Showing posts with label article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label article. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Video Games - Boy defends PS3 with samurai sword

"Damian Fernandez, a teen with a brown belt in karate, was home alone with his sister Deanne when burglars broke into the house. What these two intruders didn't know, however, was that no man, woman or child would give up a PS3 - not when it might have games one day.

As Deanne hid in a closet, the burglars helped themselves to some jewelry from the parents' room before discovering an empty PS3 box. By this time, however, Damian had woken up and was prepared for them, having jumped from his bunk bed clutching ancient Japanese weaponry in hand. When one of the would-be PlayStation thieves came his way, Damian made his move, striking him in the chest and attacking his weak point for massive damage. "He freaked out," Damian told Local10.com. Was he really? There's a surprise.

The burglar, 21 year old Javier Cotera, panicked and ran, escaping the house while being chased down the street by the sword wielding teenager. Eventually a police K-9 unit located the, likely humiliated, Cotera hiding behind a palm tree, though the second man got away.

And you guys call yourselves hardcore gamers? This kid is made from a most epic strain of win."

This news story was all over Digg and several video game blogs today, so I was compelled to post it. I chose the Destructoid write-up due to the epic picture and wording. To see the news video from the original source, head here.

SOURCE

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Movies - Top 10 Things Learned From Spider-Man 3

"Spiderman 3 is not just all fun and games, you know. Look a bit closer and Sam Raimi and co. are really making very acute social observations about life, love and sand.

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!

1. EMOs are a product of alien symbiosis

2. If you find yourself running from the law, no problem! Just hop over the gate that says ‘DANGER! Particle Physics Experiment in progress’ and you’re in the clear.

3. If your girlfriend is hanging from the roof of a demolished skyscraper, never fear. Nonchalantly take some pictures and introduce yourself to her father, who also doesn’t seem to give a shit.

4. Flipping pancakes and listening to vintage dance songs will only lead to adultery.

5. Black is the new red. And alien goo is the new cotton.

6. If you ever find yourself battling a giant sand person and a jagged-toothed photographer alongside your best friend who just tried to kill you, be sure that you and him exchange ‘witty’ banter at every opportunity. “I’m a little busy over here, buddy.” “I’d love to help you, but I’ve got my hands full, buddy” and so on.

7. If you want to kill someone real bad, then go to church and pray and maybe, if you’re lucky, God will provide you with an alien suit made of pure evil.

8. Sufferers of amnesia just can’t help smiling ridiculously and eating ice-cream. Oh life is good when you can’t remember anything.

9. Bad boys eat cookies, drink milk and mimic their lecturers down the phone in a hilarious manner.

10. Is your girlfriend feeling down? No problem, make her feel better by passionately upside-down kissing some really hot chick in front of her."

Yes, more Spider-Man 3 hatred from me. You might be getting an idea of how much I disliked this movie after I dedicated several posts recently to it; but I can't help it, too many great articles people are writing that I feel the need to share them. If you're still unsure on how 'emo' he truly is in it, I recommend you search youtube for some great videos people made from certain moments in the movie. I won't dedicate an entire post to these videos, but I could easily pick out 6 or so that are just fucking great.

SOURCE

Monday, May 7, 2007

Movies - How to Make A Successful "Spider-Man" Film

"If Raimi can make hundreds of millions of dollars by sticking to the same formula, SO CAN YOU!"

Today I present you
a great sarcasm-enriched article from FilmThreat.com, enjoy. Be sure to also check out my review on "Spider-Man 3" I posted after the top 10 reasons not to see it.

"Now that "Spider-Man 3" has smashed all box office records currently known to man, there's no way in Hell Sony will let this franchise bow out gracefully, regardless of whether the director or stars return for more installments. Luckily, director Sam Raimi has left, via the previous films, a step-by-step blueprint on how to make a successful Spidey film. To assist Sony in gouging this franchise until it can't be gouged anymore, we present How to Make A Successful "Spider-Man" Film...

Credits should be cartoon panels or paintings explaining the previous films.
This could get problematic as the franchise reaches "Spider-Man 69: The Wrath of Slade," but it allows the audience to sit with a silly grin on their face as their mind runs rampant with thoughts like "oh, I remember that" or "that was awesome." The lesser controlled of the species won't just think these thoughts, they'll turn to their friends and say them out loud.

