Monday, September 13, 2010

Faster than the speed of a month

Okay, let's see whats going on this week. The movie season is starting to get all serious and the Xbox 360 is dropping plenty of bro pro games. But still a new Fallout.

Looks like Green Lantern 2 or The Flash movies are going to be moving up in schedule. I'm betting Green Lantern 2 gets made regardless. Of course, what do I know.

Another Resident Evil movie is going to get finally get made after the newest hit #1 in the box office. I stopped caring after the first took were terrible. And I cannot figure out why people are going to see that and didn't even step near Scott Pilgrim. Must be Milla.

So IFC dropped a heavy bill to pick up Super. A movie with Raine Wilson as a superhero. Looks like Kick Ass, but.....naw it's exactly like Kick Ass, but still looks funny.

Some information on Star Trek 2 is coming out of Deadline. Probably just vague hints at a possible plot, but whatev.

Personally I never read the Dark Tower series, but this whole deal they have going on is slightly insane and really think it will fall apart fairly early.

This haunted Majoras Mask story has given me the heebie jeebies. I think I misspelled that.

Humans recreating Pac-Man. How swell. Thanks internet.

Here's the new Fallout card game called Caravan. Okay, it's more a description, but it's something.

Mario turns 25 today. Happy Birthday you fictional character.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Atari Lynx

Nothing much about the Atari Lynx, but if you had one kudos on spending a lot of money on a shitty system. Well played.

Unfortunately Glen Shadix from Beetlejuice and other films has passed on today. Never did reach his peak stardom, but will always be remembered in the hearts of people that have seen a film with him in it.

My new favorite show Psych is making a Twin Peaks episode for their Fall run. Not to mention there sure a lot of cameos going to be made. I'm psyched, no pun intended.

Finally a new Spy Kids movie, or a reboot. Still not sure what this is or why it is coming out. Seems like a reboot that they could just call something else at this point.

Topless Robot has the shorts about the Old Miss campaign to get Admiral Ackbar to be their school mascot. Not really about sports, nor Star Wars, still amusing.

They are finally getting around to making a sequel to the Atari 2600 game Haunted House. Can't believe it took them sooo long. Big plus, the eyes are returning.

I like these co-splay pictures of Team Rocket because I can't figure out how he/she can get their hair to stand like that. Is it a wig, a lot of hair applications, maybe an internal rod. I don't know!

This is what college is truly for, transforming a building into a recreation of Donkey Kong. If college is for something else, then their doing it all wrong.

Some new pics of Captain America and Hydra have come up online. It seems to be coming along splendidly, or terribly depending on what type of person you are.

If your a fan of The Dark Tower series, your in luck. There is some crazy set up going for the live action movie/tv trilogy/series. It's so crazy it just might work.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Brighter Days

I do intend on continuing this and it is not forgotten. Unfortunate turns and the fact of moving have forced and somewhat unintended hiatus of writings. Add onto that the absence of actual internet service and then actually falling the things I write about on there. In other words, I didn't have internet and couldn't read about what was happening, nor could I write anything for a while. Now that it is up and running I intend to post more. I swear. But first....

Last night I went to see The Other Guys with Will Ferrel and Marky Mark Wahlburg. Their a pair of bumbling cops, you know cop comedy. Either way, I showed up a few minutes late because usually the previews I want to see I have already seen and anything else is probably already out since this movie came out a few weeks ago and I'm old hat. "Are the trailers still playing?", I asked the somewhat confused cashier and was told that yes they were still playing. Upon reaching the dedicated theater I find that NONE of the trailers have started. Apparently the film had broke or something was wrong because it took them about 20 minutes to finally get the film to play. I wasn't expecting much, but the guy near me was pissed. I could see the red on his face and I tried not to laugh. Sooo, funny. I considered going to see Machete, but I'll save that for another day.

The film itself wasn't pee your pants funny, but there was quite alot to laugh at. Will Ferrell didn't portray his man child image and it was more dumb than silly. However, alot of his films have something worth quoting or something in them were I would just bust out laughing for a while, but this film just didn't seem to have that moment. Sure, I laughed at alot of it, but not loudly enough. Maybe it was the previous mishap, which really didn't bother me. I was seeing a month old movie. While I wasn't sure if the action scenes were supposed to be slow paced or if it was just unfortunately made that way, either way the action was pretty dull. Not quite the thrill of most of the large budget CGI fests, but I've seen better with less. Maybe that was the point, I don't know.

