Sunday, December 31, 2023

Movie: The Flash (2023) Caution Spoiler Alert

 The Flash



Came out; 2023

Time; 2 hr 24 min

Watched: Amazon


Rated: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity


IMDB Rating; 6.7/10


Caution; Spoiler Alert


Staring;

Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/Flash

Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman

Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl

Michael Shannon as General Zod

Ron Livingston as Henry Allen

Maribel Verdu as Nora Allen

Kiersey Clemons as Iris West

Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth

Iam Loh as Kid Barry

Christopher Reeve as Superman (Archive Footage)

George Reeves as Superman (Archive Footage)

Helen Slater as Super Girl (Archive Footage)

Adam West as Batman (Archive Footage)

Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne

Nicolas Cage as Superman

George Clooney as Bruce Wayne

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman


Story Line;


Barry Allen is struck by a bolt of lightning and thus, an extraordinary power is born inside him: The Speed Force. When he uses this power to run back in time and save his mother, he creates a world without heroes and General Zod has returned. To defeat him, his only hope rests in the hands of a retired Batman, another Barry and an imprisoned kryptonian.


Thoughts:


This was a decent movie, I wish it would have been more a backstory than a multiverse type. That has been done too many times recently.


I did like that during the multiverse all batman's, superman's and such was shown.


You do get the orgin story of Flash but towards the middle of this super long movie.


So many things could have been cut out and this still would have been a decent movie.


CAUTION; Major Spoiler Alert


After helping Bruce Wayne / Batman and Diana Prince / Wonder Woman stop a robbery in Gotham CityBarry Allen revisits his childhood home, where he lived with his parents Nora and Henry, before Henry's wrongful imprisonment for Nora's murder. On the day of her death, Nora sent Henry to the grocery store for a can of tomatoes that she forgot to buy, leaving her alone in the kitchen, resulting in her being killed by an unidentified assailant. Overcome by emotions, Barry accidentally uses the Speed Force to form a "Chronobowl" and travel back in time earlier in the day. Despite Bruce's warnings of time travel's unintended consequences, Barry time travels and places the can of tomatoes in Nora's cart at the store, so that his father will not have to leave the house. As he returns to the present, Barry is knocked out of the Chronobowl by an unknown speedster and ends up in a 2013 where Nora is alive. He encounters his parents, his past self, and realizes this is the day he originally obtained his powers.

In order to make sure his past self gains superpowers, the two Barrys go to the Central City Police Department, where Barry re-enacts the event for 2013-Barry to be struck by lightning. Both end up getting struck by the lightning, giving 2013-Barry powers, but causing Barry to lose his own. As Barry struggles to train 2013-Barry on properly using his powers, they learn that General Zod is preparing to invade Earth.[c] In an effort to fight Zod, the Barrys attempt to assemble the Justice League but are unsuccessful; in their timeline, Diana is unable to be located, Victor Stone has not gained his abilities yet, and Arthur Curry never exists. They travel to Wayne Manor, hoping to find Bruce, but instead find an alternate variant who has long retired. Bruce theorizes that using time travel to alter history affects events both prior to and after the alteration. They convince Bruce to return as Batman and help them find Kal-El / Superman.

The Barrys and Batman locate a Kryptonian pod discovered in Siberia. Upon arrival, they instead find Kal-El's cousin, Kara Zor-El, imprisoned in the facility. They rescue Kara and return to Wayne Manor. Barry enlists Bruce's help to regain his power once more. The first two attempts fail, prompting Kara to fly Barry into a storm, where he regains his powers. Kara and Batman join the Barrys to fight Zod and his forces. During the battle, Kara learns that Zod had intercepted Kal-El's escape pod and killed him in the process of extracting the Codex needed to repopulate the Kryptonian species. The Codex is actually within Kara. Zod subdues and kills her, then extracts the Codex from her blood; meanwhile, Batman sacrifices himself in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy Zod's ship.

