No Sleep, Must Play

Food Truck Review - Louks Greek to Go

2010-08-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Truck Name: Louks Greek to Go (that might be the name)

Food Stuffs: Greek Gyros, lamb chops, and louks.
Current Location(s): Disney California Adventure from 6pm to like 11 or something
http://www.loukstogo.com/The Review:
Louks is a Los Angeles truck that at least until the end of August has found a consistent little hang out in front of California Adventures's Hollywood Backlot during the Glowfest event.
Serving a pretty much primarily Greek menu it is definitely different than the standard fare available at the theme park. This is a good thing. Louks has these things called gyros. They are like pita sandwich things filled with beef and chicken and other good meats. They are freaking delicious. Seriously look at this thing...

...and they stuff with french fries too. I mean, cmon now, what more could you ask for. Oh ya, Louks. Short for...loukomades they are like tiny fried donuts. To be honest i didn't get a chance to order them because...well i was a little tipsy, and i had also stolen half of my girlfriends sandwich as well. So I was busy running away and consuming food. Does that count as exercise? If you get a chance to visit Louks, anywhere, take it, you will not be disappointed.

Video Game Review - Limbo - XBLA

2010-08-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Limbo

Release Date: Available Now
Developer: Playdead
Publisher: Microsoft
Multiplayer: None
My Time with Game: Uncompleted (14 days)
One Sentence Review: If you are into platformers, indie creations, and beautiful visuals then buy this game and if you aren't...then buy this game damnit!

Video Game Review - Hydro Thunder Hurricane - XBLA

2010-08-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hydro Thunder Hurricane

Release Date: Available Now
Developer: Vector Unit
Publisher: Microsoft
Multiplayer: Xbox Live, Split Screen
My Time with Game: Completed
One Sentence Review: A boat racing game that never feels the same way twice thanks to its very well programmed water physics whose only flaw is its small number of levels.

Movies - Salt

2010-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Title: Salt

Distributor: Columbia
Made by: Relativity
People in it you might know:
Angelina Jolie - If you don't know her your possibly blind, deaf, and definitely not a potential adopted child
Liev Schrieber - He was in stuff, you'd know him if you see him. I think he was Sabertooth
The Review
Short Version: A decent action flick that has a pretty obvious twist but still gives it a go at keeping you confused on the hero's motives till the end. Good if you need a dose of face punching and stuff blowing up.

Long Version:
Is it me or does it seem like ever since the Bourne series of films action movies have been taking the route of making their action sequences pseudo believable. I mean the obsession with close up steady cam shots, lots of sloppy but brutal combat, and most obvious, parkour. The idea of pretty much running everywhere, even up walls and jumping way freaking high is definitely appealing. From a chubby nerds point of view it gains a few extra points. Salt is one of these new action movies. Rarely do you ever leave the side of Angelina's character Salt, and while it definitely builds a connection with the character, I often felt that the movie lacked any sort of global urgency. She is supposed to be this pretty bad ass world threatening spy but until the last 15 minutes i really didn't feel like any of the stuff she was trying to stop could not be solved with a good ol' "calm the hell down" by either involved world leaders. That being said, the movie moves along at a good pace for an action film and doesn't overstay its welcome. It sets itself up for a potential franchise option like all movies of this sort do, but that's to be expected so if cut off endings disappoint you, well, um, prepare to be disappointed. Stuff blows up, people die, don't die, get hurt, get better, and more stuff blows up. So, there you go, action movie. You know and you get what you pay for, thankfully its worth paying for, if for only the basics.

Where have I been?

2010-08-17T10:38:00.001-07:00

Work, E3 following, movies, games, and...wait. None of your damn business!

Paul Robertson is awesome!

My thoughts on the potential for "Captain America: The First Avenger"

2010-07-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

When the concept images for Captain American: The First Avenger first came out a month or two ago I was, some what dismayed. Most of the Marvel movies that have come out have started to veer towards Marvel's Ultimate Universe.

I don't know why, but seeing this Poster has calmed SOME of my worries, I mean this is NOT just a poster, this is a work of art (Click to see the full image):

That said, I have my reasons for worrying about this movie. Captain America is a VERY tricky character.

The Ultimate Universe started off as a relatively good idea. Starting with Ultimate Spider-Man, and Ultimate X-Men, then followed by The Ultimates (which is this universe's version of the Avengers), the Ultimate universe was a Universe where the Marvel Characters are much younger than the main (616) Universe. Spider-man is still in high school, the X-men are all mostly teens, the Fantastic Four have JUST become Fantastic and the Ultimates have just been formed. In this universe Nick Fury is modeled after Samuel Jackson (who we all know plays Nick Fury in Iron Man 1 and 2 and who will also be featured in the Avengers Movie).

The Ultimate Universe started off with a Bang. It was a fresh new Marvel Universe that was easily accessible to an Audience who maybe has been wanting to get into comic books but has been too intimidated with all the back story of the Main Universe. Yes, the Ultimate Universe was a little grimmer than the Main Universe.

Well, the X-men was little Grimmer, Professor-X was kind of an ass, he left his wife and troubled mutant son to go with Bromantic partner Eric Magnus Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) to help other Mutants (apparently not his own son). Professor X also secretly lust after Jean Grey and is lightly more manipulative in this series.

The Ultimates themselves however were alot darker than the X-men. Doctor Hank Pym (AKA Antman/Giant Man) strikes his wife (the Wasp) ONCE in a moment of psychotic rage (he took meds to keep his bipolar tendencies under control but they effected his work as a scientist) in the main stream universe. In the Ultimate Universe he beats her Viciously and after she shrinks down to her "Wasp" size he sends his army of ants to find her and then goes after her with a can of bug spray, this actually isn't a new thing in the Ultimate Universe as apparently when they dated in college, Hank's favorite game was "Lets punch Janet's head through a wall". Captain America is also a bit of a jerk (I guess he is a pastiche of the "Angry American") one could TRY to argue that it was the Ultimates that ended up Influencing Captain America (unlike the Main Marvel Universe where Captain America Influenced the other Heroes).

