I read James Damore's entire memo (with citations) :
https://medium.com/@Cernovich/full-james-damore-memo-uncensored-memo-with-charts-and-cites-339f3d2d05f
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Thoughts on Interview of Dr. Jordan Peterson by British journalist Cathy Newman
Actually this interview is even funnier if it is read. Not sure if The Atlantic is Right, Left or upside down, but they detail this pseudo comedy routine fairly clearly: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/putting-monsterpaint-onjordan-peterson/550859/ The interviewer was both not listening to the guest's response while almost instantly giving her own spin which changed the guest's actual response. Love to see this transferred to SNL in sketch format.
Actually this interview is even funnier if it is read. Not sure if The Atlantic is Right, Left or upside down, but they detail this pseudo comedy routine fairly clearly: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/putting-monsterpaint-onjordan-peterson/550859/ The interviewer was both not listening to the guest's response while almost instantly giving her own spin which changed the guest's actual response. Love to see this transferred to SNL in sketch format.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Stephenie Twilight Novels
Thoughts based on YouTube video by Lindsay Ellis published 01/21/2018
The only bad (well most egregious) thing about the Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels is that they inadvertently led to, 50 Shades series. Disclaimer on my part, I haven't read any of these novels. With media coverage (and a sprinkle of Wikipedia) I feel that even without reading the books or watching the movies, they have affected (aka infected) my entire brain. Perhaps all that says more about me than either Stephenie Meyer or E.L. James.
Thoughts based on YouTube video by Lindsay Ellis published 01/21/2018
The only bad (well most egregious) thing about the Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels is that they inadvertently led to, 50 Shades series. Disclaimer on my part, I haven't read any of these novels. With media coverage (and a sprinkle of Wikipedia) I feel that even without reading the books or watching the movies, they have affected (aka infected) my entire brain. Perhaps all that says more about me than either Stephenie Meyer or E.L. James.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Unleashed (2016)
Watched on Netflix 01/21/2018
Absolutely never heard of this movie. I was roaming around Netflix trying to find something, actually anything, that might prove to be of interest. I noticed an image of Kate Micucci whose work in acting, comedy and singing that I have always admired. I gave this film a chance and have no regrets. This is a funny and smart comedy.
Unleashed tells the story about an app designer who after a personal/job catastrophe, decides to remake her life by adopting a dog and a cat, then moving all three of them to California (San Francisco) from Minnesota. Completely filmed in the San Francisco Bay area, this is a bright film from its cinematography, characters, soundtrack and editing. Its category is a comedy, with a heavy dose of fantasy, but with clever, funny dialogue. All characters were well-cast and believably acted. The standouts were Justin Chatwin (as Diego), Kate Micucci (as Emma) and Hana Mae Lee (as Nina). The director, Finn Taylor is also listed as the writer, Mr. Taylor succeeds in both jobs. Accept the fantasy to stay and to be rewarded by the cast's performance.
Watched on Netflix 01/21/2018
Absolutely never heard of this movie. I was roaming around Netflix trying to find something, actually anything, that might prove to be of interest. I noticed an image of Kate Micucci whose work in acting, comedy and singing that I have always admired. I gave this film a chance and have no regrets. This is a funny and smart comedy.
Unleashed tells the story about an app designer who after a personal/job catastrophe, decides to remake her life by adopting a dog and a cat, then moving all three of them to California (San Francisco) from Minnesota. Completely filmed in the San Francisco Bay area, this is a bright film from its cinematography, characters, soundtrack and editing. Its category is a comedy, with a heavy dose of fantasy, but with clever, funny dialogue. All characters were well-cast and believably acted. The standouts were Justin Chatwin (as Diego), Kate Micucci (as Emma) and Hana Mae Lee (as Nina). The director, Finn Taylor is also listed as the writer, Mr. Taylor succeeds in both jobs. Accept the fantasy to stay and to be rewarded by the cast's performance.
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Godzilla
part 1 : episode 1 : Planet of the monsters 88 minutes
Watched on Netflix 01/18/2018
thoughts:
Shipload of potential colonists gets blown up before opening credits.
I know Godzilla is huge but he travels rather quickly (judging from opening chronology of events)
Excellent graphics
Have a cliffhanger feeling about the ending of this episode
Seems to have religions overtones, but might be more analogous to THE FORCE, rather than conventional religion.
