Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 111
February 22, 2012
Picture Kaleidoscope 2/22/12
Woohoo! Just when I thought I wouldn't see any more exciting sunsets, BAM, they're back! YES!
Almost looks like the sun is melting, doesn't it?
A ton of birds. You have to look hard but there's a ton of them. (The larger sized image will really make them pop out - so click away!)
A sideways birdie shot. They were moving on me.
More birdies.
Like molten lava, no?
Lots of fun cloud formations this week.
This was at ConDFW this past weekend. Some fun stuff walked on by my table this weekend. :P Steampunk doll!
Steampunk Teddy Bear!
Steampunk Rubber Chicken! And it's a NASA Rubber Chicken to boot! Used by the local NASA Club.
The Evil Melanie Fletcher is making these super adorable dolls! This pair is Sherlock and Watson from the BBC Show. So CUTE! She does dolls and jewelry. Some of her wares are displayed as Belaurient Arts.
My buddy Patrick McGehearty told me at the con that he's running for US House of Representatives District 24! He's super nice and he's a GEEK so he's one of US! If you live in Dallas in District 24, keep him in mind! He's fed up and wants CHANGE! Go Patrick!
Once again, had already taken bites before remembering I meant to take a pic of dinner! From the Crowne Plaza's restaurant Quineno Tower. Funky but yummy!
New View Shows Old NASA Mars Lander. (Way down in the left hand corner. Heh)
[image error]
From Astronaut Nicole Scott - Beautiful Moon Rising Over Cocoa Beach.
Abstract Photos of Face That Resemble Fireworks from Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel.
New Images - Skogafoss, Iceland by Juan Paul Caponigro.
More Portraits of Dogs Jumping Underwater by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel.
50 Beautiful Collection of Cloud Pictures from Tripwire Magazine. They do put mine to shame! Ooooo!
Epic Action Photos of Porcelain Figures Shattering Against The Ground by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel. Have to admit once I saw these I was amazed at how cool it looked!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
Almost looks like the sun is melting, doesn't it?
A ton of birds. You have to look hard but there's a ton of them. (The larger sized image will really make them pop out - so click away!)
A sideways birdie shot. They were moving on me.
More birdies.
Like molten lava, no?
Lots of fun cloud formations this week.
This was at ConDFW this past weekend. Some fun stuff walked on by my table this weekend. :P Steampunk doll!
Steampunk Teddy Bear!
Steampunk Rubber Chicken! And it's a NASA Rubber Chicken to boot! Used by the local NASA Club.
The Evil Melanie Fletcher is making these super adorable dolls! This pair is Sherlock and Watson from the BBC Show. So CUTE! She does dolls and jewelry. Some of her wares are displayed as Belaurient Arts.
My buddy Patrick McGehearty told me at the con that he's running for US House of Representatives District 24! He's super nice and he's a GEEK so he's one of US! If you live in Dallas in District 24, keep him in mind! He's fed up and wants CHANGE! Go Patrick!
Once again, had already taken bites before remembering I meant to take a pic of dinner! From the Crowne Plaza's restaurant Quineno Tower. Funky but yummy!
New View Shows Old NASA Mars Lander. (Way down in the left hand corner. Heh)
[image error]
From Astronaut Nicole Scott - Beautiful Moon Rising Over Cocoa Beach.
Abstract Photos of Face That Resemble Fireworks from Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel.
New Images - Skogafoss, Iceland by Juan Paul Caponigro.
More Portraits of Dogs Jumping Underwater by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel.
50 Beautiful Collection of Cloud Pictures from Tripwire Magazine. They do put mine to shame! Ooooo!
Epic Action Photos of Porcelain Figures Shattering Against The Ground by Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel. Have to admit once I saw these I was amazed at how cool it looked!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
February 20, 2012
Mind Sieve 2/20/12
Monday, Monday!
Totally bizarre - Nick Cave's 'Soundsuit' Exhibit. From the Art Beast.
The 2nd Spiderman Trailer.
Oldest Human Paintings Made by Neanderthals? From the History Blog.
Thriller Thursday: The Mask of Sanity blog post by Stacy Green. Some real interesting murderers in this one.
