Anime Impact: The Movies and Shows that Changed the World of Japanese Animation

(Hardcover)

Chris Stuckmann's time management skills should documented in a book, maybe...How I survived online demonetization and earned a degree? Anyway I highly recommend Anime Impact https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1633537323/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am using it as a go to (Goku pun, no? ok) for various anime that I haven't seen in a while or ever.  Thanks Chris Stuckmann 🖖

Thoughts 04/30/2018


Comment made regarding Philip DeFranco video published 04/29/2018 on You Tube


1)Prom Dress -  am guessing that this "internet tennis match" was probably set off by the hand gestures in the image. However I tend to think that the dress itself is a cultural homage while prom is basically cosplay for the attendees. So move on everyone. (2)WHCD - is it even news if anyone is offended? I would consider it headline news if no one was offended. However critiques on physicality is kind of a cheap, lazy way to get a laugh (especially if the person critiqued cannot reply in kind). (3)Korea Summit - why do I keep getting the feeling that this is a North Korea, South Korea and USA road show to get all of us to forget the tumult within our own countries.

Avengers: Infinity War

PG-13 2 hours 29 minutes

Watched at a theater - 04/27/2018


This was a riveting movie. Watching Avengers die, whether due to combat/murder or turned to ash due to Thanos' "final solution" was very hard. Seeing Loki and Heimdall's fate in the first few minutes of Infinity War, I knew the casualty count was going to be quite high. The run time of 2 1/2 hours sped by. I need to watch this movie more than once to pick up more details (or check those pesky contracts of the cast).

(WHEN WRITING REVIEW--KEEP IT SHORT TO AVOID SPOILERS)

SPOILER: (posted to moviebob-Geek.com YouTube video published 05/02/2018)

I am not familiar with the comics, but when the inevitable happens and the stones are returned, isn't it possible that returning the soul stone (to the red guy),  that the "sacrifice" will be returned to existence?

SPOILER: (posted to Collider----Infinity War Spoiler on YouTube video published 04/26/2018)
I have seen it twice and I am probably going to see it a third time this weekend. I knew that Josh Brolin was a great actor, but I have never been so hypnotized into seeing a CGI character as real in spite of his appearance. I have theories about Vision and Gamora maybe coming back. It was mentioned several times that Vision was more than his programming,. That the stone had altered his programming. If I were Shuri, I would have allowed for Vision to either download before his demise or maybe she made a copy of his internal schematics while she was trying to remove the stone. As for Gamora, when the stones are eventually returned, I am guessing that the soul stone might return to that red guy's care. At that point,  might Gamora be "reconstituted"?  Perhaps the comic books have already given it away?

SPOILER: (posted to More Avengers Infinity War Secrets Revealed - SJU on 05/07/18)
Glad to hear that Valkyrie and Korg made it off the main Asgardian ship. Although they still could have been phased out of existence along with 1/2 of the rest of the universe. However, what about Korg's loyal friend, Miek? Didn't he also survive the Hela/The Fenris Wolf to get onto the "escape" ship? Also where was Kraglin (Sean Gunn) when the Guardians peeled Thor off the front of their ship? I can think of ways to return Loki (although it seems in interviews that Tom Hiddleston has hinted--by using past tense, that he is GONE from this franchise), Gamora and Vision to "life" aka Avengers, Guardians and Avengers respectively.

Thoughts -- April 24, 2018





My comment made to Philip DeFranco video published April 24, 2018 on You Tube:

(1) Promposal and (2) Jake Paul :“Stupid is as stupid does.” – Forrest Gump (3) Amazon Key: Nope (4) Mckayla Maroney: Larry Nassar stories no longer shock me, but the role of the infrastructure which supported and encouraged this treatment of these athletics does still shock and sadden me. (5) Watching yet another country literally imploding in front of us makes me wonder, does absolute power corrupt absolutely...along with absolutely lowering intellect levels? (6) The Toronto van attack may not be terrorism, but it does signal a certain narcissism in violence committed by an individual with the need express such nihilism. In other words, their inner thoughts say, "I feel badly and impotent so everyone else must feel badly and impotent".







