TV Series with teams of guys...
Seal Team
This seven season series follows Bravo team, led by Master Chief Jason Hayes (played by David Boreanaz) as they are deployed on dangerous missions around the globe and then have to deal with the normality of mundane life when being back home. That second bit is a bit of a drag, and securely fits this show under the drama category.
That said, the action segments (of which there are plenty) are really great! I particularly enjoy the dog related stunts because that is one very well trained pooch! Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but with gunfire, explosions, death, a completed story and a talented puppy I enjoyed it. Thumbs up!
The Chosen
This currently on going drama series (now on season 4 and available on Prime) focuses on the lives of the apostles as they meet, join up and travel with Jesus of Nazareth. It is also perhaps the best Christian series I've seen, with good doses of humor, (a little) violence, writing and acting all through out. One episode was almost a single take through the whole thing.
I really like the direction they went with this where yeah, Jesus is cool and important and wise but also still a person with quirks AND that he's only in each episode for a few minutes. By focusing on the growth of the everyone else (and there's a vast cast to follow), it makes the story that much better. Apparently season 1 is also currently the most successful crowdfunded TV series in history. Recommended!
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Monday, 24 March 2025
Seal Team and the Chosen
Thursday, 21 April 2022
Mary Magdalene Risen
Two movies for Easter.
Mary Magdalene
When home life becomes far too aggressive, Mary (Rooney Mara) makes the decision to follow a wise healer (Jesus, played by Joaquin Phoenix) to travel and teach across Judea until the end of his mortal days. Pretty good cinematography in this one and I do like their take on Judas too. If anything I'd complain they whisper too much. Obviously a movie for religious people though, and if you aren't one of those there's not much in it here for you. I suppose it's pretty challenging to make a movie about a tale people already know about (or on the flip side, don't care about). This was an OK attempt.
Risen
With the impending visit of the Emperor, Roman Tribune Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) is tasked with keeping the peace which includes finding the missing body of a recently crucified man claimed to be the Messiah "Yeshua" which could act as the spark for rebellion. Props on making a different story to tell for the Easter season and while it still falls well into the religious film category they managed to get some fight scenes in there too. However, there are way too many quiet scenes which quite literally were putting us to sleep. For that problem alone Mary Magdalene is a better movie.
Saturday, 24 April 2021
Son of God
Where Pilot is a bad ass.
A tale focusing on the life and death (mostly the death) of Jesus (played by Diogo Morgado), this decently budgeted film is actually the condensation of a mini-series which explains all the cool old testament segments right at the start.
Spoiler: Jesus saves.
Diogo plays his part well and the others are passable to good. The stand out part for me was Pilot, who is often portrayed as a neutral party in this tale, has quite the iron fist this time around which is gets a thumbs up from me.
Of course, there are some oddities like one particular Pharisee who seems to be everywhere and Barabas not being quite as evil as I'd like him to be. Still surprisingly watchable. Would I watch it again? Eh... maybe after a few more Easters. I give it two crucifixions out of five.
Sunday, 30 April 2017
Ben-Hur (2016)
More CGI, less screen time.
This Ben-Hur has almost exactly the same story as Charlton Heston's version, only it is condensed - shaving over an hour of play time from the previous movie. This Ben Hur is also much more of a party animal than before, and does a better job of building and harboring hatred on his "revenge" trip as the film goes on.
The antagonist, Messala, is quite likeable here which is good given how they change the ending. He also kills a -lot- more people this time around. Morgan Freeman is present too - as a less jovial and much more serious horse racing manager. Jesus also gets actual face time this time around, instead of just seeing him from a distance, or his back, or his hand / foot.
Ben-Hur's mother and sister get a bit of a shaft on screen time, as does the boat captain and Jesus (which is made up for his face time I think), but I do quite like their take on the naval combat this time around. The mother and sister cut is probably the worst of the condensation, but the rest of the film does make up for it. The two films are also a nice comparison between really good CGI of the new one vs actual tactile sets of the old one. Both certainly have their merits.
All up I give this 3.5 chariots out of 5, which scores it a tad higher than Mr. Heston's version, purely because it is of a more reasonable length which makes the question of "would I watch this again?" be a definite yes.
This Ben-Hur has almost exactly the same story as Charlton Heston's version, only it is condensed - shaving over an hour of play time from the previous movie. This Ben Hur is also much more of a party animal than before, and does a better job of building and harboring hatred on his "revenge" trip as the film goes on.
A fair amount of death always gets a thumbs up from me!
The antagonist, Messala, is quite likeable here which is good given how they change the ending. He also kills a -lot- more people this time around. Morgan Freeman is present too - as a less jovial and much more serious horse racing manager. Jesus also gets actual face time this time around, instead of just seeing him from a distance, or his back, or his hand / foot.
