Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 59
August 13, 2014
Picture Kaleidoscope 8/13/14 - Dallas ComicCon Fan Appreciation Day and more
Morning all!
Lots of awesome sunrises lately.
Flying Saucer Sunrise.
Or giant eye with lashes. She just winked! :)
Used the panorama function as the sky looked too good. This came out quite nice!
Lots of subdued colors.
Did I get carried away? Naw.
The dragon rises.
Molten honey or a sunny side up egg?
Lots of colors!
Wake up!
This past weekend was Dallas ComicCon's Fan Appreciation Day at the Irving Convention Center. Since it was just 1 day, I didn't expect much on the costume department. I couldn't have been more wrong. I curse the fact I forgot to charge up my phone!
Doesn't he look awesome? And on stilts too!
Tried to catch the rising rainbow led lights inside the helmet, but failed.
A lady brought her pig to the show! He was adorable. Not a pot belly, but I can't remember the breed she told me. Argh. But he was cute and super well behaved.
One of the local Halloween outfits is going to do a Japanese themed haunted house this year. Here's some of their group all dressed up. They look AWESOME!
The oni and tengu look fantastic!
Animal!!!! (The little kids loved her! lol)
More molten sky goodness.
Melting butter....mmmmm
Super puffy stuff.
Have an awesome day!
Lots of awesome sunrises lately.
Flying Saucer Sunrise.
Or giant eye with lashes. She just winked! :)
Used the panorama function as the sky looked too good. This came out quite nice!
Lots of subdued colors.
Did I get carried away? Naw.
The dragon rises.
Molten honey or a sunny side up egg?
Lots of colors!
Wake up!
This past weekend was Dallas ComicCon's Fan Appreciation Day at the Irving Convention Center. Since it was just 1 day, I didn't expect much on the costume department. I couldn't have been more wrong. I curse the fact I forgot to charge up my phone!
Doesn't he look awesome? And on stilts too!
Tried to catch the rising rainbow led lights inside the helmet, but failed.
A lady brought her pig to the show! He was adorable. Not a pot belly, but I can't remember the breed she told me. Argh. But he was cute and super well behaved.
One of the local Halloween outfits is going to do a Japanese themed haunted house this year. Here's some of their group all dressed up. They look AWESOME!
The oni and tengu look fantastic!
Animal!!!! (The little kids loved her! lol)
More molten sky goodness.
Melting butter....mmmmm
Super puffy stuff.
Have an awesome day!
August 11, 2014
Mind Sieve 8/11/14
Gooooooood Morning!
Fan Fun
Penguins of Madagascar Official Trailer 2 - I love these guys!!!! I am so totally there. :)
Left Behind Trailer 1 - weird premise, might be fun.
The Theory of Everything Official Trailer - Multiple hanky movie, but it looks so good. He's stated on record that without the disease he would have never focused enough to make the breakthroughs he has.
Star Wars Rebels A Look Ahead - looks fun. As long as the writing doesn't degrade like the last season of the previous TV series. :(
Camp X-Ray Official Trailer 1 - more hankies!
Social Media/Author PlatformFrom Pinterest - Start a Conversation About a Pin - new messaging feature.
Twitter Tactics To Increase Engagement from the Social Media Examiner - article by Neil Patel.
Writing AdviceMaking Writing a Priority and When Helping Is Hurting by Kristen Lamb.
And believe it or not - writing advice from Weird Al! Bwahahahahaha. Word Crimes
I am losing energy...must shut down....
Fan Fun
Penguins of Madagascar Official Trailer 2 - I love these guys!!!! I am so totally there. :)
Left Behind Trailer 1 - weird premise, might be fun.
The Theory of Everything Official Trailer - Multiple hanky movie, but it looks so good. He's stated on record that without the disease he would have never focused enough to make the breakthroughs he has.
Star Wars Rebels A Look Ahead - looks fun. As long as the writing doesn't degrade like the last season of the previous TV series. :(
Camp X-Ray Official Trailer 1 - more hankies!
