JA-PAN - the title itself is a play on words. The Spanish word "pan" is also the same word Japanese use to say bread. This anime is a cooking show and it is all about bread! Battles of cooking prowess, ingenuity, things like Sun Hands, and Sun gauntlet, battle royal in the kitchen.
The show does not take itself too seriously yet at the same time it does. There's all sorts of bread making tips to discover and angst involved with some of the characters lives and how they came to be involved in bread making. The story follows Azuma Kazuma who has come to the big city to get a job at the top bakery in the country called Pantasia. For his dream, which he got from a local baker, is to make a bread that will be called Ja-Pan. For other countries have breads named after them and there's no reason Japan should be an exception.
The funniest part of this show are some of the reactions of the people when they try some of the bread, especially the innovative ones Kazuma normally makes. You've never seen folks in such throes of ecstasy! lol. My favorite so far was the turtle bread that when eaten by the judge made sounds of Gamera echo in the soundtrack, had him spinning like the giant turtle, and we got to see it fly across the screen as they went head to head with the original theme music in the background. This show is a total hoot!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Movie of the Week - Underworld 2
For those who saw Underworld 1, you will be thrilled to know it picks up only minutes from the end of the first film. I should have gone and watched #1 first to refresh the old nogging but... :)
Lots of action, back story on the vampires and werewolves as a race, finally find out how and why the heroines parents were killed and how she was adopted by the head vampire.
Did have the weirdest love scene as there was no way it could work with how they showed them. What's truly funny is that obviously no one editing the film thought it looked funny. lol
A couple of nice twists, but nothing too surprising. But that's not why we go see these so it was all good! lol. Nice adventure romp!
***1/4!!
Lots of action, back story on the vampires and werewolves as a race, finally find out how and why the heroines parents were killed and how she was adopted by the head vampire.
Did have the weirdest love scene as there was no way it could work with how they showed them. What's truly funny is that obviously no one editing the film thought it looked funny. lol
A couple of nice twists, but nothing too surprising. But that's not why we go see these so it was all good! lol. Nice adventure romp!
***1/4!!
Movie of the Week - Dick and Jane
Dick and Jane is the new Jim Carey film. It was funny and poignant all at once.
It's about Dick and Jane (which they relate to the children's books--so it was a funky thing as they kept using phrases from the kids books like "Run, Dick, run."--who end up losing their jobs and not being able to get others jobs for months and what they do as their lives slowly get more and more desperate. Then they find out that Dick's company was embezzled and they come up with a way to get the money back for all the people left without jobs from that old company. Was a lot of fun though some of the things they went through were both hilarious and disturbing. All the things one fears when losing their job taken to extremes. Brrrr.
One other point that I just kept rolling in the aisle about was their little boy. Both parents obviously worked late hours and so their son spent most of his time with his Spanish Nany. So he spoke in Spanish, had a Spanish accent, and watched Spanish TV. It was too darn funny! At the end of the film he's teaching his parents the language. :P
***1/2!
(Yes I know, I seem to grade just about everything a ***1/2 but it's the "!" that make the difference.) :P
It's about Dick and Jane (which they relate to the children's books--so it was a funky thing as they kept using phrases from the kids books like "Run, Dick, run."--who end up losing their jobs and not being able to get others jobs for months and what they do as their lives slowly get more and more desperate. Then they find out that Dick's company was embezzled and they come up with a way to get the money back for all the people left without jobs from that old company. Was a lot of fun though some of the things they went through were both hilarious and disturbing. All the things one fears when losing their job taken to extremes. Brrrr.
One other point that I just kept rolling in the aisle about was their little boy. Both parents obviously worked late hours and so their son spent most of his time with his Spanish Nany. So he spoke in Spanish, had a Spanish accent, and watched Spanish TV. It was too darn funny! At the end of the film he's teaching his parents the language. :P
***1/2!
(Yes I know, I seem to grade just about everything a ***1/2 but it's the "!" that make the difference.) :P
Friday, January 13, 2006
Movie of the Week - Casanova
Casanova stars - Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller, Jeremy Irons, Lena Olin, and Oliver Platt
It involves a story Casanova did not include in his memoirs. The story of his one true love.