My comment made to The Young Turks published on Apr 24, 2018 on You Tube:
(regarding the black woman tackled to the ground regarding a 50cent charge on plasticware at an Alabama waffle house)

I know that there is crazy and evil out there, but don't they triage calls at Police Department/911?  This would involve a simple list of questions made of the caller to measure the force required by the officers responding to the call. Or even a screenshot of the patrons, might have persuaded the responding officers that this was not a capital crime.

Kodachrome (2017)

(Watched on Netflix April 23, 2018)

This movie takes its time getting started with no one in the first 20-25 minutes being particularly relatable. Stay for the 3rd act and the excellent performances. In Kodachrome, a famous photographer is facing his own mortality, asks his estranged son (through the photographer's nurse/assistant) to accompany him on a journey to Kansas where the last of Kodachrome film is being developed by one shop which is closing their Kodachrome department. This photographer has discovered 4 undeveloped containers of Kodak film (his only medium throughout his career) which he wants developed for a final show.  Ed Harris (as Ben Ryder the photographer), Jason Sudeikis (as Matt Ryder, Ben's son) and Elizabeth Olsen (as the photographer's nurse/assistant, Zoe Kern) were the standouts.  Bruce Greenwood and Wendy Crewson (as the photographer's younger brother and brother's wife) added to this film's warmth and drama. I found the soundtrack accompanying the "on the road" and dramatic moments a little heavy-handed, but the acting kept me interested.  While I did figure out what was on that undeveloped film, even before the road trip, it did not ruin the film for me. It sounds cliched to say, but the journey and the arc of the photographer and his son is the important part of this film. Both Sudeikis and Harris make for a far more dramatic turn in their acting than the discovery of what was on that film. Stay for the closing credits, the many stills shown were shot on 35mm Kodak film.



Just finished Kodachrome streaming on Netflix.  It starts slow, but the last act was worth waiting for. Jason Sudeikis and Ed Harris were fantastic. While I figured out the mystery item very early in this film, it was worth staying for the performances. Bruce Greenwood and Wendy Crewson in secondary roles were riveting. I was not thrilled with the soundtrack scoring the dramatic and "on the road" scenes, I thought it was way over-wrought, but it did not ruin the movie for me. Thanks for the recommendation!

Marvel Cram Course before Infinity War (2018 movie)



Posted comment to:
Every Marvel Movie Up To Infinity War - CRAM IT! (Avengers edition) -SJ published 04/22/2018


GREAT UPDATE! Thank you Dan Murrell.  I forgot (I know...its a big one) that The Red Skull had been absorbed into  the Tesseract. Just thinking that Thanos' secret weakness might be his bad judgement in Lieutenants/Emissaries with  Gamora, Nebula, Ronin,  Loki (who probably helps out "a little" in the upcoming Infinity War) all failing in their assigned missions. Might be even more "deficient employees" in the comics.

A Quiet Place (2018)

(only saw trailer)

Does the movie ever explain how they have power when it has been months since the aliens "landed"?  Plus how did the military/scientists never try using sonic tech to defeat the infestation?

Wild Wild Country

a six - part documentary made by Duplass Brothers

Watched on Netflix 04/21/2018

Post made on SJN published on April 20, 2018 on You Tube

Just beginning to watch Wild Wild Country by Duplass brothers (6 episode documentary) on Netflix. I am only 22 minutes into episode 6. My initial impression is that this cult is b*s** crazy. I am concerned by the amount of money this cult had access to, perhaps that will be explained by ep 6. Finished my binge of Wild Wild Country. While the soundtrack was somewhat heavy-handed (causing me to skip forward a few seconds), this was a riveting watch. The "what are they doing now" portion at the conclusion of episode 6 was amazing, including the use the land has been put to in Oregon. Thanks guys for the recommendation.

