During my most recent extended hiatus, I read a ton of books. Most of these I had planned on writing full reviews for...but as time passes...details fade. So in an effort to feel caught up...here are several quick reviews that are so short I would never post them on their own.
This review was originally posted on September 27th, 2016. It is being reposted to update images, format, and links.
Sent in 1977, the Voyager Golden Record was intended to introduce Humanity to possible beings in outer space. But centuries later, Voyager is back on Earth...
This short film is absolutely beautiful. I loved the creativity involved in the creation of the buildings. The lead character was adorable and the way they allowed her to show her emotions was amazing. My only complaint about this one is that it is only around 10 minutes long. I would love a full-length film that gives us a more in-depth look into this world and what happens with the girl.
Rating: 9/10 ★★★★★★★★★☆
Description via Vimeo (where you can watch it for free)
Prepare yourself, it is once again that time when I feel the need to apologize for the lack of activity (even though it goes against my vow to stop apologizing for everything). This year, admittedly, has been a mess. I have struggled with depression for years, but 2019 has been exceptionally rough. I have mentioned this in pretty much every other previous apology, but my mental health recently took a pretty severe turn for the worse.
The revival of a secret society. Three dark books of magic. And one badass woman to save the world from Hell...
Kana Cold gained a measure of notoriety when she solved the first recorded case of a Shinigami in North America. Now, the Vatican needs her help to track down three books of dark magic – known as The Black Grimoires – hidden around the world. With ancient spirits wanting her dead, a secret group known as The Thule Society hot on her trail, and the distraction of an Italian archeologist/playboy, Kana must find a way to keep the unholy power of the Black Grimoires from unleashing hell on Earth.*
Kana Cold: The Reaping of the Black Grimoires starts out great. The concept is interesting and the characters are intriguing. However, the pace of the book slows down tremendously the further you get into it and I almost stopped reading due to how bored it was leaving me. Major plots in the story were predictable and the characters became incredibly obnoxious. I found this book to be disappointing, as I was expecting more supernatural occurrences/focus, but if you really like stories similar to Indiana Jones...this is the book for you.
Additional Note: The promotions for this book mention several urban fantasy authors, including Patricia Briggs. This was the reason I decided to give this book a chance. While reading I found myself thinking of Clive Barker's Imajica only to find out after reading that the author lists him as one of his inspirations. However, do not be fooled. The only thing that qualifies this as urban fantasy or horror in any way is a few minor details. If you remove these you have just another adventure relic hunter story. I feel like that is a bit deceptive.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Rating: 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Author and Book Information:
Goodreads, Author Website, Twitter
Published March 12th 2019 by AOE Studios
"A harrowing collection of sixty narratives—covering over fifty years of shootings in America—written by those most directly affected by school shootings: the survivors."
Bloodstained is a Metroid-Vania style game developed by Wayforward, Inti Creates, and Art Play. It is published by 505 games. The game was kickstarted in 2015 after Koji Igarashi creator of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night left Konami in 2014. At the time it had the highest funding of any kickstarted project at 5.5 million dollars and 4 years later it has finally been released.
So, how is it?
In Sunnytown, the sun shines bright. The mayor, JB, is loved by all, especially by his two good friends, Sebastion and Mithco. After disappearing under suspicious circumstances, the hot-tempered vice mayor, Mr. Twig is put in charge and immediately greenlights a new town hall that is so tall that it blocks the sun from shining in Sunnytown. While complaining about the current situation to Mithco, they discover a message in a bottle that turns out to be from the missing mayor JB, proving he is still alive and sending the duo on a grand adventure.
I discovered this film while browsing on Netflix. Unfortunately, I didn’t find out that it was a dub until after watching it and I had trouble finding the original with subs. I find this important to mention especially when speaking of the story because I believe the main problem with this movie is that there were too many things lost during translation.