A little past the 3/4 point of the film, the little pre-movie slide presentation begins superimposing itself over the film. Now, sure that was annoying, especially since most of the slides would cover the entire film with their solid dark blue backgrounds, I just kind of laughed and had to tell the employees their stupid slide show is blocking the film. While I know I should have been angry, it honestly wasn't a film that I HAD to see everything. There really wasn't much going on in the frames and probably could have played as a radio play for most of it and it would have had the same effect. They did manage to shut it off eventually and I was just laughing at how mad that guy must have been then. Not sure how many refunds they had to give, but I got $5 worth.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Been a long time

It can become difficult to come up with stuff to write about. Or maybe it's my lack of motivation, but if I learned anything in life it's to blame anything other than yourself.

Blizzcon has Diablo 3 out and about. Go play it if that's your thing. If not they also have some Cataclysm.

Star Wars celebration was this weekend. Now the movies are coming to Blu-Ray. Hard to believe their doing that. Guess George has to make money somehow.

Moira McTaggert has maybe been cast in X-Men: First Class. Adding more people to the already large cast for a film that probably doesn't have a script. Still, she is pretty.

Interview with Grant Morrison on his upcoming Batman storyline. I have been enjoying his Batman comics, so hopefully he keeps up the good work.

Not much to see here, only the new shoot em up game by Square Enix. It's called Gun Loco and I might be exited.

The Bioshock Infinite trailer looks sweet!!! As a matter of fact, the whole game looks like it should be a treat to play.

More footage of Metroid: Other M. Not sure about this and I do hate these motion controls. HRMMMMMMM!

I enjoy this NBC lineup. Looks like I know what I'll be watching.

At The Movies is no more. IFC does have their top ten reviews though. Not sure what that means.

A new trailer for Monsters is up at the website linked. Watch it IF YOU DARE! Or don't, I won't force you to.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Monday Night Combat

Monday Night Combat is a recently released game for the Xbox Live component of the Xbox 360. It's part of the games of summer, none of which interested me more than this. It's a 3rd person shooter that plays a bit like a tower defense with a Defense of the Ancients feel. If you aren't sure what those are I would recommend you Google it or try it out. Nothing beats first hand experience. There are a total of six classes that you can play as and regretfully only 2 modes to play in, but I cannot seem to get enough of it.

In Blitz you are pretty much playing a tower defense game where endless waves of robots come towards your base and you have to set up defenses to stop them from coming in. The waves of course get more difficult and the robots vary as the stages go on. As you destroy robot after robot you will accumulate money to upgrade your turrents or upgrade yourself. Each class has a variance of 4 skills to upgrade, 3 active and 1 passive, that can give you just the edge you need. Let's just say to focus on towers in Blitz mode and less on the skills, since some of them really don't help. The other mode is Crossfire where you take your skills against another team to take out their base, or money ball in this game. As you play you'll need to upgrade your turrents to defend against the steady waves of robots pouring into your base. Of course, you'll be sending your on robots to theirs and you have to push up with them, hopefully clearly a path. It's a pretty steady offense/defense stances, but it's easy enough to get the hang of it after a few games. While there have been a few connection issues with the game, it hasn't deterred me from playing a lot.

The classes you can play as vary from the Support class who can upgrade turrents and heal players and torrents to the Gunner class who can pretty much become his own torrent. Each one plays pretty differently and when played in unison with a varied team can easily take out opponents. Teamwork is a very big thing in this game, which makes me wonder why it's on Xbox Live. There seems to be a lot of the Assassin class going around partially invisible trying to kill you from behind, but are pretty easy to spot and counter. Once the newness calms down I'm hoping there will be some more variances. Just too many Assassins running at you swinging a sword looking cool only to get a shotgun to the face. Either way each class has their strengths and weaknesses so moving as a team is important. As you play you will accumulate experience points which don't really do much and money which can be used to open custom class slots and get pro tags. In the custom class your able to set your own perks which can boost your class a little, but doesn't make you superman. That would be when you get your Jet meter full. After so many kills or damage your Jet meter fills and you become pretty freakin' invincible for a while. Not actually invincible, but your difficult to kill and deal out massive damage. Either way check the game out and play a few. Hopefully they will be adding more modes too.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

On to the news..

