Tag Archives: Comedy

Scrumptious Bone Bread by Jeff Strand

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Scrumptious Bone Bread
Author: Jeff Strand
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I was as strong as that damn giant on the beanstalk.

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Synopsis

Some people take baking a little bit too far. And taxidermy. And helping out friends. Really, the title shows you how disturbed this short story will be.

Thoughts

This story is incredibly disturbing. And funny. And humorous. But mostly, just disturbing. After all, it’s about a man who decides that he really wants to try bone bread. And a creepy taxidermist. And really, when the opening paragraph is about how much the character loves dead things… you know that this is going to be kind of sick and twisted.

I loved the backdrop of Jack and the Beanstalk to this story and how it’s giant informs the gruesome tale that follows. Alright, it’s still incredibly sick and twisted, but it makes the story more fun. And far more twisted with the contortion of a well known fairy tale.

 <- Nine-Tenths of the Law Review Let That Be a Lesson To You Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Nine-Tenths of the Law by Eric James Stone

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Nine-tenths of the Law
Author: Eric James Stone
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Andreson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Gordon frowned.

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Synopsis

How does a ghost find a way to keep his house from being haunted? Well, posession is nine-tenths of the law…

Thoughts

A ghost walks into a lawyers office. It honestly just sounds like the beginning of a really bad joke. And, honestly, with the tone of the Blood Lite III collection, I was kind of expecting a really, really bad joke. Something about how lawyers are zombies zapping the life (and money) out of the world. But, although this point is kind of hiding in the story, it’s more about the law of possession.

I also liked the twist at the end of the tale – possession, ghosts and zombies collide in a way that made me laugh and be constantly entertained. The conclusion left me smiling and giggling for at least five minutes after I turned the last page.

 <- Devil’s Contract Review Scrumptious Bone Bread Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Put on a Happy Face by Christopher Golden

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Put on a Happy Face
Author: Christopher Golden
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d asked the demon Polichinelle for his heart’s desire – to be the funniest clown in the circus.

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Synopsis

Benny wants to be the funniest clown in the circus, but how far will he go to achieve his dreams?

Thoughts

We all know the quintessential class clown. Some people think they’re funny. Some think they’re irritating. Some just ignore them. But, regardless of our approach to such people, we all have a memory of someone who, at the very least, thought that they were funny (and in some cases, were).

Benny, the hero of this short story is one such person – a class clown. Who eventually becomes a clown. And then makes a deal with the devil…

As with all of the short stories that I love, there was a surprise ending. And, it left me laughing quietly, in a slightly sick, sadistic, twisted kind of way…

 <- V Plates Review Devil’s Contract Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Devil’s Contract by E.S. Magill

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Devil’s Contract
Author: E.S. Magill
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and may not be modified except in writing executed by both parties.

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Synopsis

Are you ready to make a deal with the devil? Here’s the contract!

Thoughts

I hate signing contracts. They’re legally binding, and either too boring or convoluted to read. Which is exactly the fear that this short story (of a sort) taps into. Actually, the thing that I loved most about this short story is how witty it is. And how much it taps into our approaches to contracts and legislation. And the global take over of some big companies…

This is truly a devil’s contract and I giggled the entire way through it. Software and technology is the backbone of society today, and it would be incredibly easy (and often imagined) to take over the world using our dependence upon it.

Although I found this story incredibly funny, I also found it a little worrying. It is almost a satirical comment on how we approach the world and a warning against what can become of us and our society.

 <- Put on a Happy Face Review Nine-Tenths of the Law Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Blood-Red Greens by Joel A. Sutherland

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Blood-Red Greens
Author: Joel A. Sutherland
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: If we get caught we’ll be in big shit.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Errol and Randall decide to play their weekly game of golf together… in the middle of a zombie apocalypse!

Thoughts

I really wasn’t expecting a zombie apocalypse story when I started reading this. Mostly, I was expecting a vampire story. Or something about a vampire wanting salad… you know…

That’s not to say that I wasn’t pleasantly surprised. When you take a boring game like golf and add in psychotic zombies, I’m going to enjoy the tale. After all, there are so many theories about the zombie apocalypse, and adding in such an entertaining dose of humour just made this a short story that was almost impossible to put down.

The other thing I loved about this story is the way that it came full circle. It started with Errol and Randall playing a tedious game of golf… and ended with them playing the same silly game (can anyone tell that I don’t enjoy golfing?)

 <- I Was a Teenage Bigfoot Review V Plates Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Colour of Magic

Title: The Colour of Magic
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #1, Rincewind #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Corgi
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: Is he that funny looking one over there?

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Synopsis

In the beginning there was… a turtle.

Somewhere on the frontier between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a parallel time and place which might sound and smell very much like our own, but which looks completely different. Particularly as it’s carried though space on the back of a giant turtle (sex unknown). It plays by different rules.

But then, some things are the same everywhere. The Disc’s very existence is about to be threatened by a strange new blight: the world’s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, the person charged with maintaining that survival in the face of robbers, mercenaries and, well, Death, is a spectacularly inept wizard…

Thoughts

I have had The Colour of Magic in my bookshelf since Terry Pratchett passed away. After all, I wanted to see what all of the hype was about. As usual though, I was a little delayed with opening the actual book. However, I really wasn’t disappointed. This story was funny, entertaining and cute. It was incredibly fun and easy to read, and I was really sad when it was all over.

Rincewind’s journey through Discworld with Twoflower is a calamity of mistakes that just steadily gets worse and worse. Anything that can go wrong does, and although in most stories, I would just find this predictable, irritating and cringe-worthy – in Pratchett’s world, it’s just funny. Partly it feels like he’s just making fun at the more serious versions of fantasy and scifi novels. But, there’s also this ability for the storyline to completely suck you in. For me, a good book is one that you just can’t put down. And that was the case with The Colour of Magic.

Although I loved this book, there were no specific moments that jumped out at me. I remember the rough plotline, I remember the feeling of reading the book. But not so much the exact plotline. Nor, the poignant message in the words that I get in some storylines. But, that’s probably what I loved about this. It’s a happy go lucky, easy storyline. Something that I will be able to read again and again and enjoy each and every time.

<- More Terry PratchettThe Light Fantastic ->

Image source: Waterstones

Bones Season Eight – Review

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Bones Season Eight4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 8
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2012
Favourite Episode: 18 – The Survivor in the Soap

The changes that begun in the seventh season of Bones smoothly morph into a new dynamic and new relationships throughout the eighth season of Bones. Although there are many ups and downs, and honestly, who doesn’t like a roller coaster ride of emotions in a series? Booth and Brennan finally seem to settle into their relationship and parenthood.

Although Pelant seriously disturbed me within season seven, he managed to reach whole new levels of terrifying within this season. His obsession with Brennan and fearlessness of death make him a formidable (and kind of terrifying) opposition within the storyline. It is so difficult to predict when he will rear his creepy head, and somehow that unpredictability throughout the season makes you all the more worried when watching an episode.

This season beautifully examined relationships and the drivers that can separate them. From child soldiers to wedding proposals, it had it all.

 

<- Bones Season Seven Review
Back to Film Reviews

Bones Season Nine Review ->

Image source: Wikia

Bones Season Six – Review

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Bones Season Six4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 6
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2010
Favourite Episode: 22 – The Hole in the Heart

This is the season of chasing. Brennan chases Booth as Booth pursues his relationship with Hannah. It is also about Booth chasing the anti-Booth, the main villain within this story. And, as with all good stories, the chase is the journey, but there are some great and fascinating conclusions to these races of the heart. I spent most of season six on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would come next, and obstinately holding my breath.

This season’s villain is the anti-Booth, a sniper who trained our favourite FBI agent and raised him to the level of competence that makes him so formidable throughout the series. Broadsky reminds us of the importance of morality and empathy in a human being. Even Brennan, who struggles with her low EQ has a level of morality and empathy that Broadsky lacks. Although, Broadsky does act upon his own moral compass, it is his lack of empathy and acceptance of ‘collateral damage’ that makes him so formidable.

I love the idea of constantly chasing that is toted throughout this series – we are all chasing something in life, and it is this journey that truly matters.

 

<- Bones Season Five Review
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Bones Season Seven Review ->

Image source: Wikia

Bones Season Four – Review

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Bones Season Four4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Bones
Season: 4
Creator: Hart Hanson
Cast: Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Year: 2008
Favourite Episode: 17 – The Doctor in the Den, 20 – Mayhem on a Cross

After the chilling season finale of season three, it was hard to see how the Bones cast would return for season four. But, the expansion of the ‘family’ was brilliantly done and actually made me love the series even more. Zack was gorgeous and easy to love, but having the flexibility of multiple interns gave the stories in each episode entirely different and unique flavours. The variety drew me in beautifully.

With the removal of Zack from the storyline and the introduction of the squinterns, this season was able to delve further into the complicated relationship between Booth and Brennan. Their cat and mouse game of love picks up pace and their ability to support and nurture one another is highlighted beautifully throughout the crimes that they investigate.

My least favourite episode of this season is the finale – I struggled to understand its importance and relevance to the rest of the story. It seemed a little contrived and as though the writers were just trying to shake things up.

 

<- Bones Season Three Review
Back to Film Reviews

Bones Season Five Review ->

Image source: Trespass Magazine

Tears of Laughter – The Umbilical Brothers, Speedmouse

Book Review, ,

The Umbilical BrothersI’ve watched live shows by The Umbilical Brothers time now. The first time was to see KiDSHoW (not for kids), and more recently, I got the distinct pleasure of viewing Speedmouse. Words can’t explain how hard I laughed.

Speedmouse by The Umbilical Brothers has been around for years. In fact, it was the first show of theirs that I watched on TV. On a VCR to be more specific (yes, it’s been that long)! But their latest show at The Adelaide Fringe took a well-known and beloved comedy and twisted it into a modern context.

I’ve never been a huge fan of mime or alternate theatre – I’ve always needed a little help visualising the actors’ world. It’s also much easier to engage when there are a range of objects and colour s to grab my attention. Even some comedians can be a little tedious to watch – staring at a single person for an hour can get more than a little tedious (at least for me). However, the brilliant vocalisations of Shane Dundas and David Collins bought an entire world to life for an hour and a half. That, and the changes in lighting styles throughout the show made me feel like I was in a porno, one with the dinosaurs and underwater.

Personal ImagesThe ability of the Umbilical Brothers to draw their audience in with their VERY quirky sense of humour and ability to bring a stage to life is well known. But, their ability to adapt and change their shows, to keep creating new material is what keeps the audiences coming back again and again and again. It’s certainly what keeps me coming back! Whether it’s pooping in a new Australian political comment, using the latest pop song or complaining about the latest news; Speedmouse 2.0 was a brilliant show full of laughter and tears (of laughter).

Yet another amazing experience at the theatre with The Umbilical Brothers. If you are looking for a good night out and want to laugh, and possibly pee yourself a little, then I’d recommend heading out to a show by David Collins, Shane Dundas, and of course, the very creepy Roadie. And if you can’t find one in your local area, why not head down to your local did store and watch them from the comfort of your own home?

Image source: The Sydney Morning Herald
Image source: Taken by author