Writers need to shorten some of Haruo Sakaki's (main character) speeches. He has a bit too much hubris along with being way too pedantic.
Yup it is a bouncing baby...cliffhanger. Gotta love those anime songs (cheery and perky in sound cannot speak to the lyric meaning) in ending credits. Stay until the end of the credits (occurs at about 1:22) for a "zinger".
part 1 : episode 1 : Planet of the monsters 88 minutes
Watched on Netflix 01/18/2018
thoughts:
Shipload of potential colonists gets blown up before opening credits.
I know Godzilla is huge but he travels rather quickly (judging from opening chronology of events)
Excellent graphics
Have a cliffhanger feeling about the ending of this episode
Seems to have religions overtones, but might be more analogous to THE FORCE, rather than conventional religion.
Writers need to shorten some of Haruo Sakaki's (main character) speeches. He has a bit too much hubris along with being way too pedantic.
Yup it is a bouncing baby...cliffhanger. Gotta love those anime songs (cheery and perky in sound cannot speak to the lyric meaning) in ending credits. Stay until the end of the credits (occurs at about 1:22) for a "zinger".
The Last Jedi's bad performance in China
(thoughts on Collider "movie-talk" published 01/18/2018 on You Tube)
When Luke threw the light saber over the cliff, yes it shocked me. This action was also reflected in Rey's astonishment and anger. However, I did see the motivation. This was a man who saw his nephew slaughter young Padwans, abduct/brainwash the rest and destroy the school itself. Luke spend decades isolated on an island abstaining from actively using the force. All that being considered, wouldn't his treatment of the light saber be less than respectful?
(thoughts on Collider "movie-talk" published 01/18/2018 on You Tube)
When Luke threw the light saber over the cliff, yes it shocked me. This action was also reflected in Rey's astonishment and anger. However, I did see the motivation. This was a man who saw his nephew slaughter young Padwans, abduct/brainwash the rest and destroy the school itself. Luke spend decades isolated on an island abstaining from actively using the force. All that being considered, wouldn't his treatment of the light saber be less than respectful?
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams
Season 1 -- 10 episodes on Amazon Prime
viewed on 01/13/2018
While I have read stores by Philip K. Dick before, I was not familiar with any of the stories which were adapted for this series.
My ratings are variable depending on the story. Any anthology, wether printed or on video is likely not going to have a perfect rating across one season. I do commend Amazon for taking this project on.
(1) REAL LIFE -- 3.0/5
While Anna Paquin (as Sarah) was good, most of the dialogue ran to the very overwrought, level leading towards a kind of a weepy, dark version of a Lifetime/Hallmark movie. The plot has a stressed out person using a highly sophisticated virtual reality (prototype) device. So good (and so without any internal safeguards) that the stressed person cannot tell virtual reality from reality. Unfortunately one of the realities, isn't as well written as the other, so this makes this tearjerker even murkier. My rating is solely for Anna Paquin, even though she isn't on screen as much as I would like.
(2) AUTOFAC -- 4.5/5
This movie had several twists. I did guess the secret of one of the main characters, but not all the characters. This is a clever story with enough irony to make the viewer almost chuckle, but this is not a comedy. There is an extremely famous online retailer who has briefly mentioned using drones. I hope that they watch this episode before instituting any radical changes. There is a magazine shown very briefly in the beginning of this episode. This magazine is a major spoiler which provides an additional twist right at the conclusion.
(3) HUMAN IS -- 4.5/5
The year is 2520. Earth is approaching a danger point in terms of breathable air and other elements. Government's response to this danger, is predictable but still fascinating to watch. I credit the two leads, Essie Davis(as Vera) and Bryan Cranston (as Vera's husband Silas) for keeping my interest. The supporting cast is good, while restrained. However due to their jobs (military/government) that is appropriate. A courtroom scene excels in good dialogue, with Essie Davis's performance...perfection. The conclusion was the most logical and satisfying that I have seen in a while.
(4) CRAZY DIAMOND -- 2.5/5
Well this was weird. Steve Buscemi played a major part. Actually in view of the decisions his character made, Steve Buscemi kept his acting steady and watchable. However none of the characters in this episode were smart, likable or even ethical. Perhaps that was the author's point. However that still made it hard to watch such annoying people do such stupid things.
