Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 81
July 14, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Dishonored and Neverwinter 7/14/13
It's an oven here in Texas. Though they say there'll be relief this upcoming week. *fingerscrossed* Anyway...
Dishonored
Not the final mission like I thought. DOH!
Leaving the tower after a successful mission
Celebration of my victory and of getting the Empress's daughter her throne back. Though something I overheard had me raising a brow.
Turns out my spidey sense was right. I've been poisoned! Nooo! (Betrayed!)
Face to Face with the man who took the Empress from me.
Neverwinter
Apothecary's shop - nice carpet! Lots of lore books there.
Side view at the Apothecary shop.
Yes, bad things are going on at that tower.
The merry band of adventurers!
Funniest Rat Shopkeeper ever!
Rat lair
Big Cheese's place
Some seasonal content.
She's got the weirdest mask ever!
Time to track down the evil sorcerer at his lair.
Yes, he's definitely up to no good in there.
A statue puzzle to open up a secret entrance. Kinda neat.
Loved the look of this hole, the light vs darkness, the vine. Nice work!
One of the baddies in our way.
Giant broken statue inside the staircase.
Isn't it pretty?
Different shots of other parts of the broken statue. Totally awesome even in pieces.
Stained glass window/door
The broken statue's face.
Evil elf sorcerer and his spell in progress.
He does have flare!
Running way behind this morning. Wheee!
Dishonored
Not the final mission like I thought. DOH!
Leaving the tower after a successful mission
Celebration of my victory and of getting the Empress's daughter her throne back. Though something I overheard had me raising a brow.
Turns out my spidey sense was right. I've been poisoned! Nooo! (Betrayed!)
Face to Face with the man who took the Empress from me.
Neverwinter
Apothecary's shop - nice carpet! Lots of lore books there.
Side view at the Apothecary shop.
Yes, bad things are going on at that tower.
The merry band of adventurers!
Funniest Rat Shopkeeper ever!
Rat lair
Big Cheese's place
Some seasonal content.
She's got the weirdest mask ever!
Time to track down the evil sorcerer at his lair.
Yes, he's definitely up to no good in there.
A statue puzzle to open up a secret entrance. Kinda neat.
Loved the look of this hole, the light vs darkness, the vine. Nice work!
One of the baddies in our way.
Giant broken statue inside the staircase.
Isn't it pretty?
Different shots of other parts of the broken statue. Totally awesome even in pieces.
Stained glass window/door
The broken statue's face.
Evil elf sorcerer and his spell in progress.
He does have flare!
Running way behind this morning. Wheee!
July 13, 2013
Movie Review - Pacific Rim
(Sorry this is late! Started later in the evening than usual and was longer than usual too! Eek! This posts take me about 2 hours of work and I was so sleepy.) :P
Pacific Rim
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Diego Klattenhoff, Burn Gorman, Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins Jr., Ron Perlman, and more.
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro Screenplay by: Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro Story by: Travis Beacham Cinematography by: Guillermo Navarro Original Music by: Ramin Djawadi
Premise: A rift in the ocean floor has allowed gargantuan creatures access to Earth. Once humanity united to fight the threat by creating giant robots, they held the creatures at bay for seven years. But the creatures have been studying mankind's protectors and how to defeat them, so after five more years, the creatures now have the advantage. Earth has one more trick up its sleeve to try to put a stop to them for good. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumb Up: While you don't normally expect a lot of acting prowess in this type of film, everyone involved did a great job. Charlie Hunnam showed great duality with his portrayal of Raleigh Becket - showing both his reticence to rejoin the Jaeger program, and his conflicting eagerness to get back in the fight. Kikuchi Idris as Mako also showed several facets of her character and what drove her as Mako Mori. Idris Elba carried the mantle as Earth's protector, doing whatever it took to ensure humanity would survive. Charlie Day and Burn Gorman were great as the disagreeing scientists.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The crew did marvellous work with the special effects. The robots (Jaegers) looked awesome and had the great clunky feel and movements you expect from giant robots. The beasts (Kaiju ) were also a lot fun. The farther into the film we went the more details about them we got to see.
The cockpit, suits, and especially the holographic instrumentation were fabulous. The robots' super cool energy weapons, the monsters' breath weapons, the general destruction, are all anyone could hope for. I also loved the housing hangars for the Jaegers. It looked and felt like a place where you would keep and maintain giant robots.
For those of you who've been long term fans of Japanese Kaiju films and their monsters, like Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera, as well as those who enjoy anime, you'll see lots of bits of homage to both the monster film genre and the big robots anime. (The inevitable mecha wielding a sword being but one of them.)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The film had a surprising number of emotional threads for us to follow. Despite that, it would still be best not to look at matters too closely - especially the science. Just 'go with the flow' and take the explanations at face value to get the most enjoyment possible out of the film. There's enough there to at least make it plausible.
