tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86020580443124622852024-02-21T22:59:02.946+08:00Spill Out The Glass of Waterbecause the argument is pointlessKevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.comBlogger648125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-32099494858834826822010-08-21T11:30:00.001+08:002010-08-21T11:30:38.711+08:00Starting Fresh<p style="clear: both">There’s no more inspiration to be had with my Blogger, which I’ve kept alive for more than 5 years. In fact, the structure with which I established it leaves little room for anything that holds water; in other words, composing long-winded diatribe and diligently weekly posts that are left unread don’t feel as gratifying as composing long-winded diatribe left unread in another platform that, for all intents and purposes, hold more fertile ground for expression. </p><p style="clear: both">Removing the purple prose: Since I’ve a Tumblr lying around, I might as well use it and start fresh. Yes, I’m leaving my Blogger to die at last. </p><p style="clear: both">Visit my new home at <a href="http://kmp091.tumblr.com">http://kmp091.tumblr.com</a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-158409446000696302010-08-20T21:46:00.001+08:002010-08-20T21:46:26.276+08:00Movies Opening This Week: It’s Jake Plus 8<p>To some, it might come off as jarring to see a property that already exists on DVD get a re-release in the theatres, I mean, come on, who’d go watch? But I think with Jake Sully, everyone can find a bit of an exception.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/SzYadOIVYaI/AAAAAAAABUQ/Zu7abSDrd2E/s800/1194501aa1-thumb.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Avatar: Special Edition</strong></p> <p>Knowing Fox, when there’s something to milk, they’ll most likely milk it to death. So obviously, it shouldn’t actually come as that much of a surprise to see Avatar get a re-release in selected 3D theatres, and according to ClickTheCity, even Philippine 3D cinemas will get the new version too.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:60fcf424-33e5-4bad-9e42-e6b7c2570b99" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="7f5b2a2a-4d67-4e37-9e1c-184b4c38b9a1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLylzuf1MWA" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TG6HKIEXG9I/AAAAAAAACYY/-Jt_fbhzU_E/video24e8a105878c%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('7f5b2a2a-4d67-4e37-9e1c-184b4c38b9a1'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tLylzuf1MWA&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tLylzuf1MWA&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Seriously though, what could possibly be different from the movie everyone watched in 2009, and the new movie coming out this August? Well, it’s 8 minutes of difference I guess. If they put those 8 minutes in the right spot of the already long 2 hour-30 minute run time, then sign me up. And of course, I’m talking about that damn anti-climactic red banshee that was supposed to be <em>so</em> impossible to tame. If they put all those 8 minutes to portraying Na’vi procreating, I’m going to be so pissed.</p> <p>Still, if you haven’t watched the movie in all its glorious 3D form, you have yet another chance to flock to your nearest 3D enabled theatre, hell, it doesn’t have to be IMAX. For my review of the 2009 release, re-visit it here (<a href="http://spillaglassofwater.blogspot.com/2009/12/avatar-review.html">and laugh at my Jake Scully typo</a>).</p> <p>But if you want something else to love, why don’t you just keep…</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Going the Distance" align="left" src="http://content6.flixster.com/movie/11/14/76/11147668_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Going the Distance</strong></p> <p>A fluffy romantic comedy that just happens to have an “eclectic” cast of very “quirky” characters. It’s one of those, huh? Joy.</p> <p>But I guess there’s something to be said about the bankability of the Drew Barrymore-Justin Long chemistry, eh?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:072285a1-0b83-4159-a759-94ffba70fc54" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="13cb6900-af3c-4d21-9f02-09d0005d48bb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HGDx2cAdMo?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TG6HK5t5INI/AAAAAAAACYc/TLX1qejiQBk/video66eb31d9b22c%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('13cb6900-af3c-4d21-9f02-09d0005d48bb'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1HGDx2cAdMo?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1HGDx2cAdMo?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Basically dealing with a long distance love affair, <em>Going the Distance</em> is pretty much about Justin Long wanting to keep the relationship between him and Drew Barrymore alive and unscathed in spite of potential external factors and secret lovers that may very well ruin their relationship. With that fear in mind, they try everything to sustain the love. Oh, let me guess, the conflict will be a matter of trust.</p> <p>For me, this is totally worth waiting for a home video release, if you’re so inclined to watch it, that is.</p> <p>Maybe you don’t want another rom-com, maybe you just want a good ol’ fashioned Eli Roth horror flick.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="The Last Exorcism" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/15/17/11151745_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />The Last Exorcism</strong></p> <p>About a reverend that goes on his last exorcism job, <em>The Last Exorcism</em> is once again like those glorified “based on a true story” kind of films. Frankly, it looks slightly scary, but on the whole, I just feel “Meh”.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b4f5b529-4317-41c7-9a96-4efe9547cdf7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c2483e79-d635-4a18-949f-00599aa2e2e8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmrSR5O9QXc?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TG6HMPYCbiI/AAAAAAAACYg/dcPQPGuCveA/video8ee6da8655c0%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c2483e79-d635-4a18-949f-00599aa2e2e8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/NmrSR5O9QXc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/NmrSR5O9QXc?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>I’m the guy who laughs when a horror movie somehow gets itself blown out of proportion and much of the knuckle cracking, head snapping, and finger stretching just feel totally over the top for me. I’m sorry I’m like that, okay?</p> <p>It looks like it will be presented in one of those mockumentary formats that have become the norm for horror flicks these days, but it will also have a hybrid of good ol’ fashioned scripted sequences. Again, “meh”.</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-57522975509884047662010-08-17T18:02:00.001+08:002010-08-17T18:02:23.931+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Doesn’t Make You Look Smart<p>When your name isn’t Earl and you’re not an ex-con, chances are you’ll still go through a lot of bad karma just for winning the lottery.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Lottery Ticket" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/10/95/55/10955537_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Lottery Ticket</strong></p> <p>A black comedy that looks okay, <em>Lottery Ticket</em> involves a guy who wants to get a girl to no avail but suddenly wins the lottery. He doesn’t want anyone to know but, as we all know, secrets don’t quite last long within a tightly-knit community.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:900ab587-8c50-40f7-bb95-906fe1ec0dc7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="720413db-8f99-4cc8-a860-9f6c6ead829e" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtplgiBm2k?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TGpeIa-3s4I/AAAAAAAACYE/9r_t79nJpg8/videof9efc4894ad3%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('720413db-8f99-4cc8-a860-9f6c6ead829e'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/TBtplgiBm2k?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/TBtplgiBm2k?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>And this is why the winner probably has to go through a ton of weird crap so he can… get laid I guess. Frankly, I’m not very interested in this movie; I wasn’t even paying attention to the trailer all that much, but to its credit, it doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard to be funny, or at least the trailer is serviceable enough not to make that a bit too evident.</p> <p>As far as comedies go, I guess we could do a bit better.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="The Switch" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/10/95/44/10954487_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />The Switch</strong></p> <p>It’s been so long since I last enjoyed a Jennifer Aniston movie. No seriously, when <em>was</em> the last time I enjoyed a Jennifer Aniston movie? Maybe I would if it involved Jason Bateman, who’s always self-deprecatingly funny.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c1446eb2-a80f-4d00-b3bb-90ad7872289c" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="f1118369-6e15-4a1b-b62f-35c5ff72cabc" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEYqgyXyk9A?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TGpeJaX_lrI/AAAAAAAACYI/qiKmb0SRxDs/videob1516f562ec4%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('f1118369-6e15-4a1b-b62f-35c5ff72cabc'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/EEYqgyXyk9A?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/EEYqgyXyk9A?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>This time, Aniston wants to be pregnant and is looking for a sperm donor. At a party, her best friend mixes up her preferred sample with his own, and yes, familial chaos ensues. Technically, any suspicions could be solved through DNA tests (which I assume won’t be done because, of course, where would be the drama in that?!) and really, why bother putting out that sperm sample where drunk people could reach it?</p> <p>While it’s once again familiar territory for Jennifer Aniston, this one looks like it’s going to be a bit… smarter. Maybe a bit funnier too. Whatever the case, this doesn’t look like one of those “hysterical” romantic comedies that resort to a lot of slapstick, this one looks like it’s going to be a bit of a sleeper hit, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this might be a good one. Maybe one of Aniston’s better ones in this new decade.</p> <p>But hey, if you don’t seem to like this one, maybe this one’s more your speed:</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Vampires Suck" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/15/07/11150745_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Vampires Suck</strong></p> <p>At first, you’d think that a parody on Twilight, which in itself is like a parody of established paranormal literature, would be awesome. But then you think, there’s YouTube for that. YouTube is a place for pop culture and memes that replace themselves every 5 seconds. The movies, aren’t.</p> <p>In fact, why can’t the creators of these types of movies just go to YouTube? They’d find so much more love and success there.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:4fa7c7a1-e06f-4450-8621-63c56fdc5c14" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="5e4a4d27-ca86-4ada-a56d-eb3c2f60d201" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHkPJ1ACLrg?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TGpeKFq9nyI/AAAAAAAACYM/nZ2g63Qt2Os/videoec63b0ee93af%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('5e4a4d27-ca86-4ada-a56d-eb3c2f60d201'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/vHkPJ1ACLrg?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/vHkPJ1ACLrg?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>When you put anything irrelevant to vampires—Lady Gaga, Alice in Wonderland, and Jersey Shore—to a movie that parodies and apparently spits at vampires, then a lot could be said about how bad the writing must be. The consistency involved is obviously rooted in the non-sequitur, and the main joke of the movie—which is “Vampires Suck”—is most definitely unsustainable. Just because you’re bashing something genuinely stupid and sprinkling in pop culture references that are similarly stupid, doesn’t make you smart.</p> <p>I swear I could write a 10-page paper about this, but all I’m going to say is that this movie only proves that there are people who think putting the hate on Twilight for the sake of being cool is… well, cool. At least my hate is a bit more justified; I couldn’t stand the book and stopped at the fourth chapter. This one feels like the bashing is manufactured, thus making the entire point of the appeal of this movie void and null.</p> <p>In short, they want your money.</p> <p>And speaking of money, can you say "BLATANT JAWS RIP-OFF”?</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Piranha 3-D" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/15/12/11151213_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Piranha 3D</strong></p> <p>Thank you for that, Hollywood. I <em>really</em> needed something this concrete.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cce685f7-d4d6-4e8d-8423-9198b921a6ae" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="ce8f6ab3-3658-4cf4-9a20-a6f50f271cea" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW5_4gZ0Jn4?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TGpeKlfiuSI/AAAAAAAACYQ/Pnd-piUuBxE/video9ddbd26c40b8%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('ce8f6ab3-3658-4cf4-9a20-a6f50f271cea'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/mW5_4gZ0Jn4?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/mW5_4gZ0Jn4?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>From the first frame of this thing to the last, it’s obvious what the hell this movie wants to be. But then, I’m pretty sure it’ll be in the same league as <em>Jaws 3D</em> instead of the classic one. Just looking at those fish gives me the creeps, and I’m not talking about creep factor, I’m talking about how fake they totally look. That’s just mind-boggling to see in 2010, but I guess there’s a sacrifice involved when you want to make something in 3D minus the budget of <em>Avatar</em>.</p> <p>But seriously, how low can this movie go? It’s uninteresting, to say the least.</p> <p>Hmm, I guess that’s enough negativity for one week. How about something a bit more positive to end on?</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Nanny McPhee Returns" align="left" src="http://content8.flixster.com/movie/11/15/15/11151534_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Nanny McPhee Returns</strong></p> <p>The first one was nothing too amazing, but I have to admit, for a kid’s movie it was pretty good. It didn’t quite pander, it didn’t quite sing, and it didn’t quite bore adults that much. Still, I thought the first Nanny McPhee was a one-time thing, so imagine my surprise when a sequel just sprung by my radar.</p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b62382dc-8124-47d8-8cda-7632610c643e" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c13c59f4-a2a0-4ee7-9726-084eb8cf6905" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3UyikYKLjQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqZeNNnOcTAAJCWxWUEt6oviAF-t6aERefb0S1cI-PFq3J2aEQ7gidq70VfNXflsIBUV6zDGdX1t0gk4HAXd0zS_UcQBXy_9Jew399hIbY1Xv4h1xr13dy_5DUO6d2p0DKXhCIaBA_lKj/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c13c59f4-a2a0-4ee7-9726-084eb8cf6905'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/v3UyikYKLjQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/v3UyikYKLjQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>Somehow looking a lot of the same thing, <em>Nanny McPhee Returns</em>, I don’t think, will be any more amazing than the first one. Maybe it’s even an unnecessary distraction as well as an unnecessary sequel. But there it is. Emma Thomspon is also reprising her role as the titular nanny, and is looking quite comfortable with it. I dare say, she’s the one that’s really worth watching in this whole shebang.</p> <p>I mean, the dancing pigs? Really?</p> <p>But I guess it’s still deserving the benefit of the doubt. It has so far been enjoying great critical acclaim, with some even saying it’s an improvement overall compared to the first one. Obviously, <em>Mary Poppins</em> has quite spoiled me, so maybe that’s why I can’t see as much of the good of <em>Nanny McPhee</em> as others do. Awfully rendered dancing CGI pigs, or well-choreographed dancing chimney sweepers? You decide.</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-33788721958130168192010-08-07T14:20:00.001+08:002010-08-07T14:20:50.546+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Bring Awesome Back<p>After a few uneventful weeks, Edgar Wright’s much anticipated new movie gets out and brings awesome back to the cinema.