Much like anime, a lot of people don't really ask me about video games as often as some would expect. One thing I believe is a bad thing for video games nowadays is a number rating system. There are games that are high rated and people don't like, or there are games that people do like that isn't a highly game. It doesn't mean people don't like good or they only like bad games.
Games like Superman 64 and ET for Atari are collectively hated because they do have problems, like glitches or have major struggles in controls, but I'm not talking about them. You may even find people who would rather play Call of Duty than Skyrim, and if you criticize these people, you are the problem. This is a list of games that I like even if they were not well critically accepted or rejected by the community. This one will have honorable mentions, but that will take place soon. Let's get started!
#10) The Simpsons: Hit and Run
When it comes to the Simpsons video games, most people talk about the arcade beat 'em up, or the Simpsons: Road Rage (which was a Crazy Taxi knock off), but as soon as this one comes up it is written off as a Grand Theft Auto knock off, but what if that is what I like about it? Overall, the game handles well and the classic Simpson humor is very present in the game instead of the violence and controversial content contained in Grand Theft Auto. I'm not one who plays super realistic games, and Hit and Run does not only give us some good game play and humor, it is kind of a nostalgia rush for the people who watch the Simpsons during the shows glory days. After the show constantly rehashes stories and jokes, making it feel old and boring, this game gives us the entire city of Springfield to explore and enjoy smart humor in dialogue and the things that remind you why the Simpsons used to be such a great shows.
#9) Assassin's Creed 3
This game wasn't said to be bad, but it was rated lower than previous games in the franchise. Yeah, the ending is kind of a disappointment, but I found myself caring more about the Connor story in early America than Desmond's story with the Pieces of Eden. I played it to explore the early colonies and I loved that part of it. Not to mention using more than a hidden blade to kill people. Oddly this game brings out my inner psycho in terms of thinking about ways to kill people... Why did I admit that in writing? Should I worry? No... I don't play it that often anyways. I'm still sane, even if people will question that with my next entry.
#8) Final Fantasy X-2
I'm not going to discuss Final Fantasy X on this list except for one thing; I hated the leveling system. Final Fantasy X-2 has a classic leveling system that feels like a classic Final Fantasy game that I fully enjoy in the older games.Not only that, but I loved the battle system that allowed me to switch classes in the middle of the battle. People who know me know that I love customizing characters and setting things up my way. This game allowed me to do that in a way that I enjoyed in a turn based system. It does have side quest and other things that I do enjoy in gaming that really makes a difference in my opinion and allows you to explore the world even more. The story may have it's issues, but I have never played a game for a story. Game play makes a game, not the story.
#7) Diablo 3
Remember what I just said, game play makes a game, not a story. Yes, this is also not a very good story, but who cares? The previous Diablo games didn't have very good stories either. I'm mentioning this in terms of the console version, instead of the PC version for two reason; I was more comfortable using the controller, and local co-op play. I love playing games with friends. I don't mean playing online with them. Sitting on the same couch, sharing potato chips or popcorn, and talking while enjoying a game together. Diablo 3 for the console gives us that. Not to mention how much you can really customize your character and they also all have their own personalities. It is hated by purest who think Diablo 2 was perfect, but I still really like this game.
#6) Deadpool: The Video Game
For most people, it was a disappointment. For me however, I only wanted one thing out of it... DEADPOOL!!! He is one of the few Marvel characters I actually like, not to mention how much I laughed playing this game. I do admit, that it can get repetitive if you do a marathon of the game, which is why play it in short spurts at a time. The game play is simple and I do enjoy the idea of upgrading the weapons you like. That is really all I have to say about this game.
#5) Star Fox: Adventures
Yes, there are so many jokes about this thanks to JonTron. However, I still oddly find myself enjoying this game. It has some challenging puzzles and it did introduce the Crystal character, who was pretty interesting as a character and got the Furry communities a little excited. Yes, it is very different from all the other Star Fox games, but I kind of enjoyed that part. I liked exploring the planet and being in physical combat instead of air battles. In a time where game companies are too scared to try something different, they took a chance with this one, and I honestly appreciate that. It does have problems, but I find the good triumphs over the bad.
#4) Super Mario Sunshine
Much like Star Fox adventures, they took a chance with this game and I think it paid off . I enjoyed using the water system and cleaning. It was also just eye candy to explore the island and do all the mini games and side quest contained in the over world. Sadly, I wasn't able to finish the game for one reason. My copy is corrupt and I can't even start a new game or progress in the game I have. I need to replace it. Otherwise. I enjoy playing it for the things it did different from other games and the things it did that was similar to previous games. I think it found kind of a middle ground in terms of trying something different, just not as well as the top 3 on my list.
#3) Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
This is a spin off series to Final Fantasy. With that in mind, it does not really play like a normal Final Fantasy. It took the more action approach to game play instead of turn based fighting, plus adding the challenge of living in a world that is toxic without a crystal to protect you. Yes, it is a bizarre story, but in the end. I found myself really enjoying the battle system and the exploration as well. It does the icon style of traveling where you pick a direction instead of just going that direction, and the cool thing are the random encounters where you meet more people who reside in this world. It is really cool that they did that you make you feel like you are not the only person on this journey. And did I mention creating a whole caravan. It customization isn't as extensive as other games, but I still had fun with creating 8 people to travel with and using my lead character. It has that purpose of multiple people in a caravan for multiplayer, I just wish you and three friends didn't need a Game Boy Advance and those connectors to the GameCube to use it. I still beat the story mode on single player, which is do-able, despite what others say.