The world is robust, but we see it very quickly and very briefly as the filmmakers had more material than they could include in the 132 minutes of film. "Pacific Rim" would have made a great mini series! Especially with all the changes occurring to society and the world due to the continuing invasions. It would have been incredibly fascinating to get the scoop on the real reasons funding was cut to the Jaeger program and what drove the governments' to try the Wall project. But as it stood, without more behind it, these details actually only bogged down the story
Sadly, they decided to gimmick a way for some of the characters to live when they couldn't have possibly survived. And they put something I can't name, in a place that made it entirely too convenient. You'll know it when you see it.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: While the fights between the robots and the monsters were mostly CGI, the consequences of the battles on those driving the robots were not. So the stunt department was quite busy doing a great job of rocking and falling inside the head compartments, trying to survive during breaches, and more . And of course the stunts with all the groups of people running for their lives!
The recruit hand to hand combat scenes as they try to find a good fit for Becket were masterful.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Though they don't make it obvious, the makers of the film were rather sneaky. At first the audience would only be shown quick glimpses of the creatures - an eye here, a claw there. Even during the first big fight, our view of the monster was limited. But the longer the film went, the more we got to see, until finally we actually see them in their full might. Nice way to play up the audience's anticipation!
Great cinematography showing the audience the devastation at San Francisco and later during the giant battles.
6) Music - Total Thumbs Up: The original music by Ramin Djawadi fit the film perfectly. Just enough military swagger in the tracks to get the audiences' blood pumping for each upcoming battle. Well done!
Conclusion: If you're looking for some sock'em rock'em robot monster action, this film is for you! Great battle sequences, great special effects, and humanity to rally behind. Just don't look to closely at what makes it all happen or the bit of cheating at the end, and all will be well.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Pacific Rim
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Diego Klattenhoff, Burn Gorman, Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins Jr., Ron Perlman, and more.
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro Screenplay by: Travis Beacham and Guillermo del Toro Story by: Travis Beacham Cinematography by: Guillermo Navarro Original Music by: Ramin Djawadi
Premise: A rift in the ocean floor has allowed gargantuan creatures access to Earth. Once humanity united to fight the threat by creating giant robots, they held the creatures at bay for seven years. But the creatures have been studying mankind's protectors and how to defeat them, so after five more years, the creatures now have the advantage. Earth has one more trick up its sleeve to try to put a stop to them for good. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumb Up: While you don't normally expect a lot of acting prowess in this type of film, everyone involved did a great job. Charlie Hunnam showed great duality with his portrayal of Raleigh Becket - showing both his reticence to rejoin the Jaeger program, and his conflicting eagerness to get back in the fight. Kikuchi Idris as Mako also showed several facets of her character and what drove her as Mako Mori. Idris Elba carried the mantle as Earth's protector, doing whatever it took to ensure humanity would survive. Charlie Day and Burn Gorman were great as the disagreeing scientists.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The crew did marvellous work with the special effects. The robots (Jaegers) looked awesome and had the great clunky feel and movements you expect from giant robots. The beasts (Kaiju ) were also a lot fun. The farther into the film we went the more details about them we got to see.
The cockpit, suits, and especially the holographic instrumentation were fabulous. The robots' super cool energy weapons, the monsters' breath weapons, the general destruction, are all anyone could hope for. I also loved the housing hangars for the Jaegers. It looked and felt like a place where you would keep and maintain giant robots.
For those of you who've been long term fans of Japanese Kaiju films and their monsters, like Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera, as well as those who enjoy anime, you'll see lots of bits of homage to both the monster film genre and the big robots anime. (The inevitable mecha wielding a sword being but one of them.)
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The film had a surprising number of emotional threads for us to follow. Despite that, it would still be best not to look at matters too closely - especially the science. Just 'go with the flow' and take the explanations at face value to get the most enjoyment possible out of the film. There's enough there to at least make it plausible.
The world is robust, but we see it very quickly and very briefly as the filmmakers had more material than they could include in the 132 minutes of film. "Pacific Rim" would have made a great mini series! Especially with all the changes occurring to society and the world due to the continuing invasions. It would have been incredibly fascinating to get the scoop on the real reasons funding was cut to the Jaeger program and what drove the governments' to try the Wall project. But as it stood, without more behind it, these details actually only bogged down the story
Sadly, they decided to gimmick a way for some of the characters to live when they couldn't have possibly survived. And they put something I can't name, in a place that made it entirely too convenient. You'll know it when you see it.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: While the fights between the robots and the monsters were mostly CGI, the consequences of the battles on those driving the robots were not. So the stunt department was quite busy doing a great job of rocking and falling inside the head compartments, trying to survive during breaches, and more . And of course the stunts with all the groups of people running for their lives!
