The Odyssey - seen it!

We went to watch the Odyssey directed by Sir Christopher Nolan at the weekend. 

What did I think?

First up I like a bit of Greek mythology and have read a couple of translations of the Odyssey and a number books on Greek mythology which always include a bit on Odysseus. I loved Tony Robinson’s telling of Odysseus : the Greatest Hero of Them All on the BBC when I was at school. 

I had been following some of the issues which had been raised about casting and was getting concerned. However, as the release date was getting closer I had stopped following news on the film and had decided that I would just try and watch without picking up too many preconceptions.

Well I liked it - acting was good - I didn’t have an issue with the casting. They worked in this telling of the story.

The adaptation of story hit the right beats and points - the cyclops cave (I did miss nobody a bit but not a major issue) - Circe, this was really well done (although no children with her … or is that for the sequel?) - the giants, this was a hmm bit for me to be honest - the trip to the underworld (although no Achilles) - the struggles with the suitors in Ithaca (great acting by Ann Hathaway as Penelope) - Argos the dog (emotional) - defeat of the Suitors.

I felt the structure worked which flashbacks and remembering by Menelaus in Sparta (with Telemachus ) and Odysseus on an island with Calypso. Cutting in with time running out for Penelope and Telemachus 20 years after Odysseus had set off for Troy. 

Did I like all of the design choices - no I didn’t. Silver giants were hmm. Agamemnon another hmm, although I get that they were making him imposing at the high king of the Greeks.

I wasn’t worried about the boat - it was a bit Viking but not a major issue as wouldn’t be surprised if they had similar types (looking ) of ships in the ancient Mediterranean.

As I said the nearly 3 hour film kept me engaged and entertained.

Morts

Napoleon - the movie - what I thought

The good lady and myself went to see the Ridley Scott movie Napoleon. I had only seen one review on YouTube (Kermode and Mayo) and seen some headlines about the historical accuracy or otherwise of the film. 

So what did I think? Well I quite enjoyed it, not brilliant, but I wasn’t bored by it. It was interesting to see a portrayal of the man and his relationship with Josephine - perhaps it would have been better if her name was in the title. The acting was good although I’m not sure I really understood the toxic, love/hate relationship the film was focusing on or it wasn’t fully developed. The script didn’t show Napoleon’s drive/ambition and need for Josephine in his life - perhaps the time jumps were too much … for example the scene ending the Retreat from Moscow (1812/3), jumped straight to the abdication in 1814 (not even a sniff of the battle of the Nations). 

The pictures on the screen were great and the battle scenes were grim - really showing some blood and guts. But there were lots of liberties taken. There were lots of flags and camps both at Austerlitz and Waterloo, big flags so you could see who was where. For me the most jarring were those about Waterloo - no reverse slope, La Haye Saint or Hougoumont - the French cavalry charging around the British squares were good, unfortunately the rest was a bit like the awful The Hobbit - Battle of Five Armies for not following the source material or in this case the know historical facts (which is probably worse). 

Probably best to watch the 1970s Waterloo film - I always liked it - got the Airfix battleset for Christmas one year on the back of that.

I suppose I would rate as 3 out of 5 - I would have to say as a positive my better half and Thing 1 both liked it, so for introducing some Napoleonic history (which isn’t Jane Austen based - they used some of the same music from the Kiera Knightly movie as well) is probably a good thing. If I get hold of Apple TV I will probably watch the 4 1/2 hour version, which will hopefully fill the gaps - perhaps it was planned as a miniseries or two films and they decided to put it out as a single movie - which would explain some of the jumps and details in the relationship, which weren’t quite there in the cut at the cinema. 

Morts

All Quiet on the Western Front - my view

Last night (after 4 pints of strong ale, so possibly not 100% focused) we sat down to watch Netflix’s All Quiet on the Western Front. Now I have watched the version with Jon-Boy Walton (and Ernest Bourgnine) and read the book. They both describe Paul’s journey from young student to soldier to cynical veteran - iirc. Possibly the original story created the cliche of recruit to soldier to combat seen in so many films (Full Metal Jacket etc). 

The Netflix film is visually stunning in showing the horror of the First World War - but for me it was lacking something - perhaps because they ditched the training we didn’t get to know the characters, so when they were dropped into battle we didn’t care … or I didn’t. Which is a pity as obviously so much effort had gone into the production . 