Ben-Hur's mother and sister get a bit of a shaft on screen time, as does the boat captain and Jesus (which is made up for his face time I think), but I do quite like their take on the naval combat this time around. The mother and sister cut is probably the worst of the condensation, but the rest of the film does make up for it. The two films are also a nice comparison between really good CGI of the new one vs actual tactile sets of the old one. Both certainly have their merits.
All up I give this 3.5 chariots out of 5, which scores it a tad higher than Mr. Heston's version, purely because it is of a more reasonable length which makes the question of "would I watch this again?" be a definite yes.
Thursday, 22 December 2016
Dark Souls II: Me:OW.
Tales from Dark Souls - spoilers ahead! You can follow the rest of the story here!
Now experienced with defeating Velstadt, the grand knight, I thought I'd have another crack at the ugly siren with Benhart and Ellie. I also decided to try the drake armor for mobility since I know she likes her adds. It goes much better but still ends in defeat for us. Withdrawing, I opt to revisit the Shrine of Winter again which takes me to a snow fortress (now visible since there's no snow storm).
The gates open for me this time and despite a voice warning me about "the old chaos" I enter anyway. Surprisingly there's a boss fight nearby, the disembodied voice warning that "Aava is watching" (like the Jesus is watching joke?). Welp, the zone is a blizzard and I couldn't see a damned thing as some invisible thing (which I guess is Aava) tore me to bits!
Putting myself back together at the bonfire I opted to go the other way this time, and explore the rest of the city. As expected it was guarded by ice themed undead who were weaker than their poison cousins in Sanctum City. At least this let me make progress, gaining "the eye of the priestess" near a large flame at a central tower. After defeating the invader Holy Knight Aurheim, I was joined by my old allies Glencour (still Masterless) and Ellie to face Aava. Turns out Aava is a giant, sabertooth cat!
Being able to see it doesn't help much as we are all sent packing pretty quick. Such a strong kitty!
Now experienced with defeating Velstadt, the grand knight, I thought I'd have another crack at the ugly siren with Benhart and Ellie. I also decided to try the drake armor for mobility since I know she likes her adds. It goes much better but still ends in defeat for us. Withdrawing, I opt to revisit the Shrine of Winter again which takes me to a snow fortress (now visible since there's no snow storm).
Backstabs with two handed swords are cool.
The gates open for me this time and despite a voice warning me about "the old chaos" I enter anyway. Surprisingly there's a boss fight nearby, the disembodied voice warning that "Aava is watching" (like the Jesus is watching joke?). Welp, the zone is a blizzard and I couldn't see a damned thing as some invisible thing (which I guess is Aava) tore me to bits!
Putting myself back together at the bonfire I opted to go the other way this time, and explore the rest of the city. As expected it was guarded by ice themed undead who were weaker than their poison cousins in Sanctum City. At least this let me make progress, gaining "the eye of the priestess" near a large flame at a central tower. After defeating the invader Holy Knight Aurheim, I was joined by my old allies Glencour (still Masterless) and Ellie to face Aava. Turns out Aava is a giant, sabertooth cat!
Bad ninja kitty!
Being able to see it doesn't help much as we are all sent packing pretty quick. Such a strong kitty!
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Ben Hur (1959)
In the beginning, there was a five minute overture of music before the film even begins.
Ben Hur is a story of a respected Jewish noble (the titular Ben Hur, played by Charlton Heston) and his clash and "revenge" against his once good friend. If that opening line is any indicator, this film is long - almost four hours. And I think most of the glut comes from shots of people simply moving from point A to point B.
I can see why they did it though - the sets are amazing and the sheer scale of the number of people involved in some scenes is impressive. I quite like the miniatures during the ship combat too. There's really something about old fashioned, tactile movie magic that for me still trumps even the best CGI effects / people duplication techniques.
Of course it does face the problems of old, such as one part where a distant car is clearly heard in the background and having odd cuts when scenes were clearly retaken. Behind the main plot (well, sort of interwoven) are parts of the New Testament which might leave some people scratching their heads. I do quite like how they portray Jesus in the film though: they don't. He's a "foreground extra" whose face you never see and used to decent effect.
Overall I liked the movie. A lot of set backs for Ben Hur lead to a lot of action pieces, though the number of time skips was a bit much. Definitely worth watching, but due to the length I'm not sure I'd be too eager to see it again. I give it three and a half javelins out of five.
Ben Hur is a story of a respected Jewish noble (the titular Ben Hur, played by Charlton Heston) and his clash and "revenge" against his once good friend. If that opening line is any indicator, this film is long - almost four hours. And I think most of the glut comes from shots of people simply moving from point A to point B.