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/10/90/52/10905249_det.jpg" width="144" height="210" />Scott Pilgrim vs. the World</strong></p> <p>Adapted from a series of comic books, <em>Scott Pilgrim</em> is essentially about a boy who’s in a band and is in love with a girl named Ramona Flowers. But before they can even do anything in solitude, Pilgrim, played by Michael Cera, has to fight off her seven evil ex-boyfriends, all of which have some very different character quirks… which reminds me a lot of the video game <em>No More Heroes</em>.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2917a827-5d37-4aae-ba9f-beff8f32b273" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="b05be252-4abe-46ff-8154-d4167aab12ce" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1qaLmfzW3I&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFz7OYNOtEI/AAAAAAAACX4/kbsciYDxMhU/video0d5785179a0e%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('b05be252-4abe-46ff-8154-d4167aab12ce'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/A1qaLmfzW3I&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/A1qaLmfzW3I&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The movie’s soundtrack sounds great, the visual style distinctively mind-blowing and the fight scenes seemingly epic, but what gets me bothered is the fact that the movie, in the end, just seems very hollow for some reason. I mean, what plot is there other than the seven evil ex-boyfriends? Granted, I’m excited for this movie but I don’t think the actual story in terms of depth will really get me to love it. I have yet to see it for myself, but so far the movie has been getting some really positive feedback, so maybe I’ll change my mind when I actually get to see it.</p> <p>Also slightly less awesome in the creative sense is the traditionally macho all-star cast of:</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="The Expendables" align="left" src="http://content8.flixster.com/movie/11/13/44/11134470_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />The Expendables</strong></p> <p>When have we honestly last seen Arnold Schwarzenegger in an honest-to-goodness real movie? Well, it’s kind of nostalgic to see him coming back with less of a badass stature and more of an old guy vibe… but this time he’s with forces like Stallone, Statham, and even Jet Li. A lot of big names that scream macho and badass can be found in this one, but the premise is just a conglomeration of ideas we’ve all seen before, but done much better. I mean, the trailers only bank on explosions for heaven’s sake.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6dc0ea81-971e-4df3-a8b6-d9c0d04be351" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="d1a26bbe-4f61-4353-81c7-40ca5fcf43fb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8f9y_M8OWc&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFz7PHeA6fI/AAAAAAAACX8/1sRZtj1zvn0/video42ffad24a259%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d1a26bbe-4f61-4353-81c7-40ca5fcf43fb'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/t8f9y_M8OWc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/t8f9y_M8OWc&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>This doesn’t really excite me at the least, but it seems to offer enough testosterone to warrant a rent when it comes on home video. For me, at least. I know there will be a guaranteed audience for this, especially considering the huge names attached to the project, but if this happened when each were at the prime of their careers, <em>then</em> will this movie be something truly special.</p> <p>But the girls still have some cinematic room though:</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Eat, Pray, Love" align="left" src="http://content8.flixster.com/movie/10/93/73/10937382_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Eat, Pray, Love</strong></p> <p>If you tire of the intense nature of explosive blockbusters, there’s this calmer romantic adaptation of the novel of the same name. It’s pretty much a girl travelling around to “let herself go” and “find herself” to “get over a relationship”.</p> <p>I’m not sure whether the book is any good, but I don’t there’s anything to marvel at except for… India, Bali and Italy, I guess.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:d65e5bf4-7c29-46b1-8506-8ed2f7e301c6" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="917ba9ae-0f4d-4f9b-bd5c-73b3a26e3976" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzmqHJ0gPU&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFz7PxGbHcI/AAAAAAAACYA/ambbngHEHpA/videoda6cb2c7e365%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('917ba9ae-0f4d-4f9b-bd5c-73b3a26e3976'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/iZzmqHJ0gPU&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/iZzmqHJ0gPU&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Looking at it cynically, it’s pretty much a woman wanting a ego boost, and everyone loves that, because it has the potential to spur inspiration, but aside from the times when Julia Roberts is on the screen, everything feels quite phony. I don’t know why, it just feels too artificial and devoid of any emotion. Kind of like what I feel for <em>Scott Pilgrim</em>, but it' doesn’t even have the distinct visual spectacle (aside from the exotic locales) nor the adequately distracting fight sequences. Maybe it’s just a matter of wrong timing, I mean, a movie like this during the summer blockbuster season, are you kidding?</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-57668783336627178062010-07-30T22:57:00.001+08:002010-07-30T22:57:28.424+08:00Movies Opening This Week: The Internet is for Porn<p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="The Other Guys" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/11/11/97/11119727_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />The Other Guys</strong></p> <p>When Samuel Jackson and Dwayne Johnson can’t do the job, Will Ferell and Mark Wahlberg are on the case. And it’s kind of not funny for me.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ae5f9231-7aeb-4c96-a968-dcfe261f246f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="24a728f5-01d8-4265-8b44-54da99574b05" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6WOoUG1eNo&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFLnRFm2mRI/AAAAAAAACXc/kS4dvt86XgA/video35e87f296c08%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('24a728f5-01d8-4265-8b44-54da99574b05'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/D6WOoUG1eNo&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/D6WOoUG1eNo&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>I admit, the trailer has its moments especially with the explosion thing, but for the large part, I’m not entirely sure how this movie isn’t so much different as, say, <em>Cop-Out</em>.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Step Up 3-D" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/10/95/43/10954327_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Step Up 3D</strong></p> <p>Modern movies are usually retreads of the same ol’ formula. Heck, even <em>Inception</em>, one of the most original movies I’ve seen in years, kind of adheres to the heist film formula. The rules have been laid out years prior, and most of what we see now has been done before. But the key thing to most of the movies we still enjoy today is that they still manage to be fresh, but the <em>Step Up</em> series? Well, let’s just say you could mash that series together and you could still come up with the same damn movie; it’s one of the most blatant retreads ever to exist. But this time, it’s in, like, three dimensions, you know?</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:a6cf5f66-6260-4cd1-8d64-d00bd109a654" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="1c5a4820-fd13-4ff2-80bf-5d8fda3b9690" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TLbK6o-og&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFLnSqqXdQI/AAAAAAAACXk/-pmQO-wbZr8/video604ffdb51788%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('1c5a4820-fd13-4ff2-80bf-5d8fda3b9690'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/89TLbK6o-og&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/89TLbK6o-og&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>Aside from the same flashy dance sequences, what else is there to enjoy to this? It’s like mindless action movies, but the action here comes in the form of dance. Shouldn’t be anything wrong, but come on, this is <em>Step Up</em>. This is just the same thing over and over again. Why can’t it just end?</p> <p>Heck, the sad part is that this won’t be the last we see of the franchise, because a ton of people will still watch it anyway.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Flipped" align="left" src="http://content6.flixster.com/movie/11/12/74/11127412_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Flipped</strong></p> <p>A new Rob Reiner film about two childhood friends who seem destined for each other, <em>Flipped</em> is a coming-of-age story that seems kind of whimsical as it involves a girl whose intuition tells her that boy is the one for her, but boy is too hesitant and wants to push her away due to peer pressure. When boy realizes that girl may also be the one for him, girl starts contemplating other men, and so the story goes.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:04202df0-121b-4a66-8364-2f8d2078064b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="a217c8de-9be4-4cc5-8ffd-24b57ee80a53" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8rz6D5AtME&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFLnTgnTt6I/AAAAAAAACXo/GWLCRAAAIKY/video5a93afe81b36%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a217c8de-9be4-4cc5-8ffd-24b57ee80a53'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/I8rz6D5AtME&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/I8rz6D5AtME&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Now that we know all of that, the only thing left to ask is whether they stick together or go their separate ways (or, well, go their separate ways and stick together when they suddenly bump into each other again). Whatever the case, don’t expect Rob Reiner to pull another dinner scene here, I mean, they’re kids, obviously. So it probably won’t be much of an iconic film, but I guess it’ll be watchable?</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Middle Men" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/11/14/22/11142215_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Middle Men</strong></p> <p>This last one is pretty much the story of the conception of porn on the internet. Huh, sounds like something you’d do as a last resort because you didn’t get Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay of <em>The Accidental Billionaires</em>. Now known as the much-hyped <em>The Social Network</em> by David Fincher.</p> <p>Whatever the case, it’s still kind of interesting to see how from dudes living in a basement in 1995, they would be able to build an empire that’s just <em>huge</em>.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0ae4060c-1396-4d8a-b01f-5090b310cfd8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="75c8b841-0190-4246-a7f6-7faaa9da5e26" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3gcb_9Q10E&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TFLoVhLriaI/AAAAAAAACXw/yuPIFw34UAw/videod139cb3848dc%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('75c8b841-0190-4246-a7f6-7faaa9da5e26'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/m3gcb_9Q10E&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/m3gcb_9Q10E&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>It probably won’t be as Oscar-y looking as <em>The Social Network</em>, but I’m pretty much guessing it won’t be the worst damn movie either. That said, I wouldn’t be terribly disappointed if I didn’t see this film anyways.</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-63007088430800454802010-07-25T21:34:00.001+08:002010-07-25T21:34:25.837+08:00Inception: The Thinking Man's Action Film<p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglASIXcv1QIUuHQGW8ViOpWwS3WqXBxNOMQu-Z5dFImBKSR_YGTOhiJ5O60-OjT4TmCYAN96KKAxZJMFgkWpZ69ZuOoh8goYxzeI-lM9OrZRgEtUJ9Pd8IyrgIdeJhwIlaoUQQqyG_4b0/s800/10933762_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEw9U0VljAI/AAAAAAAACXI/NYXH4FHE5Mw/s800/10933762_det1-thumb.jpg" height="266" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Inception</strong><br />Starring Leonardo de Caprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt<br />Directed and written by Christopher Nolan</p><p style="clear: both">Hot on the heels of a multi-million dollar Batman movie, Nolan follows it up with an all-new original story that takes place in a land where dreams can be intercepted and corporate information could be extracted by a group of experts operating under a company. Unfortunately, due to the death of his wife, Dominic Cobb (Leo de Caprio) fails to pull off a job but finds out that rich businessman Saido (Ken Watanabe) is willing to give anything to Cobb under one condition: Cobb needs to do the opposite of his day job and actually <em>implant</em> an idea to a rival company's heir instead of extract it (thus the title) so that Saido's company will win in the end. </p><p style="clear: both">What follows is a series of events set into motion that, if you don't follow closely, will continue on regardless of whether you like it or not, whether you can understand or not. But that doesn't exactly mean that the story is extremely convoluted; in fact, the story and its several threads are handled so well that each of them is a uniquely worthy point of discussion. </p><p style="clear: both">Nolan doesn't feel the need to pander to his audience and treats them with the respect they deserve, but I think the thing that's getting a lot of positive feedback is the entire second half of the movie, which for all intents and purposes, is awesome. You will care for all its characters and you will know the gravity of the situation, and this is the part where <em>Inception</em> appeals to a lot of people. It's where the thrills come, where all the subplots of the subplots of the subplots in the subplot of the main plot get tied together, resulting in a handsome pay-off.</p><p style="clear: both">The key thing in watching <em>Inception</em> is that it isn't necessarily a thriller that discusses the concept of "dreams" in as much detail as you'd think a pretentious movie would, but it's more of a heist movie that involves a cast of endearing characters doing "one last job" so that Cobb's character won't be a wanted man in America anymore. You can screw up a lot of these kinds of films, but the cast Nolan's assembled here is just excellent and pitch-perfect. </p><p style="clear: both">Of note is Ellen Page's character Ariadne is basically in almost the same position as us- the unknowing audience, except for the part where she is a gifted architect- and she does an exemplary job at being hesitant, curious and oblivious at first, even though she becomes the voice of reason in later events. Props also go to Joseph Gordon Levitt for being such a badass and Marion Cotillard for turning in what I think is her best performance since <em>La Vie En Rose</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">Oh and Leonardo... is a given. He's pretty much the glue that makes us care for everyone in the first place.</p><p style="clear: both">At this point it would be hard to talk about the movie without spoiling it and its intricacies. If anything else is of note, then it may well be the cinematography, the sensationally realistic special effects, the emotional depth, the simultaneous visceral and cerebral satisfaction (which has become atypical of Nolan movies), or the bombastic but less than memorable score. Whatever the case, <em>Inception</em> is a movie you must see to believe, with its trailers barely even justifying the amount of epic contained within its package.</p><p style="clear: both">Still, don't go in expecting an overly exhaustive breakdown of dreams and excessive philosophical whimsy, just expect a highly intelligent action film that requires you to be glued to its details at all times. Either way, it's a great movie to watch and talk about for days afterwards.</p><p style="clear: both">True, Nolan doesn't achieve levels of "masterpiece", but what he does in <em>Inception</em>, he does very well. And we're all the better for it. In fact, its box office performance may well be an inception all its own. The simple idea that an original and highly cerebral film can be profitable is an appealing proposition, and we must expect no less from the studios and the filmmakers.