Mythos Monday: That Voodoo That You Do blog post by Shea MacLeod - nice encapsulation of Vodun and the lie that is Hollywood Voodoo.
How a NASA Discovery Could Launch a Coup in the Pharmaceutical Industry by Justin Fritz. This is like super cool! Biocapsules! Carbon Nanotubes! Woot!
From Tim Burton - Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. I am SO there! They had me at Tim Burton. lol.
Branded: The Importance of Being Self-Aware by Clayton Smith. While here they're talking about companies, it is still quite thought provoking for us little guys. Not sure how you go about becoming Self-Aware though. (And do I REALLY want to know? Eek!) :P
Do You Know What Business You're In? by Rachelle Gardner. Cool post on questions authors, publishers, and agents should be asking themselves in these changing times.
5 Promises You Make To Your Reader from Do-It-Yourself Degree In Creative Writing.
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Things You Should Know About Protagonists.
Mining For Character Emotions by Sharla Rae. Good stuff!
Bring Back That Loving Feeling - What To Do When You Feel Burned Out by Kristen Lamb. Good advice ya'll!
And that's a wrap! Have an awesome week!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
Totally bizarre - Nick Cave's 'Soundsuit' Exhibit. From the Art Beast.
The 2nd Spiderman Trailer.
Oldest Human Paintings Made by Neanderthals? From the History Blog.
Thriller Thursday: The Mask of Sanity blog post by Stacy Green. Some real interesting murderers in this one.
Mythos Monday: That Voodoo That You Do blog post by Shea MacLeod - nice encapsulation of Vodun and the lie that is Hollywood Voodoo.
How a NASA Discovery Could Launch a Coup in the Pharmaceutical Industry by Justin Fritz. This is like super cool! Biocapsules! Carbon Nanotubes! Woot!
From Tim Burton - Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. I am SO there! They had me at Tim Burton. lol.
Branded: The Importance of Being Self-Aware by Clayton Smith. While here they're talking about companies, it is still quite thought provoking for us little guys. Not sure how you go about becoming Self-Aware though. (And do I REALLY want to know? Eek!) :P
Do You Know What Business You're In? by Rachelle Gardner. Cool post on questions authors, publishers, and agents should be asking themselves in these changing times.
5 Promises You Make To Your Reader from Do-It-Yourself Degree In Creative Writing.
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Things You Should Know About Protagonists.
Mining For Character Emotions by Sharla Rae. Good stuff!
Bring Back That Loving Feeling - What To Do When You Feel Burned Out by Kristen Lamb. Good advice ya'll!
And that's a wrap! Have an awesome week!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
February 19, 2012
Virtual Tourist - Star Wars The Old Republic 2/19/12
Hubby was traveling and I've been doing cons back to back (Yay, ConDFW! Still there today! Come on by!), so only Imperial Spy stuff this time around too. Hopefully next week we'll be back on our usual schedule and will have some of each. (I'm slowly catching up to our main charas - yay!)
I'm still on Korriban. Unlike a lot of other worlds, this one still had a bunch of quests on unexplored parts of the planet. We'd run into one or two at other places, but this one had lots! (I'm still trying to finish them all!)
Tried to get an action shot of the cannon at one of the Imperial camps.
Different looking areas all over the place.
Shipwreck.
Inside an office are but it had a tank!
The skirs here are gorgeous. Always with an orange tint,
A fresher shipwreck. Not a happy planet, this one.
Desolate mountain peaks everywhere.
Igua! Aggro so this was as close as I could get.
Some lovely flowers. What was funny is they were five to ten meters away from glowing pools of chemical waste. Heh.
That's it this time out. Hope you've had an awesome weekend!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
I'm still on Korriban. Unlike a lot of other worlds, this one still had a bunch of quests on unexplored parts of the planet. We'd run into one or two at other places, but this one had lots! (I'm still trying to finish them all!)
Tried to get an action shot of the cannon at one of the Imperial camps.
Different looking areas all over the place.
Shipwreck.
Inside an office are but it had a tank!