A fun farce with cases of mistaken identity left and right. Gorgeous settings and costumes, witty dialogue, and fun! Nothing is sacred and no one is spared. Even Casanova gets to see a puppet show and a play where he is the main cast and not always the winner.
A couple of things are a little over the top on the believebility scales, but barring that it's a good old romp which anyone can enjoy.
It involves a story Casanova did not include in his memoirs. The story of his one true love.
A fun farce with cases of mistaken identity left and right. Gorgeous settings and costumes, witty dialogue, and fun! Nothing is sacred and no one is spared. Even Casanova gets to see a puppet show and a play where he is the main cast and not always the winner.
A couple of things are a little over the top on the believebility scales, but barring that it's a good old romp which anyone can enjoy.
Anime - Gankutsuou
I utterly loved this anime. For one thing, they use some rather unique texturing and CGI to create some truly stunning visuals. But the most important thing is that it is a retelling of the Count of Monte Cristo but in the future!
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of those books that I have not only read, but watched every film incarnation that has probably come across the airwaves including the latest theatrical rendition a few years ago. So I was quite excited when I heard about this anime and was not disappointed.
Unlike the book, you do not meet Edouard Dantes before his troubles started. Instead the story begins and ends with Albert, a young aristocrat who meets the count on Luna. Like an onion, the story peels back to show what is going on, the reasons for the count and the step by step ways in which he is setting up to enact his revenge upon those who wronged him so long ago.
There are some nice twists and turns, one which is how Dantes was able to escape the prison and become a thing not quite living, but not quite dead.
A definite must for lovers of the story of the Count of Monte Cristo as well as anime fans.
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of those books that I have not only read, but watched every film incarnation that has probably come across the airwaves including the latest theatrical rendition a few years ago. So I was quite excited when I heard about this anime and was not disappointed.
Unlike the book, you do not meet Edouard Dantes before his troubles started. Instead the story begins and ends with Albert, a young aristocrat who meets the count on Luna. Like an onion, the story peels back to show what is going on, the reasons for the count and the step by step ways in which he is setting up to enact his revenge upon those who wronged him so long ago.
There are some nice twists and turns, one which is how Dantes was able to escape the prison and become a thing not quite living, but not quite dead.
A definite must for lovers of the story of the Count of Monte Cristo as well as anime fans.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Movie of the Week - The Producers
Mel Brooks had a film staring Gene Wilder in 1968 by the same name. In 2001, the concept was revived as a musical (strangely apt in a way), and has been so incredibly popular it has now been taken to the screen, staring several of the original Broadway cast. (Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick)
The additions to the musical from the original have improved an already too funny concept. (The blankie is my absolute favorite! You'll know it when you see it.) The songs are fun, and some, especially "Springtime for Hitler" will stick in your mind for a long, long time!
I saw the musical this past summer here at the Dallas Music Hall and was very eager to see it on screen. All the main points were kept. I think my only objection was that the camera would pan in too often, cutting out the full effect of some of the dance sequences. This was a true pity, as otherwise the film was hilarious.
If you want to see something that will have you rolling in the isles - go check this one out! ***3/4!!
The additions to the musical from the original have improved an already too funny concept. (The blankie is my absolute favorite! You'll know it when you see it.) The songs are fun, and some, especially "Springtime for Hitler" will stick in your mind for a long, long time!
I saw the musical this past summer here at the Dallas Music Hall and was very eager to see it on screen. All the main points were kept. I think my only objection was that the camera would pan in too often, cutting out the full effect of some of the dance sequences. This was a true pity, as otherwise the film was hilarious.
If you want to see something that will have you rolling in the isles - go check this one out! ***3/4!!
Book Review - Ile-Rien Trilogy by Martha Wells
I've seen Martha Wells at several of the conventions I have attended. So, as I have been telling myself I should do, I picked up one of her books to see what she was about, so to speak. I ended up picking up The Wizard Hunters, book 1 of the Il-Rein trilogy, and was quickly hooked.
Book 1 begins with the best line I've seen yet. From there I was hooked and couldn't let go. By the middle of the book, I was in love with all the characters I'd met and wanted to know everything about them.