#2) Custom Robo
This is a simple little game with a 3 hour story mode, but that is not why I played this game. I played it for the multiplayer. four friends can go to town and beat the crap out of each other with their own custom robots. You have so many options for weapons that you can really make a robot that is fit to your style and you can customize to battle on any style of map or field. I can remember playing with a friend recently, and we teamed up against CPU players because he was new to the game, and we were laughing and having a blast as we customized our characters and smack talked the CPU. I like this game for the social reasons. I love playing this game with other people, and I love being able to customize and experiment with tons of options. Heck, you could be a Robot Chicken with a flame thrower, and land mines and you would be a threat to other players. Those options are what makes this game so much fun.
Before revealing my number 1, let me talk about some honorable mentions:
HM 1- Kingdom Hearts 2- I love this game! My wife got me into the franchise and I have been a fan of all the games I've played. I am leaving it off the list, because any negative comment can be voided by something that is in the game that they didn't notice. I think people talk crap about it because they just want attention.
HM 2- Dragon Ball Z Sagas- I have some fond memories playing this game with my brother and us completing the story mode together, but I played it later and I was not a fan of it. I nowadays keep it for a bad game night.
HM 3- Shadow The Hedgehog- Yeah, I do have fun with the game in small spurts, but the story structure and other options just felt like it wasn't really worth finished. In the end, I didn't finish the game because I got bored of it after unlocking 3 endings.
Now, the people who know me and follow me on Facebook can pretty much tell that this is an obvious number 1 for me.
#1) Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
I love this game. It takes the things I mentioned liking in most of these game and puts them all into one. A simple leveling up system, exploration, customization, side quest, and things I haven't mentioned. I actually liked the story. It is kind of confusing if you avoid side quest that shed a little light on the story. Not to mention, I actually grew to love Lightning as a character. In her dialogue and experience you see some depth and progression to her character that some people must have missed. Instead of customizing one outfit of hers, you customize three and alternate between them in battle. It may sound confusing for an action RPG, but I had a fun time with it because it is actually simple. It takes all the problems that the previous games have and fixed them. Also, the timer thing is really not that bad. If nothing else, It feels realistic. Have you seen someone stay in one spot all day? I haven't. So going to people while they are in an area for a time makes sense. I protested this game when it was announced, and people tried to change my mind about it. When it came out, I saw some things in it I was actually curious about and made me think, "Maybe I should give it a chance." I bought it, played it for 30 minutes, paused, put down the controller, and admitted to myself and my wife, "I like this game." I have beaten it and I am replaying it with the new content unlocked to want to play it more. I'm going to end up doing a video about this game next year, when I have everything set up.
Well, that is it for my updates for the month of December and I think I found this to be a good way to end 2015. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Top 10 Favorite Anime!!
So, I was going to review a Marvel movie this month, but decided to take the more positive route. People will probably be mad at me for that more than my Noah review. Instead of me being a Scrooge and be negative on Christmas, I've decided to do two top 10 list of things people usually don't ask me about; Anime and Video Games. I'm starting of course with my top 10 favorite anime.
Anime is interesting to talk about because of how far it has come since it was originally brought over to the states in the 80s and 90s. It has gone from being a sub-genre of American animation to becoming it's own genre.
I have two rules for this list.
1) I'm excluding the longer running series like Dragonball and Naruto. They are kind of easy things to put on a top 10 and I really wanted to push myself.
2) These are anime's I've watched from start to finish. Any anime I haven't finished, but like will not be on this list.
Now, let's get started!!
#10) DNA2 (pronounced DNA Squared)
This is probably the oldest anime on my list, it came out in the mid 90s but feels like a more early 90s. It follows the story of someone coming from the future that has been over populated because of the Mega Playboy and his offspring each having 100 children with 100 different women, and this girl has come from the future to prevent it from happening by using a DNA altering bullet to stop him from becoming the Mega Playboy before it even happens, but instead grabs the wrong bullet that turns him into the Mega Playboy... Wow! That is a crazy plot! Why is this in my top 10? Oh yeah! It goes just as over the top as the plot calls for. You learn to appreciate how they took this plot and went the route of humor, not porn. I found this website on some random website made by anime fans, and it had my interest for quite sometime until I actually got to see it. It has some great humor and all the characters have their own personalities and they build off of one another in a beautiful way. The voice acting hasn't aged that well, but that is the charm. If you like older anime that matches it's time period, I recommend it.
#9) Shuffle
This is a Rom-Com, like the previous one on this list. This anime takes place in a world where Gods and Demons co-exist among humans and they live in harmony. The story is that a guy in school is offered a chance to become either the Lord of Heaven or Lord of Hell depending on if he chooses to marry one of the heiresses of said realm. Along with that offer, there are also human girls seeking his affection. Yes, I did write a full review of this anime before, so you can look back and find that somewhere on this blog. Where it does have the R rating for obvious reasons, it's characters make up for that just like DNA2 has characters that make up for it's flaws as well. For example, unlike other Rom-Com anime out there where you wonder why the girls like the main character, this main character is the kind of good hearted character that women love and it makes sense why they love him so much, making his choice even harder. Where I do acknowledge that this isn't for everyone, I still found myself really enjoying this anime.
#8) Black Cat
Unlike the last two on my list, this story is kind of hard to explain in writing. So, I will make it simple. An assassin finds someone that changes his life and makes him give up on killing people and becomes a bounty hunter in order to honor her memory after a jealous friend assassinates her and it leads up to a lot of other plot points that I didn't explain. It is a good mix of Drama and Humor, without causing emotional whiplash. You see all the characters progress and have levels of depth that you would not expect from this kind of anime. Unlike the last two I can actually recommend this one to everyone. It uses a style that everyone can enjoy... Except Chick Flick lovers... Sorry. You may not like every part of the plot, but I found everyone who has watched this loves the characters and that is one thing that makes anything worth watching.
