Friday, August 25, 2023

Blue Beetle (2023): Movie Review

                                                                               


Jim's review

Jamie Reyes (Ramario Xolo Ramirez) inherit an ancient Scarab via a pizza box and the adventure begins as to why him!

Rudy Reyes (George Lopez) and Nana Reyes (Adrianna Barraza) are scene stealers!

7 out of 10 stars

About film
Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab. When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he's bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that's capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.



Thursday, August 24, 2023

The Samaritan (2012): Movie Review

                                                                            


Jim's Review

Foley (Samuel L. Jackson) gets out of prison and tries to go straight. That doesn't last long  until  he gets involved with some bad people and lots of money!

6 out of 10 stars

Movie Review
After many years in prison, a former grifter (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to go straight, but the son (Luke Kirby) of his former partner insists on learning the game and relieving a feared gangster (Tom Wilkinson) of $8 million.



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The Reef Stalked (2022): Movie Review

                                                                              


Jim's Review

Did someone say Shark!

Emotional story of woman overcoming a personal tragedy in her life to the point of overcoming to save her friends from a great white shark

6 out of 10 stars


Movie plot

Hoping to heal from a tragedy, a woman and her friends embark on a kayaking and diving adventure in tropical waters. However, the fun soon turns to terror when they find themselves fighting for their lives against a great white shark.


Gran Turismo (2023): Movie Review

                                                                                  


Jim's Review

Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) is serious gamer playing Gran Turismo until he gets a chance of a lifetime to drive the real car. Based on amazing true story

7 out of 10 stars

Movie plot
A player wins a series of Nissan-sponsored video game competitions through his gaming skills and becomes a real-life professional race car driver.


The last voyage of the Demeter (2023): Movie Review

                                                                              


Jim's Review


Captain Eliot (Liam Cunningham) stellar actor of Game of Thrones is in the is amazing adventure and horror movie on the rise of Dracula

Via Syfy
Inspired by “The Captain's Log” chapter from Stoker’s 1897 horror classic, the movie zeroes in on the fates of a ship’s crew completely blindsided by the presence of their preternatural stowaway.

It follows the thread of Alien and Jaws films as the villain is shown in very short shots witch makes the epic reveal even scarier!!!

7 out of 10 stars

More on Syfy article read more

Movie plot:
The crew of the merchant ship Demeter sets sail from Carpathia to London to deliver a cargo of 50 unmarked wooden crates. However, they soon discover they're not alone as Dracula's unholy presence turns the trip into a nightmarish fight for survival.



Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Secret Invasion Season 1 (2023): Series Review

                                                                                       



Jim's Review


Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) learns about a secret invasion on earth and come down to solve the problem!

He has his allies and his enemies unfortunately there is more than meets they eye as who exactly everyone is or supposed to be!

This become a discombobulated mess for everyone involved.

Don't worry Nick Fury should not be underestimated when it comes to not losing the battle but winning the war! 

6 out of 10 stars



About film
Nick Fury learns of a secret invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls; Fury joins his allies, and together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.



Meg 2 The Trench (2023): Movie Review

                                                                               


Jim's Review

Did someone say Shark!

I always enjoy watching shark movies no matter how they involved sharks! in the air, under the ground, flying through the air.... (you get the point)

Following the success Meg (2018) which had Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) battling a prehistoric Meg with a crew of explorers. It was serious film with lots of scary and few funny moments provided by Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson)

In the second film Meg 2 The Trench the storyline is a little more convoluted and the sharks seem to be just an added feature to the film rather than a benefit!

Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is back with most of the returning cast and this time they fighting some bad people already in a trench doing some damage to the earth, hence the Meg and everyone else is not happy.

There are not as many funny moments ( a few) which made it more serious film with a message.

When the Meg(s) do show up they aren't very happy and very hungry

It was still a Jaw(some) good time to watch!

7 out of 10 stars 




Movie plot
Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators.


Special Video: Collision Conference 2023

 

  It was truly amazing experience in June  to cover Collision Conference 2023 with HQ Media we had some awesome on the ground coverage interviews with speakers and startups

Below are few of the videos


1st

David Meltzer is the Co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing: VALUE. In all his content and communication that’s exactly what you’ll receive. Learn More About David: https://dmeltzer.com/#about This video is part of HQ Media's coverage of Collision Conference 2023 in Toronto. To see photos from the conference please check the albums on our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hqmedia... To learn more about HQ Media, please check our website at: https://www.hqmedia.ca

                                                       



