of 'suspension of disbelief', the story worked rather well. There was an odd surprise about the vampires in this universe that played for a nice sub story. I also enjoyed the red herring towards the end.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Truly wish they'd done this one in IMAX. There were lots of spanning views, moonlit nights, battles, trains, stampedes - plenty of food for the eyes. The sets and locations totally fit the period and the different locations. There were even subtle hints and jokes drizzled here and there amid the posters and advertisements. That was fun!
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: A lot of care seemed to have gone into the costumes to better submerge the viewer into the time period. The makeup for the vampires was well done and appeared to fluctuate depending on how recently the vampire had fed, which was a nice touch.
Conclusion: A fun venture into looking at a past that might have been, and one filled with great action scenes and CGI work.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price Of Admission)[image error]
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell, Alan Tudyk, Jimmi Simpson, Marton Csokas, Erin Wasson, and more.
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov Screenplay by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Based on the Novel by: Seth Grahamme-Smith Cinematography by: Caleb Deschanel Original Music by: Henry Jackman
Premise: History gets written, but sometimes not all the details of what actually happened are disclosed. This is the untold story of Abraham Lincoln. Of the horrors he faced in his youth and the path he chose to try to reap vengeance on those who destroyed his family. A close look at the life of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. (Rated R)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Benjamin Walker did a great job portraying Mr Lincoln, especially in the later years, as he assumed the poses and mannerisms of the President that we've come to know from photos and other accounts.
There were several surprises in unexpected faces in the film such as Alan Tudyk and Jimmi Simpson. It was great to see them and they added their awesome talents to the film, even in the small bits.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead was adorable as Mary Todd.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Twice in the film the land around the viewer shifts from one time to another, but done subtly with layers being peeled back one by one. These were exceptional! They also were a great way to transfer the audience to another time at the same place and impart the look and feel of the era of each sequence before actually zooming in to those involved.
The fighting scene which ran through the middle of a CGI horse stampede was a sight to see! It truly brought home just exactly the type of supernatural beings Abraham was having to deal with. Where else will you see horses used as weapons? Too much fun.
The entire train sequence too was masterful. And done in such a way as to make some of the amazing actions appear plausible.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Depending on the viewer, they will either accept the film as an Alternate History (the best route to take) or a rewriting of it. In general, the plot maintained historical accuracy, though not always in the specifics. Lincoln had several children, not just one, for instance.
But, pushing historical accuracy aside, and adding a small amount of 'suspension of disbelief', the story worked rather well. There was an odd surprise about the vampires in this universe that played for a nice sub story. I also enjoyed the red herring towards the end.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Truly wish they'd done this one in IMAX. There were lots of spanning views, moonlit nights, battles, trains, stampedes - plenty of food for the eyes. The sets and locations totally fit the period and the different locations. There were even subtle hints and jokes drizzled here and there amid the posters and advertisements. That was fun!
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: A lot of care seemed to have gone into the costumes to better submerge the viewer into the time period. The makeup for the vampires was well done and appeared to fluctuate depending on how recently the vampire had fed, which was a nice touch.
Conclusion: A fun venture into looking at a past that might have been, and one filled with great action scenes and CGI work.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price Of Admission)[image error]
July 4, 2012
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/4/12
Happy 4th of July!
Master of The Castle by Zzapback.
A Dragon on a Dragon from NASA. (Very apt to have a Godzilla looking image with a Japanese flag! Hee!)
Penmon Lighthouse by Jem Salmon
Gozzila by Ivo Vuk
Today's Last Surf by MatkirschPhoto
Pure Perfection by Ivo Vuk
Cool Lamp at The Texas Center for Health
Have an awesome Wednesday~!
[image error]
Master of The Castle by Zzapback.
A Dragon on a Dragon from NASA. (Very apt to have a Godzilla looking image with a Japanese flag! Hee!)
Penmon Lighthouse by Jem Salmon
Gozzila by Ivo Vuk
Today's Last Surf by MatkirschPhoto
Pure Perfection by Ivo Vuk
Cool Lamp at The Texas Center for Health
Have an awesome Wednesday~!
[image error]
July 2, 2012
Mind Sieve 7/2/12
Looks like service will remain uninterrupted despite surgery. Yay! :P (Or at least I hope so!)
Simon's Cat in "Window Pain" Hee hee!
Write Like The Wind (George RR Martin) from Geek Sundry. Too fun!
3 Second Rule from Lisa Gail Allred. Done as a bit of fun that went viral. :P
Medieval Mondays: Chinese Repeating Crossbow from A J Walker. Back in the 4th Century BC! Amazing!
Collaborator Trailer. Looks bizarre!
