Genre: Historical documentary
Navajo code talkers were a group of Navajo marines who used their obscure language to create one of the only unbroken ciphers of world war 2. These men and their code played a crucial part in America's victory over the Japanese in the Pacific.
The documentary is extremely well presented. It explores the history of the Navajo. Sadly the recent history of the Navajo was persecution and horrific treatment at the hands of white settlers. Despite this treatment, when the US was attacked the Navajo rushed to volunteer.
The documentary goes on to explore the development of the cipher and its deployment in battle. It also touches on the discrimination that was rampant in the US around that time and how that meant the Navajo did not get the recognition that they deserved.
The documentary is presented with the help of interview of some the Navajo survivors. One of the daughters of a Navajo code talker, who now is a historians about this code, gives further insights and information.
An extremely interesting documentary, well worth watching.
Rating: 5 / 5. Great. Highly recommended.
Monday, April 26, 2010
DVD review: National Geographic: Everglades - America's Wild Spaces
Genre: Nature show.
The Everglades are subtropical wetlands located in the south of Florida. Everglades has a large amount of biodiversity and hence should make for a interesting nature show.
Just like most of the worlds natural habitats the Everglades are threatened by human settlements and human tampering of the ecosystem. The DVD touches on this and explains just what has been done to threaten the Everglades. It also touches on the restoration and conservation efforts that have started.
A fair bit of the DVD is spent following a German photographer, who is kayaking in the Everglades for the first time. Other times we are introduced to various biologist who are studying the Everglades, both to understand the natural system and also to see how best to conserve it.
Unfortunately not enough time was spent actually looking at the various plants and animals in the Everglades. The biologist are interesting enough, however the time spent following the German photographer is boring. The DVD is still interesting from time to time, since the Everglades is interesting. However by not showing enough nature this DVD is firmly in the average category.
Rating: 2.5 / 5, Average.
The Everglades are subtropical wetlands located in the south of Florida. Everglades has a large amount of biodiversity and hence should make for a interesting nature show.
Just like most of the worlds natural habitats the Everglades are threatened by human settlements and human tampering of the ecosystem. The DVD touches on this and explains just what has been done to threaten the Everglades. It also touches on the restoration and conservation efforts that have started.
A fair bit of the DVD is spent following a German photographer, who is kayaking in the Everglades for the first time. Other times we are introduced to various biologist who are studying the Everglades, both to understand the natural system and also to see how best to conserve it.
Unfortunately not enough time was spent actually looking at the various plants and animals in the Everglades. The biologist are interesting enough, however the time spent following the German photographer is boring. The DVD is still interesting from time to time, since the Everglades is interesting. However by not showing enough nature this DVD is firmly in the average category.
Rating: 2.5 / 5, Average.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Graphic novel review: Predator omnibus vol 1
Genre: Science fiction.
The first predator omnibus collects a bunch of graphic novels which were written around the first Predator movie. While it is not necessary that you see the first movie to follow these stories, it would help put some stuff in context. The first three stories, which actually comprise the bulk of the book (some 300 out of the 400 page book), star the brother of the main character of the first movie.
The writing in this book varies quite a bit. The first 3 stories has some cringe inducing dialogue. This is mainly because the writers try very hard to give the book a Hollywood action movie vibe. Considering that these comics were created in the 80's and 90's, what you have is 80's action movie level of dialogue. Not good.
The last 4 shorter stories have serviceable writing. The final story however is pretty muddled with no explanations given for something that occurs in different era's of time.
The plot of all the stories is poor. It basically boils down to, Predator comes, humans and predator fight, The end.
The art all through the book is very good. However the art cannot rescue this book from the poor writing and non existent plot.
Rating: 2 / 5. Below average. Only rabid predator fans would enjoy this book.
The first predator omnibus collects a bunch of graphic novels which were written around the first Predator movie. While it is not necessary that you see the first movie to follow these stories, it would help put some stuff in context. The first three stories, which actually comprise the bulk of the book (some 300 out of the 400 page book), star the brother of the main character of the first movie.