Doctor Banner (AKA the Hulk) is also kinda skeevy in this Universe.

Now, I like Marvel's inter connected movie Universe. Ironman/Tony Stark/Robert Downey Jr. appearing at the end of The Incredible Hulk, Nick Fury Appearing in Iron Man... and so on. It makes the Universe feel connected. What i DON'T like is the fact that the Marvel Movie Universe seems to be drifting towards the Marvel Ultimate Universe.

Case in point, the Nick Fury design is Based on the Ultimate Version of Nick Fury. The Hulk formula in the Incredible Hulk was said by General Ross to be an attempt to recreate the Super Soldier formula that created Captain America (in the Ultimate Universe Banner was consciously trying to recreate the Supersoldier formula, testing it on himself it turned him into the Hulk... as the Hulk he also ate people...)

Which Brings me to Captain America's costume. Here is a side-by side comparison of the Captain America costumes from the Ultimate and Movie Universes. The one one the left is from the Ultimate Universe, the one on the right is the Movie concept:

The Costumes are very similar.

Now this is the original Captain America Costume:

Now I know the IDEA behind why the changes in costume were made. The Ultimate, and Movie costumes are more designed for a Soldier than for a superhero. Which grounds the Character in more realistic terms. They did the same thing to the Batman costume in batman Begins. Grounded it in reality. Which is all well and good, if Captain America was just a soldier, even a special opps soldier. The Problem is, Captain America is more than that. Captain America is Symbol. He was always meant to be a symbol. The idea behind the costume in the comic books was that the American government wanted to create a Super soldier, yes, BUT they also wanted to create a living banner for the soldiers fighting in World War II. They wanted the American soldiers, who were bogged down in the trenches, far from home, and fighting a relentless tireless war to be able to look up and see standing beside them the living embodiment of their country.

Yes Captain America is a soldier. He fights, if he needs to he kills, just like any good soldier.

I think the real problem I have with the idea of this movie, is that they can mess it up so badly. Ultimate Captain America is a Macho, Testosterone filled Bully. And a Xenophobe. Maybe he was the Captain America for the times, Ultimates did first come out in 2002. America was angry and still reeling form attack, and heavily entrenched in war. Maybe Marvel wanted to give us a Captain America who kicked ass first and then asked questions. But THIS is not who I want MY Captain America to be:

This man is Not who I want Representing MY America.

THIS is the man I want MY Captain America to be (Click each image to see the full image) :

As I said before, the Poster at the beginning of this post helps to calm some of my worries, and truth be told I cannot put my finger on WHY that is. Its an overall feeling. It FEELS like this movie might live up to the potential. The writers and Director have to go about this the right way. They have to attack this film like it's a war movie, not an ACTION movie. War movies and Action movies have two VERY different feelings to them.

This has to be along the lines of something likes "Flags of our Fathers," "Saving Private Ryan," or "We were soldiers" not films like "Platoon," or "Full Metal Jacket". That is not to say that the latter two are not good films, in fact they are great films. But they are not right for a Captain America film. "Full Metal Jacket," and "Platoon" are about the dehumanizing effects the horrors of war has on the soldiers. However, the other films are more about how soldiers rise ABOVE the horrors of war and become better people, or if not become better people, then retain their humanity.

All that said, it is still a superhero movie. It should have SOME good all Nazi ass kicking action in it. But at least for THIS film, which is an origin film AND as such spends much time in the WWII era, it needs to have its Primary focus on Steve Rogers, the man and the soldier who goes on to BE the HERO. This is a very different kind of superhero. Captain America never thought of himself as a hero, he was always just a soldier. To him, the heroes were the men, women, and children (remember this was World War II and the Resistance movements were comprised of ANYONE willing to fight) who died fighting for what they believed in. OTHERS called him a hero. He is one of the only superheroes who knows what it is like to lead people into war, and in the case of many, to their deaths. It is precisely because of this reason that leading the Avengers should not be a decision that he takes lightly (but that's a discussion for another time).

For now, that poster leaves me feeling hopeful, because looking at it brings to mind the true image of Captain America. He is the living embodiment of the American Spirit. If you look at the poster you could take Captain America out of it COMPLETELY and the poster would still look right. But add him TO it, and the image changes, you see the soldiers in the fox hole shooting and crying out in battle, and then you see supporting them from behind Captain America, his shield raised, and giving those soldiers the strength of will to fight, and the ability to inspire hope when it seems lost.

Because in the end I think THAT is what Captain America truly stands for: Strength of will, Inspiration and Hope. Not Power, not agression, not the glory of war.

The Problem With Spider-man

2010-07-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

So I was online yesterday looking at various message boards, blogs, and websites that had information on San Diego Comic Con 2010. One of the things I came across was The New Spider-man video game called Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

One of the voice actors announced for one of the voices of Spider-man was Neil Patrick Harris. Despite my misgivings about the current state of the Spider-man Universe, the fact that Neil Patrick Harris will be voicing one of the versions of Spider-man is a definite plus, and an incentive for me to buy it.

The Story itself has some possibilities as well. During an attempt to foil a robbery, an mystical artifact is shattered into four shards and each shard escapes to four different Universes. Each Spider-man in his own Dimension is instructed to find the piece and return it to safety.
The game allows you the ability to control four different versions of Spider-man (The Amazing Spider-man from the main stream 616 universe, Spider-man 2099 from an earlier 90's series set roughly 100 years in the future, Ultimate Spider-man from the Ultimate marvel universe *cringe*, and Spider-man Noir a new series set in the 1930's)
Each different version of Spider-man allows to use a different skill set. Web based weapons, Stealth skills, flight, and the Black Symbiote which allows Spider-man to basically trounce his enemies with spikes and grabbing tendrils.

