Gloria Oliver's Blog, page 88
March 17, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Angry Birds Star Wars and Star Wars The Old Republic 3/17/13
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Angry Birds Star Wars
Hoth Section
More fun with gravity wells and asteroids! The big rock is made to split into 3 pieces.
This one too was a bit crazy.
Surprised they were doing the inside the asteroid bit.
Then I howled when I saw these guys. Heh heh heh.
They make the weirdest noises. And when things explode, rocks fall from the ceiling. Wonder if they'll do the giant creature thing! Heh heh
New addition to the character screen. :)
Star Wars The Old Republic
Imperial Spy
Taris
I do love the sky shots here. :)
I get to go to the nicest places - not.
My latest target. My companion might be trying to pick his pocket.
It's amazing how such high tech still leaves so much industrial garbage.
May the luck of the Irish be with you today!
Angry Birds Star Wars
Hoth Section
More fun with gravity wells and asteroids! The big rock is made to split into 3 pieces.
This one too was a bit crazy.
Surprised they were doing the inside the asteroid bit.
Then I howled when I saw these guys. Heh heh heh.
They make the weirdest noises. And when things explode, rocks fall from the ceiling. Wonder if they'll do the giant creature thing! Heh heh
New addition to the character screen. :)
Star Wars The Old Republic
Imperial Spy
Taris
I do love the sky shots here. :)
I get to go to the nicest places - not.
My latest target. My companion might be trying to pick his pocket.
It's amazing how such high tech still leaves so much industrial garbage.
May the luck of the Irish be with you today!
March 15, 2013
Movie Review - Emperor
Emperor
Starring: Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones, Masayoshi Haneda, Eriko Hatsune, Colin Moy, William Wallace, Masato Ibu, Toshiyuki Nishida, Takataro Kataoka, and more.
Directed by: Peter Webber Screenplay by: Vera Blasi and David Klass Based on the book by: Shiro Okamoto Cinematography by: Stuart Dryburgh Original Music by: Alex Heffes
Premise: After General MacArthur and his entourage arrive in Japan for the occupation after the country's surrender, he tasks Brigadier General Bonner Fellers with finding proof, one way or the other, with regards to Emperor Hirohito's involvement in the decision for Japan to enter World War II. While Bonner struggles to complete the seemingly impossible task within the ten days he's been given, he's also searching for the woman he fell in love with years before - the Japanese beauty, Aya. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Matthew Fox did a great job as Fellers. The tensions pulling his character in different directions between his hope and despair about finding Aya; his need to find evidence one way or the other about the Emperor; trying to respect Japanese traditions even as they make his efforts more difficult; his pain and horror at the devastation of places he'd frequented before the war; Matthew Fox brought these forth for the audience to see and feel with him every step of the way.
Tommy Lee Jones was wonderful in his portrayal of the enigmatic General MacArthur. Colin Moy had us guessing as he kept trying to sow discord to make things go his way. Eriko Hatsune embodied Japan's promise as well as imparting different views and troubles for women of that time.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The film showed some of the best and most realistic looking decimated areas - and they spanned the breadth and depth of the screen without looking like they'd been added on. The shot of Tokyo's burning skyline was horribly eerie.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The story is told from General Bonner Fellers' point of view. As we follow him during his investigations, the audience also gets to see into his past, to understand some of the needs that are driving him. Being acquainted with both worlds, he's the perfect medium by which to introduce all the different sides and points of view on both the war, the world, the Japanese people, and what drives them.
Adding in the concurrent story of his search for Aya, we also catch a glimpse of the feelings the survivors felt as they searched for loved ones and saw places they loved totally destroyed beyond recognition.
It was utterly fascinating seeing into this period of time. The many ways it could have all gone so terribly wrong will make you shudder.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Filmed in Japan and New Zealand, there was no shortage of great locations - the outside of the real Imperial Palace, old fashioned Japanese classrooms, country homes with beautiful gardens and ponds. Many places seen in the flashbacks are revisited, shocking us with the devastation brought upon them during the war. Others appear untouched by the bombings, but the wounds are hidden inside, for many of those who'd lived there are now gone.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Fantastic job by the costuming and makeup departments. Great attention to detail with the styles of clothing and hairstyles popular in the different places and times.