Social Media/Author PlatformFrom Pinterest - Start a Conversation About a Pin - new messaging feature.
Twitter Tactics To Increase Engagement from the Social Media Examiner - article by Neil Patel.
Writing AdviceMaking Writing a Priority and When Helping Is Hurting by Kristen Lamb.
And believe it or not - writing advice from Weird Al! Bwahahahahaha. Word Crimes
I am losing energy...must shut down....
August 10, 2014
Virtual Tourist - TERA 8/10/14
Morning!
TERA
Cliffs of Insanity
Really a cool looking coffin.
Weird things glowing in the eternal night.
And some of the weirdest vampires ever!
Ruins surrounding the entrance to a dungeon.
Giant spider things of doom! Things are nasty!
We ventured into the dungeon just to see if two people could do it.
Male version of the vamps
So far so good!
Le Creepy!
New armor. Just before we were totally squashed into oblivion. Too hard for two. :(
She's just so adorable!!!!!
Ooooo!
Cool flaming phoenix mount!
Main City - Arcadia
Speaking to the Goddess. She speaks of hidden evil
Temple floating way above the city. Lovely!
Super cool floor of the open temple.
View of the city from the temple. Breathtaking!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
TERA
Cliffs of Insanity
Really a cool looking coffin.
Weird things glowing in the eternal night.
And some of the weirdest vampires ever!
Ruins surrounding the entrance to a dungeon.
Giant spider things of doom! Things are nasty!
We ventured into the dungeon just to see if two people could do it.
Male version of the vamps
So far so good!
Le Creepy!
New armor. Just before we were totally squashed into oblivion. Too hard for two. :(
She's just so adorable!!!!!
Ooooo!
Cool flaming phoenix mount!
Main City - Arcadia
Speaking to the Goddess. She speaks of hidden evil
Temple floating way above the city. Lovely!
Super cool floor of the open temple.
View of the city from the temple. Breathtaking!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
August 8, 2014
Movie Review - Lucy
Lucy
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pilou Asbæk, Analeigh Tipton, and more.
Directed by: Luc Besson Written by: Luc Besson Cinematography by: Thierry Arbogast Music by: Eric Serra
Premise: Studying and partying overseas, Lucy gets forced by her new boyfriend to deliver undisclosed goods in a briefcase to a client. Then her boyfriend is killed before her eyes and Mr. Jang, Richard's client, abducts her. A new product is about to hit the market and Mr. Jang is making sure nothing goes wrong. So Lucy, with three others, is forced to have surgery so they can act as mules for delivering the new drug into four other countries. When she slaps one of her captors for taking advantage, he stupidly beats her and ruptures the bag inside her. Rather than die of an overdose, Lucy's mind opens, using more of its potential. But the very drug that has opened her world is killing her, so the race to reach 100% brain use before she dies is on. Mr. Jang, however, is not to be thwarted so easily. (Rated R)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Scarlett Johansson should get an Oscar for her work on the first fifteen minutes or so of the film. There is never any doubt that she is a woman utterly terrified by the predicament she finds herself in. She literally shook with her character's fear. A truly amazing piece of acting on her part.
Later in the film, her awesome work in the beginning creates a masterful contrast to the calm, almost detached manner as her character changes. Min-Sik Choi gave me goose bumps. And in a fun turn, he's super calm and cold at the beginning, but by the end of the film he's a frothing madman. Amr Waked was fun as the French police captain caught in the whirlwind that is Lucy 2.0. Morgan Freeman was Morgan Freeman - need I say more?
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects teams did a great job on this film. From the cool cell subdivision sequences to the bubbling organic computer, there were lots of great visuals going on. They also did a great job playing with time and locations as the audience follows Lucy during different sections of her expanding mind. The disassembly of the buildings as time flowed backwards was a very nice sequence. Lucy losing cohesion in the plane was another great bit of CGI.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Mr. Besson plays a lot with contrasts and contradictions in the film. As I touched on earlier, there's a swapping dichotomy between the character of Lucy and Mr. Jang. You can even see some the same play between Mr. Jang and Captain Pierre, as one can't accept and rebels against the current reality, while the other adapts. There's even a nice loop effect is woven in with regards to Lucy's name.