The writing in this book varies quite a bit. The first 3 stories has some cringe inducing dialogue. This is mainly because the writers try very hard to give the book a Hollywood action movie vibe. Considering that these comics were created in the 80's and 90's, what you have is 80's action movie level of dialogue. Not good.
The last 4 shorter stories have serviceable writing. The final story however is pretty muddled with no explanations given for something that occurs in different era's of time.
The plot of all the stories is poor. It basically boils down to, Predator comes, humans and predator fight, The end.
The art all through the book is very good. However the art cannot rescue this book from the poor writing and non existent plot.
Rating: 2 / 5. Below average. Only rabid predator fans would enjoy this book.
DVD review: The end of the line, where have all the fish gone ?
Genre: Documentary about declining fish population.
This is a documentary about overfishing and how that is depleting the worlds fish stock to unsustainable levels. The documentary looks at the history of large scale fishing and its effect on various fish species. It also gives us some views on what could be done to avoid this decline.
The movie is aimed at encouraging consumer activism, and that is all well and good. I can't imagine somebody who does not care about conservation, reading the description of this movie and picking it up. However the creators of this documentary, from time to time make stuff over dramatic.
One of the ways they try to ratchet up the drama is by showing fish being butchered in a gory manner. That I felt was just muddling the message, were they encouraging conservation or were they trying to turn people into vegans.
All in all though the documentary is informative. I was startled to discover that when I choose farmed fish in a grocery store, I wasn't really buying something sustainable. While the creators could have done a better job, it is still a documentary worth watching.
Rating: 3 / 5, Recommended.
This is a documentary about overfishing and how that is depleting the worlds fish stock to unsustainable levels. The documentary looks at the history of large scale fishing and its effect on various fish species. It also gives us some views on what could be done to avoid this decline.
The movie is aimed at encouraging consumer activism, and that is all well and good. I can't imagine somebody who does not care about conservation, reading the description of this movie and picking it up. However the creators of this documentary, from time to time make stuff over dramatic.
One of the ways they try to ratchet up the drama is by showing fish being butchered in a gory manner. That I felt was just muddling the message, were they encouraging conservation or were they trying to turn people into vegans.
All in all though the documentary is informative. I was startled to discover that when I choose farmed fish in a grocery store, I wasn't really buying something sustainable. While the creators could have done a better job, it is still a documentary worth watching.
Rating: 3 / 5, Recommended.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Graphic novel review: Elephantmen vol 1: Wounded animals by Richard Starking, Moritat and others
Genre: Science fiction
This book is scripted by Richard Starkings, with art by Moritat. Besides these two, the book has a whole host of other contributors. This book collects 1 to 7 of the series.
You can read a review of a prequel to this book here : http://sparrow-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/graphic-novel-review-elephantmen-war.html
The elephantmen this book refers to are half human, half animal hybrids created as shock infantry troops. The positives of this book is the art which is very good. Unfortunately the story and plot in this book are sub par. This book wants to tell stories involving racism and other bigotry, but does not manage to convey anything worthwhile.
There might be a overall storyline that Starking wants to convey, but these seven collected issues don't have much of that. The book is just full of filler material instead. The final pirate story is just plain terrible and pointless. Starking seems content with letting the gimmick of the half human, half animal characters carry this book.
Spend your money on something better.
Rating: 2 / 5, Below average. Don't bother.
This book is scripted by Richard Starkings, with art by Moritat. Besides these two, the book has a whole host of other contributors. This book collects 1 to 7 of the series.
You can read a review of a prequel to this book here : http://sparrow-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/graphic-novel-review-elephantmen-war.html
The elephantmen this book refers to are half human, half animal hybrids created as shock infantry troops. The positives of this book is the art which is very good. Unfortunately the story and plot in this book are sub par. This book wants to tell stories involving racism and other bigotry, but does not manage to convey anything worthwhile.
There might be a overall storyline that Starking wants to convey, but these seven collected issues don't have much of that. The book is just full of filler material instead. The final pirate story is just plain terrible and pointless. Starking seems content with letting the gimmick of the half human, half animal characters carry this book.
Spend your money on something better.
