Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 36
December 18, 2015
Movie Review - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Joonas Suotamo, Simon Pegg, and many more.
Directed by: J.J. Abrams Written by: Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt Based on Characters Created by: George Lucas Cinematography by: Daniel Mindel Music by: John Williams
Premise: Despite the death of the Emperor, years later, the Empire still exists, now called the First Order and led by Supreme Leader Snoke. The Republic has grown and secretly funds/helps the Resistance, who continue their fight against the Empire. Luke Skywalker has disappeared and the Empire wants him found and slaughtered so the extinction of the Jedi can be complete. An old colleague gives the Rebels a piece of a map showing Luke's whereabouts. But the Rebel is caught before he can escape with the information, so he leaves the map with his droid, BB-8. BB-8, a scavenger, and an AWOL stormtrooper will become embroiled in matters bigger than they ever imagined. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Daisey Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn end up doing a very nice job as the extremely reluctant heroes for the film. Harrison Ford shows he's still got it as he reprises his role as Han Solo. Andy Serkis makes for a rather creepy Supreme Leader Snoke. Adam Driver did a fine job as the mercurial Kylo Ren.
It was a ton of fun seeing so many of our old friends again. :)
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: While we always expect larger than life special effects in the Star Wars films, this one wasn't as grandiose, but was filled with a lot of subtle, and no less impressive, effects. They fit so well, it makes them easy to miss. One super cool one was after Rey gets her quarter rations and sprinkles the content of one of the packets into a small bowl of water - and then before our eyes, the powdered dough coagulates and turns into a small loaf of bread she grabs and bites into.
There are several new creatures that get introduced as part of the scenery and the plot. There's a neat bird with an anvil like beak, tentacled monsters in the freighter, and a giant hog like creature drinking water at a trough in Jakku. The bar was also chock full of familiar and new aliens types to look at.
The ships haven't changed much, but we do see a few new ones both in the air and on the ground. Kylo Ren's shuttle is even more intimidating and grandiose than Darth Vader's, almost like he's trying to compensate for something. (*joke*)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: This story was better than Episode III Revenge of the Clones! Yay! Not that it would take much to be better than Episode III, but I was just happy it was. :P
The film is enjoyable overall and uses our fond memories of the original trilogy to rope us in - though they do get carried away a bit in that respect. (If you cry at movies, make sure to take a hankey with you!) The plot is basically Episode IV with some changes thrown in. Bits get pulled from some of the other films as well, especially Episode V.
The change about how clones are no longer being used for stormtroopers, but rather use newborns taken from their homes and trained from childhood, as well as brainwash them, is stated so quickly, you might miss it. Yet the information is actually an important point with regards to the plot and Finn. Also not stating the fact this was Finn's first mission until late in the film was a mistake - his reactions made no sense during the raid because the audience didn't know he'd never been on one of these missions before. They had other issues with little things like that - inconsistencies or items that didn't add up right or should have been mentioned for clarity. For example: if you're part of the sanitation crew of a large military installation, why would you also get sent out as a stormtrooper to subjugate a town? The First Order didn't look that short handed. And if your giant military installation has to move from sun to sun to get fuel, how do you have trees alive on the surface of it? Several other weird bits ran along the same vein.
They also somewhat spoiled the dramatic scene where Kylo Ren and his father meet up, mostly due to the fact they'd already had Ren take his helmet off when he was with Rey. Boo! And why, oh why, did they decide to make Kylo Ren so super powerful? There was really no need to have him be that ramped up. And to make it worse, they then seem to forget his uber power later. Not once did he try to do to Rey what he'd done in the forest once before, and had worked so well. Boo! Though I did very much enjoy how it is Ren's own words that reminded Rey she's not alone and thus could get help to defeat her foe.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: All the locations we see during the film were excellent. As usual, the integration of real places to those that are painted or computer generated were flawless. The cinematography combined with IMAX and 3D made the vistas lovely to look upon. Though with a desert planet, jungle planet, sort of snow planet, it almost seemed like they were trying too hard to tie back to the previous films though these were new worlds. :P They were still beautiful to look at though!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: John Williams is king! Was thrilled to see he did the work on the film score. A lot of the old favorites as well as new tracks! Yay!
