Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 44
July 10, 2015
Movie Review - Minions
Minions
Starring: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders, Geoffrey Rush, Steve Carell, Katy Mixon, Michael Beattie, Hiroyuki Sanada, and many more.
Directed by: Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin Written by: Brian Lynch Music by: Heitor Pereira
Premise: Having evolved from one cell organism to humanoids, the one thing that has ever given the Minions purpose and long term happiness is following and serving a Big Boss. After the disaster with Napoleon, and the aftermath, the Minions find a place to make their own. But without a Big Boss, the centuries start wearing them down and they fall to depression and despair. Realizing something must be done, Kevin comes up with a plan for a few of them to go back out into the world to find a Big Boss for them to follow again. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: A ton of heavy hitters have lent their acting voices to this film. Most of the fun though comes from the multiple voice talents of Pierre Coffin.
Despite the Minions speaking an amalgamation of several languages, it is Pierre Coffin's delivery as much, if not more, than the animation of the characters that make Kevin, Bob, and Stuart easily understood anyway. Sandra Bullock was passionate as the successful yet still unfulfilled Scarlet Overkill. Jon Hamm proved a surprising foil as her genius husband, Herb Overkill. Michael Katon and Allison Janney were unexpectedly amusing as the Nelson's. Though it was probably Jennifer Saunders who had the most fun on the job - as she got to play the voice of The Queen. (You'll see what I mean when you watch it.)
Oh and having the Minions sound out the Universal theme instead of using the Universal recorded music? Priceless! (A little girl sitting by me sounded it out along with the Minions too! (*And so did I, but softly...Heh heh*)
2) Art Work/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Illumination Entertainment did a great job with the animation as always. Set in 1968 both in New York and later in London, Illumination made this a true nostalgic time capsule for older viewers. A ton of pieces of history and iconic symbols, people, music, and more will flash by on the screen - something most kids will totally miss, but which will captivate and fascinate older parents and grandparents. The whole film is an explosion of late 60's pop culture and social issues.
There were many instances I wished I'd had a pause button just to get a better look at, and possibly a chance, to make the connections with all that was being thrown at us from the past. The mob of villains running in the London streets alone was chucked full of 60's comic book, book, TV, and film references. (Nixon, Conan, The Saint, The Beatles, The Monkees, The Dating Game, James Bond, the list goes on and on.)
Amazing attention to detail as always. And a ton of visual gags by the Minions for the kids.
Make sure to sit ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE CREDITS! Some musical goodness as well as a ton of 3D fun at the very end. :)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Rather than just do a straightforward tale, the film is done in the manner of a documentary - the narrator filling in information for the audience here and there. This works rather well, and even helps get in translations of what's going on at the beginning in case the Minions voices and the animation don't get certain points across to the younger viewers. (Truly, though, they do such a great job, it seemed a little superfluous. But better safe than sorry.)
The only real issue with the story, which can be easily overlooked, is Scarlet's need to have hired help steal the British Crown for her. With her husband's amazing inventions and her own outstanding physical prowess and skills, I doubt it would have even presented her much of a challenge to steal them herself. But the character does prove to be a slave to her desires, and molded certain dreams that could never happen as she envisioned or fill the wanting void in her soul (one much like the Minion's own need to serve, yet her is too specific and devouring to ever be satisfied for long...).
The most applaudable part of the plot was the theme of breaking molds and expectations. The 60's were a time where the youths of the world fought against convention, against being forced to be things or be boxed in by expectations - Scarlet, Bob, the Queen, the American family the Minions hitch a ride with, all of these and others break out of the assumptions and roles we assume to be theirs as viewers. So even the characters are used to embody the revolution of the times.
The incorporated music of the 60's from both sides of the Pond will definitely delight. In many ways this film is more for the adults than the kids.
Make sure to pay close attention when the Minions first get to Villain-Con. If you blink, you'll miss it, but a vendor there is not only a piece of their future but a tie in the unexpected, yet totally pleasurable ending of the film.
Conclusion: Minions has lots of delightful subtext and a ton of pop culture references from the 60's. Great music is brought in from the past, and some is even presented in unexpected ways. Older adults might end up enjoying Minions more than the kids! (And watch ALL the way to the end of the credits!)
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, Jennifer Saunders, Geoffrey Rush, Steve Carell, Katy Mixon, Michael Beattie, Hiroyuki Sanada, and many more.
