Double TV Show Review: Fallout (Amazon Prime TV Series) - some spoilers

Fallout
April 10, 2024 (USA)
Based on: Fallout; by Bethesda Softworks
Created by Graham Wagner, Geneva Robertson-Dworet
Starring: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Moisés Arias, Xelia Mendes-Jones, Walton Goggins
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 8
Running time 45–74 minutes
Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Action, Drama, Post-apocalyptic, Science fiction, Western
In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.

Reviewer: KD
Getting 4 and 1/2 Sheep

Fallout season one on Amazon Prime is based on the video game. I never played the game and knew just about nothing, so went in just with the shows version of what this world was like

"In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits."

Turns out, that only the richest can buy into a bunker. Everyone else either dies, becomes a mutant of sorts or joins up with waring group. It's a dog eat dog world, like literally you are going to eat someone's butt or their dog, cat, etc. Everyone is out to get each other, living top side is a free for all and adapting or death is the order of the day.

It takes a while to figure out what's going on and who can be trusted. Seems like no one can. There's not much description of what each faction is about, you kind of have to just keep watching and put the pieces in place as they come about. But by the end of the last episode, I still felt like a lot was missing.

However, you do get to understand that the major money players and big corporations are the ones pulling the strings. It's scary to even dream up that the very people making these vaults are the same ones that want to drop the bombs. Wipe the slate and start over a fresh new world, in their version. Pretty crazy and sadly could be VERY true. Hopefully not, but you never know.

Lots of fun cameos from random actors, that was a laugh to see someone famous in just one episode. Overall, enjoyed this one and certainly want to watch season 2. Seems the foundation is laid and now Lucy sets off with the ghoul to find some answers.

Certainly worth a watch, just make sure you have a strong stomach for some parts!

Reviewer: SharonS
Getting 4 and 1/2 Sheep

I agree with Katie! Fallout is worth a watch. I'd also knew nothing about the game it is based on, but it is dark comedy at its best. It will have you laughing and saying "Ew, gross!" at the same time. But it also has some dramatic moments.

TV Show Review: Halo Season 2 TV Series - SPOILERS ALL OVER THIS

 Halo Season 2 TV Series
2022–
Creators: Steven Kane, Kyle Killen
Stars: Pablo Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac
Paramount+
Rating: TV-14
Episode length: 1h
9 episodes
Genre: Science Fiction, action, adventure
With the galaxy on the brink of destruction, Master Chief John-117 leads his team of Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. 

 

SPOILERS ALL OVER THIS

Halo, the series season 2, has been one heck of an action-packed ride! If you're reading, you've been warned about spoilers ahead. We pick up season 2 not long after the timeline of the first season. John and the team of Spartans are "benched" and forced to just train all the live long day. Boring!

The new management at the UNSC is shady AF from the start, but no surprises there. Never trusted any of them. Maybe Cortana was the only exception, but it was hard to tell what she was really up to for so long. All the suits want is to make weapons and win the war. At all costs. Which, okay, I get that humanity is on the line, but some dirty tactics and so freakin' sneaky!!!

So the team is forced to watch the action from the sidelines and, in doing so, watch their Master Chief John leader seem to fall apart. (Side note: Pablo, who plays Chief John, is a 6 foot 5 demi-god of pure alpha male. LOVE HIM!) As the viewers, we see what the 'powers that be' can't, and so we know that his lady love/hate, Makee, is alive and well. Plotting and brewing back with the covenant and still searching for the artifacts. I don't know why she went back with them. They wanted her dead, so makes no sense to me. She's a total wild card.

We get to see lots more of Soren and family, plus the mysterious Kwan Ha. She holds some kind of powers or abilities that have been alluded to, which tie together the three main characters. Dr Halsey is still manipulating everyone, all the time but she's still a very intriguing character that you really have no idea what she will do next. No matter what, it will always be something for her own gain.

Captain Keys gave one of the best speeches before battle time that I've heard, maybe since Braveheart. That man can rally the damn troops! Loved his heart at the end, even if he too has been part of some very awful behavior to obtain these kids.

Long live Vannak! What a guy, what a soldier and what a friend to his team. You just start to see another side of him, and it's snuffed out. At least, in the end, he dies a freaking hero.

Some weird parts of the overall storyline left some gaps for me about what was going on. If I had played the game, maybe I would have known. But as just a viewer, it's like things are glossed over. If you know, you know, kind of feeling. But that said, what another fun ride on a show with so much more to offer than visual effects and bang bang shoot'em up.

