mr_chocolate
Vancouver Public Library
mr_chocolate's Completed Shelf
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Eating AnimalsEating Animals, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jul 24, 2019
Love, GildaLove, Gilda, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 24, 2019
Comment:
A CNN film production that I had not seen before (probably because I don't have CNN as a channel option anymore). This documentary is done well with home videos, Gilda's own words, and clips from the original SNL show of 1975 - 1980, with commentary from friends, family members, and other past and current SNL admirers.
A good insight into the mind of a comedic visionary and just a fun person to be with. A person that "loved to laugh" and was liked by men and women.
Special Features on this DVD has more than 40 minutes of extended commentary by various friends and SNL cast members, such as Martin Short, Bill Hader, Amy Poehler, Paul Shaffer,Laraine Newman, Cecily Strong, Michael Radner (brother).
She died at the age of 43 on May 20, 1989, from Ovarian Cancer.A CNN film production that I had not seen before (probably because I don't have CNN as a channel option anymore). This documentary is done well with home videos, Gilda's own words, and clips from the original SNL show of 1975 - 1980, with commentary…
Pacific RimPacific Rim, DVDUprising
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 24, 2019
Comment:
This sequel is not as good as the original Pacific Rim (2013), however does have some interesting twists, with good visual effects.
Does reprise three characters from the original film, Mako Mori, Herman Gottlieb, and Dr. Newton Geiszler, with fond reflection upon the "famous" father of the new character, Jake Pentecost, played by John Boyega (Attack the Block: 2011; Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens: 2015; & Star Wars:The Last Jedi: 2017; Detroit: 2017; The Circle: 2017).
The bonus features on this DVD add deleted scenes and interviews with director and John Boyega.This sequel is not as good as the original Pacific Rim (2013), however does have some interesting twists, with good visual effects.
Does reprise three characters from the original film, Mako Mori, Herman Gottlieb, and Dr. Newton Geiszler, with fond…
DinotasiaDinotasia, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
Added Jun 22, 2019
Comment:
I skimmed through this as it has little informational dialogue, however does give the viewer a perspective from the dinosaurs that were engaging with each other.
This does provide some good visual graphics and suggests that dinosaurs were more social than we had first thought since the discovery of dinosaur bones.
The DVD special features were of no real value.I skimmed through this as it has little informational dialogue, however does give the viewer a perspective from the dinosaurs that were engaging with each other.
This does provide some good visual graphics and suggests that dinosaurs were more…
DinomaniaDinomania, BookWhy We Love, Fear and Are Utterly Enchanted by Dinosaurs
by Sax, BoriaBook - 2018Book, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 22, 2019
Comment:
I found this book interesting to some degree but also goes on with more details and length to hold my interest for the entire book, so skipped here and there.
It covers humans interest of dragons and large creatures from biblical to current times and the inaccuracies along the way.
The book looks at popular culture that the dinosaurs has held upon humans since the discovery of two partial skeletal remains of the Megalosaurus (predator named in 1824) and Iguanodon (herbivore named in 1826) in England around 1820; the public display of sculptures in London's Crystal Palace of 1854, up to the present day popularity of Jurassic Park books and films.
Triceratops was discovered in 1887 and named by Othniel Marsh the next year and a few bones of Tyrannosaurus rex were first discovered in the 1890's, not named until 1905.
Has lots of pictures throughout the book to correspond to the text.I found this book interesting to some degree but also goes on with more details and length to hold my interest for the entire book, so skipped here and there.
It covers humans interest of dragons and large creatures from biblical to current times…
GoldstoneGoldstone, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2019
Comment:
Was not impressed with the writing nor direction and found it also to drag on. Skipped ahead a few times and was not interested in seeing the Bonus Features on this DVD.
The ChangelingThe Changeling, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
Added Jun 15, 2019
Mile 22Mile 22, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2019
Comment:
I only watched this film for the sake of seeing Iko Uwais (Merantau: 2009; The Raid: Redemption: 2011; Raid 2: 2014; The Night Comes for Us: 2018; Stuber: 2019) screen time. This Indonesian silat trained martial artist has screen presence, but see rather little of him in this one, leaving most of the screen time to the annoying and unlikeable special ops character played by Mark Wahlberg (Boogie Nights: 1997; Ted: 2012; Transformers: 2014 & 2017; All the Money in the World: 2017).
Also found it annoying with the editing and took awhile to somewhat understand what was happening and was left asking, for what purpose?
This is a disjointed film with an ambitious attempt but with little depth and no heart.