Some interesting themes get explored - life, death, how to measure worth, what helps keep us human. Yet all the deep talk and themes are wrapped in so much action there's never time to breathe, let alone get bored.
One gimmick employed in the film, especially at the beginning, was the shift of topics without them actually being a real shift. As Lucy argues with her boyfriend about not wanting to do him a favor, then Morgan Freeman lectures about theories with regards to the brain's potential, moving shots or nature, and back again to shifting between each other again - at first the action seems random, but it all slowly coalesces into a tightly related whole. And while this has been tried before and not always to good effect, the use of it in this film was pulled off well and to good effect.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: "Lucy" is filled with stunts. Murder, shoot outs, car chases, airport chases, full out gun battles in hospital hallways and places of learning. They even fire off a bazooka indoors!
Then we have Lucy - with stabbings, beatings, pinning people to ceilings, throwing them across the room, crashing cars, and more stunt inducing fun. Oh, yeah.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: From the streets of Taipei to the streets of Paris, the film had a great variety of locations and flavors. Some good panoramic shots really enhanced the experiences shared with us as Lucy continued on her mental voyage.
Conclusion: "Lucy" is a non-stop thrill ride. Some nice thought provoking science mixed with ugly reality wrapped around a ton of action. The R rating should be taken seriously where kids are concerned. There were enough stunts and flying lead to fill any action film buff's cravings and more.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pilou Asbæk, Analeigh Tipton, and more.
Directed by: Luc Besson Written by: Luc Besson Cinematography by: Thierry Arbogast Music by: Eric Serra
Premise: Studying and partying overseas, Lucy gets forced by her new boyfriend to deliver undisclosed goods in a briefcase to a client. Then her boyfriend is killed before her eyes and Mr. Jang, Richard's client, abducts her. A new product is about to hit the market and Mr. Jang is making sure nothing goes wrong. So Lucy, with three others, is forced to have surgery so they can act as mules for delivering the new drug into four other countries. When she slaps one of her captors for taking advantage, he stupidly beats her and ruptures the bag inside her. Rather than die of an overdose, Lucy's mind opens, using more of its potential. But the very drug that has opened her world is killing her, so the race to reach 100% brain use before she dies is on. Mr. Jang, however, is not to be thwarted so easily. (Rated R)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Scarlett Johansson should get an Oscar for her work on the first fifteen minutes or so of the film. There is never any doubt that she is a woman utterly terrified by the predicament she finds herself in. She literally shook with her character's fear. A truly amazing piece of acting on her part.
Later in the film, her awesome work in the beginning creates a masterful contrast to the calm, almost detached manner as her character changes. Min-Sik Choi gave me goose bumps. And in a fun turn, he's super calm and cold at the beginning, but by the end of the film he's a frothing madman. Amr Waked was fun as the French police captain caught in the whirlwind that is Lucy 2.0. Morgan Freeman was Morgan Freeman - need I say more?
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The special effects teams did a great job on this film. From the cool cell subdivision sequences to the bubbling organic computer, there were lots of great visuals going on. They also did a great job playing with time and locations as the audience follows Lucy during different sections of her expanding mind. The disassembly of the buildings as time flowed backwards was a very nice sequence. Lucy losing cohesion in the plane was another great bit of CGI.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: Mr. Besson plays a lot with contrasts and contradictions in the film. As I touched on earlier, there's a swapping dichotomy between the character of Lucy and Mr. Jang. You can even see some the same play between Mr. Jang and Captain Pierre, as one can't accept and rebels against the current reality, while the other adapts. There's even a nice loop effect is woven in with regards to Lucy's name.