Conclusion: An emotionally moving, fascinating, and multifaceted view of a pivotal time in history. Matthew Fox was outstanding. The longer the film went on, the more human he became, and the more layers were uncovered in the complexity of those manipulating the times. If you're only looking for something full of action and explosions, though, this won't be for you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones, Masayoshi Haneda, Eriko Hatsune, Colin Moy, William Wallace, Masato Ibu, Toshiyuki Nishida, Takataro Kataoka, and more.
Directed by: Peter Webber Screenplay by: Vera Blasi and David Klass Based on the book by: Shiro Okamoto Cinematography by: Stuart Dryburgh Original Music by: Alex Heffes
Premise: After General MacArthur and his entourage arrive in Japan for the occupation after the country's surrender, he tasks Brigadier General Bonner Fellers with finding proof, one way or the other, with regards to Emperor Hirohito's involvement in the decision for Japan to enter World War II. While Bonner struggles to complete the seemingly impossible task within the ten days he's been given, he's also searching for the woman he fell in love with years before - the Japanese beauty, Aya. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Total Thumbs Up: Matthew Fox did a great job as Fellers. The tensions pulling his character in different directions between his hope and despair about finding Aya; his need to find evidence one way or the other about the Emperor; trying to respect Japanese traditions even as they make his efforts more difficult; his pain and horror at the devastation of places he'd frequented before the war; Matthew Fox brought these forth for the audience to see and feel with him every step of the way.
Tommy Lee Jones was wonderful in his portrayal of the enigmatic General MacArthur. Colin Moy had us guessing as he kept trying to sow discord to make things go his way. Eriko Hatsune embodied Japan's promise as well as imparting different views and troubles for women of that time.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The film showed some of the best and most realistic looking decimated areas - and they spanned the breadth and depth of the screen without looking like they'd been added on. The shot of Tokyo's burning skyline was horribly eerie.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: The story is told from General Bonner Fellers' point of view. As we follow him during his investigations, the audience also gets to see into his past, to understand some of the needs that are driving him. Being acquainted with both worlds, he's the perfect medium by which to introduce all the different sides and points of view on both the war, the world, the Japanese people, and what drives them.
Adding in the concurrent story of his search for Aya, we also catch a glimpse of the feelings the survivors felt as they searched for loved ones and saw places they loved totally destroyed beyond recognition.
It was utterly fascinating seeing into this period of time. The many ways it could have all gone so terribly wrong will make you shudder.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: Filmed in Japan and New Zealand, there was no shortage of great locations - the outside of the real Imperial Palace, old fashioned Japanese classrooms, country homes with beautiful gardens and ponds. Many places seen in the flashbacks are revisited, shocking us with the devastation brought upon them during the war. Others appear untouched by the bombings, but the wounds are hidden inside, for many of those who'd lived there are now gone.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Fantastic job by the costuming and makeup departments. Great attention to detail with the styles of clothing and hairstyles popular in the different places and times.
Conclusion: An emotionally moving, fascinating, and multifaceted view of a pivotal time in history. Matthew Fox was outstanding. The longer the film went on, the more human he became, and the more layers were uncovered in the complexity of those manipulating the times. If you're only looking for something full of action and explosions, though, this won't be for you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
March 13, 2013
Picture Kaleidoscope - AllCon 2013
This past weekend was AllCon!
So of course I had to take pics. :)
I LOVED this! Multi-generation Star Trek.
Sebastian from Black Butler.
This guy made a great Colonel from the SF TV show who's name I've yet to be able to recall. Loved that he had an led light in the tube to the Molotov cocktail to make it appear lit.
Amazon Athena? She was all glittery! Mean looking spear too.
Loved this one too! Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians. Even to the frost on his hoodie.
Cruella De Vil - she looked Fabulous!
Sand People!
Bucky! So cute..!
Sam and Dean Winchester! From the episode where they got sucked into the TV shows by the Trickster. These two did like 3 costume changes through the day (Couldn't get pics! Wah!) In the Medical Show, regular civies, and in their CSI costumes with the sunglasses from the same episode. I thought I saw Bobby Singer join them later in the day. Heh heh.
Sith Cheerleaders! The 501st was in attendance doing all sorts of panels, games for the kids, and more!
Bjoran Hogh Priestess outfit. Photo does not do it justice. Wah!
Iron Man was also in the house! He had working lights on the hand gauntlets too. Several incarnations of Tony Stark running around.
Though Pan Am only lasted 1 season, it obviously made an impression on some peeps out there. She looked great!
Louis from the Vampire Lestat.
A little vampire action too!
Incredible detail on this costume! Photo does not do it justice.
