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Originally Posted by Roze
Yes, PG 13...swearing doesn't mean R rated. I see R rated contains full nudity/sex/rape/violence/gore/gruesome murders/deaths...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roze
lol, only one?
Partial thread hijack:
Saw a independent movie the other day about film ratings and the conspiracy theories within. I think it was called: This film is not yet rated. Interesting info to say the least.
Meanwhile with the way things are today, PG13 is what R used to be in the 80's I admit to being only 33, but does anyone remember watching A Fish called Wanda when it came out.
/thread hijack
Curious, am I the only one that reads Crime Drama/humor?
In movies, yup. I don't think this has always been the case, though. Only the past few years have I noticed the F-Bomb in PG-13 movies. Ratings keep getting more and more lenient. Same with TV. You can say shit now as much as you want, as long as it is after 9PM and TV-14
edit: I didn't catch the sarcasm the first time around lol
Last edited by beenz; October 26th, 2010 at 03:36 PM.
Right now i am reading a book called The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's dog's and their tale of rescue and redemption.
This is one of the most emotion provoking books that I have ever read. I got it because I was told it was a heart warming story of how 48 of the 51 dog's rescued from Michael Vick's dogfighting operation where succesfully rehabilitated and rehomed.
But to get to that part you have to get through some pretty graphic parts.
Great book, but if you are a dog lover the first couple of chapters will get to you.
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Partial thread hijack:
Saw a independent movie the other day about film ratings and the conspiracy theories within. I think it was called: This film is not yet rated. Interesting info to say the least.
Meanwhile with the way things are today, PG13 is what R used to be in the 80's I admit to being only 33, but does anyone remember watching A Fish called Wanda when it came out.
/thread hijack
For your reading pleasure, I present in full 3D, Quadraphonic Sound, for the pleasure of millions, the Hays Commission Rules from the 1920's.
The Motion Picture Production Code of 1930 (Hays Code)
If motion pictures present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind
A Code to Govern the Making of Talking, Synchronized and Silent Motion Pictures. Formulated and formally adopted by The Association of Motion Picture Producers, Inc. and The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. in March 1930.
Motion picture producers recognize the high trust and confidence which have been placed in them by the people of the world and which have made motion pictures a universal form of entertainment.
They recognize their responsibility to the public because of this trust and because entertainment and art are important influences in the life of a nation.
Hence, though regarding motion pictures primarily as entertainment without any explicit purpose of teaching or propaganda, they know that the motion picture within its own field of entertainment may be directly responsible for spiritual or moral progress, for higher types of social life, and for much correct thinking.
During the rapid transition from silent to talking pictures they have realized the necessity and the opportunity of subscribing to a Code to govern the production of talking pictures and of re-acknowledging this responsibility.
On their part, they ask from the public and from public leaders a sympathetic understanding of their purposes and problems and a spirit of cooperation that will allow them the freedom and opportunity necessary to bring the motion picture to a still higher level of wholesome entertainment for all the people.
General Principles
1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin.
2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented.
3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation. Particular Applications I. Crimes Against the Law
These shall never be presented in such a way as to throw sympathy with the crime as against law and justice or to inspire others with a desire for imitation.
1. Murder
a. The technique of murder must be presented in a way that will not inspire imitation.
b. Brutal killings are not to be presented in detail.
c. Revenge in modern times shall not be justified.
2. Methods of Crime should not be explicitly presented.
a. Theft, robbery, safe-cracking, and dynamiting of trains, mines, buildings, etc., should not be detailed in method.
b. Arson must subject to the same safeguards.
c. The use of firearms should be restricted to the essentials.
d. Methods of smuggling should not be presented.
3. Illegal drug traffic must never be presented.
4. The use of liquor in American life, when not required by the plot or for proper characterization, will not be shown. II. Sex
The sanctity of the institution of marriage and the home shall be upheld. Pictures shall not infer that low forms of sex relationship are the accepted or common thing.
1. Adultery, sometimes necessary plot material, must not be explicitly treated, or justified, or presented attractively.
2. Scenes of Passion
a. They should not be introduced when not essential to the plot.
b. Excessive and lustful kissing, lustful embraces, suggestive postures and gestures, are not to be shown.
c. In general passion should so be treated that these scenes do not stimulate the lower and baser element.
3. Seduction or Rape
a. They should never be more than suggested, and only when essential for the plot, and even then never shown by explicit method.
b. They are never the proper subject for comedy.