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rating: </em>9/10</p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-3427389141676437372010-07-24T13:13:00.001+08:002010-07-24T13:13:50.143+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Bros Before Hoes<p>Last week we saw <em>Inception</em> oversee release, and I’m willing to bet that it will stay on top of the box office for a while, especially because of:</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/12/06/11120621_det.jpg" width="144" height="214" />Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore</strong> <br />Never mind the overly unwieldy title, never mind the overly generic plot and somewhat substandard animal CGI, this movie is just a mystery. I mean, is there any reason for it to exist at all? Who gives a crap about this? It’s like Marmaduke all over again, but this time, it’s G-Force with cats and dogs working together. It doesn’t even seem to bring anything new to the table, so I can’t even see the point in wasting time and resources just to make this and cash in on 3D.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:08a4a3a7-ee74-40cf-88bc-bd19a390bc92" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="d325278c-983f-475f-8358-2f1726e25f60" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkeN2o0QRSE&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNjUVTCPFjrEygU-dohVlbgzykmu8fdSYUzIeQeXCPmouAtCTkENMY4b0JyAieXCWU4w55WDuipkoxy-g7A67Fs615Z90K6HJuO7uSeiWNTEx1ZiBG9EvMp5bP0n22JjwFeaVeBYlQqnU/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d325278c-983f-475f-8358-2f1726e25f60'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AkeN2o0QRSE&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AkeN2o0QRSE&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>But maybe I just don’t get it; I mean, there’s surely a market for this kind of movie, and I just don’t happen to be part of it… but hey, Kenneth from 30 Rock is in it though!</p> <p>Instead of rambling any more about this insignificant, harmless family movie, I’ll just go and look for something more sappy.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Charlie St. Cloud" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/12/38/11123873_det.jpg" width="88" height="139" />Charlie St. Cloud</strong></p> <p>Yup, this is pretty much all I’d see from a Nicholas Sparks, but wait! The twist here is that it <em>isn’t</em> written by Nicholas Sparks. Well hey, any movie that wants to be inspirational but isn’t written by Nicholas Sparks is already a plus in my book!</p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 425px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:81a0ed74-e06f-44da-b11e-8535ccc824b4" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="10517e1e-ba06-4359-94d5-8751c7a1a6a5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze6M7EbB0R4&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEp2ieo1viI/AAAAAAAACXA/EhlPGNN0arE/video802b2edae59f%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('10517e1e-ba06-4359-94d5-8751c7a1a6a5'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ze6M7EbB0R4&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ze6M7EbB0R4&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p>But… hmm… something just feels a little out of place for me. So the story’s about these two close brothers who like baseball but one of them ends up dying in an accident and big brother (Zac Efron) can’t let go of him, and so for some reason little brother goes back from the grave and becomes his conscience and imaginary friend. When Charlie meets the girl of his dreams though, he suffers from conflict: should he choose his dead brother or his girl? Bros before hoes?</p> <p>Whatever the case, the whole affair feels a bit overly sappy and looks as if it wants to cash in on the <em>Dear John</em> crowd, instead of actually being a complex drama about a boy coming-of-age trying to get over the death of his beloved brother and holding on to childhood. The fact that the trailer spills everything there is to care about the plot doesn’t help either.</p> <p>This is definitely for the DVD crowd.</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Dinner for Schmucks" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/10/95/55/10955547_det.jpg" width="144" height="213" />Dinner for Schmucks</strong></p> <p>I love Steve Carell and I like Paul Rudd. Is this movie geared for me for once?</p> <p>Mmm…</p> <p>No.</p> <p>Or at least I don’t think so.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6d157808-c3bc-44d3-8d90-b77a89e3e8d8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="2b410519-e76e-4fdc-a04f-b64c15a9eb7a" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FHlvEc3vaE&hl=en_US&fs=1" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEp2jMAESUI/AAAAAAAACXE/nYQzwM5FEiA/video32978d7c971f%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('2b410519-e76e-4fdc-a04f-b64c15a9eb7a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-FHlvEc3vaE&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-FHlvEc3vaE&hl=en_US&fs=1&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><em>Dinner for Schmucks</em> is essentially a remake of a comedy that is about this guy who wants to get a promotion but before he does he has to go through a dinner meeting with his superiors. Sounds simple enough. But if the dinner involves bringing the biggest idiot and gaining bragging rights if one ever wins, it could pose a bit of a problem for Paul Rudd’s character. Fortunately enough, he literally runs into an “idiot” in the form of Steve Carell and they become “buddies” who Paul Rudd could use so he can pretty much pull off a win and get a promotion. This somehow gets him in hot water with his girlfriend, and well, maybe Rudd and Carell’s characters may even become friends at some point. One thing’s for sure though: I didn’t laugh at the trailer even once. Maybe it’s my crappy sound system, maybe it’s because I sleep at 3 and woke up at 9, but it’s just… not very funny for me.</p> <p>Perhaps the closest thing to that is Zach Galifianakis… however you spell that guy’s last name.</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-12876393943101963482010-07-17T16:26:00.001+08:002010-07-17T16:26:08.408+08:00Movies Opening This Week: In Soviet Russia, Children Adopt You<p style="clear: both">I seriously cannot remember the last time I saw Angelina Jolie in a major action flick kicking ass by herself (hell, I think it's been 2-3 years) so it comes as a somewhat welcome surprise that the UN ambassador is back in:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEFpEn5CyjI/AAAAAAAACWw/Zf8I5LSw_j0/s800/10927520_pro1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEFpEZP1K1I/AAAAAAAACWs/L0yl2uiIbss/s800/10927520_pro1-thumb.jpg" height="178" align="left" width="120" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Salt</strong><br />Even if she's in the UN, her role involves an international conspiracy set up by the Russians. Whether she's been framed or not, the authorities are after her due to accusations of being a Russian spy sent to kill the president, and it's a good thing she doesn't have adopted children, nor Brad Pitt, to keep her down.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QZ40WlshNwU&hl=en_US&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QZ40WlshNwU&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I've watched an earlier trailer of this movie and frankly I think this one's a bit more exciting, a bit better. I don't know whether it's my current mood that's dictating that but there's something about it that feels both awesome, and just emotionally devoid of danger or risk. It's kind of like Bourne without the thrills.</p><p style="clear: both">But really, it's just Jolie in her element: kicking ass and proving herself once again that it only takes a bee-stung lip to be awesome.</p><p style="clear: both">While Jolie's back up and kicking ass, Brad Pitt's probably distracting their children with:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEFpFmGJohI/AAAAAAAACW4/Icfwz3mxZMQ/s800/10953475_pro1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TEFpFVl93bI/AAAAAAAACW0/pYSH1wBNgME/s800/10953475_pro1-thumb.jpg" height="150" align="left" width="110" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Ramona and Beezus</strong><br />I've never heard of any "classic children's literature" based on those names before. They just sound alien, or maybe a contrived kid-friendly version of the expression "Jesus Christ". Whatever the case, this Selena Gomez vehicle is clearly aimed at the tween market, but I think it's also trying- maybe even a bit too hard- to appeal to audiences other than that.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsspoW7rSR4&hl=en_US&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gsspoW7rSR4&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I've a good feeling that it won't be particularly bad, but I can't say it's interesting either. It's all going to depend on whether the little girl headlining the actual thing (Joel... something or other) will be adorable enough to make it click. I can't see much of that right now, but I have a feeling that it'll just be "adequate". It won't be anything disruptive, it won't do much after its first week at the box office, and I'm willing to bet it didn't cost much either.</p><p style="clear: both">I think it would work better on DVD, as a background movie while you're cleaning.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-91879526284551151282010-07-17T08:53:00.001+08:002010-07-17T08:53:58.061+08:00Apple addresses antenna issues... kind of<p style="clear: both">In a surprise move, Apple invited media outlets to attend an impromptu press conference to address the increasingly loud antenna complaints that are coming from all over the... markets that the iPhone is officially sold in. The last straw was probably when Consumer Reports advised against getting an iPhone only because of the antenna issues.</p><p style="clear: both">Really, the issue can be reproduced with other phones, but the thing is, in real world usage, there's not much about it that affects anything. Those who want the signal to attenuate are the ones who will intentionally place his finger/s on the death spot. It's only more pronounced on the iPhone 4.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VKIcaejkpD4&hl=en_US&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VKIcaejkpD4&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>After playing the YouTube song (found above), Steve Jobs went on to business about the iPhone with numbers and statistics that really seem weird for me. I don't know, it's just skepticism. Whatever the case, it's still a good thing that Apple's plan is to give out free bumpers (however crappy they are) to all iPhone 4 customers until September 30, and are not planning a total recall (which would overly humiliate the company). If you still don't like the iPhone 4 with the bumper and the non-attenuation of the signal, you can have your money back.</p><p style="clear: both">That's actually a great deal.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-34626460588812860212010-07-15T23:41:00.003+08:002010-07-15T23:42:56.603+08:00Droid X Self-Destructs in 5...As Apple is getting some flack for its (apparently internally known) antenna issues, Motorola has also been getting some much more well-deserved derision by tech media because of a new development that was found about its newly released Droid X today.<br />
<br />
In the Android platform, Google gives you the option to 'root' the operating system, which basically enables the user to gain access to the filesystem, ala jailbreaking for the iOS. Despite the open philosophy of Android however, Motorola has opted to place a hardware de-activator that shuts your phone and turns it into a useless brick until it's sent for repair.<br />
<br />
It basically reads the entire phone to detect any 'unauthorized modifications' and makes it self-destruct. For good.<br />
<br />
Hell, at least Apple doesn't shut down iOS devices for good. This one's kind of out of line and deserving of its own class action suit, because not only does it void a consumer's warranty, it also doesn't let a consumer USE his own phone which is the reason why he bought it in the first place.<br />
<br />
And yet, of course, Moto is not Apple. They will have it good and Apple will get all the attention- enough to even warrant an unexpected press conference. Just for an antenna. Just for something that can be resolved with a cheap case, maybe even some electrical tape.<br />
<br />
But the worst part in all of this? I was actually rooting for this phone.<br />
<br />
<br />
- mobile blogging modeKevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-48330987017025535312010-07-13T20:19:00.001+08:002010-07-13T20:52:19.470+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Just. Watch. It.Normally, I'd do a little introduction that forms a segueway toward the several few movies seeing release in theaters this week, however, there's really only one movie that's worth watching, and yes, it's...<br />
<br />
<b>Inception</b><br />
<br />
I'm going totally barebones on this one. No trailer, no synopsis, hell, not even a poster. All your brain needs is to be open, and functional. Hell, if it's half as good as they say it is, you won't even regret doing anything.<br />
<br />
I'm saving you the crime of having to watch the trailer, because I yielded to its awesomeness. Yes, I'm stoked for it, but that doesn't mean you should spoil yourself the details (and... awesomeness) that the movie entails. I mean, wouldn't it be so much better if you didn't know anything about a movie and really, really loved it?<br />
<br />
(I'm getting into the new Digg feed thing. Sorry for the inconvenient code: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14px;">b69e7615b21a4559a989b37e8671bee1)</span>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-235824909695291802010-07-07T20:00:00.001+08:002010-07-07T20:00:49.939+08:00Apps Weekly: Tilt to Live + Secret of Monkey Island 2: Special Edition<p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8-wZyhCoGpZIqcN6uXLvqTa1jlnzu0B1q_gS9m5dOjpgSLmitsGA31eQ4jvCBPQjxondrkgcDDR3zVdTDfYsHR3qivaIrbcL156oBCX3eOyc7C6S6x4BYXqr4nhuqI_baAVAMhD3pNLA/s800/Picture_1.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsDEXOnHI/AAAAAAAACVw/YkN7YsqECLo/s800/Picture_1-thumb.png" height="176" align="left" width="172" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tilt-to-live/id335454448?mt=8">Tilt to Live</a><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tilt-to-live/id335454448?mt=8">$1.99</a><br /></strong>One Man Left Studios<br />Rated 9+, compatible with iOS 2.2.1 or later</p><p style="clear: both">One of my all-time favorite games for the iPod touch thus far is this <em>Geometry Wars</em> inspired title, and it's so unfortunate if you didn't get to download it for free. Whatever the case, <em>Tilt to Live</em> is just addictive and tons of fun, and most definitely worth the $1.99 entry fee.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsK9jzPlI/AAAAAAAACWA/D5kzqEOla3Y/s800/IMG_0514.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsJ48WaiI/AAAAAAAACV4/0iiWqEkgy8c/s800/IMG_0514-thumb.png" height="254" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>This game basically lets you embark upon a simple task: <em>kill all red dots in sight</em>. Doesn't sound much fun, until you factor in the tons of cool power-ups the game throws at you as well as the achievements you can get. It's ridiculous how long you'll want to play this game, because, personally, I just can't stop.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsODETEwI/AAAAAAAACWI/tNZhl3E8hao/s800/IMG_0520.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlmn4xRHAhta29dTWvFbaWP6OpnUotjzcgUDlWuhFbLIpYFlxkjV76sUqMY9R6FTHcQwhlbUkvR4PztmiEjMI0BdTT-a2MAYWh03_UNHW4CfRtgPv-_J-WhsLvSrN6qJ5IM-guWDp5Ybj/s800/IMG_0520-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>What makes it different from the vector-based <em>Geometry Wars</em> is not only in the aesthetic and controls (which is clearly tilt-based, more on that later), but also with the fact that the game just has a great sense of humor. It's visible every time you open the app, because its load screens always have something different (and funny) to see every damn time.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsQym1npI/AAAAAAAACWQ/eSOIwaqMcis/s800/IMG_0513.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsPVL1l4I/AAAAAAAACWM/nq-_nZvlZs4/s800/IMG_0513-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>The achievements are also just littered with insane but humorous tasks you can embark upon if you ever wish to unlock more weapons. I mean, there's even a <em>Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</em> reference when you get to maintain a combo.</p><p style="clear: both">Unlike other tilt-based games, the developer just has the controls down to a T. It feels tight, and the game provides a few different options for control depending on your position. Whether you standing up, sitting down, lying in bed, or God knows what other position, you can readily calibrate the game to your liking, and for the most part, it always works.</p><p style="clear: both">For now, you have 3 game types to play with, and all of them offer a great deal of challenge and perfect gameplay when you're on the move or waiting in line.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsTyEMKBI/AAAAAAAACWY/e9zKm1FpEvA/s800/IMG_0515.