It really is a big movie.
I can see why they did it though - the sets are amazing and the sheer scale of the number of people involved in some scenes is impressive. I quite like the miniatures during the ship combat too. There's really something about old fashioned, tactile movie magic that for me still trumps even the best CGI effects / people duplication techniques.
Of course it does face the problems of old, such as one part where a distant car is clearly heard in the background and having odd cuts when scenes were clearly retaken. Behind the main plot (well, sort of interwoven) are parts of the New Testament which might leave some people scratching their heads. I do quite like how they portray Jesus in the film though: they don't. He's a "foreground extra" whose face you never see and used to decent effect.
Overall I liked the movie. A lot of set backs for Ben Hur lead to a lot of action pieces, though the number of time skips was a bit much. Definitely worth watching, but due to the length I'm not sure I'd be too eager to see it again. I give it three and a half javelins out of five.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Star Trail: Pain in the A--
[Part of the Darklands of Arkania Story.]
After dealing with a few more orc patrols the team finally made it back into the besieged city via the secret tunnel. Agdan returned to his order and Zubon and Paeroka were reunited with the rest of the group. While in town the party also donates their spare items and food to the council hall which they are richly rewarded for. Asking around, they also find out that Ingramosh, the dwarf they need to deliver the Salamander Stone to was here once - a guest of the gay elf they slew before. Oops.
Figuring they'll just have to wing it now, the party leaves Lowangen again and are almost immediately set upon by two groups of competing adventurer parties - one after another! While the team is victorious they are pretty badly beaten up after that second round and that's when an army of mages appears before them.
With no hope of winning against that many spell casters in their current condition, Paeroka gingerly gives them the stone. The wizards laugh as they then ride off to the West - and the party pursues them after resting up a little. The head start is too great though, and with combats against random orc patrols slowing them down further they lose the trail. Fortunately a random shepherd on the road manages to point them in the right direction.
It's a long walk and Wolfy's shoes wear out, making her take damage during the journey. Not that it matters though for they eventually run into ANOTHER orc army!
There are no options here. The orcs beat up the team, strip them naked (including magical items this time) and basically make them their play things for a few days while forcing them to march higher into the mountains. Eventually they are thrown into a dark cell where they suffer more orcish abuse for around a week before finally mustering enough rage to take down the orc bringing them what passes as food. And so begins escape from castle Orcenstein!
After dealing with a few more orc patrols the team finally made it back into the besieged city via the secret tunnel. Agdan returned to his order and Zubon and Paeroka were reunited with the rest of the group. While in town the party also donates their spare items and food to the council hall which they are richly rewarded for. Asking around, they also find out that Ingramosh, the dwarf they need to deliver the Salamander Stone to was here once - a guest of the gay elf they slew before. Oops.
Figuring they'll just have to wing it now, the party leaves Lowangen again and are almost immediately set upon by two groups of competing adventurer parties - one after another! While the team is victorious they are pretty badly beaten up after that second round and that's when an army of mages appears before them.
"Hand over the stone or die."
With no hope of winning against that many spell casters in their current condition, Paeroka gingerly gives them the stone. The wizards laugh as they then ride off to the West - and the party pursues them after resting up a little. The head start is too great though, and with combats against random orc patrols slowing them down further they lose the trail. Fortunately a random shepherd on the road manages to point them in the right direction.
Jesus saves the day again!
It's a long walk and Wolfy's shoes wear out, making her take damage during the journey. Not that it matters though for they eventually run into ANOTHER orc army!
Surprise!
There are no options here. The orcs beat up the team, strip them naked (including magical items this time) and basically make them their play things for a few days while forcing them to march higher into the mountains. Eventually they are thrown into a dark cell where they suffer more orcish abuse for around a week before finally mustering enough rage to take down the orc bringing them what passes as food. And so begins escape from castle Orcenstein!
Sunday, 1 November 2015
Sunset Six: Be like Jesus
[Part of my Sunset Six story.]
Continuing with the tests of Worship, the Test of the Messenger, a new Worship test released at the same time as Throne of Pharaoh, is similar to the Test of Beacons. In it you must sacrifice ink and paper at an altar to receive -only- one of seven parts of a ritual. You must then work out with others the full requirements, incantations and sequence and then work as a pair to perform it at the ONE correct altar. The first seven pairs that do this advance, and everyone else is out of luck - needing to wait for the start of the next cycle. Advance five times to pass.
The Test of Leavened Bread requires you to be like Jesus. In it, you need a team of five players to see visions of what needs to be done (randomized), make beer, bake bread then share the bread with others. Specific others. Probably those not in your party. You have seven days to do that before the bread goes bad. You get points for the correct people eating the bread. Yep, give it to your enemies and it's still valid for them to just chuck it out.