The skirs here are gorgeous. Always with an orange tint,
A fresher shipwreck. Not a happy planet, this one.
Desolate mountain peaks everywhere.
Igua! Aggro so this was as close as I could get.
Some lovely flowers. What was funny is they were five to ten meters away from glowing pools of chemical waste. Heh.
That's it this time out. Hope you've had an awesome weekend!
P.S. Since Zumaya Publications is having their Kindle Thriller Sale, my novel Vassal of El is still on for only $2.99! Just FYI! :P[image error]
February 17, 2012
ConDFW 2/17-2/19 - Gloria's Panel Schedule!
This weekend I'm out at ConDFW so no movie review. :( Instead, I'll post what I'll be doing at the con! Heh heh.
FRIDAY
Panel Room 3 – Canterbury
6pm – Creating the Scene: How to Set the Stage in a Play
Panelists: David Gray (M), Gloria Oliver, Anthony Brownrigg, Ethan Nahte, Julie Barrett, Sue Sinor
Continuing our series on playwriting, this panel is all about the scene. There are many ways of setting the scene, from broody Narration to artful dialogue between the characters. However, these tools can often be misused – the bad movies of Coleman Francis come to mind where the narrator would narrate a phone call that was happening on screen, rather than listening to the phone call itself! Our expert playwrights seek to help clarify things, both on and off the stage.
Panel Room 3 – Canterbury
9pm – Yard Dog Press Road Show
Panelists: Selina Rosen, Ethan Nahte, Julia Mandala, Linda Donahue, Chris Donahue, Lou Antonelli, Melanie Fletcher, Bev Hale, William Ledbetter, Gloria Oliver, K. Hutson, Dusty Rainbolt, Rie Sheridan Rose, Frank Summers, Kathy Turski, Mel White
The fantastic authors of the Yard Dog Press put on their always entertaining Road Show! Make sure not to miss this.
SATURDAY
Panel Room 4 – Churchill
10am – The Aftermath of Harry Potter's Legacy
Panelists: Aelle Ables (M), Bev Hale, Gloria Oliver, Katherine Kimbriel, Selina Rosen
Now that Harry Potter is officially over (or at least until the inevitable spinoffs happen), it's time to deconstruct a literal decade. What is the legacy of Harry Potter? How has this series of 7 books and 8 movies impacted the Fantasy genre, the Young Adult genre and the rise of Urban Fantasy? We gather together to mourn the passing of Dumbledore and celebrate the death of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named for the last time. (Maybe.)
Readings:
12 pm – Gloria Oliver, Kathy Turski, Lee Martindale
Panel Room 1 – Warwick
2pm – Arming Tribbles - How to Arm Primitives Realistically
Panelists: William Ledbetter, Bill Fawcett (M), Mel White, Teresa Patterson, Gloria Oliver
In more and more books in the science fiction/alternate history genre, technologically superior humans encounter primitive aliens. What do they do with them? If they're "good guys", they invariably bring out the big guns, teach the aliens how to make flintlocks or cannons, and thus the "primitive" society is kicked screaming into the Gunpowder Age. Is this right? Ethical? Our panelists discuss this and exactly what primitive societies could theoretically make in each era...if helped.
SUNDAY
Panel Room 1 – Warwick
2pm – Apocalypse Later? What will be Our Doom?
Panelists: Cherie Priest, Larry Atchley Jr., Linda Donahue (M), Selina Rosen, Gloria Oliver
With all the talk of Apocalypse this year (and the past few days), one thing hasn't been covered. What do our panelists think WILL destroy the world? Let conspiracies abound, and if the government is watching I was never here.
Should be a fun time! Hope to see you there!
FRIDAY
Panel Room 3 – Canterbury
6pm – Creating the Scene: How to Set the Stage in a Play
Panelists: David Gray (M), Gloria Oliver, Anthony Brownrigg, Ethan Nahte, Julie Barrett, Sue Sinor
Continuing our series on playwriting, this panel is all about the scene. There are many ways of setting the scene, from broody Narration to artful dialogue between the characters. However, these tools can often be misused – the bad movies of Coleman Francis come to mind where the narrator would narrate a phone call that was happening on screen, rather than listening to the phone call itself! Our expert playwrights seek to help clarify things, both on and off the stage.