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsSkBnoBI/AAAAAAAACWU/erq2-9nilGU/s800/IMG_0515-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>It's recommended that you warm yourself up first with Classic mode which deals you with a small number of enemies at first, but increases as the game goes along. Code Red, as stated in its description, is Classic mode on crack. This is the mode that you'll want to go to either if you're completely sadomasochistic, or kind of bored by the slow start of Classic mode. I know I am.</p><p style="clear: both">Gauntlet is a radically different mode from these two, because it doesn't involve killing dots, it just involves evading and analyzing their patterns. It's like Pacifism for <em>Geometry Wars</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">These three game modes don't actually end right there. The developers constantly release updates that keep gameplay fresh and new, with a new game mode on the way even. Obviously, with the way I'm raving about this game, this is 2 dollars well spent, and it even out-values some of the other games in the App Store, because the quality and sheer likability of this one just works so well.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rating</em>: 9.4/10</p><p style="clear: both">Just released is the sequel to the re-made <em>Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition</em>, <em>Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge</em>. Basically, this game gives the 2nd game of the much beloved point-and-click adventure series a huge high-res artwork boost alongside the same nostalgic gameplay and sharp writing. Oh, and there's voice acting as well.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjo7NGmvd3Tyvq7JNTQR6Pp8we7C13eV89z3ExGQK7P-1ZR-TzZd78MOMg1yxJQ4zHjfs45LBRwtOebEYfV0uPmwnp9A00dfDDMv9zwneigf4RUDLpRHuXbZS8d4Ij9dm2qmK_R14nrV3e/s800/IMG_0097-300x1.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHNwcWVzQMtiIRIdtKWKCysTUvnoTtOnxe74gkLTb0_mUCGecZE06EnTIpBYou7s5VFM_cK8keGZdRw6LPdH0bp2DNkF-k1y8qYX1LcTgz8u0eXSdJvb5LehQikKxdWJK7r_6OutE0kHQ/s800/IMG_0097-300x1-thumb.png" height="225" width="300" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Shockingly <em>not</em> a universal binary for iPhone and iPad, this game features refined controls, an excellent guidance system, and the trademark two-finger-swipe that reverts the game to its original, throwback look. </p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsZtE-JDI/AAAAAAAACWo/uDryoyiVgyg/s800/mzl.ofnufbsg.480x480-1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TDRsYkbjnpI/AAAAAAAACWk/4W17gjGtpz8/s800/mzl-thumb.ofnufbsg.480x480-1.jpg" height="285" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Honestly, I haven't even finished the first one so I'm not picking this up any time soon, but LucasArts has released the game in Lite and Paid versions, with the iPhone version costing $7.99 and the iPad version $9.99.</p><p style="clear: both">If you were a fan of the old game, you might as well be on iTunes downloading it right now.</p><p style="clear: both">iPhone [<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/monkey-island-2-special-edition/id375901588?mt=8">link</a>], iPad [<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/monkey-island-2-special-edition/id376928597?mt=8">link</a>]</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-6206276450060554252010-07-04T19:32:00.000+08:002010-07-04T19:32:55.725+08:00Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Review<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TC_qiwpO4gI/AAAAAAAACVs/N9FuABZKbpc/s800/1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TC_qiSkCe8I/AAAAAAAACVo/BiWqMbtCcMA/s800/1-thumb.jpg" height="213" align="left" width="144" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time</strong><br />Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley<br />Directed by Mike Newell<br />Walt Disney Pictures</p><p style="clear: both">Much can be said about the fabled history of video game adaptations. The illustrious likes of the now-infamous Uwe Boll to the failed exploits of Milla Jovovich in the increasingly frustrating <em>Resident Evil </em>films are just some of the more notable points of the medium's young history. When Jordan Mechner- the original mastermind behind the famous 2D platformer- announced a movie deal that was struck with Disney for a <em>Prince of Persia </em>adaptation, I was shocked, cautiously optimistic, and indifferent- in that order.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Sands of Time </em>has a lot going for it: Mechner conceived the idea for a more screen-oriented story based on the rather good story of the video game trilogy that inspired it, a rather decent director Mike Newell was at the helm, and Jerry Bruckheimer was backing it seriously with his gargantuan finances. But now, you say, what could go wrong?</p><p style="clear: both">Well, it's not that there's anything technically <em>wrong</em>, it's just that everything feels <em>barely</em> <em>correct</em>. It's like, just as long as <em>setpiece A</em> and <em>plot point X</em> was done, the rest wouldn't even matter; it's like the whole crew wasn't even going for anything special or unique despite a high budget.</p><p style="clear: both">In short, it's just plain ol' mediocrity on full display.</p><p style="clear: both">Good movies are easy to love. Bad movies are easy to hate (or ironically love). Mediocre movies that are aimless and ambition-less? They're not even worth the time. The entire movie is basically Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton talking for the sake of talking, battling for the sake of battling, and not rewinding for the sake of staging awkward conflict. True, the sand in the movie's McGuffin- the dagger of time- is limited and thus must be used wisely, but there's not an actual sense of danger and despair over the dagger's potential to destroy the world. Nor is there any danger to the main villain- who is clearly made up to be regarded as such.</p><p style="clear: both">And by that I mean Sir Ben Kingsley who makes an appearance here as an uninteresting villain who hires a spy and creates a conspiracy in his brother's kingdom just so he can claim the throne. At first people trust him, but come on, he wears evil villain make-up, clearly <em>someone</em> in the palace should at least have an uneasy amount of suspicion around him. Hell, with eyeliner so sinister, the only thing that would make the guy even more evil is if his role was just given to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.</p><p style="clear: both">In a move of uninspired, badly sequenced flashbacks, his motivation is explained, in a manner as if to say, "Well hey, at least our villain has <em>some kind of </em>motive!" and the way that the hero just formulates this motive is just full of B.S. for it feels as if he just pulled it out of his buttocks.</p><p style="clear: both">I have no apprehension about giving a name to the usually nameless hero, but I do have to exercise a bit of restraint with the casting choice of a clearly white American. Jake Gyllenhaal, usually a pretty decent actor, is kind of uninteresting and not charismatic here. He's only "adequate enough" for the role and is simply a constant reminder for the film's penchant to settle for mediocrity. Fine, maybe he <em>did</em> do his own parkour, but whenever he does anything related to a stunt, it just appears unbelievable, because the film also has a thing for constantly using slow-motion and fast-motion that it isn't even funny. Hell, it's not even like Zack Snyder who uses much of his excessive slow-mo in an elegant way, it's just slow-mo for the heck of slow-mo. That, in addition to motion blur, makes things look unconvincing... as if the movie wasn't such a huge green screen already!</p><p style="clear: both">Also a bit of a negligible character: Tamina. She's the princess that's attached to Dastan's journey to guard the dagger, and she's played by Gemma Arterton. Unfortunately, she just can't plain act. There's nothing endearing, likable, or charming about the character, because there's no personality to even like... unless beauty is a personality. Last time I saw a movie with a person who used her beauty as her personality, it involved robots with balls.</p><p style="clear: both">If there's really anything to like about this movie, it may well be the cinematography. There are some moments in the film that are pretty well-shot, and the apparent production value makes the film look initially epic overall. Some scenes suffer from a lack of polish in the special effects department, but overall, the movie looks good enough aesthetically.</p><p style="clear: both">Maybe there was a benchmark that was observed during the making of this film. Maybe the producers only settled to make the film "tolerable enough" or "excellent enough for a video game movie". Granted, this film is head and shoulders above much of the <em>Street Fighter</em>'s and <em>Alone in the Dark</em>'s out there, but as a self-contained, classic swashbuckling adventure film? It just doesn't match up, not because it's bad or unentertaining, but because it just doesn't aim high. It's more than watchable, but it doesn't get any more than just that.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rating</em>: 6/10</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-36323264373377468762010-07-02T20:31:00.001+08:002010-07-02T20:31:12.916+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Dark Side of the Moon<p style="clear: both">It's hard to classify anti-heroes. Are they just badass heroes? Protagonists who don't happen to care about fatalities? Guys who don't give a crap but suddenly save the world? Or is an anti-hero like the guy in...</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TC3cA-GRXjI/AAAAAAAACVc/QsOqUM1dY8g/s800/10937347_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYmGwDdW6Orx0Bn5Na47u542EipPAjsbHplAcJtxyywKiifqUiDkfiRuAvdGaajInDFq5Wk56Z_WqWs23CJ_91td24UW0IQViC6NMkuuttjlF0_ciENJjCfy-45n-xG6a5mbmQuSCidxr/s800/10937347_det1-thumb.jpg" height="268" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Despicable Me<br /></strong>Steve Carell stars as a supervillain named Gru who happens to be the movie's protagonist, which somewhat confuses me. I mean, Gru wants to take over the world but in the process he'll have to eliminate other threats who are, on their own, threats to the world as well, so he's saving the world so he can conquer it. But then again, Gru fails a lot of the time, so the only thing he'll have to do without much resistance by other supervillains is to... take the moon.</p><p style="clear: both">Yeah, you heard me right.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tikthjwNUBw&hl=en_US&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tikthjwNUBw&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Fine, fine, it's an innocent enough motive for evil. Good for kids since it doesn't involve much death, since well, it's just the moon. Hell, if Gru wants to establish his own Death Star, maybe getting the moon would have a point, but maybe I'm just overthinking things.</p><p style="clear: both">Whatever the case, the movie looks decent enough. Okay, but not great, not even good. It's probably more about the money that's gonna be raked in by the 3D, and the stuffed toys (minions, duh) and so on and so on. Who knows though? It might be better than the trailers make it out to be. I mean, for me, the premise is too much like a Jackie Chan movie, if you know what I mean. Hell, maybe even a Vin Diesel or an Arnold. Case made short: the plot is a bit too familiar. But maybe, just maybe, the movie might actually be good... although the last few <em>Ice Age</em>'s weren't too good.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TC3cB-Cy85I/AAAAAAAACVk/mKxuYt0st-4/s800/11127500_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TC3cBpYlEII/AAAAAAAACVg/RhEirPnFeno/s800/11127500_det1-thumb.jpg" height="216" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Predators</strong><br />What <em>does</em> look good is this movie, produced by <em>Robert Rodriguez</em>, and it's pretty much about a few people who have to survive the onslaught of the titular monsters, or die. The cast is rounded up with some pretty good names: <em>Laurence Fishburne </em>and <em>Adrien Brody</em>, especially. I'm a bit uneasy about <em>Nimrod Antal</em> in the director's chair, but I'm pretty sure Rodriguez' script and creative control will do the trick and hit a home run in the reinvention of what may well be a potential new franchise.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9u8vZwvP57Y&hl=en_US&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9u8vZwvP57Y&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>The movie feels visceral, and the trailer is actually pretty well-cut together. It actually got a few chills down my spine for me, so it's hard not to be excited about this cool-looking movie. I recommend staying tuned for this one.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-44342276776044031552010-06-27T17:24:00.000+08:002010-06-27T17:24:00.246+08:003 Clicks for Health<p style="clear: both">So I was going to the Yahoo! home page for kicks when I saw an article about Universal's new "<em>Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey</em>" theme park ride. Granted, there's nothing relevant for anyone living here (in the PH) to care about, but at least there's something to be said about devoted fans willing to exercise and eat healthy because of something that remotely even promotes these activities.</p><p style="clear: both">The thing about this ride is, unlike Disneyland's <em>It's a Small World</em> ride, Universal is enforcing some rather stringent rules regarding safety, for the sake of, you know, less money to burn due to class action suits. The thing is that in this ride, if the restraint clicks three times, a person can be deemed qualified to ride. Knowing America, there are probably a lot of people who are too plus-sized to fit these seats, and while there are those who aren't big enough fans to man up and actually lose weight (and instead resort to bitching in the Interwebs), there are still quite a few cases of people who are truly dedicated to this intellectual property and willing to eat healthy if it meant experiencing something that could potentially give him <em>some</em> sort of status upgrade.</p><p style="clear: both">While the reasons are kind of... well, creepy and cultish, <em>Harry Potter</em> isn't anything dangerous to latch onto if it means people getting into losing some. You could say that as the books were able to build a huge readership of young children (and plain get them into reading), the ride may or may not be a big catalyst of children living healthy.</p><p style="clear: both">In the end, maybe I'm making too big a deal of this.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-84727180301567544532010-06-26T02:18:00.000+08:002010-06-26T02:18:00.625+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Supernatural Love Triangle<p style="clear: both">"Why are you so against me to come with you?" said Bella Swan.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18xDX9G_rRkezhFmQz8uU6zlr5H-XDf8FAPt6kg_xRfF1teAgM6LT3sQAv-vDw558MyWPFwGe0joiNOi0GuhYtx_JwirzbteIncImuFRDz3E6p-TpheXLQT65BlsOJ2Ij7Iwp1gm7Tsmg/s800/11125287_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCL-nc2gFVI/AAAAAAAACU4/bN0VfAje8cE/s800/11125287_det1-thumb.jpg" height="266" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>The Twilight Saga: Eclipse</strong><br />Come on, I don't want to beat around the bush. This looks like crap, although I have to admit, it looks like the strongest entry to date.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/grCQM1Cs_N8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/grCQM1Cs_N8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Of course, you can't really say much about the word "strong" in this context.</p><p style="clear: both">But really, what else is there aside from the much-shown vampires vs. werewolves setpiece that will actually interest the fans? You can't really fault Summit for opting to show more of the same staring (oh wait, that's Stephenie Meyer's fault too) but the brooding is just tiring to watch. Fine, fine, I've avoided watching the so-called "saga" like the plague, but I'm conscious enough about the pop culture to know that, yes, <em>Twilight</em>'s main attraction is staring... and shirtless Taylor Lautner.</p><p style="clear: both">To say that Robert Pattinson is even a marketable face is debatable, but really, I can't find anything fresh and new about this installment. I mean, yes, the Harry Potter series is sort of the like this, but at least <em>that</em> series introduces new concepts in its world regularly that keeps it somewhat fresh (eg, Triwizard Tournament in Potter 4, Umbridge in Potter 5, the Inferi and Horcruxes in Potter 6).