Some interesting themes get explored - life, death, how to measure worth, what helps keep us human. Yet all the deep talk and themes are wrapped in so much action there's never time to breathe, let alone get bored.
One gimmick employed in the film, especially at the beginning, was the shift of topics without them actually being a real shift. As Lucy argues with her boyfriend about not wanting to do him a favor, then Morgan Freeman lectures about theories with regards to the brain's potential, moving shots or nature, and back again to shifting between each other again - at first the action seems random, but it all slowly coalesces into a tightly related whole. And while this has been tried before and not always to good effect, the use of it in this film was pulled off well and to good effect.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: "Lucy" is filled with stunts. Murder, shoot outs, car chases, airport chases, full out gun battles in hospital hallways and places of learning. They even fire off a bazooka indoors!
Then we have Lucy - with stabbings, beatings, pinning people to ceilings, throwing them across the room, crashing cars, and more stunt inducing fun. Oh, yeah.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: From the streets of Taipei to the streets of Paris, the film had a great variety of locations and flavors. Some good panoramic shots really enhanced the experiences shared with us as Lucy continued on her mental voyage.
Conclusion: "Lucy" is a non-stop thrill ride. Some nice thought provoking science mixed with ugly reality wrapped around a ton of action. The R rating should be taken seriously where kids are concerned. There were enough stunts and flying lead to fill any action film buff's cravings and more.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
August 6, 2014
Picture Kaleidoscope 8/6/14
Morning all!
Last two weeks it's been great for sunrises. :)
Like melting butter
Saw this at the airport. Instantly made the Battleship Yamato music spring in mu head. Kind of like a merging of Serenity and the Yamato, no?
Rainbow!
Can you see it now?
This week's sunrise.
Take 2!
My daughter tried a new chain mail weave this week. Looks way cool with color.
Till next time!
Last two weeks it's been great for sunrises. :)
Like melting butter
Saw this at the airport. Instantly made the Battleship Yamato music spring in mu head. Kind of like a merging of Serenity and the Yamato, no?
Rainbow!
Can you see it now?
This week's sunrise.
Take 2!
My daughter tried a new chain mail weave this week. Looks way cool with color.Till next time!
August 4, 2014
Mind Sieve 8/4/14
Greetings, all!
Another Monday is upon us. Eek!
Fan Fun
Horns - this looks so trippy!
Into the Woods Official Disney Trailer - more fantasy fun.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Official Trailer - YES! This looks great. :)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1 - should be interesting!
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies Official Trailer - woot!
Jupiter Ascending Official Trailer 2 - I am so IN!
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Forces Messenger on Mobile Users: This Week in Social Media from Social Media Examiner - article by Cindy King. I'm pretty pumped about Edgar. This would be super spiffy for publishers.
Writing AdviceThe Future Is Here: Self-Publishing and RWA by Jami Gold. Some good advice no matter what route you're taking with your writing. :)
Looks like that's all I have time for this week. Enjoy!
Another Monday is upon us. Eek!
Fan Fun
Horns - this looks so trippy!
Into the Woods Official Disney Trailer - more fantasy fun.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Official Trailer - YES! This looks great. :)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1 - should be interesting!
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies Official Trailer - woot!
Jupiter Ascending Official Trailer 2 - I am so IN!
Social Media/Author PlatformFacebook Forces Messenger on Mobile Users: This Week in Social Media from Social Media Examiner - article by Cindy King. I'm pretty pumped about Edgar. This would be super spiffy for publishers.
Writing AdviceThe Future Is Here: Self-Publishing and RWA by Jami Gold. Some good advice no matter what route you're taking with your writing. :)
Looks like that's all I have time for this week. Enjoy!
August 3, 2014
Virtual Tourist - TERA 8/3/14
Morning all!
TERA
Celestial Hills
Lovely and colorful terrain, no?
The big city can be seen in the distance.
Love the pegasus rides!
Overview of the rocks in the Celestial Hills
Cute little miss.
Main City - Arcadia
Pegasus view time!
The city just looks so cool!
Sweet Centurion like armor and shield in the hallways leading to the main governing hall.
The Big A**hole giving us missions. He's a piece of work. And might be corrupt
Nice video play showing me getting a backhanded thanks from the Douche.
Look at that awesome floor!
Neat no?
Runway out of the city on the pegasus
A giant flying fish in the horizon!!!!
Cliff of Insanity
Yeah, not a good sign
Look at the giant eek!
Latests duds. :P
The weird rock formations give it a funky look, no?
Have a great Sunday!
TERA
Celestial Hills
Lovely and colorful terrain, no?
The big city can be seen in the distance.
Love the pegasus rides!
Overview of the rocks in the Celestial Hills
Cute little miss.
Main City - Arcadia
Pegasus view time!
The city just looks so cool!
Sweet Centurion like armor and shield in the hallways leading to the main governing hall.
The Big A**hole giving us missions. He's a piece of work. And might be corrupt
Nice video play showing me getting a backhanded thanks from the Douche.
Look at that awesome floor!
Neat no?
Runway out of the city on the pegasus
A giant flying fish in the horizon!!!!
Cliff of Insanity
Yeah, not a good sign
Look at the giant eek!
Latests duds. :P
The weird rock formations give it a funky look, no?
Have a great Sunday!
August 1, 2014
Movie Review - Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Haddock, and more.
Directed by: James Gunn Written by: James Gunn and Nicole Perlman Based on the Comics by: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning Cinematography by: Ben Davis Music by: Tyler Bates
Premise: Kidnapped from Earth as a boy, a grown Peter Quill decides to scoop a big score and leave the Ravagers behind. But the price on his head and the object he's stolen brings him in contact with a cast of outcasts that will now have to cooperate with one another to escape prison. As the group find themselves in the middle of a game for an object that can destroy worlds, they must decide whether to run or stay and try to make a difference. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Though you'd not normally expect this from a SF movie, this is one of those films where there truly are no small parts - because every line or look is delivered so naturally, even when it's an awkward moment, that they make the scenes pull that much harder at the audience. Kudos.
Chris Pratt played the charming scoundrel expertly. Zoe Saldana was too fun as Gamora and kicked all sorts of booty. Dave Bautista had several lovely one liners, which he delivered beautifully. Bradley Cooper did a great job as Rocket, but he got outdone by Vin Diesel as the second half of this comedy pair. "I am Groot" was served to us in a myriad of ways - the meanings and inflections changing as the movie went on and served nicely by to us by Vin Diesel. Nice job!
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: A fabulous job on all the special effects. I am so in love with Quill's ship! The Ravagers might not be a nice bunch of guys, but they have good taste in small fighters - that sucker hovers and turns like a dream. The main Kree ship was fabulous inside and out - loved the bizarre control system. The mining colony inside the floating giant head was very cool. (Though the concept of them mining flesh and fluids from it was disturbing!) Nova had a lovely capital city. Their one man fighters were also cool, especially when you see how they're used for planetary defense.
Besides ships and cities, the special effects team did wonders with Rocket, and even more so with Groot. Groot was constantly changing, which must have given the special effects peeps fits, but he looked so utterly amazing. Thanos also looked fabulous, especially lording it over Ronan from his throne. The communications screen on the Kree ship was super unusual.
The special effects teams also did a lot of stuff with prosthetics and enhancements which came across very well. The effects of exposure to space looked really amazing, and were a different take from the norm. Oh and Yondu's flying knife? Awesome!
The ruins sequence close to the beginning was awesome on several levels - not only because of the special effects, but also from general creativity, and more besides.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: First they get you with an emotional scene, then a surprising one. Jump to years later and this was one of the most unusual yet fabulous introductions into a story ever! It did wonders to set the mood for the rest of the film and made something expected totally new by adding a little twist.
Corny as some of the lines were, in the right environment and said just right, they'll bring tears. I had to wiped at my eyes in several spots, so they got me 'hook, line, and sinker'. It's some of the real, life like, clunky relationships and edges between the group that somehow only served to endear them all the more.