Conclusion: Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an enjoyable return to the Star Wars universe. It'll bring back the feelings and emotions evoked on us by the first three original films. It was better than Episode III, so that's something! Heh heh. There are no extra bits at the end or previews for Episode VIII, which is due out in 2017.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Joonas Suotamo, Simon Pegg, and many more.
Directed by: J.J. Abrams Written by: Lawrence Kasdan, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Arndt Based on Characters Created by: George Lucas Cinematography by: Daniel Mindel Music by: John Williams
Premise: Despite the death of the Emperor, years later, the Empire still exists, now called the First Order and led by Supreme Leader Snoke. The Republic has grown and secretly funds/helps the Resistance, who continue their fight against the Empire. Luke Skywalker has disappeared and the Empire wants him found and slaughtered so the extinction of the Jedi can be complete. An old colleague gives the Rebels a piece of a map showing Luke's whereabouts. But the Rebel is caught before he can escape with the information, so he leaves the map with his droid, BB-8. BB-8, a scavenger, and an AWOL stormtrooper will become embroiled in matters bigger than they ever imagined. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Daisey Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn end up doing a very nice job as the extremely reluctant heroes for the film. Harrison Ford shows he's still got it as he reprises his role as Han Solo. Andy Serkis makes for a rather creepy Supreme Leader Snoke. Adam Driver did a fine job as the mercurial Kylo Ren.
It was a ton of fun seeing so many of our old friends again. :)
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: While we always expect larger than life special effects in the Star Wars films, this one wasn't as grandiose, but was filled with a lot of subtle, and no less impressive, effects. They fit so well, it makes them easy to miss. One super cool one was after Rey gets her quarter rations and sprinkles the content of one of the packets into a small bowl of water - and then before our eyes, the powdered dough coagulates and turns into a small loaf of bread she grabs and bites into.
There are several new creatures that get introduced as part of the scenery and the plot. There's a neat bird with an anvil like beak, tentacled monsters in the freighter, and a giant hog like creature drinking water at a trough in Jakku. The bar was also chock full of familiar and new aliens types to look at.
The ships haven't changed much, but we do see a few new ones both in the air and on the ground. Kylo Ren's shuttle is even more intimidating and grandiose than Darth Vader's, almost like he's trying to compensate for something. (*joke*)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: This story was better than Episode III Revenge of the Clones! Yay! Not that it would take much to be better than Episode III, but I was just happy it was. :P
The film is enjoyable overall and uses our fond memories of the original trilogy to rope us in - though they do get carried away a bit in that respect. (If you cry at movies, make sure to take a hankey with you!) The plot is basically Episode IV with some changes thrown in. Bits get pulled from some of the other films as well, especially Episode V.
The change about how clones are no longer being used for stormtroopers, but rather use newborns taken from their homes and trained from childhood, as well as brainwash them, is stated so quickly, you might miss it. Yet the information is actually an important point with regards to the plot and Finn. Also not stating the fact this was Finn's first mission until late in the film was a mistake - his reactions made no sense during the raid because the audience didn't know he'd never been on one of these missions before. They had other issues with little things like that - inconsistencies or items that didn't add up right or should have been mentioned for clarity. For example: if you're part of the sanitation crew of a large military installation, why would you also get sent out as a stormtrooper to subjugate a town? The First Order didn't look that short handed. And if your giant military installation has to move from sun to sun to get fuel, how do you have trees alive on the surface of it? Several other weird bits ran along the same vein.
They also somewhat spoiled the dramatic scene where Kylo Ren and his father meet up, mostly due to the fact they'd already had Ren take his helmet off when he was with Rey. Boo! And why, oh why, did they decide to make Kylo Ren so super powerful? There was really no need to have him be that ramped up. And to make it worse, they then seem to forget his uber power later. Not once did he try to do to Rey what he'd done in the forest once before, and had worked so well. Boo! Though I did very much enjoy how it is Ren's own words that reminded Rey she's not alone and thus could get help to defeat her foe.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: All the locations we see during the film were excellent. As usual, the integration of real places to those that are painted or computer generated were flawless. The cinematography combined with IMAX and 3D made the vistas lovely to look upon. Though with a desert planet, jungle planet, sort of snow planet, it almost seemed like they were trying too hard to tie back to the previous films though these were new worlds. :P They were still beautiful to look at though!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: John Williams is king! Was thrilled to see he did the work on the film score. A lot of the old favorites as well as new tracks! Yay!
