Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 52
January 11, 2015
Virtual Tourist - TERA 1/11/15
Morning!
Been working even more hours at work - wah! So no new Sherlock pics this week. But not to worry, more TERA is available!
TERA
Essenia
Blessing Basin
Meeting the Goddess of Fate
And there she is! :)
Aren't those flowers pretty?
Blight Forest
This one is hungry.
Halloween decorations in town.
Our latest armor.
Isn't she adorable?
Love the colors in this area
And look at that sky!
Back to Westonia
So forbidding and full of foreboding, no?
Sweeping approach
They must like the cold here. No walls! Brrrrr
May you have a tranquil and restful week. I know I could use one! :)
Been working even more hours at work - wah! So no new Sherlock pics this week. But not to worry, more TERA is available!
TERA
Essenia
Blessing Basin
Meeting the Goddess of Fate
And there she is! :)
Aren't those flowers pretty?
Blight Forest
This one is hungry.
Halloween decorations in town.
Our latest armor.
Isn't she adorable?
Love the colors in this area
And look at that sky!
Back to Westonia
So forbidding and full of foreboding, no?
Sweeping approach
They must like the cold here. No walls! Brrrrr
May you have a tranquil and restful week. I know I could use one! :)
January 9, 2015
Movie Review - The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death
The Woman in Black 2: The Angel of Death
Starring: Phoebe Fox, Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Jude Wright, Amelia Crouch, Pip Pearce, Casper Allpress, Adrian Rawlins, Leanne Best, Amelia Pidgeon, Leilah de Meza, Alfie Simmons, Oaklee Pendergast, and more.
Directed by: Tom Harper Screenplay by: Jon Croker Story by: Susan Hill Cinematography by: George Steel Music by: Marco Beltrami, Brandon Roberts, and Marcus Trumpp
Premise: Forty years after the last visitor stayed at Eel Marsh House, two teachers and a gaggle of students come to the house to escape the bombings in London during WWII. Tom, one of the students under Eve Parkin's, care lost his mother right before the group left London. His grief draws the Woman in Black, yet it is Eve Parkin's secret that draws out her ire. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Phoebe Fox was delightful as Eve Parkins. From her concern for her charges to the very 'stiff upper lip' attitude, it was easy to read her fears and feelings. Helen McCrory gave Jean Hogg an air of efficiency and certainty, and later strength. Jude Wright as Tom made you feel for him as he attempts to deal with his recent tragedy. Jeremy Irvine was perfect as the young pilot and possible love interest, and made his portrayal all the more poignant when other information is revealed.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Just as in the old days, the one thing Hammer films always excelled at was atmosphere. And with the amazing special effects now available, Hammer has taken their craft to new levels as they mix the old with the new.
Rather than resort to typical scare fest tactics, the film makers go more for the creepy - the flicker of movement just at the corner of the eye, a creeping hand, doors that unlock themselves, disturbing visuals. The loud thumping permeating the house, like a gigantic heart, growing less and less the close you come, until you find a rocking chair going back and forth in a dark corner with no one sitting there.
They have a lot of fun with fire at the airfield. And the house is creepier than ever. The road and the rising water and the marsh - great stuff.
The scene in the water towards the end was a lovely piece of work as well.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: My husband and I didn't see the first Woman in Black at the theaters. We're not big into modern jump horror. But the draw of the time period it was set in, the fact Daniel Radcliffe was starring in it, and that it was a Hammer Film, got us to watch it on TV. We loved it - it had all the elements we liked, creepy but not a scare fest, had a mystery, and was fun. So when we saw there was going to be a Woman In Black 2, we decided to definitely see it on the big screen. I wasn't sure how they could pull another one after the first, but they did!
As with the first film, the time was set in an interesting time period - 1940s, during the London bombings and the exodus of children out to remote locations to keep them safe. Like in the first film, there are mysteries entwined in the plot, but this time they relate more to those coming to the house than the ghost in the house. And hints begin even before the group arrives at the house.
Subliminally, many social beliefs of the time are brought out for inspection by the modern film viewer - how one was expected to deal with grief and loss, the expectations on women and men of the period, the harsh realities of war, and the extremes of keeping a brave face and avoiding scandal (keep an eye on the parents in the recurring hospital scene - speaks volumes!). The glimpse into the lives of those in London said a lot as well.
