DW: The King's Dragon

Una McCormack's The King's Dragon clearly wants to be something (other than good), but I'm not sure what and I don't have the interest in finding out.

The basic story is that town with low tech comes across a resource that they immediately start using, only to have two forces show up and claim it as something they must each control. Yeah. There's something familiar about that, but I can't quite put my finger on it...

All the new series adventures almost seem to happen in real time. Considering no-one goes to the toilet or even eats, let alone sleep, it gets more than a little unrealistic. This adventure sees the Doctor and co turn up at the start of the night, run around, run around some more, get caught, and then talk a lot... and no-one seems to have any trouble staying up. (I also have this problem with 24.) While I wouldn't otherwise mention this, there isn't a lot going on here so I did notice it more.

Plot aside, the characters are well done. Hilthe is particularly well fleshed out, with skills and flaws. The Teller and Beol have a believable background and aren't one-dimensional. The Doctor, Amy and Rory don't come off quite as well, only some of which can be explained by the plot device used. There are some good moments which play on the Amy/Rory relationship and the Amy/Doctor relationship, but mostly they are there to unfold the next bit of the plot.

Again, not a highly recommended book.

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Start those enginges!

Since there is going to be a sequel, it was a good idea to check out the original.

As with all Pixar films, it is a lot of fun, a bit of an emotional tugging of the heart strings, and a lot of feel good moments.

Young McQueen is a hot shot, with the world just waiting for him to take it. He takes a wrong turn and ends up in a sleepy town, and learns some lessons about life. And falls in love. And when he returns to the rest of the world, he's grown and changed his ways.

And he's a car. In fact, they're all cars. I'm not sure how exactly that works, but, hey, Pixar film, enjoy!

Lots of names as ever, although, as ever with Pixar, not over stressed. Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Michael Keaton, Tony Shaloub, Larry the Cable Guy, George Carlin, Cheech Marin, and, of course, John Ratzenberger. And more than a few race car related cameos.

"City guy learns the slow life" is a common theme, and it's done enjoyably here. [The extra short "Mater and the Ghost Light" is only really saved by the post-credit tag.]

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It's "Char-Rah-Teh"

As remakes go, this one isn't bad. In many ways, it's quite good. (One of the best moments, in my opinion, was near the end when Dre reveals his motivation.)

The premise is that Dre and his mother have to go to China, and Dre gets beaten up as every single Asian person knows kung fu, of course. And then the bullies try to beat up Jackie Chan, but he's Jackie Chan! Like that's going to work! Ha! And then everyone agrees to settle their differences by beating each other up in an organised manner. It's civilisation people!

Jackie Chan is great, of course. Jaden Smith is surprisingly decent. The two of them have a great on-screen friendship, and I hope the pairing survives if there are sequels. (But, please, don't remake The Karate Girl, no pairing will save that.)

While there is some lovely footage of China, be aware this is a long movie. It doesn't drag, but some moments do linger. Ultimately, recommended!

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DW: Nuclear Time

Poor Rory, not even in a decent photo shoot for the book covers, just photoshopped in with the Doctor and Amy...

Nuclear Time by Oli Smith isn't so much a Doctor Who story as it is a "neat idea" by Oli Smith in which the Doctor, Amy and Rory have been inserted. Clues that tell you this: more time spent with the non-DW characters than with them. Amy and Rory are in no way involving with anything resembling a plot nor advancing it. The Doctor is forced into a silly plot device to interact with others at only one moment. The ending is just a mess of "and then the Doctor does something clever to wrap things up".

The two main characters are Redvers and Gilroy, and it's not clear what exactly their relationship is. It should military guy/scientist, but at times it's played as a "bromance", and as just two guys in conflict. Either way, they aren't that interesting, although they take up a large chunk of the book.

Not that the main main characters are better treated. Amy and Rory are sidelined, and Rory is nearly competent, so that's not appropriate characterisation right there. The Doctor is also sidelined in a way, and while Oli Smith is clearly trying to be clever, it's just as clear that the idea is better thought of than indicated by the execution.

Easily skippable book.

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Look Who Crossed-Over!

So I'm watching Warehouse 13, which is on the SyFy channel. (Yeah, the SyFy channel... don't worry, all the jokes have already been done.) And there have been some notable actors before from nearby series, including Eureka (Lupo and Zane) and Firefly (Kaylee and Simon!).

And then they mention Global Dynamics. Wah? That's the company in Eureka. And then... there he is! Fargo! Ha! Note that Eureka is also on the SyFy channel, so I'm guessing that was a lot easier to clear rights than for other shows.

And from the interview below, I'm guessing that Claudia is making the reverse trip... cool!


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Of Steam, Steel and Murder

Following on from last time, we get to speak to the elusive Bob Starling, who gives us some exposition, but not a lot. And then people turn out to not be who they seem. Then everyone starts running around madly, people get away, and we go to lunch. And Gavin gets the third degree.

All in Game 19.

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Movie Roundup

Watched a bunch of movies lately, none recent blockbusters, so here's a quick line up of what I've seen.

xXx: Made when Vin Diesel was the up and coming name, and in no way a non-generic action flick.

Next: We do not need to see Nicholas Cage's "worried face" for that long. Silly premise that gets blown out of all proportion for an even more silly second half of the movie.

Tooth Fairy: There is no reason for this movie to exist. Frankly, there are many people who should be ashamed to be associated with this picture, starting with the entire British cast.

Daybreakers: Decent enough movie, although once again we are treated to "one good guy in evil organisation willing to help the underdogs". And the solution's a little too pat.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant: This movie so wants to be about Larten, but he's just not that interesting a character. Otherwise, it's just another "coming of age" pic.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: A different way of telling a "rekindling love" story, but a "rekindling love" story nonetheless. And not the movie I thought it was... which means my idea is still a new one!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: A fun movie, if not that deep. A somewhat pedestrian "coming of age", but enjoyable.

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