I recently picked up Treachery in Death, the thirty second book in J.D. Robb’s In Death series. The series is set in the future in New York City and features a different murder mystery in each book.
Since Treachery in Death is part of such a long running series, the characters and very well developed and the situations are well established. While the plots of each book can mostly stand alone, I do think it is best to read the books in order. Certain things about the characters will make more sense if the books are read in order.
Eve and her partner Delia get a new case that isn’t that complicated and Delia has her first chance to be primary on an investigation. The case is closed fairly quickly and then Delia stumbles into a dangerous situation involving corrupt cops. She reports what she discovered to Eve and an investigation is launched.
The murder that Delia is primary for isn’t that important to the overall plot of Treachery in Death. That whole situation is really just a set up for Delia to over hear the corrupt cops and cause that investigation to be started. That does add a bit of mystery to what is going, though it isn’t as strong as some of the mysteries in other In Death books since it is known fairly early who the corrupt cops are. That doesn’t make the book less interesting, but it might disappoint some readers. There is also a bit of romance in the book through the relationship between Eve and her husband Roarke.
J.D. Robb is actually author Nora Roberts. Both groups of books are very similar, so fans of one group of books may end up liking the other group of books as well. The In Death books usually have stronger mysteries and they can be more violent.
Treachery in Death is another very entertaining book in the In Death series that is well worth reading.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Treachery in Death
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Green Hornet
Since I have at least somewhat liked most of the movies I’ve seen about superheroes, I wanted to see Green Hornet even though I didn’t know much about the character and I don’t care that much for Seth Rogen.
There was a Green Hornet television show and the characters has been featured in comic books as well. I sort of remember seeing some of the television show, but I don’t remember much of anything about it. Even without remembering much, I’m sure that the movie is a lot sillier. I also don’t think that the main character, Britt, was such an obnoxious jerk, in the television show.
Green Hornet manages to be an entertaining movie overall. It has a decent origin story for how Britt decides to fight crime as the Green Hornet. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and some of the developments are rather weak. The subplot that I didn’t care for the most deals with Lenore, the attractive woman that Britt hires as his assistant. Britt and Kato are both interested in her and sort of chase after her, with Britt acting like a big idiot about it. That aspect of the movie just didn’t work well for me. I also felt like Cameron Diaz didn’t really fit the part either.
There is a decent amount of action in Green Hornet and a few scenes get rather violent. The action scenes are done well, though there is some slow motion and other odd effects in a few of the scenes. I think the odd effects were somehow tied to the movie being released in 3D as well.
Britt and Kato are interesting, though Britt is such a jerk, it is hard to like him or be interested in him at times. He’s rude and obnoxious much of the time. I think a big reason for that is that Seth Rogen played the part. He is also one of the writers of the movie. Rogen’s characters have seemed like jerks to me in some of his other movies as well. In interviews that I’ve seen of Rogen, he comes across the same way. He acts like a self absorbed jerk with a very high opinion of himself and his acting abilities. Britt just seems to be a thinly veiled version of Rogen.
While I have issues with how Britt acts and certain plot elements, I did enjoy Green Hornet overall. It manages to work as an entertaining superhero type movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
Green Hornet
There was a Green Hornet television show and the characters has been featured in comic books as well. I sort of remember seeing some of the television show, but I don’t remember much of anything about it. Even without remembering much, I’m sure that the movie is a lot sillier. I also don’t think that the main character, Britt, was such an obnoxious jerk, in the television show.
Green Hornet manages to be an entertaining movie overall. It has a decent origin story for how Britt decides to fight crime as the Green Hornet. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and some of the developments are rather weak. The subplot that I didn’t care for the most deals with Lenore, the attractive woman that Britt hires as his assistant. Britt and Kato are both interested in her and sort of chase after her, with Britt acting like a big idiot about it. That aspect of the movie just didn’t work well for me. I also felt like Cameron Diaz didn’t really fit the part either.
There is a decent amount of action in Green Hornet and a few scenes get rather violent. The action scenes are done well, though there is some slow motion and other odd effects in a few of the scenes. I think the odd effects were somehow tied to the movie being released in 3D as well.
Britt and Kato are interesting, though Britt is such a jerk, it is hard to like him or be interested in him at times. He’s rude and obnoxious much of the time. I think a big reason for that is that Seth Rogen played the part. He is also one of the writers of the movie. Rogen’s characters have seemed like jerks to me in some of his other movies as well. In interviews that I’ve seen of Rogen, he comes across the same way. He acts like a self absorbed jerk with a very high opinion of himself and his acting abilities. Britt just seems to be a thinly veiled version of Rogen.