There is no bonus or special features on this DVD.I only watched this film for the sake of seeing Iko Uwais (Merantau: 2009; The Raid: Redemption: 2011; Raid 2: 2014; The Night Comes for Us: 2018; Stuber: 2019) screen time. This Indonesian silat trained martial artist has screen presence, but see…
Night Comes onNight Comes on, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
Added Jun 15, 2019
The Men'sHealth Big Book of ExercisesThe Men'sHealth Big Book of Exercises, BookFour Weeks to A Leaner, Stronger, More Muscular You!
by Campbell, AdamBook - 2016Book, 2016
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2019
Comment:
Full of step-by-step photos that guide you through all parts of the body muscle groups. First three chapters talk about overall benefits of using weights, answering questions and suggesting what foods to eat while exercising, for optimum weight loss and muscle definition.
This updated version ends with Best Workouts for Everything; The Best Cardio Workouts; The Best New Fat Loss Workouts; and finally with the last chapter of Nutrition Secrets.
Nicely laid out and easy to follow.Full of step-by-step photos that guide you through all parts of the body muscle groups. First three chapters talk about overall benefits of using weights, answering questions and suggesting what foods to eat while exercising, for optimum weight loss…
OverlordOverlord, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2019
Comment:
This fast paced action war film's opening scene reminded me of the just as graphic opening scene of the 1998 film, Saving Private Ryan, but in the air! Showing the horrors of war, it opens up with a U.S paratrooper etching the date of June 4th, 1944, into the inside frame of the plane heading over France, during an air raid. Ironically I happen to be writing this review on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, June 6th, 2019!
This war/horror film, is largely well acted, with some script flaws, however overall I was impressed with this overly dramatic and somewhat gory film by director Julius Avery, and producer, J.J. Abrams (Lost: 2004 -2010; Star Trek Beyond: 2016; Mission Impossible: Fallout: 2018).
No DVD extras on this inaccurate but entertaining film, ending two days later after the "mission" was completed, on D-Day.
Many "unknown" actors with some "known" actors, with a women and child carrying their roles well.This fast paced action war film's opening scene reminded me of the just as graphic opening scene of the 1998 film, Saving Private Ryan, but in the air! Showing the horrors of war, it opens up with a U.S paratrooper etching the date of June 4th,…
How to Train your DragonHow to Train your Dragon, DVDThe Hidden World
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 05, 2019
Comment:
I happened to see this on pay per view tv. I liked this very much, not as much as the first two, however it continued with an intelligent and thoughtful story following the adventures and dangers of the village of Burke.
I have not read the books, that these films are based upon, however I think they do a great job in coming up with an interesting story of a boy's chief that wanted to be friends with the dragons, rather than hunt them.I happened to see this on pay per view tv. I liked this very much, not as much as the first two, however it continued with an intelligent and thoughtful story following the adventures and dangers of the village of Burke.
I have not read the books,…
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 05, 2019
Comment:
Striking and stunningly beautiful photos and text of our planet Earth and it's inhabitants. It talks of our destruction but is also hopeful that it is not too late for us to change our ways.
Book based on a NetFlix documentary series.
The Rainbow BridgeThe Rainbow Bridge, BookA Visit to Pet Paradise
by Raeside, AdrianBook - 2012Book, 2012
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 05, 2019
Comment:
Touching story and tribute to our companion animals that get old and die. Same colourful and clear illustrations by Adrian Raeside.
You maybe interested in looking up the Rainbow Bridge Poem by author unknown, which talks of a place for the dead.
Boy ErasedBoy Erased, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 04, 2019
Comment:
A good attempt to cover another atrocity that continue's today. Well acted however did find it to be slow to understand, and put the pieces together, due to poor editing and directing, unless that was the intent.
Bonus features were included on this DVD.A good attempt to cover another atrocity that continue's today. Well acted however did find it to be slow to understand, and put the pieces together, due to poor editing and directing, unless that was the intent.
Bonus features were included on…
Borg Vs. McEnroeBorg Vs. McEnroe, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added Jun 04, 2019
Comment:
Well played by Shia LaBeouf (Transformers: 2007; Fury: 2014) and Sverrir Gudnason (Blowfly Park: 2014)! The film was a good attempt in showing the stresses, pressures,and self doubt, that a top tennis player faces and demands upon themselves.
The special features on this DVD has an introspective seven minute interview with the director Janus Metz, followed by just as interesting four minute interview with Shia LaBeouf, and a three minute interview with Sverrir Gudnason.
This film was just as interesting and as well done as the 2017 Battle of the Sexes, non-documentary tennis bio film. Bjorn Borg's real life younger son, Leo Borg, plays the young Bjorn of age 9 - 13. Stellan Skarsfard (Thor: 2011; Thor: The Dark World: 2013; Avengers: Age of Ultron: 2015; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again: 2018) plays Bjorn Borg's coach.