</p><p style="clear: both">I propose that there should be a bold new direction in <em>Breaking Dawn</em>, which as I've heard is already full of explicit content that isn't as fit to market to the tweens. Why not push it further and create an even more complicated supernatural love <em>rectangle</em> by putting that Dakota Fanning Volturi character in the mix. I mean, come on, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5phrdiCDEJU" title="no srsly">they've done it before</a>. It won't be exposed in the trailer, and people will be surprised. Word will spread and a whole new audience will be introduced. Even if that new audience will be an audience of pervs, Summit will earn more money, Twilight will get more publicity, and everyone will be scrambling to make a contrived sequel to <em>Breaking Dawn</em>. Man, I should be working at Summit.</p><p style="clear: both">To cleanse the palate, let's go for an animated ride with monkeys... in space.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCL-pYbifiI/AAAAAAAACVE/s-mi6_FT6Cc/s800/11121826_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCL-o1hSr6I/AAAAAAAACVA/uIq_QsE2jc4/s800/11121826_det1-thumb.jpg" height="233" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back</strong><br />I never knew there was a market for a sequel to <em>Space Chimps</em> but, well, there it is. In theaters and not in home video (where it really belongs).</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmT-SnTsg4s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MmT-SnTsg4s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>After wasting time rambling on about the politics of <em>Twilight</em>, I can't really say anything about this one anymore. I'm just baffled to see that the first one even made a profit. And they had the creative funding to develop a new character. And it's in 3D.</p><p style="clear: both">Maybe... it's just because it's an underwhelming new release compared to, I don't know, a PIXAR FILM?!</p><p style="clear: both">Whatever the case, people will become indecisive by the inherent awesomeness that the <em>real</em> alternative to <em>Twilight</em> this week will offer, and that alternative is:</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDfYyGmXG9gxey4bTomviSvbPew_ThuId1JQprO4A5p_QKPawno-iHK76tpDHW4fuxh_IVOE_COcdd1C-XLmL-2QGbOL1_IwqrNjlhfNH48p0rMmyCb3nzVDhirXuW7hO5Atbf_i6j8ZN/s800/11123067_det1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCL-qKBvk7I/AAAAAAAACVI/mftwoP_jzfw/s800/11123067_det1-thumb.jpg" height="266" align="left" width="180" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>The Last Airbender</strong><br />I don't mind removing "<em>Avatar</em>" from the title, even though people will keep saying that title instead of "<em>The Last Airbender</em>". Why? Because a lot of people are really fond of the Nickelodeon animated series that came before it.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_CWNb9zA9U&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_CWNb9zA9U&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>But the more significant fact that springs from the movie is that <em>M. Night Shyamalan</em>, a once-respected director, might actually become legitimate again. Yes, yes, there's a lot of racebending happening with the cast behind the scenes, but a lot of movie looks visually faithful to the source material nonetheless, and it's still an epic summer movie whichever way you look at it. In short, it will have a pedestrian story but a magnificent aesthetic. Despite the apparent choice of style over substance, this is still gearing up to be a great summer movie to watch out for.</p><p style="clear: both">And hey, if the story really <em>is</em> good, then that's a huge double whammy for everybody concerned.</p><p style="clear: both">Although the fact that it's being upconverted to 3D at the last minute really worries me...</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-2284127768243246432010-06-25T14:02:00.001+08:002010-06-25T14:05:49.691+08:00iPhone 4: You're Holding Me Wrong<p style="clear: both">A product with a launch that's as insane as the radically new iPhone 4 is obviously not without its issues. Some could say that the phone was even rushed from the factory to market, so obviously, there could be a few defects here and there.</p><p style="clear: both">2 large issues plague the iPhone 4 right now, and one of them's actually a non-issue. Can you guess which one?</p><p style="clear: both">It's the yellow blots on the screen.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCRGaVLyEuI/AAAAAAAACVU/XQZRsofQE4k/s800/112948-iphone_4_discoloration_1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCRGZtPMGVI/AAAAAAAACVQ/rHKCJbya5VI/s800/112948-iphone_4_discoloration_1-thumb.jpg" height="142" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>People have reported tons upon tons of yellowish screens over the past few hours and have obviously become up-in-arms about it. But the real thing about this is that it's just manufacturing residue that should've faded away long before shipment. Obviously, phones affected with the yellow spots were rushed from the factory, and people have almost universally been reporting that the distraction that detracted from the charm of the Retina Display has been fading over time. So yes, it is a non-issue, especially for countries that aren't receiving their iPhone 4's until next month.</p><p style="clear: both">But another issue could be a bit of a long-standing one that's due to Apple's new exterior antenna design. Basically, if you hold one part of the iPhone 4 (lower-left side), the service will worsen, and even drop calls at some point. It was first speculated as a display issue because calls were not dropped, but as the issue went out of hand, Steve Jobs issued a response to this phenomenon, saying that it too is a non-issue.</p><p style="clear: both">"Just avoid holding it in that way," the CEO said.</p><p style="clear: both">The phenomenon is now called the "iPhone Death Grip" apparently, and it only happens when you cover the iPhone 4 with your hand and block the lower-left side. It's easily alleviated by Apple's own bumpers or any third-party protective case, so hey, if you can afford an iPhone, you might as well buy something to protect it with.</p><p style="clear: both">Apologists have gone on record to explain that even other phones like Google's own Nexus One has these antenna problems, but they just aren't covered as much because, well, they're not Apple.</p><p style="clear: both">Apple has adopted Steve Jobs' e-mail as an official response, saying: "Gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone. If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases."</p><p style="clear: both">So bottom line, get a case, or hold it ass-backwards.</p><p style="clear: both">But really now, if there truly are issues with other phones (Google Nexus One, Nokias, etc.) then this might as well be considered as an issue taken out of proportion (or just more noticeable).</p><p style="clear: both">I'm betting new shipments in the second half of July will have better performance, so suffice it to say, shipments to countries other than the countries that have the iPhone 4 right now will most likely have better antenna resistance, or whatever you call it.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-39965401293174242082010-06-24T13:41:00.001+08:002010-06-24T13:41:47.409+08:00Apps Weekly: Rolando 2 + Farmville<p style="clear: both">I've had this game put on hold for a while. I planned to review it almost a year ago and always managed to put it off in place of other, newer iPhone apps.</p><p style="clear: both">But it was about time I reviewed this long-time favorite.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLvv173XMI/AAAAAAAACT0/e3Y3zu8W_ps/s800/Picture_1.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLvq1_MYcI/AAAAAAAACTw/5NCDicPzZcc/s800/Picture_1-thumb.png" height="180" align="left" width="175" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Rolando 2: The Quest for the Golden Orchid</strong><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/rolando-2-quest-for-golden/id321084051?mt=8">$4.99</a><br />ngmoco, Hand Circus<br />Rated 4+, iOS 2.2.1 or later</p><p style="clear: both">Considered one of the iPhone's killer games, the original <em>Rolando</em> was at best, an uninspired platformer that borrows heavily from the likes of <em>Loco Roco</em>. Heck, it even controls with tilt. I never really bothered to finish it, because I got bored with it, so with <em>Rolando 2</em> I hesitantly got it and it was a large, large, large improvement.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlBh1WwYVuU5a3xbfn-BEhyphenhyphenmqrHUeg9EQWXaDjIT8a-v4I2byp2-3CyxXpI8fkx23j4owgWecPjCj02kmbH_zPxswSnQX8vJXyyqOfC9f3r7KuCUJAv6XtdVNNPa2bXsld3VXCFWXPOxW/s800/IMG_0051.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLvxkv94kI/AAAAAAAACT4/Uy5vavaiujE/s800/IMG_0051-thumb.png" height="254" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>From the get-go, you'll see that the game looks significantly better than its predecessor. The background is rendered with 3D elements, and it'll pop out and move while you tilt. Here you have the Rolando kingdom becoming threatened by some evil prince who wants to overthrow the king and become tyranny of the land. Suffice it to say, the story is nothing special; it's the gameplay that really shines.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv1dYiS5I/AAAAAAAACUE/ZZeV6uDZW6M/s800/IMG_0053.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv0U9-mjI/AAAAAAAACUA/4zXLThKXLoc/s800/IMG_0053-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Featuring weapons and environmental thingamajigs, <em>Rolando 2</em> is definitely no slouch when it comes to variety, which the first one kind of lacked. It doesn't put more focus on the drawing aspects (which tend to get pretty messy) and instead adds a lot of gameplay mechanics that admittedly, are nothing short of awesome.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv34OmICI/AAAAAAAACUM/BArOFP1xSPg/s800/IMG_0056.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv3DWvapI/AAAAAAAACUI/Q9STxvkogwQ/s800/IMG_0056-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>There will be parts when you will charge a power so you could shoot enemies, and there'll be times when you'll have to manipulate some mirrors to solve a puzzle. Each <em>Rolando</em> game emphasizes the point that your finger is an almighty force to be reckoned with, and it's most definitely executed better in this game.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv8Iw5n3I/AAAAAAAACUU/LRmjV9aKYVM/s800/IMG_0060.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv7EdJEqI/AAAAAAAACUQ/mKz3Zh89c8k/s800/IMG_0060-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>What's back are some of those jewels you could collect to gain achievements, and in this one, you'll feel a bit more compelled to get them all.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv-e-pdfI/AAAAAAAACUc/g27frNS1OFU/s800/IMG_0061.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E69uNPHtDJJoh5ZGDtUjqrDRyN_vamUVI7zbw5FG-qwO2u44u4vDGViQxa57BnJKDT5hITno_O5OwC56Sd7njTvbc7CPcsjQHzHtRBx1yo0I10hsp7HSRSqlnvg1mk3y-UhmsRL7Xs-l/s800/IMG_0061-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Along with that are more refined controls and <em>Rolando</em>'s that die less easily. And when you use the Spikey Commando here and go back to the original game, you'll probably prefer the controls in this one.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rolando 2</em> is well worth the $4.99, because it's decently long, with much variety, great platforming, more personality and much more punched-up visuals.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLwAZwHvNI/AAAAAAAACUk/IjvqeTqRoDs/s800/IMG_0052.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLv_vxyKqI/AAAAAAAACUg/gL53wOtwAeg/s800/IMG_0052-thumb.png" height="253" width="378" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>And yes, the excellent music is provided by Mr. Scruff once again.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rating</em>: 9/10</p><p style="clear: both">I won't really delve much into this just-released game, but, sigh, <em>Farmville</em> has arrived to the iPhone.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLwCEkQW0I/AAAAAAAACUs/U0QzdXtQNgw/s800/mzl.bmedqofy.320x480-75-300x1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLwBbLo8YI/AAAAAAAACUo/3hxl5__Bw48/s800/mzl-thumb.bmedqofy.320x480-75-300x1.jpg" height="200" width="300" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Zynga's forces of evil are back to get your money with this deceptively free game, but the upside to those addicted to the game is that you can pretty much check on your farm 24/7 without having to go to your computer (or leave it on all the time). A Facebook account is required, but existing players are granted access to their existing Facebook farms, or they can create a new one from scratch.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD2rgMOBH66rVZM7ZsSXbuQrRrZcwvCQiY5DVPzr4DwHRHSn6uSu9QDEq7KxM0Pft-IiWxOfh0USxFuIt5GSCfRFRM337tL2gAojZNDE7nJ-qXmGVgP4fFHpVob1mzNiddShSU_cn35xY/s800/mzl.rsqwmbvf.320x480-1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TCLwDDUjMgI/AAAAAAAACUw/wyURM-toiN4/s800/mzl-thumb.rsqwmbvf.320x480-1.jpg" height="254" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Harvest this one on <a href="http://toucharcade.com/link/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/farmville-by-zynga/id375562663?mt=8">the App Store</a>, if you're a big fan. Personally I think <em>We Rule</em> from ngmoco has better graphics and more personality. Yes, yes, I haven't played that one either, but clearly the screenshots already say a lot.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-12744109220345335772010-06-21T22:34:00.001+08:002010-06-21T22:34:42.544+08:00iOS 4 to drop any time soon<p style="clear: both">Get your iPods and iPhones ready (lest you're on the 1st generation), Apple's almost dropping the next software update to your devices, and it's a big one.</p><p style="clear: both">iOS 4, the update that brings in multitasking, wallpapers and folders among others was announced a mere few weeks after the iPad was announced. It will ship with the new iPhone 4 this June 24, as well as the special 8GB iPhone 3GS's that are already shipping.</p><p style="clear: both">It's free for both iPhone and iPod touch from 2nd generation and up. Multitasking is only supported in the 3GS and iPod touch 3rd generation.</p><p style="clear: both"></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-4440219373975208552010-06-19T21:41:00.001+08:002010-06-19T21:41:34.205+08:00E3: Sony Moves It Moves It... With Nerdy Glasses<p style="clear: both">Last year, I thought Sony made the best conference, because they offered the promise of motion controls and actual games. This year, well, after watching Nintendo, it's hard to see them top it.</p><p style="clear: both">And I don't think they did. They were close, but they were slightly less awesome than Nintendo. If only because they want to force their glasses on the masses.</p><p style="clear: both">Still Kevin Butler: "Who wants to pretend their hand is a gun? What is this, third grade?" LOL. I do hope he goes out on stage.</p><p style="clear: both">Anyways, after the montage, Jack Tretton comes out on stage and right off the bat, disses Microsoft. "No ponchos."</p><p style="clear: both">From here on, I'm already really excited only because Microsoft's speaker sucked big time.</p><p style="clear: both">Jack Tretton is a huge mile away from that Microsoft dude.</p><p style="clear: both">Anyway, Jack Tretton's tempting me to finally buy a PS3 and highlights a few games. PSP, not so much.</p><p style="clear: both">He segueways into "3D High Definition" and summons Mr. Riiiiiiiidge Racer! to the stage... I mean, Kaz Hirai of course.</p><p style="clear: both">"PS is about innovation and content. In the next year, PS will take both innovation and content to a completely new level. Sony is the undisputed leader in 3D, and what PlayStation did for Blu-ray, it will do for 3D as well," says Hirai. He wants people to buy both a BRAVIA 3DTV and a few games that are compatible with 3D today, and explains that PS3's are already 3D-ready. OK. Now what?</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Killzone 3</em>, of course.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/okJs7g-4rrg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/okJs7g-4rrg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I guess being ambitious with a game is good, but me with my chronic FPS nausea combined with 3D is huge no-no. The audience is urged to wear glasses (sigh...) and well, of course, I can't really give my own impressions of the game. Still, the graphics <em>do</em> look quite good on its own without the 3D gimmickry, and... there are apparently some flying robots you'll be shooting. On a home theatre, I imagine this will be enthralling, but not everyone has a home theatre. Hell, you'll have to be a 3D capable projector for that too. And a few more pairs of $150 glasses. With that money, you could buy a 360, a Live Gold subscription and games.</p><p style="clear: both">But we're not here to trash talk any more of Sony, partly because I hold much faith for the PS3 anyway even if I don't have one.