(5) THE HOOD MAKER -- 4.0/5
The title of this episode should be taken literally. It is a symbol for the conflict this episode showcases. Telepaths are basically the lowest class in this society relegated to slums and houses of prostitution. However one telepath (they are called "teeps" or "it") is so good that she hired by the police to partner with one of their more successful detectives. The world building was excellent. The cinematography reminded me of a Bladerunner society matched with film noir (even to the point of the agent's hat). The two leads, Richard Madden (as Agent Ross) and Holliday Grainger (as the teep, Honor) were charismatic and affecting. The ending is left in a situation, probably due to the intent of the original author (Philip K. Dick), that is quite open. Perhaps I missed a cue, or a facial expression that would have given me an answer. Just know that this movie does not have a neatly tied "in a bow" ending.
(6) SAFE & SOUND -- 2.5/5
Much of this movie takes place in a very modern museum-like high school, with its main character, Foster Lee as a teenage student (acted by Annalise Basso). While Ms Basso's acting is good, the dialogue (everyone's dialogue) was trite, ordinary and very artificial sounding. Most adults in this episode were at best clueless, at worse predatory. The tech device is very reminiscent of a Fitbit crossed with an iWatch. As obvious as the direction that this movie was taking (think fluorescent arrow obvious), why did they make the last 2 1/2 minutes a flashback showing how the conclusion was accomplished? Those 2 1/2 "remedial" minutes is why I would rate this episode so low.
(7) THE FATHER THING -- 4.0/5
While a serious subject, this is a romp. Think of very very dark Goonies with interplanetary aliens, and you have this episode. With kids taking control as heroes. Luckily the main child actor, Jack Gore (as Charlie Cotrell), is unbelievably good at making the viewer believe in this child's intellect, maturity and moral code. Think Captain America as a child, and you have this character.
(8) IMPOSSIBLE PLANET -- 2.5/5
So many good actors (Geraldine Chaplin, Benedict Wong, Jack Reynor), beautiful cinematography (decent CGI and practical effects) and good set design, but yet somehow this episode lacks a purpose or point. Maybe reading Philip K. Dick's story would help, but this episode did not reach me at all.
(9) THE COMMUTER -- 3.0/5
No, Liam Neeson is not in this movie, although his presence would no doubt have elevated my rating. This episode has borrowed themes from the movie, It's A Wonderful Life (1946) and a very old episode from the original Twilight Zone series (season 1, ep. 30 shown in 1960) called, "A Stop at Willoughby". However this episode is quite dark with absolutely no celebrations and no warm smiles. The acting was good, cinematography fine, even the dialogue was decent. Perhaps this episode does not translate well from book to video,
(10) K.A.O. -- 2.5/5
The name is abbreviated at the beginning of this episode, but spelled out at the end. Unfortunately IMDb listed it written out which is a major spoiler.
Vera Farmiga plays the character of, "The Candidate" of this (entire) world. Her appearances are brief with her acting framed by her dialogue which is essentially political election doublespeak. More Farmiga would have automatically raised my score to a 3 or higher, but she is used all too briefly. As for the rest of the movie, it is competently acted, but the trite dialogue would limit almost any actor's big scene. The message of this episode is sent as frequently, as heavy-handedly and as obviously as any real-life speech. While that may have been the point, bad dialogue with obvious plot points does not make for an entertaining episode. Quite a bit of this episode almost plays like a prequel to the horror movie franchise, The Purge. Since the movie did it over and over I will say it again, predictable is nice for meal quality and travel schedules, but makes for bad entertainment.
Season 1 -- 10 episodes on Amazon Prime
viewed on 01/13/2018
While I have read stores by Philip K. Dick before, I was not familiar with any of the stories which were adapted for this series.
My ratings are variable depending on the story. Any anthology, wether printed or on video is likely not going to have a perfect rating across one season. I do commend Amazon for taking this project on.
(1) REAL LIFE -- 3.0/5
While Anna Paquin (as Sarah) was good, most of the dialogue ran to the very overwrought, level leading towards a kind of a weepy, dark version of a Lifetime/Hallmark movie. The plot has a stressed out person using a highly sophisticated virtual reality (prototype) device. So good (and so without any internal safeguards) that the stressed person cannot tell virtual reality from reality. Unfortunately one of the realities, isn't as well written as the other, so this makes this tearjerker even murkier. My rating is solely for Anna Paquin, even though she isn't on screen as much as I would like.