Iron Man 3 Official photo from EW.com
House At The End Of The Street Trailer 2. This one makes more sense than the last one. :P
Ancient Olympic Athleticism At The British Museum from the History Blog.
Designing From Bones - Real Fictional Cannibals from Gene Lempp.
No One Can Sell Your Book Like You Can, or How to Earn Real Money on Your Books from SkyWarrior Press. She makes it sound so easy but it's not. Waaaaahhhh!
How To Launch A Book Without Loosing Your Mind from Elizabeth Spann Craig.
Hustling: How To Spread The Word About Your Work from Jane Friedman.
25 Things You Should Know About Writing Fantasy from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig.
Also from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Ways To Fight Your Story's Mushy Middle.
Okay, I'm done in. Have fun![image error]
Simon's Cat in "Window Pain" Hee hee!
Write Like The Wind (George RR Martin) from Geek Sundry. Too fun!
3 Second Rule from Lisa Gail Allred. Done as a bit of fun that went viral. :P
Medieval Mondays: Chinese Repeating Crossbow from A J Walker. Back in the 4th Century BC! Amazing!
Collaborator Trailer. Looks bizarre!
Iron Man 3 Official photo from EW.com
House At The End Of The Street Trailer 2. This one makes more sense than the last one. :P
Ancient Olympic Athleticism At The British Museum from the History Blog.
Designing From Bones - Real Fictional Cannibals from Gene Lempp.
No One Can Sell Your Book Like You Can, or How to Earn Real Money on Your Books from SkyWarrior Press. She makes it sound so easy but it's not. Waaaaahhhh!
How To Launch A Book Without Loosing Your Mind from Elizabeth Spann Craig.
Hustling: How To Spread The Word About Your Work from Jane Friedman.
25 Things You Should Know About Writing Fantasy from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig.
Also from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Ways To Fight Your Story's Mushy Middle.
Okay, I'm done in. Have fun![image error]
July 1, 2012
Virtual Tourist - Star Wars The Old Republic 7/1/12
Trying to get back into the old groove, so did snag a few pics at least!
First my Imperial Spy on Alderaan.
Loved that tower thing. So weird looking.
Thul Guard uniform. That helmet is just not in. :P
The two beaties did not appreciate me wanting to share their mugs with you on the blog. Bad tempered little buggers.
Some Alderaan flora.
Do like the look of this.
House Rist's banner.
Loved the stone scroll work.
Finally got to play with hubby again so here are a few Republic side pics of Hoth.
That giant wall is a downed ship. This ship graveyard is HUGE.
And we finally found a holocron on Hoth! (Though we couldn't get to it. We so suck at jumping.) X 3150 Y 482 Z-22 or there abouts. It's iniside one of the giant wrecks where the story progression took us. So close and yet so far. Waaaahhhh!
[image error]
First my Imperial Spy on Alderaan.
Loved that tower thing. So weird looking.
Thul Guard uniform. That helmet is just not in. :P
The two beaties did not appreciate me wanting to share their mugs with you on the blog. Bad tempered little buggers.
Some Alderaan flora.
Do like the look of this.
House Rist's banner.
Loved the stone scroll work.
Finally got to play with hubby again so here are a few Republic side pics of Hoth.
That giant wall is a downed ship. This ship graveyard is HUGE.
And we finally found a holocron on Hoth! (Though we couldn't get to it. We so suck at jumping.) X 3150 Y 482 Z-22 or there abouts. It's iniside one of the giant wrecks where the story progression took us. So close and yet so far. Waaaahhhh!
[image error]
June 29, 2012
Movie Review - Brave
Brave
Starring: Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Sally Kinghorn, Eilidh Fraser, Peigi Barker, Steven Cree, Steve Purcell, and more.
Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell Story by: Brenda Chapman Screenplay by: Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, and Irene Mecchi Original Music by: Patrick Doyle
Premise: All of her life Merida has been trained by her mother the queen on how to be a proper princess. Yet Merida cares nothing about those things being happiest when she's out in the woods riding her horse and shooting arrows. So when the queen arranges for the sons of the king's three vassals to come compete for Merida's hand in marriage, Merida uses the word of the law to take matters into her own hands not thinking about the possible consequences. And when she uses a bit of magic to try to change things, matters only grow worse. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Kelly MacDonald was precious as the independent, free spirit Merida. As the queen, Emma Thompson was able to come across as both strict and loving. Julie Walters was a lot of fun as the Witch/Woodcarver. But it was Billy Connolly as Fergus, Merida's father, who put in a lot of the film's fun! While the two principals carried the weight of the problems between daughter and mother, it is all the side characters that make the film such a delight to watch.