Tremaine is thinking about commiting suicide, but wants to make it look like an accident, so she won't inconvinience anyone. Her past has been anything but typical, and she's just had enough. Yet when her guardian comes seeking Arisilde's sphere so they can continue experiments in the one hope they have in the current war, she goes along with him and becomes embroiled despite herself in the efforts to save their world.
Books 2 and 3 are called The Ships of Air and The Gate of Gods. Sped through them with wild abandon. The writing was smooth, and really gets the reader involved. The characters are alive.
She's now on my "must" read list. :)
Book 1 begins with the best line I've seen yet. From there I was hooked and couldn't let go. By the middle of the book, I was in love with all the characters I'd met and wanted to know everything about them.
Tremaine is thinking about commiting suicide, but wants to make it look like an accident, so she won't inconvinience anyone. Her past has been anything but typical, and she's just had enough. Yet when her guardian comes seeking Arisilde's sphere so they can continue experiments in the one hope they have in the current war, she goes along with him and becomes embroiled despite herself in the efforts to save their world.
Books 2 and 3 are called The Ships of Air and The Gate of Gods. Sped through them with wild abandon. The writing was smooth, and really gets the reader involved. The characters are alive.
She's now on my "must" read list. :)
Moovie of the Week - Memoirs of A Geisha
Based on the highly acclaimed book, the film sticks pretty much to it throughout. Hightened with a new score by John Williams, the movie was absolutely wonderful!
The story centers around a young girl sold into a geisha house in the 1930's . The movie follows her life and the one love which gave her the strength to endure and survive all that was thrown in her path.
An American film about Japan, staring, strangely enough, some top Chinesse actresses, it is still totally Japanese. A wonderfully excecuted tale! ****!!!
The story centers around a young girl sold into a geisha house in the 1930's . The movie follows her life and the one love which gave her the strength to endure and survive all that was thrown in her path.
An American film about Japan, staring, strangely enough, some top Chinesse actresses, it is still totally Japanese. A wonderfully excecuted tale! ****!!!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Anime - GANTZ
I love anime. Been watching it since I was a little kid. Now that the Japanese explosion is in full swing there is more of it available than I will ever have time to watch. :)
A recent series I've seen is called GANTZ. This anime is NOT for children, but for a more mature audience. It paints a picture of modern society and peoples which is rather gruff and without pink glasses or any kind.
The story unfolds as Kei is a a train station waiting for his ride. A homeless man falls on the tracks. Most of the people there stare, but none make a move to help him, including Kei. But then a childhood friend Kei has not seen in years jumps down to the tracks and seeing him, asks him to help. Grudgingly, and with his inner thoughts revealed, Kei eventually gets down there to help him. The get the man out, but since no one else is still providing any aid, Kei and his old friend end up getting hit by the oncoming train.
Enter GANTZ - Kei and his friend are rematerialized in a typical Tokyo apartment where other people who have recently died appear. GANTZ, a giant black ball, has messages appear on its surface and gives them instructions on an alien they need to go out and kill.
They've been given a second chance at life, but if they do not complete the missions they die permanently, they can get killed during the mission as well. And they can't leave a confined area during the mission. Once it is done though, they go back to their regular lives until called again.
Filled with violence, some sex, and disturbing social thoughts and images, a deeper story begins to develop as Kei slowly thaws out of his apathy and begins to care and get involve.
SPOILER!!!!
The ending to this is harsh and also took some thought to figure out on my part. My take on it is that GANTZ and the old lady were running a test on humanity. She picked the main participant and then put him in the game which GANTZ keeps changing and cheating, to prove whether someone like Kei can become a champion for humanity or not. Luckily, he is and GANTZ stops. Truly bizzare series
A recent series I've seen is called GANTZ. This anime is NOT for children, but for a more mature audience. It paints a picture of modern society and peoples which is rather gruff and without pink glasses or any kind.
The story unfolds as Kei is a a train station waiting for his ride. A homeless man falls on the tracks. Most of the people there stare, but none make a move to help him, including Kei. But then a childhood friend Kei has not seen in years jumps down to the tracks and seeing him, asks him to help. Grudgingly, and with his inner thoughts revealed, Kei eventually gets down there to help him. The get the man out, but since no one else is still providing any aid, Kei and his old friend end up getting hit by the oncoming train.
Enter GANTZ - Kei and his friend are rematerialized in a typical Tokyo apartment where other people who have recently died appear. GANTZ, a giant black ball, has messages appear on its surface and gives them instructions on an alien they need to go out and kill.
They've been given a second chance at life, but if they do not complete the missions they die permanently, they can get killed during the mission as well. And they can't leave a confined area during the mission. Once it is done though, they go back to their regular lives until called again.
Filled with violence, some sex, and disturbing social thoughts and images, a deeper story begins to develop as Kei slowly thaws out of his apathy and begins to care and get involve.
SPOILER!!!!
The ending to this is harsh and also took some thought to figure out on my part. My take on it is that GANTZ and the old lady were running a test on humanity. She picked the main participant and then put him in the game which GANTZ keeps changing and cheating, to prove whether someone like Kei can become a champion for humanity or not. Luckily, he is and GANTZ stops. Truly bizzare series
Happy Holiday Wishes!
Regardless of your religion or beliefs, just wanted to wish you a set of Happy Holidays! May you have fun, stay healthy, and progress on all your goals for the coming year!
News - Cross-eyed Dragon Troubles
Howdy, all!
Just wanted to let you know that 3 sample Chapters of "Cross-eyed Dragon Troubles" are now posted at the site www.gloriaoliver.com/crossed The book should see release around June 2006 from HardShell Word Factory. It is a YA Fantasy Adventure.
Talia didn’t want to be apprenticed, not even to the prestigious Dragon Knight’s Guild. She is taken to the school by a cross-eyed dragon and his partner, Kel. A dizzying, madcap ride leaves her less than eager to be a knight, but soon she finds out the guild has need of many types of people. Running into the dragon and squire again and again, she comes to realize the unlikely pair are outsiders in their own school—participants of the dragon-human pairing ritual, which in the end didn’t work quite as intended. They are stubborn loners who are determined to overcome the obstacles in their path and make a true pair, as was intended. Or are they?
Just wanted to let you know that 3 sample Chapters of "Cross-eyed Dragon Troubles" are now posted at the site www.gloriaoliver.com/crossed The book should see release around June 2006 from HardShell Word Factory. It is a YA Fantasy Adventure.
Talia didn’t want to be apprenticed, not even to the prestigious Dragon Knight’s Guild. She is taken to the school by a cross-eyed dragon and his partner, Kel. A dizzying, madcap ride leaves her less than eager to be a knight, but soon she finds out the guild has need of many types of people. Running into the dragon and squire again and again, she comes to realize the unlikely pair are outsiders in their own school—participants of the dragon-human pairing ritual, which in the end didn’t work quite as intended. They are stubborn loners who are determined to overcome the obstacles in their path and make a true pair, as was intended. Or are they?
As Talia’s first year at the guild evolves, she must deal with the quirks of the Administrator, her lessons, the odd rules of the school, the students, the mystery of Clarence and Kel, and somewhere in there, possibly decide what it is she wants for her own future.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Movie of the Week - King Kong
Have been eagerly awaiting this release once I saw the previews, but then almost got cold feet as they started the mega hype campaign (normally a bad sign). Went to see it Friday, trying to keep an open mind, and was thrilled to find it to be all I had hoped for and more.
CGI and special effects were outstanding overall. Kong himself was MARVELLOUS! Not only did they study gorilla form and behavior, which is obvious, but the big ape himself is oozing with personality.
Kong does not appear for the first 115 minutes, but that was fine by me as it gave plenty of time for us to meet and become acquainted with everyone else embroiled in the story. There are many wonderful characters, from the manic director, the ego filled actor (who much to my surprise was the lead from Early Edition - yay!), the playwright, the actress, the captain, his first mate, and the stowaway turned crew.
The island was creepy, the islanders even more so. Lots of jungle and creatures and icky bugs and more. Tons of action! And even a love triangle, which was lovely to watch as in several parts the ape and the playwright mirrored the same emotions toward Ann.
The recreations of New York in the 30's was very impressive, and loved the in-joke about Fay Raye currently being busy doing a movie for RKO. (For those who might not be familiar with King Kong, Fay Raye (sp?) was the girl in the original black and white King Kong.
Absolutely a must see! Whether you've ever seen a King Kong film or not, this is very mcuh worthwhile. Impressive piece of work. ****!!!
CGI and special effects were outstanding overall. Kong himself was MARVELLOUS! Not only did they study gorilla form and behavior, which is obvious, but the big ape himself is oozing with personality.
Kong does not appear for the first 115 minutes, but that was fine by me as it gave plenty of time for us to meet and become acquainted with everyone else embroiled in the story. There are many wonderful characters, from the manic director, the ego filled actor (who much to my surprise was the lead from Early Edition - yay!), the playwright, the actress, the captain, his first mate, and the stowaway turned crew.
The island was creepy, the islanders even more so. Lots of jungle and creatures and icky bugs and more. Tons of action! And even a love triangle, which was lovely to watch as in several parts the ape and the playwright mirrored the same emotions toward Ann.
The recreations of New York in the 30's was very impressive, and loved the in-joke about Fay Raye currently being busy doing a movie for RKO. (For those who might not be familiar with King Kong, Fay Raye (sp?) was the girl in the original black and white King Kong.
Absolutely a must see! Whether you've ever seen a King Kong film or not, this is very mcuh worthwhile. Impressive piece of work. ****!!!
Movie of the Week - Narnia
Based on the beloved books, Hollywood brings us Narnia - The Lion, the Witch, and the Warddrove. Quite a nice film and from what I can recall (having read the book a long time ago) pretty faithful to the original work. Same awesome CGI work, especially on Aslan and Mr Thomas. Doesn't beat Harry Potter or LOTR, but still worth seeing, and definitely a great way to introduce a new generation to these great children's books. ***
Small Christmas Miracle - Christmas Cards are ready!
Bwahahahaha there's been a small Christmas miracle - I actually have gotten my Christmas cards ready this year! Of course, I still need to get them to the post office, so all bets are off, but I have come much closer than last year. Last year time just seemed to evaporate and I got no cards done at all. Been feeling guilty about it all year and so I strived to do better this year. And, yes, I've done it! It may not seem to be a big thing to most, but with all the stuff going on, work, promo, family, etc it is a nice litttle accomplishement. Heh.
Happy Holidays to all!
Happy Holidays to all!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Movie of the Week - Pride and Prejudice
Wonderful movie!!!! ****!!!
Truly enjoyed it. All the actors in the film were marvellous. The two principals should win oscars for their performances. And the director should as well. The choreography on several scenes was amazing, and I don't mean the dancing, which was way fun, but how people would glide in and through scenes and barely miss each other amongst crowds of people, it was phenomenal!
Loved the glimpses into daily life flashed for us so we got a more rounded feel for life for these people. A great movie! (Take hankies!)
Very higly recommend it!
Truly enjoyed it. All the actors in the film were marvellous. The two principals should win oscars for their performances. And the director should as well. The choreography on several scenes was amazing, and I don't mean the dancing, which was way fun, but how people would glide in and through scenes and barely miss each other amongst crowds of people, it was phenomenal!
Loved the glimpses into daily life flashed for us so we got a more rounded feel for life for these people. A great movie! (Take hankies!)
Very higly recommend it!
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Movie of the Week - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Been looking forward to this one!
If you've read the book recently, you may be dissapointed. But only because of how much material they could not get into the movie. The book, which was about twice as thick as the others, had many storylines and info, and I knew when I read it several years ago a lot would have to go. Still, they tried very hard to keep the important facts or to sneak in in abbreviated version a lot of info. So I was quite happy. Loved the visuals for the Quidditch match and the actual field.
Was very surprised, however, to see that Hogwarts itself had changed. The school inside and out was different. After getting pretty much the same layout and look for 3 other films, it was rather a shock. Guess it will probably happen again in forthcoming films.
Overall though, I truly enjoyed it! Growth can be seen in both the characters and the actors. Harry and his friends are defiinitely getting older and you can see it by their conversations. Snape didn't get much air time but what he did have was utterly precious and milked to the max! And Moody was wonderful! Loved the film! ****!
If you've read the book recently, you may be dissapointed. But only because of how much material they could not get into the movie. The book, which was about twice as thick as the others, had many storylines and info, and I knew when I read it several years ago a lot would have to go. Still, they tried very hard to keep the important facts or to sneak in in abbreviated version a lot of info. So I was quite happy. Loved the visuals for the Quidditch match and the actual field.