Conclusion: Star Wars: The Force Awakens is an enjoyable return to the Star Wars universe. It'll bring back the feelings and emotions evoked on us by the first three original films. It was better than Episode III, so that's something! Heh heh. There are no extra bits at the end or previews for Episode VIII, which is due out in 2017.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
December 16, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 12/16/15
Morning!
Drying Off by Christopher Schlaf at Earthshots.org - He looks more like he's clapping, no? :) His big red eye is a little creepy when you look at a bigger version of the picture. Heh heh. He's also got landscapes, pets, macro, and all manner of other photography at his site. Nice!
Shooting Mountain Biker Silhouettes Against an Epic New Zealand Landscape by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Photography by Miles Holden. Terribly cute idea! More gorgeous shots at his Instagram site. :)
This is a Norwegian Camera Shop’s Christmas Photo by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Very inventive! Stavenherfoto - too cute!
Have a great day all!
Drying Off by Christopher Schlaf at Earthshots.org - He looks more like he's clapping, no? :) His big red eye is a little creepy when you look at a bigger version of the picture. Heh heh. He's also got landscapes, pets, macro, and all manner of other photography at his site. Nice!
Shooting Mountain Biker Silhouettes Against an Epic New Zealand Landscape by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Photography by Miles Holden. Terribly cute idea! More gorgeous shots at his Instagram site. :)
This is a Norwegian Camera Shop’s Christmas Photo by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Very inventive! Stavenherfoto - too cute!
Have a great day all!
December 14, 2015
Mind Sieve 12/14/15
Morning!
Let's see how much trouble my back let's me get into... :P
Fan Fun
X-Men Apocalypse Official Trailer - ooh! Should be messy. :P
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - oho! Arrow is Casey Jones?! lol.
The Legend of Tarzan Teaser Trailer - I can't resist Tarzan movies! heh heh
Jane Got a Gun International Trailer - western! Looks messy. :)
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Brings Facebook Messenger to Websites: This Week in Social Media by Grace Duffy at the Social Media Examiner. So much to keep track of, argh!
14 Video Tools for Social Media Marketers by Mari Smith at the Social Media Examiner. Ack! Too many options!
Writing AdviceFran Wilde: Editorial Marks, Explained! by Fran Wilde at Terribleminds.com. Too cute!
Discovering Our Writing Processes by Jami Gold. Some totally good advice here!
Wish me luck! And have a great one!
Let's see how much trouble my back let's me get into... :P
Fan Fun
X-Men Apocalypse Official Trailer - ooh! Should be messy. :P
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows - oho! Arrow is Casey Jones?! lol.
The Legend of Tarzan Teaser Trailer - I can't resist Tarzan movies! heh heh
Jane Got a Gun International Trailer - western! Looks messy. :)
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Brings Facebook Messenger to Websites: This Week in Social Media by Grace Duffy at the Social Media Examiner. So much to keep track of, argh!
14 Video Tools for Social Media Marketers by Mari Smith at the Social Media Examiner. Ack! Too many options!
Writing AdviceFran Wilde: Editorial Marks, Explained! by Fran Wilde at Terribleminds.com. Too cute!
Discovering Our Writing Processes by Jami Gold. Some totally good advice here!
Wish me luck! And have a great one!
December 13, 2015
Virtual Tourist - Final Fantasy XIV 12/13/15
Morning!
My back muscle went crazy during the week. Totally kiboshed everything. :( Got meds now, so hopefully things will go back to normal. Always something new to deal with. :P)
Final Fantasy XIV
Zephyr Drift
Such lovely complex structures
See the glowing crystal on the one building?
Mermaid damsel
Same crystals at night. Such a cool looking thing!
Dragon mount!
Totally cool!
Neat little lighthouse.
Giant baby chocobo mount. That is one big chick.
Look at all those stars!
Hubby's new armor. He's so cute!
Now this is a cool looking armor ensemble! Drool
Gorgeous!
Ticket counter at Ul'dah
Love that fountain's waterfall. :)
Hope you all have an awesome day!
My back muscle went crazy during the week. Totally kiboshed everything. :( Got meds now, so hopefully things will go back to normal. Always something new to deal with. :P)
Final Fantasy XIV
Zephyr Drift
Such lovely complex structures
See the glowing crystal on the one building?
Mermaid damsel
Same crystals at night. Such a cool looking thing!