#7) FLCL
Has everyone heard of this anime. This is a famous short series (six episodes) that has that over the top humor that is very famous in anime. However, it is short and establishes characters early to let the over the top story and humor take over. I'm also kind of partial to this one over other straight up Comedy anime because it also has Rock and Roll elements to it. It is hard to explain, which is why I haven't tried to explain the story. Let me put this into context, I was working on this list for a week, trying to explain the story in my head alone. Just watch it for yourself and you'll understand.
#6) Clannad
Have you ever seen anything and said to yourself, "This is a standard setter." That is this anime as far as Rom-Com anime go. It follows the story of two people who meet in high school and influence each others lives for the better and you even get to see them fall in love, finish school, and- Wait! That is Spoiler territory! I can't recommend this one for Rom-Com lovers more. You feel every emotion in this anime. You love these characters, you love their experiences, and you grow with them as you watch it. NO anime teaches about love as well as this one. Watch it and you will fully understand everything about it.
#5) Gunslinger Girl
No, it isn't a Western anime. The story is, the Italian government has decided to experiment with human cybernetics and use younger girls as test subjects for brainwashing and in the battlefield. It is a serious story, and a series anime. The tone matches the subject matter, and highlights all the cons with this idea as well as pros. You follow these girls and their mentors as they accomplish missions all around Italy. The first thing you notice is that this doesn't take place in Japan or any fantasy world, it takes place in Modern Italy. It is one of the few anime that tried to tell the story in another region in the world and succeed. The art style is also more western than other anime I have seen. It doesn't have fan service, it isn't over the top, and the story telling using more western influences than the usually Japanese anime. You would have the same impact watching this as you would any live television show. It is as dark as it's subject matter and one of the few anime that is actually better with the English dub. If you want a good drama, check this out.
#4) Code Geass
This is also a Rated R anime, just a warning before you check it out. The story is, a young man who is sick of the world he is living in seeks to destroy the world in order to rebuild it to secure a good life for his younger sister who is both unable to walk and blind. That is the short of it, unlike Black Cat that has some confusing plot points, me sharing more will spoil it for you. it is a combination of Political anime and Mech anime. So, we see both political debates and battles as well as Giant Robot Fights! It is something for everyone as it also includes elements of drama, romance, and even small bits of humor. I watched this anime and was sucked into it right away, mainly by how incredible the main character is and what he does that leads to- Nope! You have to see it to find out.
#3) Death Note
What Anime fan hasn't heard of this gem? It is marked as one of the best anime of all time and for good reasons. It follows the story of a young man in his senior year of high school finding a random notebook with supernatural powers that kill the person whose name is written in the notebook of a heart attack unless it is specified how the person is to die. He in turn uses it in his conquest to change the world to fit his image. Along with that, an infamous detective seeks him and tries to stop his long line of murders. The anime is an interesting game of Cat and Mouse that catches your attention from start to finish, as well as some of the best characters you will see in anime. To put simple, if you haven't seen it, what rock are you living under? Go see it!
#2) Gurren Lagaan
"JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"
I could not leave this off my list, I really couldn't. It follows two friends that manage to find a small mech and use it to leave their underground city and explore the service world that is controlled by Beast Men. This is a beautiful, over the top, and heartfelt series that will leave you laughing, crying, smiling, and jaw dropping multiple times throughout. Add some unforgettable characters and a climax at the end that is a total adrenaline rush and you have an anime that will is just the best of everything. Just like Death Note, if you haven't watched it, go watch it now. Don't even go to my number 1, log off and go have a binge marathon of both of these anime. They are on Netflix, so that won't be a problem.
Before going to Number 1, I have to explain this. This is a series very people know even exist, and it was probably one of the few good things that ADV gave us. The reason it is number 1is not only because of how good it is, but how it also improved in areas where the manga failed. Yes, my number 1 is the only anime I have seen that is better than it's source material in terms of art style and story telling. With that said...
#1) Jing: King of Bandits
I haven't seen an anime better than this in my mind, and I watch a good amount of Full Metal Alchemist. It follows two characters (A young man, Jing, and his friend, a bird named Kir) as they explore this large fictional world in a steampunk era in which they meet equally interesting character and villains, in turn changing the lives of all the people they meet for the better even if they are thieves. The manga didn't do as good as the anime did in portraying these characters. It is an adventure with elements of humor and even a little romance that leaves a positive mark. Not only that, but it manages to use episodic story telling by having a different story in every city or region they travel. It gives us a huge world and characters that are given depth in the short amount of time given. I own a copy of this series and currently also looking to buy a copy of the OVA that is an extension and it's own story as well. If you find a way to see this, watch it. It isn't as easy to get a hold of like Death Note or Gurren Lagaan, but you will not regret watching this gem that has been hidden in Anime history.
Anime is interesting to talk about because of how far it has come since it was originally brought over to the states in the 80s and 90s. It has gone from being a sub-genre of American animation to becoming it's own genre.
I have two rules for this list.
1) I'm excluding the longer running series like Dragonball and Naruto. They are kind of easy things to put on a top 10 and I really wanted to push myself.
2) These are anime's I've watched from start to finish. Any anime I haven't finished, but like will not be on this list.
Now, let's get started!!