A screenwriter for Green Lantern 2 already. Starting to make some big presumptions. Almost makes me want to see it fail, almost.

Here are some good LOST theories. Add on to the fact the LOST epilogue that was previewed in a previous post has completely leaked online. You just have to know how to find it.

Plants Vs. Zombies got the game of the year treatment. Now's a good time to check it out, even you don't like games.

Apparently there was an old Quake mod of the X-men, where you get to shoot them several times in the face.

Blockbuster now has games by mail available. Didn't even think they were still around. I guess only by mail and stand up box.

I love these gaming myths debunked. Kinda like Mythbusters for the gaming groups. This time it's the Final Fantasy 7 reviving of Aeris myth.

A Tetris world champ has been crowned. Now you know.

Okay so Valve is making a Defense of the Anciets game. Not sure why MTV is reporting it though.

Madden 11 is out, if you want to know. Though chances are if you wanted it you got it already.

What a generic looking Hulk rip off. Okay, it looks pretty good, I was only joking.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Starcraft 2 Review

I suppose after hyping it up enough that I should finally post a review of the game. As much faith as I put in the game it was exciting to finally get it, only trouble was that it took forever to install and my computer probably needs an upgrade to run it smoother, but overall it was a very entertaining story, interesting setup for the campaign and a ton of achievements to obtain.

Essentially the game picks up a few years after the previous outings with rebel James Raynor wallowing in the choices he has made and the lose of his "friend" Kerrigan. The game does a nice job of setting the story up with a nice series of voice overs catching people up on it all as you install the game. Granted you don't really have to know what's going on and why, but it definitely adds more to game. Once you get the game going, it works pretty much like the previous Starcraft games except you don't have access to everything right off the bat. As you play through missions you will slowly unlock several classic units and few new ones, so whatever you tactic of choice is should still work. The missions themselves vary greatly in their overall goals. No longer is it pretty much to destroy all of the enemy or survive for a certain amount of time. Now there is a lot of variety added to missions which may include destroying trains as they pass across the map, trying to keep your base ahead of a wave of flames creep slowly across the screen, or destroying infested buildings by day and hunkering up at night. Either way it will keep you on your toes as to what needs to be done.

One of the complaints was that it was only a Terran campaign and I understand the apprehension, but just a little note, there are some protoss campaigns as part of a side quest so you can get over that. Speaking of side quests, there are plenty of missions your don't have to do, but you should want to do them to receive funds for unit upgrades and for artifacts for special upgrades. The basic upgrades use funds generated by completing missions and can affect both units and base components. These vary from just giving them more health to adding support guns to the top of bunkers, but each costs various prices so spend wisely. Funds are also used to unlock mercenaries which can be summoned during missions are like upgraded units and are useful when you need some troops in a hurry. The artifact upgrades are chosen whenever you find a certain amount of zerg or protoss artifacts and these are the upgrades that really help. Choosing these upgrades comes at a price though, you can only choose of two. As you progress on these upgrades you will unlock a choice of one out of two possible upgrades, both of which appear incredibly useful. These are in the lines of instant supply depots or auto heal units. Either way, these are the ones that make it interesting.

Overall the campaign is incredibly entertaining and fun to play through. Even though I kinda saw where the story was headed, it definitely makes me excited for the next in the series. Between missions your treated to cut scenes which set up the next phase of missions and occasionally you get a treat of the CGI cut-scenes that Blizzard is known for. Now, I haven't spent a lot of time in the multiplayer to make much of a comment on it, but it's pretty much the same as before, only with a better looking interface and display. The real change are the maps and the newer units added into the game to change up strategies. That's also where a large chunk of the achievements lie. In the end though it wouldn't hurt to pick this up, should keep you occupied til the new Fallout comes out.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Say what you will, the word some words are always funny

Lets look at some swell links shall we:

First, a new Batman game to follow up on Batman Arkham Asylum. Yes, Mark Hamil is back and their adding Mr. Freeze and Catwoman. I'm psyched.

A good first look at the LOST post series content. Adds some stuff about Dharma and some Benjamin Linus. This is supposedly only a small part of what's to come.

The teaser trailer for the Avengers is up. It was shown at Comic-Con, but now it's for everyone to listen to because there really isn't much more than a logo.