4. Sex perversion or any inference to it is forbidden.
5. White slavery shall not be treated.
6. Miscegenation (sex relationships between the white and black races) is forbidden.
7. Sex hygiene and venereal diseases are not subjects for motion pictures.
8. Scenes of actual child birth, in fact or in silhouette, are never to be presented.
9. Children's sex organs are never to be exposed. III. Vulgarity
The treatment of low, disgusting, unpleasant, though not necessarily evil, subjects should always be subject to the dictates of good taste and a regard for the sensibilities of the audience. IV. Obscenity
Obscenity in word, gesture, reference, song, joke, or by suggestion (even when likely to be understood only by part of the audience) is forbidden. V. Profanity
Pointed profanity (this includes the words, God, Lord, Jesus, Christ - unless used reverently - Hell, S.O.B., damn, Gawd), or every other profane or vulgar expression however used, is forbidden. VI. Costume
1. Complete nudity is never permitted. This includes nudity in fact or in silhouette, or any lecherous or licentious notice thereof by other characters in the picture.
2. Undressing scenes should be avoided, and never used save where essential to the plot.
3. Indecent or undue exposure is forbidden.
4. Dancing or costumes intended to permit undue exposure or indecent movements in the dance are forbidden. VII. Dances
1. Dances suggesting or representing sexual actions or indecent passions are forbidden.
2. Dances which emphasize indecent movements are to be regarded as obscene. VIII. Religion
1. No film or episode may throw ridicule on any religious faith.
2. Ministers of religion in their character as ministers of religion should not be used as comic characters or as villains.
3. Ceremonies of any definite religion should be carefully and respectfully handled. IX. Locations
The treatment of bedrooms must be governed by good taste and delicacy. X. National Feelings
1. The use of the Flag shall be consistently respectful.
2. The history, institutions, prominent people and citizenry of other nations shall be represented fairly. XI. Titles
Salacious, indecent, or obscene titles shall not be used. XII. Repellent Subjects
The following subjects must be treated within the careful limits of good taste:
1. Actual hangings or electrocutions as legal punishments for crime.
2. Third degree methods.
3. Brutality and possible gruesomeness.
4. Branding of people or animals.
5. Apparent cruelty to children or animals.
6. The sale of women, or a woman selling her virtue.
7. Surgical operations.
Reasons Supporting the Preamble of the Code I. Theatrical motion pictures, that is, pictures intended for the theatre as distinct from pictures intended for churches, schools, lecture halls, educational movements, social reform movements, etc., are primarily to be regarded as ENTERTAINMENT.
Mankind has always recognized the importance of entertainment and its value in rebuilding the bodies and souls of human beings.
But it has always recognized that entertainment can be a character either HELPFUL or HARMFUL to the human race, and in consequence has clearly distinguished between:
a. Entertainment which tends to improve the race, or at least to re-create and rebuild human beings exhausted with the realities of life; and
b. Entertainment which tends to degrade human beings, or to lower their standards of life and living.
Hence the MORAL IMPORTANCE of entertainment is something which has been universally recognized. It enters intimately into the lives of men and women and affects them closely; it occupies their minds and affections during leisure hours; and ultimately touches the whole of their lives. A man may be judged by his standard of entertainment as easily as by the standard of his work.
So correct entertainment raises the whole standard of a nation.
Wrong entertainment lowers the whole living conditions and moral ideals of a race.
Note, for example, the healthy reactions to healthful sports, like baseball, golf; the unhealthy reactions to sports like cockfighting, bullfighting, bear baiting, etc.
Note, too, the effect on ancient nations of gladiatorial combats, the obscene plays of Roman times, etc. II. Motion pictures are very important as ART.
Though a new art, possibly a combination art, it has the same object as the other arts, the presentation of human thought, emotion, and experience, in terms of an appeal to the soul through the senses.
Here, as in entertainment,
Art enters intimately into the lives of human beings.
Art can be morally good, lifting men to higher levels. This has been done through good music, great painting, authentic fiction, poetry, drama.
Art can be morally evil it its effects. This is the case clearly enough with unclean art, indecent books, suggestive drama. The effect on the lives of men and women are obvious.
Note: It has often been argued that art itself is unmoral, neither good nor bad. This is true of the THING which is music, painting, poetry, etc. But the THING is the PRODUCT of some person's mind, and the intention of that mind was either good or bad morally when it produced the thing. Besides, the thing has its EFFECT upon those who come into contact with it. In both these ways, that is, as a product of a mind and as the cause of definite effects, it has a deep moral significance and unmistakable moral quality.
Hence: The motion pictures, which are the most popular of modern arts for the masses, have their moral quality from the intention of the minds which produce them and from their effects on the moral lives and reactions of their audiences. This gives them a most important morality.