#10) DNA2 (pronounced DNA Squared)
This is probably the oldest anime on my list, it came out in the mid 90s but feels like a more early 90s. It follows the story of someone coming from the future that has been over populated because of the Mega Playboy and his offspring each having 100 children with 100 different women, and this girl has come from the future to prevent it from happening by using a DNA altering bullet to stop him from becoming the Mega Playboy before it even happens, but instead grabs the wrong bullet that turns him into the Mega Playboy... Wow! That is a crazy plot! Why is this in my top 10? Oh yeah! It goes just as over the top as the plot calls for. You learn to appreciate how they took this plot and went the route of humor, not porn. I found this website on some random website made by anime fans, and it had my interest for quite sometime until I actually got to see it. It has some great humor and all the characters have their own personalities and they build off of one another in a beautiful way. The voice acting hasn't aged that well, but that is the charm. If you like older anime that matches it's time period, I recommend it.
#9) Shuffle
This is a Rom-Com, like the previous one on this list. This anime takes place in a world where Gods and Demons co-exist among humans and they live in harmony. The story is that a guy in school is offered a chance to become either the Lord of Heaven or Lord of Hell depending on if he chooses to marry one of the heiresses of said realm. Along with that offer, there are also human girls seeking his affection. Yes, I did write a full review of this anime before, so you can look back and find that somewhere on this blog. Where it does have the R rating for obvious reasons, it's characters make up for that just like DNA2 has characters that make up for it's flaws as well. For example, unlike other Rom-Com anime out there where you wonder why the girls like the main character, this main character is the kind of good hearted character that women love and it makes sense why they love him so much, making his choice even harder. Where I do acknowledge that this isn't for everyone, I still found myself really enjoying this anime.
#8) Black Cat
Unlike the last two on my list, this story is kind of hard to explain in writing. So, I will make it simple. An assassin finds someone that changes his life and makes him give up on killing people and becomes a bounty hunter in order to honor her memory after a jealous friend assassinates her and it leads up to a lot of other plot points that I didn't explain. It is a good mix of Drama and Humor, without causing emotional whiplash. You see all the characters progress and have levels of depth that you would not expect from this kind of anime. Unlike the last two I can actually recommend this one to everyone. It uses a style that everyone can enjoy... Except Chick Flick lovers... Sorry. You may not like every part of the plot, but I found everyone who has watched this loves the characters and that is one thing that makes anything worth watching.
#7) FLCL
Has everyone heard of this anime. This is a famous short series (six episodes) that has that over the top humor that is very famous in anime. However, it is short and establishes characters early to let the over the top story and humor take over. I'm also kind of partial to this one over other straight up Comedy anime because it also has Rock and Roll elements to it. It is hard to explain, which is why I haven't tried to explain the story. Let me put this into context, I was working on this list for a week, trying to explain the story in my head alone. Just watch it for yourself and you'll understand.
#6) Clannad
Have you ever seen anything and said to yourself, "This is a standard setter." That is this anime as far as Rom-Com anime go. It follows the story of two people who meet in high school and influence each others lives for the better and you even get to see them fall in love, finish school, and- Wait! That is Spoiler territory! I can't recommend this one for Rom-Com lovers more. You feel every emotion in this anime. You love these characters, you love their experiences, and you grow with them as you watch it. NO anime teaches about love as well as this one. Watch it and you will fully understand everything about it.
#5) Gunslinger Girl
No, it isn't a Western anime. The story is, the Italian government has decided to experiment with human cybernetics and use younger girls as test subjects for brainwashing and in the battlefield. It is a serious story, and a series anime. The tone matches the subject matter, and highlights all the cons with this idea as well as pros. You follow these girls and their mentors as they accomplish missions all around Italy. The first thing you notice is that this doesn't take place in Japan or any fantasy world, it takes place in Modern Italy. It is one of the few anime that tried to tell the story in another region in the world and succeed. The art style is also more western than other anime I have seen. It doesn't have fan service, it isn't over the top, and the story telling using more western influences than the usually Japanese anime. You would have the same impact watching this as you would any live television show. It is as dark as it's subject matter and one of the few anime that is actually better with the English dub. If you want a good drama, check this out.
#4) Code Geass
This is also a Rated R anime, just a warning before you check it out. The story is, a young man who is sick of the world he is living in seeks to destroy the world in order to rebuild it to secure a good life for his younger sister who is both unable to walk and blind. That is the short of it, unlike Black Cat that has some confusing plot points, me sharing more will spoil it for you. it is a combination of Political anime and Mech anime. So, we see both political debates and battles as well as Giant Robot Fights! It is something for everyone as it also includes elements of drama, romance, and even small bits of humor. I watched this anime and was sucked into it right away, mainly by how incredible the main character is and what he does that leads to- Nope! You have to see it to find out.
#3) Death Note
What Anime fan hasn't heard of this gem? It is marked as one of the best anime of all time and for good reasons. It follows the story of a young man in his senior year of high school finding a random notebook with supernatural powers that kill the person whose name is written in the notebook of a heart attack unless it is specified how the person is to die. He in turn uses it in his conquest to change the world to fit his image. Along with that, an infamous detective seeks him and tries to stop his long line of murders. The anime is an interesting game of Cat and Mouse that catches your attention from start to finish, as well as some of the best characters you will see in anime. To put simple, if you haven't seen it, what rock are you living under? Go see it!
#2) Gurren Lagaan
"JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"
I could not leave this off my list, I really couldn't. It follows two friends that manage to find a small mech and use it to leave their underground city and explore the service world that is controlled by Beast Men. This is a beautiful, over the top, and heartfelt series that will leave you laughing, crying, smiling, and jaw dropping multiple times throughout. Add some unforgettable characters and a climax at the end that is a total adrenaline rush and you have an anime that will is just the best of everything. Just like Death Note, if you haven't watched it, go watch it now. Don't even go to my number 1, log off and go have a binge marathon of both of these anime. They are on Netflix, so that won't be a problem.