The story progresses in the general direction you'd expect, but with some some swipes sideways, which will keep you wondering what the heck they'll get into next.
There are several themes running through the film - some more subtle than others, yet all are part of the fabric that allowed the universe to use such an unusual bunch of heroes to save the day.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of hand to hand combat, gun fights, and knife fights. Even some 'Limb Fu'. CGI stunts here and there, but they were integrated nicely together with the real physical action. Great work overall.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Space is wide and vast and the cinematographer and the special effects teams took full advantage. There were several spots were large things took up the upfront view, and these were layered on even more awesome backdrops. The film makers made full use of the IMAX capabilities for some great jaw dropping scenery.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: The makeup teams really deserve some applause. It's hard to compete against CGI, but they definitely held their own. From the various skin tones (pink, green, blue) to the gorgeous, beveled tattoo overlay on Drax and his bright eyes, they didn't stint on quality. Ronan's off colored skin and dried goo was as captivating as his CGI enhanced purple eyes.
7) Music - Total Thumbs Up: From all the 80's music to the orchestral additions by Tyler Bates, the music and its integration to the plot shows how much attention was paid in what to play, how, and when. Every piece of music served a purpose and added a definite extra level to whatever was going on. It was even weirdly nostalgic.
Conclusion: Guardians of the Galaxy is a fun, action filled SF romp across the universe. Seeing little Groot dance in the credits? Priceless. And make sure to sit through to the end for a special appearance you will never expect. Heh heh.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price to See Again)
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Haddock, and more.
Directed by: James Gunn Written by: James Gunn and Nicole Perlman Based on the Comics by: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning Cinematography by: Ben Davis Music by: Tyler Bates
Premise: Kidnapped from Earth as a boy, a grown Peter Quill decides to scoop a big score and leave the Ravagers behind. But the price on his head and the object he's stolen brings him in contact with a cast of outcasts that will now have to cooperate with one another to escape prison. As the group find themselves in the middle of a game for an object that can destroy worlds, they must decide whether to run or stay and try to make a difference. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Though you'd not normally expect this from a SF movie, this is one of those films where there truly are no small parts - because every line or look is delivered so naturally, even when it's an awkward moment, that they make the scenes pull that much harder at the audience. Kudos.
Chris Pratt played the charming scoundrel expertly. Zoe Saldana was too fun as Gamora and kicked all sorts of booty. Dave Bautista had several lovely one liners, which he delivered beautifully. Bradley Cooper did a great job as Rocket, but he got outdone by Vin Diesel as the second half of this comedy pair. "I am Groot" was served to us in a myriad of ways - the meanings and inflections changing as the movie went on and served nicely by to us by Vin Diesel. Nice job!
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: A fabulous job on all the special effects. I am so in love with Quill's ship! The Ravagers might not be a nice bunch of guys, but they have good taste in small fighters - that sucker hovers and turns like a dream. The main Kree ship was fabulous inside and out - loved the bizarre control system. The mining colony inside the floating giant head was very cool. (Though the concept of them mining flesh and fluids from it was disturbing!) Nova had a lovely capital city. Their one man fighters were also cool, especially when you see how they're used for planetary defense.
Besides ships and cities, the special effects team did wonders with Rocket, and even more so with Groot. Groot was constantly changing, which must have given the special effects peeps fits, but he looked so utterly amazing. Thanos also looked fabulous, especially lording it over Ronan from his throne. The communications screen on the Kree ship was super unusual.
The special effects teams also did a lot of stuff with prosthetics and enhancements which came across very well. The effects of exposure to space looked really amazing, and were a different take from the norm. Oh and Yondu's flying knife? Awesome!
The ruins sequence close to the beginning was awesome on several levels - not only because of the special effects, but also from general creativity, and more besides.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: First they get you with an emotional scene, then a surprising one. Jump to years later and this was one of the most unusual yet fabulous introductions into a story ever! It did wonders to set the mood for the rest of the film and made something expected totally new by adding a little twist.