2nd

Amy Peck is a global leader in XR. She has gathered the top talent in the industry to bring focused expertise to XR projects. ​She has over 20 years experience in enterprise strategy, immersive and emerging technology, and commercial production. She has help executive roles at HTC Vive, JP Morgan Chase, Living Social, Polygram Records and Orbit Productions. Amy is an angel investor, sits on several Advisory Boards and is a Venture Partner in the Capital region XR Accelerator. Learn More About Amy: https://www.endeavorxr.com/about This video is part of HQ Media's coverage of Collision Conference 2023 in Toronto. To see photos from the conference please check the albums on our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hqmedia... To learn more about HQ Media, please check our website at: https://www.hqmedia.ca Intro Music: Hero Theme Sting By: Herwin Hadwin #AmyPeck #endeavorxr #CollisionConf #HQMediaPro


                                 


3rd

     Erin Gee is an Ottawa-based communications consultant and freelance writer working at the intersection of public policy and communications.

Erin is a freelance writer and communications consultant. She has an extensive background in public policy related to issues such as the gig economy, taxation, public health, and emergency management. She has led projects and provided policy recommendations for several high-level officials within the Canadian government. Erin also founded d3crypto, a newsletter for analysis on Web3 in Canada. Learn More About Erin: https://www.erin-gee.ca/ This video is part of HQ Media's coverage of Collision Conference 2023 in Toronto. To see photos from the conference please check the albums on our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hqmedia... To learn more about HQ Media, please check our website at: https://www.hqmedia.ca Intro Music: Hero Theme Sting By: Herwin Hadwin  

#ErinGee #AltTextPodcast #CollisionConf #HQMediaPro                                    

                                             


4th

About Scott: Dr. Scott Levine is an experienced Chiropractor that focuses on next level health care delivery. A visionary that has created tech products that enhances lives and a clinic where tech meets touch. Currently Co-founder of WishWell. A platform that enhances human connection and builds stronger communities. Learn More About Scott: https://drscottlevine.ca/ About Neil: Neil has over 30 years of leadership experience as a business executive, consultant, and thought leader across multiple industries, with a specific focus in information technology. He is also a Certified Executive Coach who has provided support to industry leaders in topics related to leadership, entrepreneurship, emotional maturity in the workplace, and career/life transition. Neil has co-founded multiple organizations—including most recently—WishWell, a technology platform designed to support the emotional needs of others, and TRP Collaborative, a professional training and coaching company whose mission is to empower individuals and groups to take charge of their life experience by consciously managing perception, no matter what the circumstances. Learn More About Neil: https://theorg.com/org/acuityads/org-... Learn More About Wish Well Village: https://wishwellvillage.com/ This video is part of HQ Media's coverage of Collision Conference 2023 in Toronto. To see photos from the conference please check the albums on our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hqmedia... To learn more about HQ Media, please check our website at: https://www.hqmedia.ca Intro Music: Hero Theme Sting By: Herwin Hadwin #ScottLevine #NeilPahsey #WishWellVillage #CollisionConf #HQMediaPro

                                         


5th

Faycal is a dual honors student in Computer Science and Mathematics with a passion for innovation in Software Dev, Robotics / AI. Seeking opportunities to leverage skills and knowledge to drive organizations towards their ambitions. Learn More About Faycal: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/faycalkilali This video is part of HQ Media's coverage of Collision Conference 2023 in Toronto. To see photos from the conference please check the albums on our Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hqmedia... To learn more about HQ Media, please check our website at: https://www.hqmedia.ca Intro Music: Hero Theme Sting By: Herwin Hadwin #FaycalKilali #CollisionConf #HQMediaPro

                      

Thursday, August 3, 2023

The Tao of Self-Confidence - A Guide to moving beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader within: Book Review


Jim's Review

I have read many books all types of topics over the years from thick (Tony Robbins) to thin books

There is quote I have  used "Thin book powerful message"  for many books over the years and it was going to be used on this one until I changed my mind not to use it. Let me explain...

In February 2023 Sheena Yap Chan spoke at Podcamp 2023 held  yearly at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)

I have attended this conference for 10+ years and many authors, speaker and podcasters have spoken (including yours truly!)

That day Sheena Yap Chan shared her presentation and her excitement about her new book.

Fast ford to June 2023 and finally got it from the Toronto Public Library and started reading it slowly for the first 3 chapters then I went on vacation for a week and came back and finished it. 

I tell you this because I wanted to understand what I had read in order to finish it and give it review.

The Tao of self-confidence a guide to moving beyond trauma and awakening the leader within is personal story on insight on her life, the world and power movies that made on impact on her and she explain how.

Reading through is was like pealing through the layers of some of my own memories of relationship lost (one most recently of my best friend) and professional challenges I faced early in my work career that I overcame with mentors and friends along the way.