Before going to Number 1, I have to explain this. This is a series very people know even exist, and it was probably one of the few good things that ADV gave us. The reason it is number 1is not only because of how good it is, but how it also improved in areas where the manga failed. Yes, my number 1 is the only anime I have seen that is better than it's source material in terms of art style and story telling. With that said...
#1) Jing: King of Bandits
I haven't seen an anime better than this in my mind, and I watch a good amount of Full Metal Alchemist. It follows two characters (A young man, Jing, and his friend, a bird named Kir) as they explore this large fictional world in a steampunk era in which they meet equally interesting character and villains, in turn changing the lives of all the people they meet for the better even if they are thieves. The manga didn't do as good as the anime did in portraying these characters. It is an adventure with elements of humor and even a little romance that leaves a positive mark. Not only that, but it manages to use episodic story telling by having a different story in every city or region they travel. It gives us a huge world and characters that are given depth in the short amount of time given. I own a copy of this series and currently also looking to buy a copy of the OVA that is an extension and it's own story as well. If you find a way to see this, watch it. It isn't as easy to get a hold of like Death Note or Gurren Lagaan, but you will not regret watching this gem that has been hidden in Anime history.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Movie Review: The Twilight Saga
When it comes to "bad" movies, nothing is as Hollywood infamous as the Twilight franchise. Indie films have there own infamous bad movies (example: The Room). It is one of the easiest targets for mockery and parody and all the flaws are very obvious. Everyone that has seen them knows what they are and I am better off not beating a dead horse and bringing them back.
For those who talk crap about them and haven't seen all of them, shut up. The only people who are entitled to an opinion are the ones who saw these movies. I didn't say anything about it for awhile because I didn't see all five films. I have recently, which is why I decided to talk about them, because, believe it or not, there are some good things about Twilight.
The Pros: All the movies have a good soundtrack. Think about it. There is a great amount of good music. Even Robert Pattinson adds some of his own written music and did some beautiful songs. Buying the soundtracks by themselves is worth it. I can recall two decent scenes out of the five films that are worth looking up on Youtube (Spoilers for anyone who hasn't seen the movies) The Baseball scene in Twilight (the first movie) and the war scene in Breaking Dawn Part 2. Both of which are well shot and the little amount of dialogue make the focus on the visuals which has it's own level of impress. I can think of two good characters as well, which is hard to admit. Alice and Carlisle are the two best characters in the entire franchise. They have more than just one tone of character and the actors do the best they can with the written dialogue (which is awful.) and I can sympathize with them. Alice is good because she is the only character that still allows choice even when she knows all the events that could happen and is the voice of reason for Bella. Carlisle is good because of how much sympathy you end up feeling for him and how much you sympathize him for being in the situation he is in. He is a vampire doctor who feeds on animals! Think about that. It'll be like a man seeing a steak in front of him, but rejecting it for broccoli. Also, the only people he turned into vampires, were the ones that were dying and nothing else could save them. He understands the harshness of turning into a vampire better than anyone else. So yes, I found something good about the Twilight franchise.
The cons are obvious and listing them is just a waste of my time, because we all know they exist and are there, but I do have to say one thing. All the problems, are also in the books. I really have nothing else to say about it. If nothing else, the movies have done nothing but saved my time and energy to just watch them instead of reading through the books and make me closer to a bloodsucker.
Now to defend something. Something I wish I didn't have to. Taylor Lautner is a worse actor than Kristen Stewart. Kristen Stewart got a bad character and did what the director wanted her to do. She has proven to be better with other films, especially after Twilight. Overall, I give the worst actor award in these film to Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob. Watch his other films and it is the exact same thing. Even on his Rotten Tomatoes page, Twilight is his best movie. Think about that...
Now I have a message for everyone who likes these movies: You are okay. Everyone has their own opinions and their own taste in entertainment. Don't let anyone tell you that you are wrong for liking something like Twilight. Enjoy what you want, and dislike what you don't. If you love Twilight and hate The Avengers or The Dark Knight, that is your opinion and you are okay to have it. It is completely human to know what you do and don't like.
Final Verdict: I'm doing this differently, because it is five movies.
Twilight: 5/10
New Moon: 3/10
Eclipse: 4/10
Breaking Dawn Part 1: 2/10
Breaking Dawn Part 2: 5/10
Overall, they are just movies. They came, they left, and to most people of today, they have faded away into history. Personally, I have seen 3 films worst than these in the last 3 years (2013, 2014, and 2015) and I will probably review one of those later to prove my point. In the end, let's just leave them be. They are just movies and need to be seen that way.
For those who talk crap about them and haven't seen all of them, shut up. The only people who are entitled to an opinion are the ones who saw these movies. I didn't say anything about it for awhile because I didn't see all five films. I have recently, which is why I decided to talk about them, because, believe it or not, there are some good things about Twilight.
The Pros: All the movies have a good soundtrack. Think about it. There is a great amount of good music. Even Robert Pattinson adds some of his own written music and did some beautiful songs. Buying the soundtracks by themselves is worth it. I can recall two decent scenes out of the five films that are worth looking up on Youtube (Spoilers for anyone who hasn't seen the movies) The Baseball scene in Twilight (the first movie) and the war scene in Breaking Dawn Part 2. Both of which are well shot and the little amount of dialogue make the focus on the visuals which has it's own level of impress. I can think of two good characters as well, which is hard to admit. Alice and Carlisle are the two best characters in the entire franchise. They have more than just one tone of character and the actors do the best they can with the written dialogue (which is awful.) and I can sympathize with them. Alice is good because she is the only character that still allows choice even when she knows all the events that could happen and is the voice of reason for Bella. Carlisle is good because of how much sympathy you end up feeling for him and how much you sympathize him for being in the situation he is in. He is a vampire doctor who feeds on animals! Think about that. It'll be like a man seeing a steak in front of him, but rejecting it for broccoli. Also, the only people he turned into vampires, were the ones that were dying and nothing else could save them. He understands the harshness of turning into a vampire better than anyone else. So yes, I found something good about the Twilight franchise.