Panel Room 3 – Canterbury
9pm – Yard Dog Press Road Show
Panelists: Selina Rosen, Ethan Nahte, Julia Mandala, Linda Donahue, Chris Donahue, Lou Antonelli, Melanie Fletcher, Bev Hale, William Ledbetter, Gloria Oliver, K. Hutson, Dusty Rainbolt, Rie Sheridan Rose, Frank Summers, Kathy Turski, Mel White
The fantastic authors of the Yard Dog Press put on their always entertaining Road Show! Make sure not to miss this.
SATURDAY
Panel Room 4 – Churchill
10am – The Aftermath of Harry Potter's Legacy
Panelists: Aelle Ables (M), Bev Hale, Gloria Oliver, Katherine Kimbriel, Selina Rosen
Now that Harry Potter is officially over (or at least until the inevitable spinoffs happen), it's time to deconstruct a literal decade. What is the legacy of Harry Potter? How has this series of 7 books and 8 movies impacted the Fantasy genre, the Young Adult genre and the rise of Urban Fantasy? We gather together to mourn the passing of Dumbledore and celebrate the death of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named for the last time. (Maybe.)
Readings:
12 pm – Gloria Oliver, Kathy Turski, Lee Martindale
Panel Room 1 – Warwick
2pm – Arming Tribbles - How to Arm Primitives Realistically
Panelists: William Ledbetter, Bill Fawcett (M), Mel White, Teresa Patterson, Gloria Oliver
In more and more books in the science fiction/alternate history genre, technologically superior humans encounter primitive aliens. What do they do with them? If they're "good guys", they invariably bring out the big guns, teach the aliens how to make flintlocks or cannons, and thus the "primitive" society is kicked screaming into the Gunpowder Age. Is this right? Ethical? Our panelists discuss this and exactly what primitive societies could theoretically make in each era...if helped.
SUNDAY
Panel Room 1 – Warwick
2pm – Apocalypse Later? What will be Our Doom?
Panelists: Cherie Priest, Larry Atchley Jr., Linda Donahue (M), Selina Rosen, Gloria Oliver
With all the talk of Apocalypse this year (and the past few days), one thing hasn't been covered. What do our panelists think WILL destroy the world? Let conspiracies abound, and if the government is watching I was never here.
Should be a fun time! Hope to see you there!
February 15, 2012
Picture Kaleidoscope 2/15/12
Had Thai Friday night and they did the cutest thing at Best Thai for Valentine's Day. The rice was put on the plate with a heart mold. Isn't that cute?!
I had Pad Thai. Yum. With lime it is sublime!
Also this past weekend I was at Sci-Fi Expo. Had some awesome artists sitting across and to the sides.
The Dallas Observer even had a table.
Scott Harden. Very nice stuff!
Alexis Cruz from the Star Gate Movie and SG-1. Seemed really friendly.
Lawrence Reynolds - his posters said it all~! Awesome work.
My super augmented far off look at Jewel Staite. She has a super bright smile!
These vamplets are too cute!
Loads of bounty hunters. Not a lot of costumes at this one.
My super augmented Ron Glass pic. lol. When traffic was low I could peek from my chair between the vendors to the back where the stars were. ;P
My token photo of my table to prove I was there. Heh. Tried a slightly different configuration this time. Can you spot the difference? Heh heh.
[image error]
Had this one in my weekly link catch for stuff to share but seems I didn't note who it came from? Ugh. Beautiful though isn't it?
Waterfall by David Henderson.
Between Dimensions by Robert Proch - a selection of 26 canvases. This one is called Between Us.
February 13, 2012
Mind Sieve 2/13/12
Greetings!
Iceland Volcano Eruption Timelapse - post by Tiffany M. Spiffy video with footage shot by Sean Stiegemeier.
This might be cute - Darling Companion movie preview.
Because we need more reasons to fear flying in planes - 7500. Heh heh heh
From Castle fan StixAnimated - The Blue Butterfly - Too cool!