1. They reproduce the morality of the men who use the pictures as a medium for the expression of their ideas and ideals.
2. They affect the moral standards of those who, through the screen, take in these ideas and ideals.
In the case of motion pictures, the effect may be particularly emphasized because no art has so quick and so widespread an appeal to the masses. It has become in an incredibly short period the art of the multitudes. III. The motion picture, because of its importance as entertainment and because of the trust placed in it by the peoples of the world, has special MORAL OBLIGATIONS:
A. Most arts appeal to the mature. This art appeals at once to every class, mature, immature, developed, undeveloped, law abiding, criminal. Music has its grades for different classes; so has literature and drama. This art of the motion picture, combining as it does the two fundamental appeals of looking at a picture and listening to a story, at once reaches every class of society.
B. By reason of the mobility of film and the ease of picture distribution, and because the possibility of duplicating positives in large quantities, this art reaches places unpenetrated by other forms of art.
C. Because of these two facts, it is difficult to produce films intended for only certain classes of people. The exhibitors' theatres are built for the masses, for the cultivated and the rude, the mature and the immature, the self-respecting and the criminal. Films, unlike books and music, can with difficulty be confined to certain selected groups.
D. The latitude given to film material cannot, in consequence, be as wide as the latitude given to book material. In addition:
a. A book describes; a film vividly presents. One presents on a cold page; the other by apparently living people.
b. A book reaches the mind through words merely; a film reaches the eyes and ears through the reproduction of actual events.
c. The reaction of a reader to a book depends largely on the keenness of the reader's imagination; the reaction to a film depends on the vividness of presentation.
Hence many things which might be described or suggested in a book could not possibly be presented in a film.
E. This is also true when comparing the film with the newspaper.
a. Newspapers present by description, films by actual presentation.
b. Newspapers are after the fact and present things as having taken place; the film gives the events in the process of enactment and with apparent reality of life.
F. Everything possible in a play is not possible in a film:
a. Because of the larger audience of the film, and its consequential mixed character. Psychologically, the larger the audience, the lower the moral mass resistance to suggestion.
b. Because through light, enlargement of character, presentation, scenic emphasis, etc., the screen story is brought closer to the audience than the play.
c. The enthusiasm for and interest in the film actors and actresses, developed beyond anything of the sort in history, makes the audience largely sympathetic toward the characters they portray and the stories in which they figure. Hence the audience is more ready to confuse actor and actress and the characters they portray, and it is most receptive of the emotions and ideals presented by the favorite stars.
G. Small communities, remote from sophistication and from the hardening process which often takes place in the ethical and moral standards of larger cities, are easily and readily reached by any sort of film.
H. The grandeur of mass settings, large action, spectacular features, etc., affects and arouses more intensely the emotional side of the audience.
In general, the mobility, popularity, accessibility, emotional appeal, vividness, straightforward presentation of fact in the film make for more intimate contact with a larger audience and for greater emotional appeal.
Hence the larger moral responsibilities of the motion pictures. Reasons Underlying the General Principles I. No picture shall be produced which will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrong-doing, evil or sin.
This is done:
1. When evil is made to appear attractive and alluring, and good is made to appear unattractive.
2. When the sympathy of the audience is thrown on the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil, sin. The same is true of a film that would thrown sympathy against goodness, honor, innocence, purity or honesty.
Note: Sympathy with a person who sins is not the same as sympathy with the sin or crime of which he is guilty. We may feel sorry for the plight of the murderer or even understand the circumstances which led him to his crime: we may not feel sympathy with the wrong which he has done. The presentation of evil is often essential for art or fiction or drama. This in itself is not wrong provided:
a. That evil is not presented alluringly. Even if later in the film the evil is condemned or punished, it must not be allowed to appear so attractive that the audience's emotions are drawn to desire or approve so strongly that later the condemnation is forgotten and only the apparent joy of sin is remembered.
b. That throughout, the audience feels sure that evil is wrong and good is right. II. Correct standards of life shall, as far as possible, be presented.
A wide knowledge of life and of living is made possible through the film. When right standards are consistently presented, the motion picture exercises the most powerful influences. It builds character, develops right ideals, inculcates correct principles, and all this in attractive story form.
If motion pictures consistently hold up for admiration high types of characters and present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind. III. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.
By natural law is understood the law which is written in the hearts of all mankind, the greater underlying principles of right and justice dictated by conscience.
By human law is understood the law written by civilized nations.
1. The presentation of crimes against the law is often necessary for the carrying out of the plot. But the presentation must not throw sympathy with the crime as against the law nor with the criminal as against those who punish him.
2. The courts of the land should not be presented as unjust. This does not mean that a single court may not be presented as unjust, much less that a single court official must not be presented this way. But the court system of the country must not suffer as a result of this presentation. Reasons Underlying the Particular Applications I. Sin and evil enter into the story of human beings and hence in themselves are valid dramatic material. II. In the use of this material, it must be distinguished between sin which repels by it very nature, and sins which often attract.
a. In the first class come murder, most theft, many legal crimes, lying, hypocrisy, cruelty, etc.
b. In the second class come sex sins, sins and crimes of apparent heroism, such as banditry, daring thefts, leadership in evil, organized crime, revenge, etc.
The first class needs less care in treatment, as sins and crimes of this class are naturally unattractive. The audience instinctively condemns all such and is repelled.
Hence the important objective must be to avoid the hardening of the audience, especially of those who are young and impressionable, to the thought and fact of crime. People can become accustomed even to murder, cruelty, brutality, and repellent crimes, if these are too frequently repeated.
The second class needs great care in handling, as the response of human nature to their appeal is obvious. This is treated more fully below. III. A careful distinction can be made between films intended for general distribution, and films intended for use in theatres restricted to a limited audience. Themes and plots quite appropriate for the latter would be altogether out of place and dangerous in the former.
Note: The practice of using a general theatre and limiting its patronage to "Adults Only" is not completely satisfactory and is only partially effective.
However, maturer minds may easily understand and accept without harm subject matter in plots which do younger people positive harm.
Hence: If there should be created a special type of theatre, catering exclusively to an adult audience, for plays of this character (plays with problem themes, difficult discussions and maturer treatment) it would seem to afford an outlet, which does not now exist, for pictures unsuitable for general distribution but permissible for exhibitions to a restricted audience. I. Crimes Against the Law
The treatment of crimes against the law must not:
1. Teach methods of crime.
2. Inspire potential criminals with a desire for imitation.
3. Make criminals seem heroic and justified.
Revenge in modern times shall not be justified. In lands and ages of less developed civilization and moral principles, revenge may sometimes be presented. This would be the case especially in places where no law exists to cover the crime because of which revenge is committed.
Because of its evil consequences, the drug traffic should not be presented in any form. The existence of the trade should not be brought to the attention of audiences.
The use of liquor should never be excessively presented. In scenes from American life, the necessities of plot and proper characterization alone justify its use. And in this case, it should be shown with moderation. II. Sex
Out of a regard for the sanctity of marriage and the home, the triangle, that is, the love of a third party for one already married, needs careful handling. The treatment should not throw sympathy against marriage as an institution.
Scenes of passion must be treated with an honest acknowledgement of human nature and its normal reactions. Many scenes cannot be presented without arousing dangerous emotions on the part of the immature, the young or the criminal classes.
Even within the limits of pure love, certain facts have been universally regarded by lawmakers as outside the limits of safe presentation.
In the case of impure love, the love which society has always regarded as wrong and which has been banned by divine law, the following are important:
1. Impure love must not be presented as attractive and beautiful.
2. It must not be the subject of comedy or farce, or treated as material for laughter.
3. It must not be presented in such a way to arouse passion or morbid curiosity on the part of the audience.
4. It must not be made to seem right and permissible.
5. It general, it must not be detailed in method and manner. III. Vulgarity; IV. Obscenity; V. Profanity; hardly need further explanation than is contained in the Code. VI. Costume
General Principles:
1. The effect of nudity or semi-nudity upon the normal man or woman, and much more upon the young and upon immature persons, has been honestly recognized by all lawmakers and moralists.
2. Hence the fact that the nude or semi-nude body may be beautiful does not make its use in the films moral. For, in addition to its beauty, the effect of the nude or semi-nude body on the normal individual must be taken into consideration.
3. Nudity or semi-nudity used simply to put a "punch" into a picture comes under the head of immoral actions. It is immoral in its effect on the average audience.
4. Nudity can never be permitted as being necessary for the plot. Semi-nudity must not result in undue or indecent exposures.
5. Transparent or translucent materials and silhouette are frequently more suggestive than actual exposure. VII. Dances
Dancing in general is recognized as an art and as a beautiful form of expressing human emotions.
But dances which suggest or represent sexual actions, whether performed solo or with two or more; dances intended to excite the emotional reaction of an audience; dances with movement of the breasts, excessive body movements while the feet are stationary, violate decency and are wrong. VIII. Religion
The reason why ministers of religion may not be comic characters or villains is simply because the attitude taken toward them may easily become the attitude taken toward religion in general. Religion is lowered in the minds of the audience because of the lowering of the audience's respect for a minister. IX. Locations
Certain places are so closely and thoroughly associated with sexual life or with sexual sin that their use must be carefully limited. X. National Feelings
The just rights, history, and feelings of any nation are entitled to most careful consideration and respectful treatment. XI. Titles
As the title of a picture is the brand on that particular type of goods, it must conform to the ethical practices of all such honest business. XII. Repellent Subjects
Such subjects are occasionally necessary for the plot. Their treatment must never offend good taste nor injure the sensibilities of an audience.
I'll leave it up to you folks to decide if this would be a good rule(s) today. I vote no.
Bob Maxey
Last edited by Xyro; October 28th, 2010 at 02:29 AM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roze
I say Roze!! Now i just don't know what to do with myself... i'm so hurt shootme.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by beenz
You are allowed one F-Bomb and still keep a PG-13 rating
NightAngel has like 1 or 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm
Curious, am I the only one that reads Crime Drama/humor?
Read a book called 'Heat'... think it was James Patterson. Was a great read though... mom has been trying to get me to read Harlan Coben books for the longest, she said they were really good but i haven't got around to it.
Just finished Book 1 of 'The Sword of Truth'. Very well written book, was very pleased. Apparently the first 8 books are meant to be stand alone novels with the last three being an actual trilogy. There was also a TV series on abc about them called Legend of the Seeker (2008-) not sure if it is still airing though
So i just started 'The Sword of Truth' by Terry Goodkind.
Intriguing, books seem short, killed almost the hole first one in a few hours. Anyone read them?
Loved Goodkind's books, they were ones that had me reading waay too late
Quote:
Originally Posted by Napalm
I just have to mention them, Anyone here ever read the Dragon Riders of Pern series, can't think of the author's name right now. My dad read them all and loved them. I never could get into them, at the time. Thought about going back and trying again.
Also is someone in this group an Author by chance?
Loved the Dragon Rider series.
Currently reading book 12 of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series ("The Gathering Storm"). I was devastated when Jordan died before he was able to complete the series. The good thing is that he had already had the ending plotted out and had dictated much of the story in the months before his passing allowing Brandon Sanderson to (so far) do an admirable job at completing the story. Hopefully, the final 2 books will be as good.
Last edited by Skorpios1027; November 9th, 2010 at 09:32 AM.
Reason: Corrected author's name.
Also is someone in this group an Author by chance?
I am. What do you need?
Bob Maxey
Quote:
Originally Posted by beenz
What are you currently reading?
I'm reading the first book in the Gears of War series. I started reading it in preparation for the new Gears of War video game that comes out next year. I'm a little sad since I realized last week that it is glorified fan fiction, though
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Originally Posted by Skorpios1027
Loved Goodkind's books, they were ones that had me reading waay too late
Little did i know that the first book was only a prequel and the actual books seem to be massively long. Just started book 5 and OMG they are incredible. Really getting immersed in the world. Found out there was a TV series for it as well, (08-10). Just DL'ed it and it is pretty enjoyable. Any fan of SOT should give it a watch. I pretty much am spending every possible moment reading. Almost started reading on the drive home this morning, lol. Red light... can get at least 3 pages done before it changes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skorpios1027
Currently reading book 12 of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series ("The Gathering Storm"). I was devastated when Jordan died before he was able to complete the series. The good thing is that he had already had the ending plotted out and had dictated much of the story in the months before his passing allowing Brian Sanderson to (so far) do an admirable job at completing the story. Hopefully, the final 2 books will be as good.
Brandon Sanderson is a hell of a writer. His Mistborn series is Excellent! It ranks up there with Weeks' NightAngel series.
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Little did i know that the first book was only a prequel and the actual books seem to be massively long. Just started book 5 and OMG they are incredible. Really getting immersed in the world. Found out there was a TV series for it as well, (08-10). Just DL'ed it and it is pretty enjoyable. Any fan of SOT should give it a watch. I pretty much am spending every possible moment reading. Almost started reading on the drive home this morning, lol. Red light... can get at least 3 pages done before it changes!
SOT is one series that I can reread over and over. If you think the SOT books are long, try WOT. Both series grabbed me and kept me so engrossed, I never noticed how long the books are. After reading about the Legend of the Seeker TV series here, I will have to get it. I'm right there with you, trying to read at a the stop lights.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightAngel79
Brandon Sanderson is a hell of a writer. His Mistborn series is Excellent! It ranks up there with Weeks' NightAngel series.
I caught the mistake too late to do anything about it until this morning. Brandon (I don't know why I keep wanting to call him Brian) Sanderson is local to me (He lives just south of here in American Fork). Haven't read any of his work before but now I have to.
Last edited by Skorpios1027; November 9th, 2010 at 09:35 AM.
I'm currently reading Tweak by Nic Sheff, which is about his addition to methamphetamines. I read his father's book, Beautiful Boy, a year or so ago, which is from the perspective of a methamphetamine addict's family. It's interesting to see both sides.
I'm presently reading "The book nobody read" by Owen Gingerich. The writer describes his quest to visit every surviving copy of one of the most important scientific works published during the renaissance – "On The Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres" by Nicolaus Copernicus. Copernicus' book was first printed in 1543 in the city of Nuremberg. This book is extremely informative as well as thrilling to read. I really recommend it to anybody who's interested in history.
What's that like? After the popularity of the Da Vinci Code the Lost Symbol was kinda compulsory for everybody to read, but I could never motivate my self to start it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roze
I am currently readin Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xyro
What's that like? After the popularity of the Da Vinci Code the Lost Symbol was kinda compulsory for everybody to read, but I could never motivate my self to start it.
I too have been wanting to read that.
Btw; on book 7 of Sword of Truth now, stayed up till 2pm after work cause i couldn't stop reading book 6. It was so powerful, so emotional, i swear i got choked up... crazy i know, i've never read ANYTHING like it. Because of the wealth of content it may be my favorite... Nightangel was EPIC bot SOT is on a different level completely, not better or worse just.... down right awe inspiring compared to Nightangel's in your face badassness
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Originally Posted by Xyro
What's that like? After the popularity of the Da Vinci Code the Lost Symbol was kinda compulsory for everybody to read, but I could never motivate my self to start it.
I've read all of Dan Brown's books before the movie so I'm not really reading to follow the movie, lol. I actually prefer Angel and Demon and recommend you read it if you haven't already. The movie did not do the book justice. I'm hoping Lost Symbol will be as good as Angel and Demon.
Oh yeah, I meant the book was really popular, not the movie (which was pretty.... meh).
I've read all 4 of his before The Lost Symbol and yeah, I think I enjoyed Angels and Demons more at the time. But the Da Vinci code was the one everybody raved about.
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Oh yeah, I meant the book was really popular, not the movie (which was pretty.... meh).
I've read all 4 of his before The Lost Symbol and yeah, I think I enjoyed Angels and Demons more at the time. But the Da Vinci code was the one everybody raved about.
I think everyone raved about it becaus of the movie tbh. lol well I'll tell you how the book goes One thing I find with Brown's work that when you read one of his book, you can really get a feel of his writing style and how he does his plot (like guessing who the villain is).
If you enjoy his work, I would recommend James Rollins' Sigma Force series. It's about this special task group called 'Sigma force' that is made up of 'killer scientists' (ex militants/black ops with Phds) that follow strange historical events in present day. So basically Brown meet Ludlum.
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Originally Posted by Roze
If you enjoy his work, I would recommend James Rollins' Sigma Force series. It's about this special task group called 'Sigma force' that is made up of 'killer scientists' (ex militants/black ops with Phds) that follow strange historical events in present day. So basically Brown meet Ludlum.
Started at the begining of the year and still am nowhere near done
The Art of Deception by Kevin Mitnick
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
the 1st is great for paranoid people ...teehee hee
the 2nd is an amazing post apocalyptic book because it doesnt follow the traditional post apocalyptic outline (so far) oh and amazing writing
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I think I mentioned james rollins before on another thread. Most are good books. Again they can't all be golden.
I read his last one about a month ago. Interesting idea.
This reminds me of another author whose name I can't remember. Writes a series of novels about a special squad of the AF that flies modifed B52's loaded with Armed UAV's and experimental capabilities. Pretty decent books.
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Originally Posted by Napalm
I think I mentioned james rollins before on another thread. Most are good books. Again they can't all be golden.
I read his last one about a month ago. Interesting idea.
I believe you did in the favourite book thread, lol. Haven't read his latest book yet. I find the Sigma series the best...more 'realistic'...some of his other books are simply way too out there to even consider that 'it could happen', lol.
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Currently reading my Comptia network+ study book, trying to make it interesting by substituting pc components and such with dragons and the like :P doesnt work..
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Originally Posted by gallandof
Currently reading my Comptia network+ study book, trying to make it interesting by substituting pc components and such with dragons and the like :P doesnt work..
I'm currently reading Tweak by Nic Sheff, which is about his addition to methamphetamines. I read his father's book, Beautiful Boy, a year or so ago, which is from the perspective of a methamphetamine addict's family. It's interesting to see both sides.
Both are great books.
I read Tweak first, then i read Beautiful Boy.
Like you said, it's really cool to see both sides of the story
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1st to Die by James Patterson. Just started this, its part of the Women's Murder Club series.
Was reading his Alex Cross series, I need to get the latest couple of books in that series to catch up.
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Originally Posted by androidask
im currently reading my dad recently bought me. it's titled "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", and i'm learning a lot from it.
I hear its a best seller, and i dont blame the people who made it such - it's such a good book!
Someone told me about this book. Sounds like a good way to life your life.
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Last edited by jroc; November 18th, 2010 at 10:12 PM.
I wasn't too impressed with Rich Dad, Poor Dad . There is some good advice about being an entrepreneur that is desperately needed in North American society, but I just felt the guy was one of the most disgustingly greedy people I'd ever come across. I think he wrote that book, not because he had worthwhile information to share, but because he knew he could make a killing.
Oh yeah, I meant the book was really popular, not the movie (which was pretty.... meh).
I've read all 4 of his before The Lost Symbol and yeah, I think I enjoyed Angels and Demons more at the time. But the Da Vinci code was the one everybody raved about.
I found Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" quite a good read. The underlying message of the book, "never believe what you are taught", is very correct. And Dan Brown fulfilled an important mission by publishing this book. From a literary point of view I didn't find his writing sophisticated enough to label this book a "good book". "Angels and Demons" I found quite ghastly and morbid. I can't say I liked it.
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Originally Posted by Skorpios1027
Currently reading book 12 of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series ("The Gathering Storm"). I was devastated when Jordan died before he was able to complete the series. The good thing is that he had already had the ending plotted out and had dictated much of the story in the months before his passing allowing Brandon Sanderson to (so far) do an admirable job at completing the story. Hopefully, the final 2 books will be as good.
Had to comment on the AVY. I loved Farscape,
Quote:
Originally Posted by flowers4u
I found Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" quite a good read. The underlying message of the book, "never believe what you are taught", is very correct. And Dan Brown fulfilled an important mission by publishing this book. From a literary point of view I didn't find his writing sophisticated enough to label this book a "good book". "Angels and Demons" I found quite ghastly and morbid. I can't say I liked it.
Have to ask: 1st, what do you qualify as a good book from a literary point of view? 2nd: Fulfilled an important mission, curious what the hell was that?
Granted I am all for pissing off the big Catholic Church.
Meanwhile Dad Browns books are not that great and other than weaving in a bit of history here and there. All he really does if follow the formula Robert Ludlum put into play 20-30 years ago.
Have a key player that is smart but rather un-assuming, and a hot love interest with some skill necessary for the plot, throw then together and add danger, and add some is he going to hit it or not. Kill some people, make sure the bad guy loses either in book 1 of book 3, and profit.
I finally finished The Scar by China Miéville, which was a letdown from Perdido Street Station. Weak characters and too many plot elements just for the sake of it. I think it was written too quickly.
Now reading Ripley Under Water by Patricia Highsmith.
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Originally Posted by flowers4u
I found Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" quite a good read. The underlying message of the book, "never believe what you are taught", is very correct. And Dan Brown fulfilled an important mission by publishing this book. From a literary point of view I didn't find his writing sophisticated enough to label this book a "good book". "Angels and Demons" I found quite ghastly and morbid. I can't say I liked it.
DO NOT read Lost Symbol!!! I'm not the type that usually care too much about how sophisticated the writing is. I'll read it if the writing is decent. Dan Brown writes for 'en mass' so I never expected great literature from him. I have to say, Lost Symbol is a waste of a read. I could definitely tell that the writing got more *blah*. It had a more of a movie script generic feel to it, which isn't that great. The book itself is a one read wonder for me. I'm finishing it for the point of getting it over. It was on the boring read. I barely had any character development and the plot was stagnant for hmm...90% of the book. There was no suspense and it was so obvious how the plot would turn out that I felt no surprise when the climax hit.
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Originally Posted by Roze
DO NOT read Lost Symbol!!! I'm not the type that usually care too much about how sophisticated the writing is. I'll read it if the writing is decent. Dan Brown writes for 'en mass' so I never expected great literature from him. I have to say, Lost Symbol is a waste of a read. I could definitely tell that the writing got more *blah*. It had a more of a movie script generic feel to it, which isn't that great. The book itself is a one read wonder for me. I'm finishing it for the point of getting it over. It was on the boring read. I barely had any character development and the plot was stagnant for hmm...90% of the book. There was no suspense and it was so obvious how the plot would turn out that I felt no surprise when the climax hit.
