I cant say I enjoyed this book, but it was so damn well written it deserves mention.
Its a ghost story set in the encroaching 24 hours darkness in a land above the Arctic Circle.
The author brilliantly captures the encroaching mental claustrophobia of aloneness in a hut, in the dark, the sole companionship of a dog, and this, going to get worse.
I'll be honest, I do most of my reading in the dead hours of night, and I couldnt bring myself to do it with this book, right off from the first few chapters, things were going easily enough, but you just knew it wasnt going to stay that way.
A stand-out book because it was set so unusually. Wont let on how it ends.
Well done Michelle Paver, 5 out of 5.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Movie: The Hobbit
Trouped along, as we ALL have to see this one.
Saw it at Palmerston North's Cinema Gold, to catch it in 48 fps/3D. Two issues settled.
One, all those comments from people who felt nauseated/giddy, whatever, from the high frame rate, are just dribbling, I didnt experience any problem, although I think this movie would be better watched from seating further back and a bit higher. I was about 4 rows from the front and looking up.
Two, this is a long movie, whose 3 hour cause not at all helped by at least 20 minutes in this particular PN cinema, of puerile pre-movie advertising stuff. Its like kiddies from the local gamer graphics community having a show-off. In front of an expected and large captive audience. Totally pathetic.
The movie itself could probably be justly called another Jackson triumph, excellent camera work, the 48 fps did work to my mind, and Martin Freeman did the standout acting performance, although all the dwarves were good.
Everyone else looks 5 years older, except for Gollum, creepy as usual, but still fantastic, as was the scenery.
A quip doing the rounds about school kids studying The Hobbit in class, didnt go see the movie, they read the book instead.
So the storyline, this first movie of 3 covering only 300 pages total of book, was a bit of a doddle. Like with Skyfall's shortcomings, I WANT A STORY!!
4 out of 5, begrudgingly.
Saw it at Palmerston North's Cinema Gold, to catch it in 48 fps/3D. Two issues settled.
One, all those comments from people who felt nauseated/giddy, whatever, from the high frame rate, are just dribbling, I didnt experience any problem, although I think this movie would be better watched from seating further back and a bit higher. I was about 4 rows from the front and looking up.
Two, this is a long movie, whose 3 hour cause not at all helped by at least 20 minutes in this particular PN cinema, of puerile pre-movie advertising stuff. Its like kiddies from the local gamer graphics community having a show-off. In front of an expected and large captive audience. Totally pathetic.
The movie itself could probably be justly called another Jackson triumph, excellent camera work, the 48 fps did work to my mind, and Martin Freeman did the standout acting performance, although all the dwarves were good.
Everyone else looks 5 years older, except for Gollum, creepy as usual, but still fantastic, as was the scenery.
A quip doing the rounds about school kids studying The Hobbit in class, didnt go see the movie, they read the book instead.
So the storyline, this first movie of 3 covering only 300 pages total of book, was a bit of a doddle. Like with Skyfall's shortcomings, I WANT A STORY!!
4 out of 5, begrudgingly.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Movie: Skyfall
The best part about this movie was the opening sequence, but for those of us who've followed the franchise a lifetime, the rest of it was, OK, Bond............., but not as we know it Jim.
Daniel's a good Bond for sure, have picked up a few comments he looked a bit haggard this time, but then that's what the plot called for with his comeback from the "dead".
There wasnt any sex either, to speak of, and the best hint of it got shot.
And was the storyline a bit thin? Or was it no worse than the average other movie Bond movie?
Judy Dench was her usual attractive and good self/performance, and that and the camera work and backdrop were the other memorable carry-forwards.
Saw a recent snippet that Hugh Jackman once turned down an offer of the Bond role, but could get interested.
3 out of 5
Daniel's a good Bond for sure, have picked up a few comments he looked a bit haggard this time, but then that's what the plot called for with his comeback from the "dead".
There wasnt any sex either, to speak of, and the best hint of it got shot.
And was the storyline a bit thin? Or was it no worse than the average other movie Bond movie?
Judy Dench was her usual attractive and good self/performance, and that and the camera work and backdrop were the other memorable carry-forwards.
Saw a recent snippet that Hugh Jackman once turned down an offer of the Bond role, but could get interested.
