uzebdrumz
Vancouver Public Library
uzebdrumz's Completed Shelf
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Snakes on A PlaneSnakes on A Plane, DVD
DVD - 2007DVD, 2007
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Sep 22, 2023
Three AmigosThree Amigos, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2023
Comment:
Do you know what a plethora is? Watch this film & find out.
Everything Everywhere All at OnceEverything Everywhere All at Once, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jan 27, 2023
Comment:
Some great editing and visuals, but far too long with many unnecessary visuals for shock value. The frantic ADD pace is juxtaposed with some interesting sensory sparse interludes, but the attraction of the pseudo string theory multiverse gets lost in obtuse visual ideas & simple dialogue. Next!Some great editing and visuals, but far too long with many unnecessary visuals for shock value. The frantic ADD pace is juxtaposed with some interesting sensory sparse interludes, but the attraction of the pseudo string theory multiverse gets lost…
The Power of CrisisThe Power of Crisis, BookHow Three Threats--and Our Response--will Change the World
by Bremmer, IanBook - 2022Book, 2022
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Nov 18, 2022
Comment:
A fairly positive outlook of what should or could transpire with global cooperation on a few key issues. Pandemics, climate change, & disruptive technology are the primary focus of this book. Bremmer does explore the negative idea that, like yeast, intelligent life might die quickly in it's own filth; nation states behave like individual humans in moments of crisis - COVID 19 immediately brought us hoarding & empty store shelves & eventually vaccines & vaccine hoarding. With global CO₂ at record levels, electric cars will not save us since there are more people flying, cruising, yachting, heating, & electrifying with fossil fuels as the main energy input. Disruptive technology will not save us either. Consumers are going to have to consume less, live more locally & use public transport, bike & walk. Try selling that idea to the average North American when they expect the status quo or more - larger homes, two-car garage, heat in Winter, & air conditioning in the Summer, plus vacations on different continents.A fairly positive outlook of what should or could transpire with global cooperation on a few key issues. Pandemics, climate change, & disruptive technology are the primary focus of this book. Bremmer does explore the negative idea that, like yeast,…
Our LadiesOur Ladies, DVD
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Oct 16, 2022
Comment:
It might be considered entertaining if the plot was slightly more reasonable, but I can't imagine a group of young school girls travelling anywhere without a contingent of parent chaperones. It's not incomprehensible that young women might have various sexual urges; it's just rather unimaginable that they'd follow through to end up in these various scenarios while on a bus trip. Reminds me of a certain Frank Zappa song.It might be considered entertaining if the plot was slightly more reasonable, but I can't imagine a group of young school girls travelling anywhere without a contingent of parent chaperones. It's not incomprehensible that young women might have…
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jul 23, 2022
Comment:
An engaging book that entertainingly details with considerable precision the original voyage & three main stories that result from the mutiny: Pitcairn, Tahiti, & the voyage of Bligh. From a modern perspective, it seems almost unimaginable that anyone would be able to survive any of these events, given that now we can fly by jet aircraft or alternately travel by massive luxury cruise ship. Don't be daunted by the relatively extensive historical character list from the beginning as if you need to memorize it, because ultimately we learn through the story who the characters are as things develop; the list is just a general starting point to character introduction. The conclusion is important as Peter Fitzsimons offers alternate theories & outcomes, some with more or less credibility. A well-documented bibliography & index complete the text. My final note is that it's worth looking up a picture of Fitzsimons on the internet - the dude looks like a pirate as he appears on the inside back cover.An engaging book that entertainingly details with considerable precision the original voyage & three main stories that result from the mutiny: Pitcairn, Tahiti, & the voyage of Bligh. From a modern perspective, it seems almost unimaginable that…
The GraduateThe Graduate, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jul 23, 2022
Comment:
The success of this film lies in the series of outcomes that are not that predictable. The juxtaposed shots at the zoo say it all; we're all apes living in various forms of self made cages, some figurative, some literal.