Rating: 2 / 5, Below average. Don't bother.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Graphic novel review: Kingdom come by Mark Waid and Alex Ross
Genre: Superheroes
Kingdom come is part of the Elseworlds series of comics from DC comics. These comics feature alternate history takes on DC's popular characters. The story is by Mark Waid and the art is by Alex Ross.
In this version, certain events have caused Superheroes of old to retire/fade away. The old crop of superheroes have been replaced by a new lot that do not value human life, this in spite of claiming to be defending and protecting humans.
The art and writing in this book is excellent. Both of them combine to build a great atmosphere in the book. The main characters in this book are developed very well as the book progresses. The plot of the book is well constructed and it proceeds at a fairly brisk pace.
The one negative for the book is that the resolution to the crisis in this book was underwhelming after all the build up. However in context of the entire book, I found that this did not bother me too much. The book is a good read and is recommended.
Rating: 4 / 5, Great, Recommended.
Kingdom come is part of the Elseworlds series of comics from DC comics. These comics feature alternate history takes on DC's popular characters. The story is by Mark Waid and the art is by Alex Ross.
In this version, certain events have caused Superheroes of old to retire/fade away. The old crop of superheroes have been replaced by a new lot that do not value human life, this in spite of claiming to be defending and protecting humans.
The art and writing in this book is excellent. Both of them combine to build a great atmosphere in the book. The main characters in this book are developed very well as the book progresses. The plot of the book is well constructed and it proceeds at a fairly brisk pace.
The one negative for the book is that the resolution to the crisis in this book was underwhelming after all the build up. However in context of the entire book, I found that this did not bother me too much. The book is a good read and is recommended.
Rating: 4 / 5, Great, Recommended.
Book review: Hooked, pirates poaching the perfect fish by G. Bruce Knecht
Genre: Non fiction.
Hooked deals with the story of Patagonian toothfish aka. Chilean sea bass. The main plotline in the book deals with a chase between the Australian patrol boat, Southern Supporter and Viarsa, a boat they suspected of pirating toothfish.
This plotline is well written and the author manages to convey a sense of excitement and a little bit of thrill to the chase. Keep in mind, the chase is basically one boat chasing another for period of months, so don't expect too much action.
Interwoven with the chase are several other threads. In one he explores the commercial discovery of the fish and how it ended up being such a popular fish in the US. Another thread attempts to gives us some background on a couple of fishermen on the Viarsa and how they got into fishing for toothfish. Yet another thread deals with some of the conservatory efforts done for the Patagonian toothfish. These threads and a few other fit in well with the book.
The final half of the book has a couple of narratives that don't quite gel with the book, one deals with the arrest of a American businessman dealing with toothfish. The other focuses quite a bit on a conservationist Daniel Pauly, including giving us details on his upbringing. The book is not large enough to give enforcement and conservation efforts any justice and these 2 seem to be a attempt to pad the book a bit.
The book itself is a light quick read. Since this is a non fiction book, I suspect a lot of people might not like the ending and will find it anti-climatic. I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend this to others.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended, a good light read.
Hooked deals with the story of Patagonian toothfish aka. Chilean sea bass. The main plotline in the book deals with a chase between the Australian patrol boat, Southern Supporter and Viarsa, a boat they suspected of pirating toothfish.
This plotline is well written and the author manages to convey a sense of excitement and a little bit of thrill to the chase. Keep in mind, the chase is basically one boat chasing another for period of months, so don't expect too much action.
Interwoven with the chase are several other threads. In one he explores the commercial discovery of the fish and how it ended up being such a popular fish in the US. Another thread attempts to gives us some background on a couple of fishermen on the Viarsa and how they got into fishing for toothfish. Yet another thread deals with some of the conservatory efforts done for the Patagonian toothfish. These threads and a few other fit in well with the book.
The final half of the book has a couple of narratives that don't quite gel with the book, one deals with the arrest of a American businessman dealing with toothfish. The other focuses quite a bit on a conservationist Daniel Pauly, including giving us details on his upbringing. The book is not large enough to give enforcement and conservation efforts any justice and these 2 seem to be a attempt to pad the book a bit.
The book itself is a light quick read. Since this is a non fiction book, I suspect a lot of people might not like the ending and will find it anti-climatic. I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend this to others.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended, a good light read.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Book review: Queen Victoria:Demon Hunter by A. E. Moorat
Genre: Historical horror/fantasy.