The Barrys repeatedly time travel to save Batman and Kara but keep failing. Barry realizes that this sequence of events cannot be changed, but 2013-Barry keeps trying. As 2013-Barry travels, the multiverse starts to implode. The unknown speedster who initially knocked Barry out of the Speed Force returns and is revealed to be an older, future version of 2013-Barry who still believes he can defeat Zod and save his Earth. He becomes angry when Barry reveals his intention to reverse the changes he made to the timeline by letting Nora die. The elder 2013-Barry attempts to kill Barry, but instead impales young 2013-Barry, who sacrifices himself to save Barry and wipe his future self from the timeline.

Barry reverts the timeline and comes to terms with his mother's death; however, he subtly alters the past by moving the tomato cans to a higher shelf. Returning to the present day, Barry attends Henry's court hearing, where the security footage now reveals Henry looking up to grab the tomato can, allowing for his exoneration. Barry is then contacted by Bruce, whose appearance has changed once again as a result of the timeline alteration.



Movie: Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire (2023) Caution Spoiler Alert

 Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire



Came out; 2023

Time; 2 hr 13 min

Watched: Netflix


Rated: PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, sexual assault, bloody images, language, sexual material and partial nudity


IMDB Rating; 5.7/10


Caution; Spoiler Alert


Staring.

Sofia Boutella as Kora

Djimon Hounsou as Titus

Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble

Michiel Huisman as Gunnar

Bae Doona as Nemesis

Ray Fisher as Bloodaxe

Charlie Hunnam as Kai

Anthony Hopkins as Jimmy (Voice)


Story Line.


When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors - outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.


Thoughts:


This movie had potential, but it was very boring. I had a hard time watching this one.


They were trying to go for a star-wars/star-trek/Dune type movie but it just didn't work.

It had a great cast, and the acting was good, but it just didn't hit right.


CAUTION; Major Spoiler Alert


On the backwater moon of Veldt, the sadistic Admiral Atticus Noble arrives on behalf of Motherworld, a militaristic interstellar Imperium fueled by centuries of conquest and war. He explains that he and his men are hunting for a band of rebels led by the Bloodaxes and will need the village to supply them with grain. The village's leader, Father Sindri, refuses. Noble beats him to death and says he will return in ten weeks for an amount of grain that will leave the village with too little to survive. Noble departs, leaving a handful of soldiers in the village. One of the villagers, Kora, witnesses Imperium soldiers preparing to gang-rape a villager, she attacks and kills them. Kora tells the villagers that Noble will massacre the village once he returns and gets what he wants unless they mount a defense.

Kora departs to the nearby port town of Providence, bringing another villager named Gunnar who has sold grain to the Bloodaxe rebellion before. During their journey, she reveals to Gunnar that she once served the Imperium as a soldier, having been brought up by a general named Balisarius after he killed her family and destroyed her home planet. She was then promoted as the bodyguard to Princess Issa on the Motherworld but failed to protect the princess on the day of her coronation when the entire royal family was assassinated and Balisarius declared himself Regent. As she explains it, Issa was expected to usher in an end to the Imperium's conquests and the Regent has instead renewed its conquests.

When they get to Providence, Kai, a smuggler and criminal, agrees to take them to recruit Titus, a disgraced Imperium commander. On the way, Kai takes them to recruit two additional warriors: Tarak, a tamer of beasts, and Nemesis, a talented swordswoman with robotic arms. They then find Titus in a drunken stupor. Titus agrees to fight for them as well. They then use Gunnar's previous dealings with the Bloodaxe rebellion to meet their leaders on the planet Sharaan, siblings Darrian and Devra. Darrian agrees to defend the village and brings a small handful of rebels along with him. Devra, on the other hand, considers a fight against Noble's dreadnaught, the King's Gaze, hopeless and a waste of their resources. After they depart the planet, Noble arrives and wipes out its population for assisting the rebels.

Kai tells Kora that he has been moved by her quest to abandon his illicit life as a smuggler. He just has one last shipment to drop off to leave that life behind him. Kai takes the group to a trading post and shackles them with exoskeletal restraints just as Noble's ship arrives. Kai reveals he had always intended to betray them for the bounties on their heads. Noble identifies Kora as Arthelais, a wanted fugitive who betrayed the Imperium. Kai attempts to force Gunnar to paralyze a shackled Kora. Gunnar instead frees Kora and kills Kai. The other warriors are unshackled as well. In the ensuing battle, Darrian is killed, and Kora throws Noble off of a high platform. The surviving warriors return to Veldt together.

