Labyrinth of Stone by TA Moore

SUMMARY (from Goodreads): Ten years ago the Black Rapture transported thousands of people, seemingly at random, from Earth to the strange, inimical world they call the Labyrinth. Will Teller was one of them. Surviving that meant joining an army and becoming better at killing than he's comfortable with. It's enough upheaval for anyone's life. The only problem is, apparently no one told his commanding officer that.

Pride, and heart, stung by abandonment, the icily controlled General Nathan Kearney has decided that Teller can either find the wayward lover, or he can take his place in Nathan's bed. That's pretty good motivation for a straight guy, only thing is - Teller's sexuality seems to have gone a bit Magic-8 Ball on that issue. Suddenly Nathan's starting to look pretty good, and the only question is whether or not Teller wants to be the consolation prize?

MY THOUGHTS:

I should probably reread Labyrinth of Stone to do it proper justice – and I’ll definitely give it another go – but since I don’t see the time for a reread in the near future, this will have to do for now.

In Labyrinth of Stone, TA Moore blew me away with her masterful world-building, once again, with the gritty, raw imagery of the alien, dystopian setting and its unique characteristics. The same goes for her characters: rough, complicated, hardened by circumstances, yet softened by distinct quirks and dry humour.

What I missed in the Labyrinth of Stone was at least a hint of a resolution to two of its major mysteries, but I can live with it.

All in all, Labyrinth of Stone is a fascinating story for its plot, setting, characterization, and relationships between various characters. With the way TA Moore crafts her words, sharp and eloquent, it was a delight to read.

RECOMMENDATION: If you are into no nonsense m/m Sci-Fi romance, I absolutely recommend you check out Labyrinth of Stone.

Jurassic World (2015)

DIRECTOR: Colin Trevorrow; CAST: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): A new theme park is built on the original site of Jurassic Park. Everything is going well until the park's newest attraction – a genetically modified giant stealth killing machine – escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.

MY THOUGHTS:

As usually, I am terribly behind film watching, but anyway, I finally got to this one.

First of all, the Hammond references and the old entrance and main area and the darn InGEN and stupid greedy scientists gave me so many nostalgic feels. Also, brand revivals like this are what makes me feel old all of a sudden, when it really registers with me that it has been more than 20 years since Jurrasic Park. Wow.

So, obviously they didn’t learn anything from the previous disasters. Why, yes, creating a giant part-raptor was such a brilliant idea, what could ever go wrong? Oops.

And they still haven’t learned, so I suspect there is always a chance for another film, where minimised super-intelligent Indominus Rexes threaten to take over the world. Well.

That said, despite the “bigger, scarier, and toothier” dinosaurs, Jurrasic World really wasn’t that scary? I mean, it was gross enough that I had to look away from the screen a few times, but not scary. And I can’t actually say that that is because being desensitized to it all, because whenever I come across a Jurrasic Park rerun and rewatch it, I still get scared, even after all these years and all the times I have seen it.

I guess size isn’t everything after all, ahem. BTW, the T-Rex looked more like a pet. But at least he got to be the king of the world (well, the island) in the end (the sea monster is more like the emperor, okay?)

I still liked it, but mostly for, as I said, nostalgic reasons. It had all the ingredients of the trademark, though: unprepared bosses and unexpected heroes, clever kids, family bonding in dire circumstances, doomed folk in predictably dangerous situations, and so on.

I liked the main characters, too; Chris Pratt was awesome and I liked Bryce’s character as well (along with ridiculous running in heels through the jungle, lol.)

Finally, I never expected to feel anything but fear (and awe) in regard to velociraptors, much less sympathy, but the fact that only one survived in the end made me tear up. Poor Blue! (Obviously, I also felt sorry for all the murdered-for-sport brontosauruses.)

RECOMMENDATION: All in all, Jurassic World isn’t the spectacle that was promised, but it is entertaining enough. 

Ant-Man (2015)

DIRECTOR: Peyton Reed; CAST: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lily…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have a terrible misconception when it comes to Marvel movies (although by now I should have learned to know better), namely that they are either cartoons for kids or stupid action, neither of which is true, of course. Ant-Man is no exception, and I am yet again wondering why I haven’t bothered to watch it sooner. But better late than never.