Overall, the story is your typical kids' film that sends a few characters on a journey and they (surprise) learn and discover things about the world and themselves. It feels like it was put together in sections, like puzzle pieces, and, sadly, not all fit. In particular, there is a scene involving a “pitch-black sea” that is full of ghosts. While it stands out as one of the most beautiful parts of the movie, it does not add anything to the story. This part of the film proved very troublesome for me, as I struggled to find some sort of meaning for it. Yes, it does have a few good lessons in it, and also seems to allude to rising from depression after LOTS of pondering. However, I fully believe that if you removed it from the film, you wouldn’t be missing anything. I really hope to watch a subbed version someday, as I think that would probably fill in the gaps left by the English dub and I do believe that if you love animation, this film is worth watching solely for this scene (even though, as mentioned, it adds nothing).
The animation style is super cute and reminded me of the Calico Critters toys. The tiniest details, like Mithco’s fur (dry and wet), the way the water moved, and the light effects were just beautiful and made me ridiculously happy. I also found the building cut-aways that showed everything to be incredibly satisfying.
The animation style is super cute and reminded me of the Calico Critters toys. The tiniest details, like Mithco’s fur (dry and wet), the way the water moved, and the light effects were just beautiful and made me ridiculously happy. I also found the building cut-aways that showed everything to be incredibly satisfying.
The characters themselves are mostly enjoyable. Sebastion, an elephant, is cautious and pessimistic. I found him and many of his reactions extremely relatable. Mithco is an adorable and energetic cat, who, in many ways, is the polar opposite of Sebastion. JB is very calm and friendly and Professor Glucose is a bit aloof and goofy at times. I did not particularly care for the pirates and only after several watches did I begin to appreciate Ulysses (his dragon is cool, though). Also, the tub guy, whom everyone who watched this film with me seemed not to notice, was probably my favorite character (other than Sebastion and Mithco of course). Another interesting thing and something I have seemed mentioned in other reviews is the mentality of all of the adults. They do not behave the way you would expect and seem to view the world as a child would.
Now, during my first few watches of The Incredible Story of The Giant Pear, I assumed it was PG. It was not until I began researching other info for this review that I became aware that it is actually someone rated TV-G. I disagree with this rating and I think it just BARELY managed to qualify. Those pirates that I mentioned I did not like are the main reason.
The pirates curse and have a song that mentions things they have eaten, including their cook and his mom that goes on to describe how they almost choked on the mother because she was so hairy. Now, to older children and adults...this comes off as a bit funny (good ol’ cannibalism), but this film is deemed acceptable to children as young as five or six years old. My favorite section of the film, the “pitch-black sea” could also be a bit too scary for some children, especially the more sensitive ones. To prove I’m not crazy (since I have no kids and obviously have no right to dictate what is good for them) I actually found a website that showed the opinions of parents and the age they thought this film would be appropriate. The general consensus? Ten years and up. Don’t let the cute animation fool you.
Even with all of its flaws (and mostly because of how pretty it is), I found this film very enjoyable. In fact, I have watched it at least six times now...and I think it is safe to say it is currently one of my favorite things to have on in the background. I believe this was my introduction to Danish animation and I definitely look forward to exploring more of what they have to offer.
Rating: 6.5/10 ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Should you watch it?
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Twilight Spotlight includes a complete synopsis of the episode being discussed. This means spoilers are ahead...you have been warned.
In 1957, a segment appeared on Desilu Playhouse. “The Time Element” presented audiences with a sample taste of what would go on to become one of the greatest television shows of all time. Created by Rod Serling, The Twilight Zone features stories “in which characters find themselves dealing with often disturbing or unusual events...often ending with a surprise ending and a moral”*
Demetrius C. Jackson, also known as the artist SIC ILL writes this book in hopes of giving others self-esteem and self-confidence. This book is not a substitute for therapy and you should immediately contact a professional for help if needed. This book is meant to be a 12-step plan that can be easily accessed. Browse the table of contents and find the negative emotion you are feeling and read the suggested cure to fix your fear. Enjoy!*
YoWindow Weather is an app that not only tells you the weather but shows it by using animated backgrounds that adjust to current conditions and seasons. These environments also have fun little bonuses during certain holidays (jack-o-lanterns, Santa, polar bears, turkeys..etc). YoWindow has eight backgrounds to choose from.