Voice-over to get the audience up to speed.
That Peter Parker's got such a lovely voice, we really should let him use it, like immediately. Obviously the opening credits are helpful, but exposition is a truly spoken art. If done correctly, all major conflicts (except the newest super villain) can be hinted at ahead of time here (oh, Mary Jane is a shitty actor and Spidey's pregnant... Dr. Connors, can you test this egg sac?).

Comedic cameo by Bruce Campbell.
Forget Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire or Kirsten Dunst! Every installment of the Spidey-chise has proven one thing: Bruce Campbell is not only hilarious, he's often the best part of the films. Even those critics that have spent the better part of the weekend pooping all over "Spider-Man 3" will agree that Campbell is the man.

Cameo by a non-Lizard Dr. Connors.
Dylan Baker or no, Dr. Connors should always be the one-armed scientist who gives Peter help (or fits) without realizing his full potential as the Lizard. Why? Because every comic geek in the audience knows that eventually he'll become the Lizard, and they will continue to fork over cash in the hopes that the next movie will finally have the transformation.

At least one major villain should be good-hearted.
Norman Osborn was weak, overtaken by his Goblin-serum. Dr. Ock was being controlled by the very arms he grafted to his back during a science experiment. Sandman was a well-intentioned robber turned accidental murderer who just so happens to find himself in the wrong open field particle accelerator test at the wrong time. None of them should be truly evil and without redemption, because Spidey needs to do more than beat them... he must save them from themselves. Bonus points for figuring out how to tie villains into Uncle Ben's accidental death.

Visit to The Daily Bugle.
These can happen whenever we need a good laugh, or Peter needs money. J. Jonah rants are the second-best comedy next to Bruce Campbell.

Visit with Aunt May.
Peter must visit Aunt May, preferably for tea, and they should talk about silly shit, with Aunt May bringing up Uncle Ben at least 15 times. Example:
Peter: "Aunt May, Mary Jane doesn't like the way I give her head, I don't know what to do."
Aunt May: "Your Uncle Ben was great at giving head. Shame he was... you know... taken... *cries in her tea*"

Major villain or villains must fight Spidey at least once early on.
Should be an amazing fight where a skyscraper or other tall building gets wrecked, people almost fall to their death and Spidey comes out somewhat victorious (or the villain escapes without a true winner). Then, the fight will be forgotten for a good hour and a half.

Relationship with Spidey and Mary Jane must be on shakey ground.
Regardless of how the movie starts between the two, the middle should have them at odds, secretly crying over the other. There needs to be at least one scene of Mary Jane listening to the message Peter leaves on her answering machine without picking up the phone to answer, and the major conflict between the two of them should be something ridiculous or selfish, like Mary Jane can't get the latest commercial spot because Spider-Man just saved some orphans.

Peter must rebel against Spider-Man.
One way or another, Peter has to decide that being Spider-Man as he currently is doesn't work right, and must rebel. Either give up the gig, change costumes and become a bad-ass, become aloof... something, Peter must rebel.

Cue rebellion montage.
During his rebellion or major change, Peter must have a montage of silliness backed by a classic tune that seems to have no place in the film. The more films in the franchise, the longer the silly montage.

Villain (or villains) must kidnap Mary Jane, therefore snapping Peter out of his rebellion.
MJ in danger is the only way Spidey will come to his senses, and the rebellion will end. There should be at least one shot of Peter pulling the Spider-Man costume out of his old trunk and staring at it as the music swells. Oh, and how about an Uncle Ben "responsibility" flashback for good measure.

Final fight!
Much destruction, Spider-Man's mask must get shredded and someone must die, usually the villain. Everything ends with Spidey and Mary Jane together... or apart, but pining for each other hardcore.

I know, it seems like too much to handle, but aspiring "Spider-Man" screenwriters, if you use the above, at least two hours worth of your film is handled for you. Maybe write a scene where Peter is still living in that crappy apartment ("RENT!" guy and the overly-emaciated daughter are fun to visit with) and a few other sub-scenes to connect the major pieces above and, voila, you're done with "Spider-Man 15: Time-O for the Rhino." The point is, if Raimi can make hundreds of millions of dollars by sticking to the same formula, SO CAN YOU! "

SOURCE

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Movies - "Spider-Man 4" Villains Revealed?