NPH, the story potential and my status as a comic book geek are all reasons to want to go buy this. However, i have not bought anything Spider-man related since 2008. A friend of mine called me a blasphemer for being hesitant about buying this game, stating that she stuck through Spider-man even during the Clone saga, which she liked. I then told her, well... I liked the Clone saga as well. But the Clone saga is NOTHING compared to what they did in 2008.
In 2008 Marvel, in a move ushered in by the editor in chief Joe Quesada, released Amazing Spider-man 545

In the lead up to The Amazing Spider-man 545 Spider-man/Peter Parker's elderly Aunt/Mother Figure, Aunt May was shot by a bullet meant for Spider-man. Racked with guilt Peter tries every possible way to save his beloved Aunt. Going to sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange, to try and find a magical way to save her. Dr. Strange takes him into Mind and SHE HERSELF tells Peter, "Its okay Peter, Let me go. It's time, I'm ready to be with your Uncle Ben." Hell even GOD shows up in the form of a hungry homeless man (see Sensational Spider-man #40) to tell Peter that sometimes people die, but that HE as Spider-man has saved COUNTLESS people, saying "We all have a purpose Peter. We all have a role to play. This fortunately, or unfortunately is yours. And, you know, if its any consolation... I've asked ALOT more from people MUCH closer to me than you." Peter then says "I don't want my aunt to die. Please don't let her die." God/The Man then places his hand on Peter's should and says "Have faith Peter." If god telling him to have faith was not enough he even gives Peter a glimpse of his future, and shows him old and gray with his Wife Mary Jane, and TWO children, a boy and a girl Benjamin, and Mary (named after his uncle Ben and is mother) living happily ever after. Well, shouldn't that be enough to comfort Peter?

Fast forward to Amazing Spider-man 545. In it, Peter, despite getting comfort from God himself, and having his Aunt tell him in no uncertain terms that she was ready to go, he tells MJ that he "cant live with the guilt." Not that she's his Aunt that he would do anything to save her. But that HE himself would feel too guilty over it. Enter the Demon known as Mephisto (Marvel's version of the Devil) shows up and offers Peter a deal. No no, don't worry The Devil doesn't want Peter's soul... he tells them "I want your love.... i want your MARRIAGE."

You see, Mephisto tells us that a soul that is sacrificed willingly for the benefit of another will always be able to take comfort in that fact, even in the depths of hell. That's no fun for the devil, when he wants a soul to suffer, he wants them to really suffer. He tells Peter and MJ that he will take more pleasure in making it so that Peter and MJ were never married to begin with. He does this for several reasons, one reason us that Peter and MJ's relationship is the "Real thing" and "blessed" by the big guy. He continues to state that When two people are married, truly married in spirit not just on paper, their two souls become one. And that a love like Peter and MJ's is so rare that it only comes out every few millenia, it is the real thing, and there is nothing the "Big Guy" loves more than seeing two people willingly bind their selves to each other, so to destroy something he loved so much would be a bonus to him.

The second reason he offers them this is because he tells them that a tiny part of their minds and souls will always remember what they lost and Mephisto will take great pleasure in hearing those fragments screaming out in pain and loss for all eternity.

You see Joe Quesada stated that he and others in the Marvel office believed that you could not tell good stories with a married Peter Parker. And that most fans agreed that the Marriage of Peter Parker and Mary Jane was a big mistake. The truth of the matter was that he and maybe two other people in the Marvel office believed that.As far as fans go, MOST fans were largely IN FAVOR of the Marriage. Once he was made Editor in chief, one of the first things he promised was to end the marriage.

Okay. so Mephisto makes his offer and Peter and MJ discuss it. MJ says that Aunt May has had a long life, everyone dies, maybe they should just let her go (It is after all what AUNT MAY WANTED). But Peter says that if it were old age, maybe he could live with it, but no, its HIS FAULT, HE couldn't live with the GUILT. His reasons are all SELFISH reasons. He is not thinking about Aunt May, or anything else other than the fact HE could not live with the guilt.

So after much talk, they call on the Devil. They agree to nullifying their marriage. Making so that it never existed at all. And just before Mephisto begins to work his magic he shows them both something... he shows them a little red haired girl, and when they ask who she is, this is what happens:

Yep, its not bad enough that the Devil has them sign away their love and marriage, in the deal they lose the daughter they would have had.

Quesada does give us the SLIMMEST sliver of hope. Mary Jane tells Peter to hold her and tells him that their relationship, their love is the real thing. Its bigger than whatever Mephisto can do to them, they WILL find each other again. Then the scene fades to black.

If they wanted to end the marriage there were many ways they could have done it. Up until this point MJ had MANY valid reasons for wanting to end the relationship. But she stayed with him. And unlike Quesada said, leading up to this moment the Spider-man writers have given us not just some of the BEST Spider-man/Mary Jane stories ever, but some of the best Spider-man stories told PERIOD.

It really just felt like Quesada was trying to torture the readers. it wasn't bad enough that he wanted to end the relationship. His reasons were that you could not tell good stories with a married Peter Parker; some of the best stories leading up to the event have been the best, and most emotional Spider-man stories ever written. To top it all off, and to rub salt in a freshly cut wound, the decision Peter and MJ make causes them to lose the child they would have had "The best parts of both of them"

One of the other reasons Quesada gave for wanting to end the marriage was so that he could have relationships with other women.

After the story faded to black, the next page showed Peter waking up to "A Brand New Day" (The name of the next Story Arc). Yes Peter wakes up and Aunt May is alive and he... is living in her basement. He no longer has a steady job (he was a teacher before) but hey, check this out, he has at LEAST THREE new love interests! That's cool right? Plus hey, maybe he can date She-hulk, or maybe Spider-woman... how about back to Black Cat. man Peter can date anyone he wants! .... and hey its been Three years... All these stories they have been telling? The ones that could ONLY be told with a Young, Hip, Single Peter Parker? Hit and miss at best, and honestly I don't see where ANY of these stories would have had anything taken away from them if Peter and MJ were still married, it would only have added to the story.

