District 13 (2004) Here's a review of a French film from back in 2004. I saw it way back, and gave it a re-watch on impulse. I think I have to do more re-watches, because even though there's so much I haven't seen at all, old favorites are still favorites. Besson co-wrote and produced. Morel … Continue reading District B13, a Film from Pierre Morel and Luc Besson. Plus District 13 Ultimatum, the Sequel!
South Pacific, Father Goose, Operation Petticoat: Reviews!
From South Pacific, 1958. Note the exaggerated colors. My parents grew up during World War Two thus I grew up watching war movies. I like a good drama and I like to watch the heroes beat the bad guys, but there are serious war movies and then there are not-so-serious movies set during the war. … Continue reading South Pacific, Father Goose, Operation Petticoat: Reviews!
Lost in Austen
Those are the elder Bennets on the left, Darcy and Elizabeth on the right. Historicals. Romances. Manners. Bodice-rippers. They can be fun. I've read Jane Austen, watched the classic films, and even saw 2016's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. And now I've finally seen this 2008 British four-part mini-series from ITV. Bottom line? See it! … Continue reading Lost in Austen
Artist Retrospectives XXXI – Eddie Jones
Self-portrait of the artist, 1971. Eddie Jones was born in Lancashire, England in 1935. He was a self-taught artist, and went into advertising. He also got into science fiction fandom and did some illustrations for the fanzines. Cover of a 1957 fan-produced collection of "filk" songs. From his time at Vision of Tomorrow, a short-lived … Continue reading Artist Retrospectives XXXI – Eddie Jones
Review: Jack Vance’s “Planet of Adventure” Series
Compilation of four short novels in one volume, with cover by Dave Archer. I've always liked Jack Vance, especially his Dying Earth series. For those who don't know, that's the source of Dungeons and Dragons' magic system. Anyway, this story is science fiction. Our protagonist arrives on a space ship. DAW covers by H.R. Van Dongen. … Continue reading Review: Jack Vance’s “Planet of Adventure” Series
Review: Hiero Desteen, by Sterling Lanier. Inspiration for Gamma World!
I don't know that I'd compare it to LOTR, but it's generally a fun series. Cover by Peter Goodfellow. Sterling Lanier was quite a character and may be best known as the guy who was responsible for getting Frank Herbert's Dune published (which cost him his job), but that's not important right now. Nothing to … Continue reading Review: Hiero Desteen, by Sterling Lanier. Inspiration for Gamma World!
Review: The Privateers & Gentlemen Novels of Walter Jon Williams
Walter Jon Williams is a writer who you may know for either fiction or gaming titles. He wrote the science fiction novels about Drake Maijstral, the Allowed Burglar (I really like these, great inspiration to use for your Traveller RPG campaign). They were published 1987-1995. He wrote the cyberpunk novel Hardwired (1986) and then the … Continue reading Review: The Privateers & Gentlemen Novels of Walter Jon Williams
Review: The Fionavar Tapestry
The Crystal Dragon by Ted Nasmith. Another recommendation, another one I ended up disliking. As you can see I've just decided to post these anyway. The way I usually work is to set up a blog page, then add notes to it as I read. If I don't like it you'll see me get turned … Continue reading Review: The Fionavar Tapestry
Review: Lampoons R Us
I was a kid and a huge fan of Tolkien when I first came upon a copy of The Harvard Lampoon's Bored of the Rings. I almost couldn't stop laughing as I devoured it, even with the adult references sailing over my head. I re-read the book countless times as I grew up and I … Continue reading Review: Lampoons R Us
Review: The “After Such Knowledge” Novels of James Blish
James Blish is mostly known today for his written versions of classic Star Trek episodes. He worked from draft copies of the scripts, so there are some discrepancies between his books and the episodes as aired. When I was young that used to tick me off. Now that I'm mature I'd like to read them … Continue reading Review: The “After Such Knowledge” Novels of James Blish
The Michlin Guide