Fourteen-year-old Peter Green can’t remember how he died.
All he has are his pajamas, a silk tie, and a one-way bus ticket to Mrs. Battisworth’s Academy and Haven for Unliving Boys and Girls, a strange and spooky school for dead orphans like himself. But that’s all he needs: the Unliving Academy has everything, from vampires in the hallways, to monsters in the cafeteria, to ghosts in the basement.
And that’s just the teachers; the students are far stranger.
As Pete learns to fit in with his new supernatural schoolmates, he starts to discover his own uniquely undead abilities, and even begins enjoying his life after death…but he just can’t shake the feeling that he’s forgotten something (or somebody!) important.
Somebody he left behind in the land of the living.
Somebody he loved very much.
Somebody who’s in terrible danger.
Peter Green and the Unliving Academy is the captivating first installment of Angelina Allsop’s Unliving series of young adult fantasy novels. If you like reading about fun-filled adventures, fully realized new worlds, and the most unlikely of heroes, you’re sure to love Allsop’s spirited coming-of-age tale.
Fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, the Charlie Bone Series by Jenny Nimmo, and The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton will enjoy this young adult fantasy series.
After a dark force conquers Canterlot, the Mane 6 - Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity - embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship to save their homeland.*
More delayed than usual, this is part three of my 2018 Wrap-Up. I wasn't sure how to do this part. For previous years, I broke it up into songs, discoveries, and albums. However, as with pretty much everything, I tuned out a bit in 2018 and instead of listening to new albums and artists, found myself looking back and spending quite a bit of time with Billie Holiday.
More delayed than usual, this is part two of my 2018 Wrap-Up. For 2018, I had relaxed goals for everything, because I wanted to see how much I watch if left to my own devices without a challenge pushing me. My reading goal for 2018 was 25 books and I read a total of 31. The problem I had with this list is that all of the books I read fell into two categories. I either loved them...or felt indifferent about them.
An aggressive race of aliens took over Planet Earth and humanity's at its end, living in giant bunkers below ground. Young Military rookie S.U.M.1 (Iwan Rheon) is sent to the surface to save a group of unprotected survivors. (IMDB)
Directed by Christian Pasquariello
Written by Christian Pasquariello & Gabrielle Pfeiffer
Starring Iwan Rheon (S.U.M.1), Andre Hennicke (MAC), Rainer Werner (V.A.X.7), Norman Reedus (K.E.R.4), Tim Williams (Base), and Lesley Suzanne Dean (M.A.T.E)
Released: December 2017
Runtime: 1hr 32min
Rating: TV-MA
Genre(s): Horror, Scifi, Thriller
This review contains spoilers!
The main reason for watching this film I found while randomly browsing titles on Amazon Prime Video is Iwan Rheon. I have been a fan of his acting since seeing him on Misfits as Simon several years ago. In Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1, Rheon plays the disturbingly blonde soldier, S.U.M.1 in a world where aliens have forced humans underground. S.U.M.1's task is to manage a tower that helps secure the final defenses of humanity and to help direct any humans left above ground to the underground shelter. His only companion being a friendly rat, S.U.M.1 slowly develops paranoia and begins to question what his real mission is and if the aliens are even real. However, after walking down a path that seems to be building up to a twist reminiscent of M. Night Shaylaman's The Village, we make a sharp U-turn back to alien land with the reveal of a spider-crab monstrosity.
