Northman

 Northman review

Starring Alexander Skarsgard, Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman,  Anya Joy Taylor, Willem Dafoe, Bjork, Claes Gang

This film was epic on many levels. A Viking saga that touched every human emotion.

 Alexander Skarsgard playing the title role of Prince Amleth was simply brilliant! Gruff, buff and strong willed Prince Amleth struggles with inner demons in the quest for vengeance. 

His credo/vow Save my mother, Kill his uncle and Avenge his father keeps you guessing as to what his next moves will be.

Nicole Kidman is in a word-remarkable as Queen Gudrun. While I'm not a huge fan of Nicole. This role bowled me over. Fierce, sweet, tender, aggressive and vindictive. Truly loved to hate her in this role.

Claes Bang who plays Fjolnir the Brotherless is likened to a wolf. Predatory, wild, vicious and without remorse. He is outstanding in his portrayal. A definite nod to the Academy for an Oscar in a Supporting Role.

Anya Taylor-Joy is just that-a joy in this film. She is Olga of the Birch Forest. A viking witch with a heart of steel. Anya and Alexander work brilliantly together throughout the film and their chemistry was divine. 

My favourite role other than Alexander's Amleth had to be Willem Dafoe. Heimir the Fool was incredible. You never really knew which way was up with him. Delightfully played. While his voice is so distinctive, the makeup and special effects disguise his signature smile.

The CGI and special effects team just blew the doors off this production. From the fires of an Icelandic volcano to the pyrotechnics. Everything in this film just clicked perfection boxes. 

I strongly recommend this film to anyone who loves a good Viking saga. It's earthy, believable and absolutely enjoyable. There was never a dull moment throughout the 2hrs and 17mins. 

Yes, there is the typical blood, guts and gore that goes with an Viking era piece. But, it's not overpowering the underlining story plot. 

Rated 14A 

5 out of 5 talons

 SPIDERMAN NO WAY HOME

Without divulging the storyline, this movie is by far the BEST Marvel movie to date. 

Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei. This is the last of the trilogy and kicks massive ass at the box office!

Set in New York City just after Homecoming, Spidey seeks some solace and piece of mind from Mysterio revealing his identity to the world.

Action packed, emotional and incredible special effects take this film to a whole new level. Stan Lee would be proud to see how well the storyline had developed for his beloved character.

While there are spoilers on the internet, I won't spoil the beans here. There is just too much amazing footage to give you information on.

I will say though, there are several characters that made me squeal with glee upon their appearances.

If you haven't seen it in The theatres yet, I strongly recommend that you do. This is too big a film just for the small screen at home. You really need to take it all in at your local theatre. 

In my humble opinion, this Spiderman is the most impressive film in the history of Marvel. Even eclipsing my beloved Black Panther. 

Rating

5 talons out of 5!!!!!

VIPER..........MUST READ

    

Viper is a man that cares for nothing but his club and no one but his brothers. Given the task of finding a willing participant in a weekend-long party filled with sex and debauchery, he’s on the lookout for nothing but a good time; a woman willing to be a toy for him and the boys to play with.

Then he meets Betty and sharing her is definitely off the table.

Betty needs to make rent and is willing to do whatever, and whoever, it takes to do it. The Dukes Club have a reputation, one she knows well. Still, when she accepts her best friend’s off of a gig at the clubhouse, she has no idea what she’s getting into.

When she meets Viper at her audition, she knows her life will never be the same. The weekend only feeds the spark between them until his brother Loch joins the party, and it becomes harder than ever for them to hide their attraction.

Viper knows Betty can’t be his-not during the party- and surely not when it’s all said and done. Or can she?

LONG DESCRIPTION

She was supposed to be a toy for the party, but he didn’t want to share.

Viper was a man that cared for nothing but his club and no one but his brothers, so when he was tasked with finding a willing participant in a weekend long party filled with sex and debauchery he didn’t expect anything other than a good time. Then he met Betty.

Betty needed to make rent and was willing to do whatever and whoever that took to do it. She knew the men of the Dukes club by reputation only so when her best friend offers to let her take a gig at the clubhouse she had no idea what she was getting into, until she met Viper for her audition. She knew she would never be the same after this.

The spark between them was growing and so was the risk of discovery when his brother, Loch, joined the celebration and noticed the attraction between them.

 She couldn’t be his, not during the party and he couldn’t dream that she would want to be his by the time the weekend was done, could he?

Fortune Favors the Brave

Welcome to The Dukes of Hell, the bike club of devilishly handsome renegades who work hard and party harder. No man will get in the way of their business and no woman will get their hearts, or will they? Come join in the utterly sinful tales of The Dukes and how they find the only women to claim their hearts.

Are you ready to ride out?

SHORT

Enter the sinful world of The Dukes of Hell, the motorcycle club known for their violence, their dangerous hobbies and the debauchery of their 'members only' parties. 

No girl in her right mind would sign on for a weekend at their disposal, unless she was desperate, or destined to burn in the flames of desire.

Not for the faint of heart or the pure of soul, come to Court with 'The Dukes of Hell'.

Fortune Favors the Brave

CREDIT

Photographer: Furious Fotog 

Model: Matthew Hosea- Inked Model

Agency: Monarch Management

Cover Design: Mama Llama Designs

DEDICATION

Dedicated to the memory of Blair, Ryan and Billy, who I never did any of this with.

Thanks to B1 for the introduction, and the therapy. B2 for jumping on board with this crazy idea. 

Matt and Robin for the encouragement, for understanding and for all your great contributions to the story.

My team of red pens and powerful women, I would be lost without you.

Special thanks to Craig, Darren, Randy and the boys for the life lessons that I’ll never forget.

I hope you like the pie.

This book, his series were written to pay tribute to the special group of men, gone and still here, who helped me pick myself up from the lowest of lows. 

It is the best way I can think of to say thank you. After all, they say if a writer loves you, you'll live forever in their stories. So I hope they ride on forever.

Fortune Favor the Brave

Sole Solution Product Review

Nuskin Product Review
SOLE SOLUTION




One of the best things about #Nuskin products is how fast and great they perform. #SoleSolutionFootTreatment is one of those.

 A few applications which go on silky smooth. Gentle aroma and just a small squeeze will do the whole for not just the heel. It softens the skin, helps get rid of sore tired feet. 

Just a wonderful product all the way around. I've used it on my elbows to soften those up as well.  

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND trying the #SoleSolution as well as most of their product line. Reasonably priced as far as my opinion goes. High end beauty usually tends to be alot more money.

For more information on Nuskin click the link below


https://4evvabeauty.mynuskin.com/content/nuskin/en_CA/mysite/mysite-home.mysite.html?storeId=CA00383210#home


This is in noway a paid endorsement by Nuskin.

Ravenbran Talons: 5 out of 5 

CAPTAIN MARVEL MOVIE REVIEW

RAVENBRAN'S WORLD

CAPTAIN MARVEL

MOVIE REVIEW

Starring Brie Larson, Samuel Jackson, Lee Pace, Jude Law, Annette Benning and Clark Gregg

Marvel Studios hit a homer with Captain Marvel. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The early credits pay homage to the great and legendary creator Stan Lee brought tears to the eyes. 

Brie Larson is beyond incredible as Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel. She brings a freshness to the Marvel Universe that hasn't been seen to date. Her origin story is filled with action, drama, chaos and betrayal. Annette Benning is dynamic and a delight on the screen. As Carol develops her superpowers, we find out she is a force to be reckoned with.  Jude Law plays both sides of the fence until his motives reveal his true self. 

The soundtrack is fantastic and pairs well with the film's time line. As a comic book collector and die hard Marvel fan, this film was well worth the wait. 

The film while dramatic in nature, has a great deal of humour and the audience is eating it up. Already breaking box office records in its first weekend. Captain Marvel is on her way to being tops of superhero mountain.  

A galactic battle is under way and earth is right in its path. Only Captain Marvel can save a refugee race from annihilation. 

I loved this film. From start to finish. (Wait for the credits to end for an Easter egg). 

Check this film out on the big screen and enjoy Stan Lee's final cameo. 

Ravenbran claws 5 out of 5  

BOHEMAIN RHAPOSDY MOVIE REVIEW

RAVENBRAN'S WORLD 

MOVIE REVIEW

STARRING RAMI MALEK

Take a rock and roll trip to the past with this riveting biopic about the super stardom of the band Queen and it's lead singer Freddie Mercury. Rami Malek is simply magnificent portraying the often flamboyant and deeply emotional Mercury. Also starring Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Mike Myers, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aiden Gillen. 

From the early beginnings of Queen Freddie's influence on the music industry was extraordinary.  Never settling on being just a 'normal' rock band. Their music, lyrics and sound resonated with every crowd they played for. 

While controversy surrounds its Director Bryan Singer, the movie itself is a masterpiece and well deserving of the Academy Awards it received. Including Best Actor in a motion picture for Rami Malek. 

The constant rollercoaster ride through the life of Freddie, culminating with their appearance in LIVEAID. The band kept the secret that Freddie was dying of AIDS. His death in 1991 was felt by millions of fans including this one. 

Freddie's journey of self identity, sexuality and music was not without scandal. From the drugs, alcohol and multiple sexual partners to the two year departure from the band. 

I highly recommend seeing this film, preferably on the big screen to get the true effect of this blockbuster. 

Ravenbran claws 5 out of 5. 

*currently still in theatres* 

VID 20151013 200043

Fibromyalgia Mystery Finally Solved!

Fibromyalgia Mystery Finally Solved!

Yearning to be a star

Sure, everyone has had dreams or fantasies of being a famous person. Whether it be an athlete, politician (goddess forbid) or an actor, dreams are there for a reason. To make us strive for excellence. To urge us on to better achievements and personal goals. For me, I've always wanted to be famous.

I love acting. Drama class was by far one of my favorite classes in high school and college. From playing Lady Macbeth (I'm sure every senior has played her by now) to playing a blind witch in the 3 act play The Witches. (where I won an award of excellence in acting). As I grew up, my urge for fame never wavered although the method of fame altered slightly. 

As my writing took off and became its own entity, I found that I yearned for fame of the written word. I wanted and still want to be on the New York Times Best Sellers List. I would love to win a Pulitzer Prize but reality sets in and I wake up to the realization that I'm a very small fish in a very vast ocean of writers.

The acting bug came back in a big way a couple years ago. I had the extreme pleasure of playing a fallen angel in the web series S.O.T.A (Soldiers of the Apocalypse) and a star crazed fan in a music video with the band Abandon Paris. These two 'extra' rolls have spurred my desire for more work in the industry. 

I know my back has other options for me, pain seems to cease all fun and enjoyment. I  also know that I would give up everything for my 5 minutes of fame. 

Cosplay has been a venue for me to gain some notoriety. I was interviewed by a few web shows and CBC news. I've been on television a few times now via news stories and have had several pieces of my writing published. 

Still that acting bug keeps biting. I'm seriously considering doing some 'head shots' and writing a resume up for more acting work.  Acting for free is fantastic for me but all things considered, a little bit of money would be cool too.

I had being a captive to my health issues. It is preventative of me having fun, working for a living, and possibly killing any chance of dream fulfillment.

Who knows what the goddess has in store for me. All I know is that fame is still calling my name and I want to answer it wholeheartedly!

EL CENTRO - Vancouver Fringe Festival Entry Review

EL CENTRO - Starring Chris Cope and Michael Dickson. Directed by Cecilia Davis, Assistant Director Brett Willis

Showcased at the quaint Firehall Arts Centre 280 E. Cordova Street - Vancouver.

The setting- post Central American Conflicts. A Drunkard Professor Cohen postulates the past and limited future wretched from the emotional toil of Civil War. Brilliantly portrayed by Michael Dickson (Black Mountain Side, S.O.T.A). Michael takes the human psyche on a rum filled trip down the 'rabbit hole'. Recalling the violence, trauma and terror that was the ongoing battles in Central America in the early 70's, 80's. Along this ride of P.T.S.D, with the Professor is Alex. A quirky A.D.D. adult who experienced living in Central America during the Civil War uprisings. His constant tweaking, jittery movements and paranoia gave a believable nuance to his character. Alex, played by Vancouver Actor Chris Cope (Boys in the Band). Chris and Michael create a dynamic chemistry on stage, that brings out the excellence in this play.

In one short hour, Michael and Chris take the audience on a psychotropic journey without using the drugs to get there. We the audience gain access into the traumatized minds of both Cohen and Alex. Cohen seems to cope with his memories via a bottle or two while Alex struggles outwardly. This play is methodical, intense and captivating. The audience's attention is drawn to simple yet poignant props (Alex's chair) and the endless bottles of Bacardi. Filled with imagery, this play drives you to the center of your human core. El Centro is contemplative, emotionally agonizing, and psychologically draining, simply put a Masterpiece for the mind.

This is the first Fringe Festival  appearance for both actors.

RAVENBRAN RATING ***** 4.5 CLAWS

Vancouver Fringe Festival ran from Sept 5th-14th.