Over the weekend I had a chance to see both Prometheus and Men in Black III. Bottom line, both were entertaining, but I'd give the edge to Prometheus just because it was the fresher of the two.
Prometheus:
Previews and trailers hint about how the mission of Prometheus is based on ancient astronaut messages found by scientists. Not a bad premise. (MINOR SPOILER) It gave an entertaining twist on the creation vs. evolution story with a brief discussion about aliens who may have influenced our evolution. Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (always wearing a cross) has a great line about the aliens when asked about the religious implications - "Somebody had to create them."
Now, I'm a Christian, but I have some reservations about creationism vs. evolution. Maybe they're both right. Maybe God did it all in 6 days, but 6 days from God's POV could be very different and people during biblical times probably couldn't have understood the idea of anything taking millions of years. Anyway, back to the movies.
I liked Noomie Rapace as female lead Elizabeth Shaw. But in many ways, the one who stole the show was Michael Fassbender as David. He was creepy from minute one.
Charlize Theron gave a good performance as Meredith Vickers. Definite Alpha female material with a chip on her shoulder and not trying to hide that she had her own agenda (but keeps that to herself - she just wants to put everyone on notice).
MIB III (or MIIIB):
Entertaining, but I'm hoping this will be the last of this series. (Spoiler ALERT). No Zed or Frank at all. While Frank would probably have gotten annoying, I loved Rip Torn as Zed in the first two movies.
Josh Brolin did a phenomenal job as young K. Kudos for the casting there. There were times I wondered if they'd dubbed in Tommy Lee Jones's voice. That said, I think they could have picked a better villain than Boris the animal. Oh well, nobody's perfect. It was also fairly clever how they explained (or hinted) why J wasn't effected by the timeline change when Boris goes back and kills young K.
The character Griffin had some interesting abilities, but his babbling got a bit annoying. He could have easily become the Jar Jar Binks of the movie. Fortunately it didn't come to that.
Also, the tech downgrades to 1969 were funny (especially the neurolizers).
SPOILERS
Prometheus:
When Meredith Vickers invites our two heroic scientist to talk and there is the brief discussion of her quarters/lifeboat and how self-sufficient it is, they might as well have just said that would be a critical means of escape. It wasn't as subtle as Ripley's skills with the loader in Aliens (her coming out at the end using it to fight the queen was a great twist in that movie). Maybe if they'd made Vickers more of a germaphobe or something it wouldn't have been so obvious.
One "plot" problem I had was that if the world Prometheus went to was a launch site/bio weapons lab that was creating weapons to destroy Earth, then why leave the clues so it could be found? Was this a subtle example of the super villains monologuing their plan because they didn't think the humans could ever stop them?
I was also puzzled a little about David's first victim. I didn't get a full sense of why he did what he did. Maybe just scientific curiosity.
MIB:
When J and young K met up with and got assistance from the Colonel back in 1969, it took about 5 seconds for me to figure out who he was. Some of that was hinted by older K. Just how many African American colonels were there back in 1969? I may catch some flack for this, but the rank seemed a bit too high for an African American for that time. Perhaps a lower rank would have attracted less attention (NCO or a lower ranking officer, like a captain).
I started laughing when young K pulled out the 1969 portable neurolizer and tried to boot it up (dial tone/login sounds that anybody who's had dial-up Internet would recognize).
That's all for now. And please remember to always tip your servers. It could save lives.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Avengers
Last night I attended the openning night of Avengers. Unlike some, I wasn't jumping up and down about how absolutely fantastic, perfect, and awesome it was. Keep in mind that if you listen to too many of those comments, you could hype it up too much. That said, I really just have good things to comment on with the movie.
Warning, I may post some minor spoilers, but I'll try not to give too much away. The one that I will give right now is that some rumors are true. There are TWO (2...1+1...doubles...) end credit scenes. The first after the first part of the credits showing XXXXXX (personally censored), the probable villain for an Avengers 2. Now some comic collecting ultra-fans of mine commented that they see no way to integrate this villain into a sequel. To that I say, it's based on comic books (sci-fi/fantasy stuff). Nothing is impossible.
For writers, here are some of the things that worked. First, the Avengers were a diverse group of characters who form a team. I've commented on this in the past. It's a great formula for books, TV, and movies. Why? Because one hero may not always appeal to everybody. So what do you do? Bring in different personalities. Even the less-than-super characters like Agent Phil Coulson have an important place.
