Off Topic Thread 4.0

troyzer wrote: »

I genuinely think the prequels are better than that absolute ****e.

I actually thought episode 3 was quite good.

troyzer wrote: »

It was still a lazy, incompetent mess.

But there was some quality in there. Mostly the Emperor, he's such a great character.

I meant revenge of the Sith.

Last night I felt really really pandered too.

Here's an excerpt of a post from Film Critic Hulk on JJ Abrams and why he was the wrong man to helm two of three SW movies.

And when you look the work of Abrams? I just don’t see those questions being asked. Even from evidence, he said that when making The Force Awakens they would look at every moment and ask, “is it delightful?” As if his sole intention was to shovel scoop after scoop of ice cream upon us. All throughout his work it’s like he’s been asking a different set of questions: What can I write to manufacture the audience’s affinity? What can I reference that would make the audience happy? What is the quippiest thing I could have the character do right now, regardless of it fits their personality or emotion of the scene? What’s the thing that would most surprise the audience, regardless if its appropriate? What line of dialogue can I use that sounds nice or gets at a vaguely established idealogical notion, but actually has nothing to do with the characters behavior, psychology, or the larger story? How can I best hide what’s really going on the plot? How can I cryptically hint there is more going on without actually answering or pointing toward anything? What framework of conflict can I put in place that just allows the characters to move through it as fast as possible? How can I make it seem fast and exciting without any actual ingrained drama between the characters, just constant threats?

https://www.patreon.com/posts/32504876

Synode wrote: »

People take Star Wars far too seriously. I love all the films so far, except for Solo which was awful. My kids love them all too.

Suppose I'm more about the visuals and futuristic scence setting. Also love the characters, action scences and battles. Detailed plot nuance comes a distant 3rd

You loved Attack of the Clones? Seriously?

I agree with your timeline complaints, Venjur. They could have done more to signpost that we were traversing different eras. In one episode we see a flashback of when Dandelion/Jaskier composed a balled for Geralt and in the very same episode they skip 10 years to the present, Dandelion is wearing the very same clothes and nothing is done to recontextualise the period you're in other than a throwaway comment to the current war.

The relationship between Geralt and Yennefer is poorly handled as well. We're told that they're linked by destiny and dated to be together forever. But it's initially treated like a one night fling. The big problem, I think is that they're adapting a number of the books and short stories at the same time. The prequels were written as a way of fleshing out Yen's background and her relationship with Geralt. But we're treated to a whistle stop, greatest hits version. Not enough time is spent on their relationship actually growing.

But despite these complaints I actually enjoy this show. Henry Cavill is an excellent Geralt. Looks the part and plays a monotone, dry witted character very well. The relationship between he and Dandelion is handled well. And we get a good insight into why he's by far the most famous Witcher in the world. Dandelions ballads about him are known throughout the world and at events and feasts people song about him. It was a nice world building touch. The sword fighting and monster bits are good too. If they can tighten up the story the show would be quite good.

Can someone be banned for liking something I don’t like?

So herself got a free "Amazon speaker" (Alexa?).

Now I was adamant that I'm not having one of those brilliant listening devices in the house but before I could object the kids had it up and running.

For the past 2 hours they've been constantly bombarding it with questions...sample...Alexa do you hate Siri? How long do you reckon it takes Alexa to go rogue and tell them to fùck off?

I've a sneaky suspicion that it will "go missing" over festive period.

*yes I'm aware that our phones are listening devices but I have my mic, camera access etc turned off for all apps*

The pleasure I derive from watching Leinster play incredible rugby is balanced by the utter awfulness I must endure when watching United ****e themselves against the majority of league sides.

ClanofLams wrote: »

Lot of them don’t give a f**k. Know there’ll be plenty of calls for managers head and maybe he’s not the right man, but they weren’t much better under Van Gaal or Mourinho. Whoever is there needs to clear out six or seven in January and summer eg Lingard, Shaw, Phil Jones, etc

Obviously financial hit involved in that but needs to be done.

United dressing room hasn't been the same since Ferguson left. It's the same thing with every manager they've had since, players falling out and become divas.

Former Former wrote: »

What sort of job do you have that lets you accrue 72 days holidays??

My place had to put a cap on annual leave last year allowing people to only carry over 20 days a year, there was people who'd built up three figures and then were told they had to use it all up. Good chunk of the company went on paid leave for 3-6 months.

That sort of holiday policy is a red flag!

irishbucsfan wrote: »

That sort of holiday policy is a red flag!

Public sector job, the cushiest of cushy lives.

Former Former wrote: »

That's insane. I did ten years in the public sector and never heard anything like that.

Sounds like an awful place to work tbh.

.....because they used to let people accrue holidays and now let them bring over an extra 20 if they don't use their allowance (of 30+)?

Not really seeing the logic there.