The cons are obvious and listing them is just a waste of my time, because we all know they exist and are there, but I do have to say one thing. All the problems, are also in the books. I really have nothing else to say about it. If nothing else, the movies have done nothing but saved my time and energy to just watch them instead of reading through the books and make me closer to a bloodsucker.
Now to defend something. Something I wish I didn't have to. Taylor Lautner is a worse actor than Kristen Stewart. Kristen Stewart got a bad character and did what the director wanted her to do. She has proven to be better with other films, especially after Twilight. Overall, I give the worst actor award in these film to Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob. Watch his other films and it is the exact same thing. Even on his Rotten Tomatoes page, Twilight is his best movie. Think about that...
Now I have a message for everyone who likes these movies: You are okay. Everyone has their own opinions and their own taste in entertainment. Don't let anyone tell you that you are wrong for liking something like Twilight. Enjoy what you want, and dislike what you don't. If you love Twilight and hate The Avengers or The Dark Knight, that is your opinion and you are okay to have it. It is completely human to know what you do and don't like.
Final Verdict: I'm doing this differently, because it is five movies.
Twilight: 5/10
New Moon: 3/10
Eclipse: 4/10
Breaking Dawn Part 1: 2/10
Breaking Dawn Part 2: 5/10
Overall, they are just movies. They came, they left, and to most people of today, they have faded away into history. Personally, I have seen 3 films worst than these in the last 3 years (2013, 2014, and 2015) and I will probably review one of those later to prove my point. In the end, let's just leave them be. They are just movies and need to be seen that way.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Movie Review: Hercules (2014)
Recently I haven't been watching any films I thought would be worth reviewing, not because I couldn't say anything about them, because they are not films many people know of. That has changed recently...
You know the hardest story for Hollywood so far has been? The story of Hercules. They have not been able to faithfully adapt this Greek Mythical tale about a man achieving Godhood for a good film. As things stand, the best movie for the character has been Disney's take on it, and it is not accurate. I'm not talking about that film though. I'm talking about one of the two Hercules films we got last year. The Brett Ratner directed feature starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the hero. I would hate to see the other take on this story, because this was the better one from last year and well... It's a film that turned out about as well as one would think knowing Brett Ratner.
The Pros: The casting is actually good. Dwayne Johnson is actually a good choice for Hercules today and he fills the role in great ways. The supporting characters and the antagonist are the same way. They do the best with what they have been given.
When we see practical effects, they look good. the weapons actually look heavy and you can see how some actors struggled a little with them. More the unnamed characters than the leads.
The Cons: The set and scale shots look like a video game, without the enjoyment of it. Let me explain, video games are made for the person to become involved in the world, become the character. if you try using that same visual in a movie, it just looks like cheap CGI, which this film has a lot of.
Bad camera work ruins any tension that should have been there during the fight scenes. I was never this bored during a fight scene in a movie, and I have seen all 4 Transformer movies and Battleship.
Where they could have used an old English style of speech, they go with a modern style of dialogue, which is more distracting and makes me yet again, want to play a video game instead of watch the movie. It also makes some laughable scenes as well where it doesn't fit, but they want to use a certain swear word just to use it. It's not hard to catch.
The pacing is atrocious! Parts that didn't need exploring got exploring and parts that needed it didn't get it. Towards the end it leaves you emotionally confused and not caring when the plot twist actually happens in the film, which you could see from a mile away just from general observation.
The magic of Hercules is not in this film. Greek Mythology is interesting because an element of Magic is involved. This movie doesn't have that and in the end, this could have been a movie about any character and it would have fit regardless. This could have been a movie about David Crocket saving the United States from a tyrant, and it wouldn't have been any different.
Final Verdict: 4/10 What damages this movie the most is how little the Director cared about this project. In the hands of someone else, this could have been a good movie. In the end, this movie is barely worth the first watch and maybe someday we could have a good Hercules film that is faithful to the original myth. It could have been this one, but it isn;t.
You know the hardest story for Hollywood so far has been? The story of Hercules. They have not been able to faithfully adapt this Greek Mythical tale about a man achieving Godhood for a good film. As things stand, the best movie for the character has been Disney's take on it, and it is not accurate. I'm not talking about that film though. I'm talking about one of the two Hercules films we got last year. The Brett Ratner directed feature starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the hero. I would hate to see the other take on this story, because this was the better one from last year and well... It's a film that turned out about as well as one would think knowing Brett Ratner.
The Pros: The casting is actually good. Dwayne Johnson is actually a good choice for Hercules today and he fills the role in great ways. The supporting characters and the antagonist are the same way. They do the best with what they have been given.
When we see practical effects, they look good. the weapons actually look heavy and you can see how some actors struggled a little with them. More the unnamed characters than the leads.
The Cons: The set and scale shots look like a video game, without the enjoyment of it. Let me explain, video games are made for the person to become involved in the world, become the character. if you try using that same visual in a movie, it just looks like cheap CGI, which this film has a lot of.
Bad camera work ruins any tension that should have been there during the fight scenes. I was never this bored during a fight scene in a movie, and I have seen all 4 Transformer movies and Battleship.
Where they could have used an old English style of speech, they go with a modern style of dialogue, which is more distracting and makes me yet again, want to play a video game instead of watch the movie. It also makes some laughable scenes as well where it doesn't fit, but they want to use a certain swear word just to use it. It's not hard to catch.
The pacing is atrocious! Parts that didn't need exploring got exploring and parts that needed it didn't get it. Towards the end it leaves you emotionally confused and not caring when the plot twist actually happens in the film, which you could see from a mile away just from general observation.
The magic of Hercules is not in this film. Greek Mythology is interesting because an element of Magic is involved. This movie doesn't have that and in the end, this could have been a movie about any character and it would have fit regardless. This could have been a movie about David Crocket saving the United States from a tyrant, and it wouldn't have been any different.
Final Verdict: 4/10 What damages this movie the most is how little the Director cared about this project. In the hands of someone else, this could have been a good movie. In the end, this movie is barely worth the first watch and maybe someday we could have a good Hercules film that is faithful to the original myth. It could have been this one, but it isn;t.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Album Review: Breaking Benjamin's Dark Before Dawn
Many people ask my about my favorite genre of music and this has been a hard question to answer. Not because I'm picky, but because I don't usually fin myself leaning towards one specific genre of Rock. If I was forced at gunpoint to pick, I would have to say either Heavy Alternative or Rap Metal. Some of you may be asking now, "Why is it saying this! Get to the review!" I say this because Breaking Benjamin has reminded me why I love Heavy Alternative as much as I do.
With a new line up in the band (the only original member is Vocalist and Guitarist Ben Burnley) They have not only brought in a new sound, but kept the original sound intact as well creating this hybrid sound that makes the hair on my arms and legs stand in goosebumps. This could be the best reset for a band, I have ever seen.
You not only hear every instrument, but they have this perfect balance to make a beautiful song every single time. As far as lyrics go, Ben Burley has always used double meanings in his style of writing, with Jason Rauch, the new lead guitarist, writing as well, it keeps up that tradition and makes some extremely poetic and symbolic lyrics that go beautifully with Ben's vocals that even after having a 13 year professional career in music still sounds as good as when he originally started.
Breaking Benjamin is one of the founding bands of the Heavy Alternative (when they originally came into the scene, people couldn't classify them into a specific genre.) and this album is proof of that. This is something that exceeded my expectation and I almost cried when I heard it.
This is the second album this year to earn a 10/10! You have to buy this! Support this band. If you love the Heavy Alternative genre, go back to a founding father and hear what he is doing with a whole new line up.
With a new line up in the band (the only original member is Vocalist and Guitarist Ben Burnley) They have not only brought in a new sound, but kept the original sound intact as well creating this hybrid sound that makes the hair on my arms and legs stand in goosebumps. This could be the best reset for a band, I have ever seen.
You not only hear every instrument, but they have this perfect balance to make a beautiful song every single time. As far as lyrics go, Ben Burley has always used double meanings in his style of writing, with Jason Rauch, the new lead guitarist, writing as well, it keeps up that tradition and makes some extremely poetic and symbolic lyrics that go beautifully with Ben's vocals that even after having a 13 year professional career in music still sounds as good as when he originally started.
Breaking Benjamin is one of the founding bands of the Heavy Alternative (when they originally came into the scene, people couldn't classify them into a specific genre.) and this album is proof of that. This is something that exceeded my expectation and I almost cried when I heard it.
This is the second album this year to earn a 10/10! You have to buy this! Support this band. If you love the Heavy Alternative genre, go back to a founding father and hear what he is doing with a whole new line up.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Movie Review: Noah (2014)
In a day like this, it is easy to get offended. Honestly, every time someone makes a joke about someone different they are called racist, sexist, or prejudice. For example, if I make a joke about black people, I will be labeled racist and be hated even though I have befriended black people in the past and personally have nothing against them. This is why Hollywood tries to be careful, but fails miserably. Because of this, there are multiple movies that people label "offensive" and is deemed unwatchable, no matter what critics say about it. Noah, is one of those movies. Just look at it's page on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics gave it a positive rating, but viewers hated it. Why? Did they not know that with an adaptation, changes had to be made.
Pros: It has a great cast. The actors portray the characters in a great way, even though it does not coincide with the Bible (more on that later), they are well liked. There is a good and bad side to both of them, and it makes them "human." I like this, because they have multiple layers and not one dimensional. I know a lot of people have complained about Noah's character in this film, but prepare to get mad at me, I liked how he was portrayed in this film. I believe every man has to have a moment of temptation and doubt and he had that. It makes for a strong story and a character who learns, which is realistic!! Not only that, but the message the Bible Story teaches us is in this movie without it being preachy. That is what I wanted from the very beginning. The CGI also looks incredible. Better than what other films of last year looked like.
Cons: They tried combining all beliefs into one here, in turn changing a lot of things. This is why people are offending. Director, Darren Aronofsky really tried, but it came up with contradicting ideas from all religions and no one being happy about it. The villain isn't very original and his monologue moments are pretty comical.
Final Verdict: 7/10! It's not as bad as people say it is, it's actually pretty good. I was not offended by it, but I can tell what it was doing. It does feel more like an Action Fantasy film more than a Bible film. I have seen more offensive films than this. Heck! Anything Adam Sandler has done in the last 10 years is more offensive than this. Check it out, but don't expect a full accurate representation. This is not the same Noah story as the Bible, but it doesn't need to be to be enjoyed.