(2) AUTOFAC -- 4.5/5
This movie had several twists. I did guess the secret of one of the main characters, but not all the characters. This is a clever story with enough irony to make the viewer almost chuckle, but this is not a comedy. There is an extremely famous online retailer who has briefly mentioned using drones. I hope that they watch this episode before instituting any radical changes. There is a magazine shown very briefly in the beginning of this episode. This magazine is a major spoiler which provides an additional twist right at the conclusion.
(3) HUMAN IS -- 4.5/5
The year is 2520. Earth is approaching a danger point in terms of breathable air and other elements. Government's response to this danger, is predictable but still fascinating to watch. I credit the two leads, Essie Davis(as Vera) and Bryan Cranston (as Vera's husband Silas) for keeping my interest. The supporting cast is good, while restrained. However due to their jobs (military/government) that is appropriate. A courtroom scene excels in good dialogue, with Essie Davis's performance...perfection. The conclusion was the most logical and satisfying that I have seen in a while.
(4) CRAZY DIAMOND -- 2.5/5
Well this was weird. Steve Buscemi played a major part. Actually in view of the decisions his character made, Steve Buscemi kept his acting steady and watchable. However none of the characters in this episode were smart, likable or even ethical. Perhaps that was the author's point. However that still made it hard to watch such annoying people do such stupid things.
(5) THE HOOD MAKER -- 4.0/5
The title of this episode should be taken literally. It is a symbol for the conflict this episode showcases. Telepaths are basically the lowest class in this society relegated to slums and houses of prostitution. However one telepath (they are called "teeps" or "it") is so good that she hired by the police to partner with one of their more successful detectives. The world building was excellent. The cinematography reminded me of a Bladerunner society matched with film noir (even to the point of the agent's hat). The two leads, Richard Madden (as Agent Ross) and Holliday Grainger (as the teep, Honor) were charismatic and affecting. The ending is left in a situation, probably due to the intent of the original author (Philip K. Dick), that is quite open. Perhaps I missed a cue, or a facial expression that would have given me an answer. Just know that this movie does not have a neatly tied "in a bow" ending.
(6) SAFE & SOUND -- 2.5/5
Much of this movie takes place in a very modern museum-like high school, with its main character, Foster Lee as a teenage student (acted by Annalise Basso). While Ms Basso's acting is good, the dialogue (everyone's dialogue) was trite, ordinary and very artificial sounding. Most adults in this episode were at best clueless, at worse predatory. The tech device is very reminiscent of a Fitbit crossed with an iWatch. As obvious as the direction that this movie was taking (think fluorescent arrow obvious), why did they make the last 2 1/2 minutes a flashback showing how the conclusion was accomplished? Those 2 1/2 "remedial" minutes is why I would rate this episode so low.
(7) THE FATHER THING -- 4.0/5
While a serious subject, this is a romp. Think of very very dark Goonies with interplanetary aliens, and you have this episode. With kids taking control as heroes. Luckily the main child actor, Jack Gore (as Charlie Cotrell), is unbelievably good at making the viewer believe in this child's intellect, maturity and moral code. Think Captain America as a child, and you have this character.
(8) IMPOSSIBLE PLANET -- 2.5/5
So many good actors (Geraldine Chaplin, Benedict Wong, Jack Reynor), beautiful cinematography (decent CGI and practical effects) and good set design, but yet somehow this episode lacks a purpose or point. Maybe reading Philip K. Dick's story would help, but this episode did not reach me at all.
(9) THE COMMUTER -- 3.0/5
No, Liam Neeson is not in this movie, although his presence would no doubt have elevated my rating. This episode has borrowed themes from the movie, It's A Wonderful Life (1946) and a very old episode from the original Twilight Zone series (season 1, ep. 30 shown in 1960) called, "A Stop at Willoughby". However this episode is quite dark with absolutely no celebrations and no warm smiles. The acting was good, cinematography fine, even the dialogue was decent. Perhaps this episode does not translate well from book to video,
(10) K.A.O. -- 2.5/5
The name is abbreviated at the beginning of this episode, but spelled out at the end. Unfortunately IMDb listed it written out which is a major spoiler.
