Eternity

Genre - Sci-Fi/Mystery
Year Released - 2013
Running Time - 78 minutes
Directed by Alex Galvin
Written by Alex Galvin
Cast Includes: Elliot Travers, Dean Knowsley, Liz Kirkman, Rachel Clentworth, Amy Usherwood, and Ralph Johnson

Rating: 5 Skulls

Plot Summary:
In the near future, police detective Richard Manning is investigating the most difficult case of his career - the seemingly impossible locked-room murder of a wealthy property investor. 
The more Richard investigates, the more complex the case seems to become. 
He soon realizes his own future and survival depend on him solving everything - and quickly.

Trailer:


Review:
This film is the first New Zealand/Hong Kong co-production. It is also director Alex Galvin's 2nd feature film. (the 1st being 'When Night Falls', from 2007, which I have not yet seen - though I just upped it to #1 on my Netflix Queue!)

This film has already been running the festival circuit, and has already received several awards - rightfully so!

Galvin has shot a beautiful film, utilizing superb locations and gorgeous scenery.
Let's hope that this film sees U. S. distribution sooner, rather than later!

In the film, several detectives are paired into teams of two and placed inside of a computer program/game through what is known as "transference technology". 
Within the game, the detectives are to determine not only who committed the crime of murdering a billionaire, but also how and why.

*Slight, very minor, SPOILER ALERT below:
(do not read if you want to be completely taken by surprise)

The twist is that there is a virus in the program that is causing a perpetual time-loop, creating one endless day. As the day goes on, those detectives not pulling their weight, so to speak, are being erased/wiped from the game, so time is of the essence.

Okay, safe to continue reading now...

Galvin has created a very cool concept here, utilizing the "reality-perception" genre, as well as some very cool tech gadgetry.
If you enjoyed 'Soylent Green' or 'Inception' then definitely keep an eye out for this film!

Jason

The Reason [Book Review]

Genre - Christian Fiction
Year Published - 2012
Length - 389 [digital] pages *Read on my Nook
Written by William Sirls

Rating: 4 Skulls

Plot Summary:
When facing the impossible, will you believe?

Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas church flicker... and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church's large wooden cross - leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.

When the storm ends, the search for answers begin.

James Lindy, the church's blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity, and then he hears the words "only believe."

Macey Lewis, the town's brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive type of leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine - yet is challenged to "only believe."

And Alex's single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening... to save her son. But she hears only silence and wonders how she can possibly "only believe."

Review:
I understand that this isn't my typical review fare, however I feel that this book needs to be promoted. This is Sirls' 1st book and it is very well written. 
Believe it or not, the above plot summary is only a small portion of what this book is really about - there are several more characters, and the book gets progressively better as it moves along.

One of the things that I loved the most, was Sirls' use of "imperfect" characters. Pretty much anyone can relate to one of the characters in this story, at one point or another, and that brought "life" to them.

Sirls has written an emotional novel that really tugs at your heart-strings - both physically and spiritually.
For anyone out there who doesn't believe in second chances, "believe" and give this book a shot!

Jason