Look at those wings!
Is this not the cutest outfit ever? There were a lot of dolls. I heard there was even a costume contest for the dolls. I saw several wiz by that were utterly amazing! One had multicolored feathers wings and another 3 foot span dragon wings. Wish I'd been able to get pics!
My Little Pony was also heavily represented.
Ack, wish it had focused better. I couldn't help but think of this as Star Wars ala The Wizard of OZ since the costume set up is in the same vein as the lion and the scarecrow.
Yeah, I forgot to bring the good camera. It's amazing how the phone camera can do awesome one minute and not so much the next. :P
So of course I had to take pics. :)
I LOVED this! Multi-generation Star Trek.
Sebastian from Black Butler.
This guy made a great Colonel from the SF TV show who's name I've yet to be able to recall. Loved that he had an led light in the tube to the Molotov cocktail to make it appear lit.
Amazon Athena? She was all glittery! Mean looking spear too.
Loved this one too! Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians. Even to the frost on his hoodie.
Cruella De Vil - she looked Fabulous!
Sand People!
Bucky! So cute..!
Sam and Dean Winchester! From the episode where they got sucked into the TV shows by the Trickster. These two did like 3 costume changes through the day (Couldn't get pics! Wah!) In the Medical Show, regular civies, and in their CSI costumes with the sunglasses from the same episode. I thought I saw Bobby Singer join them later in the day. Heh heh.
Sith Cheerleaders! The 501st was in attendance doing all sorts of panels, games for the kids, and more!
Bjoran Hogh Priestess outfit. Photo does not do it justice. Wah!
Iron Man was also in the house! He had working lights on the hand gauntlets too. Several incarnations of Tony Stark running around.
Though Pan Am only lasted 1 season, it obviously made an impression on some peeps out there. She looked great!
Louis from the Vampire Lestat.
A little vampire action too!
Incredible detail on this costume! Photo does not do it justice.
Look at those wings!
Is this not the cutest outfit ever? There were a lot of dolls. I heard there was even a costume contest for the dolls. I saw several wiz by that were utterly amazing! One had multicolored feathers wings and another 3 foot span dragon wings. Wish I'd been able to get pics!
My Little Pony was also heavily represented.
Ack, wish it had focused better. I couldn't help but think of this as Star Wars ala The Wizard of OZ since the costume set up is in the same vein as the lion and the scarecrow.
Yeah, I forgot to bring the good camera. It's amazing how the phone camera can do awesome one minute and not so much the next. :P
March 11, 2013
Mind Sieve 3/11/13
Going to see OZ Thursday has botched my prep schedule! Doh! (Been at AllCon all weekend.) Plus found out Saturday I am losing an hour. No! I was counting on that hour! Oh the humanity!
So no idea how far this post will go this week. Heh heh.
Survivor Trailer for the upcoming new Tomb Raider game. Looks rather good.
Tor.com has the full set of the new promo posters for Hunger Games Catching Fire film.
New Oblivion Trailer 2013. Looking forward to this one!
Iron Man 3 Trailer 2. Oh yeah!
After Earth Trailer 2. SF Year of movies Woot!
Game of Thrones Season 3 Trailer!
Talk Human To Me: 20 Tips to Humanize Your Brand from Pam Moore. This is aimed at businesses, but a lot of the principles work for us smaller fish too! :)
9 Consumer Media Trends That Could Impact Marketers by Patricia Redsicker at the Social Media Examiner. Again, written for bigger fish than us, but still chuck full of useful info.
7 Tips for Making Your Blog a Content Marketing Magnet by Heidi Cohen at the Social Media Examiner.
Resistance is Futility by Gene Lempp.
25 Things Writers Should Beware by Chuck (NSFW) Wendig.
Oh my goodness! I actually made it! YAY!!!!!!
So no idea how far this post will go this week. Heh heh.
Survivor Trailer for the upcoming new Tomb Raider game. Looks rather good.
Tor.com has the full set of the new promo posters for Hunger Games Catching Fire film.
New Oblivion Trailer 2013. Looking forward to this one!
Iron Man 3 Trailer 2. Oh yeah!
After Earth Trailer 2. SF Year of movies Woot!
Game of Thrones Season 3 Trailer!
Talk Human To Me: 20 Tips to Humanize Your Brand from Pam Moore. This is aimed at businesses, but a lot of the principles work for us smaller fish too! :)
9 Consumer Media Trends That Could Impact Marketers by Patricia Redsicker at the Social Media Examiner. Again, written for bigger fish than us, but still chuck full of useful info.