Vera Farmiga plays the character of, "The Candidate" of this (entire) world. Her appearances are brief with her acting framed by her dialogue which is essentially political election doublespeak. More Farmiga would have automatically raised my score to a 3 or higher, but she is used all too briefly. As for the rest of the movie, it is competently acted, but the trite dialogue would limit almost any actor's big scene. The message of this episode is sent as frequently, as heavy-handedly and as obviously as any real-life speech. While that may have been the point, bad dialogue with obvious plot points does not make for an entertaining episode. Quite a bit of this episode almost plays like a prequel to the horror movie franchise, The Purge. Since the movie did it over and over I will say it again, predictable is nice for meal quality and travel schedules, but makes for bad entertainment.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Ear Buds: The Podcasting Documentary (2016)
seen on Amazon Prime 01/13/2018
First I have a complaint, why aren't the names of Chris Mancini and Graham Elwood listed beneath the title?
NOW FOR THE REVIEW PORTION OF THIS REVIEW:
I have been a podcast listener for over 4 years. Like many of those interviewed, listening to podcasts got me through a rough time when my thoughts were quite dark. Enough about me, this is an entertaining film. Well edited, written, directed and scored. Many documentaries either take a teaching (aka boring) or scolding (aka patronizing) tone. This documentary does neither. It adheres to the primary reason for a film, it entertains first and then enlightens. While this isn't a how-to on starting your own podcast (there must be a million videos and a few books on that subject), this film highlights both the fan and creator experience in world of podcasts. Seeing so many different individuals helping and communicating with one another makes me smile. A free thing that makes you smile, is not something to sneeze at (yeah try that at the same time, but not in front of any tech). Whether you think a podcast grows artificial people or is a nice place to visit, please watch this film and be entertained.
Oh and I highly recommend the podcast, Comedy Film Nerds with Chris Mancini, Graham Elwood and the occasional (but always amusing) TBA-guest.
seen on Amazon Prime 01/13/2018
First I have a complaint, why aren't the names of Chris Mancini and Graham Elwood listed beneath the title?
NOW FOR THE REVIEW PORTION OF THIS REVIEW:
I have been a podcast listener for over 4 years. Like many of those interviewed, listening to podcasts got me through a rough time when my thoughts were quite dark. Enough about me, this is an entertaining film. Well edited, written, directed and scored. Many documentaries either take a teaching (aka boring) or scolding (aka patronizing) tone. This documentary does neither. It adheres to the primary reason for a film, it entertains first and then enlightens. While this isn't a how-to on starting your own podcast (there must be a million videos and a few books on that subject), this film highlights both the fan and creator experience in world of podcasts. Seeing so many different individuals helping and communicating with one another makes me smile. A free thing that makes you smile, is not something to sneeze at (yeah try that at the same time, but not in front of any tech). Whether you think a podcast grows artificial people or is a nice place to visit, please watch this film and be entertained.
Oh and I highly recommend the podcast, Comedy Film Nerds with Chris Mancini, Graham Elwood and the occasional (but always amusing) TBA-guest.
Bitcoin
COMMENTS after watching FUNHAUS Dude Soup Podcast Episode # 156 (published 01/112018) on YouTube:
I am going to need a memory upgrade before I understand the whole bitcoin thing. Is bitcoin still under Winklevoss twins' control? These are the guys who sued Mark Zuckerberg way back when, regarding FB creation and then went on to develop the bitcoin? Bottom line, we can thank FB for this cryptocurrency maze? Social media ruins everything.
COMMENTS after watching FUNHAUS Dude Soup Podcast Episode # 156 (published 01/112018) on YouTube:
I am going to need a memory upgrade before I understand the whole bitcoin thing. Is bitcoin still under Winklevoss twins' control? These are the guys who sued Mark Zuckerberg way back when, regarding FB creation and then went on to develop the bitcoin? Bottom line, we can thank FB for this cryptocurrency maze? Social media ruins everything.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
The Mantis (released in France as La Mante)
(2017)
on Netflix
This is a 6 part mini series in French with subtitled
English. The acting is impeccable and the cinematography beautiful. The
practical effects are impressive yet not over done. Impressive, considering
the fact that this is a movie about 2 serial killers.