Heavily injured but alive, Noble is recovered by Motherworld forces and revived after having spoken on an astral plane with Balisarius, who demands that Noble end the insurgency against him and bring Kora to him alive so he can execute her himself.


Friday, December 29, 2023

Chronic Pain Thoughts: Volume 19

 Dear Reader,


After surgery they tell you to stay on top of the pain. I haven't had surgery, yet I can't stay on top of it. We live in a world where obese people get handicap parking passes and special treatment yet chronic pain is treated as though we are all just drug seekers. It's unfair and almost inhumane.


I'm not saying that everyone should be treated differently or worse because of how they are. I'm saying we should all be treated with understanding and the ability to obtain what we need to survive the day.


My cats and dogs have better availability to get pain medications that I do.


All the diagnosis's I've shared here are all the ones I've suffer with. I suffer and struggle everyday. If I didn't work from home I'm not sure I would make it though my day. I cry, a lot. Both because I'm in pain and because I'm so frustrated. Frustrated with my body, frustrated with my system and overwhelmed because I'm not who I used to be.


Until recently I was in a toxic friendship. I didn't realize it was toxic until it ended but she used to tell me “It's not that bad, other people have it worse”. I've come to realize that's not really fair because all of our feelings, pain and thoughts are valid. My pain may not be as bad as someone elses but who am I to compare. Each of us deal with things differently but most of us deal with it without any help.


I used to feel bad because I would talk to her about my pain and she would tell me to stop complaining, get active and just push through it. She would make me feel worse about myself because I couldn't get more active and I couldn't push through it, I still can't but now I don't feel bad. Don't let anyone treat you like this. Stay strong with people and know that your feelings, your pain, your thoughts and your boundaries matter.


I made it through Christmas ok. Time spent with my family never hurts as I don't talk to them about my issues and try to hide them. That's not really ok but it works for me. I don't want sympathy, I want understanding.


I am also stressed out as January is in a few days. My insurance deductible and max out of pocket starts over soon. I have: A diagnostic Colonoscopy, a first appointment with a new pain doctor and a Rheumatology visit all this month. I won't be able to financially recover soon.


Life isn't fair but I'm determined to make it though the other side.



Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Wax: Kushner Kreations 2023 Advent

 Vendor; Kushner Kreations

Web; kushnerkreations.weebly.com

Facebook; www.facebook.com/groups/KushnerKreations

Owner; April Kushner


2023 Grinch Christmas Advent

Price; $70






December 1st

Scent: He Looks Like a Deranged Easter Bunny

Scent Description: Spicy blend of peppercorns, nutmeg, and fresh clove; embodied with notes of elderberries, blackberries, plums, and fresh green oakmoss; with magical, effervescent top notes of carbonated fizzy pop and just a hint of cool mint

Thoughts: Pretty sure this was snowman balls, I loved it!



December 2nd

Scent: Shut Up Ralphie

Scent Description: Sweet, buttery notes with hints of toffee, tiny hints of chocolate with loads of sweet and slightly fruity buttercream notes with creamy, fluffy vanilla cake

Thoughts: Cupcakes at Tiffany's but this was so good!




December 3rd

Scent: Fra-GEE-Lay (Must be Italian)

Scent Description: Bubbly Champagne with notes of berries and citrusy tangerine

Thoughts: This smelled nice, it was a bubbly fruit scent



December 4th

Scent: Mother Parker

Scent Description: Juicy plums are mingled with tangy mandarin oranges and exotic passionfruit

Thoughts: This one wasn't overly strong for me, but I think it's because of the orange. My family always loves these but orange just doesn't do my nose much good!