To me, Quesada's answer is a cop-out. "A married Peter Parker – as cool as that may seem – from a creative standpoint, it handcuffs the character." I'm sorry, this seems to me to be a call for better writers, not a complete overhaul of the character. You think you can't tell good stories with a married Peter Parker, find a writer who CAN write a good story with a Married Peter Parker.

Okay, this is the reason i can barely stomach any Spider-man stories right now. Because every time i read them, even the stories that i believe are well written, i cannot help but say, "see this story here? You could still tell this story with a Married Peter Parker." or "See if MJ and Peter were still married, this story could have been even BETTER."

okay, that's it, i'm done... *Steps off Soap Box*

here is a link to some of the Quotes Joe Quesada had to say on he Spider-Man Marriage.... http://www.spidermanreviews.com/2010/03/joe-quesada-q-spider-man-and-mary-jane.html

Stupid Video Game Addiction

2010-06-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Removed by the big bad media company. Don't know why they don't like the funnies.

I don't enjoy Twilight, but i still had to play through this cause it was 8-bit. Damn you interWebZ!

A new age for Comics?

2010-06-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I posted, I know, but school and such, been meaning to post something earlier but turns out something big happened today, so what better day to start up than today!

Today DC Comics (Home of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash.... ect) has made history (kinda) by announcing, and launching, it’s long overdue Digital Comics Format.

Yes it’s true, Marvel was the first to launch its digital comics format more than a year ago. However, DC has something Marvel doesn't have. One of the things that set DC apart from Marvel is that DC has been very loyal to its creators. There are many characters that are creator owned. DC comics was one of the first publishers to pay Creators royalties for their work as opposed to just a flat fee (in other words, every time they sell a hundred or so comics, the creators get a check for a few bucks). This will continue into their Digital Platform. At the moment, that is the major difference between Marvel and DC digital at this time. That is also why DC was behind as far is throwing its hat into the digital comics ring. They wanted to make sure that the creators were properly compensated as far as digital sales go.

DC has partnered with Apple (for use on IPad, IPhone, and IPodTouch) and PlayStation Network, as well as Web based comiXology (which has a BUILT IN Store Locator!). Prices range from .99-2.99 and will include back issues, and select New issues (appearing on the site the same day their Paper counter parts appear on shelves.)These comics will be coming from DC Proper (the main DC line) as well as its Imprint Line Vertigo Comics, and it's Digital "test Run" Zuda Comics.

Now, what does this all mean for the comic book industry?

One thing, the Big Two have both officially entered the digital Market.

Second, and possibly the most important thing to happen, this gives people who would normally not read comics, the opportunity to wet their feet. I am a MAJOR comic book geek, but even I couldn't tell you where you could find a comic book store (I know of MAYBE two relatively close to me). So for a person who has no idea how to find a comic book store (or let’s face it, be caught dead in one) but has always loved, or been curious about comic books, this is ideal for them.

With both major comic book publishing companies now officially in the Digital world, this could mean a boost for the comic book industry as a whole. The X-Men and Iron Man franchise has been a hit in the box office, as well as the Batman re-boot. The DC Animated Universe (DCAU or Dini/Timm Verse) have been popular as far back as the late 90's. The popularity of Comics in the Television and in Film, have gotten people curious about the Industry. However, they have encountered the same problem, where to find them?

Finding and purchasing comic books has gotten much easier now. Hell, you can even do it in secret just like the old days! (Comic books used to be said to corrupt the Youth of America, I personally think thats bull, look at me... what? - See: Seduction of the Innocent). True comic book fans I think will always favor the printed versions, but for people who are casual readers, new to comic books, or just curious about them, this is an excellent way for them to explore and maybe encourage them to go out and find the real things.

Either way, weather we know it or not this is a big day for the comic book industry.

So yeah, take a peek at DC (and even Marvel's) Digital comics over at the ITunes store (or the Playstation Marketplace)come on, you know you wanna

here is the Demo for the App

Below is a preliminary list of the first few (of thousands) of comic books available for download (with over 100 issues being released every month):

Action Comics #844 (Johns/Donner, $1.99)
All Star Superman #1 ($1.99)
The Authority: World’s End #1 ($1.99)
Batman #404 (first part of Year One, $1.99)
Batman #608-613 (first six parts of Hush, $1.99 each)
Batman #655-656 (first two Grant Morrison issues, $1.99 each)
Batman Black & White (five stories, all free)
Bayou #1 (Zuda, free)
Dante’s Inferno #1-3 ($1.99 each)
Fables #1-5 ($1.99 each)
Fringe #0 (free)
Fringe #1-3 ($1.99 each)
Gen 13 #21: World’s End ($0.99)
Green Lantern #21 ($1.99)
Green Lantern #29 ($1.99)
Green Lantern Corps #14 ($1.99)
Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-6 ($1.99 each)
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1 ($1.99)
Jonah Hex #1-6 ($1.99 each)
Justice League: Generation Lost #1-3 ($1.99 each)
Justice League: Generation Lost #4 ($2.99)
The Losers #1-12 ($1.99 each)
Mirror’s Edge #0 (Free)
Mirror’s Edge #1-3 ($1.99 each)
The Origin of Batman #1 (free)
The Origin of Superman #1 (free)
Planetary #1-6 ($1.99 each)
Sandman #1 ($1.99)
Stormwatch: PHD #13: World’s End ($0.99)
Superman #700: Preview (free)
Superman/Batman #1-10 ($1.99 each)
Team Zero #1-6 ($0.99 each)
Tiny Titans #1-6 ($1.99 each)
The Unwritten #1 ($1.99)
Victorian Undead ($1.99)
Wildcats: World’s End #1 ($0.99)

Blogger's Note:
*Tiny Titans is ADORABLE!!!!*

E3 is going on!

2010-06-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

...so you know. Leave me alone. Cause this is happening...

Maybe just for the Time Warp

2010-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

Take a look at that. Seriously. Look at it. Ubisoft is really a brilliant publishing team. Following the minimal effort it took to make Just Dance sell like a bajillion dollars. They have decided to go the whole nine yards. I am going to own this...but only cause I have a girlfriend. ...and maybe Time Warp.