While I have issues with how Britt acts and certain plot elements, I did enjoy Green Hornet overall. It manages to work as an entertaining superhero type movie.
I did get a review posted on Epinions after seeing the movie in the theater.
Green Hornet
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The King's Speech
I became interested in seeing The King’s Speech after seeing some of the previews for the movie. Unfortunately, it did take a while before the movie came to the theater here. It wasn’t here that long, so I’m glad that I was able to see it.
The King’s Speech is focused on how King George VI of England managed to deal with a stutter and be able to make speeches on the radio during World War II. As the second son, he only became king when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry a twice divorced American woman. I remember learning about Edward VIII abdicating, but I don’t remember learning that much about King George VI. I found the movie to be very interesting and entertaining, though I know some people who thought it was boring. It isn’t going to appeal to everyone.
The King’s Speech is serious for the most part, though there are moments of humor in it as well. Some of the sessions with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, are shown. Lionel uses some unique methods to try to help his patients. One of the funnier moments has the then Prince Albert swearing after it is discovered that he doesn’t stutter when angry or swearing. He uses one particular word several times in a very short time. The use of that particular word is why the movie was rated R. I didn’t think the word was offensive with how it was used, but some people may disagree. I’ve heard that an edited version of the movie has been released with a PG-13 rating.
The cast for The King’s Speech is wonderful, especially Colin Firth. He does an amazing job with the part of King George VI. He definitely deserved all the awards he’s won for the part. Helena Bonham Carter does very well as Queen Elizabeth, George VI’s wife. I think this is the most normal part I’ve seen her play. Geoffrey Rush does really well as Lionel.
The King’s Speech may not appeal to everyone, but it is a very well done, entertaining movie that is worth watching.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is focused on how King George VI of England managed to deal with a stutter and be able to make speeches on the radio during World War II. As the second son, he only became king when his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry a twice divorced American woman. I remember learning about Edward VIII abdicating, but I don’t remember learning that much about King George VI. I found the movie to be very interesting and entertaining, though I know some people who thought it was boring. It isn’t going to appeal to everyone.
The King’s Speech is serious for the most part, though there are moments of humor in it as well. Some of the sessions with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, are shown. Lionel uses some unique methods to try to help his patients. One of the funnier moments has the then Prince Albert swearing after it is discovered that he doesn’t stutter when angry or swearing. He uses one particular word several times in a very short time. The use of that particular word is why the movie was rated R. I didn’t think the word was offensive with how it was used, but some people may disagree. I’ve heard that an edited version of the movie has been released with a PG-13 rating.
The cast for The King’s Speech is wonderful, especially Colin Firth. He does an amazing job with the part of King George VI. He definitely deserved all the awards he’s won for the part. Helena Bonham Carter does very well as Queen Elizabeth, George VI’s wife. I think this is the most normal part I’ve seen her play. Geoffrey Rush does really well as Lionel.
The King’s Speech may not appeal to everyone, but it is a very well done, entertaining movie that is worth watching.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
The King’s Speech
The Office: Season Six
It took me a while to start watching The Office when it began to air. I saw an episode every so often and I knew who the main characters were. I didn’t start really watching the show until it was in syndication. After that, I decided that I enjoyed the show enough to pick up the DVD sets. I picked up The Office: Season Six when I found it on sale.
Since this is the sixth season of The Office, the characters are very well developed and situations have been established. The show is a bit different since it is set up like a documentary film crew is filming the employees of a fictional paper company. I don’t remember ever hearing why a film crew was filming them. It is stretching believability a bit that they would still be filming after so long, but it does give the show an interesting set up. The show is funny, though it is a sort of twisted humor that some people won’t appreciate.
The main development in the sixth season of The Office, at least for me, is that Pam and Jim get married. I like that they are happily married and I loved the wedding episode. It had just the right blend of sweet moments and goofy stuff. I know that some people have complained that the show isn’t as good since Jim and Pam got together, but I don’t agree with that at all. I don’t think that a couple has to be kept apart to keep a show entertaining. I’ve stopped watching shows in the past because of that nonsense, so I’m glad it isn’t happening here.
The Office: Season Six is available on DVD and Blu-ray. I picked up the DVD. I really don’t like the case. Two discs are stored on a panel, with one slightly on top of the other one. To make matters worse, the edge of the disc that goes on the bottom has to go under the thing that holds the top disc. This has become my least favorite DVD case because of that. I hope this crappy design isn’t used on future sets of the show.