Directed by: Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin Written by: Brian Lynch Music by: Heitor Pereira
Premise: Having evolved from one cell organism to humanoids, the one thing that has ever given the Minions purpose and long term happiness is following and serving a Big Boss. After the disaster with Napoleon, and the aftermath, the Minions find a place to make their own. But without a Big Boss, the centuries start wearing them down and they fall to depression and despair. Realizing something must be done, Kevin comes up with a plan for a few of them to go back out into the world to find a Big Boss for them to follow again. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Voice Acting - Total Thumbs Up: A ton of heavy hitters have lent their acting voices to this film. Most of the fun though comes from the multiple voice talents of Pierre Coffin.
Despite the Minions speaking an amalgamation of several languages, it is Pierre Coffin's delivery as much, if not more, than the animation of the characters that make Kevin, Bob, and Stuart easily understood anyway. Sandra Bullock was passionate as the successful yet still unfulfilled Scarlet Overkill. Jon Hamm proved a surprising foil as her genius husband, Herb Overkill. Michael Katon and Allison Janney were unexpectedly amusing as the Nelson's. Though it was probably Jennifer Saunders who had the most fun on the job - as she got to play the voice of The Queen. (You'll see what I mean when you watch it.)
Oh and having the Minions sound out the Universal theme instead of using the Universal recorded music? Priceless! (A little girl sitting by me sounded it out along with the Minions too! (*And so did I, but softly...Heh heh*)
2) Art Work/Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Illumination Entertainment did a great job with the animation as always. Set in 1968 both in New York and later in London, Illumination made this a true nostalgic time capsule for older viewers. A ton of pieces of history and iconic symbols, people, music, and more will flash by on the screen - something most kids will totally miss, but which will captivate and fascinate older parents and grandparents. The whole film is an explosion of late 60's pop culture and social issues.
There were many instances I wished I'd had a pause button just to get a better look at, and possibly a chance, to make the connections with all that was being thrown at us from the past. The mob of villains running in the London streets alone was chucked full of 60's comic book, book, TV, and film references. (Nixon, Conan, The Saint, The Beatles, The Monkees, The Dating Game, James Bond, the list goes on and on.)
Amazing attention to detail as always. And a ton of visual gags by the Minions for the kids.
Make sure to sit ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE CREDITS! Some musical goodness as well as a ton of 3D fun at the very end. :)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: Rather than just do a straightforward tale, the film is done in the manner of a documentary - the narrator filling in information for the audience here and there. This works rather well, and even helps get in translations of what's going on at the beginning in case the Minions voices and the animation don't get certain points across to the younger viewers. (Truly, though, they do such a great job, it seemed a little superfluous. But better safe than sorry.)
The only real issue with the story, which can be easily overlooked, is Scarlet's need to have hired help steal the British Crown for her. With her husband's amazing inventions and her own outstanding physical prowess and skills, I doubt it would have even presented her much of a challenge to steal them herself. But the character does prove to be a slave to her desires, and molded certain dreams that could never happen as she envisioned or fill the wanting void in her soul (one much like the Minion's own need to serve, yet her is too specific and devouring to ever be satisfied for long...).
The most applaudable part of the plot was the theme of breaking molds and expectations. The 60's were a time where the youths of the world fought against convention, against being forced to be things or be boxed in by expectations - Scarlet, Bob, the Queen, the American family the Minions hitch a ride with, all of these and others break out of the assumptions and roles we assume to be theirs as viewers. So even the characters are used to embody the revolution of the times.
The incorporated music of the 60's from both sides of the Pond will definitely delight. In many ways this film is more for the adults than the kids.
Make sure to pay close attention when the Minions first get to Villain-Con. If you blink, you'll miss it, but a vendor there is not only a piece of their future but a tie in the unexpected, yet totally pleasurable ending of the film.
Conclusion: Minions has lots of delightful subtext and a ton of pop culture references from the 60's. Great music is brought in from the past, and some is even presented in unexpected ways. Older adults might end up enjoying Minions more than the kids! (And watch ALL the way to the end of the credits!)
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
July 8, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/8/15
No Monday post...
Had computer drive issues over the weekend. :(
Got a new drive with RAID but now have to baby the other to get the files on it off and hope it doesn't go totally belly up before I do. Eek!