</p><p style="clear: both">Killzone's reaching out to you in 2011, February with PS Move support.</p><p style="clear: both">Hirai goes on to name drop a lot of games that'll be compatible with 3D. The Sly Collection (remastered Sly Cooper trilogy), Mortal Kombat, Shaun White, Tron, etc. Please, I do not want the glasses.</p><p style="clear: both">Sony then wants to sell some 3DTV's by showing a demo reel. Frankly, I don't want to bother embedding a video.</p><p style="clear: both">15th anniversary of the PlayStation and 10th for the PS2. It's the second most-played console last year, but of course, it's hard to say if there's really going to be any more support for new titles. Duh.</p><p style="clear: both">Next is more PlayStation Move sales talk. We've seen the action in GDC, and I wonder what other games they'll be demoing this time.</p><p style="clear: both">Kevin Butler is definitely a huge selling point for this device. Whoops, I mean... uhh... never mind.</p><p style="clear: both">A new game being demoed for the Move is <em>Sorcery</em>. </p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/llAI7lNd6OQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/llAI7lNd6OQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Looks pretty okay, and as always, 1:1 is impressive. There isn't as much jittering as there was in GDC... oh wait, there was some jittering during the potion thing.</p><p style="clear: both">But anyway, there are quite a few creative concepts at play here (ie, I love the "creating a firestorm"), and yeah. It looks pretty decent. Art design doesn't particularly stand out to me for some reason.</p><p style="clear: both">Andrew Wilson for EA Sports is next so he can demo <em>Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XGOqmpcpaA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1XGOqmpcpaA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Who knows if it really controls any differently than, say, the Wii Motion Plus so it's hard to say if Move truly is superior. In the HDTV they were using, there was quite a bit of lag so, a bit iffy really. It got better eventually.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Heroes on the Move </em>makes an appearance as a trailer. Features several Sony mascots like Ratchet, Clank, Jax, Daxter, Sly Cooper, and 2 more I don't know.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1PI9ShG-ZTY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1PI9ShG-ZTY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Coca-Cola is made a partner to advertise Move. There will be a promo that will entitle you to a Move, or some Move games.</p><p style="clear: both">Whatever.</p><p style="clear: both">And then, Kevin Butler comes to the stage. Now things get interesting.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xrmbuJ8vS_s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xrmbuJ8vS_s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Somewhat unscripted, he plays on the motion control trend, Kinect, and more. This dude is awesome. Even if he doesn't game and he says "I love gaming," I'd believe him. FOREVER MAY GAMING REIGN! Dammit, he's the best thing Sony's ever done.</p><p style="clear: both">September is the release window, and the Move will be priced at 50 dollars, while the navigation controller will be 30. A "Sports Champion bundle" will be priced at $100, while a PS3 with Move bundle is #400. On launch, there will be about 15-20 titles for Move.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Time Crisis</em>, <em>Singstar</em>, <em>Echochrome</em>, etc. will be some of those games, while some existing games will get updates for compatibility.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, a video for Move.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KywklJJoJ5s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KywklJJoJ5s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Oh come on, <em>two</em> Move controllers for volleyball? Seriously? There's like a conspiracy in play here. <em>Sports Champions</em>, <em>Start the Party</em>,<em> Singstar</em>,<em> Eyepet</em>,<em> Heroes on the Move</em>, <em>TV Superstars</em>,<em> SOCOM 4</em>, <em>Time Crisis Razing Storm</em>,<em> The Shoot, Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition</em>,<em> Lord of the Rings</em>,<em> Tron Evolution</em>,<em> Sorcery </em>are the games included in the trailer.</p><p style="clear: both">PSP is next. A new ad campaign is unveiled with <em>Peace Walker</em> featured.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sBrhwUWSyDU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sBrhwUWSyDU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>It's called "<em>Meet Marcus</em>". And he's kind of annoying.</p><p style="clear: both">OK, Sony, any<em> games</em>?</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Invizimals</em> is apparently a "major" enough game to market. Meh. Uses augmented reality for pets like <em>Kinectimals</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">But alas, we have <em>God of War: Ghost of Sparta</em>. Ready at Dawn returns to the PSP. There must be hope.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KoHZnYMRfBU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KoHZnYMRfBU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Tretton name drops a few more games, and there will be "70 new titles by December". Look! ModNation! Kingdom Hearts! Hot Shots!</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7UNLRsb5i-M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7UNLRsb5i-M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span><em>The 3rd Birthday</em> looks really interesting.</p><p style="clear: both">Next part of the talk is the rather notorious PSN.</p><p style="clear: both">It hosts some shows like "The Tester" and will be expanding to other countries. PlayStation Home will also have its own version of the Sony E3 booth, and... I guess it's pretty cool?</p><p style="clear: both">Jack Tretton also announced Sony's acquisition of Media Molecule, and that could only mean some more creative exclusives for the PlayStation. After the rather exciting trailer released a few weeks ago, it would be pretty cool to see an actual demo of their promise for "a platform for games".</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O9JmVZTE0As&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O9JmVZTE0As&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I'm surprised there weren't any Move demoes for this game.</p><p style="clear: both">PlayStation Plus is then announced, which takes PSN to the next level. It's a subscription service that promises exclusive content, exclusive betas, Minis, discounts and more. It's $49.99 for a full year. 3 months free for now.</p><p style="clear: both">But will it have good servers and party chat?</p><p style="clear: both">Still, I like <em>Chrono Cross</em> for free.<em> </em>Although it's kind of weird not to match Microsoft's ESPN, Netflix and Facebook offerings.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AQdKppVpw3s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AQdKppVpw3s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>An EA executive is then called to the stage to announce some PS exclusives. <em>Medal of Honor</em> is going to receive some exclusive content apparently.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8LOBZuJ5Ig&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8LOBZuJ5Ig&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>There's going to be a multiplayer map, and the beta will be available June 21. There will be a remastered version of Medal of Honor Frontline.</p><p style="clear: both">Next: <em>Dead Space 2</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g1h4xe5DW3g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g1h4xe5DW3g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>That is intense, kind of creepy even. Damn, I have to finish the first one, pronto.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Dead Space 2 Limited Edition</em> will include <em>Dead Space Extraction</em> with Move support. For PS3. He goes on to mention all the other major EA franchises. Well, how about <em>Mass Effect</em>? Yeah, thought so.</p><p style="clear: both">Next: GLaDOS!</p><p style="clear: both">HOLY CRAP. VALVE. GABE NEWELL.</p><p style="clear: both">He's eating his words as he speaks.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wLt2E1hLDXQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wLt2E1hLDXQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>The cake is not a lie: <em>Portal 2</em> is coming to the PS3. "It's been a long time. How have you been?"</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Portal 2 </em>looks insane. Even though I suffered massive nausea with the first one, I still really loved it. Kudos to Sony for actually negotiating with Valve instead of poo-pooing it.</p><p style="clear: both">Next is <em>Final Fantasy XIV Online</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/u17J0I8UN8A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/u17J0I8UN8A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>It's an MMO much like <em>Final Fantasy XI</em>, and apparently it's pretty much PS3 exclusive unlike its predecessor.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Mafia II</em> is name-dropped, and will feature day-one exclusive DLC for PS3.</p><p style="clear: both">Ubisoft is next and expanding <em>Assassin's Creed</em> with <em>Assassin's Creed Brotherhood</em>. It will feature a multiplayer mode, and will only have a PS3 beta.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JF9aA7ACneI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JF9aA7ACneI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Well, that's a lot of exclusives.</p><p style="clear: both">A PS3 games reel is shown next, because Sony wants people to remember that no, <em>CoD</em> is not 360-exclusive, <em>MGS Rising</em> is not 360-exclusive and <em>Madden</em> is most definitely not 360-exclusive.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XUFrDN5uAeA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XUFrDN5uAeA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>A lot of them titles intrigue me highly.</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Gran Turismo 5</em> the title that's been exhibited around since God-knows-when is getting featured <em>again</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hxfNb4d3bPY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hxfNb4d3bPY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Graphics look absurdly realistic. Top Gear videos a nice touch.</p><p style="clear: both">Concrete release date, please? Oh look, finally: November 2, 2010. Absurd.</p><p style="clear: both">Sucker Punch Studios is up next for <em>inFamous 2</em>. Cole's back and more electrifying than ever.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2uAMnsqqI-0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2uAMnsqqI-0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Looks like he has ice powers, that's... wait for it, <em>cool</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBzJA_Rp8TI/AAAAAAAACTs/4x-5FITQfZ0/s800/1.gif" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBzI_toPfhI/AAAAAAAACTo/tuOqIZ8Ou8I/s800/1-thumb.gif" height="460" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Another trailer is shown. An ad for what though?</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bMaJIggZ1Pg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bMaJIggZ1Pg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span><em>Twisted Metal</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">That's kind of disturbing. Clowns? Lol, what?</p><p style="clear: both">David Jaffe is back on stage to pretty much seal the deal for Sony. And what better way to do that than to demonstrate some destruction?</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5CkLlIVpp_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5CkLlIVpp_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Crazy classic gameplay right there.</p><p style="clear: both">A new team mode is also introduced, "designed to bring out skill and strategy". It's called <em>Twisted Metal Nuke</em> and it takes place in a dilapidated, post-apocalyptic-ish city that's ripe for destruction.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kkiokqW09Pk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kkiokqW09Pk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Woah, that's just crazy and sadistic.</p><p style="clear: both">I guess you can expect no less from the creator of <em>God of War</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">Jack Tretton closes the conference with the same summary you'd hear in a Nintendo conference. Only difference is that Tretton actually acknowledges, I don't know, the fans while Reggie flaunted his booth babes to the audience with his smug little face and showed off the 3DS. Granted, the smugness was warranted because the 3DS is kind of awesome, but come on, Ninty, show the fans some sugar.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-11336724837658253672010-06-19T13:55:00.001+08:002010-06-19T13:55:32.501+08:00Facebook movie chugs along<p style="clear: both">David Fincher's follow-up to <em>The Curious Case of Benjamin Button</em> is a bit less whimsical and much more grounded in reality. A glorification (and likely stylized) look at the creation of what we now know as Facebook is most definitely chugging along at a fast rate, and the rumored $47 million dollar movie will star a few notables like Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBxbyLOzWRI/AAAAAAAACTk/Ijn1nUmec8o/s800/ZZ39D6A9D8small1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBxbwkfToHI/AAAAAAAACTg/wXN6mYuk268/s800/ZZ39D6A9D8small1-thumb.jpg" height="560" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>In case you haven't caught wind of any news about this film, it's called <em>The Social Network</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">Based on a book by Ben Mezrich called <em>The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal</em> and adapted by none other than <em>The West Wing</em>'s Aaron Sorkin, this interesting movie set in modern times is shaping up to be a pretty darn exciting thing to look out for.</p><p style="clear: both">It will cover the happenings that revolved around the creation of the aforementioned social networking site, as well as the exploits that Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg were involved in. Hey, they're two kids who wanted to get laid. Now they're on top of the world.</p><p style="clear: both">You can read more about the film's premise in <a href="http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/06/18/movie-poster-david-finchers-the-social-network/" title="Slashfilm.">the source of this news piece: Slashfilm</a>.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-72583028534934715222010-06-19T03:34:00.002+08:002010-06-19T03:34:00.759+08:00Movies Opening This Week: Scientologist Stalkers<p>Ahh, <em>Tom Cruise</em>. When <em>did</em> we last see that guy?</p> <p>Oh yeah, he was Les Grossman in <em>Tropic Thunder </em>2 years ago. A character now being developed in to a movie by Ben Stiller and Paramount.</p> <p>In the interim though, what <em>was</em> he doing?!</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Knight & Day" align="left" src="http://content9.flixster.com/movie/10/93/73/10937379_det.jpg" width="129" height="187" />Knight and Day</strong></p> <p>Whatever it was, it must’ve been quite similar to the premise of <em>Knight and Day</em>. He sat on a plane, stalked a girl, and shot guns all for the sake of Scientology. Plausible enough, don’t you agree?</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:f7ac1a17-42a9-44bd-af19-cb739a257440" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="cf1d1c57-34a1-4837-b704-33e4a50a2ef8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0cSz62nq9Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvbxaNoNQ4_LQWtGeBnfU56ST_I797SVuZVkOigAwoieinh_BSH0-WLZc9KRxrJ05OHaD7V77QWQzl2SqYVdnTB8yLSLnoJuYpGLuvxe9LsDDDVqWAM4fdpGa6lwl3g9DMQ3mMexJXEqA/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('cf1d1c57-34a1-4837-b704-33e4a50a2ef8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-0cSz62nq9Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-0cSz62nq9Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>That aside, I think this looks better than <em>Killers</em>. Also, I like Cameron Diaz more than Katherine Heigl, so maybe this is purely subjective conjecture.</p> <p>Also, the action scenes look pretty decent, but the trailer just spoils a bit too much for comfort. It isn’t marketed as a particularly conventional rom-com because in essence, it feels more like <em>Duplicity</em> minus the empowered female agent character of Julia Roberts.</p> <p>A little bonus is the somewhat conspiratorial vibe they’re going for; there’s something about it that feels as if it will spring a plot twist that’s <em>LOST</em> on you.