The Amazing Spiderman Official Trailer - woot! Could be fun.
The Avengers - Extended Superbowl Spot. Can't wait!
New Mirror, Mirror TV Spot - this one is going to be FUN. I don't think it will have a serious bone in it's body. heh heh.
Something you never think about! From the History Blog - Guinea Pigs Popular For All Classes in 16th Century Europe. What's even more fun are the two pics at the bottom. The painter really did like to put guinea pigs front and center! lol.
The Volkswagon Peeps just have it going on. Make sure to watch PAST the dog part of the commercial. ROFL.
Designing from Bones - Deamons, Demons and Dramatic Struggle by Gene Lempp.
Literary Agent Nephele Tempest discusses - Does a Writer Need a Blog? Ah the perpetual question!
From Kristen Lamb - Book Stores Are Closing And Amazon Is Expanding - Want A Sure Bet In An Uncertain Future?
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Reasons That Writers Are Bug-F*** Nuts. (Yes, I edited the title. I don't want to be NSFW! Heh heh.) After reading these 25 reasons I wonder if I should be more worried about myself. Hmmmm.
From Lisa Gail Green - Avoiding A Saggy Middle. Three easy steps! (Sort of. Heh heh)
Okay, looks like that's it for this round. Have a great week!
Iceland Volcano Eruption Timelapse - post by Tiffany M. Spiffy video with footage shot by Sean Stiegemeier.
This might be cute - Darling Companion movie preview.
Because we need more reasons to fear flying in planes - 7500. Heh heh heh
From Castle fan StixAnimated - The Blue Butterfly - Too cool!
The Amazing Spiderman Official Trailer - woot! Could be fun.
The Avengers - Extended Superbowl Spot. Can't wait!
New Mirror, Mirror TV Spot - this one is going to be FUN. I don't think it will have a serious bone in it's body. heh heh.
Something you never think about! From the History Blog - Guinea Pigs Popular For All Classes in 16th Century Europe. What's even more fun are the two pics at the bottom. The painter really did like to put guinea pigs front and center! lol.
The Volkswagon Peeps just have it going on. Make sure to watch PAST the dog part of the commercial. ROFL.
Designing from Bones - Deamons, Demons and Dramatic Struggle by Gene Lempp.
Literary Agent Nephele Tempest discusses - Does a Writer Need a Blog? Ah the perpetual question!
From Kristen Lamb - Book Stores Are Closing And Amazon Is Expanding - Want A Sure Bet In An Uncertain Future?
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Reasons That Writers Are Bug-F*** Nuts. (Yes, I edited the title. I don't want to be NSFW! Heh heh.) After reading these 25 reasons I wonder if I should be more worried about myself. Hmmmm.
From Lisa Gail Green - Avoiding A Saggy Middle. Three easy steps! (Sort of. Heh heh)
Okay, looks like that's it for this round. Have a great week!
February 12, 2012
Virtual Tourist - Star Wars The Old Republic 2/12/12
Okay let's see what I have for you this week...
Last few pics before we left Alderaan.
Wind power for the win! :)
Some non-aggressive life forms
So scenic, so calming. You wouldn't know all the infighting going on from this view.
Nice rocky arch. :)
Next mission in the class quest sent me back to Tatooine. There's just something about the sky here. Oh and the evil balloon too!
Never saw these cool cliff side dwellings the first time through this planet. Bad tourist!
Nar Shaddaa.
On my Imperial Spy side, got sent off to Nar Shaddaa. Now I am seeing this planet from the Imperial side. (Also came here before I was supposed to. Not sure how I got a quest to come here when I was supposed to head to Balmorra first! Like 3 levels too low for this place. Though I was making a dent before I realized I should be there. heh heh. (It was the harvesting that was the hint. I couldn't scavenge anything. And that was just WRONG. :P)
The imperial side has a few things the Republic side doesn't. So even though it is the same planet, you get some different eye candy.
The backside of my ship. She's so CUTE!!!!
This is my first look at Balmorra. Coolest energy shield covers the war stricken city.
Giant energy weapons everywhere.