Netflix's Plan

 Discussed on SJNews -- published on You Tube 04/20/2018:

What do you think of Netflix's move? Let us know in the comments below! If you'd like to submit a fan question for fan friday we do a post in the community tab of SJ News Youtube page after Thursday's show! Thanks for watching!

My Comment:

Assuming Netflix does not become the Pac-Man of entertainment, with no substantial competitors remaining in play, their purchase of a theater chain might work.  It would certainly be an amusing salvo in the contretemps with the Cannes Film Festival.

SUPER TROOPERS 2 (2018)

(I have not seen this movie.)


MovieBob Reviews: SUPER TROOPERS 2
Geek.com
Published on Apr 18, 2018

My comment:

Actually the concept, a tiny Canadian town becoming part of the state of Vermont, USA would have made a great Wes Anderson movie or maybe Kevin Smith's next project?

I Feel Pretty (2018)

(I have only seen the trailer.)

This comment was made on Collider "See It Now, Later or Never?" published April 18, 2018.

The concept seemed kind of cringe-worthy, but I thought that if anyone could pull it off Amy Schumer could. Yeah this is a Netflix view, where I have control over the fast-forward feature. Sounds like editing (probably for time) might have made that last act too rushed. Again yet another good concept that probably would have played better as a Netflix original series. Thanks to Perri Nemiroff and John Rocha for saving me money (saving up for multiple viewings of Infinity War).  BTW still getting used to the pop-up graphics, maybe go lighter on (or eliminate) the audio effects? Hard to say, maybe ask the fans after 6 or 7 of these new shows?

Rampage (2018)


Fortified by a large tub of popcorn, I enjoyed this movie (full disclosure: as a matinee with a free pass).  I even laughed at a couple of inappropriate places (including a death of one character in very "... Roger Rabbit" kind of way). It is hard to find a movie, not enhanced by Dwayne Johnson (I did not see Baywatch as I heard it was NOT good).  Dwayne Johnson's upcoming movie, Skyscraper looks a bit Die Hard-ish , waiting for reviews before I try that one on.


Admittedly I was fortified by a large tub of popcorn (and a free movie pass), however I did enjoy this film. The movie had giant monsters, a cute/funny non human and Dwayne Johnson (also cute and funny but super-human). For me this was a guilty pleasure. Yes it could have been something more. The villains were very cartoon-like right up to and including the end of the movie. Compare it to a fav food. Do I need that ice cream I just had...no. Did I love that ice cream I just had...no s*** yes. I would say, see Rampage on a large screen (as a matinee/discount price) with lots of people and popcorn and you will be fine.


This movie was so much fun. I even laughed at some very inappropriate times. A couple of deaths reminded me of Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). There were a few CGI missteps, but not enough to make me dislike this movie. Rampage has a relatively short (1 hour 47 min.) run time and gallops along faster than that wolf (spoiled/seen in all the trailers). While I do not believe that Rampage will win the Palme d'Or or a Best Picture Oscar, it is worth seeing on a big screen. Just be sure the popcorn is flowing and the theater is well-populated.


Yes the villains were cartoony, the plot a little thin (but have you played the game? It is a little one note.), but my popcorn and I had a great time. This movie made me laugh at a few very inappropriate scenes, I scared myself. However Rampage was a fun way to spend an hour and 47 minutes without a game controller.


I laughed at someone's death in this movie. While I did shock myself with that reaction, this was a fun movie with popcorn (or snack of choice) being mandatory to attain full enjoyment level. Chicago is turning out to be as bad a place in which to reside/work as Tokyo (at least regarding genetically enhanced creatures of any species).

A cute/relatable non-human (George), a cute/relatable super-human (Dwayne Johnson as primatologist/former Seal, Davis Okoye) , CGI creatures that indiscriminately destroy things and a large expensive popcorn from the theater's concessions equated to a good time for me at this movie.