Also requiring five people is the Test of the Humble Priests, in which you must form a devotional group to a particular god and sacrifice something to them in an orderly, structured manner. It's worth mentioning that all these rituals are very specific in what you are supposed to do, who is supposed to do them and what you must type. Making a mistake at any point results in a fail, wasting all those items you sacrificed. As an example in this one "Priest three must do five emotes in specific order (based on his vision)".
Continuing with the tests of Worship, the Test of the Messenger, a new Worship test released at the same time as Throne of Pharaoh, is similar to the Test of Beacons. In it you must sacrifice ink and paper at an altar to receive -only- one of seven parts of a ritual. You must then work out with others the full requirements, incantations and sequence and then work as a pair to perform it at the ONE correct altar. The first seven pairs that do this advance, and everyone else is out of luck - needing to wait for the start of the next cycle. Advance five times to pass.
It's good to be the backup guy.
The Test of Leavened Bread requires you to be like Jesus. In it, you need a team of five players to see visions of what needs to be done (randomized), make beer, bake bread then share the bread with others. Specific others. Probably those not in your party. You have seven days to do that before the bread goes bad. You get points for the correct people eating the bread. Yep, give it to your enemies and it's still valid for them to just chuck it out.
Hah, I had all my required guys at the table!
Also requiring five people is the Test of the Humble Priests, in which you must form a devotional group to a particular god and sacrifice something to them in an orderly, structured manner. It's worth mentioning that all these rituals are very specific in what you are supposed to do, who is supposed to do them and what you must type. Making a mistake at any point results in a fail, wasting all those items you sacrificed. As an example in this one "Priest three must do five emotes in specific order (based on his vision)".
Please all five of your randomly chosen gods (out of twelve) to pass.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
The Passion of the Christ
I hope you like blood and subtitles.
For anyone that celebrated Easter for the other reason beside chocolates, this movie basically follows the Stations of the Cross starting from the garden of Gethsemane and onwards. For everyone else, this story focuses on a man gifted with healing and prescience, and how (almost) everyone else condemns him to suffer and die, mainly because he claims he is the son of God.
While there is a LOT of blood and torture in this film, it doesn't go as far as the gorier movies I've reviewed before. It is also not in English, which actually works in it's favor I think as the Romans speak Latin and everyone else speaks in tongues I am not familiar with (Hebrew)? Costumes and settings are awesome and it also makes subtle use of CGI for things you wouldn't think of. Well, things I didn't think of. They do get a bit heavier handed towards the end.
Most of my problems come from expecting stuff from the story as I've heard it enough times. Little things like, I expected Herod to be an old dude (unless that Herod was succeeded by another Herod)? Jesus seems to only have four disciples? The inclusion of death / the devil was an interesting one but ultimately unnecessary as he too ended up just being a spectator. It was funny to see Jesus curbstomp a snake though. Didn't hear of that in any version! Lol! :P
If know about the Stations of the Cross and can stomach the blood and subtitles then you will probably enjoy this movie which I give three and a half bloody nails out of five. For everyone else, I'm not sure what you'd get out of it as the last scene would not make sense at all and probably provoke a "What was the point of all that?". Regardless, it's not something I'd be looking forward to seeing again.
For anyone that celebrated Easter for the other reason beside chocolates, this movie basically follows the Stations of the Cross starting from the garden of Gethsemane and onwards. For everyone else, this story focuses on a man gifted with healing and prescience, and how (almost) everyone else condemns him to suffer and die, mainly because he claims he is the son of God.
I spend the whole movie getting beaten up!
While there is a LOT of blood and torture in this film, it doesn't go as far as the gorier movies I've reviewed before. It is also not in English, which actually works in it's favor I think as the Romans speak Latin and everyone else speaks in tongues I am not familiar with (Hebrew)? Costumes and settings are awesome and it also makes subtle use of CGI for things you wouldn't think of. Well, things I didn't think of. They do get a bit heavier handed towards the end.
Most of my problems come from expecting stuff from the story as I've heard it enough times. Little things like, I expected Herod to be an old dude (unless that Herod was succeeded by another Herod)? Jesus seems to only have four disciples? The inclusion of death / the devil was an interesting one but ultimately unnecessary as he too ended up just being a spectator. It was funny to see Jesus curbstomp a snake though. Didn't hear of that in any version! Lol! :P
If know about the Stations of the Cross and can stomach the blood and subtitles then you will probably enjoy this movie which I give three and a half bloody nails out of five. For everyone else, I'm not sure what you'd get out of it as the last scene would not make sense at all and probably provoke a "What was the point of all that?". Regardless, it's not something I'd be looking forward to seeing again.
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