The recruit hand to hand combat scenes as they try to find a good fit for Becket were masterful.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Though they don't make it obvious, the makers of the film were rather sneaky. At first the audience would only be shown quick glimpses of the creatures - an eye here, a claw there. Even during the first big fight, our view of the monster was limited. But the longer the film went, the more we got to see, until finally we actually see them in their full might. Nice way to play up the audience's anticipation!
Great cinematography showing the audience the devastation at San Francisco and later during the giant battles.
6) Music - Total Thumbs Up: The original music by Ramin Djawadi fit the film perfectly. Just enough military swagger in the tracks to get the audiences' blood pumping for each upcoming battle. Well done!
Conclusion: If you're looking for some sock'em rock'em robot monster action, this film is for you! Great battle sequences, great special effects, and humanity to rally behind. Just don't look to closely at what makes it all happen or the bit of cheating at the end, and all will be well.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
July 10, 2013
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/10/13
Wheeee!
Oddball stuff today!
One of ChibiChain's (my daughter's) latest creations. She made this at SoonerCon and it even sold at SoonerCon! Sweet! She's been adding stuff to the chainmail and getting some unique, one shot items.
This is author Jane Fancher's cuties! Wiishu and Pukishuu. Totally adorable dolls! She's done a bunch of Wiishu posed stories on the website which are ADORABLE!
Had great fun with R Lange sitting across the way. I can't find his info! Darn it. He drew the above about my daughter. So cute!
Cool statue we found in front of the Mellow Mushroom.
Couldn't fit him all in, so did him in pieces. lol.
Love the metal pizza slice. :)
Coolest and weirdest bathroom tiles at the Mellow Mushroom.
This lamp was from there too. Isn't it wild?
My bro sent me a pressie! Cracked me up. Candy and Yoda wisdom all in one package. Yes, he talks. Heh heh heh.
Saw him getting spray painted for this Japanese Ogre costume. The pics do him no justice...sadly....
And I tried twice! Wahhhh
Have an awesome week, ya'll!
Oddball stuff today!
One of ChibiChain's (my daughter's) latest creations. She made this at SoonerCon and it even sold at SoonerCon! Sweet! She's been adding stuff to the chainmail and getting some unique, one shot items.
This is author Jane Fancher's cuties! Wiishu and Pukishuu. Totally adorable dolls! She's done a bunch of Wiishu posed stories on the website which are ADORABLE!
Had great fun with R Lange sitting across the way. I can't find his info! Darn it. He drew the above about my daughter. So cute!
Cool statue we found in front of the Mellow Mushroom.
Couldn't fit him all in, so did him in pieces. lol.
Love the metal pizza slice. :)
Coolest and weirdest bathroom tiles at the Mellow Mushroom.
This lamp was from there too. Isn't it wild?
My bro sent me a pressie! Cracked me up. Candy and Yoda wisdom all in one package. Yes, he talks. Heh heh heh.
Saw him getting spray painted for this Japanese Ogre costume. The pics do him no justice...sadly....
And I tried twice! Wahhhh
Have an awesome week, ya'll!
July 8, 2013
Mind Sieve 7/8/13
Happy Monday To All! (Yeah...I know...But we must delude ourselves! :P)
Snowpiercer International Trailer - very weird premise. Should be fun to see how they pull it off!
Another weird premised film - The Box Trolls!
Continuing the weird premised theme - Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Trailer 2!
Pacific Rim Trailer 4 - it starts this weekend!!!! Woot!
Delivery Man Official Trailer - more weird premises! Looks heartwarming though. :)
This is FREAKING AWESOME! Homemade recreation of the Star Wars - "Deathstar Trench Run." The guys mouthing the music were AMAZING! I got chills, peeps, chills! lol
Totally Adorable! Simon from Simon's Cat working on his Gromit statue which is to be used on Gromit Unleashed - 80 Gromits, 10 weeks, 1 City to raise funds for the Bristol Children's Hospital. How cool!
Quick article on what the hey is Google's Penguin 2.0 - Do Not Fear the Penguin by Mike at Deets!List Training.
5 Steps to Ensure Your Wordpress Blog is Secure by Marko Saric over at ther Social Media Examiner
Rowing With One Oar by Gene Lempp - Great post on writing through the holiday and keeping our focus. And he's also got a ton more writing resources this week too - Writing Resources 06 July 2013.
Snowpiercer International Trailer - very weird premise. Should be fun to see how they pull it off!
Another weird premised film - The Box Trolls!
Continuing the weird premised theme - Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 Trailer 2!
Pacific Rim Trailer 4 - it starts this weekend!!!! Woot!
Delivery Man Official Trailer - more weird premises! Looks heartwarming though. :)
This is FREAKING AWESOME! Homemade recreation of the Star Wars - "Deathstar Trench Run." The guys mouthing the music were AMAZING! I got chills, peeps, chills! lol
Totally Adorable! Simon from Simon's Cat working on his Gromit statue which is to be used on Gromit Unleashed - 80 Gromits, 10 weeks, 1 City to raise funds for the Bristol Children's Hospital. How cool!