Bjorn Borg: Career title of 68 titles; won 11-time grand slam champion and was a five-time grand slam finalist before retiring in January 1983 at the age of 26. At the 1974 French Open, Borg became the youngest champion in history, as an 18-year-old. Borg reeled off four straight French Open championships in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981. At Wimbledon he became a five-time champion from 1976-80. Borg, rose to No. 1 in the world in August 1977, never won the US Open in ten attempts or Australian Open (only entered once in 1974).
John McEnroe: Career titles of 155 titles; won 17-time grand slam champion and was a 7-time grand slam finalist. McEnroe was ranked in the World Top 10 in singles for nine years, finishing No. 1 four consecutive years (1981-1984) and spent 170 weeks atop the rankings. He was the top-ranked doubles player for five consecutive years (1979-1983). He played Davis Cup for 12 years, helping the Americans win the Cup five times (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1992). In his 16-years playing in the majors, McEnroe only entered the Australian five times and played the French 10 years. Source: International Tennis Hall of Fame.Well played by Shia LaBeouf (Transformers: 2007; Fury: 2014) and Sverrir Gudnason (Blowfly Park: 2014)! The film was a good attempt in showing the stresses, pressures,and self doubt, that a top tennis player faces and demands upon themselves.
The…
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 24, 2019
Comment:
At 72 years of age, this talented guitarist puts out an impressive album, with power guitar riffs, lyrically driven songs, sung with soulful and gritty vocals of Rosie Bones.
All compositions were written by Jeff Beck, Carmen Vandenberg, Rosie Bones and Filippo Cimatti. Produced by Filippo Cimatti and Jeff Beck. I had read that Jeff Beck, former Yardbirds member, met Rosie Bones and Bone guitarist, Carmen Vandenberg, at a house party of Roger Taylor (Queen's drummer).
No lyrics or much information on the CD jacket.At 72 years of age, this talented guitarist puts out an impressive album, with power guitar riffs, lyrically driven songs, sung with soulful and gritty vocals of Rosie Bones.
All compositions were written by Jeff Beck, Carmen Vandenberg, Rosie…
HalloweenHalloween, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 24, 2019
Comment:
What was executive producers John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis thinking!? The only good thing about this film was the music and decent acting by the 3 main women actresses.
Continuing the story 40 years after of the traumatized survivor, but battle ready, Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis: Halloween: 1978, 1981, 1982, 1998, 2002; Trading Places: 1983; A Fish Called Wanda: 1988; True Lies: 1994), and the after affects of her daughter (Judy Greer: Ant-Man: 2015; Ant-Man & Wasp: 2018 & tv), and her granddaughter (Andi Matichak: Miles: 2016 & tv), showed promise. but went rotten as quickly as a carved Jack-o-lantern.
After the first 45 minutes, I was skipping ahead, as the story was predictable and senseless. I did not waste my time in watching the bonus features with deleted & extended scenes.What was executive producers John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis thinking!? The only good thing about this film was the music and decent acting by the 3 main women actresses.
Continuing the story 40 years after of the traumatized survivor, but…
Watching Waterbirds With Kate Humble & Martin McGillWatching Waterbirds With Kate Humble & Martin McGill, Book100 Birds...in Just One Day!
by Humble, KateBook - 2018Book, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 24, 2019
Comment:
I found this book on waterbirds to be very helpful with clear pictures that often showed both genders and sometimes the off season coat. This book primarily focused on identifying birds in England, however there are many that we see here in North America.
They mentioned that the Canada Goose was "released in Britain as an ornamental species and are quite common." They also point out that to have the Kingfisher around and visible, they are "great indicators of good, healthy freshwater systems. As they need clear water to feed by, their presence suggests high quality of water, and therefore a good ecosystem."
Co-author, "Martin McGill works at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, the headquarters of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), which was started back in 1946..."
Easy size to carry around and full of but not cluttered with information and an index to help look back to the pictures of each bird listed.I found this book on waterbirds to be very helpful with clear pictures that often showed both genders and sometimes the off season coat. This book primarily focused on identifying birds in England, however there are many that we see here in North…
No Sailing Waits and Other Ferry TalesNo Sailing Waits and Other Ferry Tales, Book30 Years of BC Ferries Cartoons
by Raeside, AdrianBook - 2012Book, 2012
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
I like this guys humour and the cartoon drawing is bright and clear. I appreciate the ferry references more now than ever, since I actually have been using the ferry services these past two years on a regular basis.