Lost in Space (2018)

10 episodes -- Netflix series



Lost in Space (Netflix series) surprised me as to how good it was. I did not even know it existed until about a week ago. The Robinsons are definitely more complex, thus more relatable. The actress that plays Penny is the standout. Be on the lookout for a VERY interesting cameo, in the scene showing "Dr. Smith" trying to exit the Resolute (mother ship which houses all the individual Jupiter colony ships).

Thoughts on April 13, 2018


Philip DeFranco video published on 04//13/18 on You Tube.
Who else resonates with Ethan's statement when it comes to jokes? Hmmm... Let me know in the comments down below!

MY POST:
The joke was lame, sophomoric and less than clever, but not unethical or immoral. It was not an attack on anything except maybe Shakespearean-level comedy.  That being said, I do enjoy and produce that less than publishable humor myself. However this whole kerfuffle validates my opinion that Twitter is the devil.




RE: Gaming behavior by a developer involving a female reporter

I was at Pax East, everyone is just fine. The exhibit hall (where merch and gaming abound) has lots of people, lots of noise, huge lines and distracted people. I am sure that the game involved has not been adversely affected. Accidents happen virtually and in reality, let's all move on...too many games, too little time.

Firestorm** (a 2017 short by Neill Blomkamp)



Comments on a video published 04/12/18 by Philip DeFranco on YouTube

(1) Put this guy in a Borg gestation cube until he matures. (2) Fault% = United 80%, Chicago Police 5%, Officer 15% (3) We have all failed when the only remaining action is maiming and killing. Maybe our leader's "variability" of nature will scare others into holstering their weapons. BTW saw yesterday's show yesterday, so am guessing before the demonetization. You Tube get your act (and bots) together, please!





**I just watched the Firebase short linked in the above description. While admittedly I am not in the demo of this (possible) film, it still was a dramatic, stress-inducing, interesting concept that I would be intrigued to see in a feature length film. The CGI fire was odd looking, but the other body-issue effects were excellent. However the Jacob Palmer, CIA guy needs more nuance, in dialogue, acting and even costuming. Sgt Hines character was a little Arnold Schwarzenegger-ish, however has gravitas to spare.

Stan Lee -Possible Elder Abuse


In response to Collider video published 04/11/18 "Breaking News"- John Rocha and Mark Reilly

I read this article, it is very long and disheartening:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/stan-lee-needs-a-hero-elder-abuse-claims-a-battle-aging-marvel-creator-1101229



Sounds like Stan Lee's daughter (J.C.) needs assistance in her own financial affairs. It truly seems as though she never grew up, at 67 year old with an elderly and wealthy father that is a problem. As for the rest of the individuals mentioned, they seem to range from greedy to stupid. The need for an independent guardian was mentioned in this article. Whatever happens to his money, I hope that Stan Lee can enjoy the time he has available to him. It is too bad that all Stan Lee's fans could not form a class action suit to give this icon the home, friends and lifestyle that he deserves.

PAX ODYSSEY


PAX EAST 2018
April 5 -8 ( I attended Friday - Sunday, April 6 - 8.)

PREMISE: Anyone driving my van one way (only into Boston not out of Boston).
Note: Hotel parking was paid by driver on this occasion.

The primary error was trying to make this premise work for all involved attendees and situations within a complicated framework of moving people to where and when they needed to be. This error was made by me. Any subsequent miscommunications, misunderstandings, bad luck and fatigue-induced hearing deficits were secondary to my primary error in allowing this to proceed.

My take-away, albeit slightly fortune cookie type message, is this:
A faulty premise cannot be proven true without many causal errors within said proof.

Thoughts -- April 2 2018



Comment posted on Molly Burke site on You Tube - video published 04/01/2018



I am also legally blind, but luckily only in one eye. I have learned to grip staircase rails super tightly, use natural shadows to measure/provide depth to objects that are in my path and thanks to you I use mini/sample mascara so the color goes on my lashes not my cheekbone. Seriously, you are a great example in showing that a person should not be defined by disability but by ability.