MOVIE REVIEW: The Omega Code

Inspired by the book The Bible Code, this is the story of a famous life coach who finds himself in a position to team up with an influential politician, and, through a complex series of events, ends up running for his life from an accusation of attempted murder. Involved in and complicating all of this is the efforts of an unnamed organization to bring about the prophecies that are found in the Torah, or Old Testament, of the Bible, and some strange and unexplainable events.

This film has a stellar cast, which includes Casper Van Diem, Michael York, and Michael Ironside. Though panned by the critics when it was first released, it managed to become a hit during its theatrical run, and has remained a cult classic since. It brings together mythology in the form of the mysterious prophecies that are purportedly found in the Old Testament, and the eschatology of the book of Revelations to make a very involving story that will keep the viewer interested right up until the end. Highly recommended.

 

BOOK REVIEW: Since the Sirens by E.E. Isherwood

 

I normally don't go in for zombie stories, but this one is actually really good. It follows a 15-year-old boy named Liam as he tries to save his 104-year-old great-grandmother, who he has been spending the summer with, from a looming disaster of undead attackers, made that way by an Ebola-like virus. As the unlikely pair attempt to flee from the murderous hordes, they meet many different kinds of people. Some become friends, some allies, and others enemies, but none of that changes Liam's determination to get his elderly charge to some kind of safety.

This not only has the horror of zombies, it also delves a little into faith and mysticism, as the old woman starts having visions of what is apparently a guardian angel, and many of their new acquaintances begin to invite the young hero to find his way of belief as well. The spirit of the older woman that has not been depleted by her age or circumstances, the devotion of her young protector, and the interplay between the two is enough to keep the reader enthralled up to the end. Something of a warning: This is quite a large series of books, and the end of this one comes in what seems like the middle of the action, so be prepared to left hanging. But, if all the installments are as good as this one, it's well worth the time.

MOVIE REVIEW: Star Trek: Into Darkness

 

A 2013 production, this is the second in the reboot series of Star Trek films. Beginning a couple of years after the first, the Enterprise crew has been together for a little while, but not long enough to truly meld into a team. The relationship between Kirk and Spock is still rocky, and is strained further by a misunderstanding between the two, which also unsettles the romance between Spock and Uhura. Add to this the unexplained attack by what appears to be a rogue Federation agent on Starfleet headquarters, which leads Kirk to the discovery that not even the higher echelons of Starfleet are immune from conspiracy. Only with his now estranged friends at his side can Kirk find a way to stop an intergalactic war before it starts.

All of the original actors reprise their roles in this, with a wonderfully engaging addition of Benedict Cumberbatch as the mysterious cause of Kirk's dilemma. There is also a guest appearance by Leonard Nimoy, which would be his final appearance on screen before his death. This movie is exciting, taking many twists and turns, and aludes back to the original series in great ways. A must see for any Star Trek fan.