Sheena share insight on a amazing trip she took and how it changed and evolved her life in so many ways. (that is all I will say read the book)

In closing it was truly and therapeutic read that I didn't expect yet appreciated going through.

9 out of 10 stars

About book

A WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER
A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER 

A guide for Asian women to tap into their confidence and joy, and shine as leaders in today's world

In 2021, women represented 54.3% of the US workforce but only held 35% of senior leadership positions. Of that percentage, only 2.7% of Asian women were seen in management roles. While there have been great leaps for women in the workplace in the last decade, women of color still fall behind. The Tao of Self-Confidence book sets a foundation to help Asian Women start being seen as leaders in work and life rather than by our stereotypes. In this book, you'll read about:

  • Getting to the root causes of what's holding you back and stepping into your greatness
  • Cultural and historical issues that affect our leadership potential
  • Finding and gaining more confidence as your authentic self 


With an honest and vulnerable approach, Yap Chan discusses and explores the specific challenges our community faces, historically and now in the midst of the pandemic, intergenerational and historical trauma, false stories we tell ourselves, and how we can rise above stereotypes. We'll tap into our inner joy, celebrate our authentic self, and awaken the leader within.learn and buy book


 

The Outlaws (2023): Movie Review

                                                                  



Jim's Review

Outlaws was painful to watch

4 out of 10 stars

About film

Determined to find his missing daughter, Detective Danny Rourke finds himself spiraling down a rabbit hole while investigating a series of reality-bending crimes. Aided by Diana Cruz, a gifted psychic, Rourke simultaneously pursues and is pursued by a lethal specter, the one man he believes holds the key to finding the girl.

Hypnotic (2023): Movie Review

                                                                                     


Jim's Review

Danny Rourke ( Ben Affleck) is in the search for his missing daughter, aided by Diana Cruz (Alice Braga) they go on adventure for the truth that not is what it seems.

9 out of 10 stars


About film
Determined to find his missing daughter, Detective Danny Rourke finds himself spiraling down a rabbit hole while investigating a series of reality-bending crimes. Aided by Diana Cruz, a gifted psychic, Rourke simultaneously pursues and is pursued by a lethal specter, the one man he believes holds the key to finding the girl.




Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023): Movie Review

                                                                             

 

                                                                                Jim's Review

              Indian Jones (Harrison Ford) is back for the final time in race to find the dial of destiny.

                                                                         8 out of 10


                                                                                    About film

Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.


                                                               

Barbie (2023): Movie Review

                                                                        


Jim's review

Barbie (Margo Robbie) sets out for an adventure in the real world, Ken (Ryan Gosling) follows and they come to realization the real world is much different than they thought!

8.5 out of 10


About film
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.






Oppenheimer (2023): Movie Review

                                                                           


Jim's Review

J Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) is chosen by Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. (Matt Damon) to work on a top secret project with will test everyone patience to come to conclusion for them and the world

Spectacular performance by Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.) 

8 out of 10



About film
During World War II, Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves Jr. appoints physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer to work on the top-secret Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb. Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945, as they witness the world's first nuclear explosion, forever changing the course of history.






Extraction 2 (2023): Movie Review

                                                                             


Jim's Review

Tyler Drake ( Chris Hemsworth) is back with vengeance and action is at a entire new level!

8 out of 10 stars

About film
Back from the brink of death, commando Tyler Rake embarks on a dangerous mission to save a ruthless gangster's imprisoned family.





Flash (2023): Movie Review

                                                                         


Jim's Review

The flash was a complete waste of time!

5 out of 10

 About plot
Worlds collide when the Flash uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past. However, when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, he becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation. With no other superheroes to turn to, the Flash looks to coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian -- albeit not the one he's looking for.





                                                  

My journey to learn Pickleball: Feature Article

                                                        

      In June 2023 I played my first pickle ball game at Trinity Bellwood Park and learned from the best!

    It is a truly fun and experiential sport that uses all your body hands, feet and full of strategic moves to out duel your opponent.

 I played a cool game in July 2023 while I was on vacation in Kawartha Lakes with my brother and his wife and the found the game amazing!

                                     To learn more about the game and the rules just search on You Tube and lots of videos to learn from.                    

Pickle ball racket





Pickle ball players

Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 (2023):Movie Review

                                                            


                                                                        Jim's Review

            Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is back and is in thick in chaos and mayhem trying to deal with an enemy his know little about. The chase scenes are spectacular from cars to motorcycles including a spectacular jump he did for real 8 times! (see Youtube)

                                                                                8.5 out of 10


                                                                About film

Ethan Hunt and the IMF team must track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity if it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than the mission -- not even the lives of those he cares about most.