Dragon mount!
Totally cool!
Neat little lighthouse.
Giant baby chocobo mount. That is one big chick.
Look at all those stars!
Hubby's new armor. He's so cute!
Now this is a cool looking armor ensemble! Drool
Gorgeous!
Ticket counter at Ul'dah
Love that fountain's waterfall. :)
Hope you all have an awesome day!
December 7, 2015
Mind Sieve 12/7/15
It's MONDAY!
Fan Fun
Batman vs. Superman Trailer #3 - Oh yeah! Now we see what the heck is going on. Lex, you are so naughty! :P
Star Wars International Trailer 3 - shows a bit more than the one we had before! Tears me up. lol.
Captain America: Civil War Trailer #1 - booyah! This is going to get messy.
Social Media/Author PlatformSocial Media, Branding & Owning 2016—Because EVERY Day is Game Day by Kristen Lamb.
Writing AdviceFiYoShiMo Day 3: Tone is not Mood by John Adamus - some nice info in here!
Well more of a post than I have done recently. Wheee!
Fan Fun
Batman vs. Superman Trailer #3 - Oh yeah! Now we see what the heck is going on. Lex, you are so naughty! :P
Star Wars International Trailer 3 - shows a bit more than the one we had before! Tears me up. lol.
Captain America: Civil War Trailer #1 - booyah! This is going to get messy.
Social Media/Author PlatformSocial Media, Branding & Owning 2016—Because EVERY Day is Game Day by Kristen Lamb.
Writing AdviceFiYoShiMo Day 3: Tone is not Mood by John Adamus - some nice info in here!
Well more of a post than I have done recently. Wheee!
December 6, 2015
Virtual Tourist - Final Fantasy XIV 12/6/15
Morning all!
Final Fantasy XIV
Limsa Lominsa
Like the giant trees in New Gridania, these are the peaceful wanderers in Limsa Lominsa's nearby environs.
Are these glowing, flying jelly fish cool or what?
Birds with crazy eyes!
Isn't this a beautiful creature? So cool looking. (It is my understanding that some of the creatures and sights can only be seen in specific types of weather or times of day!)
Windmills by the sea coast.
So tranquil at night.
Most of the construction in and outside Limsa Lominsa is in this white limestone.
Beautiful, no?
Some neat armor. Also love the look of the other guy - so 3 Musketeers. :)
Kobolds or goblins, can't remember which. Cute in a weird way.
Ah! Look at that sunset!
Inside Limsa Lominsa. The red banners contain the symbol of the city. A viking ship in a sea of blood, significant of their role during the war with the Galeans, if I recall correctly.
The city at night. Neat lighthouse in the distance.
Bunny ears!
May your coming week be fab!
Final Fantasy XIV
Limsa Lominsa
Like the giant trees in New Gridania, these are the peaceful wanderers in Limsa Lominsa's nearby environs.
Are these glowing, flying jelly fish cool or what?
Birds with crazy eyes!
Isn't this a beautiful creature? So cool looking. (It is my understanding that some of the creatures and sights can only be seen in specific types of weather or times of day!)
Windmills by the sea coast.
So tranquil at night.
Most of the construction in and outside Limsa Lominsa is in this white limestone.
Beautiful, no?
Some neat armor. Also love the look of the other guy - so 3 Musketeers. :)
Kobolds or goblins, can't remember which. Cute in a weird way.
Ah! Look at that sunset!
Inside Limsa Lominsa. The red banners contain the symbol of the city. A viking ship in a sea of blood, significant of their role during the war with the Galeans, if I recall correctly.
The city at night. Neat lighthouse in the distance.
Bunny ears!
May your coming week be fab!
December 4, 2015
Movie Review - Victor Frankenstein
Victor Frankenstein
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Charles Dance, Freddie Fox , Spencer Wilding, Bronson Webb, Callum Turner, Alistair Petrie, Guillaume Delaunay, and more.