Quick article on what the hey is Google's Penguin 2.0 - Do Not Fear the Penguin by Mike at Deets!List Training.
5 Steps to Ensure Your Wordpress Blog is Secure by Marko Saric over at ther Social Media Examiner
Rowing With One Oar by Gene Lempp - Great post on writing through the holiday and keeping our focus. And he's also got a ton more writing resources this week too - Writing Resources 06 July 2013.
July 7, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Dishonored 7/7/13
Good morning! (It's daystar time again? Ugh.)
Dishonored
Final mission! I'm so close!
Inside Dunwall - for a guy who hasn't been in power long, he sure hurried with the making of statues of himself. Dude!
None lethal solution and oh so much more satisfying. Seems our chief plotter is known to keep audio records of all his mad transactions. Just have to get a hold of them and play them here.
Way cool ceiling glass!
An odd room off the upstairs hallway. Had a looney reading from a weird book downstairs.
View from atop the traitors bed (had meant to take a pic of the bed too! Forgot. Nooo!) Never did find a key, so came through the room shared fireplace.
The lunatic is not only responsible for the murder of the Empress, he also is the one who brought in the rats and the plague! Super nut job. I was very surprised later when I found the Torturer and killed him (six months at his hands, I wanted to rid the world of that menace) when the Other showed up in my mind. Figured he'd be mad for me not taking out the Overseer, but he was actually amused! I wasn't expecting that. Heh heh.
Now just have to make my way back to the boat. Not as easy as it sounds...
Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend!
Dishonored
Final mission! I'm so close!
Inside Dunwall - for a guy who hasn't been in power long, he sure hurried with the making of statues of himself. Dude!
None lethal solution and oh so much more satisfying. Seems our chief plotter is known to keep audio records of all his mad transactions. Just have to get a hold of them and play them here.
Way cool ceiling glass!
An odd room off the upstairs hallway. Had a looney reading from a weird book downstairs.
View from atop the traitors bed (had meant to take a pic of the bed too! Forgot. Nooo!) Never did find a key, so came through the room shared fireplace.
The lunatic is not only responsible for the murder of the Empress, he also is the one who brought in the rats and the plague! Super nut job. I was very surprised later when I found the Torturer and killed him (six months at his hands, I wanted to rid the world of that menace) when the Other showed up in my mind. Figured he'd be mad for me not taking out the Overseer, but he was actually amused! I wasn't expecting that. Heh heh.
Now just have to make my way back to the boat. Not as easy as it sounds...
Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend!
July 5, 2013
Movie Review - The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger
Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale, Bryant Prince, Barry Pepper, Mason Elston Cook, Saginaw Grant, and more.
Directed by: Gore Verbinski Screenplay & Screen Story by: Justin Haythe, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio Cinematography by: Bojan Bazelli Original Music by: Hans Zimmer
Premise: When a young lawyer and a Comanche brave cross paths during a criminal's escape from a train, the spirits strive to tie them together to bring justice for past and present wrongs - whether the two want to work together or not. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: I'd been pretty excited about seeing this film since I first heard about it. There was a lot of controversy about Johnny Depp playing Tonto, but it never truly concerned me. His bird hat did have me raising a brow, but once seen in context, it was an awesome idea. What did worry me a little was one of the later preview trailers which showed that a comedy aspect had been introduced into the movie. I am happy to say, I worried for nothing.
As Johnny Depp always does, he made the role of Tonto entirely his own. With the way the film begins in a carny in San Francisco, the setup is perfect, not only to introduce the audience to the story, but to set up other things that follow. This Tonto and Lone Ranger are in their raw states, before they became the true legends told of in the stories. As such, Mr. Depp and Mr. Hammer play Tonto and John Reid as the imperfect men they were when their partnership began, and we watch as they are shaped into the legendary partners they become.
Armie Hammer did a great job as the naive, pure and stubbornly principled John Reid. Better were the hints of the man who always felt lacking when compared to his older brother, yet determined to make his own way. Slowly, but surely, John is tempered by experience into a force to be reckoned with. Major kudos too to Mason Elston Cook as the young carny goer Will. William Fichtner was super creepy as the flesh eating Butch (Wendigo) Cavendish.
Kudos to the Horse Spirit and the Crow - alive or dead, they almost stole the show!
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: "The Lone Ranger" doesn't rely on a lot of CGI. Most of the special effects are 'old school' - as in done with real materials. Railroad tracks, bridges, trains, horses, guns, all the mainstay items of the old Westerns were there. And the actors used them, rode them, and more. A few big explosions were thrown in as well.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: In the tradition of "The Princess Bride", "The Lone Ranger" is told in the manner of a story, though not one from a book. While in a lot of other films this type of setup would be intrusive, in the manner the story of John Reid and Tonto was handled, it worked superbly.