Ant-Man is a most of all an entertaining film with great visuals, but it also offers some food for thought by seamlessly incorporating a few hard truths about human existence and nature.

I was floored by the cast’s amazing performances, especially because I’m a noob who doesn’t check the cast list before watching, and just seeing Michael Douglas was like a punch in the gut – in a good way. Also, I absolutely loved the minor appearances of Peggy Carter and Sam Wilson.

Finally, Ant-Man was nicely tied up with the wider Marvel’s cinematic universe with the little allusions to CATWS and Age of Ultron and with the final bonus scene that reminded me of what is to come in Captain America: Civil War (as in death by feels, that's what.)

RECOMMENDATION: Overall, Ant-Man is a fun, highly enjoyable film, and a must-see if you are a fan of sci-fi. 

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

DIRECTOR: James Gunn; CAST: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): A group of intergalactic criminals are forced to work together to stop a fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe.

MY THOUGHTS:

As usually, I didn’t care much for all the explosions and the like (Why am I watching sci-fi again? Oh, right, because there is more to it than action and special effects), but I liked the film as a whole very much.

What appealed to me most was that Guardians of the Galaxy is at its core a story of a band of misfits who have no one and by teaming together for essentially selfish reasons (read: greed and revenge) at first, they eventually find a family of their own choosing in each other.

The above is an important theme on its own, but alongside it, the line that struck me the most was Rocket’s “I didn’t ask for this!”, spoken in the name of everyone ‘different’. It is such a powerful message all people should bear in mind, that whichever ‘difference’, be it the colour of skin, sexual orientation, a disability, or anything else, sets us apart form the ‘norm’, we didn’t ask for it and shouldn’t be judged on its basis.

After all, we are all Groot. And Groot made me shed a tear in the end. However, Grootlet (as a friend of mine likes to call the Groot sapling) was adorable.

Over all, Guardians of the Galaxy was both an entertaining and thought-provoking film, and I am looking forward to the sequel.

RECOMMENDATION: If you like good, entertaining, but not mindless sci-fi, give Guardians of the Galaxy a try.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

DIRECTOR: Alan Taylor; CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston…

SUMMARY (adapted from IMDB): When Jane Foster gets cursed with a powerful object, Thor must protect it before an army and it's ruthless leader try to get their hands on it to take over the remains of Earth.

MY THOUGHTS:

How does one review a spectacle like Thor: The Dark World anyway?

Someone on Tumblr said they could have watched the entire film only of Agardian landscape and I can’t help but agree. What an amazing job the CGI department has done, creating such an astonishing scenery, not to mention other special effects.

Then, of course, there are our favourite characters, humans and Asgardians, involved in a yet another race to save the Earth and Asgard from destruction, each contributing what they can, and, naturally (it is a film, after all), through their joined forces defeating the enemy.

Loki, who has been facing the consequences of his past actions, is responsible for some twists and turns, and I’m still in awe of the final one. But that’s Loki, always with mischief up his sleeve, and one rarely sees it coming.

All in all, Thor: The Dark World is an suspenseful, entertaining and visually stunning film, which tackles a few serious topics along the way. And not a minute of it is boring.

RECOMMENDATION: Does it really need a recommendation? It’s Marvel. Thor. Loki. Asgard. Badass ladies. Pretty things. Emotions and such. And anyway, everyone has seen it already.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

DIRECTOR: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo; CAST: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson …

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Steve Rogers, now finding difficult to fit in to the era of today then leads an assault against a friend turned rival from World War II, a Soviet emissary known as "The Winter Soldier" and his lead of a precarious uprising.

MY THOUGHTS:

I watched this sometime in July and it took me till October to get to writing a review. That’s how I am nowadays.

However, one of reasons for me stalling with reviewing was definitely the emotional turmoil caused by Captain America: The Winter Soldier which still makes it hard to find the right words to describe my feelings about this film.

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as there were so many thing I loved:

• the overarching theme of the evil rooted at the very core of the good as Steve stumbles upon a terrible conspiracy against humanity,
• the incredibly developed characters and in-depth explored relationships, even minor ones, despite the turbulent pace of all the action scenes
• and, yes, the spectacular fighting choreographies and special effects.

In conclusion to my sort-of review, I’m pretty sure everyone but me had seen and fallen in love with this franchise ages ago, but if you haven't: what are you waiting for?