As with the first film, hubby and I had a ton of fodder to talk about once it was over. I love the duality they play with with regards to the Woman In Black herself. If just studied on the surface, she seems to be an evil, vindictive creature - but in fact, at least after Arthur Kipps helped her in the first film, she's turned into a more nurturing and sane creature. But the states of life and death mean nothing to her - they are states of being - and not something she cares about one way or another. So if to teach you a lesson or to reward you means you have to die, so be it. So when you look at matters from that perspective, it opens up a whole new way of seeing the events presented in the film.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: For those who saw the first film, you won't recognize the village. In many ways, it was creepier than the Eel Marsh House! The haunted house itself showed aging, wear and tear, yet other things within it were almost pristine, as if guarded. The hallway upstairs was as long and foreboding as ever. The marsh, the cemetery, and that long winding piece of road with the encroaching water - still super creepy. The lonely view from the upstairs window and the cross always in view. Very nice!
Conclusion: If you like your horror to be spooky, filled with mystery, and all things supernatural, this film is for you! Great mood, great settings, perfect for creepy story time.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Phoebe Fox, Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine, Jude Wright, Amelia Crouch, Pip Pearce, Casper Allpress, Adrian Rawlins, Leanne Best, Amelia Pidgeon, Leilah de Meza, Alfie Simmons, Oaklee Pendergast, and more.
Directed by: Tom Harper Screenplay by: Jon Croker Story by: Susan Hill Cinematography by: George Steel Music by: Marco Beltrami, Brandon Roberts, and Marcus Trumpp
Premise: Forty years after the last visitor stayed at Eel Marsh House, two teachers and a gaggle of students come to the house to escape the bombings in London during WWII. Tom, one of the students under Eve Parkin's, care lost his mother right before the group left London. His grief draws the Woman in Black, yet it is Eve Parkin's secret that draws out her ire. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Phoebe Fox was delightful as Eve Parkins. From her concern for her charges to the very 'stiff upper lip' attitude, it was easy to read her fears and feelings. Helen McCrory gave Jean Hogg an air of efficiency and certainty, and later strength. Jude Wright as Tom made you feel for him as he attempts to deal with his recent tragedy. Jeremy Irvine was perfect as the young pilot and possible love interest, and made his portrayal all the more poignant when other information is revealed.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Just as in the old days, the one thing Hammer films always excelled at was atmosphere. And with the amazing special effects now available, Hammer has taken their craft to new levels as they mix the old with the new.
Rather than resort to typical scare fest tactics, the film makers go more for the creepy - the flicker of movement just at the corner of the eye, a creeping hand, doors that unlock themselves, disturbing visuals. The loud thumping permeating the house, like a gigantic heart, growing less and less the close you come, until you find a rocking chair going back and forth in a dark corner with no one sitting there.
They have a lot of fun with fire at the airfield. And the house is creepier than ever. The road and the rising water and the marsh - great stuff.
The scene in the water towards the end was a lovely piece of work as well.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: My husband and I didn't see the first Woman in Black at the theaters. We're not big into modern jump horror. But the draw of the time period it was set in, the fact Daniel Radcliffe was starring in it, and that it was a Hammer Film, got us to watch it on TV. We loved it - it had all the elements we liked, creepy but not a scare fest, had a mystery, and was fun. So when we saw there was going to be a Woman In Black 2, we decided to definitely see it on the big screen. I wasn't sure how they could pull another one after the first, but they did!
As with the first film, the time was set in an interesting time period - 1940s, during the London bombings and the exodus of children out to remote locations to keep them safe. Like in the first film, there are mysteries entwined in the plot, but this time they relate more to those coming to the house than the ghost in the house. And hints begin even before the group arrives at the house.
Subliminally, many social beliefs of the time are brought out for inspection by the modern film viewer - how one was expected to deal with grief and loss, the expectations on women and men of the period, the harsh realities of war, and the extremes of keeping a brave face and avoiding scandal (keep an eye on the parents in the recurring hospital scene - speaks volumes!). The glimpse into the lives of those in London said a lot as well.
As with the first film, hubby and I had a ton of fodder to talk about once it was over. I love the duality they play with with regards to the Woman In Black herself. If just studied on the surface, she seems to be an evil, vindictive creature - but in fact, at least after Arthur Kipps helped her in the first film, she's turned into a more nurturing and sane creature. But the states of life and death mean nothing to her - they are states of being - and not something she cares about one way or another. So if to teach you a lesson or to reward you means you have to die, so be it. So when you look at matters from that perspective, it opens up a whole new way of seeing the events presented in the film.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: For those who saw the first film, you won't recognize the village. In many ways, it was creepier than the Eel Marsh House! The haunted house itself showed aging, wear and tear, yet other things within it were almost pristine, as if guarded. The hallway upstairs was as long and foreboding as ever. The marsh, the cemetery, and that long winding piece of road with the encroaching water - still super creepy. The lonely view from the upstairs window and the cross always in view. Very nice!
Conclusion: If you like your horror to be spooky, filled with mystery, and all things supernatural, this film is for you! Great mood, great settings, perfect for creepy story time.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
January 7, 2015
Picture Kaleidoscope 1/7/15
Life conspired against the Picture Kaleidoscope post last week, but not this week!
Have all sorts of weird stuff. I'll try not to get carried away. :)
We hardly ever get fog. But we got fog here! Lots of strange weather this winter.
But the skies have been fabulous!
Got an almost X-File feel to it, doesn't it? Heh heh
Hey, is that a UFO? (Airport is nearby. So probably a plane. But didn't notice it till now! lol)
Look at the COLORS!!!! Aren't they amazing?
Walked to my car and BAM - Grapevine train going by!
COLORS!!!!!!
Somewhat muted here in comparison. Heh
The sky was just funky! My turning not so even though...
In-Laws have the coolest Christmas Village!
Aren't they neat?
Now we just need some train tracks. Bwahahahahaha!
A couple of closeups for detail
So cute!
Yes, yes, YES! The Dancing Groot Pop figures are out!!!!! He's so CUTE! (Mine, mine, mine!)
This cheered me up the other day when I was bummed from all the OT at work. An adorable teapot shaped like an elephant with rider! Isn't it adorable?
So much cuteness! YES!
Have all sorts of weird stuff. I'll try not to get carried away. :)
We hardly ever get fog. But we got fog here! Lots of strange weather this winter.
But the skies have been fabulous!
Got an almost X-File feel to it, doesn't it? Heh heh
Hey, is that a UFO? (Airport is nearby. So probably a plane. But didn't notice it till now! lol)
Look at the COLORS!!!! Aren't they amazing?
Walked to my car and BAM - Grapevine train going by!
COLORS!!!!!!
Somewhat muted here in comparison. Heh
The sky was just funky! My turning not so even though...
In-Laws have the coolest Christmas Village!
Aren't they neat?
Now we just need some train tracks. Bwahahahahaha!
A couple of closeups for detail
So cute!
Yes, yes, YES! The Dancing Groot Pop figures are out!!!!! He's so CUTE! (Mine, mine, mine!)
This cheered me up the other day when I was bummed from all the OT at work. An adorable teapot shaped like an elephant with rider! Isn't it adorable?
So much cuteness! YES!
January 5, 2015
MInd Sieve 1/5/15
Morning!
This will be a quick one again. Between RL work, work I'm doing for one of my publishers, and life in general, something ends up having to give. I might get a break by February, or not. Wheee!
Fan Fun
Ant-Man Teaser Trailer - Hah! That should be fun. Read the comics ages ago.
Taken 3 Promo Music Video - where they even make fun of themselves. lol
Cinderella featurette - the live action version looks cool!
And there we are. Till next time!
This will be a quick one again. Between RL work, work I'm doing for one of my publishers, and life in general, something ends up having to give. I might get a break by February, or not. Wheee!
Fan Fun
Ant-Man Teaser Trailer - Hah! That should be fun. Read the comics ages ago.
Taken 3 Promo Music Video - where they even make fun of themselves. lol
Cinderella featurette - the live action version looks cool!
And there we are. Till next time!
January 4, 2015
Virtual Tourist - Sherlock Holmes Crimes and Punishment 1/4/15
Morning all!
Finally figured out how to take pics in the new game. Feel stupid as F12 worked like a champ. DOH!
So I am some ways in and can't show you the Roman baths and ruins which were fantastic. The attention to detail was fabulous! (May have to go back later! The game overrides itself and saving is not up to you, so...)
Sherlock Holmes Crimes and Punishment
Case 5 - Kew Gardens
Game opening screen. Unreal engine
Back area of the Kew Gardens. Quite funny snippet on why we came out here and then stumbled on the murder. Watson was too funny. :P
Other Kew Garden buildings as seen from the back
Sherlock and the Seed House
FInally remembered how to change perspective so I can have pics without him in them. Heh. Look at that sky!
Gorgeous detail on this tree.
Sherlock and Watson. Once into the work, you won't want to talk to Watson, he just gives the same opinion. lol.
View of part of the Colonial Collection from outside the greenhouse. The wisteria out here was lovely!
Administrative offices and front of the Kew Gardens.
When you go to speak to someone, one of the first things I always do is what Sherlock does, click the portrait picture and look over the person to gain clues about them
The tropical green house
When you get clues, you go into this screen and make connections. They form up like synapsis/ganglia and they starts connecting to each other
When moving to other places on the map, you watch them in the carriage. The outside scenes change and the people inside will change depending on who's riding along. Also gives you time to check cloues and look at the case book.
221B Baker Street - front area
221B Baker Street back of the room
Scotland Yard
When looking at stuff, you go into a different screen and can turn things in different directions to pick up more info.
Back to Kew Gardens
Sherlock having a dialogue with a possible suspect
Really lovely work on the gardens!
Administrators office at Kew Gardens
Safe's lock, which is also a puzzle.
Took a bit to get started on the very first screen as some there's no intro on how to move and do, though once you figure it out, it's much better. The repartee between Holmes and Watson is very good, and Watson brings up stuff he was miffed at Holmes for from previous cases. Heh heh.
Have a great Sunday!
Finally figured out how to take pics in the new game. Feel stupid as F12 worked like a champ. DOH!
So I am some ways in and can't show you the Roman baths and ruins which were fantastic. The attention to detail was fabulous! (May have to go back later! The game overrides itself and saving is not up to you, so...)
Sherlock Holmes Crimes and Punishment
Case 5 - Kew Gardens
Game opening screen. Unreal engine
Back area of the Kew Gardens. Quite funny snippet on why we came out here and then stumbled on the murder. Watson was too funny. :P
Other Kew Garden buildings as seen from the back
Sherlock and the Seed House
FInally remembered how to change perspective so I can have pics without him in them. Heh. Look at that sky!
Gorgeous detail on this tree.
Sherlock and Watson. Once into the work, you won't want to talk to Watson, he just gives the same opinion. lol.
View of part of the Colonial Collection from outside the greenhouse. The wisteria out here was lovely!
Administrative offices and front of the Kew Gardens.
When you go to speak to someone, one of the first things I always do is what Sherlock does, click the portrait picture and look over the person to gain clues about them
The tropical green house
When you get clues, you go into this screen and make connections. They form up like synapsis/ganglia and they starts connecting to each other
When moving to other places on the map, you watch them in the carriage. The outside scenes change and the people inside will change depending on who's riding along. Also gives you time to check cloues and look at the case book.
221B Baker Street - front area
221B Baker Street back of the room
Scotland Yard
When looking at stuff, you go into a different screen and can turn things in different directions to pick up more info.
Back to Kew Gardens
Sherlock having a dialogue with a possible suspect
Really lovely work on the gardens!
Administrators office at Kew Gardens
Safe's lock, which is also a puzzle.
Took a bit to get started on the very first screen as some there's no intro on how to move and do, though once you figure it out, it's much better. The repartee between Holmes and Watson is very good, and Watson brings up stuff he was miffed at Holmes for from previous cases. Heh heh.
Have a great Sunday!
December 29, 2014
Mind Sieve 12/29/14
Morning all!
2014 is almost done and 2015 coming in. Scary, isn't it?
Let's see how far I get this week. :)
Fan Fun
Penny Dreadful Season 2 Trailer - ooooh!
The Longest Ride Official Trailer - two love stories set forty years apart. Could be interesting.
The Dead Lands International Trailer #1 - New fight styles to watch - sweet!
The Portal Official Trailer - this might be a hoot! lol
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Year In Review - This Week In Social Media from Cindy King at the Social Media Examiner. Some interesting bits.
Merry Christmas! Have a Cookie by Jami Gold. Awesome advice that spreads comfort and happiness to others as well as ourselves and even helps with all our social media as authors. Go, Jami! A smile really can make a world of difference!
Writing AdviceMake Readers Suffer - Great Fiction Goes for the GUTS by Kristen Lamb. Great advice!
Woot! Slightly less lame post! Booyah!
Have a great week!
2014 is almost done and 2015 coming in. Scary, isn't it?
Let's see how far I get this week. :)
Fan Fun
Penny Dreadful Season 2 Trailer - ooooh!
The Longest Ride Official Trailer - two love stories set forty years apart. Could be interesting.
The Dead Lands International Trailer #1 - New fight styles to watch - sweet!
The Portal Official Trailer - this might be a hoot! lol
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Year In Review - This Week In Social Media from Cindy King at the Social Media Examiner. Some interesting bits.
Merry Christmas! Have a Cookie by Jami Gold. Awesome advice that spreads comfort and happiness to others as well as ourselves and even helps with all our social media as authors. Go, Jami! A smile really can make a world of difference!
Writing AdviceMake Readers Suffer - Great Fiction Goes for the GUTS by Kristen Lamb. Great advice!
Woot! Slightly less lame post! Booyah!
Have a great week!
December 28, 2014
Virtual Tourist - TERA 12/28/14
Still trying to figure out how to get pics for Sherlock Crime & Punishment. I have one more thing I can try and hopefully will today. :P Wish me luck!
So until such a time....
TERA
Westonia (Figured out where we are again! Yay!)
Winter Wonderland of DOOM! But still pretty. :)
Such a forbidding sky.
Looks so cold.
Neat spires
Heaters YES!
Those cabins do not look weather proofed at all! Heh heh
EsseniaBlight Forest
Back to the green and the warmth! Beautiful autumn colors here.
And the sky!
Flora and ruins, plus bad glowing stuff.
Trouble.
Blessing Basin in Essenia
A truly beautiful place.
Love the statue!
Miniature of the giant flying fish?
A visitation begins
A goddess - Princess Leia's older sister perhaps? :P
Hope you have a fabulous Sunday!
So until such a time....
TERA
Westonia (Figured out where we are again! Yay!)
Winter Wonderland of DOOM! But still pretty. :)
Such a forbidding sky.
Looks so cold.
Neat spires
Heaters YES!
Those cabins do not look weather proofed at all! Heh heh
EsseniaBlight Forest
Back to the green and the warmth! Beautiful autumn colors here.
And the sky!
Flora and ruins, plus bad glowing stuff.
Trouble.
Blessing Basin in Essenia
A truly beautiful place.
Love the statue!
Miniature of the giant flying fish?
A visitation begins
A goddess - Princess Leia's older sister perhaps? :P
Hope you have a fabulous Sunday!
December 26, 2014
Movie Review - The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, James Northcote, Tom Goodman-Hill, Alex Lawther, Jack Bannon, and more.
Directed by: Morten Tyldum Screenplay by: Graham Moore Based on the Book by: Andrew Hodges Cinematography by: Oscar Faura Music by: Alexandre Desplat
Premise: A detective becomes interested in a robbery in 1951 after meeting the victim, Alan Turing. The detective feels the victim is hiding something and decides to dig deeper. Flashing back to 1939, we see Alan Turing at his work and trials on creating a machine able to decode Germany's unbreakable Enigma machine. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Benedict Cumberbatch shines in his portrayal of the mathematical and code breaking prodigy Alan Turing. He does a fantastic job getting across Turing's social confusion and other feelings as he takes on the job to break Enigma's naval code. His bumbling attempts at levity, or making inadvertent jokes, will strangely endear all those watching to the mathematician - one of Cumberbatch's incredible abilities.