What else worked? A great mix of action, interaction, and humor. Tony Stark delivered great action and comic relief (as you would expect). But the best jokes were the ones you didn't see coming (hint - the second end credit scene was purely for fun. It had no teaser, but it was worth waiting a couple extra minutes). Black widow showed some vulnerability (real or not - you decide). You also really see how clever she is. She uses some femininity and sexyness, but not quite in the traditional way. Definitely not just another pretty face.
I had a mixed opinion of Captain America. In some ways, I think most people were expecting Tony Stark's overwhelming presence to lead the team, but I was a little surprised when he basically asks Captain America for the battle plan when they get ready to face the enemy.
If I was going to point out one thing I think could have been better. The circumstances around the second transformation for the Hulk for the last battle.
Speaking of the big green. Tony Stark had the funniest lines, but some of Hulk's actions really got the best laughs. Particularly with Loki (nuff said on that).
Summary - lots of fun and it will be very difficult for a sequel to be better. I hope they realize that just adding bigger explosions won't make a better movies. We know the actors and director can rise to the occasion. Let's hope for a good script.
Warning, I may post some minor spoilers, but I'll try not to give too much away. The one that I will give right now is that some rumors are true. There are TWO (2...1+1...doubles...) end credit scenes. The first after the first part of the credits showing XXXXXX (personally censored), the probable villain for an Avengers 2. Now some comic collecting ultra-fans of mine commented that they see no way to integrate this villain into a sequel. To that I say, it's based on comic books (sci-fi/fantasy stuff). Nothing is impossible.
For writers, here are some of the things that worked. First, the Avengers were a diverse group of characters who form a team. I've commented on this in the past. It's a great formula for books, TV, and movies. Why? Because one hero may not always appeal to everybody. So what do you do? Bring in different personalities. Even the less-than-super characters like Agent Phil Coulson have an important place.
What else worked? A great mix of action, interaction, and humor. Tony Stark delivered great action and comic relief (as you would expect). But the best jokes were the ones you didn't see coming (hint - the second end credit scene was purely for fun. It had no teaser, but it was worth waiting a couple extra minutes). Black widow showed some vulnerability (real or not - you decide). You also really see how clever she is. She uses some femininity and sexyness, but not quite in the traditional way. Definitely not just another pretty face.
I had a mixed opinion of Captain America. In some ways, I think most people were expecting Tony Stark's overwhelming presence to lead the team, but I was a little surprised when he basically asks Captain America for the battle plan when they get ready to face the enemy.
If I was going to point out one thing I think could have been better. The circumstances around the second transformation for the Hulk for the last battle.
Speaking of the big green. Tony Stark had the funniest lines, but some of Hulk's actions really got the best laughs. Particularly with Loki (nuff said on that).
Summary - lots of fun and it will be very difficult for a sequel to be better. I hope they realize that just adding bigger explosions won't make a better movies. We know the actors and director can rise to the occasion. Let's hope for a good script.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
My Protagonist Might Have Aspergers
Sorry I haven't been able to post for so long, but it's been even longer since I've actually been able to work on my story. Life can get in the way, but I've been thinking about some critiques I've received regarding one of my characters. Some have commented on his lack of emotional range.
Originally, I intended to write him as somewhat reserved, maybe emotionally withdrawn. If you haven't read any of my descriptions, my protagonist is a partial telepath - he can detect all thoughts around him that pertain to him. Consider how many close friendships you would make if, throughout your life, you always knew the truth about what everyone around you thinks about you? Add to that the fact that he genetically inherited his mother's memories - including her being attacked and stabbed just before his birth. He's not too quick to trust.
I thought that would be his main character/personality limitation, but last year, something changed. My son was diagnosed as high-functioning autistic. Like most parents, I started researching it and started making some correlations with my protagonist. I'm continuing to review some basic material and compare with my character's personality. I believe that I've inadvertently given my protagonist Aspergers traits. Since this is science fiction, I decided to work that into the story. Since the story takes place about 500 years in the future, I'll assume a cure for Aspergers/Autism would be found. My protag's affliction would be like Aspergers in almost every respect except for the fact that it is brought on, largely, due to a severe trauma pre-birth or at birth. This affliction gives tendencies for the brain to reduce or shut down part of their emotional processing because they were effectively overloaded at birth. The symptoms will mirror Aspergers so much that he'll be misdiagnosed and treated for Aspergers.