I found the armistice talks an irrelevance to the story of Paul and the soldiers on the front - i understand that the idea was to show the poor piece which would lead to the “stab in the back”, nazis and war. The non historical German attack on the French on the 11th November 1918 although well executed visually was nonsensical for the story and didn’t happen. And I don’t understand why writers keep thinking that they can improve on a classic by changing what made it a classic in the first place …

Rating for the film - disappointing. 

Morts

The Rings of Power

So I managed to watch the first season of the Rings of Power - my thoughts. 

It’s fantasy tv, but it is not Tolkien. 

I did have high hopes when it was announced a few years ago - more Tolkien In the screen must be a good thing (the Children of Hurin would make a dark but amazing show) and some of the second age stories are great. I was a little concerned when I saw the trailer .. climbing ice cliffs with dagger …

But I have to say I was disappointed (although currently less so that the Hobbit movies, which make me sad …) … some of the characters weren’t true to the lore as I understand it. The pacing, timings and plot devices were strange to say the least. 

Some of visuals are spectacular to be fair. But the remake of Clash of the Titans had good visuals, but the story telling was nothing on the Ray Harryhausen classic - you have to have a good, well written story and characters to make people care.

So some of the things I don’t like are - 

Galadriel - she is so angry and just doesn’t make sense for a princess who spent most of the 1st age in Doriath with Melian the Maia. She would be directing others to act on her suspicions … She also wasn’t sent back to Valinor by Gil-Galad - but she wouldn’t be allowed in anyway as she is an evil being trying to commit genocide on the orcs - nice for the lady of light. Also the fight scene where Xena, sorry Galadriel takes on 4 or 5 numenorean volunteers just looked so poor and fake. I feel for the actress as she is only doing what is asked of her …

Gil-Galad - why is he such an idiot? We have to leave … in weeks. The elf who almost took down Sauron …

The dam breaking sword mechanism - WTF … really? Just break the dam … 

The amazing 3 Numenorean ships that can carry an extensive camp and some 300 armoured cavalry, who manage to arrive exact when needed to a battle they knew nothing about … that was a stroke of luck. 

The Southlands boy Theo - nothing against the actor but what’s he for … apart from being the weak link to give up the sword McMuffin to break the dam.

The fact that distances don’t matter - Mordor to Eregion in 6 days … took the fellowship to tad longer … obviously they didn’t spare the horses.

The magic mithril which apparently was formed after a fight between an elf hero (Glorfindel?) and a Balrog at the top of a mountain … but this mountain was on the way out of Gondolin which is in Beleriand - now under the sea - nowhere near the lonely mountain - I get the idea to reference the fight, but to move the location and give it the creation of mithril - why?

The forging of the 3 rings (before the forging of the 9 for men or 7 for dwarfs) and touched by Sauron with his suggestion of alloying Mithril with other metals. Now I am no expert in metal work, but I am guessing that a dagger has a iron/steel blade then a decorative silver/gold hilt (although could be iron), but we are talking about Galadriel’s dagger - so why do we melt the whole thing when we could just take the hilt off. But what do I know.  

The meteor man and the priestess following him - how can he be a Istari? As I understand  it they were sent to middle earth in the third age (about a 1000 years into it according to the Lord of the Rings appendix B), to help and prepare the free peoples against the returning darkness/Sauron. The priestess’ there was no explanation as to what they were about for about 3 episodes and they didn’t last long after we found out …

The “missing” Isildur and Celeborn - were is the risk - we know they survive and have to live. The call back to the movies with Isildur/Aragorn’s horse …

Things I’m not worried about - the Harfoots, who cares about them. Although I did find Nori rather annoying. I don’t mind Arondir, although the love story with Bronwyn is a bit naff and unnecessary (like Bronwyn to be honest).

Elf hair cuts and multi-ethnic casting, no big deal - although I would guess that historically populations would be more homogeneous in general - except in the cases of cities at the crossroads of the world (Byzantium etc.), otherwise multiculturalism would be thing now  

I did like the Uruk/Elf Adar - I like this character and idea. The fact he survived the war of wrath and was look after the orca had legs I think , what they do with it remains to be seen.

There is so much potential here but instead of having time jumps to show the fall of Numenor and the raise of Sauron, as they did in the House of the Dragon, they have condensed the time line to make no sense at all - surely changing the human actors as they get older but not changing the eleven ones would be a great way demostrate why the numenoreans become jealous of the elves and fall to darkness.