3 out of 5
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Movie: Fresh Meat
What initially beckoned as a tongue-in-cheek offering, has turned out being my choice movie of the last 12 months.
A dysfunctional gang of crooks hide from the law by crashing a suburban family home, but get more than they bargained for, and how.....
I went partly to support the NZ film-making industry, but this one could hold it's own anywhere, indeed Variety Magazine gives it the thumbs up prior to its US premier in LA tomorrow.
What struck me greatest was the eight main characters were extraordinarily well played, flawlessly, even dare I say, fleshed out, a credit to their acting ability and direction, (Danny Mulheron).
Briar Grace-Smith's script ran a few sacred PC cows and I dunno that Tem Morrison will escape the same criticism for the umbrage taken at some of Billy T's side-swipe to "mouldy" culture, but good on him for this lot.
The film's near as bombed on its opening weekend here, there were only a handful in last nights discount-night theatre, which only accentuated the guffaws and shrieks.
The NZ Herald gave it a bum review, but this only re-inforces my opinion most NZ reviewers dont know their arse from their elbow.
Variety Magazine compliments the movie's high energy, its not a long movie, but the introduction of the characters and pacing of the storyline are impeccable, and says it has "high production values". Indeed, the camera work and production design are pretty slick.
The sound-track's appropriately pacy, "from 60's spy to fast and furious rock", noticed a bit of stomping Gin Wigmore in there.
For all the theme of cannabilism might have detracted from this movie's opening success, the technical achievement inherent makes up for it, Variety's summation "thoroughly professional technical package" of a "high gloss soap gone berserk".
All roles were stars in their own right, but I give the edge to Hanna Tevita and Kate Elliott.
As for the latter, Kate Elliott, move over Rachael, we've got another kiwi sheila icon here.
12 out of 10 on this one.
A dysfunctional gang of crooks hide from the law by crashing a suburban family home, but get more than they bargained for, and how.....
I went partly to support the NZ film-making industry, but this one could hold it's own anywhere, indeed Variety Magazine gives it the thumbs up prior to its US premier in LA tomorrow.
What struck me greatest was the eight main characters were extraordinarily well played, flawlessly, even dare I say, fleshed out, a credit to their acting ability and direction, (Danny Mulheron).
Briar Grace-Smith's script ran a few sacred PC cows and I dunno that Tem Morrison will escape the same criticism for the umbrage taken at some of Billy T's side-swipe to "mouldy" culture, but good on him for this lot.
The film's near as bombed on its opening weekend here, there were only a handful in last nights discount-night theatre, which only accentuated the guffaws and shrieks.
The NZ Herald gave it a bum review, but this only re-inforces my opinion most NZ reviewers dont know their arse from their elbow.
Variety Magazine compliments the movie's high energy, its not a long movie, but the introduction of the characters and pacing of the storyline are impeccable, and says it has "high production values". Indeed, the camera work and production design are pretty slick.
The sound-track's appropriately pacy, "from 60's spy to fast and furious rock", noticed a bit of stomping Gin Wigmore in there.
For all the theme of cannabilism might have detracted from this movie's opening success, the technical achievement inherent makes up for it, Variety's summation "thoroughly professional technical package" of a "high gloss soap gone berserk".
All roles were stars in their own right, but I give the edge to Hanna Tevita and Kate Elliott.
As for the latter, Kate Elliott, move over Rachael, we've got another kiwi sheila icon here.
12 out of 10 on this one.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Book: Ian Wishart's "Vitamin D"
Technically not a vitamin, but a secosteroid, Vitamin D has receptors mapped to more than 3000 human genes, and is instrumental in resistance to pretty near the whole gamut of human bodily disorder, ranging from alzheimers, asthma, allergies, a lot of cancers, heart disease, bones, to mental health.
Fortunately, the greatest source of it is generated by the body itself through exposure to the sun, simple as that, converting a form of cholesterol to the vital calci-compounds.
I bet the reason why rural kids have a lot less problem with allergies and asthma is that theyre outdoors more.
And Maori need to get outdoors more than anyone here, darker skin inhibits the process so we need more exposure.
Ian Wishart's done a service by bringing all this stuff together.
Fortunately, the greatest source of it is generated by the body itself through exposure to the sun, simple as that, converting a form of cholesterol to the vital calci-compounds.
I bet the reason why rural kids have a lot less problem with allergies and asthma is that theyre outdoors more.
And Maori need to get outdoors more than anyone here, darker skin inhibits the process so we need more exposure.
Ian Wishart's done a service by bringing all this stuff together.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Movies: Looper, Dredd 3D
Looper, fair bit of gratuitous violence here, but it was an integral part of what made a good movie. Plenty to get your head round with the time travel thing, which got increasingly intricate as the movie evolved.
Despite what I didnt think was much advance publicity, the theatre was as full as I've ever seen it for the discount Tuesday night, and the conversations about what went on buzzed as the audience left, they got their bob's worth.
Bruce Willis brilliant as to be expected, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt pretty good also. Made of good job of aping Willis mannersisms as his younger self, similar to Josh Brolin taking off a young Tommy Lee Jones in MIB3. 5 out of 5.
Dredd, well jees, I'm speechless. I suppose it was like one of those video games, sneek round a corner, boom, shoot somebody, sneek round another corner......, touches of Robo-Cop, and the eye candy wasnt too bad, even the bad lady. Dunno, 2 out of 5 at a stretch.
Despite what I didnt think was much advance publicity, the theatre was as full as I've ever seen it for the discount Tuesday night, and the conversations about what went on buzzed as the audience left, they got their bob's worth.
Bruce Willis brilliant as to be expected, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt pretty good also. Made of good job of aping Willis mannersisms as his younger self, similar to Josh Brolin taking off a young Tommy Lee Jones in MIB3. 5 out of 5.
Dredd, well jees, I'm speechless. I suppose it was like one of those video games, sneek round a corner, boom, shoot somebody, sneek round another corner......, touches of Robo-Cop, and the eye candy wasnt too bad, even the bad lady. Dunno, 2 out of 5 at a stretch.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
All Blacks 32 Springboks 16
The AB's finished the southern hemisphere championship in good style, even though they didnt need to win this last match against the Bok's.
My impression of the last few games is how nicely they've shown they havent missed Sonny Bill.
Ma'a Nonu has excelled as in his usual line breaker capacity, with his distribution, and scoring the odd try.
The other Hurricane's cast-off, Andrew Hore has also had a great tournament, showing he's far from past it too.
Its a great backline that goes even better when Dan Carter's in it, not that Aaron Cruden's any slug.
We've worried that we'd miss Brad Thorn as the tight strongman, but the series has shown Retallick, Whitelock, and Romano are up for any opposition.
Exciting to read Thorn might sign up for the Highlanders next year, will make a great pack with Hore in there as well.
Have to mention Justin Marshall's emergence as a commentator of some credibility and, well, downright enjoyability. He says in his Dompost column of yesterday, its the AB's rigorous pursuit of excellence that makes them seem at once, so unsure but sublime, and so without standout individuality but so collectively brilliant.
I'm sure this is the legacy of Sir Graham I thought I gleaned from his book, supremely fit, skilled, game-planned, psyched, and ever pursuing excellence.
My impression of the last few games is how nicely they've shown they havent missed Sonny Bill.
Ma'a Nonu has excelled as in his usual line breaker capacity, with his distribution, and scoring the odd try.
The other Hurricane's cast-off, Andrew Hore has also had a great tournament, showing he's far from past it too.
Its a great backline that goes even better when Dan Carter's in it, not that Aaron Cruden's any slug.
We've worried that we'd miss Brad Thorn as the tight strongman, but the series has shown Retallick, Whitelock, and Romano are up for any opposition.
Exciting to read Thorn might sign up for the Highlanders next year, will make a great pack with Hore in there as well.
Have to mention Justin Marshall's emergence as a commentator of some credibility and, well, downright enjoyability. He says in his Dompost column of yesterday, its the AB's rigorous pursuit of excellence that makes them seem at once, so unsure but sublime, and so without standout individuality but so collectively brilliant.
I'm sure this is the legacy of Sir Graham I thought I gleaned from his book, supremely fit, skilled, game-planned, psyched, and ever pursuing excellence.
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