</p> <p>Ha! Get it?</p> <p>Uhh…</p> <p>Ba-dum-tish!</p> <p><strong><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="Grown Ups" align="left" src="http://content7.flixster.com/movie/11/12/52/11125285_det.jpg" width="137" height="201" />Grown-Ups</strong></p> <p>Adam Sandler and his posse of man-children (and notably, Rob Schneider and his first major movie since… who cares?) are old pals who meet up 30 years after they split. Since they’re wearing mourning attire, they probably shot it right after Chris Rock finished his <em><a href="http://spillaglassofwater.blogspot.com/2010/04/moves-opening-this-week-kicking-ass-in.html">Funeral</a></em> movie, and man does this movie look insanely lame!</p> <p> </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:65b22869-ba13-49f3-a759-339ef59776e5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="e50e5175-03aa-43b7-af33-b915e44febc8" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZB44Ea1A0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBs_KVGsPtI/AAAAAAAACTc/1qxDEQDiCac/video032e8c4cb52d%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e50e5175-03aa-43b7-af33-b915e44febc8'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OZB44Ea1A0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/OZB44Ea1A0k&hl=en_US&fs=1&&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>It’s either they’re saving the best gags for people to become surprised with, or it just means that the presence of Rob Schneider is but a bad omen to a potentially good, if not safe, premise. There will be obvious fat jokes, fart jokes, black jokes, and MILF jokes all around.</p> <p>If you really want to watch a comedy though, get <em>Get Him to the Greek</em> or <em>Cyrus</em>, because while this movie’s jokes are probably legion, those two Jonah Hill movies are probably actually funny. Quality beats quantity. Two beats four. The works.</p> Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-37985779936115914672010-06-16T14:59:00.000+08:002010-06-16T14:59:00.686+08:00Apps Weekly: Guitar Hero + Foosball HD<p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2X80xe5I/AAAAAAAACQk/v8tI5qSGk1U/s800/Picture_2.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0QZhqKMYiZXVyuGm0MMsrpYtKOohqLjcYHpo8053osPQn4zFB_xUaeTkIfPJ9c0Dw2yBZPDakeGwhpYwY0kKvoPhKykb52POjqBD15j_mAGvGOfEA-6L96h4QYFob2JbSaGO5bbPkyxn/s800/Picture_2-thumb.png" height="180" align="left" width="173" style=" display: inline; float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0;" /></a><strong>Guitar Hero</strong><br />$2.99<br />Activision, Vicarious Visions<br />Rated 12+, compatible with iOS 3.0 or later</p><p style="clear: both">I'm an unabashed <em>Rock Band </em>fanboy, but there's something I have to admit about this iPhone app: <em>it's very well thought-out</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2b-OKmjI/AAAAAAAACQs/NkSzl7QoQC4/s800/IMG_0501.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2Z5Upm6I/AAAAAAAACQo/tiWQ1rEu9zE/s800/IMG_0501-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Featuring a more appealing interface than EA Mobile's <em>Rock Band</em> iPhone game, <em>Guitar Hero</em> contains much polish that'll make the 3 dollars worth it for that alone.</p><p style="clear: both">The "Backstage" feature will let you customize your character's hair, face, body, clothes, etc.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2fbfLVTI/AAAAAAAACQ0/2RD1WbXEPEE/s800/IMG_0505.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2d3r9vgI/AAAAAAAACQw/H86ZlyvZGB0/s800/IMG_0505-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>You can select from a wide range of colors, so you can mix and match your fashion-forward avatar.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2jzh780I/AAAAAAAACQ8/QBQv1NwiP6w/s800/IMG_0506.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2h1GHqvI/AAAAAAAACQ4/w6Dv5gBJdec/s800/IMG_0506-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>However, for more options, you'll have to play through the actual game to get more clothes/faces/hairdos and so on.</p><p style="clear: both">You can share your avatar through Facebook, and take a photo of it.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2o0h08wI/AAAAAAAACRE/OGMTm7BrXws/s800/IMG_0507.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrXZVMISnM1We2HBV31MQ2p73XQtmm4FLmRPlpL_-Tr6rB4eYUvJNpoa1rj8G6rtVR1SvmyUhK2hMKsoriFnjR680aGJIlGOvfZhQPKVKYLhsZy_VgQTAxut9zDUdmuOmpDcNTe09FR35/s800/IMG_0507-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Obviously though, the game actually revolves around guitar and bass. Yes, you heard it right. No drums, no vocals, it's all a stripped down, back-to-basics version of the <em>Guitar Hero</em> that people originally really loved, me included.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeUru-p22Ae77g6GHfHDX4alPpOBKW2CpYL3oaUpxotku88mbf2ee2ndKk_ijymhMERNdaI0Gu4nJYWNgpDQY4EJiXUGRVlFdQcMt5YtSD-OWldknCX3WKg72t3bSvBtHI42hrlPH8U8X/s800/IMG_0503.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2rKPSfEI/AAAAAAAACRI/X3CXO76ULAA/s800/IMG_0503-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>You have a (very paltry) selection of 6 songs, ranging from Queen, Weezer to Vampire Weekend. You can sort by artist, score rank, difficulty level and title.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2wXtRbWI/AAAAAAAACRU/ZXDH_f2-JQs/s800/IMG_0509.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2u8Wq-cI/AAAAAAAACRQ/XnzIdcqlDqA/s800/IMG_0509-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>After selecting from either Guitar or Bass, you'll be able to get into the game, which involves the usually tapping of gems. See that arrow though? That means you should slide the gem as it reaches the tap area. Another way they shook up the game mechanics come with the hammer-on's, which are tied together by a purple line. You can slide your finger across those gems to perform usually hard riffs.</p><p style="clear: both">And when you go through enough starred gems, you can activate Star Power, which involves a little tap of a blue bar found above the tapping area.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2z21BauI/AAAAAAAACRc/aPNwLL6sbc8/s800/IMG_0510.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM2yOQz_QI/AAAAAAAACRY/QOp9NTCoWtc/s800/IMG_0510-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>This all sounds well and good, but the game doesn't allow for two player matches like <em>Rock Band </em>iPhone's 4-player games, nor does it necessarily have a stable frame rate. Yes, there's lag even when you're using a 3rd generation iDevice. The timing window can be a bit off at times too. Somehow, <em>Rock Band</em> is more responsive than this game, but that's not to say this game is broken, it just needs some performance tweaks.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM24N2NFLI/AAAAAAAACRk/wnAGSaofgRc/s800/IMG_0502.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM22FvRyJI/AAAAAAAACRg/qncAwrtvpsc/s800/IMG_0502-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>When you finish a song, you get a star rating, and interestingly at the bottom, you also get a sort of "level up system". Depending on the achievements you are able to unlock, your guitar tapping skills will level up.</p><p style="clear: both">What's more interesting though, is that each song has its own individual achievements, which is a great addictive touch.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM29dhHTvI/AAAAAAAACRs/0cYBUkvD4Ls/s800/IMG_0508.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBM26iHFmCI/AAAAAAAACRo/yoBNijfNN24/s800/IMG_0508-thumb.png" height="480" width="320" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>If you get bored with the game, you can definitely buy more songs from the Store, but unlike <em>Rock Band</em>, it doesn't have any free songs to download... yet.<br /><br />Were this game priced at <em>Rock Band</em>'s $9.99, I would call this one a rip-off, but since it's $2.99 for this amount of detail, polish and user-friendliness, I'll let it off the hook and wholeheartedly recommend it. </p><p style="clear: both"><em>Rating</em>: 7/10</p><p style="clear: both">This week at WWDC, <em>Illusion Labs</em>, makers of games like <em>Labyrinth 2</em> and <em>Sway</em>, comes to the iPad with an exclusive title called <em>Foosball HD</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3jmNd1xAE3U&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3jmNd1xAE3U&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Like all of <em>Illusion Labs</em>' games, the game features a lot of polished graphics and gameplay mechanics. Social gaming is definitely a better fit on the iPad, and <em>Foosball</em> might just be the thing to whet a World Cup fan's appetite until the next game rolls along.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-15937859992585684032010-06-16T13:47:00.000+08:002010-06-16T13:48:38.035+08:00E3: Nintendo brings on the pain<p style="clear: both">Reggie Fils-Aime comes on stage because he wants to change the way you view the word "technology". "It shouldn't be about HD, Blu-ray, but it should be about the experience. Great technology married to great design is an experience like no other."</p><p style="clear: both">Ninty brings out the big guns, "an experience you've been waiting for". Yes, it's <em>The Legend of</em> <em>Zelda: Skyward Sword</em>. Semi-cel-shaded, semi-<em>Twilight Princess</em>. Wow.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dYgrMz_XBI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2dYgrMz_XBI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Shigeru Miyamoto suddenly appears on a green screen dubbed in English, explaining the history of Zelda development circa 2004.</p><p style="clear: both">Wii MotionPlus was apparently key to the development of this new game, and Miyamoto calls for someone to demo the game's new controls. And fails.</p><p style="clear: both">Miserably.</p><p style="clear: both">Now that things in Nintendo land aren't looking quite good, Miyamoto comes to the rescue!</p><p style="clear: both">They're touting 1:1 motion tracking, and it's also failing badly. Hey Shigeru, this game isn't obviously ready for primetime.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ChM0ND3PNaw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ChM0ND3PNaw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Knowing Nintendo though, this game is going to be controlling quite well by release. Maybe there's lag due to the big screen being used, but even with that, the game's obviously still a work-in-progress.</p><p style="clear: both">Even with that, I like how you can actually control a few objects more granularly, in the sense that bombs can either be thrown or rolled. Miyamoto's blaming these snafus on Wi-fi interference though, and this is really Steve Jobs of them.</p><p style="clear: both">New gadgets include a beetle you can fly around with which is really cool. It'll kind of let you fly around a level to inspect and pick up unreachable items. Another item of interest is a whip you can use. A whip. Your dominatrix Zelda fanfiction just came true.</p><p style="clear: both">Seriously though, that whip is cool.</p><p style="clear: both">I know what's in store for this conference, but if I were actually watching this keynote for the first time, I would have my expectations lowered, if only because of these technicalities.</p><p style="clear: both">Reggie Fils-Aime goes back on stage to announce a new Mario game. No, it's not Galaxy 3, it's a sports game. Has volleyball, hockey, and basketball, all glorified with that arcade style Mario's known for. Coming in 2011, it's <em>Mario Sports Mix</em>. Might be fun, who knows?</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XEla32-TCA4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XEla32-TCA4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Fils-Aime addresses some criticism for Wii, how it has waned in popularity and how games are sold less as time passes. "They're false assumptions," says Reggie. He then goes on to enumerate a lot of first-party games, thus somewhat making Reggie's claims pointless.</p><p style="clear: both">He then segueways to Nintendo's next "bridge" game: <em>Wii Party</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FLzEOfpWm6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FLzEOfpWm6A&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>In the spirit of <em>Wii Play</em>, it's pretty much another social game that's full of mini-games.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, <em>Just Dance</em>. Ubisoft's freaking everywhere.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_BKXKK3CSmY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_BKXKK3CSmY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I don't care much for it.</p><p style="clear: both">Fils-Aime goes back to the hardcore gamers by addressing the somewhat brief mention of a <em>Golden Sun</em> game for the DS last year. Now, it's getting a full-on trailer, along with a subtitle (<em>Golden Sun:</em> <em>Dark Dawn</em>). Looks really good.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="304" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JhqdFxOyqc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7JhqdFxOyqc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="304" width="380"></embed></object></span>I'm so loving my DS. Arrives "this holiday season".</p><p style="clear: both">Next comes a sudden segment talking about a new <em>Goldeneye </em>game. That's... very surprising! And the graphics look bad, a deliberate homage to the N64 days, or low production values?</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n04WwwZ2ZuE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n04WwwZ2ZuE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I love that it has Daniel Craig in it, and it actually looks exciting. Activision's making it though. Hmm... well, maybe not Treyarch but yeah. It "arrives this holiday".</p><p style="clear: both"><em>Epic Mickey</em> is next on the pipeline, and I'm excited to see some really unique gameplay.</p><p style="clear: both">Warren Spector, the much-storied designer for Epic Mickey is called on stage to demo the game.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D8fdARNYIC4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D8fdARNYIC4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>It's a 3D platformer with a catch: you can manipulate the world with your paint and paint thinner. You can draw things and erase the world.</p><p style="clear: both">Masahiro Sakurai is being featured by Reggie, and wait for it: <em>Kirby</em>'s finally getting a new game in a console! The first time in seven years!</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OK4gKc9OuTk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OK4gKc9OuTk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>It's called Kirby: Epic Yarn, and the game looks astoundingly unique. This looks like art. Wow. Looks like it supports multiplayer. Releasing "this fall". That's a lot of blockbusters in one year!</p><p style="clear: both">Next game: <em>Dragon Quest 9 </em>for the DS. It's out in Japan, with 120 mini-quests (with more on WiFi), the ability to link with up to three DS's in an adventure and an lot of random treasure maps, this RPG is a huge craze over there. A localized version will be released on July 11.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, <em>Metroid: Other M</em>. </p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mV4O5CrQDB8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mV4O5CrQDB8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>A return to 2D with FPS elements, it's pretty much <em>Metroid</em> with a new coat of paint.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, <em>Retro Studios </em>is working on a new <em>Donkey Kong </em>game. Yes, <em>Donkey Kong Country </em>is back. More specifically, it <em>Returns</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4aMaBETX-xg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4aMaBETX-xg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Excellent.</p><p style="clear: both">Next: "3DS is on the way".</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3X-5u0YwKOo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3X-5u0YwKOo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Satoru Iwata takes the stage and holds the new 3DS on his hand. The top screen is widescreen, and displays 3D without glasses.</p><p style="clear: both">There are a lot of cameras on the device. The cameras on the back are actually capable of taking 3D pictures: a nice touch. Also, Iwata reveals a new Slide Pad located above the d-pad. It will play some 3D movies from content providers like Disney, Warner Bros. and Dreamworks.</p><p style="clear: both">Next Iwata reveals <em>Project Sora</em> being worked on by Sakurai. What is it? It's <em>Kid Icarus Uprising</em>. Holy freaking crap.<br /><br /></p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a7detDcmMKY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a7detDcmMKY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>"Sorry to keep you waiting!"