7 Tips for Making Your Blog a Content Marketing Magnet by Heidi Cohen at the Social Media Examiner.
Resistance is Futility by Gene Lempp.
25 Things Writers Should Beware by Chuck (NSFW) Wendig.
Oh my goodness! I actually made it! YAY!!!!!!
March 10, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Star Wars The Old Republic 3/10/13
Man, I've missed not getting to play SWTOR lately! Did sneak in an hour last night though. Yay!
Imperial Spy
Taris
A Republic Jedi who set out to tame the Rakghouls and teach them the ways of the force. He'd been rather successful until I got involved. :P
Ugly looking suckers. But powerful. And rather bloodthirsty.
Creepy looking hallway on the way down to meet them.
Zipping through the countryside!
Ah, the thorn in my side. Sith Bimbo thinks she's the universe's gift to the Empire. It's amazing she's lived this long. Heh heh.
The current honcho I am running errands for. He's not to thrilled with the Bimbo either. Hee hee!
I wanna play more SWTOR! (And Dishonored, and Angry Birds Star Wars, and and and...) :P
Have a great Sunday!
Imperial Spy
Taris
A Republic Jedi who set out to tame the Rakghouls and teach them the ways of the force. He'd been rather successful until I got involved. :P
Ugly looking suckers. But powerful. And rather bloodthirsty.
Creepy looking hallway on the way down to meet them.
Zipping through the countryside!
Ah, the thorn in my side. Sith Bimbo thinks she's the universe's gift to the Empire. It's amazing she's lived this long. Heh heh.
The current honcho I am running errands for. He's not to thrilled with the Bimbo either. Hee hee!
I wanna play more SWTOR! (And Dishonored, and Angry Birds Star Wars, and and and...) :P
Have a great Sunday!
March 8, 2013
Movie Review - OZ the Great and Powerful
OZ The Great and Powerful
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King, Tony Cox, Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Stephen R Hart, and many more.
Directed by: Sam Raimi Screenplay by: Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abair Based on the novel by: L Frank Baum Cinematography by: Peter Deming Original Music by: Danny Elfman
Premise: A womanizing, part magician, part conman finds himself swept away from Kansas when his hot air balloon is caught by a raging tornado. Promising to reform if his life is spared, Oz ends up finding himself in a land unlike any he's traveled to before. He's found by the beautiful Theodora, who states his visit was prophesied long before, and that Oz will the the king of the Emerald City and all the riches it holds - if he first rids the land of the Wicked Witch. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: James Franco did great as the womanizing conman who wants to make good. Rachel Weisz was fun as the oily Evanora. Mila Kunis came across as incredibly sensual, while also dripping with innocence. Joey King was eerie in Kansas, but also a lot of fun as China Girl.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Like the original "The Wizard of Oz" film from 1939, this one begins in a black and white Kansas but once we reach the Land of Oz, every thing is changed to vibrant color. The change was gradual, pushed on with the rising sun, and was marvelous to behold. In IMAX the colors almost scream off the screen.
The special effects team did a splendid job with the tornado. They showed both the lying calm which can be found withing and also the angry winds which raged and tore things apart into deadly projectiles. Certain moments were very reminiscent of the "The Wizard of Oz." Which was also something we saw over and over again as the film continued.
Oz's introduction to the Land of Oz will keep you captivated as he sees the land for the first time. The musical plants were utterly fascinating. The water fairies were incredibly cute, even with the sharp teeth.
The flying monkeys are now flying baboons, which made them that much more scary looking. The traveling soap bubbles and protective soap bubble shield were fun and looked amazing. China Girl was almost seamlessly a part of events showing in the screen and in her interactions with the actors. Add in the green lightning, the fireballs, the fog, and the giant field of poppies, and we got a special effects smorgasbord.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: I've never read any of L Frank Baum's books, so I can't make any comments as to whether the film is true to his works or not. For those who cherish the 1939 film, however, I think you'll see a lot of similar treatments in this film as in that one, and bits of foreshadowing, which connect the two films on several levels. The way the credits are done at the beginning, Kansas in black and white, the appearance of characters in Oz who look like people Oz knows in Kansas, etc. The main major difference between the two is the lack of singing, though the Munchkins did at least get in a few verses.