Anyway, some pics!
The canals at Las Colinas.
Some lovely European style buildings there.
The sky is ever changing
I'm always trying for that sun through the trees look. lol.
Some beautiful and colorful flowers. Saw these a lot as a kid
This one looks like I've done something to it, doesn't it? But I didn't. Came out weird all on its own. Heh heh
The sushi chef at Wasabi and Wok went all out this day. It was so adorable!!!
Weird lamp - but the layered things looked interesting.
It allowed for a weird photo like this one. :)
Have an awesome day!
Had computer drive issues over the weekend. :(
Got a new drive with RAID but now have to baby the other to get the files on it off and hope it doesn't go totally belly up before I do. Eek!
Anyway, some pics!
The canals at Las Colinas.
Some lovely European style buildings there.
The sky is ever changing
I'm always trying for that sun through the trees look. lol.
Some beautiful and colorful flowers. Saw these a lot as a kid
This one looks like I've done something to it, doesn't it? But I didn't. Came out weird all on its own. Heh heh
The sushi chef at Wasabi and Wok went all out this day. It was so adorable!!!
Weird lamp - but the layered things looked interesting.
It allowed for a weird photo like this one. :)
Have an awesome day!
July 5, 2015
Virtual Tourist - Skyrim 7/5/15
Morning!
Skyrim
Just running around you run into all sorts of places!
Such a lovely view!
Bet this is so cool in the summer.
Has a bit of a pest problem though.
Lovely night for a full moon
Stars!
Neat carving (though it might also be a creature's head) - the witch who lives here was not very friendly.
Super interesting life form. A type of nymph? The witch had already killed it.
Such a large mountain!
Oh yeah, I'm a bad kitty!
This is the main room of a nest of vampires. Vampires! Had not been expecting those.
Statue looks super old.
Hope you've had a fabulous weekend!
Skyrim
Just running around you run into all sorts of places!
Such a lovely view!
Bet this is so cool in the summer.
Has a bit of a pest problem though.
Lovely night for a full moon
Stars!
Neat carving (though it might also be a creature's head) - the witch who lives here was not very friendly.
Super interesting life form. A type of nymph? The witch had already killed it.
Such a large mountain!
Oh yeah, I'm a bad kitty!
This is the main room of a nest of vampires. Vampires! Had not been expecting those.
Statue looks super old.
Hope you've had a fabulous weekend!
July 3, 2015
Movie Review: Terminator Genisys
Terminator Genisys
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J. K. Simmons, Byung-hun Lee, Dayo Okeniyi, Matt Smith, Courtney B. Vance, Michael Gladis, Wayne Bastrup, and more.
Directed by: Alan Taylor Written by: Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier Based on Characters Created by: James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd Cinematography by: Kramer Morgenthau Music by: Lorne Balfe
Premise: Kyle Reese volunteers to go back in time to save John Connor's mother. She is being targeted by Skynet to stop John Connor from being born and leading the resistance after Judgement Day. Reese thinks he knows what he's walking into, but from the moment he appears in 1984, nothing goes as planned, and Sarah Connor might not actually need his help at all. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as model T-800. Arnold looks like he had a ton of fun doing it, too. Fun that translates rather well for the audience, thus increasing our enjoyment. Emilia Clarke was great as Sarah Connor - tough as nails and then some. (The fan geek in me thinks it is somewhat cool that she and Lena Headey are both in Game of Thrones - especially since Lena Headey has also played Sarah Connor!) Jason Clarke did some great bits as John Connor. Jai Courtney was fun to watch as Kyle, as the latter realizes everything he believes is not turning out to be quite like he expected. The fact he has to share Sarah with Pops doesn't go over well either. lol. J.K. Simmons added a nice bit of flavor as O'Brien as well as adding a layer to the time travel bits.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of cool tech both in the future and in 2017. We see Judgement Day happen at the opening recap. Skynet's takeover in those first moments and the view of San Francisco taking a hit looked fantastic. (Have you noticed how poor San Francisco has been the site for all sorts of disasters lately? Is San Francisco taking over the role of "Tokyo"? :P)
The terminator units look as good as ever and then some. Great seeing a bunch of them walking around at once. :) There's a new terminator type we're introduced to during the film, which is very cool. Heck, we even see the best way to actually get rid of a T-1000! All the hardware was fabulous.