One thing I know is that I still have a lot of work to do to make this work but hopefully, this will become a good character development. More importantly, I would love for this story to bring more attention to Aspergers/Autism.
Originally, I intended to write him as somewhat reserved, maybe emotionally withdrawn. If you haven't read any of my descriptions, my protagonist is a partial telepath - he can detect all thoughts around him that pertain to him. Consider how many close friendships you would make if, throughout your life, you always knew the truth about what everyone around you thinks about you? Add to that the fact that he genetically inherited his mother's memories - including her being attacked and stabbed just before his birth. He's not too quick to trust.
I thought that would be his main character/personality limitation, but last year, something changed. My son was diagnosed as high-functioning autistic. Like most parents, I started researching it and started making some correlations with my protagonist. I'm continuing to review some basic material and compare with my character's personality. I believe that I've inadvertently given my protagonist Aspergers traits. Since this is science fiction, I decided to work that into the story. Since the story takes place about 500 years in the future, I'll assume a cure for Aspergers/Autism would be found. My protag's affliction would be like Aspergers in almost every respect except for the fact that it is brought on, largely, due to a severe trauma pre-birth or at birth. This affliction gives tendencies for the brain to reduce or shut down part of their emotional processing because they were effectively overloaded at birth. The symptoms will mirror Aspergers so much that he'll be misdiagnosed and treated for Aspergers.
One thing I know is that I still have a lot of work to do to make this work but hopefully, this will become a good character development. More importantly, I would love for this story to bring more attention to Aspergers/Autism.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Robot Nurses and Tractor Beam May Be Here Soon
In another example of Star Trek influencing real-life technology/research, NASA is spending $100,000 to analyze tractor beam techniques at its Goddard Space Flight center. The article referenced discusses past research and intial successes with "optical tweezers" that can trap objects in small lasers. Near-future applications could include installation of such devices on rovers to be sent to other worlds or deep space probes - allowing them to collect samples that otherwise would not be obtainable. Personally, I like the idea of the "optical tweezers." This could be a good term/technology for writers to use, especially if they want a credible tech basis for their writing. When I first heard it, I was thinkinging mainly about healthcare applications - like optical surgery, but you make your own decisions.
Speaking of healthcare, Roomba owners might find this interesting. Toyota and iRobot has developed a home-use "robot nurse" named Ava which could be available for purchase as early as 2013. I must admit that the video attached to the article isn't exactly something to ooh and ah about. Ava looks like a mobile broomstick/post with a tablet computer on top. That tablet would seem to be the key as the iRobot CEO mentions can show the face of a doctor or actually connect to a real physician. What isn't really mentioned is that this device could probably be easily adapted for healthcare monitoring. I mean basic vitals could be taken with attachments (automatic blood pressure cuff, pulse sensor, pulse/ox meter, respiration...) that are currently used by medical professionals.
The robot article also shows an example of another device attached to a patient's leg from the knee to the foot. The caption shows the device as something that could help patients walk, but not just by giving support and possible muscle enhancements. Patients who undergo knee surgery could use this device as part of their rehab and reduce the time needed with a physical therapist.
I've discussed bigger examples of this type of technology in my Iron Man 1/2 post last year. One thing I find interesting is the size difference between the device shown in the post developed last year and the picture of the device on the person's leg. While there are obvious differences in functionality, it's still interesting how much more streamline the medical device is and it's technology is only one year newer.
Speaking of healthcare, Roomba owners might find this interesting. Toyota and iRobot has developed a home-use "robot nurse" named Ava which could be available for purchase as early as 2013. I must admit that the video attached to the article isn't exactly something to ooh and ah about. Ava looks like a mobile broomstick/post with a tablet computer on top. That tablet would seem to be the key as the iRobot CEO mentions can show the face of a doctor or actually connect to a real physician. What isn't really mentioned is that this device could probably be easily adapted for healthcare monitoring. I mean basic vitals could be taken with attachments (automatic blood pressure cuff, pulse sensor, pulse/ox meter, respiration...) that are currently used by medical professionals.
The robot article also shows an example of another device attached to a patient's leg from the knee to the foot. The caption shows the device as something that could help patients walk, but not just by giving support and possible muscle enhancements. Patients who undergo knee surgery could use this device as part of their rehab and reduce the time needed with a physical therapist.
I've discussed bigger examples of this type of technology in my Iron Man 1/2 post last year. One thing I find interesting is the size difference between the device shown in the post developed last year and the picture of the device on the person's leg. While there are obvious differences in functionality, it's still interesting how much more streamline the medical device is and it's technology is only one year newer.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The World Is Ending - Postponed From Earlier Date
You heard it here. Of course, chances are if you are reading this post after Friday, October 21, 2011 the prediction was wrong. I'm sorry, I mean it might have just been postponed....again. You may remember the predictions of radio preacher Harold Camping who said Judgment Day would come May 21, but when it didn't happen, he said that was just the spiritual judgment day. The world will end more quietly Friday October 21. So should we waste time continuing to write and edit, or just have fun in our last 24hours (plus or minus). I mean, I have some work deadlines coming up from my paying job.
You know what really sucks about this prediction? If it's true, I'll miss the opening of Avengers.
Sometimes these "news" stories are odder than any fantasy or sci-fi story and makes me think about doing something like a short story with such a theme. Although, I think it works better for a comedy.
You know what really sucks about this prediction? If it's true, I'll miss the opening of Avengers.
Sometimes these "news" stories are odder than any fantasy or sci-fi story and makes me think about doing something like a short story with such a theme. Although, I think it works better for a comedy.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Was the Kraken Real?
The answer is - maybe. That's right. One of our favorite mythological monsters, and the ship crunching pet of Pirates of the Carribean's Davey Jones, may have really existed according to an article on foxnews.com.
While direct evidence of this creature hasn't been found, there has been some evidence of its existence based on markings on the bones of ichytosaurs - 45-foot long water dinosaurs that might have been prey for the possible monsters during the Triassic period. The key evidence seems to be in bones found in one location that most likely didn't die at the same time - indicating this could have been the kraken's lair. If such creatures weren't soft bodies there might have been more fossilized evidence, but unfortunately all we have is theories and a possible location of the Kraken's dining room. Following discoveries like this can give some credibility to stories with related monsters or themes. I mean a REAL monster that snacked on 45-foot long dinosaurs makes for cool stories.
While direct evidence of this creature hasn't been found, there has been some evidence of its existence based on markings on the bones of ichytosaurs - 45-foot long water dinosaurs that might have been prey for the possible monsters during the Triassic period. The key evidence seems to be in bones found in one location that most likely didn't die at the same time - indicating this could have been the kraken's lair. If such creatures weren't soft bodies there might have been more fossilized evidence, but unfortunately all we have is theories and a possible location of the Kraken's dining room. Following discoveries like this can give some credibility to stories with related monsters or themes. I mean a REAL monster that snacked on 45-foot long dinosaurs makes for cool stories.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Real Steel Armor Has Kinks (Spoilers)
Since I had the day to myself, I thought I'd check out Hugh Jackman's new movie Real Steel. Overall, I have to say that it was entertaining, but it had a really slow start. Worth going to, but try to save a couple bucks by going to a matinee.
Overall Strengths: Hugh Jackman put on a good performance to me. In the first few scenes, I didn't like him or sympathize with his problems. However, that was probably by design. Obviously he became more likable as the movie progressed. To me, the pivotal scene for him was when Bailey Tallet (played by Evangeline Lilly) was talking to Max (played by Dakota Goyo) about Charlie's boxing past and one of his best fights in his boxing career.
The special effects. That goes without saying. They were great. There were a few views of the star robot, Atom, where one repair weld on his face looked almost like a mouth. I almost expected Atom to smile.
Chemistry between Charlie and Bailey. This was credible and not overdone. This is a mild spoiler (bigger spoilers below), but I liked Bailey's line to Charlie "1,200 miles for a kiss?" Nice.
Doing the robot. When Charlie saw Max dancing with Atom, I liked how he spun it. Making it a gimick for the show. Smart and funny.
Overall Weaknesses: Max. Sorry, but I really didn't like the kid. While you saw flaws in Charlie and Bailey, this kid seemed too perfect. Not perfectly behaved and all. More like too mature, too smart, and too "right." The kid seemed to have all the right answers. His character didn't seem real to me at all.