Via WorstPreviews:
"FreezeDriedMovies received a scoop from what they call, a reliable source, about the villains in "Spider-Man 4." Here is the info the site received:

"In the third entry, Dr. Curt Connors (played by Dylan Baker) looks at a piece of symbiote with Peter Parker. The movie then travels along it's path without another mention of that "piece" of symbiote. This is the set up for Spider-Man 4 where that small piece of alien symbiote becomes CARNAGE. Yes Cletus Kasady is coming to the big screen, one of Spider-Man most horrifying and evil villains. Not only with Parker have to deal with the red lean mean killing machine, but Connors is set to become the long awaited LIZARD! these two villains have all been CONFIRMED for Spider-Man 4. There is talk of the Black Cat making her first appearance, but that's all but official."

It might still be too early to talk about this, but "Spider-Man 3" is on its way to become one of the biggest earners ever. The studios can't wait to cash in on another sequel."


Via SlashFilm:
Some websites are claiming to have the inside word on what villains will be included in Spider-Man 3. FreezeDriedMovies claims that The Lizard, Carnage, and Black Cat will be featured in the upcoming fourth film. Call me a little skeptical, but I think this is bogus. From what I’ve heard, no development has even begun on the fourth film (even though the studio was in talks with David Koepp to write the script).

But then the question becomes: What Villains could be featured in Spider-Man 4? Unfortunately most of the big names in Spider-Man’s rogue gallery have already been used (and killed, for that matter). Let’s take a look at the current contenders.

LizardLizard

Dr. Curt Connors was mentioned briefly in the film Spider-Man, and appeared in both of the sequels, where he was played by actor Dylan Baker. So this makes him the perfect choice for one of the upcoming sequels. The Lizard is one of the most interesting of the unused Spidey villains because in his human state he is a friend and ally of Peter Parker, much like Harry Osbourne was. Connors developed an experimental serum taken from reptilian DNA, which he tested on himself and was subsequently transformed into a reptilian humanoid monster. Peter Parker worked as a teaching assistant to Dr. Connors at Empire State University, although Connors had no idea that Peter was actually Spider-Man.
Odds: 95%

ElectroElectro

An electrician named Maxwell Dillon was repairing a power line, when a freak lightning accident resulted in a mutagenic change in his nervous system, transforming Dillon into a living electrical capacitor which could generate massive quantities of electricity, theoretically up to approximately one million volts. When his body is charged to such levels, he becomes superhumanly strong and fast. Taking the name Electro, he turned to a life of crime. Electro broke into the Daily Bugle Building and stole from J. Jonah Jameson’s safe right in front of him. Jameson accused Spider-Man of being an alternate identity of Electro. This prompted Spider-Man to prove the publisher wrong. Spider-Man was nearly killed when he touched the electrically charged supervillain. In one story-line, Electro tried to take over New York City’s power supply in an attempt at glory and respect.
Odds: 73%

Hydro-ManHydro-Man

Morris Bench worked on a cargo ship until being knocked overboard while a powerful experimental generator was being tested in the ocean. He was transformed into a being of pigmented water, able to control his own liquid body. Hydro-Man has been a frequent antagonist of Spider-Man since his first appearance in 1981. And while not a big recognizable name, he could be used to create some incredible FX filled action sequences. He is also an occasional ally/enemy of the Sandman (for obvious reasons). So if this character was used, Thomas Haden Church could possibly reprise his role to help Spidey defeat Hydro-Man.
Odds:
68%

Mysterio

Mysterio

A disgraced stunt man and special effects artist named Quentin Beck who donned an extravagant and theatrical costume with a crystal ball like helmet (Amazing Spider-Man #13) and sought to discredit and frame Spider-Man using illusions. He also was able to fog the hero’s Spider-Sense with a special gas and used a a chemical abrasive to dissolve his webbing.


