Did You Know: Activities

What activities do you lose yourself in?

Gaming. Gaming has always been an activity I can dedicate hours to without noticing the time flying by. It’s also something that has consistently brought friends and family together. If the purpose of life is to seek out happiness, then I believe games are an exceptional way to achieve that end!

Movies. Movies are another form of entertainment that I can easily lose myself in. To be transported into another universe, even for a short amount of time is an awesome and exhilarating feeling. A good movie can resonate with anyone and help them experience every emotion under the sun. I love stories and think they’re important for developing an extensive imagination.

Traveling. Traveling has never been my cup of tea. In fact, when someone recommends a destination, my first instinct is to pull it up in google and pretend like I’ve already been there. When traveling however, I noticed that more often than not, I do tend to enjoy myself. Not only are the new experiences fantastic, but you end up creating lifelong memories with the people around you. Although I’m reluctant to leave my hermit cave sometimes, traveling is an activity that I can easily lose myself in once I embrace the journey!

GROSS (2023)

Gross is a first-person shooter and tower defense game that combines the best of both genres! Build up your defenses and modify your loadout before taking on endless hordes of zombies! Let’s consider the pros and cons of Gross…

Pros: This is a solid tower defense game that offers plenty of zombie action and hours upon hours of replay value! Not only do you get to strategize in between each wave of enemies, but you’re also front and center of the action. When your turrets and barriers fail you, you are the last line of defense! Some zombies drop cash too, which is important for upgrading your base. I like that even though there’s a limited amount of levels and game modes, no two games are the same due to the many different turrets, abilities and upgrades available.

Cons: The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world, but the story mainly consists of text in between levels. This doesn’t bother me as much because the gameplay is so much fun, but in future patches I wouldn’t mind levels with different objectives. I’d also like to see more weapon mods. The selection is okay, but definitely limited at the moment. Lastly are the graphics which are nothing to write home about. It definitely has that cartoony Fortnite look, but it never detracted from the overall fun experience for me.

I give Gross a B+. It’s a great game for those who want a mix of fast-paced action and strategic building. The graphics aren’t amazing, but it’s a fun time nonetheless. The demo is free so there’s no excuse not to try it! Happy Gaming.

GRADE:

A-

8.5

Pros/Cons

  • Game Mechanics
  • Replay Value
  • Graphics
  • Limitations
  • Plot

Where to Play

  • Steam to Play Demo / Buy

“I always pictured retiring on a farm”

21 (2008)

21 is about a talented student who joins a team of card counters with an infallible system to win Blackjack. It’s inspired by the real events and people who took Vegas casinos for millions in winnings! Let’s consider the pros and cons of 21…

Pros: Jim Sturgess is believable as an intelligent young student who is motivated to get into Harvard Medical School. With tuition costing $300,000 and the scholarship counselor encouraging him to share an incredible story, Ben goes against his better judgement and starts counting cards. Kevin Spacey plays Micky, the involved teacher that fosters the talented students capable of pulling off such an operation. The movie hits it’s stride when Ben embraces his gift and begins learning how to count cards. There’s a well placed montage upon Ben’s first visit to Vegas that perfectly encapsulates the high-roller vibe that only casinos on the Strip can offer!

Cons: Maybe this is based on real life because there are more than a few questionable character decisions that happen. For instance, Ben seems to struggle with the morality behind counting cards, but not only is it an easy answer for his financial situation, it also comes hand delivered by his school crush. I’m not saying he ultimately makes the right decision to join the team, but he is only human after all. Micky’s decision to return to Vegas with his students after getting revenge on them is also pretty suspect.

I give 21 a B-. It’s an engaging story with suspense and thrills, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of gambling. And don’t forget, the house always wins. Happy watching!

GRADE:

B-

6.5/10

Pros/Cons

  • Plot
  • Tone
  • Characters

Where to Watch

“You weren’t counting, you were gambling!”

M3GAN (2022)

M3GAN is about a technologist who creates a child-like doll with artificial intelligence to help her niece cope with the loss of her sister. The doll is designed to protect it’s owner, but as it becomes self-aware, it’s clear that no one is safe! Let’s consider the pros and cons of M3GAN…

Pros: Firstly, makeup and CGI deserve an award for turning Amie Donald into the plastic contraption that is M3GAN. I have no idea how they managed to pull off uncanny valley on an actual person, but the results are unsettling to say the least. I’m not usually a fan of child actors, but Violet McGraw also does a commendable job as Gemma’s niece. Lastly, I like that this spiritual successor to the Chucky franchise stands out because director Gerard Johnstone does a fantastic job of modernizing the story!

Cons: Although it’s certainly within the horror umbrella, M3GAN is more of a thriller than anything else. It works great, but I understand why people might go in expecting a slasher flick. There’s plenty of violence and gore to go around, but everything is so brightly lit that it never really gets “scary”. I’m a fan of this new style of horror which is much more cerebral than shocking, but to each their own. Lastly, is the originality aspect which is worth a mention. It’s not an issue for me, but apparently others aren’t as impress by violent toys and sentient AI as I am.