I was told it's respectful to sit through movie end credits. I tried it, it was boring. Still here is an article about someone who does.

Adult Swim is doing a short for Scott Pilgrim. Looks pretty sweet, just like the movie, and the game. Speaking of which I just spent several minutes indulging in this sweet interactive preview.

This aimbotter is pretty good. Then again, he is aimbotting.

In case you didn't know Kenny Powers was getting signed by K-Swiss. Good for them.

Seriously, why would you make Batman wet himself. Really?

Good try guys, but Inception was obviously a rip off of this Ducktales comic. Those Beagle Boys sure were clever.

I'm not going to rush off to see the Expendables, but this Youtube clip for it is pretty neat. Worth checking out.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Back in the New York groove

Okay I'm back after a brief hiatus and found out that KISS sings "Back in the New York groove" would not have guessed that. I'm sure most of you knew that already, but I didn't.

Anyways, I'm back with a suggestion for some television shows I have been enjoying and wish you could enjoy them too.

The Good Guys - It's on Fox on Mondays, so you know there really isn't much else on. They recently have their summer finale, so it's on reruns until sometime when it moves to Fridays (ugh). It's a buddy cop comedy starring Colin Hanks and Bradley Whitford, wherein they solve a weekly case and comedy ensues. You see Hanks plays the straight man and Whitford plays the veteran cop who seems passed his prime. It's a rather silly show in the sense that they work property crimes and yet somehow always wind up in a case that is indirectly related and almost always ends in a shootout. They have unique way of playing out scenes with their mid scene flash backs usually to set up a joke or a pivotal moment. I would strongly recommend giving it a try because another season would make me happy to see where it all goes.

Louie - Yet another Fox program, only this one is on FX. Currently, it's on Tuesdays after Rescue Me and is perhaps one of the funniest programs on television right now. If your familiar with the comedian Louie CK, then you know he is a little adult sometimes. Just so you know, they show is every bit of that and then some. Similar in structure to Seinfield, where it intersperses his stand-up routine with segments of various lengths, and yet has an almost artistic vision to the way it's filmed. These segments usually don't necessarily continue part of larger continuity, but almost always result in awkward situations causing Louie having to find a way to squirm out of it. Every episode has gotten progressively funnier and is definitely recommended because Louie CK is a hilarious comedian and this show captures it better than previous attempts.

Here are some that have been around a few seasons, but I can rarely find anyone who watches them. Still check them out because I enjoy them.

Burn Notice - Okay, same creator as The Good Guys, but not very similar at all. This is about a spy who has been fired (or burned in this case) and has went about trying to find out who burned him and how to undo it. This program has been on a few seasons, so the plot has moved on a bit from there, but ultimately comes back to that. It has Jeffrey Donovon playing the main character Micheal Weston and he regularly teams us with Bruce Campbell and Gabrielle Anwar to fight against drug cartels or mobsters or sometime along those lines. Yes, thee Bruce Campbell and it's a very enjoyable role for him. Sharon Glass plays his concerned mother who sometimes helps out and recently got nominated for an Emmy for the program, so you know it's got something.

PSYCH - Another USA show? Yup, granted it's one that I have only recently been really getting into. In case you don't know it's about a fake psychic detective who has a partner who he solves crimes with for the local police. James Rooney plays Shawn and Dule Hill plays Guster, or Gus, and are really why the show is any good. The supporting cast definitely helps, but they way they play their roles makes them their own and they play so well off of each other. While Shawn seems to have most of the laughs, Dule Hill honestly pulls it all together. More the straight man, I realize how great they both are. Sure, it is a murder a week format, but there is an overlaying plot around the seasons, it's a very entertaining show. So, watch it.

Here's hoping that you will start to check out some of these programs in your free time. Were approaching rerun season and they it's onto football and new seasons of whatever you watch. Still check em out on DVD.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Missing

There will be missing posts for a few days on account of not being around to write them. Don't worry they will return next week. Consider it a vacation of sorts, only for me more so.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Sweet Berry Wine

Okay, so there really is no wine here nor does any of this have to do with wine.

The Blue Beetle test footage doesn't impress me much. Not a big fan, even though it was directed by Bill S. Preston Esq.

The Avengers cartoon however, does have promise. Though with Nickelodeon your not sure what you have.

Natalie Portman AND Kat Dennings in Thor, sweet mother of justice, what fine vixens he doth have.