Odds: 64%

CarnageCarnage

A combination of Venom symbiote and the serial killer and former cell mate of Eddie Brock, Cletus Kasady. Carnage invades Empire State University and kills a classmate of Peter’s, chip. In the Ultimate universe, Dr. Curt Conners (aka The Lizard) created Carnage using DNA from both himself and Spider-Man. So it’s very possible that Carnage could be involved in a storyline which also involves The Lizard.

Odds: 46%

ChameleonChameleon

The first supervillain Spider-Man ever faced in print (Amazing Spider-Man #1), Dmitri Smerdyakov was a Russian spy and master of disguise. He uses a variety of traditional, high-tech and biologically enhanced ways to change his appearance, believably imitating almost anyone. He also sought to avenge his brother Kraven the Hunter’s death, to become the most powerful crime boss in New York City.

Odds:
61%

ShockerShocker

Herman Schultz developed a pair of gauntlets capable of throwing incredibly powerful vibrational air blasts. His gold and brown quilted costume protects himself from the vibrations. Schultz used the gauntlets to escape from prison and became the mighty supervillain known as The Shocker. He actually defeated Spider-Man in their first confrontation because Spidey had a broken arm from his earlier battle with the Lizard. The character may be perfect as the B villain in a film with The Lizard. Spider-Man has yet to really suffer a defeat on screen, and that could be interesting.
Odds: 42%

VultureVulture

Also one of Spider-Man’s first villains (The Amazing Spider-Man #2) Adrian Toomes is a former electronics engineer who employs a special harness, a pair of wings worn on his arms, that allows him to fly. The harness also endows him with enhanced strength and somehow increases his lifespan. Other Vultures have included a prison cellmate of Toomes, “Blackie” Drago, and a vengeful university professor who was an expert on bio-mutation named Clifton Shallot. This character could not be the main villain in a future film, possibly a side villain. And I’m pretty sure that an old guy with wings would look ridiculous on the big screen.
Odds: 33%

HobgoblinHobgoblin

A millionaire fashion designer and criminal named Roderick Kingsley acquired the Green Goblin’s weaponry and used them to further his own ambitions. We’ve already had three films of Goblins, I think this character will be held off until the far future.


Odds: 26%

RhinoRhino

A poor immigrant from Russia named Aleksei Sytsevich participated in a Soviet super soldier program that bonded a super-strong polymer to his skin and gave him enhanced strength, speed, and stamina. He’s a dim-witted criminal and usually robs banks and works as an enforcer for more ambitious criminals. This charact has almost no chance of making it to the big screen. If you thought The Thing from The Fantastic Four movies looked stupid, imagine what a guy in a gray Rhino suit would look like.
Odds: 9%

SOURCE

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Movies - Top 10 Reasons Why You Should See "Hot Fuzz"

Another Hot Fuzz article today; this one lists the top 10 reasons to see the movie. Now I'm seriously debating driving 2 hours to see this movie.


"If you are like me, then you don’t need many reasons to go see Hot Fuzz when it opens here in the states this weekend. If you are not like me, then I will be happy to provide you with 10 Good Reasons why you should go see Hot Fuzz this weekend. They are as follows:


#10 - Simon Pegg and Nick Frost

2 Men, 1 reason. These guys are comedic dyn-o-mite! Ever since Shaun of the Dead became a cult classic, we have been waiting for these guys to pop up somewhere. And while they have both done other things, nothing has come close to the awesome nature of their performances in Shaun… until now.

#9 - Because Fracture is a HUGE Disappointment
How this film got a 75% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes so far is beyond me. I reviewed it, it stunk. Anthony Hopkins is significantly underused, Ryan Gosling is a bit overused and Director Gregory Hoblit made a film like this before, it was called Primal Fear. That was a good movie, this is not; giving you one less reason to see Fracture and one more to see Hot Fuzz.

#8 - Because they pay homage to Michael Bay and Point Break
Action junkies will love the subtle (and unsubtle) homages to action and fanboy flicks of old. There are copious amounts of Michael Bay references (especially Bad Boys 2) and some neat little references that you have to pay attention for (i.e. a He-Man reference and some old school video game sound effects just to keep you on your toes).

