The Cloud Atlas - Liam Callanan

Category: Book

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Liam Callanan

It is the mid 1940s, set against the magnificent backdrop of Alaska during the days where the World War II is waning. The Cloud Atlas is an enthralling debut novel, a story of adventure and awakening—and of an eighteen year old soldier, trained under bomb disposal on an extraordinary, top-secret mission…and found a world that would haunt him forever.

At first I thought this was the famed "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell, but a few chapters went by, with the same setting and I knew this wasn't Mitchell's. I finished the book, only because it was interesting and I was already halfway the book when I realized it's not Mitchell's. [yes, it was an ebook I got somewhere. only because I couldn't find a copy of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas in the bookstores!!]

With all the references to shamans, magic, palm reading, astrology, tuunraq, balloons containing bombs and the impending war.... its a dazzling unique love story, or this enchantment of the 18 year old soldier with the Yup'ik woman named Lily. It's also a good look of Alaska and it's culture.

A literary art piece. Lovely all on it's own. 

Photo Source: Good Reads

Battle Los Angeles - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Sci -Fi / Action

Director: Jonatahan Liebesman

Writer: Christopher Bertolini

Producer: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Original Film

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez,Bridget Moynahan, Will Rothhaar, Cory Hardrict, Jim Parrack, Gino Anthony Pesi and more.

Tagline: It's not war. It's survival.

Los Angeles and other major cities around the world are being invaded by aliens disguised as meteors, that began killing everybody along the beach. The military is ordered into action, and marine staff sergeant Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), were sent on a mission to rescue some civilians trapped in the police station. And they only have 3 hours to complete the mission before Air Force bombs the area.


Wow 2 "Aaron Eckhart" films in a row? Didn't anticipate that. Haha.

Ehmmm... well... not exactly that great. I hate to say it was that bad.... but.....dot dot dot.

Character development was quiet vague. And it was like, it was so slow at the beginning and then all these meteors started coming out and the action begins right away as aliens started shooting people. It's something you can easily forget... or remember because it was that bad? :P

Photo Source: Impa

Predators - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Writer: Alex Litvak, Michael Finch,

Director: Nimrod Antal

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox

Cast: Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Oleg Taktarov, Danny Trejo and more.

Tagline: The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet.

8 men(woman)  of different backgrounds, a mercenary, a military, a soldier, a criminal, a militia, a drug lord, a yakuza and a doctor, finds themselves waking up after a free fall in an unknown jungle. Walking around the jungle, they discover that they are on a different planet and that they are prey of of merciless aliens called Predators in a deadly hunting game.

Well, I never expected to be quite taken with the film. Well, not exactly taken... but you know, I kind of enjoyed the unexpected turn around in the end. And here I am, thinking I'd know which is which. For some parts, I did, but then I never expected the end. ;) If you know what I mean.

Anyway, effects, was good. Cinematography, is great. It moves in an exhilarating pace. There's good enough reason, they never showed those effin predators at the beginning, because it added up to the whole thrill of it. Played on people's fears, "the unknown".
I did guessed who would be left after the film would be over. (favorite game i play, whenever I watch something).

I know a lot are disappointed because they were pre-judging it over the previous "Predator" film. But, i feel it's a good re-imagining of the film. Of course, the original may deem to be better. But, this one can stand on its own as well - for me. :)

Photo Source: Teaser Trailer

Cathedral - Nelson Demille

Category: Books

Genre: Spy / Thriller

Author: Nelson Demille



Demille is one of my favorite authors in the "spy genre". I first read his book "Charm School".

The Cathedral, is a book that is hard to put down! I have to stay awake to get to the next chapter. Finally, I finished it!!! I actually read this twice, the first one wasn't successful since I couldn't quite get the drift so I didn't finish it. The second time, I began to get the gist of the story.

It's a tragic, romantic story between a revolutionary IRA couple Brian Flynn and Maureen Malone. And both their love for their country - Ireland and it's people. It tackles on an issue between the IRA (Irish Resistance Army) and their hatred for the British concentration camps. A cycle that never ends.

Maureen got burned out and got out of the group but was always reminded by Flynn: "Once in, never out". Which haunted the rest of her life, she took a different path to free their people who are in concentration camps... and began making alliances with the Brits, publicly during St. Patrick's Day in New York.

Brian Flynn and a group of IRA  who has family and friends inside those camps they want to free decided to take hostage 4 people (The Cardinal, Father Murphy, Baxter(British) and Maureen), and took hold of the Cathedral which they plan to blow up with a deadline.

One thing about novels involving the Irish... there's this sense of the occult and always always with a hint of magic and mystery. Because webbed in the story may be considered as a logical point of view, can be Flynn's imagination... but to them who believes in supernatural phenomena.... then it's something different. ;) (something involving the ring and the drive Flynn has).

Photo Source: Ioffer

The Road to Gandolfo - Robert Ludlum

Category: Books

Genre: Comedy

Author: Robert Ludlum as Michael Shepherd.


This is a funny story about General MacKenzie Hawkins whom they dubbed of as "The Hawk", a military legend who seems to be popular. On an assignment he defaces an important Chinese memorial while being drugged by a Chinese general and in return was asked by the Chinese for the Americans for him to be kicked out. As revenge, he plots to kidnap the Pope, with a ransom of one dollar for every Catholic in the world.


It was ridiculous in most parts. And the two characters were good combo. Sometimes, one of them getting wee bit crazy. It is still intelligent. But I got confused with the ending, really. Anyway, it has quite interesting characters specially MacKenzie's wives, it's a refreshing, comedic side of Ludlum I'm reading. 

City Hunter - 2011

Category: TV Series

Genre: Action / Suspense / Romance

Director: Jin Hyuk

Writer: Soo Jin Choi, Eun Kyung Hwang

Cast: Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Kim Sang-Jung


Lee Yeung Su applies and got accepted at the Blue House for the National Communication Department with a hidden agenda. He was selected because of his prestigious background having been graduated from MIT. He meets Kim Nana who works as a bodyguard at the Blue House, and they begin to fall for each other. 


I enjoyed this whole series. It's actually my first time to watch a Korean drama with all the action and mystery. Although, City Hunter Lee Yeung Su has the same qualities with Batman. While the Prosecutor Kim Jeong Su, got similarities with TwoFace albeit keeping his morale intact.

Anyway, it was unique all on it's own, because it also mixed romance, and family life in between and the issues between politics and corruption. Of course it never fails to place the Korean flair of comedic scenes and equally heartbreaking ones.

Sometimes, it tends to be disturbing, as trust and loyalty issues are being resolved.

The last two episodes turned out to be quite exciting, and both unpredictable and predictable, but still can make you wonder how it would turn out in the end. The ending was quite sad but somehow something  relieving as the cycle of revenge finally comes to an end.

Photo Source: http://thepensieveonline.blogspot.com/

Source Code - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Sci-Fi / Thriller / Mystery

Director: Duncan Jones

Writer: Ben Ripley

Producer: Vendome Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Michael Arden, Cas Anvar, Russell Peters, Brent Skagford and more

Tagline: Make every second count


An action thriller about a soldier named Colter Stevens, a US Army helicopter pilot, who wakes up in the body of a man named Sean Fentress and then discovers he is part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Great unique storyline, even though the scenes were like cooped up in one scene in a train, it gives room for creativity for the makers because they have to come up with something new for each scene and make it interesting and unique despite it's "same-ness".  It keeps you on the edge, and it's like you are discovering something with Jake Gylenhaal in this film. Great acting, and the tandem of the Gyllenhaal and Monaghan here is fresh as well.

Great great great film. :)

Scent of a Woman - 1992

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama


Director: Martin Breast

Writer: Giovanni Arpino, Bo Goldman

Producer: City Light Films, Universal Pictures

Cast: Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Richard Venture, Bradley Whitford, Rochelle Oliver, and more

Tagline: Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend.

Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) needs money and agrees to "babysit" a blind retired Lt. Col in the US Army named Frank (Al Pacino) man who is impossible to get along with

A prep school student needing money agrees to "babysit" a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated. This movie involves travel, women, good food, good life, fine wine, the tango and a loaded forty - five.

Gosh, I never thought I would cry so much while watching this. Super drama. It says it is about a woman but it was more than that. It is a film brought with frankness minus the sugar coating. I love the character development of the film, the dialogue of each actor. The film is both emotional and intellectual without lacking the moral value it gives. 

Great Lines I Like:

Lt. Col. Frank : Oh, uh, Charlie - about your little problem - there are two kinds of people in this world: those who stand up and face the music, and those who run for cover. Cover is better.

Lt. Col. Frank Slade: No, I'm just gettin' warmed up. I don't know who went to this place, William Howard Taft, William Jennings Bryan, William Tell, whoever. Their spirit is dead, if they ever had one. It's gone. You're building a rat ship here. A vessel for seagoing snitches, and if you think you're preparing these minnows for manhood, you better think again, because I say you are killing the very spirit this institution proclaims it instills. What a sham. What kind of a show you guys are putting on here today? I mean, the only class in this act is sitting next to me, and I'm here to tell ya this boy's soul is intact. It's non-negotiable. You know how I know? Someone here, and I'm gonna say who, offered to buy it. Only Charlie here wasn't selling.  

Lt. Col. Frank: Boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn't nothin' like the sight of an amputated spirit. There is no prosthetic for that. You think you're merely sending this splendid foot soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are... executin' his soul! And why? Because he's not a Bairdman. Bairdmen. You hurt this boy, you're gonna be Baird bums, the lot of ya. And Harry, Jimmy, Trent, wherever you are out there, FUCK YOU TOO!

Lt. Col. Frank Slade: I'm not finished! As I came in here, I heard those words, "Cradle of Leadership". Well, when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall. And it has fallen here. It has fallen. Makers of men, Creators of leaders. Be careful what kind of leaders you're producing here. I don't know if Charlie's silence here today is right or wrong. I'm not a judge or jury, but I can tell you this: He won't sell anybody out to buy his future! And that, my friends, is called integrity. That's called courage. Now that's the stuff leaders should be made of. Now I have come to the crossroads in my life. I always knew what the right path was. Without exception, I knew. But I never took it. You know why? It was too damn hard. Now here's Charlie. He's come to the crossroads. He has chosen a path. It's the right path. It's a path made of principle that leads to character. Let him continue on his journey. You hold this boy's future in your hands, committee. It's a valuable future. Believe me. Don't destroy it. Protect it. Embrace it. It's gonna make you proud one day, I promise you.

Funny Lines:

Lt. Col. Frank Slade: Thank you Randy. You still with Snowqueen Sugar?  
Randy: Snowflake. How come you always get that wrong?
Lt. Col. Frank Slade: Because it's not important for me to get it right.

The Men Who Stares at Goats - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / War


Director: Grant Heslov

Writer: Peter Straughan , Jon Ronson

Producer: BBC Films, Smoke House, Westgate Film Services

Cast: Ewan McGregor, George Cloone, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Lang, Robert Patrick, Waleen Zuaiter, Stephen Root, Glenn Morshower, and more.

Tagline: No goats, no glory.

After his marriage fails, a reporter, Lyn Cassidy (McGregor) in Iraq might just have the story of a lifetime, after meeting a special forces agent (Clooney) who reveals the existence of a secret, psychic military unit called the U.S. Army's New Earth Army whose goal is to end war as we know it using paranormal powers in their missions.


At first I had fun with all the new age-y feel one can get from the movie. But, I have a feeling its some sort of a new age spoof. There's a lot of quotable lines and special relevance to the Star Wars.. and the Jedi way.. all of which are tagged to the "New Age". Well, just enjoy it... at least it delves and looks into a possibility where soldiers will fight using non-invasive ways. no bombs, no guns.... just love and flowers and indigenous music. Hippie Military eh? Why not? :)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Fantasy

Director: Gavin Hood

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Marvel Enterprises, Donner's Company.

Writer: David Benioff, Skip Woods Tagline: Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Houston, Will I Am, Lynn Collins, Kevin Durand, Dominic Monaghan, Taylor Kitsch and more.

This movie is about the Origins of Wolverine. Born 200 years ago, two mutant brothers, Logan and Victor have suffered a childhood trauma and realized they only have each other to depend on. They fought together as soldiers war after war throughout U.S. History. During the modern times, a U.S. Colonel Stryker recruits them and other mutants as commandos.

It's action packed, so it's quite entertaining. Although, I heard fans of the Comics wasn't thrilled about this. I think they couldv'e done something to the script to make it better... say, more development of characters and a much clearer plot.

But, all in all I enjoyed the film because of Hugh Jackman...

Avatar - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Writers: James Cameron

Director: James Cameron

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners

Tagline: Enter the World

Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Joel Moore, Giovanne Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Laz Alonso and more.

An overview and review of the movie Avatar written and directed by James Cameron.

When his brother was killed, Jake Sully, a paraplegic war veteran, took his place and was brought to another planet called Pandora. Pandora is inhabited by the Na'vi, a different race with their own language and culture. Their mission was to mine for the precious material scattered throughout Pandora's rich woodland. Those from Earth find themselves at odds with each other and the local culture.

It's one great movie and was even the first of it's kind. There was much controversy about the $400 M budget of the film but you have to say it was an artistic feat. And to say it was an artistic feat could probably be an understatement. The World in Avatar was done in great detail and you have to commend the detail and attention they placed into it.

I also enjoyed the message of the movie. Although, a lot of people in the box would think this is some "anti-church" since there was "nature worship" involved. Also, it might be a predictable storyline.


But, come on guys. We are evolving back to the olden ways. :) It was mystical... and enchanting. The land of the Na'vi's. It even made people get the "PAD" or post avatar depression. It did not depress me though.. it showed me a world the Earth can be.... if we respect it. :)

Neytiri: Our great mother Eywa does not take sides, Jake; only protects the balance of life.
Jake Sully: It was worth a shot.

Moat: It is decided. My daughter will teach you our ways. Learn well, "Jakesully", and we will see if your insanity can be cured.

Jake Sully: Well, if I'm like a child, then maybe you should teach me.
Neytiri: Sky People can not learn, you do not see.
Jake Sully: Then teach me how to see.
Neytiri: No one can teach you to see.

Avatar is one beautiful, revolutionary, innovative, extraordinary film that would leave you imagining the glow-in-the dark, nature-filled world. :)

A few Good Men - 1992

Overview & Summary of A few good Men. :)

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Thriller

Directed by: Rob Reiner

Writer: Aaron Sorkin

Producer: Castle Rock Entertainment, Columbia Pictures Corporation

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Keifer Sutherland, Kevin Pollak, James Marshall, J.T. Walsch, Christopher Guest and more.

Tagline: In the heart of the nation's capital, in a courthouse of the U.S. government, one man will stop at nothing to keep his honor, and one will stop at nothing to find the truth.

Based on a play by Aaron Sorkin.

There was a murder of a marine (Santiago) at a Naval base at Cuba and two marines(Dawson and Downey) were accused of murder. Code Red, a sacrosanct code used in Cuba but apparently not allowed by the “books” was used and as whoever ordered it was a mystery. An inexperienced Navy lawyer who has never seen the insides of a courtroom Ltjg. Daniel Kaffee(Tom Cruise) because he plea bargains most of the time was called to handle the case. Kaffee (Cruise) was known to be lazy and inattentive and pretty much clumsy. He favors playing football any second over studying a case which exhilarates Lt. Cdr. Joanne Galloway (Demi Moore) who is intent in solving the case and helping the two marines.

Tom Cruise fits the role of being a lawyer… his attempt on being “clumsy” meaning less serious outside the courtroom would make you want to bang his head for starters.

The two marines accused Lance Cpl. Harold W. Dawson (Wolfgang Bodison) and Pfc. Lowden Downey (James Marshall) were convincing.

This was Wolfgang’s debut as a budding actor he was just Rob Reiner’s assistant but he fits the role as Dawson. His facial expressions are so good… specially looking stubborn with certain justifications and you just know you have to believe him…

James Marshall was still young here and pretty much handsome with that childlike innocent face…. always depending on Wolfgang here…because it’s his role….

This may seem a boring movie to some… but I loved it because of those two marines…. and of course because Keifer Sutherland of 24’s Jack Bauer was here even though he is one of the antagonists here. Looking so young and handsome.

No sensual scenes. No lovey mushy things at all.

This is a movie with a couple of punchlines as well……. (trying to make it appear light and not too serious.)

Kaffee (Cruise), Col. Jessep (Jack Nicholson), Lt. Kendrick (Keiffer Sutherland), Lt. Weinberg (Kevin Pollack), Galloway (Demi Moore), Whitaker (Xander Berkeley)

Kaffee: Excuse me, sorry I’m late.
Capt. Whitaker: That’s alright, Danny, I know you don’t have a good excuse, so I won’t force you to come up with a bad one.
Kaffee: Thank you, sir.

Kaffee: Why does a Lieutenant Junior Grade with nine months’ experience and a track record for plea bargaining get assigned to a murder case? Would it be so it never sees the inside of a courtroom?

Kaffee: Is the colonel’s underwear a matter of national security?

Col. Jessep: What do you wanna discuss now? My favorite color?

Lt. Weinberg: You’ve heard her. My daughter said a word. She said, “Pa.”
Kaffee: She was pointing to a mailbox, Sam.
Lt. Weinberg: That’s right. She pointed to the mailbox as if to say, “Pa, look, a mailbox.”

Lt. Weinberg: Cmdr. Galloway, Lt. Kaffee is considered to be the best litigator in our office. He successfully plea bargained 44 cases in 9 months.
Kaffee: One more and I get a set of steak knives.

Kaffee: Whoa. Hold it. We gotta take a boat?
Barnes: Yes, sir. To get to the other side of the bay.
Kaffee: Nobody said anything about a boat.
Barnes: Is there a problem, sir?
Kaffee: No, no problem. I’m just not that crazy about boats, that’s all.
Galloway: Jesus Christ, Kaffee, you’re in the Navy for crying out loud.

Kaffee: Lt. Kendrick, may I call you John?
Lt. Kendrick: No, you may not.
Kaffee: Have I done something to offend you?
Lt. Kendrick: Not at all, I like all you Navy boys. Every time we gotta go some place to fight, you fellas always give us a ride.

Kaffee: Did you talk to your friend at the NIS?
Lt. Weinberg: Yeah, he said if Markinson doesn’t want to be found, we’re not gonna find him. He said I could be Markinson and you wouldn’t even know.
Kaffee: Are you Markinson?
Lt. Weinberg: No.
Kaffee: I’m not Markinson… that’s two.

Kaffee: This your signature?
Dawson: Yes, sir.
Kaffee: You don’t have to call me “sir.”
[to Downey]
Kaffee: Is this your signature?
Downey: Sir, yes, sir.
Kaffee: You certainly don’t need to do it twice in one sentence

Of course I liked a line much serious than the previous….

Kaffee: You don’t need a patch on your arm to have honor.

The film was nominated for four Academy Awards:

• Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jack Nicholson)
• Best Film Editing
• Best Picture and
• Best Sound

The film was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards:

• Best Director (Rob Reiner)
• Best Motion Picture - Drama
• Best Actor (Tom Cruise)
• Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson)
• Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)

Related Post: Minority Report (Cruise)