2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Pixar always does marvelous work with their animations and their expertise shows in every frame of the film. With sweeping vistas or running views through the woods, we're immersed in Merida's world, one full of Celtic flavor and magic. I do not envy those placed in charge of animating Merida's flowing, curly hair!
The expressions of the characters are easy to read and mesh well with the voice actors's talents. Even better, they impart many feelings visually, especially from those characters who can't or don't speak.
Merida's three brothers are hilarious and so very cunning. Fergus and the lords are used to great effect for comedic relief.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The story doesn't turn out to be quite what you expect, so some surprises were in order. It is a personal tale, with personal stakes, not the kind which will have dire consequences to the world. Some viewers might be slightly disappointed in this, as the previews slant the expectations about the story to be more far reaching. But there's so much to love about the film, hopefully the lack of a world ending type plot won't detract from their enjoyment of it too much.
All the characters, even those in the periphery, were given great depth and viewers will get a sense of who they are very easily. Even the young suitors for Merida's hand get given hints of who they may one day become, of the potential still hiding inside each of them.
Conclusion: A fun film with something for everyone. It moves at a good pace and intermingled with a lot of fun or funny moments. Don't be surprised if you need a tissue at the end. And make sure to sit through the credits, as there is just a bit more for the audience at the very end. Definitely worth seeing.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price To See It Again)[image error]
Starring: Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Sally Kinghorn, Eilidh Fraser, Peigi Barker, Steven Cree, Steve Purcell, and more.
Directed by: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell Story by: Brenda Chapman Screenplay by: Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, and Irene Mecchi Original Music by: Patrick Doyle
Premise: All of her life Merida has been trained by her mother the queen on how to be a proper princess. Yet Merida cares nothing about those things being happiest when she's out in the woods riding her horse and shooting arrows. So when the queen arranges for the sons of the king's three vassals to come compete for Merida's hand in marriage, Merida uses the word of the law to take matters into her own hands not thinking about the possible consequences. And when she uses a bit of magic to try to change things, matters only grow worse. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Kelly MacDonald was precious as the independent, free spirit Merida. As the queen, Emma Thompson was able to come across as both strict and loving. Julie Walters was a lot of fun as the Witch/Woodcarver. But it was Billy Connolly as Fergus, Merida's father, who put in a lot of the film's fun! While the two principals carried the weight of the problems between daughter and mother, it is all the side characters that make the film such a delight to watch.
2) Artwork/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Pixar always does marvelous work with their animations and their expertise shows in every frame of the film. With sweeping vistas or running views through the woods, we're immersed in Merida's world, one full of Celtic flavor and magic. I do not envy those placed in charge of animating Merida's flowing, curly hair!
The expressions of the characters are easy to read and mesh well with the voice actors's talents. Even better, they impart many feelings visually, especially from those characters who can't or don't speak.
Merida's three brothers are hilarious and so very cunning. Fergus and the lords are used to great effect for comedic relief.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The story doesn't turn out to be quite what you expect, so some surprises were in order. It is a personal tale, with personal stakes, not the kind which will have dire consequences to the world. Some viewers might be slightly disappointed in this, as the previews slant the expectations about the story to be more far reaching. But there's so much to love about the film, hopefully the lack of a world ending type plot won't detract from their enjoyment of it too much.
All the characters, even those in the periphery, were given great depth and viewers will get a sense of who they are very easily. Even the young suitors for Merida's hand get given hints of who they may one day become, of the potential still hiding inside each of them.
Conclusion: A fun film with something for everyone. It moves at a good pace and intermingled with a lot of fun or funny moments. Don't be surprised if you need a tissue at the end. And make sure to sit through the credits, as there is just a bit more for the audience at the very end. Definitely worth seeing.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price To See It Again)[image error]
June 27, 2012
Picture Kaleidoscope 6/27/12
Let's see what I stumbled over lately...
[image error]
Incredible Flowers Created With Splashes and High Speed Photography by Jack Long over at Peta Pixel. Are these weird or what?
CIWEM's Enviromental Photographer of The Year - 2011 selections from The Guardian. Looks like they've opened up the submission process for 2012.
End of the Snow: May 2012 Annular Eclipse by Jim M Goldstein.
[image error]
Chinese Commuters Floating on Invisible Bicycles from Petal Pixel by Zhao Huasen. These are just too cool!
[image error]
33 Stunning Behind The Ear Tattoos from Pel Fusion.
Surgery is tomorrow. Wish me luck![image error]
[image error]
Incredible Flowers Created With Splashes and High Speed Photography by Jack Long over at Peta Pixel. Are these weird or what?
CIWEM's Enviromental Photographer of The Year - 2011 selections from The Guardian. Looks like they've opened up the submission process for 2012.
