Monday, May 30, 2011

Unthinkable (Movie, 2010)



Watched Unthinkable.

The film reminded me why do I hate military and why military is important. When I dwell down that road I wish for some other globe to live on.

Why people can't be nice to each other? :(

Monday, May 23, 2011

Vadim Panov's "Manual Drive"

Today i finally have read "Manual Drive" by Vadim Panov.
He is a russian sci-fi writer mostly working in "city fantasy" genre. I generally dislike this flavor of fiction, but this particular book was highly praised in the fandom. So, i decided to give it a try. Overall impression - meh. If this one is considered the best of Panov, i'd stay away from his other works.

If you are interested, "city fantasy" is a genre mix of (noir) detective and common heroic fantasy. It usually involves strong magical reality placed in a replica of our actual world - end of 20th century, beginning of 21st. The magic and its creatures are not considered a "common knowledge" like in any heroic fantasy, but rather lurks in the dark alleys, hiding from general public.


The popular nowadays vampire/werewolf pandemonium can be considered a subgenre of a "city fantasy".

Night Watch (book --> movie) is another fine exemplar.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Kings (tv series)




Just finished watching the first (and only) season of "Kings" - a drama loosely based on biblical story, but set up in modern environment. Overall impression in one word - enchanting.

The show is not thrilling you with tightly packed action, astounding graphical extravaganza or plot full of mystery and spookiness, but it have something other modern shows usually lack - a soul touch. In its own moderate tempo the story tells you of kings and heroes, of bravery, patriotism and mens' fight for their destiny and against it.

Its not exactly a sci-fi, neither it is a fantasy. The genre is drama and the setting involves queen looking for her cell phone in a sock drawer, prince commencing a black-op behind country's border and gives you tingling sensation of what strong "god given" monarchy with court and all the intrigues and prophecies would look like in a world of computers and helicopters. To know the bible is not necessary to understand the plot, but it adds a spicy flavor as you see David defeats Goliath, for example.

Recommended to watch for anyone with a taste to high/classic culture.




Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Day One.

Ah, my new blog looks awesome <3

I don't know if i am going to be patient enough to maintain it, but surely i will try.