For some reason this video of Ron Livingston doing keyboard cat is making me giggle. Sure it's not related to anything, still made me laugh today.

Do they even try anymore with the older cartoons as movies. I mean, I suppose Transformers was kinda big, but still looked like shit. Just stop already.

Adding more mutants to X-men First Class. Still waiting on any of the original 4 to be cast. No Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, or Iceman. Wait they did cast Beast and Cyclops, still enough with the side cast or mutants that don't belong.

While it has been awhile since I saw Tron and my excitement for a new one isn't exactly perking. That being said this new trailer is changing all of that.

Awwwww, no new Robocop, darn.

This is a short post for today, I have stuff to get done.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Shameless filler

Green Lantern posters are out and making me excited. Not that familiar with Green Lantern history, but he's the part of the starting lineup for the Justice League and those rings are cool. Though I'm not that big of a fan of Ryan Reynolds, but he seems like a good guy.

Okay the trailer for Sucker Punch is up and it looks pretty cool. Props for using Lords of Acid for the trailer, props taken away for putting a dragon in. I like dragons as much as the next guy, but it just really seems like it doesn't belong.

Megamind looks like it might be pretty entertaining. Enough with marketing movies on celebrity voices.

Say it ain't so Steve. Sure you already said your leaving the Office next season, but think of the children.

And several people were banned accidentally from Modern Warfare 2 on Steam recently. Now they get a free copy of Left 4 Dead 2 and one to give to a friend. Still doesn't inspire me to buy that turd. I lack the brosticles.

I love a sexy woman in uniform. So what if their homemade.

Wait, Tony Robbins is getting an NBC program. Won't that put a whole dent in his attendence. Ohhhhh, it's about his daily life. Meh, who cares. I'm guessing he sleeps, eats, and poops like the rest of us.

Now the Rock Band track lists are getting random. Will these be the end for plastic parapanelia that can't be used for much else? Probably not, the Kinect comes out soon.

Speaking of Kinect and PS3 motion thingy, they do realize that's precisely why I don't play my Wii much. It's a lot more work for something that is supposed to be a break.

Anyways Starcraft 2 comes out at midnight, but I'm waiting til tomorrow. Almost bedtime right now.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

It's a non-rainey Sunday

Well the San Diego Comic Con is winding down again, but not without a stabbing.

Guess they already have the Avengers lineup cast. Let's just hope their other movies are good, otherwise ????

I think I would pay for a whole movie of this. Too bad it's for a game I probably will wait for a trial and only try it for 2 days.

Thanks for making Inception #1 in the box office again this week. That bodes well for Chris Nolan.

Oh Casey Affleck, you and your antics.

I don't watch American Idol and replacing Simon Cowell doesn't inspire me. Still just a karaoke contest.

Congrats to Saw for making the Guinness book. Sure doesn't hurt to release a new sequel every year.

Wanna know what's gonna happen in V next season. Me neither, but Elizabeth Mitchell is on it, so there is that.

I liked Community and here is the cast sharing a couch and chatting with Micheal Ausiellio. Speaking of Donald Glover, check out the film Mystery Team. It has him and a few others from the NBC Thursday lineup. Unless your too cool to watch NBC on Thursdays.

An entire movie shot in 3D starring Nicolas Cage. It's called Drive Angry and looks bad, but it's all in 3D sooooo double whammy.

Finally I watched Zombieland. It has Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, and Emma Stone. They kill zombies and try to stay sane. It's a pretty fun movie, but takes a the zombie movie and lightens it up. It's still about survival, but not in a depressing sense. Definitely a movie you watch to enjoy and not think about. The film has the speedy zombies like in the Dawn of the Dead remake. Only their "infected" which seems to be the popular reference in zombie movies these days. This is one of those films that can draw you in and the push you away wondering why they would want to go to an amusement park anyways. And where is all the electricity coming from. And what about food, eventually it will all go rotten then your screwed. It's not a movie to take that seriously, so it's understandable that it avoids those questions. Just somethings bug like that bug me. Anyways, check it out of you want a fun movie to watch with a group or a like minded date.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Life, Links, and Happiness

It's not that I have been avoiding writing anything, it's trying to adjust my sleeping schedule. So, it's been a series of naps and waking up at 4am and staying awake as long as possible. Plus, there is a comic-con going on in San Diego and their showing off too much stuff.