Directed by: Paul McGuigan Screenplay by: Max Landis Based on the Novel by: Mary Shelley Cinematography by: Fabian Wagner Music by: Craig Armstrong
Premise: Years before the final creation of his masterpiece, Frankenstein studied medicine in London, madly researching how to bring his dreams to fruition. It is here that he run across a mistreated clown at a circus, one who despite his misshapen body, might have the spark of genius he's been looking for. But Inspector Turpin has put some facts together and is now on Frankenstein's trail - and the more he finds the more determined he is to stop him. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Daniel Radcliffe proves he's got what it takes with his great portrayal of Igor. His physical handling of Igor's infirmities and emotional tug of wars were nicely done! James McAvoy is manic and delicious as the mercurial Victor Frankenstein. Andrew Scott as Inspector Turpin was also a lot of fun. That lovely intensity he's used when playing bad guys are aimed at his being a good guy, yet he still ends up as an antagonist all the same. :P
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The awesome special effects works starts almost instantly on this film. An innocent enough sight, watching a trapeze artist ply her craft, becomes so much more when suddenly we see an underlayer showing her bones and working muscles as she works through her routine. This was delicious fun especially especially during the scene where Igor and Victor meet - because they're both doing it at the same time! And Victor's treatment for Igor's hump? Ewwwww!
All the effects for the cool experiments and science equipment were marvelous. The eyes Victor shows Igor when speaking of what he's working on were especially neat, specifically because they looked like nothing much but then they change! Add in the pulsating body parts, the first successful composite animal, and later a humanoid creature and there's lots to love.
Throw in the gorgeous skies and storm clouds, exploding equipment, lighting, electricity gone wild - and you get a ton of super cool special effects all over the place. And wait till you see the lovely spanning views of CGI London and then the isolated castle in Scotland!
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: "Victor Frankenstein" is a prequel of sorts. It basically fills in a lot about Igor and Victor before they get together in later years to create the monster we've seen in the book and the films. The entire thing is from Igor's point of view - which made this a refreshing take on the old tale.
A few bits will jar a little - like the fact Igor is treated like trash yet he also becomes the circus's medicine man, which should have garnered him some respect or respite from his peers, since you might someday end up needing him to treat you for an injury. Also, how Lorelei comes to find herself a patron while recuperating at the hospital is not quite clear. They are little things though and easily ignored.
Though the creature does not take the stage in this prequel, worry not, as there are two other patchwork monsters they get to play with. And it's fun watching Igor evolve while Victor seems to devolve. Two halves of a whole - the two men compliment each other, making them together more than each would be alone.
While some details don't jive as they should to fit with the later tale, you can see bits and pieces of other renditions and characters flashing by in this one. A nice ying and yang effect occurs between Victor and Inspector Turpin - both obsessive and shaped by death but pushed in totally different directions. And both somewhat mirror the very chase Victor will later have with his final creation in the novel.
As in Mary Shelley's original, the themes of religion vs. science, life vs. death, how we are perceived and acted on vs. who we truly are, are intertwined throughout the film.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Amazingly, the film has lots of opportunities for the stuntmen. The madcap chase in the circus, another at the medical college, and even more stunts at the castle in Scotland - the stuntmen are kept quite busy.
5) Location/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of real and touched up locations in the film taking us to London, to Scotland, and more. Igor's first true view of the city of London was spectacular - showing both the good and the bad at once and also showing the thriving, human filled city. The old castle overlooking the sea in Scotland made for some great shots and doubly so when the storm is coming. The cinematography made good use of everything. Lovely!
Conclusion: "Victor Frankenstein" is a refreshing take on little covered areas of the old tale. Between the costumes, the cool special effects, the lovely vistas, and the great acting, seeing it is definitely worth it.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Charles Dance, Freddie Fox , Spencer Wilding, Bronson Webb, Callum Turner, Alistair Petrie, Guillaume Delaunay, and more.
Directed by: Paul McGuigan Screenplay by: Max Landis Based on the Novel by: Mary Shelley Cinematography by: Fabian Wagner Music by: Craig Armstrong
Premise: Years before the final creation of his masterpiece, Frankenstein studied medicine in London, madly researching how to bring his dreams to fruition. It is here that he run across a mistreated clown at a circus, one who despite his misshapen body, might have the spark of genius he's been looking for. But Inspector Turpin has put some facts together and is now on Frankenstein's trail - and the more he finds the more determined he is to stop him. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Daniel Radcliffe proves he's got what it takes with his great portrayal of Igor. His physical handling of Igor's infirmities and emotional tug of wars were nicely done! James McAvoy is manic and delicious as the mercurial Victor Frankenstein. Andrew Scott as Inspector Turpin was also a lot of fun. That lovely intensity he's used when playing bad guys are aimed at his being a good guy, yet he still ends up as an antagonist all the same. :P
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The awesome special effects works starts almost instantly on this film. An innocent enough sight, watching a trapeze artist ply her craft, becomes so much more when suddenly we see an underlayer showing her bones and working muscles as she works through her routine. This was delicious fun especially especially during the scene where Igor and Victor meet - because they're both doing it at the same time! And Victor's treatment for Igor's hump? Ewwwww!