Click on the jump for the full set list and a link to its original spawn.

All That Jazz
Roxie
Time Warp
Cabaret
Money, Money
Dreamgirls
One Night Only
Luck Be A Lady
We're In The Money
Lullaby Of Broadway
You Can't Stop the Beat
Good Morning Baltimore
Fame
My Favorite Things
Bend & Snap
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Little Shop Of Horrors
Aquarius
Let The Sunshine In

Pretty sure this is how we all dance after an all-nighter

2010-06-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

There are no words...just...none

Attention Rich Parents! Your brat needs this!

2010-05-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

I play Rock Band. I have close to replica size plastic toys that I pretend to play because it makes me feel like if I stuck to learning the guitar, I could've been somebody. I could be the one on VH1 Celebrity Rehab crying about why its so hard to quit Elmer's glue because its got more tangy flavor than Miracle Whip. I play on those controllers because it adds a pretty necessary feel to what the game is trying to accomplish. I do not play Mario Kart feeling at a loss because I don't have that low to the ground feel and tight turns of an actual cartoon like kart! The Wii is notorious for having third party publishers that release some pretty stupid shit to go along with their games. Adding a piece of blue plastic tube to the end of your already crazy wireless controller and charging 30 bucks for it is ingenious but still pretty stupid...though I did feel more like a Jedi...hmm. My point is, video games that make you use a little bit of your imagination and then add some pretty interactive visuals to it are fun, but if you remove the imagination part, and you give too much to the player, in this case children...i hope. Then you are taking away from them the chance to make believe they are in the game, to make silly ass turn motions and jumping up and down with the controller. Worse, you are pushing those video games closer to reality, and for quite a few video games, that could be really bad. CLick through the jump to see my example.

Take this precious gem of a minor:

Now imagine his genuine love for the shelled reptiles and he gets an epiphany, brought about by this...um...realistic blow up kart. Maybe he gets the idea to step up his game and get more into it. Maybe he adds his convenient love for turtles to the already turtle murdering world of Mario Kart. Gets his parents to take him to the local Golf'n'drive'n'pizza'n'poop and gets in a real go-kart...

...Now imagine the 7 oclock news as they show video of a very victorious zombie face painted turtle lover hucking small innocent reptiles at competing karts on the track.

...wait that's a freaking awesome idea. I gotta order this thing!
Infaltable Kart Thing!

Blue Shells for the win bitches!

Video Game Review - Blur

2010-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Blur
Release Date: Available Now
Developer: Bizarre Creations
Publisher: Activision
Multiplayer: Xbox Live, PSN, Split Screen 4p
My Time with Game: Uncompleted (3 days)
One Sentence Review: Released at a time alongside two other racing games Blur does a darn good job at creating an adult kart racing genre.

Blur is like Mario Kart. Picking up power ups, drafting, using well timed attacks to force your way into the next position. Blur is also totally not Mario Kart. Bizarre Creations has managed to develop a game that takes the power-up heavy play of kart racing series and add an adult flavor to it with real world locations and vehicles.

      At the core of this game is racing. You are using both the skills of your driving and the speed of your vehicle in order to claim your deserved rank in the race. That part is simple. Next add a bit of the kart flavor with power ups thrown all around the track and add a somewhat excessive amount of racers to one race. This has then evolved to racing...and surviving. Like Nintendo's kart racer the player is forced to balance both speed and control along with managing aggressive attacks in order to win. Where this game really differs from the classic kart series games is that the power ups are not randomized. They are very specifically placed on each track and coming in first, means you have to study, strategize, and enact a very specific plan on each race track. Playing through I often found myself sticking to specific routes on the track just so I could constantly pick up the boost power ups. I win by speed bitches.
    Blur earns the first bit of its adult description by this strategic take on combat racing but finishes the job by placing drivers in real world vehicles. They are pretty accurate as far as I can tell. Not exactly an expert on cars that aren't covered in dust and sadness. Go recession. Each vehicle has its own simple stat structure and choosing them is somewhat critical against veterans but the power ups can even a race out even with a low level car. In addition, the game takes place on tracks based on actual world locations. The feeling of speed in a world you can identify with feels somehow more rewarding. Maybe its because I know how much a ticket in real life costs if I get caught going 115mph.
    I enjoyed this game. I am currently in a racing trend in terms of my purchases simply because thats what's arriving on my doorstep, but this game takes some credit for being able to pull me back to it. It definitely has some competition with Split Second and ModNation Racers but it has enough of its own flavor of play to warrant its rivalry with those titles. Online play on Xbox live is fun and you'll fear taking to the real road after seeing how vicious some of these players can drive. Split Screen is definitely a welcome addition as the online world expands the in home multiplayer realm shrinks. The single player game is definitely fun but there is a bit of a learning curve because of the unique style of combat that takes place in the races. You are going to learn to hate the Lightning Storm power up. cheap i say! cheap!

Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Video Game Review

2010-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Super Mario Galaxy 2
Release Date: Available Now
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Multiplayer: 2 players...sort of.
My Time with Game: Uncompleted (4 days)
One Sentence Review: Probably the definitive Mario game of the hd console generation and one of the few necessary titles in a very small Wii library.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 didn't really need to be made. The first one did a great enough job on its own and it really set a standard for how Mario games should be played and visualized on a next gen system. That being said, thank Jebus Miyamoto that they made Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Who wants to guess who gets kidnapped again? Ya, ok, so they don't often win points for originality in the storyline of these games, Paper Mario series excluded. Ignoring that fact you find yourself with a 3d world jumping platforming with tight controls and pretty visuals. Nintendo did a decent job of making the camera stay where it needs to be and I only occasionally encountered scenarios where I felt the Wii camera was the hardest part of the game. I say hardest because unlike its predecessor, SMG2 makes you work for your shiny meals. The star collection is back and while opening up new worlds seems to happen just as fast, you'll find yourself sticking around each of the worlds till total, frustrating, agonizing, completion. All of that in a good way. The puzzles and level design have all been slightly bumped up in difficulty which means the game now requires a bit of thought before leaping. The addition of your should be obese-dinosaur friend Yoshi also adds for a new play dynamic.
This is a really good game. It has a balance of challenge and fun that gives it a longevity and replay value most Wii titles don't carry. Yes its a Nintendo game so the same can be said for pretty much all of their titles, but this is one series they have an investment in to do particularly well, and they did. My only real criticism with the game is actually not so much with the game. SMG2 has beautiful graphics. Seriously open ended views with starry nights and very animated planet visuals. It really makes you wish the Wii was a more HD system. This will sell well enough to once again print money for the big N, but I really hope someone there makes a suggestion or a mention that maybe they have hit a plateau with this system, and its time to grow up, and release something that graphically plays alongside the big boy systems.