RECOMMENDATION: Captain America: The Winter Soldier is an action-packed but heartfelt film about the struggle against evil found in the very pores of what was supposed to be good; a tale of not just one hero, but many; and, of course, a story of a long lost friend who may yet be found again. No need to say I’m excited for Captain America 3.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

DIRECTOR: Shane Black; CAST: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

MY THOUGHTS:

In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark continues to struggle with who he is both as Iron Man and as a person as his past comes back to haunt him in the form of an adversary who feels wronged by him in the past.

On a personal level, Tony’s preoccupation with his so-called hobby - that is, working on constant development and improvement of the Iron Man technology - interferes with his personal life, in particularly with his relationship with Pepper.

However, the Mandarin puts in danger not only Pepper’s life, but the world, and Tony must figure out how to save both. Fortunately, he finds not only strength within, but also outside help in likely (Captain Rhodes) and unlikely places (Harley Keener, and does just that.

While the film’s central themes are fighting evil and not being able to escape one’s past, Iron Man 3 also addresses the issue of genetic engineering and provides some food for thought on that topic.

Finally, the film has quite a few stunning scenes, mostly of fight and destruction. Curiously though, I found that this fearful imagery, such as the fall of the Malibu compound, can also be beautiful, in a way.
 
RECOMMENDATION: Obviously, if you have watched the first two Iron Man films and are a fan of Marvel cinematic universe, you won’t want to skip Iron Man 3.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

DIRECTOR: John Favreau; CAST: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy.

MY THOUGHTS:

Iron Man 2 has a bit of a mid-life crisis as a film, or maybe it is going through puberty.

While it is still rather watchable and adds important elements both to Tony Stark’s story and to the Marvel cinematic universe, it would probably be better if it was shorter. Some action parts, in particularly, are too long and dragged out to my taste.

Talking about mid-life crisis, Tony Stark is definitely going through one, reverting to his old self-centred, partying, extravagant behaviour as he faces his existential issues. Absorbed in self-pity while searching a means for self-preservation, he neglects his company and the conspiracies of his competitor, so much so that his best friend turns against him, prompted by the government, and his faithful assistant almost gives up on him.

It takes SHIELD stepping in, forcing him to face his father’s legacy to find a solution to his problem – resolving his misguided resentment against Howard Stark on the way – for Tony to get himself together and save himself and the world, sort of, in the process. 

While Tony’s so-called mid-life crisis was somewhat irritating, it was great seeing his genius at work again. And I loved the appearances of agent Coulson and Natasha Romanoff. And Pepper. Everything would have gone (even more) awry for Tony without Pepper.

In conclusion, Iron Man 2 doesn’t quite reach the quality of its predecessor, but it is still a good film.  
RECOMMENDATION: If you loved Iron Man, the sequel is almost a must watch.

Iron Man (2008)

DIRECTOR: John Favreau; CAST: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark is forced to build an armoured suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.

MY THOUGHTS:

The reason I didn’t watch Iron Man films before was that I thought they were full of senseless action. Obviously, I was wrong.

Iron Man is so much more than an action/science-fiction film. It starts as a story about a rather arrogant heir to an empire, a playboy flying on the wings of success, a not particularly likeable character, for all the dazzle surrounding him.

However, Tony Stark is not just some spoiled rich guy, he is a genius inventor, who has earned his own success, and he can very well roll his sleeves up, which is what saves him when he finds himself in a precarious situation. Once he realises the people closest to him have been lying and his company, a weapon industry giant, has been selling arms under the table, he decides to set things right, and thus becomes Iron Man.

The slow uncovering of the intrigues behind Stark Industries is what keeps up the suspense throughout the film, but what I loved most was the gradual peeling of the layers off of Tony’s character and getting to know him.

All in all, Iron Man is not just an action film, but also a character and a relationship study with a hint of criticism of modern warfare and weapon industry.

RECOMMENDATION: Iron Man is a film both for those who like action and fights and those who like an insight in the characters, relationships and some general world issues.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

DIRECTOR: Joe Johnston; CAST: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending USA ideals.

MY THOUGHTS:

Why on Earth have I not watched this before?

‘This’ as in not just this film but most of the Marvel things (apart from both Thors and The Avengers which I have watched.) I mean, I am fantasy/sci-fi kind of gal. 