The first few episodes are flooded with red herrings (false
leads), but within the story’s world, they are plausible. Around episodes 4 and 5 there are many convenient plot
points (no password protection on a psychiatrist’s laptop) and coincidences
assisted by some especially dim behavior by the police. The sight of a crew of
3 members of an elite police squad physically scanning faces on a dating site,
instead of running facial recognition software, had me yelling at the screen.
While the end is slightly soapy and completely unrealistic,
it does showcase the talents of the two leads, Carole Bouquet (as Jeanne) and
Fred Testot (as Damien). These two actors make a time investment involving 6 episodes worthwhile. There is some over-wrought acting by some of the
secondary cast, but I will chalk that up to the script flaws and maybe the
direction.
Whether the details in this mini series add up or not it is
entertaining.
Due to the subject matter, this is a hard R rated series.
NEWS as in headlines, articles, online sites, social media
(Thoughts from You Tube channel Philip DeFranco---- published 01/11/18)
When did news become a mix of fiction and non-fiction. When I go into B&N, I have an easy choice which direction to go to and an easy decision on what I am seeing in that section. However in reality for any news article I read, quote from or re-post now requires me (ethically) to find multiple other sources ? These sources could be retweets without review? Argh, going back to just reading superhero graphic novels. At least I can tell fantasy from reality within those covers.
(Thoughts from You Tube Channel Philip DeFranco-----published 01/12/18)
I would like to believe that this is all an interplanetary conspiracy to drive us all b** s*** crazy. When their fleet arrives to colonize in a century or two, basically only buildings will be left standing. Hey that theory makes about as much sense as what is really going on. Thank you Philip DeFranco for injecting a bit of logic that clears a path (albeit narrow) to reality. Although there is a teeny tiny troll inside me that is (sort of) impressed with the fact that the president has managed to alienate an entire continent. So is it national election time yet? No? Where's the carbonite.
(Thoughts from You Tube Channel Double Toasted----published 01/16/18)
RE: remark concerning Meghan Markle engaged to Prince Harry
Jo Marney is ignorant, apathetic and basically soulless. She is what she is...who cares. However what bothers me is the head of one of the political parties in the UK (UKIP leader Henry Bolton), was hanging out with her.Seems like we (USA) are not the only country with politicians who have questionable levels of intellect and competence.
(Thoughts from You Tube channel Philip DeFranco---- published 01/11/18)
When did news become a mix of fiction and non-fiction. When I go into B&N, I have an easy choice which direction to go to and an easy decision on what I am seeing in that section. However in reality for any news article I read, quote from or re-post now requires me (ethically) to find multiple other sources ? These sources could be retweets without review? Argh, going back to just reading superhero graphic novels. At least I can tell fantasy from reality within those covers.
(Thoughts from You Tube Channel Philip DeFranco-----published 01/12/18)
I would like to believe that this is all an interplanetary conspiracy to drive us all b** s*** crazy. When their fleet arrives to colonize in a century or two, basically only buildings will be left standing. Hey that theory makes about as much sense as what is really going on. Thank you Philip DeFranco for injecting a bit of logic that clears a path (albeit narrow) to reality. Although there is a teeny tiny troll inside me that is (sort of) impressed with the fact that the president has managed to alienate an entire continent. So is it national election time yet? No? Where's the carbonite.
(Thoughts from You Tube Channel Double Toasted----published 01/16/18)
RE: remark concerning Meghan Markle engaged to Prince Harry
Jo Marney is ignorant, apathetic and basically soulless. She is what she is...who cares. However what bothers me is the head of one of the political parties in the UK (UKIP leader Henry Bolton), was hanging out with her.Seems like we (USA) are not the only country with politicians who have questionable levels of intellect and competence.
Doctor Who Season 11, Twice Upon A Time (2017 Christmas Special) Review
(on You Tube channel What The Flick published 12/28/2017)I am glad that this panel is composed of a variety of Doctor Who viewers in terms of Who lore. This makes these discussions so much more interesting (plus I forget details of Doctors past). I have been hopping amongst the Doctors with a brief time with William Hartnell, skipped to Tom Baker and Peter Davison then re entering this verse with Christopher Eccleston and staying on. Really looking forward to the new Doctor, but hate waiting so long (until Autumn, 2018) for her episodes.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
R 1 hour 24 minutes
Finland
I saw on Amazon Prime 01/07/2017.