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Originally Posted by Napalm
Have to agree with all of this one.
If his future books are like this one, I'd have to take him off my fav author list. The book was simply a big disapointment. Well when the movie comes out, I will not watch it! I'm happy that I'm done with the book.
Lost Symbol kind of killed some of my brain cells, so I'm starting on a classic at the moment. Reading a Dicken's Tale of Two Cities on Adiko. Will also read the Tolkien's Silmarilion on paperback. Not sure if I should re-read the LOTR trilogy again for this. Suggestion?
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I simply can not rave enough about Terry Goodkinds 'Sword of Truth' series. Just finished book 8 couple hours ago and will be sad when i'm done with book 11. At least there are 2 seasons of the TV show about it!!
I simply can not rave enough about Terry Goodkinds 'Sword of Truth' series. Just finished book 8 couple hours ago and will be sad when i'm done with book 11. At least there are 2 seasons of the TV show about it!!
I've got the first one ready to read when I'm done with the night angel books
No, I mean Wizards First Rule (?) - book 1 not the prologue.
Which would you recommend reading first? Sometimes I find you appreciate prologues more if you've read the real series (sounds counter-intuitive, but yeah...).
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Originally Posted by Xyro
No, I mean Wizards First Rule (?) - book 1 not the prologue.
Which would you recommend reading first? Sometimes I find you appreciate prologues more if you've read the real series (sounds counter-intuitive, but yeah...).
Well i read the prologue first, gave me a better understanding of a few things about the world. I think you might appreciate it more if you read it after book 1 as it only spoils one little fact about the story... nothing major though. Just the identity of a wizard that they leave up in the air the first half of the book. If i were to do it over again i would still read the prologue first though.
Which would you recommend reading first? Sometimes I find you appreciate prologues more if you've read the real series (sounds counter-intuitive, but yeah...).
I like reading books in the order they are published. Prolugues or prequels tend to give stuff away for later books, which you should have already read. The end of Empire Strikes Back wouldn't have been nearly as cool if you watched Episodes 1-3 first.
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Originally Posted by beenz
I like reading books in the order they are published. Prolugues or prequels tend to give stuff away for later books, which you should have already read. The end of Empire Strikes Back wouldn't have been nearly as cool if you watched Episodes 1-3 first.
Same...it's the way the writer set up his work. I find the prolouge is written AFTER the series (or part way through) and it brings to light to some unaswer questions about the history of the main characters or plot.
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Originally Posted by Roze
If his future books are like this one, I'd have to take him off my fav author list. The book was simply a big disapointment. Well when the movie comes out, I will not watch it! I'm happy that I'm done with the book.
Lost Symbol kind of killed some of my brain cells, so I'm starting on a classic at the moment. Reading a Dicken's Tale of Two Cities on Adiko. Will also read the Tolkien's Silmarilion on paperback. Not sure if I should re-read the LOTR trilogy again for this. Suggestion?
Don't re-read LOTR again. Branch out.
might I suggest Lawrence Block, The Burglar who traded Ted Williams. Completely different book for you.
Meanwhile every crizmitch (long story, memphis radio joke) it seems I end up reading Dickens Christmas Carol.
I do have to say one more thing about lost symbol. Brown does do his research and brings up some interesting science into the mix. Reading that book make me look up Noetic Science and the whole science around human thought ect ect. Very interesting stuff.
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Originally Posted by Napalm
Don't re-read LOTR again. Branch out.
might I suggest Lawrence Block, The Burglar who traded Ted Williams. Completely different book for you.
Meanwhile every crizmitch (long story, memphis radio joke) it seems I end up reading Dickens Christmas Carol.
I always love watching a Christmas Carol on TV since I was a kid. I try to watch the black/white classic every year.
Quote:
I do have to say one more thing about lost symbol. Brown does do his research and brings up some interesting science into the mix. Reading that book make me look up Noetic Science and the whole science around human thought ect ect. Very interesting stuff.
I think this is one of the reason why his books do so well. He uses interesting scienticfic facts that most people don't even know exist!
The Dragon Riders series is from Anne McCaffrey, I highly recommend this series. I don't recall how many books there are now, but it's got to be about 20. The last 3 books were written by Anne's son Todd, who is doing a decent job of it. He was smart enough to go to a different time in the world and not mess with the characters Anne had already created.
I'm currently reading my 4th book (out of order) of the Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
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One thing I find with Brown's work that when you read one of his book, you can really get a feel of his writing style and how he does his plot (like guessing who the villain is).