Keira Knightley also shone as Joan Clarke, a capable woman pigeon holed by society and her parents not to amount to anything despite her amazing talents. It was great seeing Allen Leech again and the surprises he brings with him as well. Great job from all the cast members.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: While not a flashy special effects type of film, the Christopher/Ultra/Bombe machine seen at its various states of construction was fascinating and was kept within the technologies available at the time, even as it made some leaps forward. The audience will be as excited as the actors when those circles begin to spin, and later when they stop!
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The story grabs the audience almost immediately - beginning in 1951 and showing Alan Turing in an interrogation room. The mathematician begins speaking to the audience, giving several rules, and how he will not repeat himself, so all must listen carefully.
It is after we're told of a burglary at Turing's and Nock's suspicion that Turing is hiding something that propels the story back to 1939.
The rest of the tale is told with small leaps back to Turing's youth at school, and the investigation in 1951 as matters progress in 1939. So you get to know the man and how he became to be as he was. There's a phrase used several times, which proves to be a turning point for many people.
While most matters proceed as you'd expect, lots of lovely curve balls show up throughout the story. You'll also be happy to know that Joan Clarke was not a token female, but was an actual member of the team, brought slowly forth into the group as Turing and the others pushed for her to help with the work.
There's a lot having to do with the Enigma machines and different encryption levels used by the different branches of the German military that don't get disclosed, but was not really needed as it kept the information more focused. But it was specifically the naval's super high encryption and water soluble code books that caused the most trouble for decoding their encryption, especially at the short time frames before the codes were changed. Truly a mind boggling problem.
The ending both in the 40's and 50's truly brings home the sacrifice, service, and sadness of all those who worked during that time - so I would advice taking some tissues.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: A lot of the filming happened at actual historical locations - Bletchley Park, Sherborne School, London, King's Cross Station and more. The sequence with the crossword puzzle really brings home some of what the regular population was going through during those trying times.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Running a span of thirty or so years, great care was taken with the costuming and hairstyles. Several times, when they would switch years, the costumes alone were enough to ground you into the proper time location.
Conclusion: The Imitation Game is a fascinating look at the man and the struggle to beat the Enigma naval codes used by the Germans during World War II. The superb cast and cross pollination storytelling made it an incredibly fascinating watch.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, James Northcote, Tom Goodman-Hill, Alex Lawther, Jack Bannon, and more.
Directed by: Morten Tyldum Screenplay by: Graham Moore Based on the Book by: Andrew Hodges Cinematography by: Oscar Faura Music by: Alexandre Desplat
Premise: A detective becomes interested in a robbery in 1951 after meeting the victim, Alan Turing. The detective feels the victim is hiding something and decides to dig deeper. Flashing back to 1939, we see Alan Turing at his work and trials on creating a machine able to decode Germany's unbreakable Enigma machine. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Benedict Cumberbatch shines in his portrayal of the mathematical and code breaking prodigy Alan Turing. He does a fantastic job getting across Turing's social confusion and other feelings as he takes on the job to break Enigma's naval code. His bumbling attempts at levity, or making inadvertent jokes, will strangely endear all those watching to the mathematician - one of Cumberbatch's incredible abilities.
Keira Knightley also shone as Joan Clarke, a capable woman pigeon holed by society and her parents not to amount to anything despite her amazing talents. It was great seeing Allen Leech again and the surprises he brings with him as well. Great job from all the cast members.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: While not a flashy special effects type of film, the Christopher/Ultra/Bombe machine seen at its various states of construction was fascinating and was kept within the technologies available at the time, even as it made some leaps forward. The audience will be as excited as the actors when those circles begin to spin, and later when they stop!
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The story grabs the audience almost immediately - beginning in 1951 and showing Alan Turing in an interrogation room. The mathematician begins speaking to the audience, giving several rules, and how he will not repeat himself, so all must listen carefully.
It is after we're told of a burglary at Turing's and Nock's suspicion that Turing is hiding something that propels the story back to 1939.
The rest of the tale is told with small leaps back to Turing's youth at school, and the investigation in 1951 as matters progress in 1939. So you get to know the man and how he became to be as he was. There's a phrase used several times, which proves to be a turning point for many people.
While most matters proceed as you'd expect, lots of lovely curve balls show up throughout the story. You'll also be happy to know that Joan Clarke was not a token female, but was an actual member of the team, brought slowly forth into the group as Turing and the others pushed for her to help with the work.