Family, brothers, and belonging are big themes in the film as well as sticking to your convictions, justice, the fact not all things are possible, and facing one's mistakes. A bit of mysticism is thrown in, most of it left to be believed or not by the audience. Yet by its use, they've left the franchise open, because while they do solve one set of problems, nature's imbalance was not, so there are more adventures waiting out there.
The poor treatment of Chinese immigrants and Indians alike wasn't sugarcoated. They also never pretend that two men alone can change that facet of history, but they can and did what they could. The extra scene during the end credits was poignant in a quiet, understated way - pressing the point that while they may have stopped one evil, all things were not within the duos power to resolve.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: The stunt department did an outstanding job. Horse riding, gun shooting, fist fights, train robbing, barn burning, they pulled off all the classic Western stunts with great aplomb. That self assurance made several gags look even more awesome than expected. Johnny Depp pulled several of those and they were made all the more outstanding due to the ease in which they seemed to be carried out.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: The locations for the film were iconic. Between Utah and New Mexico you couldn't have hoped to get more of a Western feel than these locations will invoke on viewers. Monument Valley has been a favorite Western filming spot for a couple of generations. So seeing all these awesome backdrops will take you back to all the Westerns you'd ever seen before. And the excellent spanning shots of all these nostalgic places made the visuals an absolute treat.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: For the work they did with Johnny Depp alone, the makeup department should get an oscar. (You'll know what I am talking about when you see the film.) The costumes too looked great and in period.
Johnny Depp's look for Tonto has been said to come from a painting named "I am Crow" by Kirby Sattler in 1991. In many ways, it truly was very apt and totally fit once put in context.
7) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Hans Zimmer brought several lovely tracks to the film for background music, but as anyone who grew up seeing the original "Lone Ranger" series will know, there's only one real theme they're waiting to hear - the final section of the William Tell Overture. The audience gets a taste of it close to the beginning, but it's full use is reserved for the climax. And to be honest, I couldn't have been happier!
Conclusion: Though bits of it seem a little like something out of an Abbot and Costello movie, all the pieces are there to make "The Lone Ranger" a fun, Western epic in the tradition of the original series. The way it was told, this story will be a great introduction to younger generations to the old legend. Most of the audience was applauding by the end.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Was Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, William Fichtner, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, Helena Bonham Carter, James Badge Dale, Bryant Prince, Barry Pepper, Mason Elston Cook, Saginaw Grant, and more.
Directed by: Gore Verbinski Screenplay & Screen Story by: Justin Haythe, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio Cinematography by: Bojan Bazelli Original Music by: Hans Zimmer
Premise: When a young lawyer and a Comanche brave cross paths during a criminal's escape from a train, the spirits strive to tie them together to bring justice for past and present wrongs - whether the two want to work together or not. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: I'd been pretty excited about seeing this film since I first heard about it. There was a lot of controversy about Johnny Depp playing Tonto, but it never truly concerned me. His bird hat did have me raising a brow, but once seen in context, it was an awesome idea. What did worry me a little was one of the later preview trailers which showed that a comedy aspect had been introduced into the movie. I am happy to say, I worried for nothing.
As Johnny Depp always does, he made the role of Tonto entirely his own. With the way the film begins in a carny in San Francisco, the setup is perfect, not only to introduce the audience to the story, but to set up other things that follow. This Tonto and Lone Ranger are in their raw states, before they became the true legends told of in the stories. As such, Mr. Depp and Mr. Hammer play Tonto and John Reid as the imperfect men they were when their partnership began, and we watch as they are shaped into the legendary partners they become.
Armie Hammer did a great job as the naive, pure and stubbornly principled John Reid. Better were the hints of the man who always felt lacking when compared to his older brother, yet determined to make his own way. Slowly, but surely, John is tempered by experience into a force to be reckoned with. Major kudos too to Mason Elston Cook as the young carny goer Will. William Fichtner was super creepy as the flesh eating Butch (Wendigo) Cavendish.
Kudos to the Horse Spirit and the Crow - alive or dead, they almost stole the show!
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: "The Lone Ranger" doesn't rely on a lot of CGI. Most of the special effects are 'old school' - as in done with real materials. Railroad tracks, bridges, trains, horses, guns, all the mainstay items of the old Westerns were there. And the actors used them, rode them, and more. A few big explosions were thrown in as well.
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: In the tradition of "The Princess Bride", "The Lone Ranger" is told in the manner of a story, though not one from a book. While in a lot of other films this type of setup would be intrusive, in the manner the story of John Reid and Tonto was handled, it worked superbly.
Family, brothers, and belonging are big themes in the film as well as sticking to your convictions, justice, the fact not all things are possible, and facing one's mistakes. A bit of mysticism is thrown in, most of it left to be believed or not by the audience. Yet by its use, they've left the franchise open, because while they do solve one set of problems, nature's imbalance was not, so there are more adventures waiting out there.
The poor treatment of Chinese immigrants and Indians alike wasn't sugarcoated. They also never pretend that two men alone can change that facet of history, but they can and did what they could. The extra scene during the end credits was poignant in a quiet, understated way - pressing the point that while they may have stopped one evil, all things were not within the duos power to resolve.
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: The stunt department did an outstanding job. Horse riding, gun shooting, fist fights, train robbing, barn burning, they pulled off all the classic Western stunts with great aplomb. That self assurance made several gags look even more awesome than expected. Johnny Depp pulled several of those and they were made all the more outstanding due to the ease in which they seemed to be carried out.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: The locations for the film were iconic. Between Utah and New Mexico you couldn't have hoped to get more of a Western feel than these locations will invoke on viewers. Monument Valley has been a favorite Western filming spot for a couple of generations. So seeing all these awesome backdrops will take you back to all the Westerns you'd ever seen before. And the excellent spanning shots of all these nostalgic places made the visuals an absolute treat.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: For the work they did with Johnny Depp alone, the makeup department should get an oscar. (You'll know what I am talking about when you see the film.) The costumes too looked great and in period.
Johnny Depp's look for Tonto has been said to come from a painting named "I am Crow" by Kirby Sattler in 1991. In many ways, it truly was very apt and totally fit once put in context.
7) Music - Total Thumbs Up: Hans Zimmer brought several lovely tracks to the film for background music, but as anyone who grew up seeing the original "Lone Ranger" series will know, there's only one real theme they're waiting to hear - the final section of the William Tell Overture. The audience gets a taste of it close to the beginning, but it's full use is reserved for the climax. And to be honest, I couldn't have been happier!
Conclusion: Though bits of it seem a little like something out of an Abbot and Costello movie, all the pieces are there to make "The Lone Ranger" a fun, Western epic in the tradition of the original series. The way it was told, this story will be a great introduction to younger generations to the old legend. Most of the audience was applauding by the end.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Was Worth Full Price of Admission)
July 4, 2013
Movie Review - Despicable Me 2
Despicable Me 2
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong, Steve Coogan, Elsie Kate Fisher, Dana Gaier, Moises Arias, Nasim Pedrad, Kristen Schaal, Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, and more.
Directed by: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Screenplay by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Original Music by: Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams
Premise: Gru is approached by AVL, the Anti-Evil League, after an entire laboratory in the Arctic Circle is stolen. AVL wants his help in identifying whoever took it and retrieving the dangerous compound PX-41. At first having no interest, Gru changes his mind when Dr. Nefario leaves his employ. Plus it's also a great way to avoid his neighbor's and daughters' efforts to set him up with women to date. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: All the fun people and the great characters from "Despicable Me" are back! Steve Carrel is too much fun as Gru. And with the new emotional challenges he's presented with in this film, he excels even more. Kriten Wiig had been part of the last film as Miss Hattie, and she's back again, this time as Agen Lucy Wild, one of the members of AVL. Her voice acting range is great, so I can definitely see why they wanted her back. She's great as the super competent, yet overeager Agent Wild. Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud also bring back their own voices for all the beloved minions in Gru's employ.
New to the Gruverse is Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo. He had to have had a blast playing the character because it shows. Though I have to say his chicken almost succeeded in upstaging him.
2) Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Illumination Entertainment's quality of animation is superb. The attention to even incidental detail adds a lot to the overall effect. Even more fun are the telltale angles and camera sweeps used in other types of films which they recreated for theirs to bring forth specific genre treatements. The very beginning of the film is a slow, winding shot of the Arctic tundra and the lab facility being hidden there. You'll forget you're about to watch a comedic animated film, and instead think you're about to watch a 007 spy thriller.
Visual gags abound. Not only do we get our fill of the minions and their antics, but the film is filled with other more subtle visual jokes and in-jokes, many from spy and science fiction films. Gru at the toupee shop trying to scan for trace elements of the missing PX-41 while keeping the shopkeeper unaware was crude but utterly hilarious. The scenes with the chicken were just too funny. (The chicken gets used in a hilarious in-joke from the movie "Alien" that was too hilarious) Not to be outdone, the minions do music parodies at the end of the film that will have parents in stitches.
The flashback to El Macho was so over the top it was fantastic. And wait untill you get a look at how to enter the secret lab! (And make sure to stay for the credits - minion mischief abounds as they hold auditions for the 2014 spin-off movie "Minions"!)
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The plot has several threads which interweave with the whole. On the one hand you have Gru trying to find a niche to further a career of some sort and support the girls, while also spending time with them and watching them grow. On another, the neighbor and the girls are trying to match Gru with someone to date, though unknown to them Gru has only had bad experiences in the dating arena. Add in the complication that Margo is getting old enough to notice boys herself, and Agnes wondering what it is to have a mother, and the story now has an explosive combination of themes to explore.