All the effects for the cool experiments and science equipment were marvelous. The eyes Victor shows Igor when speaking of what he's working on were especially neat, specifically because they looked like nothing much but then they change! Add in the pulsating body parts, the first successful composite animal, and later a humanoid creature and there's lots to love.
Throw in the gorgeous skies and storm clouds, exploding equipment, lighting, electricity gone wild - and you get a ton of super cool special effects all over the place. And wait till you see the lovely spanning views of CGI London and then the isolated castle in Scotland!
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: "Victor Frankenstein" is a prequel of sorts. It basically fills in a lot about Igor and Victor before they get together in later years to create the monster we've seen in the book and the films. The entire thing is from Igor's point of view - which made this a refreshing take on the old tale.
A few bits will jar a little - like the fact Igor is treated like trash yet he also becomes the circus's medicine man, which should have garnered him some respect or respite from his peers, since you might someday end up needing him to treat you for an injury. Also, how Lorelei comes to find herself a patron while recuperating at the hospital is not quite clear. They are little things though and easily ignored.
Though the creature does not take the stage in this prequel, worry not, as there are two other patchwork monsters they get to play with. And it's fun watching Igor evolve while Victor seems to devolve. Two halves of a whole - the two men compliment each other, making them together more than each would be alone.
While some details don't jive as they should to fit with the later tale, you can see bits and pieces of other renditions and characters flashing by in this one. A nice ying and yang effect occurs between Victor and Inspector Turpin - both obsessive and shaped by death but pushed in totally different directions. And both somewhat mirror the very chase Victor will later have with his final creation in the novel.
As in Mary Shelley's original, the themes of religion vs. science, life vs. death, how we are perceived and acted on vs. who we truly are, are intertwined throughout the film.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Amazingly, the film has lots of opportunities for the stuntmen. The madcap chase in the circus, another at the medical college, and even more stunts at the castle in Scotland - the stuntmen are kept quite busy.
5) Location/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of real and touched up locations in the film taking us to London, to Scotland, and more. Igor's first true view of the city of London was spectacular - showing both the good and the bad at once and also showing the thriving, human filled city. The old castle overlooking the sea in Scotland made for some great shots and doubly so when the storm is coming. The cinematography made good use of everything. Lovely!
Conclusion: "Victor Frankenstein" is a refreshing take on little covered areas of the old tale. Between the costumes, the cool special effects, the lovely vistas, and the great acting, seeing it is definitely worth it.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
December 2, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 12/2/15 - Puerto Rico Edition #2
Greetings!
I was able to upload all my pics of Puerto Rico from the trip in November.
While still a work in progress with regards to moving them into sub folders, I figured I'd share now anyway. :)
The album software is Piwigo. Still trying to set up all the options. The Panoramic pics won't show, so I still need to see if I can fix that.
Main Album is Puerto Rico . This one contains pics with no specific locations but also has unsorted pics from other locations I've yet to move to their sub folders.
Sub folders:
Caguas - where my uncle lives.
El Morro (Most of the pics for El Morro are still in the main folder. Doh!) - Spanish Fort in San Juan
El Yunque - National Rain Forest
Guajataca - city in the northeast - we stopped by the beach there.
Hope you enjoy them!
I was able to upload all my pics of Puerto Rico from the trip in November.
While still a work in progress with regards to moving them into sub folders, I figured I'd share now anyway. :)
The album software is Piwigo. Still trying to set up all the options. The Panoramic pics won't show, so I still need to see if I can fix that.
Main Album is Puerto Rico . This one contains pics with no specific locations but also has unsorted pics from other locations I've yet to move to their sub folders.
Sub folders:
Caguas - where my uncle lives.
El Morro (Most of the pics for El Morro are still in the main folder. Doh!) - Spanish Fort in San Juan
El Yunque - National Rain Forest
Guajataca - city in the northeast - we stopped by the beach there.
