chrisowen876 Reviews

Foundation: Creation Myths (2023) Season 2, Episode 10

Blew my mind and sad it is now over

[10/10 · 20 September 2023]

Every time I see Lee Pace's, Day, I think of Galadriel's words, "Terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!" I was a fan after the Hobbit movies, well done sir!

Regarding the Seldon plan it is now clear that the empire is in steep decline, they lost their entire fleet, and the genetic dynasty is now in disarray.

Foundation clearly accelerated the process and took away Empire's space weapons with minimal collateral damage, making Empire very vulnerable. This story parallels the fall of the Roman Empire. It will be very interesting to see what more Empire tries to do next to prevent its fall. Whole episodes could be devoted to the interesting philosophical discussion of this alone.

This is a masterpiece, but terribly sad it is now over, and we have to wait so long for the next season. Thanks again for bringing Asimov's Foundation universe to our screens. Admittedly new story elements have been added, but they only enhance the story.

Foundation (2021– )

Thank you so much for bringing this show to our screens

[10/10 · 2 August 2023]

My favorite epic Sci-Fi series, which sparked my imagination as a young man. The most epic story and world building possible, both in terms of sheer scale and over time and hence the most challenging to bring to our screens. For those who do not know, Foundation is set some 12,000 years in mankind's future and all records of earth's history and location have been lost. It is also the same Universe as Asmov's I Robot.

This adaption includes all the elements which make the Asimov's creation and ideas so amazing and inspirational: The Seldon Plan, Psycohistory, The Prime Radiant, Trantor, Terminus, the Foundation, the Second Foundation, Empire, the unstoppable collapse of the Galactic Empire, Seldon Crises where the Seldon plan could falter and much more.

The idea that civilizations can and do fail is the most important Foundation theme, along with the idea that it is possible to navigate an optimum path to recovery. It parallels own present-day crisis which is climate, and which is already stressing our own civilization.

The casting is perfect, as is the performances of the whole cast, led by Pace, who plays a galactic emperor astonishingly well. I cannot wait to see how this, and future seasons unfold.

Well done and my thanks again for making this amazing show.

War of the Worlds (2005)

An excellent Sci-Fi thriller based on the Orson Wells story from 1953

[8/10 · 20 June 2006]

This remake in 2005 of the 1953 film "The War of the Worlds" is highly recommended. When the aliens come it depicts the struggle for survival in a world of total devastation through the eyes of a father, Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) and his two children, Rachel and Robbie.

For me the film works on two levels; As well as an alien Invasion, like the original, it is also modern day commentary of the "war" between the two worlds of a divorced family with the children torn and damaged in the middle.

On an access visit, Ray Ferrier does all he can do protect his two children against absolutely impossible odds to ensure their survival. After his almost adult son gets separated whilst trying to stand against the invaders, and his daughter is captured by the aliens, Ray Ferrier does what any parent would do, he casts aside any thoughts for his own safety and takes the fight to the aliens in a desperate attempt to rescue his daughter, and what a long awaited payback it was!

This alternate view of the film reaches conclusion when Ray Ferrier returns his children to their mother, the end of the access visit, and the end of another episode in their "War of the Worlds".

Augustus: The First Emperor (2003 TV Movie)

Very enjoyable indeed and highly recommended

[8/10 · 16 March 2006]

This movie is based on the life and achievements of the first emperor of Rome, Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar. Augustus, a fascinating and controversial man, may have been the most important figure in Roman history. Through his long life (63 B.C. - A.D. 14) and deeds, the failing Republic became an empire which endured for centuries, thus preserving and advancing the civilization of the day.

Particularly noteworthy is an outstanding performance by Peter O'Tool as Augustus, possibly his best, both captivating and very enjoyable indeed. The film brought to life the struggle that civilization faced to survive against threats from all sides. Peter O'Tool masterfully uses a full repertoire of emotions to tell the story of Augustus as he seeks to preserve his Rome.