December 5th

Scent: Flick

Scent Description: Fresh ripened pear, with cool base notes of fresh greenery

Thoughts: This smelled really good and I normally don't like pear scents



December 6th

Scent: Cleveland Street

Scent Description: Freshly cut wood, pine needles, and cedar. The aroma of spiced apple cider and cinnamon wafts through the air, accompanied by the sweet fragrance of baking sugar cookies

Thoughts: OMG this smells amazing! It's just a great winter scent



December 7th

Scent: Merry My Foot

Scent Description: Tart cranberries balanced with a watery and refreshing touch of melon. The middle note is a delicious blend of sugary vanilla and sweetened fruits

Thoughts: This smelled so good! It was such a great tart scent



December 8th

Scent: Black Bart

Scent Description: Sweet Candy Cane

Thoughts: I hated this, only because it was mint and much too strong. I'm sure everyone else loved it as it's generally not a bad scent, this is just my owner personal opinion on the scent itself

Hit or Miss; Both



December 9th

Scent: Old Man Parker

Scent Description: Butter Frosting, Red Berries, Strawberry, Thubarb, Caramel, Vanilla Cream, Sweet Sugar

Thoughts: This smelled amazing! It was what I call a red scent, because it reminded me of the color

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 10th

Scent: Chop Suey Palace

Scent Description: Sweet and creamy caramel with a touch of brown sugar, pecans, almonds and walnuts

Thoughts: This was really nice, I loved the crunchyness of this

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 11th

Scent: Naddafinga

Scent Description: Banana Taffy

Thoughts: Not my favorite, it was a nice banana candy vs pie scent

Hit or Miss; Both




December 12th

Scent: Red Ryder

Scent Description: Tangy cranberry and juicy red apple sprinkled with just the right amount of sugared cinnamon spice

Thoughts: This was strong cinnamon but it had a nice soft under tone

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 13th

Scent: Ralphie

Scent Description: A sinful blend of rich chocolate, velvety caramel, and decadent vanilla

Thoughts: This smelled so good! It was such a rich scent

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 14th

Scent: Triple Dog Dare You

Scent Description: Gentle, dusky breezes and bonfires, with notes of dried, wind-blown leaves, heliotrope, charred woods of pine and cedar, amber, smoky sandalwood, and musk with a background containing hints of roasted marshmallows, brown sugar, coconut and soft vanilla

Thoughts: This was pretty light, it wasn't what I expected

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 15th

Scent: Schwartz

Scent Description: Ruby red apple, winter rose petals and candied orange, drizzled with crisp maple and cinnamon.

Thoughts: This was really nice, it had such a great scent

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 16th

Scent: I can't put my arms down

Scent Description: Frozen sweet and tart grapes, strawberry with cold Cabernet.

Thoughts: I loved this! It smelled so good and sweet!

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 17th

Scent: Randy

Scent Description: Eggnog, almond extract, marzipan and vanilla

Thoughts: This was really creamy, it had a true eggnog scent

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 18th

Soap

Scent: Lifebuoy

Scent Description: Citrus, Fresh marine notes and summer flowers



December 19th

Scent: Ohhh, Fudge

Scent Description: notes of rum, vanilla, and brown sugar, layered with the rich aroma of butter and the satisfying crunch of crunchy cookies

Thoughts: This was lighter than I thought it would be, it did smell really good

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 20th

Scent: Scut Farkus

Scent Description: sweet fruity cereal we all love

Thoughts: This was strong fruit loops

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 21st

Scent: Be Sure to Drink Your Ovaltine

Scent Description: Rich Chocolate Creamy Chocolate

Thoughts: This smells exactly what it sound like it would and it's so good

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 22nd

Scent: You'll Shoot your eye out

Scent Description: Fresh tart yet sweet blueberries, zest from a grapefruit and juicy pear

Thoughts: This smelled amazing! It was such a sweet fruity scent

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 23rd

Scent: Grover Dill

Scent Description: Blend of Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn and Syrup with spicy soda

Thoughts: This was so good! Even with the peppermint from the candy cane I loved it

Hit or Miss; Hit



December 24th

Scent: Meat Loaf, Smeat Loaf, Double Beet Loaf, I hate Meat Loaf

Scent Description: Apples, Oak, Balsam Fir and Pine with cinnamon and clove

Thoughts: This one burned my nose on cold but it wasn't too strong warm

Hit or Miss; Both



December 25th

Scent: Parker Tree

Scent Description: Christmas Tree

Thoughts: Very fiting for the last one

Hit or Miss; Hit




Overall Thoughts:


This was perfect, the sizes of the tarts and how beautifully decorated they were.


The scents were perfect and very fitting for the theme of the advent.


I only ordered one this year and I'm glad I chose this one