Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wreck It Ralph Review

Wreck It Ralph Review

Before Ralph’s tale, there is an excellent animated short called “Paperman”.  Truth be told, he is not a Megaman boss, but in fact an office guy that uses paper to get his words across. In fact there is no dialog, but it Is told through a noir (black n’ white) fashion. Where only the music, and sound-fx carry the story along. Its all about a boy who meets a girl, and finds out that maybe she could be someone worth risking it all for.

Seeing more animated shorts like this is a good sign. There are many tales to be told, even without words.

Now to Wreck It Ralph!

Insert Coins =
Many years ago, arcade games were the best place to play an awesome array of games. From platformers: to racers, fighting, and flying simulators. And most at the time cost less than a quarter to play. Times have changed, and interests along with audiences have moved on. As it turns out, it is also his game’s 30th Anniversary! This is the story of Wreck It Ralph, as told by the boss of the game, and how he found out whom he truly was, as a hero.

On the fun side, everything within the gaming happens in real time. So for those of us who ever wondered what happened when the arcades’ closed. Magic happens! Untold tales of adventures behind the scenes that no player is ever meant to know.

Level 1 =
As Ralph finds his way within the gaming world, he is not alone. There are tons of characters living within the same universe, from past to present (including those who have lost a home). *How does that happen you ask? Fair viewer, you will have to see the film to find out. During his journey he gains friends, and allies that no one would ever expect, and finds out even more about the vast gaming world that has yet to be explored.

Level 2 = Bonus Round!
There is an awesome amount of talent behind each character. And including the other familiar faces within the gaming world (tons of easter eggs!)

Final stage =
The best part about this film, is that you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it. Being a classic gamer myself, I couldn’t enough of every scene or familiar icon just going by the screen. This film is fun, and definitely for everyone. Another plus is to stay for the credits, there are some fun tunes playing during the credits (Wreck it Ralph’s theme song) and (Sugar Rush)  (*and some hidden easter eggs including levels taken from certain games and familiar jingles!)


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Expend 2 and Katy Perry's Part of Me

Happy thanksgiving friends! Today I share a two-fer review!

Expendables 2
Ex Productions
2012

Sly and friends return for another knuckle punchin, bad guy downing, crazy action flick. Not much of a story here, but the crew loses a new teammate, and gain a new ally. Taking down a rival crew that sets its sights on money, and power of a long lost element that could be used for weapons. All the crazy stuff aside, it’s an action flick worth watching. Plus the soundtrack is fitted with classic rock tunes that will keep you humming for awhile. So if you have a weekend, make this the film to see with friends and family.

Katy Perry – Part of Me
Perry Productions + MTV films
2011-2012

From religion to one of a kind talent, Katy’s journey was not an easy one. Taking her pains; and happiness through song, finding her own path with help from friends and family. This fun documentary takes viewers on a journey through her 2011-12 tour. But even though there are some down moments, she never gives up and keeps on going.

What was once inspiration becomes music and lyrics. Emotions, zany costumes, and always engaging with her fans on sharing positive energy no matter how she feels. There are far and few talents like Katy that can mend from spirals to make her stronger.

Plus the tour is so in-depth with how much time Katy and her crew spends on the road, and air. Almost an entire year is covered, with back to back shows and juggling life. The journey of a pop star and song writer has never been an easy one. Share this one with family and friends! 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Being Human Season One (US Version)


Being Human S1
SyFy Production w/ BBC

So a Ghost, Werewolf, and a Vampire go to a bar. No wait, that’s not what I meant. Actually this show is about three different characters from totally different worlds. Somehow coming together under the same roof. When sides collide, its up to these three supernatural beings to work together. By friendship and the choices they make together form a bond like no other.

However this show has roots in the UK, this interpretation is quite different. Taking a more American spin, yet making it even more diverse in dark comedy, action, and drama. The three leading characters push the boundaries of storytelling to its knees. Taking nods from classic movie monsters, and giving them new energy like no other series before.

Taking part as a 13 episode arch, season one of this captivating show does not disappoint. It may be a short season, but the pilot carries enough to keep you motivated to watch how it all unfolds. With clever writing, and camera work that makes it feel like a documentary in real time. Plus each episode contains different aspects of the unexpected trio, from where they unite, fall apart, and somehow mend their wounds mentally and physically (toss in a few smiles).

Given the short season, the fourth disc contains a helping of goodies. From a doc “Making of” to interviews, Q&A @ SDCC (a must watch!) Being Human is definitely a show worth keeping your eyes on.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Amazing Spider-man: Spider Island


Amazing Spider Man – Spider Island Mini-Series
The team – Slott / Ramos / Caselli / Remender / Fowler
Spider Island covers issues #666-673, ASM: Infested, and SI: Deadly Foes and Venom #6-9

Just a small heads up, there is a ton of stories ahead! I think this is the biggest review I have ever done for a complete mini-series. Even with ASM!

ASM Infested
What I did for Love – SIDF
ASM 666 & 673
ASM 667-672
Out of the picture SIDF
Venom #6-9

Its tough to describe a small part of this series. Its epic, exciting, insane, and sometimes even horror filled. I can only wonder what the team was thinking of, coming up with the concept. “How do we turn our characters into spiders!?” And the funny thing is, it actually works as a horror story. Plus seeing Peter Parker as the main character, really changes the focus of what makes him a hero outside of the Spider-man suit.

Who is involved? Pretty much the entire Marvel Universe. I can only fathom how the artists had to tackle such an extreme schedule producing enough art to keep readers focused till the last page.  There are so many sub-chapters, and the main tale that weaves an entire web around both friends and enemies. And there are so many hidden surprises, you might have to read it more than once to find out just what happened.

Venom’s tale focuses within the stealth part of the tale. Flash is still trying to gain control of the creature, but loses once he becomes enraged. And it gets even stronger with the worldwide event of the Spiders taking control over Manhattan. Plus his mission to take down the “Spider King” involves more than his powers as a soldier, but also with the symbiote. *Wait till you find out who is the Spider King!

Even more bizarre is how they brought back “The Jackal” from the Clone Saga. At first, I’m sure some fans felt a bit skeptical over that fact, but there are very few villains in the Marvel Universe that could push so many buttons. And it even contains the “cause and effect” of the entire MU that is still felt it current storylines. *Including Fear Itself!

Overall Spider Island is a fantastic read. And I cannot express enough words to really tell someone to read this fun tale in comic book storytelling. Plus the art is fantastic, it covers light, dark, and beyond.
If this is not in your collection yet, go buy it! (just be advised it’s a bit more expensive than regular TPB or HC editions)

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

And for something completely different. A two for one special!
Reviews of the Firefly Series + Serenity

Firefly – The Complete Series
Produced / Directed by Joss Whedon
Development team – Mutant Enemy

Venture toward the stars – After Buffy & Angel ended, Joss and his team were sitting on the idea of creating a sci-fi western. A mixture of ideas that was part action, drama, and science fiction yet could work with telling a story mixed with adventure and suspense. Pushing a few boundaries out of the way, Firefly was a successful 14 episode series that became part of television history. (and much later a feature film)

The Crew – Helmed by a set of nine team members, some former military, others are bounty hunters, one is a mechanic, a priest, a doctor, and a mysterious lady, and a companion. None of these characters are the same, nor do they stand alone with some vendetta against some government. More like standing up for themselves against the bureaucracy of the stars that connect the intergalactic confederacy.

The Ship – Serenity, a ship composed of many parts, yet functions as a stable unit. It is the tenth member of the Firefly team. It takes its crew across the stars, on many journeys that seek to help others in time of need, or support from whatever life brings their way.

The Missions – When we are introduced to the team, it’s from each member’s perspective. From how they come together, form an alliance, and trust in one another. But when one’s past catches up with them, they work together to fix what went wrong, and to make things right. They are more than just a crew, but a family that counts on one another no matter what obstacles may come their way.

Why it ended? Honestly that call is on FOX for letting it go. Although there was a mainstream audience that found a connection with the series, it was still let go. However the crew behind the series actually wanted to continue telling even more exciting adventures about Serenity and her crew. Alas that was not meant to be, but a fourteen episode arc that winds up telling a fun and diverse story like no other.

Commentary -
First episode – Serenity (Joss and Nathan chat)
Episode one brings the series director / creator Joss Whedon, and Nathan (who plays Mal) dishing about the project. Plus they tell tales of woe, in regards to fun and goofy things they’ve experienced over the years.  Why the Chinese? By mixing two cultures, and avoiding censorship, with creative use of the Mandarin language. Plus storywise, the US and China are actually the strongest foundations on Earth in Firefly’s timeline.


The Great Train Robbery (Joss and Tim)
The duo dishes on the tales behind the show, from how they composed the concepts. What they think of other titles in the same genre. And stage design for various scenes, made from fun ideas, to stuff you would least expect.

Shindig – Trio of Ladies commentary
From the intro, the fight sequence, to Zoey’s necklace (being a marriage’s gift). Lots of hidden details from those you would least expect. Plus the hidden details of how they changed the direction of Inara, and Mal’s relationship. And the dresses design, being one of the toughest shoots. (easter egg! Kaylee’s dress is in fact from the King and I!)

Last Episode – Objects in Space (Joss only)
Or the philosophy of why, then, where, and how it all ended. In a manner of speaking the ideas and concept of how it could all work out if the show were to continue. And its also based on how the characters relationships actually shaped the finale as a whole.