The story itself was pretty simple and had several lessons to teach. On many levels it was imbued with innocence and naivete, in others, the total opposite. The horror of some of the things which had happened in OZ were dulled -- mentioned, and flashed with emotion by the characters, yet not visible, thus glossing it out for the younger viewers.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: From the Baum Circus to the grand square in the Emerald City, the locations, whether real or not real, were perfect. The only thing found lacking was the yellow brick road itself. While it did exist, and we even got to see the same town square upon which Dorothy will later start her quest, the road itself did not stand out. In most ways, the yellow brick road appeared rather boring and not all that special, which was rather sad. The Poppy fields though were vast and amazing and did not disappoint. The spanning shot of the fog flowing over it and the 'warriors' starting across it was great.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Though not all that evident when Oz first reaches the Land of Oz, the more characters we meet, the more unique the dressing and hair styles became. With all the actor extras forming the main three types of people living with Glinda and then the citizens of the Emerald City, it the tremendous amount of work which had gone into giving the people of OZ a unique look of their own was very obvious . It seems a pity they didn't do the same with the three witches, who dressed rather generically by comparison.
Conclusion: "OZ the Great and Powerful" is a visual treat. Those who love the 1939 "The Wizard of Oz" will find much to like in this film. Watch for the cameos by Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi - a long standing tradition in Sam Raimi films.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King, Tony Cox, Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Stephen R Hart, and many more.
Directed by: Sam Raimi Screenplay by: Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abair Based on the novel by: L Frank Baum Cinematography by: Peter Deming Original Music by: Danny Elfman
Premise: A womanizing, part magician, part conman finds himself swept away from Kansas when his hot air balloon is caught by a raging tornado. Promising to reform if his life is spared, Oz ends up finding himself in a land unlike any he's traveled to before. He's found by the beautiful Theodora, who states his visit was prophesied long before, and that Oz will the the king of the Emerald City and all the riches it holds - if he first rids the land of the Wicked Witch. (Rated PG)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: James Franco did great as the womanizing conman who wants to make good. Rachel Weisz was fun as the oily Evanora. Mila Kunis came across as incredibly sensual, while also dripping with innocence. Joey King was eerie in Kansas, but also a lot of fun as China Girl.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: Like the original "The Wizard of Oz" film from 1939, this one begins in a black and white Kansas but once we reach the Land of Oz, every thing is changed to vibrant color. The change was gradual, pushed on with the rising sun, and was marvelous to behold. In IMAX the colors almost scream off the screen.
The special effects team did a splendid job with the tornado. They showed both the lying calm which can be found withing and also the angry winds which raged and tore things apart into deadly projectiles. Certain moments were very reminiscent of the "The Wizard of Oz." Which was also something we saw over and over again as the film continued.
Oz's introduction to the Land of Oz will keep you captivated as he sees the land for the first time. The musical plants were utterly fascinating. The water fairies were incredibly cute, even with the sharp teeth.
The flying monkeys are now flying baboons, which made them that much more scary looking. The traveling soap bubbles and protective soap bubble shield were fun and looked amazing. China Girl was almost seamlessly a part of events showing in the screen and in her interactions with the actors. Add in the green lightning, the fireballs, the fog, and the giant field of poppies, and we got a special effects smorgasbord.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: I've never read any of L Frank Baum's books, so I can't make any comments as to whether the film is true to his works or not. For those who cherish the 1939 film, however, I think you'll see a lot of similar treatments in this film as in that one, and bits of foreshadowing, which connect the two films on several levels. The way the credits are done at the beginning, Kansas in black and white, the appearance of characters in Oz who look like people Oz knows in Kansas, etc. The main major difference between the two is the lack of singing, though the Munchkins did at least get in a few verses.
The story itself was pretty simple and had several lessons to teach. On many levels it was imbued with innocence and naivete, in others, the total opposite. The horror of some of the things which had happened in OZ were dulled -- mentioned, and flashed with emotion by the characters, yet not visible, thus glossing it out for the younger viewers.
4) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: From the Baum Circus to the grand square in the Emerald City, the locations, whether real or not real, were perfect. The only thing found lacking was the yellow brick road itself. While it did exist, and we even got to see the same town square upon which Dorothy will later start her quest, the road itself did not stand out. In most ways, the yellow brick road appeared rather boring and not all that special, which was rather sad. The Poppy fields though were vast and amazing and did not disappoint. The spanning shot of the fog flowing over it and the 'warriors' starting across it was great.