The Office: Season Six has a decent amount of extras. The show does deleted scenes wonderfully well. They aren’t just random bits that don’t seem to fit with what is in the finished episodes. Instead, they add to them and help to embellish them. The deleted scenes are pretty entertaining. The bloopers are funny and last a decent amount of time.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Office: Season Six and think the DVD or Blu-ray set is worth picking up for fans of the show. I think the series is still entertaining and worth watching.
I did get a review of The Office: Season Six posted on Epinions.
The Office: Season Six
Since this is the sixth season of The Office, the characters are very well developed and situations have been established. The show is a bit different since it is set up like a documentary film crew is filming the employees of a fictional paper company. I don’t remember ever hearing why a film crew was filming them. It is stretching believability a bit that they would still be filming after so long, but it does give the show an interesting set up. The show is funny, though it is a sort of twisted humor that some people won’t appreciate.
The main development in the sixth season of The Office, at least for me, is that Pam and Jim get married. I like that they are happily married and I loved the wedding episode. It had just the right blend of sweet moments and goofy stuff. I know that some people have complained that the show isn’t as good since Jim and Pam got together, but I don’t agree with that at all. I don’t think that a couple has to be kept apart to keep a show entertaining. I’ve stopped watching shows in the past because of that nonsense, so I’m glad it isn’t happening here.
The Office: Season Six is available on DVD and Blu-ray. I picked up the DVD. I really don’t like the case. Two discs are stored on a panel, with one slightly on top of the other one. To make matters worse, the edge of the disc that goes on the bottom has to go under the thing that holds the top disc. This has become my least favorite DVD case because of that. I hope this crappy design isn’t used on future sets of the show.
The Office: Season Six has a decent amount of extras. The show does deleted scenes wonderfully well. They aren’t just random bits that don’t seem to fit with what is in the finished episodes. Instead, they add to them and help to embellish them. The deleted scenes are pretty entertaining. The bloopers are funny and last a decent amount of time.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Office: Season Six and think the DVD or Blu-ray set is worth picking up for fans of the show. I think the series is still entertaining and worth watching.
I did get a review of The Office: Season Six posted on Epinions.
The Office: Season Six
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Black Swan
I honestly can’t remember when I first heard about Black Swan. Really all I knew about the movie at first was that Natalie Portman was in it and ballet was involved in some way. Even after I started to see some trailers and read some things about the movie, I still wasn’t that sure what the movie was about.
Black Swan isn’t one of the big budget movies. It first opened in limited release and then spread out to more theaters. Many times, the theater around here doesn’t get the movies that open in limited release. Sometimes they eventually turn up months later, usually if they are nominated for an Oscar or two. I was a little surprised that Black Swan showed up at the theater here in town not long after it had a wider release. I ultimately decided that I wanted to see the movie.
Black Swan is definitely different and it isn’t a movie for everyone. A lot of people will probably be turned off by different things that happen in this movie. It is dark and twisted, sometimes extremely so. I do think it is a very well done movie and it is entertaining. I’m still not sure exactly how much I really liked it though. Right now I don’t think I want to see it again, but that doesn’t mean I think it is a bad movie. It is just one of the movies that seeing once will probably be enough for me.
Black Swan is described as a psychological thriller and I definitely see those elements in the movie. It is interesting to watch Nina slowly crack up and spiral into insanity. With the way things are presented in the movie, it isn’t always clear what is really happening and what is a hallucination. Since things aren’t clear cut with this movie, that might bother some viewers. A few scenes have violence in them, one or two of which are rather gory. Some shocking things happen and there is a decent amount of suspense to what is going on.
Ballet plays a huge part in Black Swan. The main characters are all connected to ballet in some way and the movie is focused on a new production of Swan Lake. I have heard some of the music before and seen little bits in other things, but I am not familiar with the story of that ballet. I’m not sure how accurate the dancing is in the movie, though some of it does look accurate from what I’ve seen in other movies. It does sort of downplay ballet related injuries, like how badly a ballet dancer’s feet can be hurt.
A lot of the talk about Black Swan has been focused on one particular scene involving Nina and Lily, a ballet dancer who has just joined the company. The scene in question is a lesbian sex scene that involves oral sex. The scene doesn’t last that long and it really doesn’t show that much, but it is very clear what is going on. The scene probably makes some people uncomfortable. In some ways, I see the scene as part of Nina’s character growth, but in other ways, it sort of seems like it is just there to shock and titillate. Nina is rather repressed and she is pushed by Thomas, the director of the ballet company, to let go. So it sort so of makes sense that she would be more open to exploring with Lily.