Up to this point, the film is actually pretty interesting and even though the suspected twist is easy to pick up on before many clues are given, it easily sucks you in. I loved the acting, especially by Rheon (shocker, I know) and the u-turn was somewhat refreshing/unexpected even though the graphics for the alien reveal were horrendous.
Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10
Film information, summary, and cover image from IMDB.
Rating: R
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Genre(s): Horror/Mystery/Thriller
Released: March 2018
Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Written by Jonathan Berstein & James Greer
Starring Claire Foy as Sawyer Valentini, Joshua Leonard as David Strine, Jay Pharoah as Nate Hoffman, and Juno Temple as Violet.
Please note that this review includes some minor spoilers.
Unsane is described as a horror/mystery/thriller film, but the only real horror in the film is how effectively it preys on some of the worst fears that women have. Ultimately I found it to just be a thriller that was trying to trick you into thinking it was a horror film. (Granted, it did decide to include the black guy stereotype…)
There are also numerous issues with the story itself. For example, if you are told your violent actions are extending your stay in a mental facility, why on earth do you keep attacking people? Also, I understand the facility apparently has a shady reputation among staff, but how on earth did no one notice anything wrong? If you are able to shut off your brain and just enjoy the ride though, Unsane is actually okay. The acting, especially by Claire Foy, is wonderful.
Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5.5/10
Trailer:
Movie Images & Summary from IMDB. Trailer from Movieclips Trailers.
More delayed than usual, this is part one of my 2018 Wrap-Up. For 2018, I had relaxed goals for everything, because I wanted to see how much I watch if left to my own devices without a challenge pushing me. I watched 87 movies and the majority of those were re-watches (and the majority of those were just Disney). I think I only watched around 15-20 new to me films, which made the creation of this top ten more difficult than usual.
Life in deep space could be a drag sometimes, but Daisy supposed things could have been worse. They were still alive, after all, which was always a plus in her book. Now if only she could figure out who, or what, was endangering her return home, things would be just peachy.
It had been one hell of a way to start the day––being rudely snapped from a deep cryo-sleep, and in the middle of a ship-wide crisis to boot––but Daisy was pleased to note that the ship had not decompressed, the crew hadn’t been blasted into space, and, most importantly, they hadn’t simply blown up. At least not yet. So, they had that going for them, but being stuck on a damaged ship in the inky depths of space as it limped toward Earth was not exactly the relaxing trip home she’d imagined.
With the powerful AI supercomputer guiding the craft beginning to show some disconcerting quirks of its own, and its unsettling cyborg assistant nosing into her affairs, Daisy’s unease was rapidly growing. Add to the mix a crew of mechanically-enhanced humans, any one of whom she suspected might not be what they seemed, and Daisy found herself with a sense of pending dread tickling the periphery of her mind.
Something was very much not right––she could feel it in her bones. The tricky part now was going to be figuring out what the threat was, before it could manifest from a mere sinking feeling in her gut into a potentially deadly reality.
I absolutely devoured this book. It moves fast, not really giving you time to breathe (or overthink certain plot issues) and incorporates plenty of wonderful nerdy sci-fi references and great humor. However, once you have finished reading it and begin to think about what happened, problems arise. Daisy is definitely prejudiced, to the point of being violent, and I really do not like rooting for someone like that. Many of the reactions (not just from Daisy) are just unrealistic, people do not think or act the way they do in the book. I am not a scientist and I do not read sci-fi for scientifically accurate information. However, if you do...I’m pretty sure it will annoy you.
Since, as previously mentioned, I do not read science FICTION for facts or complete realism, I am planning on reading the other four books in the series...and soon. Does Daisy’s Run have problems? Definitely. However, overall, it is an incredibly enjoyable journey and I can’t wait to continue it.
*I receive a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4/5
Book & Author Information:
Published: November 2018
Buy: Amazon
Follow Scott Baron on Goodreads and Amazon.
Quote image created using Canva and book cover from Goodreads. The summary is also from Goodreads.
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