Hope you enjoy them!
November 29, 2015
Virtual Tourist - Final Fantasy XIV 11/29/15
Morning!
Pulled back muscles are no fun! Boo!
Final Fantasy XIV
Limsa Lominsa
Limsa Lominsa has a very cool look to it.
Lots of areas connected by bridges. And all the lovely spires.
They are very much into banners and flags. :)
At night, it looks lovely as well
The city is by the sea.
You can learn fishing at the Fisherman's Guild on this level.
Cute little guys, no?
Not so cute... :P
Inside the ship at the dock.
Strangest crew of a ship ever! Dancing and drinking. lol.
Lovely cloud cover.
See what I mean about it looking lovely at night?
Fascinating place.
Head of the Fisherman's Guild. :)
Holiday weekend is about over. Didn't get as much done as I'd hoped. Oh well....
Pulled back muscles are no fun! Boo!
Final Fantasy XIV
Limsa Lominsa
Limsa Lominsa has a very cool look to it.
Lots of areas connected by bridges. And all the lovely spires.
They are very much into banners and flags. :)
At night, it looks lovely as well
The city is by the sea.
You can learn fishing at the Fisherman's Guild on this level.
Cute little guys, no?
Not so cute... :P
Inside the ship at the dock.
Strangest crew of a ship ever! Dancing and drinking. lol.
Lovely cloud cover.
See what I mean about it looking lovely at night?
Fascinating place.
Head of the Fisherman's Guild. :)
Holiday weekend is about over. Didn't get as much done as I'd hoped. Oh well....
November 27, 2015
Movie Review - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Elden Henson, Wes Chatham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Mahershala Ali, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Paula Malcomson, Stanley Tucci, and more.
Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Peter Craig and Danny Strong Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Cinematography by: Jo Willems Music by: James Newton Howard
Premise: With the 13 districts united, the rebels turn their focus to the capitol. Katniss struggles with what's been done to Peeta and also what to do about Gale. Worse, President Snow decides to turn a large chunk of the capitol into a new Hunger Games. And Katniss learns President Coin might soon no longer have a use for her. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth give great performances as the odd love triangle spins, gets even more complex. and eventually comes to a resolution. Donald Sutherland and Julianne Moore were a lot of fun as the opposing presidents. Elden Henson and Wes Chatham added some nice depth to the story as Pollux and Castor.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects team does a superb job in the film. The scene where everyone is cut off and the black water comes, and then when we see the black water in action and chasing after them, was awesome. Loads of explosions and heavy gun fire. The close range explosions from the arrows looked great underground. The 50+ caliber guns and the devastation on the columns from the bullets looked very real. And wait till you see the special surprise the group is given by Snow's team in the sewers. My only problem was that the marketing department gave away all the good traps in the previews! Boo! (Hubby was displeased!)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: It really would be nice if films that have multiple parts or have sequels with years in between, the movie makers would deign to remember not everyone will have rewatched the previous films before seeing the new release and give a recap. Especially for side characters! While remembering the principal people was easy, there were several side characters who've been in several of the films who weren't as memorable for whatever reason and therefore it was hard to realize who they were and what their backgrounds were to get the audience to care when bad things happen to them. Jena Malone's character Johanna Mason was one of these. I adored her performance in Part 2, but I was hard pressed to remember anything about the character at all. And not remembering anything, makes it very hard to care. (This was a major suffering point for the film "Insurgent" earlier this year.)
Aside from not knowing who some of the people were, however, I very much enjoyed the direction they took with the film. Talking with my daughter, who read all the books, I know they changed a few points for the ending, but these were improvements to the plot rather than issues. They also continued to show that actions have consequences and will affect people emotionally as they had in the previous films.
The major theme this time played with duality and perceptions. Katniss comparing Peeta and Gale. Peeta comparing remembered and altered memories. Gale and the way he viewed enemies as things rather than people and how this comes back on him. It even applied to President Snow and Coin.
Another theme they had fun bandying about pertained to hubris and pride. Also how your enemy can be your friend and vice versa. And both themes tie in to the ending at the capitol, which was well played if a little transparent.
