Spot Reviews 07/05/24
Jul 05 2024
Underworld (2003) [+] Modern-day urban fantasy. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a Death Dealer, the elite warriors of the Vampires. When she finds some werewolves hunting a human, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), her investigation uncovers a conspiracy aimed at the vampire elders... This was such a low budget film with excellent CGI and special effects that still ups today. Interesting characters and good back story (that gets its own theatrical film).
The Beekeeper (2024) [/] Jason Statham medium-budget action film. Adam Clay (Statham) is a reclusive hobbyist beekeeper who is friends with his landlord but when she commits suicide after being defrauded by online scammers he decides to go after the scam company and wreak bloody vengeance. Turns out he's a retired Beekeeper, an extra-governmental organization created long ago to protect the USA with no oversight from the government... Lots of 1 vs lots fights where Clay rarely uses a gun unless it's from an opponent and then only momentarily. There is a bee motif but actual bee attacks never occur.
The Ausperg Affair (2012) [/] Written by Nick Marsh this is a short story novelization of a Call of Cthulhu session prequel to Horror on the Orient Express. From the POV of one of the characters it is suitably ok and was a bonus add-on for the Express Diaries novel. The characters attend an auction where there is a gruesome murder and they are asked to investigate on behalf of the auction house. Since it's POV from one character it is the only one that is sort of developed while the other four are rather vague.
Gao Viet Kitchen, San Mateo [/] Dined in. 4 Item Banh Hoi ($46) ok; Mr. Gao Fried Chicken ($29) it's a dine-in only item, pretty big chicken (like a quarter chicken), not really a crispy fried style; Shaking Beef - Bò Lúc Lắc )$32) this was pretty good, steak chunks and thicker noodles; Crab Noodle ($25) also fairly good, has crystal noodles. I guess in the end maybe too upscale of a Vietnamese place. Decor is nice though often I see a bit of a line to be seated.
Rao's Homemade Marinara [-] Maybe I'm used to Trader Joe's marinara now but this one was a bit sour and not appealing eating with just pasta and parmesan cheese. About twice as expensive too.
The Beekeeper (2024) [/] Jason Statham medium-budget action film. Adam Clay (Statham) is a reclusive hobbyist beekeeper who is friends with his landlord but when she commits suicide after being defrauded by online scammers he decides to go after the scam company and wreak bloody vengeance. Turns out he's a retired Beekeeper, an extra-governmental organization created long ago to protect the USA with no oversight from the government... Lots of 1 vs lots fights where Clay rarely uses a gun unless it's from an opponent and then only momentarily. There is a bee motif but actual bee attacks never occur.
The Ausperg Affair (2012) [/] Written by Nick Marsh this is a short story novelization of a Call of Cthulhu session prequel to Horror on the Orient Express. From the POV of one of the characters it is suitably ok and was a bonus add-on for the Express Diaries novel. The characters attend an auction where there is a gruesome murder and they are asked to investigate on behalf of the auction house. Since it's POV from one character it is the only one that is sort of developed while the other four are rather vague.
Gao Viet Kitchen, San Mateo [/] Dined in. 4 Item Banh Hoi ($46) ok; Mr. Gao Fried Chicken ($29) it's a dine-in only item, pretty big chicken (like a quarter chicken), not really a crispy fried style; Shaking Beef - Bò Lúc Lắc )$32) this was pretty good, steak chunks and thicker noodles; Crab Noodle ($25) also fairly good, has crystal noodles. I guess in the end maybe too upscale of a Vietnamese place. Decor is nice though often I see a bit of a line to be seated.
Rao's Homemade Marinara [-] Maybe I'm used to Trader Joe's marinara now but this one was a bit sour and not appealing eating with just pasta and parmesan cheese. About twice as expensive too.