The opening scenes were way too predictable for my taste. So many cliches and overused ideas. While the opening was a bit of a surprise (the fight at the fair), you knew exactly what would happen the moment the competitors were announced. Pretty much the same thing with the next fights.
Some of the tech that made Atom special also was a flaw in the movie. (Minor spoiler) The ability to mimick someone. Wouldn't that have been picked up more? Give human fighters a chance to compete through the robots. Only giving that one here because it is in most of the trailers. More below in Spoilers.
SPOILERS:
The robot fighting a bull? Could have been better, but when Charlie started getting arrogant and paying more attention to the cute girls in the stand than the bull, I was hoping the bull would knock the robot through the fence and right onto Charlie. Besides, why wasn't the guy who set up that fight arrested for cruelty to animals? I mean the bull tore the robot up, but that guy who set it up would have been jailed for trying that. But then he couldn't have come back to kick Charlie's @ss later.
Max - annoying. Again, the kid was too perfect and too smart. From his ability to speak Japanese to his negotiating more money to the
Atom's ability to mimic was one thing, but his ability to absorb punishment and keep functioning. Again, why didn't other, newer robots have that?
When the aunt was trying to console Max by telling him about all the toys she had for him to play with, I almost laughed. He never once seemed like the type of kid interested in "toys." It gave me the impression she knew as much about the boy as his father did.
Zeus running low on power. Come on. Okay, maybe they operators were so used to winning early they didn't see a point in giving enough power for a full fight, but that did make the fight a little anti-climactic.
The final fight, from the very beginning reminded me so much of Rocky, I half expected Zeus to start chanting "Zeus in 3..."
Overall Strengths: Hugh Jackman put on a good performance to me. In the first few scenes, I didn't like him or sympathize with his problems. However, that was probably by design. Obviously he became more likable as the movie progressed. To me, the pivotal scene for him was when Bailey Tallet (played by Evangeline Lilly) was talking to Max (played by Dakota Goyo) about Charlie's boxing past and one of his best fights in his boxing career.
The special effects. That goes without saying. They were great. There were a few views of the star robot, Atom, where one repair weld on his face looked almost like a mouth. I almost expected Atom to smile.
Chemistry between Charlie and Bailey. This was credible and not overdone. This is a mild spoiler (bigger spoilers below), but I liked Bailey's line to Charlie "1,200 miles for a kiss?" Nice.
Doing the robot. When Charlie saw Max dancing with Atom, I liked how he spun it. Making it a gimick for the show. Smart and funny.
Overall Weaknesses: Max. Sorry, but I really didn't like the kid. While you saw flaws in Charlie and Bailey, this kid seemed too perfect. Not perfectly behaved and all. More like too mature, too smart, and too "right." The kid seemed to have all the right answers. His character didn't seem real to me at all.
The opening scenes were way too predictable for my taste. So many cliches and overused ideas. While the opening was a bit of a surprise (the fight at the fair), you knew exactly what would happen the moment the competitors were announced. Pretty much the same thing with the next fights.
Some of the tech that made Atom special also was a flaw in the movie. (Minor spoiler) The ability to mimick someone. Wouldn't that have been picked up more? Give human fighters a chance to compete through the robots. Only giving that one here because it is in most of the trailers. More below in Spoilers.
SPOILERS:
The robot fighting a bull? Could have been better, but when Charlie started getting arrogant and paying more attention to the cute girls in the stand than the bull, I was hoping the bull would knock the robot through the fence and right onto Charlie. Besides, why wasn't the guy who set up that fight arrested for cruelty to animals? I mean the bull tore the robot up, but that guy who set it up would have been jailed for trying that. But then he couldn't have come back to kick Charlie's @ss later.
Max - annoying. Again, the kid was too perfect and too smart. From his ability to speak Japanese to his negotiating more money to the
Atom's ability to mimic was one thing, but his ability to absorb punishment and keep functioning. Again, why didn't other, newer robots have that?
When the aunt was trying to console Max by telling him about all the toys she had for him to play with, I almost laughed. He never once seemed like the type of kid interested in "toys." It gave me the impression she knew as much about the boy as his father did.
Zeus running low on power. Come on. Okay, maybe they operators were so used to winning early they didn't see a point in giving enough power for a full fight, but that did make the fight a little anti-climactic.
The final fight, from the very beginning reminded me so much of Rocky, I half expected Zeus to start chanting "Zeus in 3..."
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