The acting is amazing in Black Swan, especially by Natalie Portman. I’ve liked her in other movies, but I’ve never see her in a part like this before. She is completely believable as the troubled Nina and I do think she deserved to win the Golden Globe. The movie only has a few characters. Each one of them has some kind of issue. The cast all does a wonderful job.
Overall, Black Swan is an interesting, entertaining movie that is probably too dark and twisted for some people.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Black Swan
Black Swan isn’t one of the big budget movies. It first opened in limited release and then spread out to more theaters. Many times, the theater around here doesn’t get the movies that open in limited release. Sometimes they eventually turn up months later, usually if they are nominated for an Oscar or two. I was a little surprised that Black Swan showed up at the theater here in town not long after it had a wider release. I ultimately decided that I wanted to see the movie.
Black Swan is definitely different and it isn’t a movie for everyone. A lot of people will probably be turned off by different things that happen in this movie. It is dark and twisted, sometimes extremely so. I do think it is a very well done movie and it is entertaining. I’m still not sure exactly how much I really liked it though. Right now I don’t think I want to see it again, but that doesn’t mean I think it is a bad movie. It is just one of the movies that seeing once will probably be enough for me.
Black Swan is described as a psychological thriller and I definitely see those elements in the movie. It is interesting to watch Nina slowly crack up and spiral into insanity. With the way things are presented in the movie, it isn’t always clear what is really happening and what is a hallucination. Since things aren’t clear cut with this movie, that might bother some viewers. A few scenes have violence in them, one or two of which are rather gory. Some shocking things happen and there is a decent amount of suspense to what is going on.
Ballet plays a huge part in Black Swan. The main characters are all connected to ballet in some way and the movie is focused on a new production of Swan Lake. I have heard some of the music before and seen little bits in other things, but I am not familiar with the story of that ballet. I’m not sure how accurate the dancing is in the movie, though some of it does look accurate from what I’ve seen in other movies. It does sort of downplay ballet related injuries, like how badly a ballet dancer’s feet can be hurt.
A lot of the talk about Black Swan has been focused on one particular scene involving Nina and Lily, a ballet dancer who has just joined the company. The scene in question is a lesbian sex scene that involves oral sex. The scene doesn’t last that long and it really doesn’t show that much, but it is very clear what is going on. The scene probably makes some people uncomfortable. In some ways, I see the scene as part of Nina’s character growth, but in other ways, it sort of seems like it is just there to shock and titillate. Nina is rather repressed and she is pushed by Thomas, the director of the ballet company, to let go. So it sort so of makes sense that she would be more open to exploring with Lily.
The acting is amazing in Black Swan, especially by Natalie Portman. I’ve liked her in other movies, but I’ve never see her in a part like this before. She is completely believable as the troubled Nina and I do think she deserved to win the Golden Globe. The movie only has a few characters. Each one of them has some kind of issue. The cast all does a wonderful job.
Overall, Black Swan is an interesting, entertaining movie that is probably too dark and twisted for some people.
I did get a review posted on Epinions.
Black Swan
Blades of Glory
I first saw Blades of Glory in the theater when it originally came out. I picked up the DVD when it was released and I’ve watched the movie a few more times since then and still enjoy it. I recently watched the movie again for the first time in a while.
Ice skating is about the only sport that I do like, so the fact that ice skating plays a huge part in the plot of Blades of Glory is a big reason why I wanted to see the movie to begin with. I also like Will Ferrell and tend to watch his new movies at least once.
The plot for Blades of Glory is pretty simple and rather silly. I do think it is an interesting idea for two men to skate as a pair. Things would have to be done differently with two men skating together instead of a man and a woman. Different things related to ice skating are shown during the movie. Some of it seems realistic and other things are exaggerated. Some of the exaggeration does add humor. Much of the humor is silly in some way. A few things done to add humor are more gross and may turn some people off. I could have done without seeing a few things. The humor isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I do think the movie is funny and entertaining.
The characters in Blades of Glory are interesting. The development could have been stronger for most of them, but they are still interesting characters. Chaz is very unique and a bit wild. That does make him entertaining, but some people may not care for him. Jimmy is a calmer character and more likable in some ways. He has his own issues. I do like how Chaz and Jimmy interact for the most part. The other characters are also interesting, though exaggerated.