Avengers is lining up with a new Hulk, a Hawkeye, and a possible Ant-Man.

As much as I like the Jack Sparrow character, they should re-title the movies at this point

Monsters looks like an interesting movie. It's like Cloverfield mixed with District 9. Of course, neither one really live up to the hype.

Red is looking pretty entertaining. Didn't have much luck trying to find the comics though.

Honestly, I'm probably not as excited for a new Tron movie as many others, it still seems like a good idea.

Not sure what Sucker Punch is about, but the women are attractive and it looks like it should be all sorts of actiony.

The Walking Dead is a good comic, from what I have read, and it hopefully translates well to television. At least they got cable on their side.

The newest Spiderman game Spiderman: Shattered Deminsions, looks like it might be pretty good. The very least they have some good costumes available. Though they need to knock off they whole pre-order awards and let everyone get them.

Now Darth Vader is just showing off.

The counter protests at comic con is very funny. Keep up the good work young ones.

I don't play Dungeons & Dragons, but this makes me want to start. Now all I need are friends willing to play.

Okay, enough to chew on for now. Enjoy these and try to keep it real. Or at the very least semi-real.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Something to look forward to

So next week, approximately 7 days from now, Starcraft 2 will finally be out. There is much hype and promotion of this game. All of it with good reason. The last Starcraft came out about a decade ago and man did I play the crap outta that game. Basically the game is an RTS where you play roll of three races Terrans, basically humans (in the future), the Zerg, think of the bugs in Starship Troopers, and finally the Protoss, they remind me of those Bionicle toys, but with better looking weapons. Essentially there is a war going on between all three where sometimes they have to team up to defeat the other. That is a very broad overview of it all, but in the end it's all about the war between the races.

This was one of the first games I actually played online a lot. Sure I played a little bit of Quake 2 online before that, but didn't stick with it because it was pretty dull. There were alot of tactics involved with playing the game online and knowing all sorts of otherwise useless information way key. There was the the build order, basically the order and time for when you build a certain structure in order to go the direction your want your attack to focus. Lots of resource gathering and a ton of trial and error. One of my fondest memories of the game was playing as 4 humans players against 4 computer controlled AI opponents. Typically I played them on easy, it was still pretty tough, maybe one or two on normal, but that was my limit. Well whoever set the game up left them all on very hard difficulty. Needless to say we didn't find out about that until one of our partners was eliminated. We all immediately hunkered in and decided to see how long we would last. We each had our own little sectors and slowly but surely we were able to come back from our loss to defeat our non sentient foes. Sadly it was one of my proudest accomplishments, but I still look forward to recreate that joy. Sometimes next week, when the game finally comes out and I can enjoy it again, kind of.

Monday, July 19, 2010

I got something to say

And it's about the need to make old television programs into movies, mostly when they don't even really try to relate it to the program. For example, while I didn't see A-Team I am willing to bet that aside from the character names and a nod to the van, there really wasn't anything that made it the A-Team. Sure, it will draw in that nostalgia factor, but it seems to me that if the movie was any good they could just call it something else and possibly start a new franchise. That should be a hint that the movie might not be that good. Another example is the Honeymooners, another film I openly admit to not watching, but I have seen parts of it. First off there is the whole obvious race thing where the television characters are white and the people portraying them in the movie are black. Next is the fact that aside from their names and I think occupations there was nothing relating to the Honeymooners other than the fact that was the name of the film. That one is astounding because that nostalgia factor of the name would draw them to the theater, then they look at the poster and see Cedric the Entertainer and instantly notice something wrong. Not that either of those films did particularly well in the Box Office. It's just something that bothers me. That and the need to "reboot" everything. It was cool when they did it with Batman, but "rebooting" a franchise three years from when it started doesn't really convince me that any lessons were learned. Oh, and go see Inception because if you support Chris Nolans newest it will help me make a good third Batman film and not the third movies we have been getting. Yea I'm looking at you Spiderman 3.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Date Night

I'll admit I'm a big fan of Tina Fey and Steve Carell, so this movie was kind of sold to be based on the main cast. Throw in Mark Wahlberg, Ray Liotta, William Fichtner, and a small role by Bill Burr and you may be wondering who those last two guys are. Finchtner you have seen in several films though don't know who he is, but is quite funny when he wants to be. Bill Burr is just a comedian who used to write for Chapelle Show and is seriously funny guy. Him and Louie CK are the funniest gingers I can think of, but I digress. The film as a whole had me laughing quite a bit. While not as much as other comedies it kept it amusing thanks to Fey and Carell just being themselves. Sure the story was a little over the top, but that's what movies are for. They expand the imagination and besides it's a comedy and there aren't too many comedies these days with realistic stories to carry them.