Explosions, gun fire from a ton of different types of weapons, shotgun blasts, car chases, helicopter chases (that's new!), crashes, and more. The scene with the bus flipping makes total sense once put in context (seems the cause has actually made one do so in real life). And I have to say that when it is hanging on the edge, they took that old ploy in a somewhat different presentation and it worked great.
They also did a good job recreating several scenes from the original "Terminator" - though they didn't keep anyone with eighties hairstyles. Heh heh.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: While the commercials gave some bits away, there are plenty of other fun surprises that weren't revealed in the previews. Yay!
They start us out with the story as we've always known it, then it takes a twist. (I cannot help myself here. I didn't realize/remember that Matt Smith was in this film. So when I saw him standing there right as they send Kyle Reese back in time all I could think of was "The Doctor has come to watch a major nexus in space/time!" Bwahahaha.)
The main thing most of the Terminator films have in common is playing with time travel. In several ways, what they're trying to do here mirrors plot lines somewhat explored in the "Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles" - artificial intelligence developing outside of Skynet and possibly emotions as well, the ties that bind family, fate, and more.
The only major plot issue I found had to do with the countdown to the release of Genisys (was so glad to find out it wasn't just a typo but a brand!). Normal marketing people would not put out a count down to a release for something that wasn't actually working yet. So that suffered a little, especially when they use it as a 'now running out of time' excuse but it won't intrude until way down the film - so try to ignore it.
Reese gets hit by a car (or it could have been Sarah - hard to tell) but neither seemed to suffer much from it. I'd expect that from a T-800 (and he does!), but not a human. The souped up CAT scan machine was also a surprise, but I could have missed something about that one during the insane chaos at the hospital.
There were a ton of small, funny moments throughout the film - most of them centering on Pops. They were a ton of fun! The silent amo loading testosterone filled throwdown was too funny! I also loved the subtle cues that Pops AI had been developing some skills of its own in the emotion department.
Lots of other subtle touches for Sarah and Reese with regards to combat. Her destruction of plans on her way out, Reese grabbing the bag of guns during the bus escape, little details the two kept track of and they were there if we looked. Nice.
(As an aside - I am betting the person responsible for the deleted files in Pops is Pops Mark II - you'll understand when you get there. Heh heh)
Make sure to sit through part of the credits!!!!
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Awesome T-800 and T-1000 FU! Need I say more? The whole hospital sequence is a total blast once things get going there. Lots of action, action, action!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Lorne Balfe does a good job of inserting bits of the original Terminator theme and other bits (by Brad Fiedel) while also adding in his own background music. The music department also did a nice job of using music appropriate for the time periods of 1984 and 2017.
Conclusion: If you've enjoyed the other works in the "Terminator" franchise, you should love this new addition. Lots of great robot/android action! Make sure to stay for an extra scene during the credits. The cycle is always a changing, but it does not end. Heh heh
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J. K. Simmons, Byung-hun Lee, Dayo Okeniyi, Matt Smith, Courtney B. Vance, Michael Gladis, Wayne Bastrup, and more.
Directed by: Alan Taylor Written by: Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier Based on Characters Created by: James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd Cinematography by: Kramer Morgenthau Music by: Lorne Balfe
Premise: Kyle Reese volunteers to go back in time to save John Connor's mother. She is being targeted by Skynet to stop John Connor from being born and leading the resistance after Judgement Day. Reese thinks he knows what he's walking into, but from the moment he appears in 1984, nothing goes as planned, and Sarah Connor might not actually need his help at all. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Arnold Schwarzenegger reprises his role as model T-800. Arnold looks like he had a ton of fun doing it, too. Fun that translates rather well for the audience, thus increasing our enjoyment. Emilia Clarke was great as Sarah Connor - tough as nails and then some. (The fan geek in me thinks it is somewhat cool that she and Lena Headey are both in Game of Thrones - especially since Lena Headey has also played Sarah Connor!) Jason Clarke did some great bits as John Connor. Jai Courtney was fun to watch as Kyle, as the latter realizes everything he believes is not turning out to be quite like he expected. The fact he has to share Sarah with Pops doesn't go over well either. lol. J.K. Simmons added a nice bit of flavor as O'Brien as well as adding a layer to the time travel bits.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of cool tech both in the future and in 2017. We see Judgement Day happen at the opening recap. Skynet's takeover in those first moments and the view of San Francisco taking a hit looked fantastic. (Have you noticed how poor San Francisco has been the site for all sorts of disasters lately? Is San Francisco taking over the role of "Tokyo"? :P)
The terminator units look as good as ever and then some. Great seeing a bunch of them walking around at once. :) There's a new terminator type we're introduced to during the film, which is very cool. Heck, we even see the best way to actually get rid of a T-1000! All the hardware was fabulous.
Explosions, gun fire from a ton of different types of weapons, shotgun blasts, car chases, helicopter chases (that's new!), crashes, and more. The scene with the bus flipping makes total sense once put in context (seems the cause has actually made one do so in real life). And I have to say that when it is hanging on the edge, they took that old ploy in a somewhat different presentation and it worked great.
They also did a good job recreating several scenes from the original "Terminator" - though they didn't keep anyone with eighties hairstyles. Heh heh.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: While the commercials gave some bits away, there are plenty of other fun surprises that weren't revealed in the previews. Yay!
They start us out with the story as we've always known it, then it takes a twist. (I cannot help myself here. I didn't realize/remember that Matt Smith was in this film. So when I saw him standing there right as they send Kyle Reese back in time all I could think of was "The Doctor has come to watch a major nexus in space/time!" Bwahahaha.)
The main thing most of the Terminator films have in common is playing with time travel. In several ways, what they're trying to do here mirrors plot lines somewhat explored in the "Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles" - artificial intelligence developing outside of Skynet and possibly emotions as well, the ties that bind family, fate, and more.
The only major plot issue I found had to do with the countdown to the release of Genisys (was so glad to find out it wasn't just a typo but a brand!). Normal marketing people would not put out a count down to a release for something that wasn't actually working yet. So that suffered a little, especially when they use it as a 'now running out of time' excuse but it won't intrude until way down the film - so try to ignore it.
Reese gets hit by a car (or it could have been Sarah - hard to tell) but neither seemed to suffer much from it. I'd expect that from a T-800 (and he does!), but not a human. The souped up CAT scan machine was also a surprise, but I could have missed something about that one during the insane chaos at the hospital.
There were a ton of small, funny moments throughout the film - most of them centering on Pops. They were a ton of fun! The silent amo loading testosterone filled throwdown was too funny! I also loved the subtle cues that Pops AI had been developing some skills of its own in the emotion department.
Lots of other subtle touches for Sarah and Reese with regards to combat. Her destruction of plans on her way out, Reese grabbing the bag of guns during the bus escape, little details the two kept track of and they were there if we looked. Nice.
(As an aside - I am betting the person responsible for the deleted files in Pops is Pops Mark II - you'll understand when you get there. Heh heh)
Make sure to sit through part of the credits!!!!
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Awesome T-800 and T-1000 FU! Need I say more? The whole hospital sequence is a total blast once things get going there. Lots of action, action, action!
5) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Lorne Balfe does a good job of inserting bits of the original Terminator theme and other bits (by Brad Fiedel) while also adding in his own background music. The music department also did a nice job of using music appropriate for the time periods of 1984 and 2017.
Conclusion: If you've enjoyed the other works in the "Terminator" franchise, you should love this new addition. Lots of great robot/android action! Make sure to stay for an extra scene during the credits. The cycle is always a changing, but it does not end. Heh heh
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
July 1, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/1/15
Morning!
Let the Sun Shine by Gilad Mass at Earthshots.org I like the solitary emphasis on the one sunflower. :)
Gilad Mass has more nature, abstracts, and macro photos at his site. Lovely work!
Had to share one more from Gilad Mass. Quite a diverse portfolio.
Nauset Galactic by Timothy Little at Earthshots.org Love the composition of our light (from the lighthouse) adding to the Universe's light. :) He also has a diverse portfolio, so go take a look.
Starry Photos of Glowworms in Limestone Caves article by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Photography by Joseph Michael. How cool are these? Nice!
Joseph Michael also has a lot of other cool photography at his site. This one comes from the "While You Were Sleeping" album.
Have a great day!
Let the Sun Shine by Gilad Mass at Earthshots.org I like the solitary emphasis on the one sunflower. :)
Gilad Mass has more nature, abstracts, and macro photos at his site. Lovely work!
Had to share one more from Gilad Mass. Quite a diverse portfolio.
Nauset Galactic by Timothy Little at Earthshots.org Love the composition of our light (from the lighthouse) adding to the Universe's light. :) He also has a diverse portfolio, so go take a look.
Starry Photos of Glowworms in Limestone Caves article by Michael Zhang at PetaPixel. Photography by Joseph Michael. How cool are these? Nice!
Joseph Michael also has a lot of other cool photography at his site. This one comes from the "While You Were Sleeping" album.
Have a great day!
June 29, 2015
Mind Sieve 6/29/15
Had a great time at SoonerCon!
But it also means quick post for Monday. heh heh
Hitman Agent 47 Official Trailer 2 - Booyah! I am so there! lol.
Sleeping With Other People Official Trailer 1 - could be very cute!
Cooties Official Trailer - ROFL! Zombie children due to chicken nuggets. lol.
Okay, have a great Monday everyone!
But it also means quick post for Monday. heh heh
Hitman Agent 47 Official Trailer 2 - Booyah! I am so there! lol.
Sleeping With Other People Official Trailer 1 - could be very cute!
Cooties Official Trailer - ROFL! Zombie children due to chicken nuggets. lol.
Okay, have a great Monday everyone!
June 24, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 6/24/15 - A-kon 2015
Good morning all!
As always, A-kon was full of costumes!
Look at that hat!
Black Butler - knives and all!
His armor really did look nice!
This one was fantastic! Floating ball and all!
Cosplayers Assemble!
Beautiful fairy goodness!
The hand armor looked so neat.
Frolicking angels?
This can't end well. :P
All decked out for trouble. heh heh
Princesses?
Ah, my brother came to his first anime convention ever to help us out. This was the line he stood in to get us some grub. Thanks Bro!
Black Crows in the House!
Isn't she adorable?
Blinged out from top to bottom.
Dragonball's Mr. Satan! (A super softie dude)
Those WILL put an eye out! lol. Fab costume.
Even demons like their bling. Love those ears!
Imposing, no?
Not sure if it is Tony Stark as a bee or something else...?
Hawkgirl - doesn't she look fab?!
Game of Thrones cast! They looked great!
Some of the goodies available this year.
So many temptations
Love, love, love this one! Didn't the costume come out amazing?!
This one too!
Soul Eater peeps!
A prim and proper princess for sure. :)
May the day be good to you!
As always, A-kon was full of costumes!
Look at that hat!
Black Butler - knives and all!
His armor really did look nice!
This one was fantastic! Floating ball and all!
Cosplayers Assemble!
Beautiful fairy goodness!
The hand armor looked so neat.
Frolicking angels?
This can't end well. :P
All decked out for trouble. heh heh
Princesses?
Ah, my brother came to his first anime convention ever to help us out. This was the line he stood in to get us some grub. Thanks Bro!
Black Crows in the House!
Isn't she adorable?
Blinged out from top to bottom.
Dragonball's Mr. Satan! (A super softie dude)
Those WILL put an eye out! lol. Fab costume.
Even demons like their bling. Love those ears!
Imposing, no?
Not sure if it is Tony Stark as a bee or something else...?
Hawkgirl - doesn't she look fab?!
Game of Thrones cast! They looked great!
Some of the goodies available this year.
So many temptations
Love, love, love this one! Didn't the costume come out amazing?!
This one too!
Soul Eater peeps!
A prim and proper princess for sure. :)
May the day be good to you!
June 22, 2015
Mind Sieve 6/22/15
Hello Monday!
Fan Fun
Kung Fu Panda 3 Official Trailer #1 - Woohoo! Hubby and I laughed like loons when we saw the preview. lol. Like Father Like Son.
The Peanuts Movie Official Trailer 2 - so cute!
The Secret Life of Pets Official Teaser Trailer - ROFL I am so there. lol
The Martian - Bring Him Home - Official Trailer HQ - Robinson Crusoe on Mars?
Social Media/Author PlatformSave Money by Designing Your Own Promo from Jami Gold. I've made my own and gotten files from my publisher to try to use components for book trailers, etc. There are definitely benefits and pitfalls.
How to Get Results From Facebook Ads on a Budget from the Social Media Examiner - article by Jenny Brennan
Writing AdviceMore than Just a Flashback—Introducing the Easter Egg by Kristen Lamb. Good info!
And that's a wrap! Have a great week!