Was very surprised, however, to see that Hogwarts itself had changed. The school inside and out was different. After getting pretty much the same layout and look for 3 other films, it was rather a shock. Guess it will probably happen again in forthcoming films.
Overall though, I truly enjoyed it! Growth can be seen in both the characters and the actors. Harry and his friends are defiinitely getting older and you can see it by their conversations. Snape didn't get much air time but what he did have was utterly precious and milked to the max! And Moody was wonderful! Loved the film! ****!
Movie of the Week - Zathura
Now here was a pleasant surprise!
Had not gotten too worked up over the film not sure how they could work this up, but they did a great job. Beginning sequence gives you a feel of the old black and white Sci-Fi movies and stories. The beginning is a little slow as they try to set up the current emotional logistics between the children, and also the parent and older sibling. Once the fun starts though, watch out!
Awesome special effects and a lot of funny bits. Even a surprise or two.
Loads of fun! ***1/2
Had not gotten too worked up over the film not sure how they could work this up, but they did a great job. Beginning sequence gives you a feel of the old black and white Sci-Fi movies and stories. The beginning is a little slow as they try to set up the current emotional logistics between the children, and also the parent and older sibling. Once the fun starts though, watch out!
Awesome special effects and a lot of funny bits. Even a surprise or two.
Loads of fun! ***1/2
Movie of the Week - Chicken Little
Well, I had very high hopes for this movie - though once I started seeing all the hype and it being called "The Best Comedy of the Year" I made sure to downgrade my expectations.
It is a very cute film, some way cool effects, even a message! But it wasn't as funny as it could be. Worth seeing, but did not beat Madagascar, Ice Age, or The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. ***
It is a very cute film, some way cool effects, even a message! But it wasn't as funny as it could be. Worth seeing, but did not beat Madagascar, Ice Age, or The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. ***
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Hunger Site
www.hungersite.com
I've been going to this site for years and clicking on the buttons as well as the associated non-profit organizations on the other tabs. For a few seconds of my time, each day, I've done a little thing that might turn out to mean big things to other people.
In this current time of strife and trouble, it's good to know there are still ways to make a difference. While it is not a big thing, and a lot more can be done, it is something. A way to enable you and me to go out there and do something for others on a consistent basis.
Of course if you have more time or even money to give, by all means do so! But here is a simple way to contribute just a little toward your fellow man, fellow creatures, and planet. Why not go there and give as click? :-)
I've been going to this site for years and clicking on the buttons as well as the associated non-profit organizations on the other tabs. For a few seconds of my time, each day, I've done a little thing that might turn out to mean big things to other people.
In this current time of strife and trouble, it's good to know there are still ways to make a difference. While it is not a big thing, and a lot more can be done, it is something. A way to enable you and me to go out there and do something for others on a consistent basis.
Of course if you have more time or even money to give, by all means do so! But here is a simple way to contribute just a little toward your fellow man, fellow creatures, and planet. Why not go there and give as click? :-)
Movie of the Week - DOOM
Based on the popular first person shooter game, I wasn't too sure what to expect. But, having seen the previews and the fact they stuck in there scenes that put you in the same first person mode you get in the game, I had to check it out.
I was very glad I did! The movie was actually pretty good! Had likeable characters, good fx, wasn't a scare fest, and best of all, had a plausible plot! Whoohoo!
The camera also did some incredible work on facial closeups. Plus the 5 minutes or so the movie goes into first person shooter mode was done at the perfect spot for it. Even better, it was funny! Hilarious scenes at a couple of spots as the shooter guns down the baddies.
A very nice homeage film! ***1/2!!
I was very glad I did! The movie was actually pretty good! Had likeable characters, good fx, wasn't a scare fest, and best of all, had a plausible plot! Whoohoo!
The camera also did some incredible work on facial closeups. Plus the 5 minutes or so the movie goes into first person shooter mode was done at the perfect spot for it. Even better, it was funny! Hilarious scenes at a couple of spots as the shooter guns down the baddies.
A very nice homeage film! ***1/2!!
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