7th March, 2020.
You know, it had to be said … I get into a funny mood, at times.
I’m out of a job: and suffered with depression, amongst other things.
And … ?
And, I’ve accidentally locked myself out of my Universal Credit account on top of everything else.
There’s possibly a long story, there.
On the up side … ?
I’ve satisfied myself that my new laptop — a second hand Thinkpad, running a version of Ubuntu MATE — can be used in the local library.
Or, at least, connected to their wi-fi.
I’ve more complaints about Catalina as a result.
Or, at least, Safari.
I’d suggest reading this afternoon’s post … if you’re curious.
~≈†≈~
At any rate … ?
I’ve been tinkering about with the new computer for a while …
But fancied catching a TV show … or possibly a movie.
I settled for a movie: the 2016 film, Spectral.
Whether I made a good decision is a whole other matter.
~≈†≈~
Set in Moldova, on the brink of a civil war, Spectral sees Dr Mark Clyne (James Badge Dale) sent to the country: as the one man who can help with a very obscure glitch … in camera equipment he originally designed.
According to General Orland, and CIA agent, Fran Madison (Bruce Greenwood, Emily Mortimer), the troops on the ground … ?
With the help of the googles supplied by Dr Clyne, the troops on the ground are seeing … things!
Things that the locals call … ghosts of war … !
With that level of gung-ho pretentiousness … ?
You can tell it’s going to end in tears, can’t you … ?
~≈†≈~
Now … what did I make of Spectral?
I have to say, sometimes an entertaining science fiction war film can be an entertaining watch.
At least, in theory.
The last one I can remember seeing?
Was the 2011 Battle: Los Angeles.
Which, from what I recall?
Was non-stop action, a waste of Aaron Eckhart’s talents …
And, frankly, a bit of a bore.
A bit of a one star bore, to be frank.
Spectral, on the other hand?
Is a bit better.
Not by much.
But, where Battle: Los Angeles was non-stop action with very little talk, Spectral at least tries to change gear, occasionally.
And — occasionally — has the brief stop for exposition.
Talking, in other words.
Usually so Dr Clyne can say something along the lines of ‘Wait! I have an idea!’
Which sounds … odd, now I see it written down.
At any rate?
Spectral isn’t necessarily stunning.
But the performances and writing are acceptable, the visuals — the ghosts in particular — are spectacular …
And it’s far more watchable than some movies I’ve seen.
Keep that in mind when you’re looking for movies …
Spectral★☆☆☆
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