Fan Fun
Kung Fu Panda 3 Official Trailer #1 - Woohoo! Hubby and I laughed like loons when we saw the preview. lol. Like Father Like Son.
The Peanuts Movie Official Trailer 2 - so cute!
The Secret Life of Pets Official Teaser Trailer - ROFL I am so there. lol
The Martian - Bring Him Home - Official Trailer HQ - Robinson Crusoe on Mars?
Social Media/Author PlatformSave Money by Designing Your Own Promo from Jami Gold. I've made my own and gotten files from my publisher to try to use components for book trailers, etc. There are definitely benefits and pitfalls.
How to Get Results From Facebook Ads on a Budget from the Social Media Examiner - article by Jenny Brennan
Writing AdviceMore than Just a Flashback—Introducing the Easter Egg by Kristen Lamb. Good info!
And that's a wrap! Have a great week!
June 21, 2015
Virtual Tourist - TERA 6/21/15
Happy Father's Day All!
TERA
Have lost track of where we were. DOH!
Me Ugly Totem!
Me love you long time!
Funky!
Magic Bot! Looks cool! (And a little scary)
Research Facility
Do love that architecture!
Very austere
Ooooh!
This clock is super cool!
Love the water falling inside the loops!
Nice!
Elevators!
So cool!
Have a great day!
TERA
Have lost track of where we were. DOH!
Me Ugly Totem!
Me love you long time!
Funky!
Magic Bot! Looks cool! (And a little scary)
Research Facility
Do love that architecture!
Very austere
Ooooh!
This clock is super cool!
Love the water falling inside the loops!
Nice!
Elevators!
So cool!
Have a great day!
June 20, 2015
SoonerCon 2015 Schedule!
Next week is SoonerCon!
And their final panel listing is complete.
So click away on the images to get all the deets!
As for my panels....
Friday
Time Room
3:00 pm Mann (Film/TV) Godzilla at 60
As the longest-running movie series in history, Godzilla has been both a cult classic and mainstream hit. We discuss why Godzilla is still loved today.
5:00 pm Maynard (Writing) Vampires, Mummies, and Zombies: Why the Undead Fascinate Us
Panelists look at life, death, undeath and re-death
Saturday
Time Room
10:00 am Ballroom D - Main Programming Koffee Klatch
Morning networking with convention guests.
2:00 pm Mann (Film/TV) The Doctor and His Companions: Helper or Hindrance
The companion has been called the "voice of the audience" and the "Doctor's conscience." Does the Doctor need a companion or can he explore time and space on his own?
3:00 pm Ballroom A (Media/Science) Kaiju, Unicorns, Bigfoot, and Dragons
What fantasy beasts and humanoids are plausible, and which are simply fiction? We take a practical look at supernatural creatures.
Sunday
Time Room
11:00 am Mann (Film/TV) Declassifying Stargate
Balancing scientific and social advancement with the need for secrecy is a recurring theme in Stargate. Could an interstellar exploration program actually stay hidden from the public?
Should be awesome! Hope to see you there!
And their final panel listing is complete.
So click away on the images to get all the deets!
As for my panels....
Friday
Time Room
3:00 pm Mann (Film/TV) Godzilla at 60
As the longest-running movie series in history, Godzilla has been both a cult classic and mainstream hit. We discuss why Godzilla is still loved today.
5:00 pm Maynard (Writing) Vampires, Mummies, and Zombies: Why the Undead Fascinate Us
Panelists look at life, death, undeath and re-death
Saturday
Time Room
10:00 am Ballroom D - Main Programming Koffee Klatch
Morning networking with convention guests.
2:00 pm Mann (Film/TV) The Doctor and His Companions: Helper or Hindrance
The companion has been called the "voice of the audience" and the "Doctor's conscience." Does the Doctor need a companion or can he explore time and space on his own?
3:00 pm Ballroom A (Media/Science) Kaiju, Unicorns, Bigfoot, and Dragons
What fantasy beasts and humanoids are plausible, and which are simply fiction? We take a practical look at supernatural creatures.
Sunday
Time Room
11:00 am Mann (Film/TV) Declassifying Stargate
Balancing scientific and social advancement with the need for secrecy is a recurring theme in Stargate. Could an interstellar exploration program actually stay hidden from the public?
Should be awesome! Hope to see you there!