End of the Snow: May 2012 Annular Eclipse by Jim M Goldstein.
[image error]
Chinese Commuters Floating on Invisible Bicycles from Petal Pixel by Zhao Huasen. These are just too cool!
[image error]
33 Stunning Behind The Ear Tattoos from Pel Fusion.
Surgery is tomorrow. Wish me luck![image error]
June 25, 2012
Mind Sieve 6/25/12
June has been so weird!!!!!!
Designing From Bones - Cannibalizing Fiction from Gene Lempp. Literally! Hee!
Les Miserables 2012 Trailer. Oh this is looking so good!
Killing Them Softly Trailer with Brad Pitt.
A totally cool marriage proposal - does raise the bar for guys everywhere. :P
An Ancient Civilization Upened By Climate Change from The New York Times. I'm surprised it took them this long to figure this out. The world has continually changed since its inception. Cool they have proof of what happened to the Indus though.
Rub Some Bacon On It from Rhett And Link - The answer to all our problems! Who knew? :P (This cracked me up!)
Warehouse 13 Season 4 Trailer - Booyah! Guilty pleasure anyone? Hee!
32,000 Year Old Plant Reborn From Ancient Fruit Found in Siberian Ice from Bloomburg.com
Wreck-It Ralph Preview. This is so going to send old time games into nostalgia land! Looks like it will be super fun.
An Author's Guide To Fan Fiction from Jami Gold. Covers a lot of info here, peeps. The stuff isn't the same when based on a book or short story than on a TV or movie. And the lines are getting even more blurred. Eek!
Interesting post from Robert Lee Brewer on What Is Branding All About Anyway?
What Editors Do from Elizabeth Burton over at She Writes Blog.
Self-Publishing And The Burden Of Proof from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig. Great discussion as usual!
Okay, battling health crap so this is it for this week. Next week might be a little bare, not sure yet, as there's surgery in my future, and I've no idea how I will be for a week or so after. Here's crossing fingers I'll get to share more stuff ASAP after the deed is done. :P Wish me luck![image error]
Designing From Bones - Cannibalizing Fiction from Gene Lempp. Literally! Hee!
Les Miserables 2012 Trailer. Oh this is looking so good!
Killing Them Softly Trailer with Brad Pitt.
A totally cool marriage proposal - does raise the bar for guys everywhere. :P
An Ancient Civilization Upened By Climate Change from The New York Times. I'm surprised it took them this long to figure this out. The world has continually changed since its inception. Cool they have proof of what happened to the Indus though.
Rub Some Bacon On It from Rhett And Link - The answer to all our problems! Who knew? :P (This cracked me up!)
Warehouse 13 Season 4 Trailer - Booyah! Guilty pleasure anyone? Hee!
32,000 Year Old Plant Reborn From Ancient Fruit Found in Siberian Ice from Bloomburg.com
Wreck-It Ralph Preview. This is so going to send old time games into nostalgia land! Looks like it will be super fun.
An Author's Guide To Fan Fiction from Jami Gold. Covers a lot of info here, peeps. The stuff isn't the same when based on a book or short story than on a TV or movie. And the lines are getting even more blurred. Eek!
Interesting post from Robert Lee Brewer on What Is Branding All About Anyway?
What Editors Do from Elizabeth Burton over at She Writes Blog.
Self-Publishing And The Burden Of Proof from Chuck (NSFW) Wendig. Great discussion as usual!
Okay, battling health crap so this is it for this week. Next week might be a little bare, not sure yet, as there's surgery in my future, and I've no idea how I will be for a week or so after. Here's crossing fingers I'll get to share more stuff ASAP after the deed is done. :P Wish me luck![image error]
June 24, 2012
Virtual Tourist - Star Wars The Old Republic 6/24/12
Health issues have really cut into my playing time, but still managed to get a few pics this week.
Imperial Spy at Alderaan
Some views from the taxi service. Mind went blank on how to remove the UI. Doh!
A broken lift goes to the small island. Wondering if there's another way to get to it. Hmmm.
Some less ostentatious housing on Alderaan. :P
Red energy screens? Yeah, it's gonna be trouble.
Love the holographic tables.
Flying fish taxi travel pics. Some awesome views!
I do so love the Alderaan mountain ranges.
Have a great day~![image error]
Imperial Spy at Alderaan
Some views from the taxi service. Mind went blank on how to remove the UI. Doh!
A broken lift goes to the small island. Wondering if there's another way to get to it. Hmmm.
Some less ostentatious housing on Alderaan. :P
Red energy screens? Yeah, it's gonna be trouble.
Love the holographic tables.
Flying fish taxi travel pics. Some awesome views!
I do so love the Alderaan mountain ranges.
Have a great day~![image error]
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