Only thing I wished we'd gotten a little more on was Snow's reactions when he thought Katniss was dead and then found out she was alive. Totally unexpected reaction, but it spoke back to that duality theme I mentioned before. Heh heh.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: The cast and the stunt team did some great work in Part 2. The fight in the sewers was especially well done - lots of hand-to-hand combat goodness. Between the traps and several explosions during the film, people get thrown all over the place.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Thumbs Up: While the departments did a great job as usual, there was one thing missing. A section of this film happens at the capitol. Several meetings even occurred in Snow's mansion. But for the most part all the outrageous clothes and makeup were nowhere to be seen there. In a scene with actual citizens running to and fro, there were still no true funky clothes and hairstyles. Tigris definitely had both, but she's just one person, and an extreme case at that. Even Effie was toned down. Seeing these people in their wild getups and makeup was half the fun in the previous films! :P
Conclusion: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 was worth the wait though they would have benefited from a recap or releasing this one close to Part 1. Gritty and emotional and a fun ride.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Elden Henson, Wes Chatham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Mahershala Ali, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Paula Malcomson, Stanley Tucci, and more.
Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Peter Craig and Danny Strong Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Cinematography by: Jo Willems Music by: James Newton Howard
Premise: With the 13 districts united, the rebels turn their focus to the capitol. Katniss struggles with what's been done to Peeta and also what to do about Gale. Worse, President Snow decides to turn a large chunk of the capitol into a new Hunger Games. And Katniss learns President Coin might soon no longer have a use for her. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth give great performances as the odd love triangle spins, gets even more complex. and eventually comes to a resolution. Donald Sutherland and Julianne Moore were a lot of fun as the opposing presidents. Elden Henson and Wes Chatham added some nice depth to the story as Pollux and Castor.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects team does a superb job in the film. The scene where everyone is cut off and the black water comes, and then when we see the black water in action and chasing after them, was awesome. Loads of explosions and heavy gun fire. The close range explosions from the arrows looked great underground. The 50+ caliber guns and the devastation on the columns from the bullets looked very real. And wait till you see the special surprise the group is given by Snow's team in the sewers. My only problem was that the marketing department gave away all the good traps in the previews! Boo! (Hubby was displeased!)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: It really would be nice if films that have multiple parts or have sequels with years in between, the movie makers would deign to remember not everyone will have rewatched the previous films before seeing the new release and give a recap. Especially for side characters! While remembering the principal people was easy, there were several side characters who've been in several of the films who weren't as memorable for whatever reason and therefore it was hard to realize who they were and what their backgrounds were to get the audience to care when bad things happen to them. Jena Malone's character Johanna Mason was one of these. I adored her performance in Part 2, but I was hard pressed to remember anything about the character at all. And not remembering anything, makes it very hard to care. (This was a major suffering point for the film "Insurgent" earlier this year.)
Aside from not knowing who some of the people were, however, I very much enjoyed the direction they took with the film. Talking with my daughter, who read all the books, I know they changed a few points for the ending, but these were improvements to the plot rather than issues. They also continued to show that actions have consequences and will affect people emotionally as they had in the previous films.
The major theme this time played with duality and perceptions. Katniss comparing Peeta and Gale. Peeta comparing remembered and altered memories. Gale and the way he viewed enemies as things rather than people and how this comes back on him. It even applied to President Snow and Coin.
Another theme they had fun bandying about pertained to hubris and pride. Also how your enemy can be your friend and vice versa. And both themes tie in to the ending at the capitol, which was well played if a little transparent.
Only thing I wished we'd gotten a little more on was Snow's reactions when he thought Katniss was dead and then found out she was alive. Totally unexpected reaction, but it spoke back to that duality theme I mentioned before. Heh heh.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: The cast and the stunt team did some great work in Part 2. The fight in the sewers was especially well done - lots of hand-to-hand combat goodness. Between the traps and several explosions during the film, people get thrown all over the place.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Thumbs Up: While the departments did a great job as usual, there was one thing missing. A section of this film happens at the capitol. Several meetings even occurred in Snow's mansion. But for the most part all the outrageous clothes and makeup were nowhere to be seen there. In a scene with actual citizens running to and fro, there were still no true funky clothes and hairstyles. Tigris definitely had both, but she's just one person, and an extreme case at that. Even Effie was toned down. Seeing these people in their wild getups and makeup was half the fun in the previous films! :P
Conclusion: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 was worth the wait though they would have benefited from a recap or releasing this one close to Part 1. Gritty and emotional and a fun ride.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