One more thing. I have a girlfriend. I'm not mentioning that in an alpha dog look at me I'm a man kind of way. I am mentioning it because having a girl that's willing to stick with a guy who plays Video Games is a gift. That being said, it helps when games come along that allow for more than one player to assist in a common goal. It also helps when the difficulty for that second player is next to nothing, the character they play makes you're head explode in cuteness, and their own personal goal is collecting shiny objects. This is the multi-player aspect of SMG2. In other words, don't invite friends over to play this game with you. Otherwise you're a dick. Now excuse me I am going to call my friends over to watch me play. Woot Woot!

No! Get better fool, you taught me laser tag!

2010-05-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Update: he died :(

Gary Coleman, probably best known for his role in Diff'rent Strokes was admitted a hospital in Utah and is currently in critical condition. I don't know Gary like most people would. I can't remember one full episode of Strokes so most of my television exposure was having the tiny man convince me to take out a loan with some company so I could run for Governor. I didn't make it, my opponent took steroids and killed robots. It was a pretty admirable platform. Gary didn't make it either but he was a trooper and went on to bigger things. I think I heard he was a pimp or something. I feel like I knew Gary more than just on TV though. When I was in my younger years, and Gary in his. My brother had a birthday party at some place called Ultrazone. Would've been a standard laser tag party if it weren't for the fact that Gary freakin Coleman was the one teaching us how to play the game! Seriously, my dad kept staring at him and the guy got kinda mad and finally admitted it. They talked for a while, said he was a security guard, instructor, and I think like owned the place. Whatever, i was little, laser tag was the most important thing. ...actually, it still is I think.

Note: Gary what the hell were you doing in Utah?

Was Lost but now am...more lost.

2010-05-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Know that logo? Know this show? hmm? If you do, then because of last night, you'll be spending the day realizing the headache you have is not from playing King's Cup with kitchen cleaners, but because you spent Sunday evening getting humped in the head for 2 and a half hours. Haven't seen it yet, don't click past the jump.

6 seasons of ABC's drama Lost ended last night. Much of America tuned in to see their favorite characters find closure, but more importantly, to have the most pressing questions answered. After two and half hours, 90 minutes of which felt like commercials, you now have all your questions answered. Wait, what am I talking about, no you don't. Nothing is answered. Nothing that matters. When Lost premiered it gave us a much needed break from the reality television plague by providing us with troubled characters, stressful and dramatic situations, and most importantly, a mysterious and freaky island. An island that contained polar bears, and loud roaring smoke, and possibly Egyptian ruins. From the beginning most of my questions watching the show have been about the island. Jack, Sawyer, Kate, Claire, Hugo, etc. etc. etc. sure they were all interesting but really, I have seen alcoholics with daddy issues and bad ass no shirt wearing action heroes before. What I haven't seen before is a piece of land with a hole in the ground that pulls planes out of the sky. That part of the world, needs some explaining to me.

See the creators of the Lost used a two hour re-cap episode to justify their ending. Which to me is evident that you, no pun intended, were lost as to how to end your show. The phrase "Lost is about the characters" is mentioned who knows how many times in this recap. I understand that many of these characters have been a focal point and like any story closure to their tales is required. The creators however neglect that in six seasons they have made one extremely huge and important character. The Island. Hell, for the first two seasons they even admitted it had a life of its own and had its own problems and mysteries. Now we come to the finale and we are supposed to ignore the fact that you have given no closure to this biggest of your characters. Instead you take the cop out route and suggest that none of the 5 seasons worth of stuff we saw really mattered? I get that people getting punched in the balls is funny, if you needed a laugh I could see why you did it to me. It was unnecessary to perform Little Drummer Boy using fire pokers on em afterward though.

Don't get me wrong. I am a fan of the show. I wouldn't be writing about it if I didn't care so much about how it ended. I just feel and I know I am not alone in thinking that instead of taking the hard way, the risky way, but mostly the exciting way to end the show and exposing the great mystery. They started the last season by making this smaller, easily explainable mystery and solved that instead. The first season of Lost is its best.

The rest hold up, and if the first season intrigues you enough, watch the rest of them. In the end though, and unfortunately for me, it now seems it wasn't necessary.

The Last Whitebender?

2010-05-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know the M. Night Shyamalan movie does not come out for another two months, but i read an LA Times article today that kinda annoyed me... http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-racebender-20100523,0,6501983.story

Now I know that Hollywood has a history of casting Caucasian actors in minority roles (usually to comic effect, or in order to stereo type, or in earlier days because some races were not allowed to be in staring roles), but i think that the "controversy" surrounding casting in The Last Airbender film is a little over blown, not to mention premature.

Yes, the Nickelodeon Avatar series was based on Asian Animation styles and culture. It also seems to portray a mostly Asian world (which is common in most eastern animation styles, called "Anime" for the un-initiated). However everyone seems to forget a few things. One is that while it is based on Anime styles, it was an American animated series. The voice actors were from many different cultures, with most of the main cast being Caucasian, however there was no uproar about white washing the voice acting, (at least to my knowledge). Why is it suddenly a huge controversy that SO FAR (and I must emphasize this a couple of times through out this post) most of the main actors seem to be caucasian? The other thing is that while the setting and certain thematical elements seems based on asian philosophy, the "elements of nature" are actually the classical Western elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) as opposed to the traditional "Eastern Elements of Nature" (Fire, water, metal, wood, earth).