</p><p style="clear: both">Wow. Talk about a great graphical upgrade for a handheld.</p><p style="clear: both">Another feature of note Iwata is introducing is a new way for games to communicate to your system. Basically, the old DS would have Nintendogs running, and under a Wi-Fi access point, another Nintendogs owner would be able to see you and wake your dog up, but the connection would stop when the cartridge was removed. Now, even without the cartridge, a 3DS can be communicated to. Does this mean that any software stored in the 3DS is finally separate from the hardware? Does this make the software downloaded from the DSi Store assigned to a user ID rather than an individual system? There are a lot of questions surrounding the specifics, but I hope Nintendo can sort all of those issues out.</p><p style="clear: both">Also, the launch lineup includes <em>Nintendogs + Cats</em>, as well as a lot of third-party titles from developers like Warner Bros., Atlus, Hudson, Marvelous, Ubisoft, SEGA, Harmonix, EA, Capcom, Bandai-Namco, Konami and more. <em><br /></em></p><p style="clear: both"><em>DJ Hero 3D</em>, <em>Professor</em> <em>Layton</em>, <em>Saint's Row</em>, <em>Madden NFL</em>, <em>Dynasty Warriors</em>, <em>Resident Evil</em>, <em>Kingdom Hearts</em>, <em>Batman</em>, <em>Assassin's Creed</em>, <em>Ridge Racer</em> and here's a coup: <em>METAL GEAR SOLID</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">Bombshell, much?</p><p style="clear: both">A video about the Nintendo 3DS is shown.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a_OswVjTZvc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a_OswVjTZvc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>I'm willing to bet that 5th Cell won't be leaving the DS any time soon.</p><p style="clear: both">In the end though, I'm so glad that Nintendo is going back and appealing once more to the hardcore. As Iwata said, "we've established the install base, now we want to make compelling games".</p><p style="clear: both">Another video is shown though featuring Satoru Iwata, Shigeru Miyamoto and Reggie Fils-Aime this time.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="304" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4oLvWE7xUAM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4oLvWE7xUAM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="304" width="380"></embed></object></span>So far, this is really the only 3D display technology I've felt compelled to buy. And I really like how Reggie Fils-Aime got burned.</p><p style="clear: both">Reggie summons his echelon of booth babes to demonstrate the power of 3DS. I really want to see how the "3D sensation" will work. "No more glasses" should be the way of the future, really. Sony and Microsoft are working on 3D gaming but they have glasses. Nintendo is a step ahead.</p><p style="clear: both">Sounds fanboyish, but it's not.</p><p style="clear: both">P.S.</p><p style="clear: both">Other notable 3DS launch titles: <em>The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time</em> is being remade, along with <em>Star Fox</em>. That's awesome.</p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602058044312462285.post-68294668309689352672010-06-15T21:22:00.001+08:002010-06-15T21:22:53.311+08:00E3 '10: Microsoft fails to Kinect.<p style="clear: both">From forced excitement to awkward <em>Wii Sports</em> rip-offs, Microsoft really put up a rather underwhelming E3 conference, touting a look at the future of gaming.</p><p style="clear: both">If you don't want to hear me rambling about it though, you can just <a href="http://e3.gamespot.com/press-conference/microsoft-e3/?tag=topslot;thumb;3" title="Gamespot MS stream">watch the whole thing for yourself</a>.</p><p style="clear: both">It all starts... with Black Ops.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xB3vlTRIQr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xB3vlTRIQr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>(Not the E3 trailer.)<br /><br />Now that Infinity Ward has been dissolved, it's up to Treyarch to maintain the series' integrity. Yes, they've had cracks at it in the past, but none of them have really been as critically acclaimed. Still, the stage set for Black Ops is not the World War II anymore, which is promisingly fresh, because now we're on Vietnam. Yes, it's the 70's in this new go-around.</p><p style="clear: both">Unfortunately, I suffer from a lot of nausea when playing a lot of FPS games, so even if I were actually interested in this new installment, I wouldn't be able to last 20 seconds with it.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, Senior Vice President Don Mattrick is reading the teleprompter badly. Seriously.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-Z0jOhSI/AAAAAAAACSc/IaGVRyC61gc/s800/Picture_1.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-X_g5hbI/AAAAAAAACSY/K0s0UzSdyfw/s800/Picture_1-thumb.png" height="176" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>He announces an exclusivity deal for Black Ops DLC, and moves on to mention the Xbox's 10 year anniversary. He segueways a bit into Project Natal- now dubbed "Kinect"- and it's "all about showing, not telling".</p><p style="clear: both">He calls Hideo Kojima on to the stage and, as last year's E3 announcement for MGS Rising promised, he delivers some actual gameplay footage. Shigenobu Matsuyama, producer of the game, is called on to provide a slightly clearer English-language explanation. "Zan-Datsu" - to cut and to take- is a driving force behind the awesome-looking multiplatform game.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="304" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zq0K94soMJU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zq0K94soMJU&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="304" width="380"></embed></object></span>The only question is: are there cutscenes?</p><p style="clear: both">Other than that, this title looks extremely hardcore. That is so badass. Come on though, watermelon cutting simulator? Lol.</p><p style="clear: both">Phil Spencer, Corporate VP, comes on stage. He's a better speaker.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-ct-3-qI/AAAAAAAACSk/_9VZvx-gYJ4/s800/Picture_2.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-ba23lSI/AAAAAAAACSg/3QGhrna7To0/s800/Picture_2-thumb.png" height="270" width="300" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>He goes on to name drop some high-profile titles, but then goes on about Kinect's ability to connect people. But whatever, it's <em>Gears of War 3</em> time. 4 player Locust ass-kicking.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KG2lof9pWL8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KG2lof9pWL8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Did anybody say <em>Left 4 Dead</em>?</p><p style="clear: both">OK, OK, I confess: it looks pretty fun.</p><p style="clear: both">Cliffy B.: "Now that's our demo. Try out Beast mode later."</p><p style="clear: both">Wait, he forgot to mention about how much he'll be ranting more about bird poop on TV.</p><p style="clear: both">Peter Molyneux, expert British rambler and legendary game designer, is called on stage. <em>Fable III</em> to be covered.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lpR2Uy2VLMc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lpR2Uy2VLMc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Looks exciting. And the dog returns.</p><p style="clear: both">Next, Microsoft Game Studios presents a new game from a new partner: Crytek.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vXtdoTZ3jJ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vXtdoTZ3jJ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Now that <em>God of War</em> has come to an end, there should be something that fills the void. These Spartans in <em>Codename: Kingdoms</em> may just be the thing, and what better developer to handle a graphically astounding epic than Crytek?</p><p style="clear: both">Next is <em>Halo: Reach</em>, which I have zero interest in.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5iWyoxv_V8o&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5iWyoxv_V8o&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>All I know is that there are space battles.</p><p style="clear: both">Next exec to be called is Marc Whitten.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-gKfq8bI/AAAAAAAACSs/WZSgi9Xy0FQ/s800/Picture_3.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-eVunBFI/AAAAAAAACSo/qXr_qD5CV7c/s800/Picture_3-thumb.png" height="203" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Time to demo <em>Kinect</em>. I'm very compelled with the navigation controls because it does voice and face recognition, which is very cool.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="vid_1276604651237" height="213" width="380" data="http://media.ign.com/ev/embed.swf"><param name="movie" value="http://media.ign.com/ev/embed.swf" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="flashvars" value="vgroup=e310_microsoft_part2_061410&article=1095922" /></object></span>Fast forward to about 20 minutes to see how cool the navigation interface is.</p><p style="clear: both">"Xbox! Pron!"</p><p style="clear: both">Also, Justin Bieber? Demo? Gamers? Seriously?</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-jug6brI/AAAAAAAACS0/69X4wlpMZIM/s800/Picture_4.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-hsruy6I/AAAAAAAACSw/66ZczPH7yCI/s800/Picture_4-thumb.png" height="175" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>Now it's time for FaceTime, I mean, VideoKinect. It's great that you can chat with people who are on Windows Live Messenger instead of just Xbox to Xbox. Why does Apple's demo feel cooler for some reason?</p><p style="clear: both">I like how you can watch videos together. But the really forced (scripted?) conversation stifles the mood, even when the camera follows your face which is a very good touch (although I hope it also follows colored people's faces, unlike some HP computers).</p><p style="clear: both">Next, ESPN streaming for Xbox 360 is announced. I imagine a <em>lot</em> of sports fans are cheering right now, but of course, your network provider must be supported by ESPN.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pE0oFEquS-s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pE0oFEquS-s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>The two guys from SportsCenter "commute in just seconds to E3". I don't particularly care, still it looks like a great implementation of an "ultimate sports experience".</p><p style="clear: both">Now it's time to demo the Kinect library, and Kudo Tsunoda is back to "deliver on last year's promises".</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-nAwYTyI/AAAAAAAACS8/5cXvz9sFtY0/s800/Picture_5.png" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-lvoSK7I/AAAAAAAACS4/D7JRIn69naA/s800/Picture_5-thumb.png" height="224" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a>A family-friendly derivative of <em>Nintendogs</em> is announced, and it's called <em>Kinectimals</em>. That little girl pretending to be licked at is so... ughhhh...</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OL_Id6jKfXc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OL_Id6jKfXc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Bright side: you're taking care of a tiger!</p><p style="clear: both">Next is, well, the uninspired <em>Kinect Sports</em>. Ubisoft also announced a Kinect sports compilation and... I'm kind of sick of them.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8urdr-h3giY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8urdr-h3giY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Well, if I wanted to run like a running dumbass, I would've bought that old NES Track and Field game. At least, you can play soccer. Ping pong without a controller though is gonna be tricky.</p><p style="clear: both">Next: <em>Kinect Joy Ride</em>.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PBqePtHTKVI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PBqePtHTKVI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>"Here we go..."</p><p style="clear: both">Wow, worst feigned enthusiasm <em>ever</em>.</p><p style="clear: both">You know that game show <em>Wipeout</em>? Well, <em>Kinect Adventures</em> is kind of like that... I guess. But seriously, are they actually faking fun?</p><p style="clear: both">"Look at the water!"</p><p style="clear: both">I hate you people.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwgu7n_8RY4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xwgu7n_8RY4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Sims are more convincing in faking their fun.</p><p style="clear: both">Ubisoft demos their Kinect game. A fitness game called Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssgispSDSW8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssgispSDSW8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Hmm, looks like an actual attempt at a decent fitness game. They actual demo this game, but I'm too lazy to look for the demo video.</p><p style="clear: both">Interestingly, the Kinect is actually made for these games. Dude, this is the new Wii Fit craze. This thing will sell because of Your Shape.</p><p style="clear: both">Next for Kinect is Harmonix's dance game <em>Dance Central</em>. I love Harmonix, but...</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TxwpwycXQNE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TxwpwycXQNE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>...oh. Interesting. This actually looks badass given the right presentation. Alex Rigopoulos goes on stage to announce some tracks from Lady Gaga, No Doubt, etc. and Harmonix has worked with "actual dancers so the game lets you do the real deal". Otherwise known as "not looking as stupid as it really should be".</p><p style="clear: both">That said, there is still a lot of opportunity to look dumb regardless.</p><p style="clear: both">What's great though is something that resembles a bit of drop-in-drop-out, or maybe it's just me.</p><p style="clear: both">Kinect will be launching worldwide on November 4, 2010 with 15 titles set for launch. Yes, there's a Sonic game.</p><p style="clear: both">Lol, what?</p><p style="clear: both">No demoes for that, but I'm interested in how it'll actually happen.</p><p style="clear: both">But what they <em>do</em> show a demo for is a freaking <em>Star Wars </em>game. It may or may note come with something tangible.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/40iFJ532LZE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/40iFJ532LZE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Hit detection looks iffy though.</p><p style="clear: both">Afterwards is a demo for Forza Motorsport for Kinect, and I don't really care much for that game because I really don't like the idea of a non-tangible steering wheel. Maybe for car creation though.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j3GCH3jo2eQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j3GCH3jo2eQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>Will Kinect hold up to the demands of precision that a racing simulation demands?</p><p style="clear: both">Don Mattrick comes back on stage and from here on I'm feeling a bit indifferent.</p><p style="clear: both">He recaps whatever the teleprompter says, and definitely tries hard to appeal to Nintendo's blue ocean. To be honest, some games look good, but some games just look stupid.</p><p style="clear: both">Aside from that, he announces the completely redesigned Xbox 360 Slim. 250GB HDD, built-in Wi-Fi, Kinect-ready. $299. That's a pretty competitive price against the PS3.</p><p style="clear: both">It's shipping today.</p><p style="clear: both"><span style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;"><object height="228" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_Ch2Kbvomg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g_Ch2Kbvomg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="228" width="380"></embed></object></span>And the audience is getting one.</p><p style="clear: both">They just got OPRAH'D!</p><p style="clear: both">"That was really fun," says Mattrick. Yeah, a fun bribe. An otherwise lackluster conference can only be made good with a stunt like this.</p><p style="clear: both">Truth be told, I'd really love to have one of those for free...</p><p style="clear: both">P.S.</p><p style="clear: both"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-o426lyI/AAAAAAAACTE/SJTGYgbLW9g/s800/176454-OMGOMGOMG1.jpg" class="image-link"><img class="linked-to-original" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_wRwIt_J3cbo/TBd-n166QaI/AAAAAAAACTA/W8rQRH7_QxA/s800/176454-OMGOMGOMG1-thumb.jpg" height="269" width="380" style=" text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 10px;" /></a></p><br class='final-break' style='clear: both' />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04528697991687485622noreply@blogger.com1