We end this season with some gross virus that is turning everyone so far into almost zombie-like creatures and gross bug things come out of them. Was very scary and gory in parts, plus with Dr Halsey now infected and on ice, we just have no idea if she can make it. Her daughter better be working on that cure! Hope she paid attention in chemistry.

Tons of character depth, intergalactic high jinxes, well-acted thoughtful characters, heartfelt moments, loss of likable characters, and certainly a scifi show that makes you feel like you're right in the thick of it all. I can not wait for season 3! Soren's a single dad now, this ancient city and tech, is Kai alive or dead, what will happen next?!

I highly recommend this one for everyone of all ages. Video game or not; it is so enjoyable!

Getting 5 "never understate Master Chief" Sheep

 

 

 

KD

Movie Review: Double World (2020) Netflix

Double World (2020)
Zheng tu (original title)
21 July 2020 (USA)
Director: Teddy Chan
Writers: Fendou Liu, Ning Wen, Him Law
Stars:

Henry Lau...as Dong Yilong

Peter Ho...as Chu Hun

Chenhan Lin...as Jinggang

Luxia Jiang...as Bi Nu

Him Law...as Zhongqian Luo

Runtime: 1h 50min
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Content Rating: 15+
In a fictional universe comprising of ten nations, seeing that the neighbouring country is becoming more and more powerful, a warlord organises a competition to reveal the best warriors. Thus, keen to bring honor to his clan, young villager Dong Yi Long embarks on a perilous journey to compete in the tournament and brings along Chu Hun and Miss Jinggang to fight alongside him.

Wow! What a visually stunning movie, for many reasons I will get into... there will be a lot of images in this review because that is the movie's strength.

First a little background. Double World is based on a popular Chinese MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online role-playing game) called Zhengtu. Kind of like World of Warcraft. The story is set in a fantasy version of China with warlords, dragons and swords. The plot is basic. A big tournament is held to find out the best warrior in all the lands. Each clan sends their top three to compete in a Hunger Games-style event. In other words, if you don't win, you die. Our heroes are three misfits that enter for different reasons. You have the young, optimistic orphan (chosen one), a guilt and vengeance-ridden warrior, and a small and feisty thief. 

I loved all three characters. They do bring in a fourth sorta-member once they get to the games.

There is so much to watch. There is a skilled blend of CGI and live-action. The scenery, fight choreography, the COSTUMES... the bad-a**ery. It is a feast for the eyes. 

Double World is sub-titled and you will struggle to read and not miss any of the action sometimes. I might watch it again just to look this time...if you know what I mean ;)

The movie didn't end on a cliff-hanger but definitely with a sequel in mind. I was a little disappointed with the fate of some of the characters.

3.75 "burning down the house" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)
May 17, 2019 (USA)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Based on: Characters; by Derek Kolstad
Production company: Thunder Road Pictures
Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Mark Dacascos, Asia Kate Dillon, Lance Reddick

After gunning down a member of the High Table -- the shadowy international assassin's guild -- legendary hit man John Wick finds himself stripped of the organization's protective services. Now stuck with a $14 million bounty on his head, Wick must fight his way through the streets of New York as he becomes the target of the world's most ruthless killers.

Went to see John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum with my husband and 18-year-old daughter. We've all seen the first two so going to see it was a no-brainer. If you've loved the first two then you don't want to miss this one. Each film has upped the action and violence and the pattern continues.

John Wick 3 has a crazy number of fight scenes! I mean CRAZY. Whoever choreographed the fighting deserves a flocking award. They were creative and fun.

The film has more humor then the first two. I was cringing and laughing at the same time. There were a couple of places where the movie lagged so I deducted half a sheep.

The best part, it ends with the promise of a John Wick Chapter 4!

If you enjoyed the first two then this is a must see. I suggest IMAX. There are multiple city-scape shots at night that are breathtakingly beautiful.

My whole family gives it 4.5 "consequences" Sheep

SharonS

Comic Review: Tomb Raider: Inferno Vol 4, #1-4

Tomb Raider: Inferno Vol 4, #1-4

Writer: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly
Artist: Phillip Sevy
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
Cover Artist: Hannah Templer
Genre: Action/Adventure, Video Game
Publication Date: January 09, 2019
Format: FC, 104 pages; TPB; 6 5/8" x 10 3/16"
Price: $17.99
Age range: 14
ISBN-10: 1-50670-503-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-50670-503-3
Sold by Dark Horse Comics
Category: Graphic Novels & Manga
Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (Joyride, Hacktivist) continue Lara's story after Rise of the Tomb Raider and where Dark Horse series Survivor's Crusade left off! This volume collects issues #1-#4 of the 2018 Dark Horse Comics series Tomb Raider: Inferno.