Serenity
A Joss Whedon & Browncoats Production
2005

Intro
Some years back, there was a sci-fi series that mixed several genres together. And changed the way many viewed what the meaning of science fiction truly defined. But only ran for 11 episodes and was lost after such a short time. Fans beckoned, the message was heard, and a movie was made.

Long Time No See
Serenity takes place a short while after the television series. With all of the gang boarded together on a humble ship that’s crossed dozens of stars. But some of their friends went their separate ways, and the rest on the craft still trying their place amongst so many planets. With recurring nightmares, River begins to change into someone else, and is more alert to her environment. Mel and the gang put some pieces together, along with reuniting friends, and avoiding various perils along the way.

How unpleasant to meet you
One of the major aspects in the series that wasn’t explored was the characters only known as “Reavers”. Finally at long last, this menacing foes origin is finally told, and with some dark consequences.

Reconnecting
I missed out on seeing this exciting film when it hit theaters several years ago. That aside, its fun to actually see it on dvd, and seeing where things end up for an adventurous series. On the plus side, there is a ton of goodies on this 2 DVD set (Collectors Edition). So its well worth any Firefly fans time to indulge their fandom of a fantastic show and film.

For a catch up on all things related to the short lived series. Here's a handy guide @ http://still-flying.net/

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Movie review issue #1

Hi friends, just been thinking over the weekend about working on a different type of blog. This section will cover films, and tv shows I have been watching recently. Still getting the kinks worked out about how to review said titles in upcoming post. But hey its a work in progress.

First entry in this new blog: RE-Retribution

Resident Evil Retribution
Directed / written by Paul W.S. Anderson
2012

Resident Evil as a film franchise got off the ground pretty well years ago. Sure its stories may not be completely tied to the in-game series, but it carries its own soul. But things are a bit different this time around, and it actually might even change how fans view the RE in a spin of things.

Within the 5th chapter, it takes place just brief seconds after the fourth film. The most diverse direction from the get-go is the intro, with guns blazing, and tons of action flying by. However, it’s all shown in reverse, perhaps intentionally to lull the audience into thinking something else is going on. Once it plays in its regular fashion, its fast and sets up for what’s next.

Of course fans of the series are going to love the fact that there is plenty of: A) ass-kicking, B) explosions, C) tons of monstrosities, D)catching up with old friends. For those keeping score, this film mixes several elements from RE4,RE5, and The Fall of Umbrella. But what it makes up for the action is the main story. Alice’s quest to fight back against Umbrella may not be going well as hoped. Given that most of her allies have now been spread across the globe, so for most of the film it is just her alone.

Oddly enough the clones are a key part of the story. It is not even known how many were released from RE3. But Umbrella’s quest to find Alice is a never ending one. Longtime fans will recognize a few familiar friendly (or perhaps not so much) faces. *I won’t give out who just yet, that’s the most integral part of the film that keeps it interesting. Plus Leon, Ada, and Barry (hey what are the odds huh?), and Luthor (the basketball star, saved in RE4). Oh, and Wesker.. that’s another fun surprise on what side he’s actually on.

Here’s a breakdown of how some of our old friends fit into this crazy mess.
Leon – Recovered after his stint in Raccoon City, and possibly with Claire. Now he is part of the movement to save humanity. (*it is not known if this is before his mission in RE4, or after)

Ada – Or as to many fans she’s known as the quiet lady. Why quiet? Well she shows up out of nowhere, literally. As many RE fans know her tale, and now she’s actually working alongside a longtime foe. (care to guess who that might be?)

Barry – Braving it all alongside some old buddies, he takes up arms with the gang to recover Alice. Some of us were wondering when he would show up again. Btw, for those who aren’t aware, Barry was part of the S.T.A.R.S. team that scoured over the mansion in RE1. (game wise, that is) In the film, he’s introduced as an ally that will take on any obstacle, no matter what the cost.

Luthor – After being part of the rescued team in Afterlife, Luthor’s made a living by working with Leon’s team to take down Umbrella. Oddly enough, he’s actually been pretty busy, it is not revealed how much has actually passed since Afterlife. But given his frame of mind, he’s been on this mission for some time.

Albert Wesker – the guy you love to hate – It wouldn’t be an RE film, or game without the guy. So what part of the puzzle does he fit into? Watch the film to find out. I won’t dish spoilers here.

Where does all of this take place? Prime: a testing facility of all things Umbrella, hidden deep within the icy waters of Russia. This place is so huge, it houses testing sites of infected areas across the globe. It is also a place of many secrets, and most of it is a nightmare that Alice and her allies have to stand up against like never before.

So how does it tie everything together? Go see it, and be stunned at what this team can do. 

For more info, including trailers and more goodies, visit the film website @ http://www.residentevil-movie.com/site/