5) Costuming/Makeup - Total Thumbs Up: Though not all that evident when Oz first reaches the Land of Oz, the more characters we meet, the more unique the dressing and hair styles became. With all the actor extras forming the main three types of people living with Glinda and then the citizens of the Emerald City, it the tremendous amount of work which had gone into giving the people of OZ a unique look of their own was very obvious . It seems a pity they didn't do the same with the three witches, who dressed rather generically by comparison.
Conclusion: "OZ the Great and Powerful" is a visual treat. Those who love the 1939 "The Wizard of Oz" will find much to like in this film. Watch for the cameos by Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi - a long standing tradition in Sam Raimi films.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Full Price of Admission)
March 6, 2013
Picture Kaleidoscope 3/6/13
Greetings! Let's see how far I get today. Been one of those weeks. Heh
The Trinity by Erez Marom at Earthshots.org. Love the sweeping look.
He has some really cool shots at his website too! The Queen of All Frogs. The Macro, Landscape, and people. Awesome work!
Nautilus by Erez Marom. Oh yeah totally cool stuff!
BTS: Shooting Adventure Photos of an Ice-Climber with Off-Camera Lighting from PetaPixel. Fascinating pics of the ice and climber for sure! Photos by Kamil Tamiola.
Disorienting Portraits of People Walking About in a Tilted World from PetaPixel. Photography by Romain Laurent. Kind of cool, no?
Love the geek factor of this one - Falls of Mordor. Photo by Nikhil Shahi. He has some really awesome looking stuff at his website too.
Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!
The Trinity by Erez Marom at Earthshots.org. Love the sweeping look.
He has some really cool shots at his website too! The Queen of All Frogs. The Macro, Landscape, and people. Awesome work!
Nautilus by Erez Marom. Oh yeah totally cool stuff!
BTS: Shooting Adventure Photos of an Ice-Climber with Off-Camera Lighting from PetaPixel. Fascinating pics of the ice and climber for sure! Photos by Kamil Tamiola.
Disorienting Portraits of People Walking About in a Tilted World from PetaPixel. Photography by Romain Laurent. Kind of cool, no?
Love the geek factor of this one - Falls of Mordor. Photo by Nikhil Shahi. He has some really awesome looking stuff at his website too.
Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!
March 4, 2013
Mind Sieve 3/4/13
Ugh. And I thought my post of a week or two was lame...
I normally prep this post on Thursday night in case of conventions during the weekend. This past Thursday though I got derailed but figured since I'd be home Saturday, I'd just add it to the giant To Do List. Was getting stuff done, when suddenly around 9 pm my lower back muscle started complaining - a lot! Pretty soon I was in some pain so had to give up on working. Sleeping was tough too. Still hurts on Sunday morning. What's weird is I didn't do anything strenuous Saturday. I couldn't have pulled a muscle. Really hope it's not shingles! Eek!
Wish me luck!
Vamp U Official Trailer. Vampire College Comedy...hmmmm
Family Weekend Trailer - this one looks interesting. lol.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2! Woot! Tacozilla nearly did me in. lol
Okay, I gotta go now. Wheee!
I normally prep this post on Thursday night in case of conventions during the weekend. This past Thursday though I got derailed but figured since I'd be home Saturday, I'd just add it to the giant To Do List. Was getting stuff done, when suddenly around 9 pm my lower back muscle started complaining - a lot! Pretty soon I was in some pain so had to give up on working. Sleeping was tough too. Still hurts on Sunday morning. What's weird is I didn't do anything strenuous Saturday. I couldn't have pulled a muscle. Really hope it's not shingles! Eek!
Wish me luck!
Vamp U Official Trailer. Vampire College Comedy...hmmmm
Family Weekend Trailer - this one looks interesting. lol.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2! Woot! Tacozilla nearly did me in. lol
Okay, I gotta go now. Wheee!
March 3, 2013
Virtual Tourist - Dishonored 3/3/13
Morning all! I've done something weird to my back muscles. Not happy this morning. Wah!
Dishonored
An ever closer view of the Golden Cat. Really is nice looking!
The Art Dealer. Not what I'd expected. He's strapped to this chair because he WANTS to be. The Golden Cat caters to all types of clients.
Truly some gorgeous stuff in here.
Slackjaw is actually who will help me get rid of two traitors without killing them. Can't wait to see how he manages it.
Ceiling in the Gold Room.
Gazebo type area in the back of the Golden Cat
View of the garden of the Golden Cat
Main interior hallway. Love the lamp! The back wall was full of paintings of women. Like a menu?