The film follows Fey and Carell as the Fosters, a husband and wife married with children. They are living a hum drum married life where they just go through the paces of their days and even have to plan a "date night" in order to have time alone and carry on the sembelance of a marriage. It doesn't take long before one of their married friends decide they are getting a divorce with each party particularly glad about it. As a matter of fact, it was the best decision of their lives. This only makes the Fosters more paranoid about their marriage and the dullness of it all. So, for the next "date night" Mr. Foster decides they are going to go to a swanky New York restaurant that is impossible to get into, which is of course what happens. Deciding to try and spice things up they snatch a reservation made by people who obviously weren't going to show up. The dinner goes well until two guys come in and mistake them for the people who made the reservation. As could be predicted this leads to a mystery wrapped around the Fosters being pursued by cops, mobsters, and DA assistants. They all want a flash drive that the Fosters are thought to have so the Fosters enlist the help of Mark Wahlbergs security expert Holbrook. Holbrook helps them track down the flash drive that all the groups want and setting things in motion to get themselves off the hook from previously mentioned groups. Finally leading to a rooftop showdown where things finally get set straight, though I couldn't imagine this whole ordeal not affecting them in the future. If you watch it you will see what I mean.

Do you need to see this movie? No, not really. I seriously don't see this movie as being a trailblazer or becoming a cult movie where you will consistently hear people quoting lines from the film. Should you see this movie? Once again, I wouldn't say it's mandatory, but if you enjoy the comedy antics of Fey and Carell you would enjoy it. Or if your married and need a good movie to watch together. It's very appropriate for that.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Fabulous Link Friday

It's Friday and here are some links that you should check out and enjoy. If you don't then I'm not sure what's going to happen.

Be James Bond though it might cost some money

Like sweding movies, here is an all female version of Predator

Full cast photo for Walking Dead television program, hope it's as good at the comics

Those Improv Everywhere guys are pretty amusing with Star Wars live shows

Pictures of the main cast for Thor, Anthony Hopkins looking stoic and where are Loki's horns?

First pics of Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, looks kind of lasery.

While not totally on topic, this clip from the Espys regarding "The Decision" should make you realize that focusing an hour of air time for Lebron wasn't necessary.

Please don't talk about Ferris Club.

Beavis & Butthead
are making a comeback, shouldn't they be kicked out of high school by now?

Terrible superhero costumes, line up.

This article about ROM hacking was both interesting and help me find the sequels I never got to play.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Company of Heroes

I know, I know old game is old, but thanks to IGN for turning me onto it. It's a World War II RTS (real time strategy) so I just kind of shoved it off as being another WW2 game where you shoot at Nazis. Then to psyche myself up for the release of Starcraft II, IGN had an article about RTS games that are pretty darn good, to help perpetuate the excitement for Starcraft II. Browsing through the article brought Company of Heroes to my attention. The game sounded to appeal to me in the way it works and the fact I had not played it yet. Needless to say, I can't believe I waited so long to play this. It isn't as large as Starcraft, it isn't a sci-fi setting, and it came out a while ago, but it was quite a fun play.

Now, I do realize that WW2 has been done to death and adding an RTS style didn't really inspire me to try it out. You have tanks and infantry to run into the grinder and after awhile the Nazis retreat back to base. The story here is no different, but it's an RTS so it's more about the tactics than the story. After the typical first stage of running up the beaches in the invasion, you begin taking control of Alpha company. Nothing really special about Alpha company, just your average band of respawning brothers. This initial beach invasion serves as a basic tutorial though, so nothing too concerning when your soldiers are getting blown up all over the beach. Once you get setup on the beach the game becomes are a series of attack or defend missions, my personal favorites being the defend maps. Most battles are a series of rock-paper-scissor face offs where you use heavy weapons to take out armor and you use your armor to take on infantry. Your infantry consist of riflemen, MGs, snipers, morters, and engineers, with the engies being the most useful. Your armor are heavy tanks, flamethrower tanks, and tank destoryers. I do realize that the tanks have names, but this is what I called them as I played. There are options for a few other vehicles, but I honestly rarely used them. Eventually you open up the ability to start pumping out more infantry and armor to soak of the gun fire and they quickly become your leaders into fire fights. As you progress through each map you unlock various "power-ups" that allow you to call in artillery strikes or enable you to build stronger tanks. These don't immediately become useful but are almost required on some of the later stages. After getting a sampling of everything your build options open up and these upgrades force you to travel down a selected upgrade tree. At this point it's a good idea to have an idea of which upgrade path you want to travel because it would be your only choice.