There are special effects and things blasting off. But there is also WWII. And good winning vs. evil. And a little guy becoming a hero, saving the world, and making the ultimate sacrifice.

There are thought-provoking issues, heartbreak, and a little romance, and it is beautiful and painful and amazing. And I’ve used way too many and-s in one post.

Overall, I loved watching the co-called making of Captain America, a growth of a hero. I say growth, because one doesn’t become a hero from nothing, not if they don’t already have something heroic in them already. And Captain America: The First Avenger presents that very well.

RECOMMENDATION: Captain America: The First Avenger is a wonderful mix of sci-fi with a historical background and the fight of the good against evil. Since probably everyone but me saw this long ago, I don’t think I have anything else to say to recommend it.

Prometheus (2012)

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott; CAST: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

MY OPINION:

The promo and the summary for Prometheus are rather misleading, since the film shows very little of the epic battle and discoveries they mention. There is not much of a plot either, and the characters are pretty much stereotypical and mostly flat.

Interestingly, the most complex character is the one that is not supposed to be complex – David, a robot, very well played by Michael Fassbender. Charlize Theron in a supporting role of a cold and bossy Miss Vickers does a very good job, too. The same goes for Guy Pierce. Which made me think, what on earth came over the casting staff to put such excellent actors in minor roles? Oh, well.

Some scenes in Prometheus are really gross, and I admit I looked away a few times (squid- and reptile-like aliens and crawly things are really not my thing).

The story is basically a mess, although it does have a few good points.

Here are the things to learn from Prometheus:

• Don't dig up things that have been buried for centuries/millennia, there is probably a good reason for it.
• Don't go places you are not supposed to go. Again, there's a reason for it.
• Don't touch unknown substances. No need for explanation here.
• And: some questions are better left unanswered.

Overall, Prometheus wants to deliver a fascinating story about the search for the creator of the mankind, but it turns out rather stupid. In the end, Elisabeth Shaw, the main protagonist of the film, continues to chase the answer, even though she proves her own survival depends not on the truth but on what she choses to believe, which ultimately gives her strength to go on.

RECOMMENDATION: Despite all the hype, Prometheus is a rather mediocre film. If you like science-fiction, it might provide a good way to kill some time with, but don't expect too much.

Paris in the Twentieth Century by Jules Verne

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):  This newly rediscovered novel, written by Jules Verne in 1863, is set in Paris in 1960. Money and technology have taken over society and the narrator, a young poet, is forced to work in a bank. Verne's vision of our mechanized time is prescient: there are fax machines, automobiles, computers, subways, and electronic musical instruments. Illustrations.

MY OPINION:

Paris in the Twentieth Century is a relatively short novel, published posthumously, having been rejected by the Verne's publisher during his lifetime. It is basically a science-fiction work, presenting Verne's vision of the world and, in particularly, France, in the twentieth century as he imagined it at the time of writing, in the 1860s.

The novel is set approximately a century later, in 1960. Its main protagonist Michel is a young poet born at the wrong time. The story of his struggle in the world he ultimately cannot survive in is tragicomic.

Verne's image of the twentieth century is on one hand horribly bleak. He describes an emotionless world where everything is subjected to industry, work, and money-making. This materialistic, mechanical world values only technical and financial achievements. Science is praised above all, and everything is evaluated from the aspects of usefulness and practicality.

In such a world, there is no place for anything remotely emotional. Art is all but abolished, and what is left of it is terribly deformed, adopted in a twisted way to suit the industrialised world. Artists in the 'old' meaning of the word are despised, their art unwanted. The art of the past and its famous creators, from writers and poets to painters and musicians, are pushed in the background, forgotten.

On the other hand, Verne's ideas are amazingly fantastic. We can still only dream about some technical achievements he envisioned. For example: a perfectly ecological, fast, and virtually soundless transport – high-speed light trains on elevated tracks, running on a combination of compressed air and magnetic force. Or, very prophetic, although we are still not quite there, hydrogen-powered cars.

Verne is extremely pessimistic and cynical about the future he imagines. Through his presentation of the future, however, we can also see his mocking of industrialisation. Therefore, Paris in the Twentieth Century is partly a satire of the world in Verne's time, shown through his sarcastic and at times paradoxical writing in which he often exaggerates.