The DVD for Blades of Glory has deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a behind the scenes featurette that are entertaining. The movie is available on Blu-ray, though I don't know what kind of extras are on it.
I do enjoy Blades of Glory, though I know it isn’t a movie for everyone. Fans of the cast should definitely check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions after I first saw the movie in the theater.
Blades of Glory
Ice skating is about the only sport that I do like, so the fact that ice skating plays a huge part in the plot of Blades of Glory is a big reason why I wanted to see the movie to begin with. I also like Will Ferrell and tend to watch his new movies at least once.
The plot for Blades of Glory is pretty simple and rather silly. I do think it is an interesting idea for two men to skate as a pair. Things would have to be done differently with two men skating together instead of a man and a woman. Different things related to ice skating are shown during the movie. Some of it seems realistic and other things are exaggerated. Some of the exaggeration does add humor. Much of the humor is silly in some way. A few things done to add humor are more gross and may turn some people off. I could have done without seeing a few things. The humor isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I do think the movie is funny and entertaining.
The characters in Blades of Glory are interesting. The development could have been stronger for most of them, but they are still interesting characters. Chaz is very unique and a bit wild. That does make him entertaining, but some people may not care for him. Jimmy is a calmer character and more likable in some ways. He has his own issues. I do like how Chaz and Jimmy interact for the most part. The other characters are also interesting, though exaggerated.
The DVD for Blades of Glory has deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a behind the scenes featurette that are entertaining. The movie is available on Blu-ray, though I don't know what kind of extras are on it.
I do enjoy Blades of Glory, though I know it isn’t a movie for everyone. Fans of the cast should definitely check it out.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions after I first saw the movie in the theater.
Blades of Glory
Down Periscope
I first saw Down Periscope in the theater years ago. I’ve seen it several more times over the years and I still enjoy it.
The plot for Down Periscope is rather simple and definitely silly. This isn’t a movie to take seriously in any way. A few complications do pop up over the course of the movie, but that still doesn’t make the movie complicated. The plot probably isn’t that realistic, but it does end up being entertaining overall.
I find Down Periscope funny, but the humor may not appeal to some viewers. Most of what is done for humor, along with the plot in general, is more silly than anything. I enjoy the movie when I’m in the mood for a silly movie. Things are probably too silly for some people. I can understand some people not liking the movie, but I don’t think it is as bad as some people have thought it was over the years. I think it works as an entertaining comedy and is worth seeing for people in the mood for a funny movie.
There is a somewhat large group of different or even odd characters in Down Periscope. Just about all of the characters have some sort of quirk that makes them different in some way. Those quirks help to make the movie more entertaining. The cast all does well with their parts. I’m fairly sure that this movie was intended to help Kelsey Grammer start a movie career, but things didn’t work out that way. He hasn’t had much luck with most of the projects he’s tried that haven’t involved Frasier.
Down Periscope is available on DVD. I picked it up for about $5 and I’m glad I did. There aren’t any extras on the DVD.
Down Periscope is an entertaining comedy that I think is worth watching. It may be too silly for some viewers.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Down Periscope
The plot for Down Periscope is rather simple and definitely silly. This isn’t a movie to take seriously in any way. A few complications do pop up over the course of the movie, but that still doesn’t make the movie complicated. The plot probably isn’t that realistic, but it does end up being entertaining overall.
I find Down Periscope funny, but the humor may not appeal to some viewers. Most of what is done for humor, along with the plot in general, is more silly than anything. I enjoy the movie when I’m in the mood for a silly movie. Things are probably too silly for some people. I can understand some people not liking the movie, but I don’t think it is as bad as some people have thought it was over the years. I think it works as an entertaining comedy and is worth seeing for people in the mood for a funny movie.
There is a somewhat large group of different or even odd characters in Down Periscope. Just about all of the characters have some sort of quirk that makes them different in some way. Those quirks help to make the movie more entertaining. The cast all does well with their parts. I’m fairly sure that this movie was intended to help Kelsey Grammer start a movie career, but things didn’t work out that way. He hasn’t had much luck with most of the projects he’s tried that haven’t involved Frasier.
Down Periscope is available on DVD. I picked it up for about $5 and I’m glad I did. There aren’t any extras on the DVD.
Down Periscope is an entertaining comedy that I think is worth watching. It may be too silly for some viewers.
I did get a longer review posted on Epinions.
Down Periscope
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