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jun 18, 2022
Comment:
Easy read with great descriptions of the countryside, history of the Appalachian Trail, & humorous situations throughout. I cannot totally agree with some of the dietary choices described within the book, but those are all personal choices. Life is like a hike; it's about the journey, not the destination.Easy read with great descriptions of the countryside, history of the Appalachian Trail, & humorous situations throughout. I cannot totally agree with some of the dietary choices described within the book, but those are all personal choices. Life is…
Scarlet StreetScarlet Street, DVD
DVD - 2005DVD, 2005
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Nov 12, 2021
Comment:
Not a light carefree film. I went into this blind & by the end I was disturbed by the outcome. Everyone is being manipulative, the acting is engaging & the character development through dialogue & action is meaningful. The DVD includes some stills of deleted scenes & they are interesting. Overall very entertaining!Not a light carefree film. I went into this blind & by the end I was disturbed by the outcome. Everyone is being manipulative, the acting is engaging & the character development through dialogue & action is meaningful. The DVD includes some stills…
As Good as It GetsAs Good as It Gets, DVD
DVD - 2005DVD, 2005
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2021
Comment:
Jill the dog puts in an Oscar-winning performance. Actually, no dog has ever won an Oscar award, so why am I talking so much about dogs & Jill in particular? This Brussels Griffon is the forced animal therapy that Melvin needs to become a better human along with the strange mix of interactions from his gay neighbour (not that there's anything wrong with that), & his waitress "friend."Jill the dog puts in an Oscar-winning performance. Actually, no dog has ever won an Oscar award, so why am I talking so much about dogs & Jill in particular? This Brussels Griffon is the forced animal therapy that Melvin needs to become a better…
The OrvilleThe Orville, DVDThe Complete First Season
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2021
Comment:
If you like Star Trek & Galaxy Quest, then this series should be entertaining. Keep in mind, as other reviewers have noted, that the banter is less Seinfeld & more Curb Your Enthusiasm. The effects are more like the ILM & Stan Winston Galaxy Quest & less cheesy parody like Space Balls. The soundtrack is well done. It takes a few episodes to get "invested" in the characters, but it's worth the time.If you like Star Trek & Galaxy Quest, then this series should be entertaining. Keep in mind, as other reviewers have noted, that the banter is less Seinfeld & more Curb Your Enthusiasm. The effects are more like the ILM & Stan Winston Galaxy Quest &…
Manchester by the SeaManchester by the Sea, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jan 07, 2019
Comment:
I have very little sympathy or empathy for a character that displays extremely poor life choices. There need to be a variety of good reasons to watch a film & this film offers very little justification for it's 135 minutes considering all the other things we can choose to do with leisure time.I have very little sympathy or empathy for a character that displays extremely poor life choices. There need to be a variety of good reasons to watch a film & this film offers very little justification for it's 135 minutes considering all the other…
The Shape of WaterThe Shape of Water, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2018Blu-ray Disc, 2018
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Nov 14, 2018
Comment:
The film is well presented & lit in a detailed homage to 50's era films. The didactic conclusions from the film are obvious, clearly separating the "good" & "bad" characters through physical interaction & dialogue featuring egregious examples of overt racism, sexism & gender discrimination. The problem is that the "bad" guy Richard Strickland is over the top bad, including not seeking medical help for gangrene & at that point they jumped the shark with this character.The film is well presented & lit in a detailed homage to 50's era films. The didactic conclusions from the film are obvious, clearly separating the "good" & "bad" characters through physical interaction & dialogue featuring egregious examples of…
AmistadAmistad, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Nov 09, 2018
Comment:
A historical perspective of slavery that offers a glimpse of justice & equality, but is offset by all the real world lynchings over the next century & neo-slavery of the prison population. In the Heat of the Night & Mississippi Burning are recommended viewing.A historical perspective of slavery that offers a glimpse of justice & equality, but is offset by all the real world lynchings over the next century & neo-slavery of the prison population. In the Heat of the Night & Mississippi Burning are…
The Love BoatThe Love Boat, DVDSeason One, Volume One
DVD - 2008DVD, 2008
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Oct 18, 2018
Comment:
Brilliant marketing. The Love Boat is an 45–52 minute commercial for Princess Cruises produced by the American Broadcasting Company. You can argue about the pure fluff content of each episode, but you can't argue with the fact that cruise growth has ballooned to ~28 million passengers (2018) & some of that growth is due in part to the marketing from this TV show. Carnival Corp. is laughing all the way to the bank.Brilliant marketing. The Love Boat is an 45–52 minute commercial for Princess Cruises produced by the American Broadcasting Company. You can argue about the pure fluff content of each episode, but you can't argue with the fact that cruise growth has…
On Golden PondOn Golden Pond, DVD
DVD - 2003DVD, 2003
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Oct 11, 2018
Comment:
An engaging film with several events during the film to reveal the characters & their relationships. The moral of this predictable story is don't take your powerboat into Purgatory Cove, especially during bad weather late in the day. There's a porn film named after this entitled, "On Golden Blonde" - don't ask me how I know!?An engaging film with several events during the film to reveal the characters & their relationships. The moral of this predictable story is don't take your powerboat into Purgatory Cove, especially during bad weather late in the day. There's a porn…
Miss PotterMiss Potter, DVD
DVD - 2007DVD, 2007
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Oct 11, 2018
Comment:
I've been to Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, UK & I should have seen this film prior to my visit to put all the Beatrix Potter attractions in context. This is the biography of Beatrix Potter with insight into her life events, art, & storytelling. I fell asleep during a portion of the film so make sure you're well rested to get the full benefit, & realize that it's a relatively slow thoughtful story, not some green screen entertainment shock drama. I give it 4 Z's on my snooze meter.I've been to Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, UK & I should have seen this film prior to my visit to put all the Beatrix Potter attractions in context. This is the biography of Beatrix Potter with insight into her life events, art, &…
Strange BrewStrange Brew, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jul 20, 2018
Comment:
Totally ridiculous. If you don't know the characters, then you'll find this film bizarre, boring & crazy. The fact that they got Angus MacInnes (Red Leader - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope) to portray Jean LaRose makes the Star Wars references more hilarious. It's interesting to draw parallels between the Trailer Park Boys & Bob & Doug McKenzie as it appears that buffoonery & unsophistocated humour are the trademarks of Canadian characters. If you don't like this film then you can take off, you hoser. Sorry, eh?Totally ridiculous. If you don't know the characters, then you'll find this film bizarre, boring & crazy. The fact that they got Angus MacInnes (Red Leader - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope) to portray Jean LaRose makes the Star Wars references…
Quotations
- Parking attendant : Hey, you! Six-fifty! Give me $6.50! [Rosey pulls the parking attendant's jacket down around his arms, hockey style, and shows the guy his fists] Jean LaRose : All I got is two fives!