Paris in the Twentieth Century is a relatively short and fast read. The only setback for me was getting lost a couple of times amidst all the names of people and places.

RECOMMENDATION: If you like the kind of science-fiction predicting the future which is really already the past, you should not overlook this book.

The Avengers (2012)

DIRECTOR: Joss Whedon; CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hiddleston…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Nick Fury is director of S.H.I.E.L.D, an international peace keeping agency. The agency is a who's who of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow. When global security is threatened by Loki and his cohorts, Nick Fury and his team will need all their powers to save the world from disaster.

MY OPINION:

I liked Thor (2011), so I could not wait for The Avengers and I was not disappointed.

The two hours passed very quickly. There was never a dull moment, and the course of action kept me on my toes from the beginning to the end. I loved the witty dialogues, and I laughed out loud at the banter among the characters.

The Avengers follow a typical formula for this kind of a film – bad guys invade the Earth, and after initial defeat and sorting out the differences among themselves the good guys win – hence giving us the standard lesson: united we can stand up to anyone.

All in all, I really enjoyed this film, also for its great visual effects and acting.

RECOMMENDATION: The Avengers is a funny mix of action and science fiction, a film well worth seeing.

Terra Nova Season 1 (2011)

CREATORS: Craig Silverstein, Kelly Marcel; CAST: Jason O'Mara, Shelley Conn, Christine Adams …

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.

MY OPINION:

I think the problem with this show is it being categorized as science-fiction. All right, the premise of travelling through time from 100 years in the future to a parallel Earth 80 million years back is science-fictional. But that is it. Unfortunately, the sci-fi categorization makes people get wrong expectations of something along the lines of a Jurassic park series version, so they are consequently disappointed. What Terra Nova is really about is family, nature, and humanity in general. 

The most important issue Terra Nova deals with is also the most obvious one: the consequences of mankind’s attitude to the environment. In 2149, our planet is over-populated and destroyed by pollution. The air is too poisonous to breathe unfiltered, the Sun is dimmed by gasses, new lethal diseases are plaguing the people, and there is general shortage of food. Only the rich can afford to live in clean air under domes. This is the picture of the world which may soon come to be if we do not change our life style. For this warning alone the series should get a lot more appreciation than it does.

Next, there is the issue of human nature. Even on the verge of extinction, there are people who would exploit a new chance for survival for their personal gain. Greed knows no boundaries. Again, the show sets an important reminder that if people do not start working together and stop being selfish, there is no future for us.

But in all this bleakness, there is hope. People will always have their faults, but they can change and improve if being given a chance. And that chance is something worth fighting for.

In the end, it all comes down to a family and an individual: the choices one makes affect everybody, be it in a positive or a negative way. A family can help an individual make the right choices and make-up for the bad ones to eventually create a better life for everyone.

In addition to powerful environmental and moral messages, Terra Nova has an interesting, fast-paced plot, at least through the second half of the season. Although, I admit that a few episodes in the beginning seemed disconnected from the rest.

Also, there were some surprising personal story arcs. For example, I really liked Skye’s development, which had some unexpected turns, as well as Mira’s. The Shannons are perhaps a little predictable, but they show us what it means to be a family, and I like how each of them stands their ground. They also show us how we need a support of a family even, or especially, when we make a mistake. 

Finally, I just want to say I was sad to learn Fox had cancelled the show just this week. I hope some other network picks it up and brings it back for the second season. I would like to see the loose ends tied up, since season one ended on a cliffhanger. And I hope someone kicks Lucas Taylor’s ass.

RECOMMENDATION: This is an excellent series focusing on environmental and moral aspects people have to deal with. Give it a chance. Keep your mind open. Do not just wait to be entertained. Take a fragment and think about it. Because that is what this show is about – making you think about your contribution to preventing the awful future it depicts from coming true. 

The Avenger (Time Raiders #3) by P. C. Cast

SUMMARY (from Goodreads): The Time Raiders project sends Alexandra Patton, a reluctant psychic, back to 60 AD Briton – a world where she can barely understand the accents, let alone its culture of brutality and superstition. Armed only with her "freakish" ability to talk to the dead, Alex must use all her gifts to entice Caradoc, a savagely sexy Druid warrior, into helping her succeed in her mission.