#7 - Because it is the Best Reviewed film of the Week
Of all the releases this week, the Tomato-meter score on Rotten Tomatoes shows Hot Fuzz at 88% Fresh, soundly defeating even Blades of Glory. How can you go wrong with those kinds of odds?

#6 - Because you are secretly a fan of Japanese Peace Lillies
This is another one of those classic Edgar Wright subtleties that will have you laughing at the movie hours after seeing it. Go see the movie, then you will understand the water lily joke.

#5 - Because I have not yet met someone who didn’t like Shaun of the Dead
Try this experiment — call everyone in your cell phone’s directory, ask them if they’ve seen Shaun of the Dead, then ask if they liked it. Chances are you will find that everyone who saw it at least liked it. That just goes to show that Director Edgar Wright can make a film that appeals to the masses…

#4 - Because you didn’t see Grindhouse
I know that America is slowly losing its taste for good movies, but come on people!? Grindhouse has already become the biggest cinematic tragedy of 2007 and it is only April. The online community really pushed hard for Grindhouse and it failed. We get it, though; it was 3 hours long and it was a niche film. Fuzz doesn’t have those problems. Don’t make us look like assholes twice in a row (well, 3 times if you count Snakes on a Plane).

#3 - So that Hot Fuzz doesn’t end up like Children of Men
So many great films die as limited releases. They miss their window of opportunity, fail to find the audience they deserve and are buried by their studio. Children of Men fell victim to this earlier in the year and we can’t let it happen to Hot Fuzz. And as my good friend Alex over at First Showing said, we cannot let Hot Fuzz get screwed like Children of Men.

#2 - Simon Pegg kicking an old lady in the Face is AWESOME!

Must I really explain this one? He kicks an old lady… in the FACE!

#1 - Because all of the best parts of the movie are not in the Trailer
For the first 20 minutes or so of the film you will find yourself saying, “Hey, that was in the trailer. So was that. And that. Isn’t there going to be anything new?” Then little do you know that the film explodes and takes on a new direction, leaving you laughing so hard that you may pee yourself. Just remember to bring a diaper…

If those reasons aren’t enough, then you may want to seek professional help… "

SOURCE

Friday, April 20, 2007

Movies - Hot Fuzz Getting Screwed Like Children of Men?

It looks like Hot Fuzz isn't getting the amount of screens it deserves, just like Children of Men. I was really looking forward to seeing it this weekend, looks like I'll be waiting. Do yourselves a favor, and go see this goddamn movie if you're lucky enough to have it at a theater near you this weekend! If I were to recommend seeing anything this weekend in theaters, this would be the movie.

"Tomorrow one of this year's greatest original comedic creations, Hot Fuzz, debuts in theaters across this nation. It's the next film from the same team that created Shaun of the Dead. But there's a problem. It's not getting 3000 screens, it's hardly getting a wide release at all, in fact only 825 screens. Sound a bit like some other movies you know? Children of Men or Grindhouse even. A movie that has incredible buzz and that should be the big hit and #1 movie this coming weekend is going to be lost into oblivion not because no one wanted to see it, but because its released is getting screwed over.

The biggest claim is that it just doesn't have the draw or attention, despite being a follow up to Shaun of the Dead. They're pretty much completely wrong on that assumption. Even look at the impromptu poll on Box Office Mojo that lists Hot Fuzz with the highest percentage in terms of movies people want to see. Out of 1000+ voters, Hot Fuzz has 35.8%, the highest over Disturbia next at 12.8%, for top choice of movie to see this coming weekend. Given this poll doesn't represent everyone, I know that this movie would easily slide into #1 if given the chance plus the right exposure and right marketing. Why are they letting it slide?

The demand for this movie is very high, or I could even say curiosity for it, yet they're not letting it build, in the same way they did with Shaun of the Dead where it only really blew up into a mainstream success once it hit DVD. Why are studios so insistent that films will fail in theaters?! Can't they give them a chance! Yes, things like Focus Features’ Catch a Fire and Firehouse Dog and The Reaping are bound to fail, but Hot Fuzz is bound to surpass all expectations. Look what it already did in Europe - it's one the biggest grossing film in UK history! I think it was #1 in the UK for 3 or 4 weeks in a row!

