Title: Ghost Story
Series: The Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher
Released: 2011
Rating: 6/5
Basic Plot: Harry Dresden, who has recently died, must go back to Chicago to find his killer. While he is in Chicago he realizes a lot has changed since he died.
Who Harry Dresden's Killer Is
The person who killed Harry and why it happened are very interesting to find out. I spent a minute or so in shock when I found out. However, the drawback of that is it makes the beginning of the book pretty pointless. That should make me hate the twist and the book, but it doesn't. The truth is, the Chicago Ghost Harry returns to is very pleasing to read about that it makes up for that flaw (though the changed Chicago will probably only really please long time fans of the book series).
How The Other Characters Change
The characters (besides Harry) get a very good change up. Those familiar with the series will be able to really see how good the changes to the characters are. My favorite one who changed was Karrin Murphy. As soon as she spoke one line of dialogue I could tell this wasn't the same character as the one in Changes. I thought she was possessed at first.
Harry Dresden Thinking About the Events in Changes
Harry spends a good deal looking back on his mistakes in Changes. Mainly about everything he risked to save his daughter (Maggie) and why things turned out poorly. I think this does count as a small growth in Harry's character as he has to take responsibility for his apprentice (Molly) becoming a psycho, Murphy becoming a much more hard hearted woman than before, and all the disaster he brought upon Chicago. He does come to peace by the end of the book, though.
Final Thoughts
This book is my favorite in the series so far. By the end of the book I was rushing through it (especially when Harry's killer is revealed). I would highly recommend this book to people that like fantasy/mystery books. The things brought up about the afterlife and ghosts are really neat. I bought this book hardcover and full price and I feel I got more than my money's worth.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
Title: Cowboys & Aliens
Director: Jon Favreau
Based on the Comic Book: Cowboys & Aliens
Comic Book Written By: Fred Van Lente & Andrew Foley
Comic Book Drawn By: Dennis Calero & Luciano Lima
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, and Olivia Wilde
Rated: PG-13
Released: 2011
Rating: 4/5
Oscars: N/A
Basic Plot: Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) wakes up and doesn't remember who he is. He then gets involved with a plan to stop aliens from invading Earth.
Combing a Sci-Fi and Western Film into One
This is the highlight of the movie. It combines sci-fi and Western film elements so well that it doesn't feel like one takes center stage over the other. The first part of Cowboys & Aliens is strictly a Western. If you like sci-fi and Western movies I highly suggest you go see this movie.
The Aliens
In the comic the aliens talked, in the movie the main aliens don't. This is a little bit disappointing. However, what the aliens look like and their technology do look pretty cool. There is one alien that does talk, though.
The One Annoying Character
Percy Dolarhyde (Paul Dano) is the most annoying character in the film. Funnily enough, he's the one that drives a good chunk of the plot along. Luckily he is gone for a good majority of the film. He is captured by the aliens pretty early on so you don't have to put up with him that much.
Final Thoughts
I am a big fan of science fiction so I went into the film purely for that element. The fact that it was also a Western film was a big bonus. I was sad about what happens to Olivia Wilde's character, but it was very fitting. This movie does have some romance which fits the tone the movie sets. I saw this movie a few weeks ago (when I was up in Lake Tahoe, California) and so am sorry it took so long to get this review up.
Director: Jon Favreau
Based on the Comic Book: Cowboys & Aliens
Comic Book Written By: Fred Van Lente & Andrew Foley
Comic Book Drawn By: Dennis Calero & Luciano Lima
Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, and Olivia Wilde
Rated: PG-13
Released: 2011
Rating: 4/5
Oscars: N/A
Basic Plot: Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) wakes up and doesn't remember who he is. He then gets involved with a plan to stop aliens from invading Earth.
Combing a Sci-Fi and Western Film into One
This is the highlight of the movie. It combines sci-fi and Western film elements so well that it doesn't feel like one takes center stage over the other. The first part of Cowboys & Aliens is strictly a Western. If you like sci-fi and Western movies I highly suggest you go see this movie.
The Aliens
In the comic the aliens talked, in the movie the main aliens don't. This is a little bit disappointing. However, what the aliens look like and their technology do look pretty cool. There is one alien that does talk, though.
The One Annoying Character
Percy Dolarhyde (Paul Dano) is the most annoying character in the film. Funnily enough, he's the one that drives a good chunk of the plot along. Luckily he is gone for a good majority of the film. He is captured by the aliens pretty early on so you don't have to put up with him that much.
Final Thoughts
I am a big fan of science fiction so I went into the film purely for that element. The fact that it was also a Western film was a big bonus. I was sad about what happens to Olivia Wilde's character, but it was very fitting. This movie does have some romance which fits the tone the movie sets. I saw this movie a few weeks ago (when I was up in Lake Tahoe, California) and so am sorry it took so long to get this review up.
Media-Slayer Shutting Down (jashycam 31)
A few days ago Media-Slayer shut down. Here are my opinions on the matter.
If that version does not work, try this one:
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Do you believe in aliens or life on other planets?
Yes. I believe they'll come to take me home.
What do you think about Media Slayer closing? Did the trolls win?
I don't know the full story but I don't like it. If it was because of the trolls, yes. If Arthur was just a dick and/or was having financial troubles, no.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Jash and Sarah
This is a HIGHLY fangirly music video showing my love for Sarah Connor. It also serves as a shortened vlog for my California trip in 2011.
The basic premise is that Jash (yeah, she/it is supposed to be me) fell in love with Sarah Connor and Sarah Connor eventually rejected her.
This music video, then, is me...I mean Jash mourning not being with Sarah Connor anymore.
Will there be another in this series? Probably not. I took around 38 minutes of footage and around 195 pictures when I went to California. That means I had a lot to go through.
However, if I go on another long trip (like the California trip in 2011) I might continue with another tale of Jash.
If that version doesn't work, try this version:
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Dresden Files: Blood Rites (Jim Butcher)
Title: Blood Rites
Series: The Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher
Released: 2004
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Harry Dresden must figure out who is killing female porn actresses (who are acting in Arturo Genosa's latest film) and for what purpose.
It Being On a Porn Set
Jim Butcher never tells you what goes on during the shooting of the porn. So those hoping for a book overflowing with sex: this isn't the book you're looking for. And for those of you who don't want to read a porn book: don't worry, this book isn't like that.
Thomas' Revelation for Harry
In this book you find out that Harry and Thomas are half-brothers (they have the same mother). I liked this as a big thing with Harry was not having family. He had friends but never family (his mom and dad both died). So a family member being thrown in the mix was very interesting to watch.
Mavra's Apparent Death
I don't think that Mavra actually died in this book. She is supposed to be very powerful and her apparent death is just too easy. I liked it when Kincaid pointed out to Harry that she might still be alive. If I find out that Mavra was killed in this book, I'll be very disappointed.
Final Thoughts
I highly enjoyed this book and liked the focus being on the White Court. You learn how White Court vampires are made, a little of the social structure, and how the White Court vampires usually deal with problems. The producer working on porn films fits in very nicely with the huge focus given the White Court in this book. The only thing that doesn't fit is the little focus on the Black Court. It is interesting, but could've been left out of the book without a problem.
Series: The Dresden Files
Author: Jim Butcher
Released: 2004
Rating: 5/5
Basic Plot: Harry Dresden must figure out who is killing female porn actresses (who are acting in Arturo Genosa's latest film) and for what purpose.
It Being On a Porn Set
Jim Butcher never tells you what goes on during the shooting of the porn. So those hoping for a book overflowing with sex: this isn't the book you're looking for. And for those of you who don't want to read a porn book: don't worry, this book isn't like that.
Thomas' Revelation for Harry
In this book you find out that Harry and Thomas are half-brothers (they have the same mother). I liked this as a big thing with Harry was not having family. He had friends but never family (his mom and dad both died). So a family member being thrown in the mix was very interesting to watch.
Mavra's Apparent Death
I don't think that Mavra actually died in this book. She is supposed to be very powerful and her apparent death is just too easy. I liked it when Kincaid pointed out to Harry that she might still be alive. If I find out that Mavra was killed in this book, I'll be very disappointed.
Final Thoughts
I highly enjoyed this book and liked the focus being on the White Court. You learn how White Court vampires are made, a little of the social structure, and how the White Court vampires usually deal with problems. The producer working on porn films fits in very nicely with the huge focus given the White Court in this book. The only thing that doesn't fit is the little focus on the Black Court. It is interesting, but could've been left out of the book without a problem.
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