I give M3GAN a B+. It’s an exciting thriller and a refreshing addition to the horror genre. If you’re looking for something short and bittersweet, then this movie is a great choice. Happy watching!

GRADE:

B+

7/10

Pros/Cons

  • CGI
  • Direction
  • Pacing
  • Originality
  • Tone

Where to Watch

  • Amazon to rent/buy
  • In Theaters!

“We don’t throw people away, we fix them!”

Glass Onion (2022)

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a Netflix Original and sequel to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out. After the worlds greatest detective receives an invitation to an eccentric billionaire’s murder mystery weekend, the stakes become real as guests begin dying! Let’s consider the pros and cons of Glass Onion…

Pros: Firstly, the cast as a whole is fantastic! Daniel Craig is a tour de force as Benoit Blanc, but Janelle Monáe holds her own opposite Craig’s bombastic performance. Secondly, the sleek direction and clever script from Rian Johnson is delightful and helps sets the tone for this modern whodunit. Lastly, although I have issues with the plot, the story is easy to follow and accomplishes what it sets out to do. Overall, the various puzzle pieces work well together.

Cons: While the pacing is excellent during the intro, most of the momentum stops during the expositional flashbacks. There is important information during these flashbacks, but it does detract from the present-day story. Secondly, although the characters are eccentric and entertaining to watch, the backstory of how their group comes to be is unsatisfying. It has little bearing overall, but I think Rian Johnson wanted an eclectic group of people whether their formation made sense or not. Lastly, although It’s implied that Edward Norton’s character will face consequences at the end, nothing substantial happens to get his friends to turn on him. He’s dishonest as can be, but since his friend’s were already willing to perjure themselves for him, I would’ve liked to see their change of heart instead of accepting that they’ve suddenly grown a conscience.

I give Glass Onion an A-. The talented cast and engaging mystery is a blast to watch and will keep you smiling throughout! If you’re looking for a fun movie to watch with friends or family, this is a great option. Happy Watching!

GRADE:

A-

8.5/10

Pros/Cons

  • Acting
  • Direction
  • Tone
  • Characters
  • Pacing

Where to Watch

“An object that seems densely layered, but in reality, the center is in plain sight.”

1899 (2022)

1899 is a Netflix Original series that takes place on a large immigrant ship heading to America in the late 19th century. However, a distress signal leads the ship off course and into a nightmarish reality for all of it’s passengers. Let’s consider the pros and cons of 1899…

Pros: Firstly, this is a thrilling mystery that I enjoyed trying to predict and pick apart. The plot draws a lot of inspiration from The Matrix, which is one of my all time favorite movies. Secondly, I enjoyed the performances and intimate direction. Due to the confined setting and interwoven story lines, each character interacts with each other, lending itself well to the “whodunit” mystery. Lastly, is the suspenseful and unsettling tone that remains throughout the show. I commend the creators Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese for their tremendous job instilling fear around every corner while also not being afraid to tackle deep philosophical concepts.

Cons: There’s a lot to like about this show, but the pacing acts as a double-edge sword. The gradual buildup as the characters uncover the mysteries around them works well, but it’s not until the final two episodes that any substantial reveals are made. I was intrigued enough to keep watching and am glad I did, but the show seemed to dump a lot of exposition at the end without much time for viewers to catch up. This also leads to a cliffhanger ending which implies another season. I’m hopeful because it feels like this story was just starting to gain some traction.

I give the first season of 1899 a B+. It’s a compelling story that is well acted and directed, but the climactic reveal might not be the payoff you’re expecting. If a dark nautical mystery sounds good to you, then you found the right show! Happy Watching!

GRADE:

B+

7/10

Pros/Cons

  • Plot
  • Setting
  • Tone
  • Pacing

Where to Watch

“Wake Up.”

Logitech G600 Gaming Mouse

The Logitech G600 Gaming Mouse is a 12-button mouse that will revolutionize the way you play and work! It works as an every day mouse, but what separates the Logitech G600 is the incredible amount of functionality. The 12-buttons are conveniently located where your thumb normally rests and essentially act as an additional number pad. If you do data entry or play games with key binds, having a number pad at your fingertips is game changer. And while 12 easily accessible buttons sounds like a lot, a G shift button on the opposite side of the mouse effectively doubles the number of actions for each button. It looks and sounds overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it you won’t be disappointed!

With over 15,000 ratings, the Logitech G600 Gaming Mouse has an impressive 4.5/5 stars on Amazon! Let me know which product I should review next!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue making posts like this! Thank you for the support!

World of Warcraft (2004-Present)

World of Warcraft is an MMORPG developed by Blizzard that released in 2004. It quickly rose to prominence, redefining the genre and paving the way for a subscription based model of gaming. Let’s consider the pros and cons of World of Warcraft…

Pros:

Firstly, it’s important to note that when discussing WoW, you’re actually talking about 3 games at this point. “Retail” is the original version of the game that has morphed and grown over the years since it’s inception. “Classic” was released in 2019 and is a re-released version of the game that allows players to relive the original experience before any expansions. And since Classic was a massive success, Blizzard later introduced TBC (The Burning Crusade) Classic & WotLK (Wrath of the Litch King) Classic, essentially re-releasing the expansions in order again. With all that said, I played WoW the year of it’s release when I was in middle school. I remember it being a blast to play, but with high school and college on the horizon, I wasn’t able to keep up with it. Since then Retail WoW had grown into a beast that I hardly even recognized, but when Classic was announced, I knew I wanted a chance to relive the glory days! Since returning to Azeroth I’ve had an insanely fun time finding groups for dungeons and increasing the revenue from my professions!

World of Warcraft TBC Game

One of the great things about WoW and MMO’s in general, is the “choose your own adventure” style of gaming. For instance, when creating a character you get to choose to fight for either the Alliance or Horde and then you can choose between 8 unique races, and 12 distinct classes. This amount of variety allows players of all types, preferences, and skill levels to play in the way that suites them. PVP (player vs. player) is also a staple of the game and is available in many forms, including capture the flag and king of the hill.

Cons:

As great as WoW is, it’s easy to see why others may not enjoy it as much. While leveling and questing is a rewarding experience, it can be a tough grind depending on your class and success finding groups. The LFG (Looking For Group) function is the main reason I left Classic for Classic + Expansions. The streamlined group finder as well as functional Meeting (Summoning) Stones in front of dungeons makes Classic+ the clear option for me.

Retail also has LFG, but as I mentioned before it’s an entirely different beast. I don’t want to talk down on a game that I haven’t played thoroughly, but from what I remember, Retail is much more streamlined in general. Leveling isn’t as tasking and talents are filtered in a way that leaves little room to branch out. Perhaps Retail will win me over one of these days, but for now I’m enjoying the nostalgia that Classic+ provides.

WoW

I give World of Warcraft a solid A! Blizzard has continuously innovated and updated this game over the years, making it an immersive world well worth the monthly subscription. With the recent release of Dragonflight and the player base in the several millions, it’s clear that WoW is here to stay! Happy Gaming!

GRADE:

A

9/10

Pros/Cons

  • Content
  • Game Mechanics
  • Regular updates
  • Grinding
  • Subscription
  • Time investment

Where to Play

“LEEROOOOOOY JENKINS“

The Patient (2022)

The Patient is a Hulu Original limited series starring Domhnall Gleeson and Steve Carell. After an accomplished psychotherapist is kidnapped by a conflicted serial killer, he must navigate the hostage situation using his wits and will to survive! Let’s consider the pros and cons of The Patient…

Pros: Firstly, there’s no getting around the strong lead performances from both Gleeson and Carell. Carell has slowly transitioned into more dramatic roles recently, and I’m here for it!. Domhnall plays Sam, the unhinged psychopath well, but he also does a fantastic job humanizing this character too. You wouldn’t think such a monster could be relatable, but you might be surprised. The interactions between these two characters are intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Lastly, I think the title is extremely clever for this story. Not only is Sam a patient, but Carell’s character Alan must also remain patient if he has any hope for survival. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it feels appropriate from all angles.

Cons: Although I like the character driven nature of the story, there is really only one setting. This might be a drawback for some, but I think this adds to the confined atmosphere that Alan is feeling. Secondly, the episodes are very short averaging about 25 minutes an episode. You might like quick episodes, but I was invested enough in the story to be okay with 30-45 minute episodes. Lastly, the ending might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This is not a typical Hollywood ending, which I typically like, but I was hoping for a happier resolution.

I give The Patient an A-. It’s a contained story, but the performances are dramatic, engaging, and fantastic. If you’re up for a psychological thriller that’s easy to jump into, then this show is a great option!

GRADE:

A-

8/10

Pros/Cons

  • Acting
  • Direction
  • Setting

Where to Watch

  • Hulu with Subscription

“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but that’s progress!”

Govee Flow Light Bar

The Govee Flow Light Bar is a Bluetooth compatible smart light that can be controlled from your smartphone! The set comes with two lights, a central controller, as well as a power cable. The controller allows you to turn the lights on/off, and change colors or the mode. However if you want even more control over your light bar, you can download the Govee Home app and adjust the lights from your smartphone! The bright lights and vivid colors make this light bar perfect for ambient lighting or background lighting for your TV and monitors. Don’t get left in the dark, order your set today!

With 4000 ratings, the Govee Flow Light Bar has 4.6/5 stars on Amazon! Check out my Unboxing & Review on YouTube and let me know which product I should review next!

Govee Flow Light Bar

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue making posts like this! Thank you for the support!