SullySully, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2016Blu-ray Disc, 2016
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Jun 19, 2018
Comment:
They created a significant amount of drama out of the NTSB investigation & the interactions between Sully & his wife; she was portrayed as a bit of a drama queen. The Mayday & National Geographic Aircraft Investigation series have covered this event offering more insight into the details of the event, recovery of the plane, & NTSB investigation. This film offers more details on the personal experiences of the First Officer Jeff Skiles & Captain Chesley Sullenberger.They created a significant amount of drama out of the NTSB investigation & the interactions between Sully & his wife; she was portrayed as a bit of a drama queen. The Mayday & National Geographic Aircraft Investigation series have covered this event…
Baby DriverBaby Driver, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2017Blu-ray Disc, 2017
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added May 25, 2018
Comment:
Gratuitous violence and impossible evasion tactics. The car driving stunts are entertaining, but the cuts are so short that it indicates that the stunts are short (compare to an old-school Jackie Chan film where they use long shots because the actors know how to stunt fight for minutes in one continuous shot). How many times can you be at the wrong end of a loaded gun & get away? Watch this film to find out & be prepared to listen to some 80's Lionel Ritchie. There's also a love story to round out the Hollywood predictability.Gratuitous violence and impossible evasion tactics. The car driving stunts are entertaining, but the cuts are so short that it indicates that the stunts are short (compare to an old-school Jackie Chan film where they use long shots because the…
2001, A Space Odyssey2001, A Space Odyssey, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2007Blu-ray Disc, 2007
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added May 21, 2018
Comment:
Explores the limits of human ingenuity & manages to combine man vs machine with the painstaking solitude of space travel; there's also a monolith & starchild allowing any number of interpretations of anthropology & alien life.
GravityGravity, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2014Blu-ray Disc, 2014
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added May 21, 2018
Comment:
Hollywood would have us believe that people just fly around practising their jet pack moves all the time in space. If you're completely ignorant of space protocols, then this film might be entertaining, but if you've done any reading or watched any actual space video then you'll be entertained and be annoyed at the same time.Hollywood would have us believe that people just fly around practising their jet pack moves all the time in space. If you're completely ignorant of space protocols, then this film might be entertaining, but if you've done any reading or watched any…
The MartianThe Martian, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2016Blu-ray Disc, 2016
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added May 21, 2018
Comment:
There's enough character development here to bring the audience to the point that you want the protagonist to survive. The compressed timeline naturally leads to several dramatic events occurring frequently. This is literally man against nature & there's not much nature on Mars, so what little nature there is must be revered & maintained.There's enough character development here to bring the audience to the point that you want the protagonist to survive. The compressed timeline naturally leads to several dramatic events occurring frequently. This is literally man against nature &…
Now You See MeNow You See Me, DVD
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added May 17, 2018
Comment:
Spectacle vs magic. Magic takes skill & years of practice to perform masterfully. This is entertainment that stretches believable to the breaking point with green screen theatrics that insult real magicians.
The Red PillThe Red Pill, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
uzebdrumz's rating:
Added Apr 07, 2018
Comment:
This reminds me of Helen Smith's book Men on Strike - "Why Men Are Boycotting Marriage, Fatherhood, & the American Dream--& Why It Matters." There's clearly a spectrum from masculinism to feminism & anecdotally it can be explored to create an enlightening documentary. Missing are the root causes of social inequality & solutions to situations that are individually unique & complex. We've got some work to do...This reminds me of Helen Smith's book Men on Strike - "Why Men Are Boycotting Marriage, Fatherhood, & the American Dream--& Why It Matters." There's clearly a spectrum from masculinism to feminism & anecdotally it can be explored to create an…
Comment: