Monday, May 17, 2021

Gojira-Fortitude Review: The Nevers, Mitchells vs Machines, Without Remorse Reviews; and Alex’s You Rock Award!

Gojira - Fortitude



Gojira’s
latest is more prog than their previous albums. It’s heavy but accessible.
Standout songs include Amazonia, Hold On, and Into the Storm.
There are lots of messages in the music – destruction of the rain forest, the plight of the people of Tibet, etc.
Start to finish, this is one of their most enjoyable albums.
You enjoy French metal/prog, I recommend it!

Here is The Chant, which highlights the horrible things China has done to Tibet – and continues to do to this day:



Movie/Series Reviews


The Mitchells vs. the Machines

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell
From the IMDB:
A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope.
It was enjoyable but not really memorable.
At two hours, this animated film was way too long.
The message is good – adjusting during that awkward transition from teen to adult. But they did beat you over the head with it.
Pig-dog was funny. Best part of the film.
Worth a watch if you’ve nothing better to do for two hours.



Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse

Stars: Michael B. Jordan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell
From the IMDB:
An elite Navy SEAL, goes on a path to avenge his wife's murder only to find himself inside of a larger conspiracy.
Jordan does a fine job as an action hero. Nice to see him in a hero role. (He was the antagonist in Black Panther.)
However, it felt like the least Clancy story of all the Clancy movies. I’ve never read the book, but I’m guessing they are vastly different.
Passible entertainment but not really memorable.



The Nevers

Stars: Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly, Olivia Williams
From the IMDB:
An epic tale following a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies, and a mission that might change the world.
Think of it as X-Men in 1890’s London.
Joss Whedon wrote and directed this series, and it has his style all over it. I don’t know if the mistreatment rumors about him are true but the dude can make a great series.
It’s filled with great characters, funny dialogue, violence, and of course – unnecessary gratuitous nudity. (It’s HBO Max – of course!)
The plot and pacing are fantastic. I’m very intrigued where the show is going.
Airs Sunday nights.
Highly recommended!


Alex’s You Rock Award!


Every year, I give out this award to special blogger buddies. There are so many deserving, but I am keeping the list very short this year.

First, here are the previous recipients of the award, some of whom no longer blog… Arlee, Yvonne, RaShelle, Hannah, Jeffrey, Gail, Rusty, Chuck, George, Jeremy, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland, Melissa, Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina, Damyanti, Edi, Karen, Elizabeth, Suze, Susan, Pat, Jo, Michelle, Brandon and Bryan, Christine, Truedessa, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, Hank Kaykuala, JH Moncrieff, Nilanjana Bos, Liza, Yolanda Renee, Spacer Guy, Elsie Amata, L. Diane Wolfe, Natalie Aguirre, Sandra Cox, C. Lee McKenzie, Elizabeth Seckman, Magic Love Crow, Birgit, JE Oneil, LG Keltner, Chemist Ken, Sherry Ellis Kim Lajevardi, Shady, Jemi Fraser, Mason Canyon, and Stacy McKitrick!

And now for the bloggers who have made this journey a heck of a lot more special:


Mary @ Dark Thoughts

I’m not sure when I found Mary’s blog, but she has some great weekly features. While I can’t get into the book reviews (you review what you like, Mary!) she does an Apartment Life Hell, Raturday, and weekly freebies. Mary entertains us, but I often worry about her, mostly because of where she lives in Vegas. Mary, you rock!


Liesbet @ Roaming About

She has spent the past few years roaming the country in Zesty and before that on her sailboat. It’s not a lifestyle for the faint of heart, but she and her husband see some amazing places. She recently launched her book, Plunge, about her adventures on the high sea. Liesbet has such a great attitude – she rocks!


Carrie @ Welcome to my Magick Theatre

I started following Carrie’s blog many, many years ago. Probably from an early A to Z Challenge. Carrie writes historical fiction, mostly European and Russian, and it’s fascinating stuff. She stands her ground, both on her writing and what she believes in, and I admire that. Carrie, you rock!




Picked up the new Gojira? Seen either movie or the series? What bloggers rock your world?

Don’t forget the new IWSG Anthology Contest is open! Genre is sweet romance, theme is first love. See the site for details.

See you June 2 for the monthly posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!


59 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you for introducing me to Gojira - and in particular The Chant. Moving - and it needs to be heard far and wide.
Congratulations to all the new rockers.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Thanks for the introduction to the French technical death metal, progressive metal, groove metal and post-metal band Gojira. I agree their style is heavy but accessible and their message music deserves to be heard.

Mark K reached out to me recently and we have made a friend connection in bloggyland. I agree. Mary rocks!

Have a great week, good buddy Alex!

nashvillecats2 said...

Lots of news and reviews as always. Good to read.
Congrats to those who who have won your Alex Rock Award.
I was so proud to recieve mine years ago....a great honour.

Yvonne.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

It's looking like we're going to have to subscribe to HBO Max!

Natalie Aguirre said...

The Nevers looks good. Congrats to Mary, Liesel, and Carrie on winning your award! I don't know Mary and Carrie and will check out their blogs.

Joanne said...

I agree that Michael B Jordan was good in a predictable movie. Haven't watched The Nevers, but saw the Irregulars on Netflix - same fantasy odd powers concept and throw in Holmes and Watson. Saw where AT&T is messing with HBO Max and more to combine with Discovery - I just predict more rate hikes with that news. Sigh. Congrats to all winners. Have a good week. Rainy here

Jemi Fraser said...

The Nevers definitely sounds intriguing!
Congrats to the new Rockers!

Chemist Ken said...

Man! Other than The Nevers, I hadn't even heard of any of them. I'm so out of touch these days. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Liesbet said...

Thank you so much for the mention and the You Rock Award, Alex! I’m humbled and excited to find myself in such great company. And to be hand-picked by our awesome ninja captain! :-) You sure are making my week.

The Chant is incredibly touching; I had tears in my eyes when watching the video you posted. I’m a fan of songs with a message - to educate people through music and art often leaves a better impression than the ordinary, scholarly way. Also, it is my opinion that influential people like actors, musicians, millionaires, and other famous stars can (and should) use their power and reach to make this world a better place. They are in a position to do so.

Computer Tutor said...

So much to comment on, Alex! I agree about the Tom Clancy movie. Husby and I call those 'good enough', good not great. Yay to your blogger finds! I know a few and will check out the rest. The video--oh my. It is haunting and heart-breaking.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks for posting the Gojira track - it's pretty cool.

I just today heard about The Nevers and I'm really curious. Although being set in Victorian London, my thoughts immediately turned to Doctor Who's Paternoster Gang :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Child, yes it does.

Shady, that's cool!

Yvonne, well deserved.

Elizabeth, a lot of good shows and movies on MAX.

Ken, that's my job!

Liesbet, exactly! And you are welcome.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Just watched Without Remorse. Of course you're right, it was not memorable. I am happy that they didn't show his pregnant wife's dead body. That was good.

Mary Kirkland said...

I am humbled and so excited that you mentioned me and my blog. Thank you so much. I'm glad that people find my blog entertaining.

I will definitely be checking out that Tom Clancy movie.

kaykuala said...

Congrats to all those awarded the You Rock awards. It is certainly a nice feeling to be recognized. Grateful and proud to have been so awarded years ago. Thanks, Alex for getting us well informed on the good work of others

Hank

Jenni said...

Thanks for bringing some new-to-me blogs to my attention! I have read Liesbet's blog. Her new book sounds amazing! I haven't hear do Mary or Carrie's. I really like the aesthetic with Carrie's blog header--and I love historical fiction.

J E Oneil said...

Aw, you put me on the list again. You're so nice. Thanks a lot for that.

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for the movie reviews.
I always enjoy your "You Rock Awards" Such a nice tribute for the recipients.

Birgit said...

It's disgusting what happens in Tibet which gets hardly any news and I wonder how many people go missing, never mind their culture and historic building etc.. I like that chant and I don't mind the song to be honest. Kudos to the band for bringing this to the forefront. I have not seen any of these films but wouldn't mind seeing the Jordan film. I would like to see The Nevers but, why must they show T & A during the Victorian era no less. I think Shady, Sandra Cox and The Dutchess (card maker) are wonderful bloggers.

Liz A. said...

I do plan to check out The Nevers, but I haven't done it yet. Probably after the regular series take off for the summer.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joylene, my wife said the very same thing.

Mary, you rock!

Patricia, sounds more entertaining than the movie itself.

Hank, you rock!

Jemi, you will dig what Carrie-Anne writes then.

JE, once on the list, always on the list.

Birgit, I know! People need to be told what is happening there.

mshatch said...

Nice to see your positive review for The Nevers. I'm looking forward to watching it!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to the new rockers, it's a awesome group to be a part of. I had been wondering about Without Remorse. Always enjoyed Clancy's books.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Proud to be on the list and congrats to the new members!
Alex, you're an awesome guy and you rock, too!

Heather

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the Gojira clip - I still love heavy metal music. The Chant is certainly sobering - makes a lot of our first world whining look a bit pathetic.

I still have The Nevers in queue to watch!

Carrie-Anne said...

Thanks for giving me the award! That's great company to be among.

The Nevers sounds like a show I'd enjoy. Victorians were anything but boring and straight-laced, despite what the popular stereotype insists.

Nilanjana Bose said...

Thanks for the Gojira video. Resonated. Needs to be heard and known widely.

Congratulations to the new awardees!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Heather!

Carrie-Anne, you're welcome.

Nila, yes it does.

Lynda Dietz said...

The video is really powerful! Thank you for sharing this one.

I'm glad you finally reviewed a few movies I don't actually care about, lol. Takes the pressure off me trying to make time to see them.

The You Rock bloggers are such a great list of people. Many of them are people I got to know through the A to Z challenge during my first years of blogging, and it really is sad that some of them don't blog anymore, but they're all superstars.

Sandra Cox said...

Good on Gojira for standing up for social justice.
Congrats to the You Rock Award Winners. It's a special award. And good on you for giving out the awards. They are appreciated.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Congrats to the well deserving winners of your You Rock Award!

I didn't know Michael Jordan has acting chops. That's awesome.

Be well, Alex.
Cheers to you.

Truedessa said...

Congratulations to the "You Rock Award" winners.

The Nevers sounds interesting.

Haunting music with a deep message - feels a bit dark, I will have to look up the lyrics.

Have a good week...

presstfortime said...

I haven't seen any of these, though The Nevers sounds interesting. I checked out The Chant, and though it's not up my alley the message is powerful. Congrats to all the winners listed. I thoroughly enjoy Mary's Apartment Life Hell series. Thanks, Alex, for keeping us all entertained and informed, always.

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Alex,
I did see Without Remorse. My reaction was about the same as yours. It was an evening's entertainment but not memorable.
Have a great reading-writing day. Or evening as the case may be;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, I'd say half of them don't blog anymore.

Robyn - funny!

Press, I do my best!

Sandra, at least you knew what to expect!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex – I’d no idea about Gojira … how fascinating and educative they are … I’ll check out more on them anon. Loved the video though …

Oddly I’m reading a book by William Dalrymple ‘In Xanadu – a quest’ … whereby he travels in 1986 from Syria across Asia trying to follow the Silk Road to Peking (and obviously Xanadu) … but he travels from Pakistan, through India/Kashmir and on into China … and to Xanadu – which he achieves.
But he refers back to earlier days and comments on earlier travellers ... he particularly refers to the Uigers and other minor groups as he circumnavigates his way across. It’s fascinating – and now to have you highlight Gojira’s latest album and their dedication to environmental and animal rights activism … is very co-incidental – thank you!

Congratulations to your blogger buddies – they, and you, deserve the award for being there for us. Also the three ones you’ve highlighted …
Stay safe and enjoy the longer light – cheers Hilary

Jeremy [Retro] said...

We are still here, just hiding in the blogging shadows. Hope all is well and the world is treating you right. I am so behind on some of these Netflix shows, I find myself watching old friends over and over... like AGENTS of SHIELD.

thank for including me in the post.
Jeremy

Stacy McKitrick said...

I'll have to check out The Nevers. Good thing I have HBO Max!

Magic Love Crow said...

Thank you for introducing me to Gojira. Moving - and it needs to be heard far and wide. Congrats to all the new people who got your Rock Award! Big Hugs Alex!

Rhonda Albom said...

Congrats to the newest rockers.

Gojira is really intense, I like it, and hate it at the same time.

Patsy said...

There are so many great blogs. It's hard to keep up with them all, but I'll take a look at your award winners.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm a bit behind on the "news" of the world - I went on a rabbit trail search on Joss Whedon. Whew. I still like many of the movies and shows he has created, so I will check out Nevers.
Thanks for sharing all of your previews and reviews, Alex!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Whedon does make excellent movies and shows. I love Buffy. No idea about his personality. Lately, I've decided not to judge until I meet the person. So, until he invites me to a party, I'll refrain from judgment.

Sandra Cox said...

Mitchells vs the Machines sounds fun.
Hope you're having a great one.

kjmckendry said...

So many names on the past recipients--it's like an old A-Z reunion list! It's awesome to read your posts again! You rock Alex! You brought so many of us together!

Sandra Cox said...

What bloggers rock my world? Why you, of course;) And if I started naming off the others, I'd forget someone and feel badly.

Anonymous said...

Hi Alex,

Gojira is really good! I'm going to play them for my hubby. He's going to love them.

Okay, did you just get me to watch yet another show?? I keep seeing The Nevers recommended for me and haven't tried it because I lost interest in The Boys after five (?) episodes. It was, I don't know, "too much" if that makes any sense. I'll give The Nevers a try in a couple of weeks when I can binge-watch a few episodes.

Congratulations to Mary, Liesbet, and Carrie. It's a great honor to be a You Rock awardee.

Elsie

The Purple Assassin. said...

Hey Alex,

Honestly, its been a while for me, but it feels good to be back in this space. Great to see how beautifully you're keeping up and all these blogs that I can also check out! Congratulations to the winners!

Anyways, hope you're doing well!

Susan Kane said...

So sad to see names of those who are no longer active bloggers. The one whose name that is missing is Arlee. He is one of the reasons I started blogging.

J.Q. Rose said...

I love the sound, the blend of this group. Music is important to bring awareness to issues where other methods just don't resonate with people.
Congrats to the previous and the new winners of the You Rock Award. What a great way to share the IWSG experience with us!

JQ Rose

DMS said...

I see lots of my favorite bloggers on your list of past recipients. I will have to check out the bloggers from this year. :)
~Jess

DMS said...

Ooh- and I meant to add that I was thrilled to see Mary from Dark Thoughts listed! Love her posts!

Sandra Cox said...

Good day, Alex. Hope your muse is bellowing in your ear;)

Sherry Ellis said...

I just watched The Mitchels and the Machines with my daughter. You're right, the dog is the best part. :)

Sadira Stone said...

I'm with you--I find editing much more relaxing that drafting!

J Lenni Dorner said...

Liesbet is awesome! Her book was pretty great.

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations to all the You Rock recipients!

I can't believe I hadn't heard of The Nevers. It sounds really good!

XmasDolly said...

Well, here we go! I have thought about this first & wahhhh laaaaassss!!!! So, here we go again! Anyway, these are a couple of my favorite songs! Woo Hoo!!How about you??? Sooo, These are definitely! What's your favorite tune???

XmasDolly said...

Okay, I will definitely have to put this back together that's for sure!///// WOW!!!! I will have tp figure this one out to say the least and figure out how this works! hahaha Man! Why does everything have to be a puzzle that's for sure! buggers!!! I HATE BUGGERS TOO! WELL HAVE A GREAT DAY Y'ALL!!! DUDE, IT SEEMS LIKE FOREVER AND A WEEK SINCE WE'VE TALKED. HAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA WEEK!! WELL WE MUST STOP THAT FOR SURE! DANG IT'S SO HOT IN MY HOUSE TODAY FOR SURE!!! ANY, , WE REALLY HAVE TO GET CONNECTED!!! YOU'RE SO FUNNY & SO PLEASANT TALK TOO! I COULD RUN OVER THERE RIGHT NOW & GIVE YA A BIG HUG!!! I MISSED YA!