Find the service to be professional and relaxing, unless your actually in the pet section, which can vary widely from vessel to vessel. Can feel like sardines in-a-can, to being able to stretch out your legs, however it also does depend upon whether it is "tourist" season or not.
Overall I was pleased and thankful that the ferries included a pet area, for people that did not have a vehicle, and were accommodating if you wanted to have a stroll around the vessel with your companion animal.I like this guys humour and the cartoon drawing is bright and clear. I appreciate the ferry references more now than ever, since I actually have been using the ferry services these past two years on a regular basis.
Find the service to be…
Tails Don't LieTails Don't Lie, BookA Decade of Dog Cartoons (70 in Dog Years)
by Raeside, AdrianBook - 2013Book, 2013
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
I like his humour and the cartoons show love and understanding for these four legged family members!
Tails Don't Lie 2Tails Don't Lie 2, BookA Pack of Dog Cartoons
by Raeside, AdrianBook - 2017Book, 2017
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
Just as good as his first one!
From the words of the author..."This book is dedicated to anyone who has rescued an animal."
The introduction continues with..."If you have a dog, I hope you will spot your in Tails Don't Lie 2. If you don't have a dog, visit your local animal shelter. There's a dog there waiting for you. And, as anyone who has rescued a dog will tell you, rescue dogs give the best face-licks!"
For more visit Adrian Raeside's website: www.raesidecartoon.comJust as good as his first one!
From the words of the author..."This book is dedicated to anyone who has rescued an animal."
The introduction continues with..."If you have a dog, I hope you will spot your in Tails Don't Lie 2. If you don't have a…
Juliet, NakedJuliet, Naked, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
I kind of liked this low key comedy that had some charm showing some real consequences of life. This film is based upon the 2009 novel by Nick Hornby.
There was some enjoyable moments and chemistry between the actors Chris O'Dowd (Thor: The Dark World: 2013; Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: 2016; Molly's Game: 2017), Rose Burne (Bridesmaids: 2011; Spy: 2015; Peter Rabbit: 2018), Ethan Hawke and Azhy Robertson (After the Wedding: 2019).I kind of liked this low key comedy that had some charm showing some real consequences of life. This film is based upon the 2009 novel by Nick Hornby.
There was some enjoyable moments and chemistry between the actors Chris O'Dowd (Thor: The Dark…
The Old Man & the GunThe Old Man & the Gun, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
I have liked many Robert Redford films (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: 1969; All the Presiden'ts Men: 1976; Captain America: The Winter Soldier: 2014; Walk in the Woods: 2015), however this is not one of them. It is slow, boring and confusing, of which I blame the director/writer, David Lowry (Pete's Dragon: 2016; A Ghost Story: 2017). This was based upon a 2003 New Yorker article written by David Grann (whom wrote the 2009 book, Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon, in which was made into a good 2016 movie!).
For the real bank robber, Forest Tucker, that was a considered, charming, and always with a smile, this film should not have been so dull. After all it did have some accomplished and likeable supporting actors, such as Sissy Spacek (Carrie: 1976; Coal Miner's Daughter: 1980; The Help: 2011), Casey Affleck (Manchester by the Sea: 2016; Light of My Life: 2019), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon movies: 1987, 1989,1992, and 1998), Tom Waits (musician and actor), and Tika Sumpter (Southside With You: 2016).
Did not spend the time watching the DVD Special Features.I have liked many Robert Redford films (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: 1969; All the Presiden'ts Men: 1976; Captain America: The Winter Soldier: 2014; Walk in the Woods: 2015), however this is not one of them. It is slow, boring and confusing,…
EquusEquus, DVDStory of the Horse
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
mr_chocolate's rating:
Added May 22, 2019
Comment:
This series is lovely photographed and nicely presented history of the horse, by anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson and equine experts . It asks and tries to answer "how have we transformed the wild horse we tamed 6,000 years ago into over 400 specialized breeds today?"
This is also a repackaged version of only two episodes of a series of three, originally shown on David Suzuki's, The Nature of Things, for the opening of their 58th season shown on September 23rd, 30th, and October 7th, 2018.
This DVD has two of the original three episodes; Origins (episode 1), and Chasing the Wind (episode 3). Equus: Story of the horse - First Riders, (episode 2) is not on this DVD. The missing segment was recently shown on tv under the title of NOVA's 'First Horse Warriors.'
Well worth the watch.This series is lovely photographed and nicely presented history of the horse, by anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson and equine experts . It asks and tries to answer "how have we transformed the wild horse we tamed 6,000 years ago into over 400…
Comment: