Movie review: "The Unthinkable"

Spoilers ahead.

What did I just watch?  Imdb.com lists The Unthinkable, released in Sweden in June 2018, as action, romance, sci-fi, and thriller.  The two-hour movie lacks any sort of romance, although a huge amount of time is spent following Alex and his girlfriend Anna.  Theirs seems to be a completely platonic relationship and has absolutely no passion.

Christoffer Nordenrot, who plays Alex, co-wrote the film with Victor Danell, who directed it.  It is similar to the case where the least-athletic kid is chosen to play on the team only because he owns the ball.  Nordenrot maintains the same sullen expression throughout the movie, but at least we know how he got the role. The viewer is not given any reason to sympathize with him.

The film follows a series of mysterious attacks on Stockholm, with plenty of time in between “attacks”.  First, a bridge collapses about thirty minutes into the film, and it is a while before anything else close to exciting happens.  The trailer contains most of the action sequences anyway.  The viewer is led to think of an alien attack, but the only science-fiction aspect is the rain being used as a bioweapon.  The true nature of the attacks is never made clear but the ending, which makes no sense, implies Russia is behind the invasion.

The enemy helicopters are shown as being lethal, but they fail to shoot down a single-prop plane, piloted by Alex’s seemingly indestructible father.

Between the plot holes, the confusing action sequences, and a boring romance story, it’s not one I might watch again.  

I rated it 5/10.

Pluto's Heart is available today on Amazon!

My latest short story Pluto's Heart is now available from JMS Books! 

Follow this link to order it on Amazon!


Read an excerpt here:

“Atmospheric pressure and standard temperature have been established,” the computer said. “You may now safely remove your helmet and space suit.”

“Finally,” he muttered. It took him almost five minutes to remove his suit, down to the nylon overalls he wore underneath and scanned the interior of the building. It appeared to be more machine shop than scientific outpost. Almost every square meter of the space was occupied with machinery and scientific equipment. A narrow path wound between the mountains of apparatus, just wide enough for him to pass through. Brian took a tentative step forward and his foot falls seemed to echo.

A noise from somewhere inside grabbed his attention and he made his way toward the sound. An opening appeared before him as he stepped around a stack of containers. A small living space, about three meters by four meters sat among the piles. It had a low bed, an exercise station and a kitchenette. A chamber jutted out from the wall into the room and Brian could see a toilet and shower inside.

A lone figure sat at a table, his back to Brian, hunched over a piece of scientific equipment.

“Zack?” Brian spoke in a soft voice, as not to startle him. How could he have not heard me enter? The airlock is not quiet, and the computer voice was loud enough to hear through my helmet.

The figure turned around

“Brian?” The red-bearded face appeared greyer and more drawn then when Brian had last seen him and Zack seemed thinner, but he was still the handsome man Brian fell in love with years ago.

Zack wore overalls similar to the one Brian had on, and heavy boots. He walked toward Brian who held his arms out for a hug.

When he got close enough, Zack punched him hard in the face. Brian fell back, landing on a pile of luggage straps.

He lay still for a few seconds, stunned, pain shooting through his skull. When the shock subsided, Brian struggled to get his feet and cleared his vision, noting Zack had not moved.

“Not the reception I was expecting,” Brian said, rubbing his cheek where Zack’s fist had connected, feeling the stubble that had grown during his trip.

“What did you expect?” Zack snapped. “You’re responsible for me being stranded on this fucking rock! Did you think I was going to welcome you with open arms and on my knees?”  His voice rose to a shout.

“Wait a minute,” Brian retorted. “You left me!  You wanted to come out here to get away from me!”

“I did not leave you,” Zack yelled.  “I was told you wanted to break up with me and the next thing I knew, I was shipped out to this frozen cesspool.”

“I was on the other side of Titan when you left,” Brian argued.  “We hadn’t talked for several days, so who told you I wanted to break up?”

Zack pressed his lips together and did not respond.

“Maybe the same person who told me you requested this assignment?”

“Assignment?” Zack looked surprised. His expression changed to amusement and he burst out laughing. “Do you think this is an assignment?” He spat out the last word. “This is a fucking death sentence,” he continued shouting. “We are never getting off this goddamned planet. At least I’ll have the satisfaction knowing you’re stuck here too. And will probably die here.  With luck before me.” He turned and walked back to his workstation.

"Pluto's Heart" by Alex Morgan to be released July 13!

My latest gay romance Pluto's Heart will be released by JMS Books July 13, 2019!

Blurb:

Brian Beauchamp is sent across the solar system to the ninth planet Pluto to help improve the terra forming efforts there.  Zack Kirkland has been stationed on the dwarf planet but has not made the progress the Company expects.  Unfortunately, Zack is Brian’s former lover and left him three years ago without a word. 

  

Brian does not know how Zack will react at seeing him again, especially since they will be stuck together for a long time on Pluto.

Excerpt:

“Atmospheric pressure and standard temperature have been established,” the computer said. “You may now safely remove your helmet and space suit.”

“Finally,” he muttered. It took him almost five minutes to remove his suit, down to the nylon overalls he wore underneath and scanned the interior of the building. It appeared to be more machine shop than scientific outpost. Almost every square meter of the space was occupied with machinery and scientific equipment. A narrow path wound between the mountains of apparatus, just wide enough for him to pass through. Brian took a tentative step forward and his foot falls seemed to echo.

A noise from somewhere inside grabbed his attention and he made his way toward the sound. An opening appeared before him as he stepped around a stack of containers. A small living space, about three meters by four meters sat among the piles. It had a low bed, an exercise station and a kitchenette. A chamber jutted out from the wall into the room and Brian could see a toilet and shower inside.

A lone figure sat at a table, his back to Brian, hunched over a piece of scientific equipment.

“Zack?” Brian spoke in a soft voice, as not to startle him. How could he have not heard me enter? The airlock is not quiet, and the computer voice was loud enough to hear through my helmet.

The figure turned around

“Brian?” The red-bearded face appeared greyer and more drawn then when Brian had last seen him and Zack seemed thinner, but he was still the handsome man Brian fell in love with years ago.

Zack wore overalls similar to the one Brian had on, and heavy boots. He walked toward Brian who held his arms out for a hug.

When he got close enough, Zack punched him hard in the face. Brian fell back, landing on a pile of luggage straps.

He lay still for a few seconds, stunned, pain shooting through his skull. When the shock subsided, Brian struggled to get his feet and cleared his vision, noting Zack had not moved.

“Not the reception I was expecting,” Brian said, rubbing his cheek where Zack’s fist had connected, feeling the stubble that had grown during his trip.

“What did you expect?” Zack snapped. “You’re responsible for me being stranded on this fucking rock! Did you think I was going to welcome you with open arms and on my knees?”  His voice rose to a shout.

“Wait a minute,” Brian retorted. “You left me!  You wanted to come out here to get away from me!”

“I did not leave you,” Zack yelled.  “I was told you wanted to break up with me and the next thing I knew, I was shipped out to this frozen cesspool.”

“I was on the other side of Titan when you left,” Brian argued.  “We hadn’t talked for several days, so who told you I wanted to break up?”

Zack pressed his lips together and did not respond.

“Maybe the same person who told me you requested this assignment?”

“Assignment?” Zack looked surprised. His expression changed to amusement and he burst out laughing. “Do you think this is an assignment?” He spat out the last word. “This is a fucking death sentence,” he continued shouting. “We are never getting off this goddamned planet. At least I’ll have the satisfaction knowing you’re stuck here too. And will probably die here.  With luck before me.” He turned and walked back to his workstation.

My latest "The Wooden Samurai" is now available from JMS Books!

My latest story The Wooden Samurai is now available from JSM Books!

Blurb:

In 1708 Japan, Hirata, a samurai serving Lord Takarada, is enjoying his elevated status in the daimyo’s army when he finds a gift, a wooden carving of a samurai on a horse.  Hirata realizes he has a secret admirer but who is it?  He discovers it is Matsuda, a young archer in Takarada’s retinue, who has taken a liking to Hirata.

But Hirata is not ready for a relationship with a man and refuses Matsuda.  After his rejection, Hirata realizes that he does love Matsuda, but now the archer is far away with Lord Takarada in Edo Castle and he does not know when they will return.

Hirata decides on a plan to convince Matsuda that he is ready, but before he can put it into action, an earthquake and a tsunami destroy the daimyo’s manor.

Hirata becomes frantic, since he has no idea if Matsuda is alive and if he will ever see him again?

The Wooden Samurai to be released June 24!

My latest story, The Wooden Samurai, will be available this Saturday, June 24 from JMS Books!

Blurb:

In 1708 Japan, Hirata, a samurai serving Lord Takarada, is enjoying his elevated status in the daimyo’s army when he finds a gift, a wooden carving of a samurai on a horse.  Hirata realizes he has a secret admirer but who is it?  He discovers it is Matsuda, a young archer in Takarada’s retinue, who has taken a liking to Hirata.

But Hirata is not ready for a relationship with a man and refuses Matsuda.  After his rejection, Hirata realizes that he does love Matsuda, but now the archer is far away with Lord Takarada in Edo Castle and he does not know when they will return.

Hirata decides on a plan to convince Matsuda that he is ready, but before he can put it into action, an earthquake and a tsunami destroy the daimyo’s manor.

Hirata becomes frantic, since he has no idea if Matsuda is alive and if he will ever see him again.

Excerpt:

Hirata entered the barracks, walking to the room he shared with eleven other samurai officers to shed his traveling cloak before the mid-day meal. Because of his rank, he did not have to bunk with dozens of men to a room, like the unranked warriors.  It gave him a little more room and enough space to keep a small chest for personal belongings, like his cloak.  He took it off as he approached the threshold to his room, since he would not need it again until he rode out with the next patrol that afternoon.

Hirata came to a stop in the doorway. Something wrapped in a rough cloth sat in the middle of his cot.

What is that?  Is it dangerous? His samurai instincts warned him to be cautious and wary of anything out of place.

His first inclination was to throw the thing as far away into the ocean as he could, but he couldn't think of anyone who would want to do him harm.  But if someone was trying to destroy the daimyo, an inside job would be most effective.  Ruin the lord by decimating his loyal subjects and making it look like inner turmoil, rather than an outside influence.

I had better see what it is before I try to destroy it.

Hirata strode to his bed and snatched up the package. He tore off the wrapping and his breath caught in his throat. The cloth fell away to reveal an elaborate wooden carving of a samurai on a horse.

Hirata gaped at it, admiring its beauty and detail.  He turned it over and over in his hands.

Who could have crafted something so exquisite? Or who could afford to buy something so expensive?

A samurai’s pay did not allow for such extravagant purchases so whoever bought it must have sacrificed at least three month’s salary.

Noises outside indicated men approaching. Hirata re-wrapped the figure in the cloth and put it in his small chest with his other precious items. He had just slid the chest under his bed when three of his friends appeared in the doorway.

"It is time for the mid-day meal, Hirata-san," Kenji said, a burly samurai with thick beard and hair pulled into a knot on the top of his head. "We must hurry or else it will all be eaten by the time we get there."

"You could certainly do without a meal or two," Hirata said with a laugh.

"Do not be fooled," Kenji said with the gap-toothed grin, rubbing his belly. "It is all muscle."

All of them laughed as they left the barracks. Despite his outward appearance of good humor, Hirata still wondered who had given him such an expensive gift. As he walked toward the great hall for the mid-day meal, he glanced at the faces of the servants, retainers, samurai and the rest of the daimyo’s subjects.

Could it be one of them? None of them could afford such an item.  And certainly not one of Lord Takarada’s daughters, who were older than Hirata or granddaughters who were too young, but they were only ones who had that kind of wealth.

As they approached the hall, movement on the roof covering the border fence caught Hirata’s eye. The sentries and archers stationed in lookout towers were changing shifts, replacing the men who had been up there since midnight. One of the archers glanced in his direction as he approached the ladder, and their eyes met for an instant. Even with a broad hat shading the man’s face, Hirata caught his gaze for a second.  An unspoken message passed between them. The archer turned to descend.

Matsuda?

Book review - Beau and the Beast by Rick R. Reed

I like reading and writing gay twists on old stories such as fairy tales (no pun intended).  It gives a familiar feel to a story while indulging in a guilty pleasure.  Like eating one more chocolate chip cookies than you know you should.  The tag line for Rick R. Reed’s Beau and the Beast caught my attention, as an updated gay story and I had to read it.  As I mentioned before, the plot line is familiar but there are some nice surprises along the way.

Beau is a starving artist (literally) on the mean streets of Seattle.  When he is beaten unconscious by two hoodlums, he wakes up in a glorious mansion, being cared for by a masked man who only calls himself “Beast”.  Beast is tortured by a past which Beau is eager to learn, but the masked man keeps his distance, urging Beau to leave as soon as he has healed from his injuries.

The story takes place over a few short days but it is plenty of time for the romance to build between two wounded men. 

I really enjoyed and recommend Beau and the Beast, a short, fun read.

Review of Home in Time for Christmas by Heather Graham

I enjoyed Heather Graham’s Flynn brothers trilogy because although her stories are het romance/erotica, she includes a wonderful paranormal aspect to her novels. In the Flynn brothers stories, that aspect bordered on supernatural and in one case, Deadly Harvest, almost stepped across the line.


In Home in Time for Christmas, the paranormal element is time travel. During the Revolutionary War, Jake Mallory is about to hanged by the British for his anti-British publications. His adopted sister Serena casts a strange spell with rose petals (in December!) and he suddenly finds himself in the twenty-first century.

Melody Tarleton, on her way home for the holidays nearly runs over him as he appears before her eyes and her car. Convinced he is a re-enactment actor/nut case suffering from amnesia, she takes him home to her family since she has no idea what else to do with him.

Her father, mother and brother accept Jake into their home with little questions to Melody’s explanation. Mark Hathaway, the man Melody is supposed to be getting engaged to isn’t swayed and becomes suspicious of the enigmatic gentleman, who bears more than a passing resemblance to him.

As hard as she tries to keep his secret although not believing it herself, Melody is surprised to find out that her parents have pieced together how she really came to meet Jake and they have no issue with him being from the past. In fact, they have an idea how to return him to his own time. And the revelation gives her little comfort.

Despite her misgivings, she is convinced that her mother and father know what they are doing and helps them to the novel’s final and somewhat predictable conclusion.

In the Flynn brothers trilogy, Graham put more emphasis on the paranormal aspects, but in Home in Time for Christmas, much of the story is spent on Melody trying to explain to everyone and herself Jake’s sudden appearance and their budding romance.

I prefer the stronger paranormal angle to the romance but I’m probably outnumbered in that respect. In the trilogy, the paranormal phenomenon that formed the premise for those stories was a bit more complex, more detailed than a doorway opened in time with rose petals. We’ve also seen this scenario before: a person about to be hanged is spirited away to another time in both “Dark Shadows” and “The Twilight Zone”.

But if you prefer romance to paranormal, Home in Time for Christmas isn’t too spooky to be romantic.

Cornerstone Deep: Book 1 by Charlene A. Wilson

I had the pleasure of reading Cornerstone Deep while in its draft form. Now in its final form, it is even more enjoyable. Cornerstone Deep reads as a science fiction/fantasy – romance, two genres that usually aren’t found together but Charlene A. Wilson makes them work.

Cornerstone Deep is a mythical realm ruled by lords and guarded by three wizard brothers: Cole, James and Vincent Shilo. Only the lords know of the brothers’ wizardry; the rest of the city knows them only as the founders’ sons.

They’re immortal but unfortunately their women aren’t. They have to ‘relocate their soulmate after she has been reincarnated. They will seek out her soul from lifetime to lifetime.

Women.

Sometimes they aren’t successful. Cole has given up hope of finding his beloved Mianna until they ‘harvest’ a curfew-breaker for one of the lords. He cannot ignore the calling of her soul to his even though now she is the property and under the control of Lord Dressen.

How can Cole rescue her without angering the Council of the Lords and the gods of this realm?

Wilson has a keen eye for detail and gives the planet /dimension Meridian, the setting for Cornerstone Deep, plenty of vivid details. She has created a beautiful world in which magic is powerful but has boundaries.

Love, however, has no boundaries. That is the underlying theme of Cornerstone Deep. Nothing can separate two people in love, not even the barriers of different dimensions in space.

Everything is tied up nicely at the end of Book 1, but Wilson does leave opportunities open for more excitement in Book 2. She has a knack for whetting the readers’ appetite for more. I’m glad because Cole, James and Vincent are certainly characters you want to see more of.