I have to say I have much prefer the Witcher and even the Wheel of Time - although I am told that this was a poor adaptation, I thought the story made more sense that the Rings of Power.

I summary they have the outline of a great story by Tolkien, but have failed to write characters or a story that people care about and they have broken the lore … 

Morts 

Dune and Stuff

Well the better half and my good my good self escaped for a couple of days from the drudgery of chores and stuff … and she agreed to see Dune! On an Imax screen no less. 

So what did I think of Dune - well it is spectacular on the imax screen. The cinematography, special effects and production design are so good. I enjoyed it - but I like the David Lynch film from the eighties … I have read the books or seen the miniseries set in the universe. 

Now I think this helped me with the story and what was happening, because when I asked my better half what she thought, “it’s not the worst film I’ve seen”, was the reply. She found it difficult to follow what was happening at times and who was doing what. - this could have been my fault as I didn’t prime her ( DK suggested that I should have after the event), but as she is not a great fan of the fantasy and sci-if genres, I thought it would be best for her to discover the story through the film - but that didn’t happen. So that is probably a flaw in the film, that the narrative is tough to follow if you aren’t already familiar with the source material. We both found the sound too loud at times (probably our age) which seemed to muffle some dialogue. I am looking forward to part 2, but will have to go with someone else. 

Also while away we visited Belas Knap long barrow. 

A darn impressive tome to last 5000 years … 

Something spooky for Halloween. 

Morts 

Been a bit busy .......

Well I have been a bust over the last few weeks - got a new job to star in September. Will have to see how that impacts on gaming and painting etc.

Managed a game of Risk Legacy a week or so back with the team - Steedo managed to win after I pointed him away from attacking me - I was about to go for the big offensive - and onto a he short cut to him victory! Aaaghhhh!

Saturday got to go to Legionary - still at the Matford Centre. But it wasn't raining this year. Have a game of Lord of the Rings Dragon Rampant - nice tense scenario - fellowship trying to get across Moria. Nearly got there but lost to a 9 year old! Showed the flexibility of the Rampant system.  Sold some stuff on the bring and buy ..... But came back with nothing! I was shocked, but there was just nothing that I "needed" - although do you need any stuff for gaming? Discuss.

Got to see Captain America Civil War last night - it impressively passed the "numb bum" test in the local flee pit - a recommended Marvel film. I think the Captain America films (and Thor) are the best I have seen in the Marvel universe. I liked Ant-man so will look out for it on Netflix and the new Spider-Man was good to see. I am interested to see how (general) now secretary Ross pans out in the wider Marvel universe - he a bad man! Things which annoyed me were the running chase scene - some of the fx were meh! And the Capt couldn't keep up? Also the random movement around European cities  in seconds didn't match my understanding of time and distance. But overall a good film with some nice plots and twists. 

Morts

Star Wars - the force awakens - my thoughts

Well I got to see Star Wars - the force awakens last night. 

So for what it's is worth here are some of my thoughts on it.

1- did I enjoy the film? Yes I did thank you very much.

2- did it pass the numb backside test? Yes it did. It moved along at a good pace.

3- did I enjoy it? Yes - fits in with the Star Wars we all know and love.

The new and returning characters were developed and you cared for them - remember Peter Jackson characters you care about drive the story not big set piece special fx! Still narked how PJ managed to not make a good version of the Hobbit - I think there is a good film in there just needs editing, I digress. 

So it is a good film, but ....... Something was missing from it.

There wasn't anything new in this film to the Star Wars universe - it followed the same basic story as the original - even some of the ship scenes came out of 1977 (but with better special fx). Some of the plot twists were similar to those employed in Star Trek into darkness - changes of character, dark having doubts/worries of going to light. 

For all of the prequels failings and there were many they did expand the universe and how things worked politically - the big picture. In the force awakens set 30 years after the fall of the empire there is talk of the New Republic, the First Order and the Resistance. 

Now I know that I am massively over thinking this but after the fall of the Empire there would be chaos across the galaxy far far away - lots of peoples carving out their own bit of space in the aftermath - this is only 50 years or so since the clone wars and the Rebellion would have struggled to manage a smooth transition as it had been fighting the Imperial military for a number of years - or did most of the old imperial commanders just sign up with the Rebels and the New Republic? If so they would have lots of imperial kit.