What they discover along the way is pure passion.

Now, torn between duty and the man of her dreams, should Alex return home if given the chance? Or dare she risk everything to begin anew in this strange and mystical land?

MY OPINION:

The Avenger has both good and bad sides.

What I liked:

- the way Alex’s ability to communicate with ghosts is dealt with – especially how it is accepted by an ancient/pageant society in contrast to modern civilisation. I think this is quite credible.

- Alex’s view upon the Celts and their life.

- I really liked the fact that Alex is a strong heroine – she neither whines nor brags about her ability/curse.

What I disliked:

I didn’t actually hate anything. However, the book felt somewhat rushed and there were two things I missed. Firstly, I would like to learn a little more about some of the characters, particularly Boudicca and her daughters. I would also love to see Caradoc’s view on “the future”, i.e. the present time, and I think the author missed a great opportunity for an exceptional plot element by omitting that aspect altogether.

Nevertheless, the positive things outweigh the shortcomings in The Avenger and make it a compelling read.

RECOMMENDATION: Those who love historical/time travel romance will most probably find The Avenger a fast and entertaining read which is hard to put down. Also, despite being a part of series, The Avenger is in fact, as well as the other Time Raiders books, a book which can be read as a stand-alone.

Cowboys and Aliens (2011)

DIRECTOR: John Faverau; CAST: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way.

MY OPINION:

When I first heard of this film I knew it was bound to be good. And it is. It brings the western and science-fiction together very well.

The key ingredients for success are typical: a rich arrogant rancher, his haughty son who can do just about anything due to the dad’s position in town, a suspicious outsider with a search warrant on him, one feisty lady, a gang of robbers, and of course an ever-present threat of a fight with Native Americans. Now add alien invasion. And we have a winner.

Initially, the premise of the 19^th century settlers of the West being able to put up a fight with their old-fashioned weapons against an advanced alien technology seems silly. However, the scenario is presented in such a way it makes the story believable. Naturally, the beginning is far from promising for the cowboys’ side, but the strategy they gradually develop makes it a fair fight which they – no surprise there – win in the end. The crucial factor is the expected joining of several opposing parties against the common enemy, making “united we stand, divided we fall” the moral of the film.

Despite the predictable ending, the film is thrilling, and it kept me on my toes. It is the kind of a thriller I like – just enough scary to startle me a few times but not give me any nightmares.

RECOMMENDATION: This blend of western and science-fiction is a suspenseful and believable approach on a premise of the 19^th century alien invasion.

X Men: First Class (2011)

DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn; CAST: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-MEN.

MY OPINION:

I liked X-Men (2000) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), so it was interesting to me to see how it all started. It was amazing to see the shaping of the familiar characters and some new ones who rounded up the whole story.

The WW II background setting added to the fascinating atmosphere of the film. The philosophical stand behind the film concerning the consequences of vengefulness is very close to my own belief about the matter, so I enjoyed this aspect of the film.

Overall, X Men : First Class is a suspenseful prequel to other X-Men films with great actors doing a good job in presenting the characters they play. The film is also visually attractive, the special effects are done well, but without unnecessary exaggeration.

RECOMMENDATION: A must-see for those who liked the previous X-Men films.

Thor (2011)

DIRECTOR: Kenneth Branagh; CAST: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgård…

SUMMARY (from IMDB): The warrior Thor (Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Hopkins) for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live among humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Portman) teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth.

MY OPINION:

This film is a sci-fi approach to Nordic mythology. The plot goes as usually: a conceited hero is brought down-to-earth (literally) to earn his position through protecting the innocent and fighting the evil.

The solutions to the problems which occur in the film are easy and predictable. The government officials are clueless and gladly give up their stand as the situation gets dangerous. Despite the fact that fleeing from otherworldly evil is smart, I would expect them to be more persistent.

I think the romance element is redundant. Surely, a female scientist falls for a Nordic god at first sight, who wouldn't? This idea may have seemed to the film-makers like a nice addition, but although it is cute, it is also a little silly. 

The acting is solid. The special effects are good, but nothing new. On the whole, the film is enjoyable. I think, there is a sequel on the horizon, which I would not mind at all.

RECOMMENDATION: When you are not in the mood for either comedy or drama, or thriller, this light action movie with elements of all three could be the right thing to watch.