Movie Review #2 Comedy/Drama

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY       Director: Ben Stiller    Cast: Ben Stiller    RATING:  PG      First off let me apologize for this entry in a Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror based blog. Because The Secret Life Of  Walter Mitty qualifies as none of these genres. But I had to review this movie anyway. Actually the only reason I went to see this film was my wife and daughter wanted to see it. Boy, am I glad I went! What a wonderful experience and message this movie unveils before your very eyes. It is something we all should live by. I remember reading the short story about Walter Mitty in High School, but couldn't remember his exploits. If you are a Ben Stiller fan go see this movie, if you are not a Ben Stiller fan go see this movie. Heck, even if you loathe the sight of Ben Stiller go see this movie it is worth the admission price and a bucket of popcorn.      SCORE:  9.5/10                          

Russell's Favorite Movies of 2013

#6:  RIDDICK- It's great to see Vin Diesel back as "anti-hero" Riddick. Very entertaining with great special effects.                                            #5:OBLIVION-  Fast-paced and entertaining with a great plot. Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman are excellent in this Sci-Fi adventure.                                #4:     MAN OF STEEL-  Superman reboot with Henry Cavill  as the orphan from Kypton. This movie won the award for Best Special Effects Of The Year. Awesome job. Super, super start, can't wait for Superman vs Batman.        #3:       THE HOBBIT:  THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG-  Part 2 of the prequel to The Lord Of The Rings. Another wonderful film from the world J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by Peter Jackson and company. All the characters (even those not in the book ) are fun to watch on the big screen. Part 3 coming to theaters in Dec. 2014.                                                                                              #2:    STAR TREK:  INTO DARKNESS- J.J. Abrams' taking the starship Enterprise and its crew into another mega-monster of a movie. How exciting to be teleported to the twenty-third century again, but this time we're looking for a weapon of mass destruction. This is great film-making, can watch this movie over and over again.                                                                    ********   #1:     PACIFIC RIM- Everything about this movie just evolved so  incredibly smooth.  How can any guy ( sorry gals! ) pass up on an epic film about Robots and Monsters.   I  had great expectations for this and it didn't disappoint. 

Movie Review #1 Action/Adventure

47 RONIN    Director: Carl Rinsch   Cast: Keanu Reeves                                                                               I read the novelization by Joan D. Vinge before watching the movie so  I had great expectations for the film. Truthfully, I found the movie quite entertaining, but there was just too much...vagueness...it seemed as if the direction the movie went was uncertain of where it wanted to go. The character development and back story should have been more enlightening and detailed. The novelization was excellent in this aspect and the audience was well informed and emotionally involved with all the characters and their motivations toward building and enhancing the story. Now as for the star, Keanu Reeves, who I like, appeared , at times, to be ...uninspired. Maybe the director was overwhelmed with the scope of the project, perhaps a budget that ballooned beyond what was planned, or Reeves accepted a role beyond his grasp. Who knows? But I do know this it should have been a better movie. I really wanted this to be a successful film, but it is probably going to bomb. Too bad what a great story. This is actually based on true events during a time of peace in feudal Japan.  Interesting fact: A movie titled, The 47 Ronin was released in Japan on December 8, 1941       ( one day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.)               SCORE:  6/10         Read the book to see how good this movie could have been.

Book Review #3 Historical Adventure

47 RONIN    By: Joan D. Vinge ( Author of novelization of screenplay.)  Publisher: TOR                               This novelization of the screenplay was written by Fantasy/Sci-Fi author Joan D. Vinge. She has captured, in words, the incredible beauty and serene landscape of feudal Japan during a time of peace. Magic, betrayal, witchcraft, and forbidden love highlight this tale of vengeance. The characters are brought to life vividly with great detail and deep emotion. The fight scenes are exciting and wonderfully brutal. Also, the relationships between Kai and Mika, and Kai and Oishi standout to others in the story. I wonder why books are almost always superior to the theatrical version. Is it star quality? Directorial leadership? Perhaps its the imagination of the author with their silky-smooth weaving of words? I,m not really sure, but this book is way better than the movie.     SCORE:  8/10

Book Review #2 Fantasy

THE NAME OF THE WIND  By: Patrick Rothfuss  Publisher: DAW Books                                                What can I say about this already well reviewed debut novel by Patrick Rothfuss other than jump excitedly on the literary band wagon. I really, no, I really, really enjoyed this wonderful coming-of-age story about a boy and the extremely difficult situations that surround him. Day One of the Kingkiller Chronicle is told by Kvothe, our "hero", in a tavern by a fireplace. I Highly, Highly Recommend this to every one on this planet and to other Outworlders that can read.                             SCORE:  10/10*                                          Day Two: The Wise Man's Fear is now in paperback. ( Review coming soon.)

Book Review #1 Fantasy

WELL OF SORROWS   By:  Benjamin Tate   Publisher: DAW BOOKS                                                      This debut by Benjamin Tate in a new Fantasy series is incredible. The world he has created here is very believable and frightening. The characters leap off the page in three dimensional, life-altering dilemmas. Colin, the main character is an average boy, but a devastating and mysterious problem changes his life forever. Tate has taken the traditional good versus evil theme and given it a fresh twist.  My only minor complaint is that there are no maps, but we Fantasy readers have great imaginations, and the author has filled this wonderful world with detailed landscapes aplenty. Enjoy this Highly Recommended adventure.           SCORE   9/10*  Book Two:  Leaves of Flame is now in paperback.( Review coming soon.)

Welcome to Outworlder Reviews

Welcome to the pilot post of Outworlder Reviews. My name is Russell and I will be sending any news from the realms of Fantasy and Science fiction (Sci-Fi ) your way as soon as I know about it. My main objective with this blog is to review books and movies. A majority of these reviews will be dedicated to the Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror genres. I have been an enthusiastic admirer of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror for almost 40 years . Furthermore, there will be an occasional surprise, cool artwork, and a short story once in a while. In closing, any related information you, this blog follower or kindred spirit can send me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for visiting Outworlder Reviews and please return to read my reviews, comments, and other neat stuff you can find here.