The princess's drawing. The castle, unicorns, and rainbows. Poor kid.
Some of the decor in the non-client areas.
This poster was just disturbing.
Main client area. Gorgeous!
Have a great day!
Dishonored
An ever closer view of the Golden Cat. Really is nice looking!
The Art Dealer. Not what I'd expected. He's strapped to this chair because he WANTS to be. The Golden Cat caters to all types of clients. 
Truly some gorgeous stuff in here.
Slackjaw is actually who will help me get rid of two traitors without killing them. Can't wait to see how he manages it.
Ceiling in the Gold Room. 
Gazebo type area in the back of the Golden Cat
View of the garden of the Golden Cat
Main interior hallway. Love the lamp! The back wall was full of paintings of women. Like a menu?
The princess's drawing. The castle, unicorns, and rainbows. Poor kid.
Some of the decor in the non-client areas. 
This poster was just disturbing. 
Main client area. Gorgeous!Have a great day!
March 1, 2013
Movie Review - Jack The Giant Slayer
Jack The Giant Slayer
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Eddie Marsan, Ewen Bremmer, Ian McShane, Christopher Fairbank, Simon Lowe, Mingus Johnson, Ralph Brown, Bill Nighy, John Kassir, Ben Daniels, and more.
Directed by: Bryan Singer Screenplay by: Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie, and Dan Studney Story by: Darren Lemke and David Dobkin Cinematography by: Newton Thomas Sigel Original Music by: John Ottman
Premise: Jack and Isabel, though from very different worlds, grew up hearing the same stories about the giants living between the earth and heaven. Both want nothing more than to have an adventure of their own. Fate draws them together and between a rainy night and some stolen magical beans, the two of them find themselves in the midst of more adventure than they can handle. And they've yet to find out about the dark plot being woven around them. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Nicholas Hoult makes the act of slaying giants look easy. Eleanor Tomlinson was adorable, especially at the beginning, when she's trying to find out from Jack about the motives for his actions when they first met, while still trying to hide who she is from him. Ewan McGregor had several good lines, and looked quite dashing in his armor. He did several silent looks which spoke volumes, and delivered several delightful lines. Wish he'd had more! Stanley Tucci was perfect as the oily Roderick. Bill Nighy and John Kassir were fun as the two headed giant.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The movie is totally worth seeing for the beanstalks alone! Watching the thing grow at a magical rate and seeing it burrows everywhere was utterly fascinating. The effect when they cut it down was both realistic and unexpected. It might very well have done more harm than the giants.
The giants themselves were varied in how they looked and acted and moved well. Their gross manners, bedraggled appearance, and lack of hygiene, however, clashed with the gift of their incredible sense of smell. As badly as these fellows looked, they wouldn't have been able to smell much of anything other than themselves.
The final battle sequence was outstanding. I loved how the giants took one of the defensing measures created by the humans at the castle and figured out how to turn it to their advantage. Sadly, however, the definite intelligence shown in combat again clashed with their lack of skills in making clothes or armor.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: While the main plot and its resolution won't be a surprise to anyone, there were still many pleasant surprises in the plot. Setbacks and progress were parceled to all parties, and a number of things didn't follow the expected route.
There are also a lot of subtle bits woven into the story. Some were jokes, like having Elmont make an Obi-wan type comment. While others were silent, or implied, and you have to pay attention to catch them. My favorite was when Roderick and the giants made it to the waterfall. Watch the General's heads.
Another fun thing about the story were the circular elements. There's a ying and yang quality at the very beginning as we glimpse the different yet similar lives of Jack and Isabel as children. Another has to do with specific dialogue being said more than once by different people. The final circle happens at the end, when we get to hear the story of the giants as it changes through time and how Jack safeguarded the one thing that could help mankind if the giants somehow returned yet again. (Pay special attention to the boy at the very end. He should look familiar.)
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Some stunts were CGI, others were real, and yet others were a mix of the two. Regardless of which kind it turned out to be, the 'gags' were all done very well.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: A mixture of CGI and real locations, they fit perfectly. The view from the beanstalk as the sun comes up over the clouds will take your breath away. The same can be said of several of the sweeping views of the giants' domain. There was a lot in the film to satisfy the eyes.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Thumbs Up: The costuming department had a lot of fun with this film. There were subtle jokes about clothing in several places. The human general was one - strangely looking like a spruced up version of the magistrate in the original "Frankenstein" film. The king's cloak was another joke and actually played a part later in the film. The Princess though did suffer 'perfect hair' syndrome throughout despite all their troubles.