This gigantic thing you'd expect to see at a stadium is actually in a cantina. Can't tell if it's the menu or something else. Bet they do a great sports watching day! Heh.
Some of the local beasties.
One of those round plasma guns. Cool!
Non-aggressive bugger but he's funky looking!
This little factory machine was going a little haywire. Frying bots left and right. Not a pretty sight.
Close up view of one of the guns. Big sucker.
Enjoy!
Last few pics before we left Alderaan.
Wind power for the win! :)
Some non-aggressive life forms
So scenic, so calming. You wouldn't know all the infighting going on from this view.
Nice rocky arch. :)
Next mission in the class quest sent me back to Tatooine. There's just something about the sky here. Oh and the evil balloon too!
Never saw these cool cliff side dwellings the first time through this planet. Bad tourist!
Nar Shaddaa.
On my Imperial Spy side, got sent off to Nar Shaddaa. Now I am seeing this planet from the Imperial side. (Also came here before I was supposed to. Not sure how I got a quest to come here when I was supposed to head to Balmorra first! Like 3 levels too low for this place. Though I was making a dent before I realized I should be there. heh heh. (It was the harvesting that was the hint. I couldn't scavenge anything. And that was just WRONG. :P)
The imperial side has a few things the Republic side doesn't. So even though it is the same planet, you get some different eye candy.
The backside of my ship. She's so CUTE!!!!
This is my first look at Balmorra. Coolest energy shield covers the war stricken city.
Giant energy weapons everywhere.
This gigantic thing you'd expect to see at a stadium is actually in a cantina. Can't tell if it's the menu or something else. Bet they do a great sports watching day! Heh.
Some of the local beasties.
One of those round plasma guns. Cool!
Non-aggressive bugger but he's funky looking!
This little factory machine was going a little haywire. Frying bots left and right. Not a pretty sight.
Close up view of one of the guns. Big sucker.
Enjoy!
February 10, 2012
Movie Review - Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzman, Vanessa Hudgens, and more.
Directed by: Brad Peyton Written by: Richard Outten, Brian & Mark Gunn Screenplay by: Brian & Mark Gunn Based on the Novel by: Jules Verne Original Music by: Andrew Lockington
Premise: Trying to bond with his step-son, Hank goes with Sean in an attempt to find Sean's Grandfather after Sean receives a cryptic coded message. A message stating that Jules Verne's Mysterious Island is real. (Rated PG)
Review: "How about an adventure?" a repeated theme with stunning visual results, just lacking in good writing. Sad to say as I'd really been looking forward to the film.
We lost Frasier and gained Johnson. Not a bad deal as both are more than capable. Even gave the writers fodder for internal conflict. If only they'd not been so heavy handed about it.
Gorgeous visuals. The storms out at sea and then the vistas on the island were magnificent. One promised breathtaking view definitely was that. The flaura and the fauna were all well done and pretty darn cool. The underwater scenes totally rocked.
But for every place the visuals or the acting sang, the story telling pretty much crashed. Which is a pity. Heavy handed, with awkward conflict, the only parts that somewhat worked were the comedic bits. Luis Guzman added a lot to the film to make it tolerable, and of course the Rock's dating tip number three was a hoot. (No, guys, that does NOT work! lol)
The story ran hot and fast, so fast, you couldn't appreciate much of the island. And there were discrepancies or conveniences that just couldn't be explained or made no sense. Sorry, but an old man alone for two years on the island could not do what Alexander did, even if it was cool.
Ten to thirteen year olds won't see those flaws, so they should have a blast. For us old timers, seeing the city and the Nautilus will be half the treat, even if the sub is kind of small.
So for a family film, it will do. Give wonder for the kids, hormones for the teenagers (boys and girls), and cool visuals for the adults.
Rating: 3 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Better For Matinee)
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzman, Vanessa Hudgens, and more.
Directed by: Brad Peyton Written by: Richard Outten, Brian & Mark Gunn Screenplay by: Brian & Mark Gunn Based on the Novel by: Jules Verne Original Music by: Andrew Lockington
Premise: Trying to bond with his step-son, Hank goes with Sean in an attempt to find Sean's Grandfather after Sean receives a cryptic coded message. A message stating that Jules Verne's Mysterious Island is real. (Rated PG)
Review: "How about an adventure?" a repeated theme with stunning visual results, just lacking in good writing. Sad to say as I'd really been looking forward to the film.