The goals of each map are laid out for you, but ultimately it comes down to driving the Nazi force off the map or some variation there-of. As you progress through the maps you will be constantly moving your invasion forces up and the bringing up more troops to fortify these newly claimed territories. It operates off a control point scheme similar to the Warhammer RTS's, with each point captured add resources into a your resource pool that you will use to call in more troops or set-up defense for said fortification. Quickly it becomes a running troops back and forth to push forward without losing the captured points. I'll admit there are a few stages which I had to try several times over again to try different strategies if one didn't work and sometimes just to see if there was a better way to do things. The difficulty of the game progressed throughout the game, but nothing that can't be overcome by using what you know works and use your resources smartly. Though the final stage just kind of ended abruptly for me, but it was for the best because I was in a pretty bad situation. Still didn't know what I did to win, but I did it and it was worth the play. Should only take me a few more years to try the expansions.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Batman: Under the Red Hood

This is one that just recently came out and carries on the fine tradition of the DC animated films. The story revolves around the character coming to Gotham going by the traditional name of Red Hood. I say traditional because it was a title and image given to various criminals throughout the history, one of which is show is a flashback. This new Red Hood is taking over the streets from the current mob boss Black Skull, who coincidentaly has just that. Needless to say the Red Hood makes life quite a menace to the Black Skull who eventually has to break the Joker out of Arkham to take on Red Hood. Following several chase sequences Batman begins to recognize certain aspects of the new Red Hood that starts to seem all too familiar to him. Cameos abound in the film, so if you aren't too familiar with Batman lore you may be a little lost on certain parts, but the story is pretty easy to follow. You will get to see various Robins in action, a Nightwing, some Riddler, and a walk on by Ra's Al Ghul. It's a veritable Batman smorgasbord.

It follows a common animated comic formula of using action sequences to lead into the next bit of talking, with more action than talking. While it may not be for everyone, if you enjoy Batman or the other DC comic movies definitely check this one out. It actually is sitting as one of my favorites, but still won't top The Incredibles. Unfortunately, they did bring in alternate voice talent that wasn't Kevin Conroy or Mark Hamil, but you do get Bruce Greenwood, John DiMaggio, and Neil Patrick Harris. Growing up with the animated series over the comics I have become fairly judgmental of my Batman voices, but this one works for me. The Joker voice wasn't Mark Hamil, but nobody has even come close to emulate that. Basically if you enjoy comic movies and/or are a Batman fan, check it out. If you just despise comics, Batman, and that whole thing you can skip it and you won't be the only one.

Same place, same time, different words

This is going to be a (hopefully) daily updated blog about mostly movies, video games, television, and in some cases music. Sometimes it will be a review, sometimes opinions on trends, and other times it would just be miscellaneous. To be honest I am unfamiliar with this site so if something funny is happening or looks out of place feel free to email me. Opinions are always welcome, especially ones that have reasons to back up their feelings.

Now, everything out won't be reviewed and don't be surprised to see reviews of older stuff. I don't watch everything and I don't play every game that comes out. Suggestions are welcome, but there are some things that I wouldn't subject myself to. For films I tend to migrate to films based on comics, something with a creative slant or idea, documentaries, and whatever looks cool. For video games I try to dabble in a bit of everything, especially if there is something unique about a game or it's a good simulation. Love me some sim games. Television is a shady topic, I don't watch Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, or shows that always are in the emmys. I know I'm terrible, but I don't plan on reporting much on them anyways. As for music, you really won't see much, maybe a suggestion, but music is usually based on what the person likes. For instance, I don't like most popular rap or generic pop tunes churned out to cash in on a fad. So read it daily and enjoy it, or don't it's a free country.