The best thing we can do is encourage everyone who's interested to go to whatever theater that's playing it, find it, and watch it! No matter how far you have to drive, it will be worth it. Even if you're the slightest Shaun of the Dead fan, this film is an experience on its own that you will definitely no regret seeing in theaters with a crowd as excited as you. We can only hope Focus Features realizes their mistake and realizes how much more they could've made. Maybe in the future they need to be at another studio that knows how to better handle their films? Maybe…

If there are any of you out there who really want to support this film and make sure it's not lost in the mix, then spread the word as far and as wide as you can!! Show them they've made a big mistake and that Hot Fuzz is one of the best films of the year and should be seen by all in theaters!!"

SOURCE

Monday, April 16, 2007

Carnahan & Smith pissed at America over Grindhouse

Basically it didn't do so hot in the box office for many many reasons, but mainly because it was released on fucking Easter-family-holiday weekend (people said if 300 was released Easter weekend it wouldn't have done so hot either), despite getting sick reviews. Anyway, "Directors Joe Carnahan and Kevin Smith have spoke out about their disgust at American audiences for not flocking to see something as innovative as Grindhouse." Carnahan said on his blog:

What is wrong with American moviegoers? Is there nothing NEW that they’re willing to embrace? Jesus, it’s the worst kind of erosion. We’re making dumber and dumber films and they’re becoming cash cows. God Bless ‘300′, at least it’s got balls and the director WENT for it. THAT movie is good for the business, it’s good for everybody. But some of these other flicks don’t even TRY because they know in the end, EXACTLY the age range and demographic driving ticket prices these days. Those monstrosities (the names of which I won’t mention) are pure pieces of commerce, marketed to perfection.

I hope ‘Grindhouse’ recovers. It’s an audacious idea that I wish would’ve been given a bigger break. Maybe as they separate the two films, they’ll pry some sunshine out of the situation and the Weinstein’s will save the day. It bums me the f*ck out though when something like that, a really cool idea that looks like a great time at the movies, made by real talent– can’t push past.

It’s just dead wrong kids…and we ALL pay the price when those don’t work.
Kevin Smith chipped in with his two cents…
“What’s Costner’s line in J.F.K. again? ‘God, I’m ashamed to be an American today…’”

“I’d say the problem was America most definitely was at the movie theaters this week - which is why the stuff that grossed higher than Grindhouse… grossed higher than Grindhouse,” Smith wrote. “That’s the third fantastic film of the year which has failed to attract the audience it richly deserved in its opening week. Add Grindhouse to a list that includes Black Snake Moan and Zodiac.”

I saw Black Snake Moan and Zodiac, both fantastic movies, i didn't realize they didn't do that well either. I also didn't know film enthusiasts were so pissed at box office results, great movies rarely see good box office sales, fucking "Are We Done Yet?" beat Grindhouse opening weekend, and no one with a normal IQ can tell me that movie is better than Grindhouse.
http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/movie-news/carnahan-smith-pissed-at-america-over-grindhouse.php

XBL Kidnapper: "If I Weren't In Jail, I'd Be Playing Final Fantasy"

http://kotaku.com/gaming/xbox-live/xbl-kidnapper-if-i-werent-in-jail-id-be-playing-final-fantasy-230941.php

Disturbed pizza manager Michael Devlin kidnaps two boys, gets caught, put on suicide watch and all he wants to do is play Final Fantasy XI. If he hadn't gotten captured, one shudders to think what he'd be doing. But Devlin says:

"I'd be in front of my computer screen playing Final Fantasy XI. I like Final Fantasy because it has a network that can connect to people all over the world, from Europe to Japan. "

A ringing endorsement of networked gaming! Ugh. Under the name "DevilDevlin," he used a picture of one of the kidnapped boys for his GamerTagPic. On January 11th, he got in a round of Final Fantasy XI before the children were rescued. But with no FF in the slammer, Devlin's doing things like reading another inmate's copy of Death Wish, the novel which the Charles Bronson films are based on. How's that for prison rehabilitation.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,245363,00.html

Top 50 'Lost' Loose Ends

For all you other Lost addicts, this is a great article on all the mysteries of Lost:
http://tv.ign.com/articles/745/745595p1.html