We lost Frasier and gained Johnson. Not a bad deal as both are more than capable. Even gave the writers fodder for internal conflict. If only they'd not been so heavy handed about it.
Gorgeous visuals. The storms out at sea and then the vistas on the island were magnificent. One promised breathtaking view definitely was that. The flaura and the fauna were all well done and pretty darn cool. The underwater scenes totally rocked.
But for every place the visuals or the acting sang, the story telling pretty much crashed. Which is a pity. Heavy handed, with awkward conflict, the only parts that somewhat worked were the comedic bits. Luis Guzman added a lot to the film to make it tolerable, and of course the Rock's dating tip number three was a hoot. (No, guys, that does NOT work! lol)
The story ran hot and fast, so fast, you couldn't appreciate much of the island. And there were discrepancies or conveniences that just couldn't be explained or made no sense. Sorry, but an old man alone for two years on the island could not do what Alexander did, even if it was cool.
Ten to thirteen year olds won't see those flaws, so they should have a blast. For us old timers, seeing the city and the Nautilus will be half the treat, even if the sub is kind of small.
So for a family film, it will do. Give wonder for the kids, hormones for the teenagers (boys and girls), and cool visuals for the adults.
Rating: 3 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Better For Matinee)
February 8, 2012
Picture Kaleidoscope 2/8/12
Greetings!
A funky plant at work. Such symmetry. Almost like those fractal pictures computers generate.
Ah the colors I see never do come through. Waaahhh!
I realized that while I've taken pics of the conveyor belt at Sushi Envy, I never did take pics of the food! So since we only go there every long while, I made sure to take pics this time. YUM.
My super favorite here - unagi, crab, and sweet sushi rice. Mmmmm
I can't eat these, but they look so pretty!
Avocado and spicy tuna and crab.
Egg sushi.
I believe this was a Philadelphia Roll.
This octopus sushi was actually quite good! The pickled items with it made it delicious!
Sweet seaweed. Forgot to take the pic until I'd eaten half of it. Doh!
Friend gyoza. Yummy!
Lobster salad sushi I believe. (Son-in-Law picked out all sorts of things!)
One of the rolls with shrimp. (Can't eat that. Waaaahhh cause it looked good!)
John Picacio art - No Going Back. He rocks!
From NASA - High Def pic of the Earth - Blue Marble 2012. Looks awesome!
Portraits of Ladies in Cardboard Dresses by Christian Tagliavini. lol.
That's it for this week. Enjoy!
A funky plant at work. Such symmetry. Almost like those fractal pictures computers generate.
Ah the colors I see never do come through. Waaahhh!
I realized that while I've taken pics of the conveyor belt at Sushi Envy, I never did take pics of the food! So since we only go there every long while, I made sure to take pics this time. YUM.
My super favorite here - unagi, crab, and sweet sushi rice. Mmmmm
I can't eat these, but they look so pretty!
Avocado and spicy tuna and crab.
Egg sushi.
I believe this was a Philadelphia Roll.
This octopus sushi was actually quite good! The pickled items with it made it delicious!
Sweet seaweed. Forgot to take the pic until I'd eaten half of it. Doh!
Friend gyoza. Yummy!
Lobster salad sushi I believe. (Son-in-Law picked out all sorts of things!)
One of the rolls with shrimp. (Can't eat that. Waaaahhh cause it looked good!)
John Picacio art - No Going Back. He rocks!
From NASA - High Def pic of the Earth - Blue Marble 2012. Looks awesome!
Portraits of Ladies in Cardboard Dresses by Christian Tagliavini. lol.
That's it for this week. Enjoy!
February 6, 2012
Mind Sieve 2/6/12
Greetings!
A trailer for an upcoming Nicolas Cage movie called Seeking Justice. A little different than the usual. Has potential!
From Total Film - two new spots for The Wrath of the Titans. Should be exciting! heh heh. (Destiny! Destiny!)