Conclusion: "Jack the Giant Slayer" is a fun and more complex retelling of the classic fairy tale. It was filled with lots of gorgeous vistas and giant action. Definitely worth seeing in IMAX 3D.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price To See Again.)
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Eddie Marsan, Ewen Bremmer, Ian McShane, Christopher Fairbank, Simon Lowe, Mingus Johnson, Ralph Brown, Bill Nighy, John Kassir, Ben Daniels, and more.
Directed by: Bryan Singer Screenplay by: Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie, and Dan Studney Story by: Darren Lemke and David Dobkin Cinematography by: Newton Thomas Sigel Original Music by: John Ottman
Premise: Jack and Isabel, though from very different worlds, grew up hearing the same stories about the giants living between the earth and heaven. Both want nothing more than to have an adventure of their own. Fate draws them together and between a rainy night and some stolen magical beans, the two of them find themselves in the midst of more adventure than they can handle. And they've yet to find out about the dark plot being woven around them. (Rated PG-13)
Review:
1) Acting - Thumbs Up: Nicholas Hoult makes the act of slaying giants look easy. Eleanor Tomlinson was adorable, especially at the beginning, when she's trying to find out from Jack about the motives for his actions when they first met, while still trying to hide who she is from him. Ewan McGregor had several good lines, and looked quite dashing in his armor. He did several silent looks which spoke volumes, and delivered several delightful lines. Wish he'd had more! Stanley Tucci was perfect as the oily Roderick. Bill Nighy and John Kassir were fun as the two headed giant.
2) Special Effects - Total Thumbs Up: The movie is totally worth seeing for the beanstalks alone! Watching the thing grow at a magical rate and seeing it burrows everywhere was utterly fascinating. The effect when they cut it down was both realistic and unexpected. It might very well have done more harm than the giants.
The giants themselves were varied in how they looked and acted and moved well. Their gross manners, bedraggled appearance, and lack of hygiene, however, clashed with the gift of their incredible sense of smell. As badly as these fellows looked, they wouldn't have been able to smell much of anything other than themselves.
The final battle sequence was outstanding. I loved how the giants took one of the defensing measures created by the humans at the castle and figured out how to turn it to their advantage. Sadly, however, the definite intelligence shown in combat again clashed with their lack of skills in making clothes or armor.
3) Plot/Story - Thumbs Up: While the main plot and its resolution won't be a surprise to anyone, there were still many pleasant surprises in the plot. Setbacks and progress were parceled to all parties, and a number of things didn't follow the expected route.
There are also a lot of subtle bits woven into the story. Some were jokes, like having Elmont make an Obi-wan type comment. While others were silent, or implied, and you have to pay attention to catch them. My favorite was when Roderick and the giants made it to the waterfall. Watch the General's heads.
Another fun thing about the story were the circular elements. There's a ying and yang quality at the very beginning as we glimpse the different yet similar lives of Jack and Isabel as children. Another has to do with specific dialogue being said more than once by different people. The final circle happens at the end, when we get to hear the story of the giants as it changes through time and how Jack safeguarded the one thing that could help mankind if the giants somehow returned yet again. (Pay special attention to the boy at the very end. He should look familiar.)
4) Stunts - Total Thumbs Up: Some stunts were CGI, others were real, and yet others were a mix of the two. Regardless of which kind it turned out to be, the 'gags' were all done very well.
5) Locations/Cinematography - Total Thumbs Up: A mixture of CGI and real locations, they fit perfectly. The view from the beanstalk as the sun comes up over the clouds will take your breath away. The same can be said of several of the sweeping views of the giants' domain. There was a lot in the film to satisfy the eyes.
6) Costuming/Makeup - Thumbs Up: The costuming department had a lot of fun with this film. There were subtle jokes about clothing in several places. The human general was one - strangely looking like a spruced up version of the magistrate in the original "Frankenstein" film. The king's cloak was another joke and actually played a part later in the film. The Princess though did suffer 'perfect hair' syndrome throughout despite all their troubles.
Conclusion: "Jack the Giant Slayer" is a fun and more complex retelling of the classic fairy tale. It was filled with lots of gorgeous vistas and giant action. Definitely worth seeing in IMAX 3D.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 (Hubby's Rating: Worth Paying Full Price To See Again.)