Corny as some of the lines were, in the right environment and said just right, they'll bring tears. I had to wiped at my eyes in several spots, so they got me 'hook, line, and sinker'. It's some of the real, life like, clunky relationships and edges between the group that somehow only served to endear them all the more.
The story progresses in the general direction you'd expect, but with some some swipes sideways, which will keep you wondering what the heck they'll get into next.
There are several themes running through the film - some more subtle than others, yet all are part of the fabric that allowed the universe to use such an unusual bunch of heroes to save the day.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Lots of hand to hand combat, gun fights, and knife fights. Even some 'Limb Fu'. CGI stunts here and there, but they were integrated nicely together with the real physical action. Great work overall.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Space is wide and vast and the cinematographer and the special effects teams took full advantage. There were several spots were large things took up the upfront view, and these were layered on even more awesome backdrops. The film makers made full use of the IMAX capabilities for some great jaw dropping scenery.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: The makeup teams really deserve some applause. It's hard to compete against CGI, but they definitely held their own. From the various skin tones (pink, green, blue) to the gorgeous, beveled tattoo overlay on Drax and his bright eyes, they didn't stint on quality. Ronan's off colored skin and dried goo was as captivating as his CGI enhanced purple eyes.
7) Music - Total Thumbs Up: From all the 80's music to the orchestral additions by Tyler Bates, the music and its integration to the plot shows how much attention was paid in what to play, how, and when. Every piece of music served a purpose and added a definite extra level to whatever was going on. It was even weirdly nostalgic.
Conclusion: Guardians of the Galaxy is a fun, action filled SF romp across the universe. Seeing little Groot dance in the credits? Priceless. And make sure to sit through to the end for a special appearance you will never expect. Heh heh.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price to See Again)
July 28, 2014
Mind Sieve 7/28/14
This will be a quick one!
ArmadilloCon was fun, but the catching up begins!
Morganville Trailer! Woot! Web series based on the Rachel Caine Morganville Vampire series. Sweet!
Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer. He's back!
ArmadilloCon was fun, but the catching up begins!
Morganville Trailer! Woot! Web series based on the Rachel Caine Morganville Vampire series. Sweet!
Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer. He's back!
July 27, 2014
Virtual Tourist - TERA 7/27/14
Morning!
Still having fun at ArmadilloCon, but it pays to be prepared! Heh heh
TERA
Tuwangi Mire
Some really interesting flora in this area.
Seems idyllic, doesn't it?
Except for the frogs! (See the frog balloon in the upper left?)
These little guys are totally all about frogs.
Really colorful (and weird) stuff here. :)
Cool mount!
Celestial Hills
Really loved these rocks. So mysterious
The pointy one is floating above the base below it.
Lion mount! Ooooo!
Those suckers were so weird!
The sun. I love the magic lines.
Bad tempered dudes.
Isn't that pretty?
One of the small outposts in this zone.
Loved this cool gadget they had in the center of the outpost.
Some of the ruins in the area
Cool observatory at the outpost.
This building had such a neat interior too. Loved this little place.
Happy gaming!
Still having fun at ArmadilloCon, but it pays to be prepared! Heh heh
TERA
Tuwangi Mire
Some really interesting flora in this area.
Seems idyllic, doesn't it?
Except for the frogs! (See the frog balloon in the upper left?)
These little guys are totally all about frogs.
Really colorful (and weird) stuff here. :)
Cool mount!
Celestial Hills
Really loved these rocks. So mysterious
The pointy one is floating above the base below it.
Lion mount! Ooooo!
Those suckers were so weird!
The sun. I love the magic lines.
Bad tempered dudes.
Isn't that pretty?
One of the small outposts in this zone.
Loved this cool gadget they had in the center of the outpost.
Some of the ruins in the area
Cool observatory at the outpost.
This building had such a neat interior too. Loved this little place.
Happy gaming!
