Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Movie Review: Southland Tales (2006)
I just watched Southland Tales, starring a whole list of actors, notably Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Justin Timberlake, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Southland Tales
Year Released: 2006
Rated: R for language, violence, sexual material and some drug content
So this is a post-9/11 inspired movie that posits the question, What if a nuclear attack occurred in Texas instead? Set in 2008, the movie features ground wars in five countries and a draft, new government agencies tracking identities and everything people do, a political election that could take away even more American civil liberties, an experimental push for new energy sources, and a home-grown neo-Marxist movement fighting back digitally and physically against the regime.
And that's just the background.
The plot, narrated by Justin Timberlake's veteran-from-Fallujah character, focuses on a movie celebrity who is part of a burgeoning political scandal, and all the intricate side stories that interweave to kidnap him, wipe his memories, rescue him, get his memories back, and ultimately decide his fate. Throughout it all, each character has their own motivations that manage to spring some surprise betrayals and decisions on the viewer, while keeping a cohesive story line from a bunch of ideas that could have easily turned into a hot mess.
My impressions:
As the last line was read and the credits began to roll, my first thought was, "Ah. So this was supposed to be A Prayer for Owen Meany for the modern age..."
One place where the film faltered was in its political message. Anyone with eyes picked up on the warning against letting fear override civil liberties in modern America. Unfortunately, about half way through, the technology involved and the scale of the plot becomes so grandiose and sci-fi (while still very interesting) that by the end of the film, you kind of forget that this was current day political commentary.
But the stories unfold in such a way that I forgave its social activist ham-handedness and just embraced the flow of the narrative while playing Identify the Actor. It had a lot of familiar names and faces in a large cast where most people got some good screen time in. Side plots that seemed only peripherally related in the beginning are neatly tied in later on, even as the main plot seems to take flight. Timberlake was particularly creepy as the narrator, while Johnson and Scott seemed a little flat. That could be because the movie has a more serious tone and not a lot of slapstick at all, despite having at least two SNL alumni on the list.
Overall, I found it an interesting movie to digest and pick apart as it went, though fans of action movies may find it slow and fans of intrigue may find it too easy to read.
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Southland Tales
Year Released: 2006
Rated: R for language, violence, sexual material and some drug content
So this is a post-9/11 inspired movie that posits the question, What if a nuclear attack occurred in Texas instead? Set in 2008, the movie features ground wars in five countries and a draft, new government agencies tracking identities and everything people do, a political election that could take away even more American civil liberties, an experimental push for new energy sources, and a home-grown neo-Marxist movement fighting back digitally and physically against the regime.
And that's just the background.
The plot, narrated by Justin Timberlake's veteran-from-Fallujah character, focuses on a movie celebrity who is part of a burgeoning political scandal, and all the intricate side stories that interweave to kidnap him, wipe his memories, rescue him, get his memories back, and ultimately decide his fate. Throughout it all, each character has their own motivations that manage to spring some surprise betrayals and decisions on the viewer, while keeping a cohesive story line from a bunch of ideas that could have easily turned into a hot mess.
My impressions:
As the last line was read and the credits began to roll, my first thought was, "Ah. So this was supposed to be A Prayer for Owen Meany for the modern age..."
One place where the film faltered was in its political message. Anyone with eyes picked up on the warning against letting fear override civil liberties in modern America. Unfortunately, about half way through, the technology involved and the scale of the plot becomes so grandiose and sci-fi (while still very interesting) that by the end of the film, you kind of forget that this was current day political commentary.
But the stories unfold in such a way that I forgave its social activist ham-handedness and just embraced the flow of the narrative while playing Identify the Actor. It had a lot of familiar names and faces in a large cast where most people got some good screen time in. Side plots that seemed only peripherally related in the beginning are neatly tied in later on, even as the main plot seems to take flight. Timberlake was particularly creepy as the narrator, while Johnson and Scott seemed a little flat. That could be because the movie has a more serious tone and not a lot of slapstick at all, despite having at least two SNL alumni on the list.
