relaxing

Finding the simple joys

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Hello Freinds, Family, and Fans;

I have a comfort video game… okay fine, I have several. The one that has taken a lot of my time and energy is Civilization Revolution. I played the original in 2008 which was a rough time (my mom died that summer) and it was something I could play without having to worry about sucking at it. (I die a lot in video games. Even at easy mode.) Later, on mobile, I bought the second version and really enjoyed it until they stopped supporting it and I lost access.

I’ve been struggling wanting to play and trying to find alternatives. The regular Civ series is good but it’s a lot more complex and takes a lot more time. I know diehard Civ fans would get upset at that but I liked that I could play a whole game in an afternoon.

Well, after Can-Con, I got my old PS3 out of storage, brought it upstairs, and played the game again. It was great. A restful and soothing day.

I used to play video games with my mom and brother; it was a social thing. It took me a long time to get used to playing alone and I have only recently started again. The kids love to watch me play but they’re fickle with what they like. So this was something I could do to de-stress. I’m still working on doing things for me. I’ll get there.

Anyway, enjoy your hobbies! Even if they don’t make money.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

The Therapy of Building LEGO

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Hello my Friends, Family, and Fans;

There are two ways to build LEGO. There’s the way I did when I was a kid, and that’s a scramble to create what’s in your head from a random selection of bricks.

I mostly built Raptors (The fighter ships from Battlestar Galactica) or houses. Occasionally, I’d build cars. Once I got the Mindstorm, set I built a lot of robots and claws.

This style is a lot of fun and exciting.

The second way is getting a set and building it according to the instructions. Unlike other crafty things, LEGO sets don’t require painting, cutting, or other things that I’m not great at. I just have to follow the instructions and trust that everything will turn out right.

I’m building my LEGO Haunted Mansion that my wonderful wife gave me for Christmas (two years ago) and it’s soothing and fun (when the kids aren’t yelling at me to go faster). I can see the appeal of the larger sets, and if I had the space I’d consider getting one. For now I’ll stick to the medium sized ones.

If you don’t mind, I’m going to go stare at my mini collection.

Stay safe and be kind,

Éric

Kiki’s Delivery Service – JenEric Movie Review

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Hello Cinephiles,

Today we’re talking about the 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Story

We bought a newer blu-ray of the movie which means I think this is the third version I’ve watched. I originally had seen the American dub where Jiji is able to talk at the end of the movie, and then I’d seen the subtitled version which was quite different. The newest version with dubs is a good mix of the two and is more faithful to the original concept.

The story is simple, calm, and very relatable.

Score: 1

Characters

Kiki is young and unsure of herself and honestly, I feel that. I would not have felt comfortable leaving home at 13. The characters she meets along the way are borderline cliche but the movie might have been the source of some. From the stoic but big hearted baker to the friendly old woman and the deep artist. They are fun and sympathetic.

Score: 1

Dialogue

I assumed the weird laughing was a cultural thing but I didn’t notice it in any other Japan’s media. A lot of the laughter is at Kiki being young and innocent and it’s a little jarring.

I like my sarcastic black cats as much as the next guy, but I found Jiji a little annoying.

I did like the ridiculously awkward flirting and the deep but understandable advice from the painter.

Score: 0.5

Visuals and Music

The visuals were stunning as usual and the movement of the characters was spot on. It was a little funny to see the sketch of the crows and Kiki being more detailed than the art in the film.

The music was great. I remembered some jarring sounds and weird music, but either it was removed or I imagined it.

Score: 1

Fun

This was fairly relaxing, there are a few moments where I expected worse but overall it’s a lot of fun. The kids loved this one as did the adults.

Score: 1

Overall

A wonderful movie with a poignant message. Growing up is hard but worth it.

Final Score: 4.5 Stars out of 5