There is a minimal amount of English spoken in this movie. Most of the dialogue is only in English subtitles. This does not slow up this movie in any way. The on-point acting almost makes the foreign (Norwegian and Finnish) dialect irrelevant. This is a very funny movie. However be warned, there is gore and deaths on screen.
This movie goes into the "true" story of the original Santa and his elves. While the plot is straightforward, the cluelessness, but not stupidity, of the adult locals makes one unexpected character the hero and savior.
The editing is fast, no scene ever overstays its welcome. The actors are all well-cast. The standout is the son Pietari Kontio (as acted by Onni Tommila) of Rauno Kontio (as acted by Jorma Tommila). Pietari is a child of many abilities which seem to escalate in value as this movie speeds towards its well-filmed conclusion. The director (Jalmari Helander) keeps this movie going at a brisk pace leaving the viewer wanting more, but more is not needed. The cinematography is beautiful, with at least a slight debt to the setting, Korvatunturi mountains within a national park in Finland.
This movie is for those interested in horror, humor and fantasy.
R 1 hour 24 minutes
Finland
I saw on Amazon Prime 01/07/2017.
There is a minimal amount of English spoken in this movie. Most of the dialogue is only in English subtitles. This does not slow up this movie in any way. The on-point acting almost makes the foreign (Norwegian and Finnish) dialect irrelevant. This is a very funny movie. However be warned, there is gore and deaths on screen.
This movie goes into the "true" story of the original Santa and his elves. While the plot is straightforward, the cluelessness, but not stupidity, of the adult locals makes one unexpected character the hero and savior.
The editing is fast, no scene ever overstays its welcome. The actors are all well-cast. The standout is the son Pietari Kontio (as acted by Onni Tommila) of Rauno Kontio (as acted by Jorma Tommila). Pietari is a child of many abilities which seem to escalate in value as this movie speeds towards its well-filmed conclusion. The director (Jalmari Helander) keeps this movie going at a brisk pace leaving the viewer wanting more, but more is not needed. The cinematography is beautiful, with at least a slight debt to the setting, Korvatunturi mountains within a national park in Finland.
This movie is for those interested in horror, humor and fantasy.
Before I Wake (2016)
Watched on Netflix 01/07/18 ( I rated this 3 out of 5)
This
movie seems to have the film version of multiple personality disorder.
Perhaps there was an issue among its creators concerning the final product.
Would it be a thriller, a fantasy, a horror movie, or a Lifetime or Hallmark
Channel movie of the week? Certain ideas were intriguing, less so on their
execution. Two standouts, in spite of the lackluster dialogue were Kate
Bosworth as Jessie and Jacob Tremblay as Cody. Thomas Jane (as
Mark, Jessie’s husband) was adequate, but miscast. He looked, sounded and mostly
acted more like Kate's father than her husband. Thomas Jane’s hair (bad wig?) was
visually distracting, but probably meant to make him appear younger. Kate
Bosworth is 35 and looks 25. Thomas Jane is 48 and looks 58. In the
beginning of this film as they are in a social worker’s office to apply for a
foster son, they are described as a "young couple”.
Certain
scenes dragged. There were 2 group therapy scenes that were both painful
in their length and the trite dialogue. There were some interesting scenes in
the movie's third act as Jessie (Kate Bosworth) pieces together mystery
regarding her foster son with several coincidences (her job security clearance, a
ridiculously easy theft of a highly classified folder)
While
movie is about loss and literally making it through the day (and night) alive,
due to many wild tangents that message is mostly buried. The fantasy
(CGI) elements were also a mixed bag, some beautiful, some very ordinary.
The last 10 minutes of the film did have clever technique of providing
exposition to the viewer in the form of a "fairy tale" with
flashbacks (and flash-forwards?) told by Jessie to Cody. This exposition both
explained Cody’s backstory (which was not a surprise) and left an open-ended
conclusion that seemed more in tune with the ultimate fantasy of people who
grieve. This movie is not a waste of time, but is not going to stay in
active memory for too long.
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