My *POINT* being that the creators of this series seem to have been, from the very begining, trying to blend both Western and Eastern concepts into one cohesive universe, not one based SOLEY on the concepts of Eastern Tradition. I mean the very concept of the show (An Anime styled AMERICAN animated series) should be a big give away that the show is about a blending of cultures. HELL the Avatars' PURPOSE is to bring Balance to the world, he does this by being able to learn the different bending techniques, there by learning about each Nation. In learning about each nation, the Avatar becomes a unifier of all the nations. they call the Avatar "The Bridge between our world and the Spiritual world" but really the Avatar is a "Bridge connecting all four nations to each other," so that in effect they are not only Four individual nations, but ONE WORLD. That I think is the essence of the Avatar series.

So far of the four nations portrayed in the show we see GLIMPSES of three. In the animated series: We see The Water Nation (who some critics have described as based on native american tribes), then we have the wind nomads who seem be be based on Shaolin Monks. Then we have the Fire Nation (who seem to be based on Imperialistic Japanese culture)

In the film Aang (the last Airbender) is being played by a Caucasian actor named Noah Ringer. We have not seen any other Airbenders in the trailers so I do not know how the rest of the Wind nomads are being protrayed, but it is possible they could still be portrayed as Asian. Personally, in the animated series, Aang always looked like he was drawn to be more like a caucasian in appearance, while the rest of the Air nomads seemed to be more clearly Asian. So the fact that Aang looks to be Caucasian in this film does not bother me, as it seems more true to the character (the kid looks alot like Aang).

As for the Water Nation, so far we have only seen three, Sokka played by Jackson Rathbone, Katara played by Nicola Peltz, and Gran Gran played by Katharine Houghton all three Caucasian actors. However, these are only three characters from a Small tribe in the south (there is another much larger Tribe in the North) except for one other actress Seychelle Gabriel, chosen to play Princess Yue of the Norther Tribe we have no idea how the rest of the Northern tribes look like. (Princess Yue has white hair and blue eyes and as such stands out completely from the rest of the tribe) Yes they all seem to be decidedly lighter than how they were portrayed in the series (being portrayed to look copper skined, earning them the comparison to native Americans) However Shayamalan had been quoted in an interview with People Magazine defending his decision on Castin Nicola Peltz in the Role of Katara saying,

"I told the studio I didn't want to make this movie without her...I said that only once before in my career, and that was when I met Haley [Joel Osment] in 'The Sixth Sense' auditions."

The Sixth Sense was one of Shayamalan's greatest films, and its the film that skyrocketed Hayley Joel Osment to fame. I trust that this means that Shayamalan chose Peltz for her abilty to portray Katara as a character (a character that is both strong, and complex) and not based on her skin color, so i am going to trust his choice on this one.

The Fire Nation is more obviously diverse. They seem to be represented by mostly Indian or middle eastern decent, Prince Zuko being played by Dev Patel (of Slumdog Millionaire fame).

There is another Nation yet unseen (except for a Desktop background of an as of yet unnamed actor, and some casting information that has slipped out). This is the earth nation, from what i have heard (and what promo images i have seen) This seems to be represented by mostly Asian actors. Now, the reason why we don't know more about the Earth Nation is because the earth nation does not appear prominently (Except for one episode)until the second season of Avatar, which is almost exclusively set in the Earth nation.

Shyamalan and Frank Marshall (one of the producers) have stated that

"Our vision for the movie is of ONE world, made up of four nations, influenced and inspired by the Asian undertones of the series. This world will have an ethnically diverse cast that represents many different heritages and cultures from all corners of the globe"

Again this is the first part a of three part series. And what has been released to the public are only bits and pieces of a much larger story. We have not seen much of the Earth Nation, and what we have has shown leads me to believe that Asian cultures and influences will not be ignored. Again, we have not seen the rest of the Air Nomads as well, they could very well be Asian actors as well. To judge a film before it has even been released or even previewed is narrow minded at best. if you see the movie and still wanna bitch and moan about ethnic diversity or acting, or casting go ahead, be my guest, at least you gave it a try. but unless you have seen it or have some intimate knowledge of it all you are doing is blowing out hot air.

I've seen the trailers, they seem pretty cool to me, i for one can't wait. i am only slightly annoyed that Zuko's scar looks more like a bruise than a burn, but so long as Patel can portray the gravitas of Zuko's character I'm willing to overlook that small flaw.

so yeah, believe me, if the movie sucks, i will be the first one on here complaining about everything, including Zuko's scar, until then i am cautiously optimistic that this might be as good as Shyamalan's earlier work.

End rant.

And introducing.....!

2010-05-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Heyo Boys and girls!

My name is Louis and I am a contributor to this blog! Mostly I will be here talking about comic books and movies (if they are movies ABOUT comic books you can bet i will most definitely be talking about that!:)and other random Scifi related things that happen to pop into my head.

Now I am not quite as "quirky" as my friend here. No sadly the medication has seen to that. BUT i am prone to ranting and/or raving depending on the subject (Do not BRING up the Spider-man Mary Jane marriage unless you REALLY want to get an ear full, and possibly hear me cry). Gail Simone is my comic book Goddess (look her up, she writes great stuff).

I am a certified geek with a capital "G"! You want proof you say? well here it is: I worship at the Altar of Joss Whedon, I collect comic books, love Scifi and fantasy. I'm a film buff who also cant get enough of literature! I am an avid Doctor Who and Torchwood fan, and I am proof positive that Trekkies and Star Wars Fanatics can live in peace and harmony. To top it all off I once was a member of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fan club (Don't doubt me, I have the membership card!)