Lara succeeds in hunting down Trinity to a remote outpost in Antarctica amidst the cold and darkness of the seemingly isolated land. Seeking to discover the mystery within the icy tomb before Trinity can exploit it, Lara faces a new adversary who is more cunning and more prepared than Lara has encountered in the past. In order to stop the terror Trinity is about to release, Lara must face the conflict residing within herself and decide once and for all how far she's willing to go, and what she's willing to let go of in the process.

Tomb Raider: Inferno is the collection of issues #1-#4 of the same name which pretty much means you get the whole story in one volume without having to hunt down each individual part. Super convenient right? I know I wouldn’t want to have 4 separate issues instead of the one volume.

Anyway, Inferno picks up where Rise of the Tomb Raider left off. Lara Croft has tracked the nefarious group Trinity to a location in Antarctica. Once there Lara tries to discover the secret of the icy tomb that makes it so valuable to Trinity. But she wasn’t counting on having to deal with inner conflict or an enemy that is much more prepared and capable of ending Lara’s quest and Lara.

Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly take Lara on more than just another adventure, they force her to face her past choices and give her the opportunity to come out stronger than ever before. I thought this was a great idea because it gave Lara more depth than before. Lara Croft is an action hero there is no question about that but I wanted to see her as a human too. With human emotions and failings and that’s exactly what Inferno did. It brought her down to a more relatable level because not all of us can be super awesome explorer/adventurers.

The artwork is as before amazing, with not only beautifully detailed drawings that capture Lara’s emotions as well as the action sequences, but with colors that really make the images pop out at the reader. Phillip Sevy did a great job with the images and so did Hannah Templer who did the front cover art.

Rating: 4 Sheep

Adria 

https://adriasromancereviews.blogspot.com/

Sheep Movie Review: Rampage (2018)

Rampage (2018)

Apr 13, 2018
Directed By: Brad Peyton

Written By: Ryan Engle, Carlton Cuse, Ryan Condal, Adam Sztykiel

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jake Lacy,  Joe Manganiello

Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief language, and crude gestures)

Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Primatologist Davis Okoye (Johnson), a man who keeps people at a distance, shares an unshakable bond with George, the extraordinarily intelligent, silverback gorilla who has been in his care since birth. But a rogue genetic experiment gone awry mutates this gentle ape into a raging creature of enormous size. To make matters worse, it's soon discovered there are other similarly altered animals. As these newly created alpha predators tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, Okoye teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, fighting his way through an ever-changing battlefield, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

I'm just gonna say this up front...a gigantic mutant sheep would have been an awesome addition...just saying.

Went to see Rampage with my husband. It is pretty much what you think it will be. Generic and predictable action movie writing. But how can you not want to watch a gigantic mutant alligator, a gigantic mutant wolf (part flying squirrel and porcupine) and a gigantic albino gorilla with a sick sense of humor fight it out in Chicago?

The writers didn't even try to make the science fiction plausible. Basically they Jurrasic Park some animals, but thanks to gene editing and some fancy science stuff they made a virus that can make these animals turn into gigantic hybrids in 24 hours.

If you are going because of Joe Manganiello, don't blink.

If you don't have anything else to do and just love the movie-going experience, then grab a matinee. The first two scenes in the movie are fantastic...there are a few other scenes sprinkled throughout that rocked.

There are lots of special effects that look good on the big screen. But you can probably just catch this one on TV.

My husband I both give it 3 1/2 "Us Sheep got to stick together"

SharonS

Movie Review: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts
January 27, 2017

Studio: Screen Gems (Sony)
Rated R-106 min

Action | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

This pretty much sums it up. You would think they'd at least try with the last movie of this franchise... It was more video game like than the other films. Lots of fighting, explosions and clones galore! All they had to do was shift a little of the budget from special effects over to script so it would at least make sense. Then there were all the jump scares. The first one was great...even caught me off guard, but they kept using them.

If you are a fan of the movies, then catch it on Netflix or Redbox. It won't be long before it is there.

My franchise moves are 0-2 right now (Underworld, Resident Evil). Come on John Wick! I'm counting on you!

Don gives it 3 Sheep because of all the action

I give it 2 1/2 "Is that all you got?" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Assassin's Creed (2016)

Assassin's Creed (2016)
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, thematic elements and brief strong language)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
Directed By: Justin Kurzel
Written By: Bill Collage, Adam Cooper, Michael Lesslie
Cast: Michael Fassbender
Dec 21, 2016 Wide
Runtime: 116 minutes
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day. ASSASSIN'S CREED stars Academy Award (R) nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth); produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox. ASSASSIN'S CREED opens in theaters worldwide on December 21st, 2016.

I'm gonna let little ducky tell you if you should see Assassin's Creed...

Went to see Assassin's Creed with my husband and 15 year old daughter. We are action fans and pretty forgiving of most things, but none of us enjoyed this...well, Holly did because there was a cute assassin, but he eventually died.

First off, the music wasn't very good and too loud. The action sequences were fun, but the other 110 minutes was one dramatic pause for the camera. Even their dialogue was slow. And don't get me started on the "science" used to explain why they wanted the "Apple". Why in the world would the Templar's in the 15th century want it? They didn't have the technology to use it! And why were they guarding the descendants of the Assassin's Creed (who they gave memories of their ancestors to) with security that had no guns? Security. Had. No. Guns. They all ended up getting stabbed to death...cause they had no guns...

Disclaimer: I've never played the video game and had no knowledge of the story. Maybe that makes a difference because the whole premise kind of sucked...and they didn't do a great job of explaining what was going on.

Listen to the ducky...

Don 1 sheep
Holly 2.5 sheep (cause cute guy)

1 "Regressed" Sheep

SharonS

Book Review: Assassin's Creed: Underworld (Assassin's Creed #8) by Oliver Bowden

Assassin's Creed: Underworld (Assassin's Creed #8)
by Oliver Bowden

Paperback, 464 pages

December 1st 2015 by Ace

Brand new tie in book to the new Assassin's Creed: Syndicate

A disgraced Assassin. A deep-cover agent. A quest for redemption.

1862, and with London in the grip of the Industrial Revolution, the world's first underground railway is under construction. When a body is discovered at the dig, it sparks the beginning of the latest deadly chapter in the centuries-old battle between the Assassins and Templars.

Deep undercover is an Assassin with dark secrets and a mission to defeat the Templar stranglehold on the nation's capital.

Soon the Brotherhood will know him as Henry Green, mentor to Jacob and Evie Frye. For now, he is simply The Ghost.

Assassin's Creed: Underworld is the eighth gripping novel from Oliver Bowden set in the immersive world of Assassin's Creed.

amazon

Six years before the start of Assassin's Creed Syndicate we are introduced to Ethan Frye (Father to twins Jacob and Evie) and his student Jayadeep Mir who will later be given the moniker "The Ghost".

Underworld is broken into 3 parts, Parts 1 and 2 are the history and set up for Ethan and Jayadeep working together in an attempt to stop the Templars from gaining an artifact from the Frist Civilization.

Part 3 is focused on Jayadeep and the Frye twins, which is the main focus of the game Syndicate.

I had a bit of a struggle getting into this book, it was difficult to get a grasp an actual time line. It was hard to tell if it was a current part or a flash back, until you were about 4 or 5 paragraphs in. There were a few too many characters at times and that made it difficult to follow what was going on. For example, 3 Goons, Hardy and The Other Hardy.

There is one character in the book that I did like, Frederick Abberline, who starts off a Constable and the nickname "Fresh Face Freddie". He is that one cop that does everything thing by the rules, but as he gets more involved with the incidents going on in London he learns that the rules are not always right. Later on , Frederick becomes a valuable asset.

If you are a fan of the Assassin's Creed video game series I'd say check out this book and the others in the series.. If you are even curious about the games and don't want to pay the price of the game itself, check out the books.

3.5 Sheep

DanielleD

About the Author:

website-FB-amazon

Anton Gill (aka Oliver Bowden) has been a full-time professional writer since 1984, and in the course of the last 27 years he has published 35 books. Gill was born in Ilford, Essex, the son of a German father and an English mother, and grew up in London. He is an acclaimed novelist and Renaissance historian currently living in Paris, France. Bowden has written novelizations of several of the Assassin's Creed console games.

Oliver Bowden is a pen-name (a pseudonym adopted by the author) in order to hide his true identity. However, his profession and location are accurate.
According to Bowden's interview with UbiWorkshop, he is an avid gamer and gains much of his inspiration for character development throughout the writing process from playing the Assassin's Creed series.