So as I see it the First Order are a gang of old imperials trying to restore the empire - the Resistance are a front for the New Republic to fight the First Order. But I am guessing, so I personally think a bit of background development would have benefited the universe development... But perhaps they were worried about repeating the errors of the prequels.

Anyway go a watch it - it is a good film.

Morts

Been a busy week

Well no painting done .... Work has gone in the way, as has wild camping on the moor last weekend. Really enjoyed the 40km hike carrying all my kit! Shoulders ached but the pint at the Tors in Belstone was worth it.

On the back of the expedition I have purchased a new tent - will be giving it an overnight test on Friday 8th.

Been to the cinema and seen Avengers - Age of Ultron. What did I think?

It was ok - some of the CGI was obviously CGI - the attack on the Hydra base at the start and the bike chase in Seoul. I think special effects are good when you can't see them.

For me the film lack something - I just didn't really care enough about the characters - which baring in mind I liked the Thor and Captain America films was frustrating - ultimately it failed the achy backside test (for me a key factor in deciding if a film is good or bad). Perhaps it was too formulaic... Heroes fall out etc etc .... Too many characters too care about? Witch girl looks interesting - not sure about Paul Betany's character. 3 out of 5 seems fair - probably need to review how I score films, as this is the same as couple I watched when I was sick.

Legionary 2015

Saturday was the Legionary wargames show in Exeter - probably the only show I will get to this year. It is the first time in 5 years that I have been able to go (as the girls didn't do the Exmoor Challenge). 

I am not keen on the Matford Centre - the smell of dung from the livestock centre next door and the roof was leaking. The place lacks any atmosphere to be honest - I hope the Exmouth Club get a discount!

I was on a tight time table to look around and chat to people (and collect daughter) - took a little shopping list and got some of the items on it - but not all - and a couple of traders didn't turn up.

So still on the look out for some Viking berserkers (SAGA) and Samnite warriors (DBA allies). Rob Broom of Scrab Miniatures tried to sell me War and Conquest - but I want to get DBA 3 to the table and see how that plays - perhaps after Orc's Drift. A special shout out to Forlorn Hope games who opened up blister pack so I could get what I wanted - top customer service!

Some lovely games on show and most people were chatty - a couple of Bosworths and Bolt Action games. Nice to see Star Wars Armada in play.

Unfortunately for me the show was a little flat - possibly the fact it follows a week after Salute means that it can be tough to gamers and sellers to be up for a little show in the South West .... 

I really hope that the lads who organise Legionary keep going with it - hopefully at a new venue!

Breaking news - well possibly not but the sequel to Hawk the Slayer is on its way (as posted on frothers). Will it match the original?

https://youtu.be/3ykit7uiQOk

Yet another average film

Well I'm my weaken state I manage to watch The Last Legion with Colin Firth. Well an interesting if very cliched take on the Arthur myth. 

Some of the battle scenes were a little weak - the bad guys running to their deaths. There were lots of anachronisms with armour etc. The most of cast and probably the sets were refugees from ROME.  The story was predictable with female warrior, betrayal when they returned from rescuing Romulus. The film had aspersions to be epic - the walk over the Alps was like a scene from the Fellowship of the Ring. Unfortunately it wasn't epic - it was OK. So 3 average films seen over the weekend, will need to do better.

Filling time when you are not well

Absolutely gutted this weekend - all ready to go wild camping on Friday night followed by a 20 mile hike on the moor only to be struck down by some virus - sore throat, high temperature feeling very tired. Not going was the right thing to do but still gutting!

Not feeling well also means I don't feel like painting either so I ended up watching Season of the Witch.

What did I think of it?

Well battle scenes at the start were poorly done - crusades without horses? Charging 250+ metres across desert in full armour? Actually the armour was from the wrong century 11/12th and it is set in the 1330s. Nick and Ron had the worst helmets in the army, looked a bit playmobil.

The film ran like a RPG campaign - you could see the GM putting the background story together to get the characters to work as a team on the quest and adding in NPCs, followed by the "twist" ending where the party have to fight zombie monks and a demon (sorry spoiler there) - lots of d20 rolls needed there! Nick Cage's (and the bloke who played the scoundrel) accents were grating but I suppose within a fantasy realm acceptable. Overall a very average film not sure it made 3 out 5.

From the sick pit! :(

Update - Iron Sky 

Very silly but I liked it - some good satire in there. I'll rate it higher than Season of the Witch, so a solid 3/5.