Trailer for the claustrophobic thriller called Brake info from Total Film. Kind of a neat concept! Could be decent.
This is way totally cute! Ikea Stonehenge infonographic from Justin Pollard.
This one looks way fun! Lockout a Sci-Fi Thriller. News from Total Film. Some of the shots looks fantastic!
Celebrity Ghosts a blog post by Catie Rhodes. She's got several and some cool stories to boot.
This video and blog post at the History Blog is just AWESOME! Janet Stephens Intrepid Hairdressing Archaeologist! I've never seen hair sewn together before. This was too cool!
Game of Thrones Season 2 "Shadow" teaser! Oh yeah~!
Dan Lin and Lin Pictures have been chosen to produce The Otherland movie, which will be based on the popular books by Tad Williams. Sweet!
Designing From Bones - Seeing Through The Skulls Eyes by Gene Lempp. Woohoo! Crystal Skulls are real!
What's the Problem with FREE! Blog post by Kristen Lamb. Lol, her bling pic for the post is mighty disturbing. lol.
From Robert Lee Brewer - 25 Ways To Increase Blog Traffic. Good stuff here! Some bits you just can't hear enough. :P
Why Goodreads Gave Up On Amazon by John Mitchell at the Read Write Web. Nice write up!
3 Steps to Freedom - Grab Hold Of Your Brilliant Future by Kristen Lamb. Writing advice for our souls!
Training To Be A Career Author - Writing Is More Than The Writing by Kristen Lamb. Yes, yes it is. No choice on the matter. lol.
The Big Reasons Indie Authors Aren't Taken Seriously by Melinda Foster and Amy Edelman. Right on the money. (To be edited is BLISS!)
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Things You Should Know About Story Structure. Tell it, Brother Chuck!
The Ten Commandments of Query Letters by Julie Butcher. Ah, yes, verily the truth has been revealed here!
Okay, that's it for this week. Enjoy!
A trailer for an upcoming Nicolas Cage movie called Seeking Justice. A little different than the usual. Has potential!
From Total Film - two new spots for The Wrath of the Titans. Should be exciting! heh heh. (Destiny! Destiny!)
Trailer for the claustrophobic thriller called Brake info from Total Film. Kind of a neat concept! Could be decent.
This is way totally cute! Ikea Stonehenge infonographic from Justin Pollard.
This one looks way fun! Lockout a Sci-Fi Thriller. News from Total Film. Some of the shots looks fantastic!
Celebrity Ghosts a blog post by Catie Rhodes. She's got several and some cool stories to boot.
This video and blog post at the History Blog is just AWESOME! Janet Stephens Intrepid Hairdressing Archaeologist! I've never seen hair sewn together before. This was too cool!
Game of Thrones Season 2 "Shadow" teaser! Oh yeah~!
Dan Lin and Lin Pictures have been chosen to produce The Otherland movie, which will be based on the popular books by Tad Williams. Sweet!
Designing From Bones - Seeing Through The Skulls Eyes by Gene Lempp. Woohoo! Crystal Skulls are real!
What's the Problem with FREE! Blog post by Kristen Lamb. Lol, her bling pic for the post is mighty disturbing. lol.
From Robert Lee Brewer - 25 Ways To Increase Blog Traffic. Good stuff here! Some bits you just can't hear enough. :P
Why Goodreads Gave Up On Amazon by John Mitchell at the Read Write Web. Nice write up!
3 Steps to Freedom - Grab Hold Of Your Brilliant Future by Kristen Lamb. Writing advice for our souls!
Training To Be A Career Author - Writing Is More Than The Writing by Kristen Lamb. Yes, yes it is. No choice on the matter. lol.
The Big Reasons Indie Authors Aren't Taken Seriously by Melinda Foster and Amy Edelman. Right on the money. (To be edited is BLISS!)
From Chuck (NSFW) Wendig - 25 Things You Should Know About Story Structure. Tell it, Brother Chuck!
The Ten Commandments of Query Letters by Julie Butcher. Ah, yes, verily the truth has been revealed here!
Okay, that's it for this week. Enjoy!
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