The tag line for this book goes - 'She loved her country. She hated zombies.' Based on this tag line I expected to get a 19th century, Buffy the vampire slayer book.
The book is not a 19th century, Buffy the vampire slayer. Nor is it a romance novel as some might believe, reading the blurb on the back of the book.
The book focuses on the time period just before Victoria's coronation to a few years after that. One might expect a 19th century Royal court to have various intrigues. In this book those intrigues involve Demons, Zombies, werewolves and such.
The book is well written with the author trying a fair bit, to humanise and build up the characters. For the most part he succeeds. The plot line in the book is functional and simplistic. There are no complex twist and turns here. There are a few sub-plots and surprises that keep it interesting though. The pace of the book is very brisk with events happening at a rapid pace. The book contains a lot of gore. I liked the gore in the book and thought it fit in well with the tone of the book. But a fair warning, if you don't like gore, you will find it gratuitous.
Quimby a side character in this book, ends up stealing the show. And that is the most severe failing of this book, since Victoria's character does not end up dominating the book, as one might expect of the title character.
All in all this is a light fun read as long as you don't mind the gore.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended
The tag line for this book goes - 'She loved her country. She hated zombies.' Based on this tag line I expected to get a 19th century, Buffy the vampire slayer book.
The book is not a 19th century, Buffy the vampire slayer. Nor is it a romance novel as some might believe, reading the blurb on the back of the book.
The book focuses on the time period just before Victoria's coronation to a few years after that. One might expect a 19th century Royal court to have various intrigues. In this book those intrigues involve Demons, Zombies, werewolves and such.
The book is well written with the author trying a fair bit, to humanise and build up the characters. For the most part he succeeds. The plot line in the book is functional and simplistic. There are no complex twist and turns here. There are a few sub-plots and surprises that keep it interesting though. The pace of the book is very brisk with events happening at a rapid pace. The book contains a lot of gore. I liked the gore in the book and thought it fit in well with the tone of the book. But a fair warning, if you don't like gore, you will find it gratuitous.
Quimby a side character in this book, ends up stealing the show. And that is the most severe failing of this book, since Victoria's character does not end up dominating the book, as one might expect of the title character.
All in all this is a light fun read as long as you don't mind the gore.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Graphic novel review: Savage Dragon, baptism of fire by Erik Larsen
Genre: Superheroes.
This a super hero comic. That entails a lot of beefy men and women with impossible proportions. There is also a lot of fighting and property damage. Erik Larsen, has however managed to construct a pretty interesting tale with engaging characters in this framework.
Larsen does the writing, pencils and inking for this trade paper back. The art throughout the book is very good. The lines are clear and the coloring is vibrant. The writing except for a few exceptions is good. The one exception that stood out for me was the title character giving a lecture about the police abusing their powers, and this whole thing was too preachy and contrived. All in all though, the writing through out the book keeps a pretty high standard.
This book is the miniseries that launches the Savage dragon series, it introduces various characters and lays out the ground work for future plot lines. The characters are developed well, and the pace of the book is brisk. I enjoyed reading this book and will be hunting down the other paper backs to see how the story proceeds.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended.
Note: The Amazon listing below is for a older trade paper back.
This a super hero comic. That entails a lot of beefy men and women with impossible proportions. There is also a lot of fighting and property damage. Erik Larsen, has however managed to construct a pretty interesting tale with engaging characters in this framework.
Larsen does the writing, pencils and inking for this trade paper back. The art throughout the book is very good. The lines are clear and the coloring is vibrant. The writing except for a few exceptions is good. The one exception that stood out for me was the title character giving a lecture about the police abusing their powers, and this whole thing was too preachy and contrived. All in all though, the writing through out the book keeps a pretty high standard.
This book is the miniseries that launches the Savage dragon series, it introduces various characters and lays out the ground work for future plot lines. The characters are developed well, and the pace of the book is brisk. I enjoyed reading this book and will be hunting down the other paper backs to see how the story proceeds.
Rating: 4 / 5, Recommended.
Note: The Amazon listing below is for a older trade paper back.
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