There's a lot having to do with the Enigma machines and different encryption levels used by the different branches of the German military that don't get disclosed, but was not really needed as it kept the information more focused. But it was specifically the naval's super high encryption and water soluble code books that caused the most trouble for decoding their encryption, especially at the short time frames before the codes were changed. Truly a mind boggling problem.
The ending both in the 40's and 50's truly brings home the sacrifice, service, and sadness of all those who worked during that time - so I would advice taking some tissues.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: A lot of the filming happened at actual historical locations - Bletchley Park, Sherborne School, London, King's Cross Station and more. The sequence with the crossword puzzle really brings home some of what the regular population was going through during those trying times.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Running a span of thirty or so years, great care was taken with the costuming and hairstyles. Several times, when they would switch years, the costumes alone were enough to ground you into the proper time location.
Conclusion: The Imitation Game is a fascinating look at the man and the struggle to beat the Enigma naval codes used by the Germans during World War II. The superb cast and cross pollination storytelling made it an incredibly fascinating watch.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
December 24, 2014
Picture Kaleidoscope 12/24/14
Morning all!
Skipped my blog post last week, which was a sad thing. As I really tried! Been working way too much lately... Waaaahhhh
This week I'll be sharing random photos I've been popping here and there. :)
Before - look at those reds! Here in Texas we normally get a tinge of color then a hard freeze comes through and all the leaves are gone. This fall has been a lot more colorful and lovely than usual. Yay!
Same trees once naked. Eek!
The nieces and nephews avoiding the adults at Thanksgiving. Heh heh. Loved how the doorway just framed them perfectly. :)
Daystar! Ahhhhh!
It's amazing how fast the sun sets.
He's a little shy.
Don't run away!
And it's almost gone.
Is this not the coolest fan ever?!?! Gorgeous!
Some really lovely colors in the clouds that morning. (Was on my way to work - on the weekend. Both days. Waaaaahhhhh)
Have an awesome Christmas Eve!
Skipped my blog post last week, which was a sad thing. As I really tried! Been working way too much lately... Waaaahhhh
This week I'll be sharing random photos I've been popping here and there. :)
Before - look at those reds! Here in Texas we normally get a tinge of color then a hard freeze comes through and all the leaves are gone. This fall has been a lot more colorful and lovely than usual. Yay!
Same trees once naked. Eek!
The nieces and nephews avoiding the adults at Thanksgiving. Heh heh. Loved how the doorway just framed them perfectly. :)
Daystar! Ahhhhh!
It's amazing how fast the sun sets.
He's a little shy.
Don't run away!
And it's almost gone.
Is this not the coolest fan ever?!?! Gorgeous!
Some really lovely colors in the clouds that morning. (Was on my way to work - on the weekend. Both days. Waaaaahhhhh)
Have an awesome Christmas Eve!
December 22, 2014
Mind Sieve 12/22/14
Morning!
Yes, the lameness continues! Short post once more. Waaaahhhh
Fan Fun!
A Little Chaos Trailer #1 - Ohhhh! Great cast, interesting premise, Alan Rickman as Louie XIV - I am so there!
Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter Trailer - can't tell from the preview, but supposedly she finds a copy of the movie "Fargo" and decides it is a treasure map. lol. Should be bizarre!
The Phoenix Project Trailer - reanimation! Need to see more...
And a special treat - nothing says Christmas like Christmas lights set to Star Wars music! Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Light Show 2014 - Booyah! The longer you watch, the more cool stuff they do. :)
Hope you and yours have a great holiday week! Happy Holidays to All!
Yes, the lameness continues! Short post once more. Waaaahhhh
Fan Fun!
A Little Chaos Trailer #1 - Ohhhh! Great cast, interesting premise, Alan Rickman as Louie XIV - I am so there!
Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter Trailer - can't tell from the preview, but supposedly she finds a copy of the movie "Fargo" and decides it is a treasure map. lol. Should be bizarre!
The Phoenix Project Trailer - reanimation! Need to see more...
And a special treat - nothing says Christmas like Christmas lights set to Star Wars music! Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Light Show 2014 - Booyah! The longer you watch, the more cool stuff they do. :)
Hope you and yours have a great holiday week! Happy Holidays to All!