Overall, I found it an interesting movie to digest and pick apart as it went, though fans of action movies may find it slow and fans of intrigue may find it too easy to read.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Long overdue review notice!
Back at the beginning of March, I reviewed Settling the Score by Eden Winters:
305 pages / 84900 words
Ebook zipped file, but also available in paperback.
Closeted mechanic Joey Nichols' life is good. His boyfriend landed a major Hollywood role, and is well on the way to superstardom. Joey's bags are packed and soon he'll leave small town Georgia and join the man of his dreams in California, to live out, proud, and together. Days before his planned departure, his lover outs Joey during a televised interview and announces that they've broken up, leaving Joey to face the bigotry of the locals alone.
Bestselling author Troy Steele knows all about having life turned upside down by the media. Now a recluse, Troy shuns all the trappings that come with writing books made into blockbuster movies. He spends his time exacting revenge on a former flame via his novels and hiding out in rural South Carolina, watching celebrity gossip shows. Joey's fifteen minutes of fame bear an eerie similarity to the plot of Troy's latest work in progress. What if Joey could be transformed into everything the fickle ex wanted, as Troy is writing for his fictional hero, and secretly wishes for himself? Once polished, could a diamond-in-the-rough good ole boy confront his ex, then walk away, pride intact? These are Troy's questions, and he's counting on Joey for answers.
Read my review!
305 pages / 84900 words
Ebook zipped file, but also available in paperback.
Closeted mechanic Joey Nichols' life is good. His boyfriend landed a major Hollywood role, and is well on the way to superstardom. Joey's bags are packed and soon he'll leave small town Georgia and join the man of his dreams in California, to live out, proud, and together. Days before his planned departure, his lover outs Joey during a televised interview and announces that they've broken up, leaving Joey to face the bigotry of the locals alone.
Bestselling author Troy Steele knows all about having life turned upside down by the media. Now a recluse, Troy shuns all the trappings that come with writing books made into blockbuster movies. He spends his time exacting revenge on a former flame via his novels and hiding out in rural South Carolina, watching celebrity gossip shows. Joey's fifteen minutes of fame bear an eerie similarity to the plot of Troy's latest work in progress. What if Joey could be transformed into everything the fickle ex wanted, as Troy is writing for his fictional hero, and secretly wishes for himself? Once polished, could a diamond-in-the-rough good ole boy confront his ex, then walk away, pride intact? These are Troy's questions, and he's counting on Joey for answers.
Read my review!
Long time no see!
Yesterday, I hosted the Torquere Press blog, Romance for the Rest of Us and went on a bit about inspiration, staying motivated, and what's currently on my plate to finish!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Free non-fiction e-books
I just thought I'd mention this for any non-fiction e-book fans wandering through:
The National Academies Press offers literally hundreds of free PDF versions of their publications. I think it's mostly the bestsellers that they charge for the PDFs, but even then they usually let you read the book online (html frame) for free.
I generally hang out in the Conflict and Security section, but they have the whole spectrum of sociology, science and technology too. If you're a student, it's a great research resource, and if you just like to keep learning, they have so many topics of interest, your head will explode :)
The National Academies Press offers literally hundreds of free PDF versions of their publications. I think it's mostly the bestsellers that they charge for the PDFs, but even then they usually let you read the book online (html frame) for free.
I generally hang out in the Conflict and Security section, but they have the whole spectrum of sociology, science and technology too. If you're a student, it's a great research resource, and if you just like to keep learning, they have so many topics of interest, your head will explode :)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ivory available!
Ivory by J. Rocci
Trapped by familial obligations, engaged to a fiancée he doesn’t love, and crippled by the regrets of his past, Dr. Bradley Durrant is miserable and rapidly caring less about his own health as he works himself to the bone at the family hospital. Then he meets Nashan Windham, the grandson of his late father’s scandalous old friend, and Brad’s downward spiral is derailed, at least for the moment.