Well that about covers the introduction. Hope you're looking forward to hearing from me, I am. and if you REALLY like hearing for me, invite me over for dinner! I'll bring wine and we can watch various Joss Whedon productions and probably never leave!

Blow me...wait...no!

2010-05-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

I hate leaf blowers. I hate them. Hate. In my eyes they serve no purpose. What do they accomplish? These things only manage to move one pile of stuff, poorly, from one part of the street to another. They create more noise than the Mexifamily across the street. Do you know how hard it is to drown out a Mariachi band? Seriously, its really hard. They keep kicking and squirming, there is like four of them at least so they try to help each other, and none of them just accept it and stay under water.

..wait...maybe that's just drown and not drown out. Whatever, my point being is that these machines make a butt ton of noise and I finally get to sleep around the time they show up! I can't tell them to leave or turn it off. Their operators don't speak English and I swear I think they don't even know how to turn em off themselves. They just drive around town with these poser proton packs constantly blaring in the cab of their trucks. I wonder if that explains the volume of the music. I'm obviously writing this because I have hit grumpy mode in terms of my lack of sleep. I just don't understand them. What suicidal individual is cool with wearing a pack of gasoline on his back?

Really? What's that? They don't know its flammable? They don't know what that word even means? And you pay them how much? Wow...you sir are a genius.

Note: Leaf Blower would be an awesome hooker name. Like she could say "Mmm, looks like your gardens all a mess there mister, let me bl..." Crud, hold on, those guys are screaming. Now i gotta google what "Por favor, Señor, No podemos nadar con estas cosas!" means.

OMG MAI PRIVACEE OH NOES!

2010-05-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Facebook changed their privacy settings recently. Did you know that? Cmon, you have to have known that. Every news media outlet has run some sort of story on it. Facebook is invading your privacy, taking your pictures, your thoughts, your very soul! Actually...that might have been in the terms of service for real. Either way, they did, its done, its changed. So what the heck does that mean for you, the common Facebook user. Well, it means the website is going to demand more info out of you if you want more customization, but it also means the info you give won't necessarily be just yours. You like cats. That's great, i think they're funny. Now you're in the Everyone Loves Cats club. Don't want to be? Tough shit. You said you like cats god damn it so Facebook is making you branch out. Its almost like when parents force their kids onto the playground telling them to "socialize!" Except in this case you're old enough to notice the pedobear dressed in the purple track suit. He likes cats...and...other stuff. My point being, this new Facebook, it does a lot. There are a lot of things that it adds to the interwebz that actually make it kind of neat. But there may be some stuff you may not want to go along with. Me? Well, I don't care for people having access to my photo albums, but I am cool with letting everyone in the known world know how awesome Kung Pow: Enter the Fist is. Seriously...watch it. Life...Changing.

I digress, for those of you who want to make your own decisions about this stuff, here is a link to help guide you. Don't say I never do anything for you.
Facebook Lockdown
Serious though...don't say anything. I hate being reminded of my lack of charity.

Note: My spell check underlines Facebook. hehe. FACEBOOK FACEBOOK FACEBOOK! Stupid unhip spell check. Get with the times!

Split/Second - Video Game Review

2010-05-20T00:34:00.001-07:00

Split/Second
Release Date: Available Now
Developer: Black Rock Studios
Publisher: Disney Interactive
Multiplayer: Split Screen(2), Xbox Live
My Time with Game: Uncompleted (2 days)
One Sentence Review: A decent arcade style racer whose literally explosive gimmick actually makes it worth your time.

I don't like racing games. I'm not sure if its because I frustrate easy or because I generally seem to get enough enjoyment at risking my life in the real world by poorly controlling my Nissan around Orange County. Split/Second is an arcade racing game. It has enough speed and pretty cars to count it as a racer, but its easy enough to get into, lacks excessive accuracy, and is crazy unrealistic which earns it the title "arcade." Damn good thing that its really fun.

Its my belief that the word arcade is thrown in when developers decide they don't want to do the research and accuracy part of gaming. In this case, none of your cars are real. In the sense that I can't run out and purchase an indestructible, wheels covered in grease, nitro death machine in a cool blue. You can earn cars by doing well, but really, its an arcade game, so other than minor aesthetic changes and "improved" stats, your driving...a car. I understand there are trucks too, but if you're gonna be that specific, go stand on a busy street and tell me the difference between the truck hitting you and the car. Anyway, the real draw to this game is the Power Plays. Without getting into the specifics of these awesome obstacle creating, track altering moments, they are without a doubt the heart of the game. I don't like using cliche terminology too often, but when im literally edging off my seat while playing screaming in fear at certain points...edge of your seat, really is the only description. The AI is ok, cheap with some rubber banding, but again, "arcade" racing. You're playing this because you were as scared of Gran Turismo on the playstation as I was. Go into it with a popcorn-movie type of mindset, and you're really going to enjoy it.

Note: This was published by Disney...tinkerbell Disney? bear stuffed with honey Disney? serious, well done mates. Now...go push Square for some more Sora, Riku, and Kingdom Hearts...driving these cars.

Insomnia = Stupid Mode

2010-05-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

Not sleeping makes you creative. Really, no lie. It does. Otherwise I wouldn't have taken the time to make this blog. I don't think that if I was well rested that I would work this hard on my off time...i'd rest. Does that make sense? It shouldn't. Joking aside, insomnia can be a bitch. Leaves you with a lot more time in your day than most people have and if you're ADD like me, you need things to do to fill that time. So I watch movies, i play video games, and I eat food. Insomnia also leaves you with less ability to restrain emotions or react appropriately to stuff. So if a vending machine is loaded so that after anyone buys the first Snickers there is an empty spot before the next one, I'm gonna fuckin chew out the vending machine! Again, misguided and unrestrained criticism. Turns out though that honesty makes for an interesting read. Enjoy this crap people of the interwebz. Because I am also pretty sure this lack of sleep is gonna get me killed.

...fuck that vending machine and its animal cracker packages with bestial sodomy on the front.