Saturday is Horror Day #91 - Funny Games

 Funny Games

Imagine if you will an all-American family - mother, father, and son - going to visit their vacation home for some rest and relaxation. Spend some time boating, visiting with neighbors. This is the life of Ann (Naomi Watts) and George (Tim Roth) and their son Georgie (Devon Gearhart).  But the all-American dream becomes an all-American nightmare when two preppy-looking young men, Paul (Michael Pitt) and Peter (Brady Corbet) come into their lives.

It begins with a simple request for four eggs by one of the young men, who claims to need it for the next door neighbor, whom he is visiting. But this ordinary request quickly becomes a game, and the only people who are amused are Paul and Peter. They take the family hostage and announce the game - see who will live to see the following day.

This movie was well written and well executed, but I have to warn you, it is brutal and hard to watch. I found myself wondering why these adults didn't just slap the shit out of those two punks and have done with them. Or why they ever let the situation escalate the way it did. But perhaps you had to be there. And I have honestly never been in such a situation, nor do I want to be. Great performances by Watts and Roth. I know this film will stick with me for some time. I'll give it 4 Stars.

Book Review: Overlord, Vol 2 by Kugane Maruyama

 

Overlord, Vol 2       

Author: Kugane Maruyama

Publisher: Yen On

American release date:  September 27, 2016

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Fantasy Adventure /256 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ainz is having issues he never dreamed of when he was playing Yggdrasil! Two beautiful women are at war with one another…over him! Whodathunkit? Two of his NPCs -  Albedo and Shalltear -  are ready to fight one another to win his love. What’s a man to do? Except, he isn’t a man, not anymore. He’s an undead lich king. Man, life is complicated.

He decides he needs more information about this new world he finds himself in, more than he has received so far. Actually, he really needs to see things for himself. He sets out with one of the Pleiades warriors, Naberal, and presents himself as an adventurer named Momon, and her name is Nabe. But it’s hard to get her to keep from calling him my lord. Guess he’ll have to work on that. Heading to the nearby city of E-Rantel, they first rent rooms at an inn, where Ainz has to deal with a troublemaker, but in doing so he accidentally breaks a young woman’s potion. She is less than thrilled with him and lets him know about it, so he gives her one of his Minor Healing potions to make them even. Little does he know….

Next they seek out the Adventurers Guild, from which they can find offers of employment and make some money as they explore the land. The trouble is that, while Ainz can speak the language, he cannot read it, never having acquired the skill to do so. In all fairness, he never thought he would need it. The jobs are posted on a board, according to skill level required. As a newbie, Ainz is at copper level, but he has no idea which jobs he would qualify for and he can’t let them see that he can’t read. So he grabs one job request and takes it to the receptionist, who disdainfully tells him that is mythril level while he is merely copper. He asks her for the highest job he can do, but before she can respond, he receives an offer from a group of adventurers who ask if he would like to join them. This doesn’t sound too bad, so Ainz agrees.

They are known as the Swords of Darkness, and their leader, who looks like a warrior, is Peter. The other members include ranger Lukrut Volve, Spell Master Ninya and Druid Dyne Woodwonder.  Lukrut seems inordinately curious about the relationship between Momon and Nabe, which mystifies him. But once he explains that they are friends, the truth is revealed when Lukrut makes a declaration of love for the girl! She shuts him down immediately, but he doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the word no. Luckily, she has no problem with telling him how little she thinks of him.

Just when it seems things are settled with these adventurers, Momon receives a personal request for his services! A young man named Nfirea, a well-known apothecary in the village, wants him to accompany him while he gathers herbs in a dangerous area. But Ainz is reluctant to simply abandon his new companions, even though they say they understand. He finds a way to combine the two requests that is mutually beneficial to all. And off they go!

Meanwhile, there are sinister goings-on beneath the cemetery of E-Rantel. Something’s going to happen, and it isn’t going to be good!

I am totally loving this series! It’s like being inside an MMORPG except for real! I love Momonga/Ainz! He is coping with an unusual situation rather well, I think, and adjusting to being a skeleton instead of a man. The rivalry between Albedo and Shalltear is hilarious, but I admit to being Team Albedo. Nabe proves herself to be a good companion for this first adventure, and the apothecary Nfirea is cute! I’m looking forward to the next volume!

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #52 (11.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

After making a necessary excursion to the store for needed supplies, Vinnie and Ethan return to the Thorne residence to find... Troy and Brendan and Benny the pup! What is going on here? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #52 (11.2)

Has a night ever been so long?

At least Ethan had the presence of mind to remember our purchases that were sitting in the trunk of our rental car. I’d been too put off by the unexpected appearance of our friends to remember them.  We put Benny on his leash for convenience sake and divided the lot among the four of us and proceeded to the house. Ethan carefully balanced everything on one arm so he could open the front door and admit the rest of us.

Maureen and Uncle Benny were still sitting in the living room as we entered the hallway. They immediately rose when they saw us. “Thank you so much,” Maureen said, “for getting everything. How much do I—” Her words cut off abruptly, probably at the sight of our two additional guests. I couldn’t exactly blame her for being surprised.

“Mom, sorry to spring this on you,” Ethan said apologetically, but his mother wasn’t having any of that as she turned toward the newcomers and I saw all over again where Ethan’s manners came from.

“Nonsense. Any friend of yours is most welcome in our home. I’m Ethan’s mother, Maureen Thorne, and I am very happy to meet you.”

The equally smooth and gracious Troy quickly shifted his own bags in order to take her extended and make a quick bow over it. “Thank you so much, ma’am. My name is Troy and this is Brendan.” He nodded to indicate his better half.

“Very pleased to meet you, ma’am,” Brendan quickly chimed in.

Maureen seemed pleasantly flustered by their attentions, before indicating Ethan’s uncle beside her.

“Benjamin Thorne,” he supplied with a smile.

 Brendan was the first to make the connection. “Oh, you must be Uncle Benny, like the puppy!” As if to acknowledge he’d been named for this man, Benny was hovering at Uncle Benny’s feet, despite being anchored by the leash in my hand.

Everyone laughed as Uncle Benny stooped to pick up the miscreant pup. “So Ethan thinks you look like me, does he?” Benny barked, as if in affirmation.

Ethan must have realized we were standing there holding a load of perishables as well as the items Sarah had requested. “We should get these into the kitchen,” he said.

Maureen tried to pick up the items at Troy’s feet, but he would have none of it. “No, ma’am, we can handle this.” He hefted them himself and turned toward Ethan with a grin. “Lead on, MacDuff.” He followed Ethan down the hall toward the kitchen, trailed by Brendan and myself. I couldn’t help but mischievously, “Behave, or I might just have to mention you know what.”

Troy set his bags onto the kitchen table before giving me an inquisitive glance. “No, what?”

“You know. The Scottish play.” I raised my eyebrows at him for added emphasis. Ethan just shook his head, clearly used to my antics by now.

“Oh, that,” Troy said with equal exaggeration. “Well, my dear Vinnie, I am not in the theater, I’m a movie star, if you’ll recall, so you threatening to say Macbeth isn’t about to put my knickers in a twist. ‘Fraid you’ll have to do better than that.”

“I’ll have to work on that then,” I promised him with a grin.

Maureen bustled into the kitchen, and we helped her to put everything in its proper place, except for Sarah’s items. “I’m so sorry you missed dinner,” Ethan’s mother was saying. “But we have some apple pie still, with a little ice cream or some whipped cream. I made plenty.”

Troy and Brendan exchanged glances. I suspected the idea of homemade food sounded as good to them as it would to anyone in their right minds.

“I don’t want to put you,” Troy began, but Maureen saw right through his protests.

“Ethan, why don’t you all go sit in the living room and I’ll bring it right out.”

“Sounds good, Mom,” Ethan said, before adding to Troy, “No sense in arguing once she has her mind made up.”

We were headed back down the hall when I heard steps from upstairs and then Sarah’s hushed voice.

“Guys, try and keep it down, okay? I just got Alex down for the night and—” Her words ended abruptly, to my alarm. But then I realized she had come down the stairs far enough to get a glimpse of the four of us headed toward the living room. Well, one person in particular.

Her mouth flew open so wide she looked like she was about to swallow something whole…or someone. Her cheeks turned bright red and she had the distinct look of a deer in headlights. When she managed to find her voice at last, she blurted out. “Oh. My. God. Troy McGarrett.”

Didn’t I call it?

to be continued

Now see what the other Briefers have been up to!

 Cia Nordwell

 

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #90 - Nope, Don't Breathe 2

 Nope

OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald (Keke Palmer) Haywood's lives are shaken when strange objects falling from the sky kill their father on his horse ranch. They become determined to prove that UFOs exist. While purchasing electronic equipment at a local store, they make the acquaintance of Angel Torres (Brandon Perea). He realizes they don't know the first thing about installing what they've bought and wrangles his way into doing it for them. But once he figures out what they are up to, not only is he onboard but he has some expertise to bring to the table. Along the way, they also enlist the aid of one-time child actor Ricky "Jupe" Park (Steven Yeun) and documentarian Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott).

Jordan Peele, as always, brings us his own brand of horror/sci fi with a definite side of humor. You 

might even remember Daniel Kaluuya from Get Out. In Nope, we are dealing with a UFO that isn't your typical outer space alien. OJ and his sister have to think outside the box to beat this thing which is wreaking havoc in this small California town. It's very well done, and I enjoyed it, but not as much as I did Get Out. And I confess to not always understanding what was going on. 

While there is definite bloodshed in this film, Peele is careful not to make it a gorefest, as others have done- you see enough to get the idea of what is happening, but not too much. There are flashbacks to when Ricky was a child actor and a horrific event he witnessed. Even after reading the explanation, I still don't see how it connects with the rest of the film, but that's just me.

To be honest, I would watch anything Jordan Peele does. I think he's a wonderful director. Nope has some slow spots, but it has lots of terrific moments. The first time Emerald bursts onto the screen is hilarious, as is her rapid-fire delivery. If you are a Peele fan, you'll enjoy Nope. And if you're not - become one. I give this film 4 Stars.

Don't Breathe 2

Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang) lives a quiet life with his young daughter Phoenix (Madelyn Grace). Although he's blind, he is far from helpless, and he has taught her many important life skills. But the price she pays is a lonely isolation, broken only by occasional outings with their friend Hernandez (Stephanie Arcila). On their last trip, Phoenix encounters a stranger in the restroom, but she never loses her cool and gets away from him, due in part to their dog.

If Norman is overly cautious, perhaps he has reason, considering his past life, when he was less than a good man. But his precautions prove to be in vain when he and Phoenix seemingly become the victims of a random home invasion by some sketchy men. All is not as it seems, though, and Norman's past is about to catch up with a vengeance, and Phoenix is about to learn some ugly truths. The question is, will they be able to survive the ordeal and make it out alive?

I'll admit that I didn't like the sequel as well as the first one, but there is a certain satisfaction gained by 

watching people get what's coming to them. At first glance, neither side is what you might call angelic by any means. But one man will rise to the occasion and prove himself to be more than he thought he was, while the others, pretending to have loving motives for what they are doing, are nothing but scum.

I do like watching Norman in action, and I must say he has taught Phoenix well. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars.

Book Review: Assassination Classroom, Vol 3 by Yusei Matsui

 

Assassination Classroom, Vol 3    

Author: Yusei Matsui

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date:  April 7, 2015

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Action Adventure Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

While on a class trip to Kyoto, Kayano and Kanzaki have been kidnapped by lowlife thugs! Never fear! The class is up to the challenge, thanks to the handy dandy travel guide provided for them by their astute teacher, Koro Sensei.

Unknown to all but a few, a professional assassin has been set on the trail of Koro Sensei, with the assistance of his class, of course. They are in the perfect position to know his every move, since they are choreographing everything. But will this assassin take out their assigned target and claim the prize for himself? Or will Koro Sensei actually teach him something about assassination and life?

Karasuma receives information that upon their return to the school, there will be two new assassins sent to them, one at a time. He’s warned that the first student may look a little “different”. The other students aren’t sure what to expect, but on their arrival at the classroom, they see no one. Not until they notice the large object in the corner. Turns out this is a virtual assassin whose name is “Autonomous Intelligence Fixed Artillery”. She has the face of a young girl and is very polite. But once class starts, she is all business as she attempts to assassinate Koro Sensei. But the problem is that she spends the entire day doing that and disrupting classes. The students of 3E aren’t about to put up with those kinds of shenanigans.

Maehara is a ladies’ man, and the girls all seem to like the handsome student. But when one of them is caught with him, she turns the tables and makes it all Maehara’s fault for being in Class 3E and thus off-limits to her.  Some of the guys beat on Maehara, because they know they can get away with anything. Principal Asano sees them and doesn’t even attempt to help Maehara, but is that really surprising? However, Maehara’s class aren’t about to take this insult to their friend lying down.

Irina receives a surprise visit from the one who recommended her for this job, Lovro. He is seriously disappointed in her and wants to remove her from the assignment. At Koro Sensei’s suggestion, he agrees to give her a chance to prove herself – they will both target Karasuma. The first one to take him out wins. If Irina loses, she has to go.

Already, we can see that the Class 3E is growing and maturing in ways beyond simple assassination.  Watching them rescue their classmates and teach the bullies a lesson was awesome, as was the situation with Maehara. I also hate Asano more every time I see him. I just love this manga so much! Can’t wait for the next volume to see who can assassinate Karasume first lol

 

 

Book Review: Skip Beat! Vol 15 by Yoshiki Nakamura

 

Skip Beat! Vol 15      

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date:  November 4, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo manga/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Things are heating up for Kyoko on location! Bad enough Sho is there but Vie Ghoul too? What terrible Fate is this? Kyoko runs into Sho’s manager, Ms Momose, in the bath, and they talk. Afterward, coming from the bath, she encounters the lead singer of Vie Ghoul. Is Reino putting the moves on her or what? And then Sho unexpectedly turns up and he intervenes in what is going on and Kyoko is able to escape. But not until after she makes it clear that she and Sho are not in a relationship!

Feeling frightened of the potential for all manner of bad things to happen to her, Kyoko reaches out to Ren. But she finds that she can’t tell him what is worrying her for fear of worrying him, so makes light of her call.  Meanwhile, Sho is upset over his perception that Reino intends to make Kyoko his. Bad enough the group stole his brand new song, but now Kyoko? He intends to write a replacement song and let them have the one they stole. His manager is concerned whether he can do that or not, in his current state of mind.

Ren is sure something is wrong, despite Kyoko’s words, and asks his schedule be rearranged so he can join them at the shoot the next day. Sho sees Kyoko on the set and warns her not to go wandering off alone. When Reino comes to see her also, she hides from him and flees into the woods. But he finds her anyway, and things get… creepy. Especially when Reino announces his plans to crush Kyoko!

It’s so funny to see Kyoko as the object of interest for both Sho and Reino! How alike they are. Both of them sleazy lol I love how Ren knows when Kyoko isn’t being truthful (and isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black considering what he hasn’t told her…yet. Waiting to see the fall-out when that day arrives!)

I loved the ending and can’t wait to read the reaction to that! Great volume, looking forward to more!

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #51 (11.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things are getting even stranger for Vinnie and Ethan. They return from a short trip to the store to find a strange car in the driveway, but it turns out to be Troy and Brendan and Benny! What the heck is going on here? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #51 (11.1)

Ethan pulled over and parked the car as I continued to goggle at the sight before me. I swear, this assignment was growing stranger and stranger. Before I could even sputter out a single one of my many questions, though, I heard Anderson’s ring tone on Ethan’s phone. What incredibly eerie timing. Or a helluva coincidence. How did he know they were here? Unless, of course, he sent them. But I could think of no earthly reason why he would do that.

Ethan answered even as I opened the door and exited the vehicle. I could hear Ethan following suit.

“No, no trouble,” he was saying to our boss. “No need to worry, it’s just Troy and Brendan.”

A momentary pause and then, “I don’t know. I’ll get back with you.” He slid his phone into his pocket and joined me as I hurried up the drive toward the new arrivals.

Troy and Brendan looked every bit as confused as we were, looking back and forth from them to us. But Benny wasn’t. He leapt from Brendan’s arms and barreled straight for us with much joyful yipping. I knelt down and scooped him up and became the recipient of multiple wet kisses for my efforts.

“Are you guys all right? I mean, you look fine, but…” Troy’s words trailed off.

 “We’re fine,” Ethan responded. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Troy ran a hand through his hair, although nothing looked out of place. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him when he wasn’t looking his best. Maybe it was a nervous gesture.

“Because we got a message telling us you were in trouble, and that we needed to come to this address if we ever wanted to see you alive again.”

Didn’t that sound like a line from some cheesy movie or something?

Wait a minute. This address? Who would even have this address? And who even knew we were here? And why? Nothing was making any sense at the moment.

“Where are we?” Brendan asked, glancing up toward the house behind us. “Are you here for work or something? I have no idea what’s going on.”

I think that made four of us.

“That’s my parents’ house,” Ethan said. “We were on a job… Actually, we still are. Long story, but we ended up here, along with my sister and my uncle Benny. Anderson has people watching the house. That’s why he called. Because they reported seeing a strange car.”

Troy and Brendan glanced from Benny in my arms back to Ethan.

“Yes, he was named after my uncle,” Ethan said before the question was even asked.

I looked at our friends with growing amazement as I realized something. “You mean you came down here from Roanoke because you thought we were in trouble?”

“Absolutely.” Troy nodded. “It sounded serious, so we were worried, weren’t we, Bren?”

Brendan affirmed his statement with a nod. “Troy got us and Benny on the next flight out of Roanoke, and we rented a car in Atlanta, and here we are.”

Here they were indeed.

“Guess we should have called first.” Troy sounded a little sheepish. “Instead of just assuming the caller knew what they were talking about. Didn’t mean to bust in y’all like this.”

Ethan didn’t seem as relieved as I thought he would, his handsome features puckered into a frown. “But why would someone go to so much trouble to get you here? This makes no sense.”

Suddenly I felt exposed, despite the existence of the agents around us. I wasn’t sure how many there were or where they were. And I didn’t like not knowing what was going on.

Ethan obviously felt the same way. “Let’s go inside,” he said, gesturing toward the house. “We’ll figure everything out there.”

I couldn’t help but think that we were about to make Sarah’s night when we walked in with Troy McGarrett. 

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell