Monday, April 28, 2008

Timeline - Book Review

So I just finished Timeline by Michael Crichton. I was getting a little discouraged by my choice of books lately but Timeline saved the day. For someone who really doesn’t like the move Jurassic Park or the fifteen sequels that followed, I have found Crichton’s books to be amazing. I’ve never read Jurassic Park, because of the movie, but every book I have read by Crichton I’ve loved. Timeline is just the most recent. Its predecessor’s being Rising Sun and The Great Train Robbery.

Timeline was a true page turner. Mainly because Crichton makes the interesting chapters only about two pages; therefore, when you finish one you go “Oh, only two pages till the next chapter, I’ll stop there”. Five chapters later its 1am but you just can’t put it down. I also enjoyed that it’s not riddled with romance or love triangles, just pure excitement and adventure.

I was going to write a summary, but I think the link to it on Amazon.com pretty much clears it up. If you like Crichton I’m sure you’ll enjoy Timeline.

Friday, April 18, 2008

The Zombie Survival Guide - Book Review

I finished The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks last weekend. Before picking this book up I was reading on average one book every week or week and a half. Max put this trend to a halt quicker than my last book club read.

This book is just horrible. Having a book to read before I go to bed is normally something I look forward to, but knowing this one was waiting for me made me cringe. It took me three weeks to finish the book. If you can even call it a book.

Really The Zombie Survival Guide is more of an actual manual for dealing with the living dead. I love movies like Shaun of the Dead. So when I head this book was a humorous guide to Zombie survival I had to have it.

There is nothing humorous about this text. I think the only reason it is classified as humor is so Max doesn’t want to look like the real crazy he is. This is less comedy and more an actual guidebook. Topics like which weapons to stockpile and picking a fortress to relocate to.

Very boring but I suppose if I ever get attacked by zombies I’ll be prepared.

Monday, April 14, 2008

The Ruins - Movie Review

Last Sunday we went to the theater and saw The Ruins during its opening weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing this movie especially since I skipped a good one in order to see this.

And it was NOT worth the four dollars per ticket that we paid. I suppose the popcorn was good, but that was about it. Maybe it’s my own fault for not liking The Ruins. I should have read more on imdb.com before going to see it. The previews just looked so good and I swear I heard good reviews on the book. Although the reviewer I blamed has since recanted their recommendation. :)

I wouldn’t call this movie a Thriller or Horror as it’s classified on imdb. I’d just call it unnecessary gore. I would go more in depth but I don’t see how I can truly discuss all the flaws without some seriously spoilers. I guess if you want to really understand just how bad this movie is you’ll have to see it on your own. Or better yet rent it.

“So what do you guys think: Ancient Mayan temple off the beaten path?”

Monday, April 7, 2008

Riverdance - A stage review

We saw Riverdance on Saturday. It was their farewell engagement so we figured we better see it while we still could.
I was able to buy a pin from the show to add to my collection so that always makes me happy, me being a pin whore and all.

The 2008 North American tour is the Boyne Company. Their show was really great. I didn’t realize Riverdance incorporated so many different forms of dancing. There were Russian sets, Latin dances, and even great musical solos included. I really enjoyed the Jazz set and subsequent dance off.

One negative to going to shows like this, they always make me super jealous. I wish I had the ability flail my legs uncontrollably while keeping my arms straight at my sides. Seriously, that’s amazing. I’d trip all over myself three and a half steps in. There was also a dancer who was dancing to one rhythm and clapping to another It made my head spin just watching him. There is no way I could do that. I can barely rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time.

My point, the show was great and the dancers were amazing. You should go see it if you get the chance.