Pros: It has a great cast. The actors portray the characters in a great way, even though it does not coincide with the Bible (more on that later), they are well liked. There is a good and bad side to both of them, and it makes them "human." I like this, because they have multiple layers and not one dimensional. I know a lot of people have complained about Noah's character in this film, but prepare to get mad at me, I liked how he was portrayed in this film. I believe every man has to have a moment of temptation and doubt and he had that. It makes for a strong story and a character who learns, which is realistic!! Not only that, but the message the Bible Story teaches us is in this movie without it being preachy. That is what I wanted from the very beginning. The CGI also looks incredible. Better than what other films of last year looked like.
Cons: They tried combining all beliefs into one here, in turn changing a lot of things. This is why people are offending. Director, Darren Aronofsky really tried, but it came up with contradicting ideas from all religions and no one being happy about it. The villain isn't very original and his monologue moments are pretty comical.
Final Verdict: 7/10! It's not as bad as people say it is, it's actually pretty good. I was not offended by it, but I can tell what it was doing. It does feel more like an Action Fantasy film more than a Bible film. I have seen more offensive films than this. Heck! Anything Adam Sandler has done in the last 10 years is more offensive than this. Check it out, but don't expect a full accurate representation. This is not the same Noah story as the Bible, but it doesn't need to be to be enjoyed.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Movie Review: Divergent
When it comes to Young Adult Fiction, it is really easy to tell whether it is a good story or a bad one. That is just as true when it comes to the film adaptations as well. Where we have great movies, like the Hunger Games, we have some awful films in the same young adult genre, like Twilight or the Host. Divergent is unique because it is somewhere in the middle.
The Good- Most of the actors do the best with what they have in the script. The chemistry between the two main characters, Tris and Four, is actually better than in most other Young Adult films I have seen. I believed that they are a strong couple.
The Bad- This world the characters live in makes zero sense at all. Separating the factions based on personality? Then, giving others a choice on what faction they choose (if you can call it that)? Society works due to multiple personalities, why change that?
The main actress, Shailene Woodley, bless her heart! There are moments when she tries and it is decent, but there are other times where it is too much or not enough of the right emotion, ruining a scene.
All of the minor characters are quickly forgotten. I remember probably 5 or 6 characters throughout, and that is not a good sign with as many characters as this movie has. We got focus solely on the main two characters, and not enough with everyone else
Final Verdict- 4/10! This movie had potential with some characters you can get behind, but the story held it back leaving you with more questions than you would want after the first in a series. If you are curious, I won't stop you. All I can do is warn you.
The Good- Most of the actors do the best with what they have in the script. The chemistry between the two main characters, Tris and Four, is actually better than in most other Young Adult films I have seen. I believed that they are a strong couple.
The Bad- This world the characters live in makes zero sense at all. Separating the factions based on personality? Then, giving others a choice on what faction they choose (if you can call it that)? Society works due to multiple personalities, why change that?
The main actress, Shailene Woodley, bless her heart! There are moments when she tries and it is decent, but there are other times where it is too much or not enough of the right emotion, ruining a scene.
All of the minor characters are quickly forgotten. I remember probably 5 or 6 characters throughout, and that is not a good sign with as many characters as this movie has. We got focus solely on the main two characters, and not enough with everyone else
Final Verdict- 4/10! This movie had potential with some characters you can get behind, but the story held it back leaving you with more questions than you would want after the first in a series. If you are curious, I won't stop you. All I can do is warn you.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Album Review: Red's Of Beauty and Rage
Sorry, I haven't posted for awhile. Life has kept me busy for multiple reasons and I missed talking about some albums I think some people were hoping I would talk about. Anyways, I just had to talk about the new album from the band, Red.
I have been a fan of Red from the moment I heard their music. With changes in members throughout their life cycle, some people think that can actually hurt a band sometimes. In some cases, that is true. In others, it is the complete opposite and it can strengthen a band. In the case of Red, changes in members has only made them stronger. That shows in their fifth album release, Of Beauty and Rage.
Talk about a great way to start 2015! Red has taken all the elements I loved in their previous albums and combined into this beautiful, heavy, melodic, and surprisingly uplifting. I have never wanted to stop everything and listen to an album before. It is so beautiful, it almost made me cry. Nothing from others of my favorites bands have done that before.
The guitar work is heavy and intense, which is a surprising mix with the classical string instruments used on every song. The vocalist has never been this strong since the band began. He has aged like a fine wine or great cheese for people who don't drink alcohol. The new drummer also compliments the intensity with the drum work on every song. You can also hear the bass work in every song. Whatever they are using, it is working. Every instrument stands out and you hear everything. Yes! This is the 3rd album where I cannot choose a favorite song since starting my blog. Everyone who reads this and trust what I say, buy this album as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed! My verdict is a 10/10!!!
I have been a fan of Red from the moment I heard their music. With changes in members throughout their life cycle, some people think that can actually hurt a band sometimes. In some cases, that is true. In others, it is the complete opposite and it can strengthen a band. In the case of Red, changes in members has only made them stronger. That shows in their fifth album release, Of Beauty and Rage.
Talk about a great way to start 2015! Red has taken all the elements I loved in their previous albums and combined into this beautiful, heavy, melodic, and surprisingly uplifting. I have never wanted to stop everything and listen to an album before. It is so beautiful, it almost made me cry. Nothing from others of my favorites bands have done that before.
The guitar work is heavy and intense, which is a surprising mix with the classical string instruments used on every song. The vocalist has never been this strong since the band began. He has aged like a fine wine or great cheese for people who don't drink alcohol. The new drummer also compliments the intensity with the drum work on every song. You can also hear the bass work in every song. Whatever they are using, it is working. Every instrument stands out and you hear everything. Yes! This is the 3rd album where I cannot choose a favorite song since starting my blog. Everyone who reads this and trust what I say, buy this album as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed! My verdict is a 10/10!!!
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