And yet there's more! Throw in a supervillain, an aggression increasing potion, and a mall full of suspects, and there's plenty to keep the kids and adults enraptured throughout. (The guacamole chip hat was awesome!)
4) Music - Total Thumbs Up: All the great themes from the original film are back! And they've also added new ones. It was obvious they had a lot of fun with music in this one. Especially the parodies.
Conclusion: "Despicable Me 2" was everything and more than we could have hoped for in a sequel. You'll keep replaying certain moments in your head, because they were just so much fun. Totally worth it!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again!)
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Ken Jeong, Steve Coogan, Elsie Kate Fisher, Dana Gaier, Moises Arias, Nasim Pedrad, Kristen Schaal, Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, and more.
Directed by: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Screenplay by: Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Original Music by: Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams
Premise: Gru is approached by AVL, the Anti-Evil League, after an entire laboratory in the Arctic Circle is stolen. AVL wants his help in identifying whoever took it and retrieving the dangerous compound PX-41. At first having no interest, Gru changes his mind when Dr. Nefario leaves his employ. Plus it's also a great way to avoid his neighbor's and daughters' efforts to set him up with women to date. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: All the fun people and the great characters from "Despicable Me" are back! Steve Carrel is too much fun as Gru. And with the new emotional challenges he's presented with in this film, he excels even more. Kriten Wiig had been part of the last film as Miss Hattie, and she's back again, this time as Agen Lucy Wild, one of the members of AVL. Her voice acting range is great, so I can definitely see why they wanted her back. She's great as the super competent, yet overeager Agent Wild. Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud also bring back their own voices for all the beloved minions in Gru's employ.
New to the Gruverse is Benjamin Bratt as Eduardo. He had to have had a blast playing the character because it shows. Though I have to say his chicken almost succeeded in upstaging him.
2) Animation - Total Thumbs Up: Illumination Entertainment's quality of animation is superb. The attention to even incidental detail adds a lot to the overall effect. Even more fun are the telltale angles and camera sweeps used in other types of films which they recreated for theirs to bring forth specific genre treatements. The very beginning of the film is a slow, winding shot of the Arctic tundra and the lab facility being hidden there. You'll forget you're about to watch a comedic animated film, and instead think you're about to watch a 007 spy thriller.
Visual gags abound. Not only do we get our fill of the minions and their antics, but the film is filled with other more subtle visual jokes and in-jokes, many from spy and science fiction films. Gru at the toupee shop trying to scan for trace elements of the missing PX-41 while keeping the shopkeeper unaware was crude but utterly hilarious. The scenes with the chicken were just too funny. (The chicken gets used in a hilarious in-joke from the movie "Alien" that was too hilarious) Not to be outdone, the minions do music parodies at the end of the film that will have parents in stitches.
The flashback to El Macho was so over the top it was fantastic. And wait untill you get a look at how to enter the secret lab! (And make sure to stay for the credits - minion mischief abounds as they hold auditions for the 2014 spin-off movie "Minions"!)
3) Plot/Story - Total Thumbs Up: The plot has several threads which interweave with the whole. On the one hand you have Gru trying to find a niche to further a career of some sort and support the girls, while also spending time with them and watching them grow. On another, the neighbor and the girls are trying to match Gru with someone to date, though unknown to them Gru has only had bad experiences in the dating arena. Add in the complication that Margo is getting old enough to notice boys herself, and Agnes wondering what it is to have a mother, and the story now has an explosive combination of themes to explore.
And yet there's more! Throw in a supervillain, an aggression increasing potion, and a mall full of suspects, and there's plenty to keep the kids and adults enraptured throughout. (The guacamole chip hat was awesome!)
4) Music - Total Thumbs Up: All the great themes from the original film are back! And they've also added new ones. It was obvious they had a lot of fun with music in this one. Especially the parodies.
Conclusion: "Despicable Me 2" was everything and more than we could have hoped for in a sequel. You'll keep replaying certain moments in your head, because they were just so much fun. Totally worth it!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price to See Again!)
July 3, 2013
Picture Kaleidoscope 7/3/13
Greetings! I'm LATE! This will probably be the lamest PK ever!
Between spending an awesome weekend at SoonerCon, suddenly working 10 to 12 hour days at work, and trying to help one of my publishers set up for a sale over the holiday, I've found my time for other things a little scarce! (Trying to sneak this in before the boss gets here and we go off on another possibly long day! Oi!)
Golden Waterfall by Daniel Kordan at Earthshots.org Yes, a calming influence, calming, calming.... Huh, his website url didn't work :(
Oneonta Narrows by Michael Flaherty - How awesome! This would be a perfect for a fantasy!His site has other awesome photographs! Looks like he's traveled a lot. :)
It's Burning by Matthieu Parmentier - Yes! More sky burning! Gorgeous!