He lets Nashan and his grandfather pull him into a world where families -- blood and the ones you choose -- support each other and understand that love is unconditional. Nashan helps Brad get his life together again, now Brad just needs to convince Nashan that Brad can finally accept who he is and knows what he wants.
Pick up your copy today!
Join me on the Torquere LJ tomorrow (January 30) for random snippets and contests to win free swag!
Monday, December 27, 2010
I reviewed "Walking to the Stars" by Laney Cairo
So my most recent in-house review for Torquere was for:
"Walking to the Stars" by Laney Cairo
In the third Australis Liminus novel, the war is over and Samuel is on a secret mission in Australia for the rising World Government's space program. He knows he is under-prepared, and expects hardships, challenges and kangaroos. He wishes someone had told him just how large the kangaroos are, and how scary. And about the magic.
Nick's farm is cold and bleak in the wild winter, but Samuel is grateful for the shelter, and for the chance to be close to Nick. It's there he meets Nick's friend, Talgerit, who is a budding magician with a taste for adventure, no boundaries and far too much enthusiasm. Beyond the farm is a wasteland, ruined by the war, where small outposts of people live surrounded by echoes of the past. Secrets live in the city, too, and bigger challenges face the three of them than forests and ghosts.
All Samuel, Nick and Talgerit have to do is go to the city, find what Samuel's looking for, and get home again.
The future is a long way to walk, even with someone you love.
Also in this series: Running the Nullarbor and Monsters Past.
Go read my review!
"Walking to the Stars" by Laney Cairo
In the third Australis Liminus novel, the war is over and Samuel is on a secret mission in Australia for the rising World Government's space program. He knows he is under-prepared, and expects hardships, challenges and kangaroos. He wishes someone had told him just how large the kangaroos are, and how scary. And about the magic.
Nick's farm is cold and bleak in the wild winter, but Samuel is grateful for the shelter, and for the chance to be close to Nick. It's there he meets Nick's friend, Talgerit, who is a budding magician with a taste for adventure, no boundaries and far too much enthusiasm. Beyond the farm is a wasteland, ruined by the war, where small outposts of people live surrounded by echoes of the past. Secrets live in the city, too, and bigger challenges face the three of them than forests and ghosts.
All Samuel, Nick and Talgerit have to do is go to the city, find what Samuel's looking for, and get home again.
The future is a long way to walk, even with someone you love.
Also in this series: Running the Nullarbor and Monsters Past.
Go read my review!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Nice: Concordant released!
Nice: Concordant by J. Rocci
by J. Rocci
26 pages / 5500 words
Officer Joshua Dabbs has been working long hours due to budget cuts and the holiday crazies, so he’s not thrilled when his patrol partner lets slip that Josh’s husband, lawyer Garrison Williams, has planned a weekend trip for two to New York City right before Christmas.
Josh hates traveling, especially around the holidays, so Garrison shows how persuasive a lawyer can be with tactics not fit for the inside of a court room. Once they’re actually at the hotel in New York, Josh relaxes after Garrison agrees to stay in for the night. Garrison has a plan, though, that results in Josh getting to open a very intimate Christmas present early.
by J. Rocci
26 pages / 5500 words
Officer Joshua Dabbs has been working long hours due to budget cuts and the holiday crazies, so he’s not thrilled when his patrol partner lets slip that Josh’s husband, lawyer Garrison Williams, has planned a weekend trip for two to New York City right before Christmas.
Josh hates traveling, especially around the holidays, so Garrison shows how persuasive a lawyer can be with tactics not fit for the inside of a court room. Once they’re actually at the hotel in New York, Josh relaxes after Garrison agrees to stay in for the night. Garrison has a plan, though, that results in Josh getting to open a very intimate Christmas present early.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)