Okay gotta run! Have an awesome 4th of July!
Between spending an awesome weekend at SoonerCon, suddenly working 10 to 12 hour days at work, and trying to help one of my publishers set up for a sale over the holiday, I've found my time for other things a little scarce! (Trying to sneak this in before the boss gets here and we go off on another possibly long day! Oi!)
Golden Waterfall by Daniel Kordan at Earthshots.org Yes, a calming influence, calming, calming.... Huh, his website url didn't work :(
Oneonta Narrows by Michael Flaherty - How awesome! This would be a perfect for a fantasy!His site has other awesome photographs! Looks like he's traveled a lot. :)
It's Burning by Matthieu Parmentier - Yes! More sky burning! Gorgeous!
Okay gotta run! Have an awesome 4th of July!
July 1, 2013
Mind Sieve 7/1/13
Doing this while at a con, so let's see how this turns out. Bwahahahaha!
FAN FUN Escape Plan - Oh, this looks like it could be way fun! Blood Official Trailer 1 - thriller film. Looks super emotional. Hell Baby Official Trailer - horror comedy. Looks oddly compelling. lol Thanks for Sharing - bizarre premise. lol Social Media/Author PlatformThis Week in Social Media by Cindy King at Social Media Examiner WritingA bijillion Writing Resources for June 29 2013 from Gene Lempp! Sad stuff that unfortunately happens out there. Guest post at Chuch (NFW) Wendig's blog - How To Report Sexual Harassment by Elise Matthesen. Half the year is OVER! Nooooooo!
FAN FUN Escape Plan - Oh, this looks like it could be way fun! Blood Official Trailer 1 - thriller film. Looks super emotional. Hell Baby Official Trailer - horror comedy. Looks oddly compelling. lol Thanks for Sharing - bizarre premise. lol Social Media/Author PlatformThis Week in Social Media by Cindy King at Social Media Examiner WritingA bijillion Writing Resources for June 29 2013 from Gene Lempp! Sad stuff that unfortunately happens out there. Guest post at Chuch (NFW) Wendig's blog - How To Report Sexual Harassment by Elise Matthesen. Half the year is OVER! Nooooooo!
June 30, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Star Was The Old Republic 6/30/13
(I'm not really here....Oooooo! Still at SoonerCon!)
Star Wars The Old Republic
Jedi Consular
Corellia
Look at the giant missiles! Eek!
Either one huge logo or an awesome bit of graffiti. :)
Can you spot the giant ship hovering above the city?
Some Sith full of their own power.
I've finally found my Master's Master - he's fighting with the First Son who's a personna trapped in his body.
I think it was a glitch but looked awesome. Drove home the duality he continues to fight with. Though at least, he's the one in control again.
Corellians really enjoy tall buildings. Love the funky shapes.
Fountains in a statue courtyard - and some hidden scanning equipment. :P
Cool insignia, no?
Another Dark Child
More Corellian decor
They like 3D holograms of heads around here.
Weird seeing a place like this with all the sandbags and places to take cover
Another Sith thinking he can keep Corellia. Not today buddy. Not...today...
Leaving Corellia - have finished my Jedi Consular's main storyline. Hubby and I have hit 51 now.
Shot this from a movie once I answered a summons
My Jedi at meditation. It was funny as I finally got a dye pack (something new) and ended up with Green and brown, the green being prominent. Then I heard about the Green Jedi. Was hilarious when they showed up all in green! lol.
Being told I am needed elsewhere. I still have my 5 companions and a ship full of politicians. Oi!
Great shot of my Jedi ship, no? Squee!
Star Wars The Old Republic
Jedi Consular
Corellia
Look at the giant missiles! Eek!
Either one huge logo or an awesome bit of graffiti. :)
Can you spot the giant ship hovering above the city?
Some Sith full of their own power.
I've finally found my Master's Master - he's fighting with the First Son who's a personna trapped in his body.
I think it was a glitch but looked awesome. Drove home the duality he continues to fight with. Though at least, he's the one in control again.
Corellians really enjoy tall buildings. Love the funky shapes.
Fountains in a statue courtyard - and some hidden scanning equipment. :P
Cool insignia, no?
Another Dark Child
More Corellian decor
They like 3D holograms of heads around here.
Weird seeing a place like this with all the sandbags and places to take cover
Another Sith thinking he can keep Corellia. Not today buddy. Not...today...
Leaving Corellia - have finished my Jedi Consular's main storyline. Hubby and I have hit 51 now.
Shot this from a movie once I answered a summons
My Jedi at meditation. It was funny as I finally got a dye pack (something new) and ended up with Green and brown, the green being prominent. Then I heard about the Green Jedi. Was hilarious when they showed up all in green! lol. 
Being told I am needed elsewhere. I still have my 5 companions and a ship full of politicians. Oi!
Great shot of my Jedi ship, no? Squee!
