Saints Row IV - Games - 3.5 Stars

A fun Infamous/Prototype clone mixed with the Matrix series.

 

        Wow,....Saints Row is back and this time around it doesn't really feel like the Saints Row I know and love. I've always been a fan of Saint's Row. From the very beginning, It always felt like a lighter-hearted Grand Theft Auto and I appreciated that. Now however, It feels more like the Matrix on Colorado or Washington approved medicinal herbs! It's just all kind of, well, I don't know, weird!?! There are Matrix easter eggs all over the place. Not to mention the absolute clonage of all things Prototype-ish. Yeah I just did that. 

        I'm not saying I don't like this game in any way. Because I really do. It's just so much more over the top then ever before. More over the top than Hulk-smash gloves that make people explode on face punch, or any of the other ridiculous things that the Saints have convinced you to do. So, there is that. At the very least though it's still insane. Not to mention you get to be the President that saves humanity from an alien invasion,...with his fists!!! 

       Overall I enjoy the take on this title. Volition took all the components of many good titles and squashed them into one. Creating a not so perfect storm of  video-gaming unruliness. It is nice to see all the Saints return in one way or another. Even some of the old enemies make guest appearances.  Plus all of the old side quests/events have returned or have been tweaked in some way to fit this go round. 

       It's hard to tell you to much about the game without spoiling it and sadly, I can't say run out and drop 60 bucks on this one. So, my suggestion is to Redbox or Gamefly this one first, even if you are a Saints Row fan. Especially with the release of GTA right around the corner, this is just a harder sell this time around. To be honest, I am surprised that they set the release so close to GTA's, especially considering just how similar the two titles have always been. Although the two games started to switch gears and go in somewhat different directions with Saints Row: The Third and the last GTA, they will always be compared to each other and GTA will always be the winner of said comparison.  GTA will almost always be a 4 or 5 star game,...always. I mean I know you remember San friggin Andreas!!!! GANGSTER! Even the sound track to San Andreas was GANGSTER!!!

        SR4 is definatley it's own beast and has a lot of good, fun qualities. The open world makes for a ADD nightmare! There's always something going on to distract you from the given task. from side quests to the main missions. Customization is a biggie in this title, as it has always been. You can even unlock items from the previous installments. 

       However I must say that it is in no way child friendly. If your child is playing this game and is below the age of 16 or 17, your not doing it right! Doing what right Real? Well, how about PARENTING!!!! Games have ratings for a reason. The first parent to complain about this game needs to have someone complain about how the complainer is parenting their children. Because Saints Row has never and will never be for children. It's 2013 and people need to relize that just because it's a video game does not mean it's for kids! Jeez!!!  I really hope that offended someone! 

      So 3.5 stars is what I give it. Not to bad. However had they used any of their own ideas, it would have been rated higher. Enjoy!!!

It's A Disaster - Netflix - 3 Stars

It's A Disaster (2012) - NetFlix - 3 Stars

A dark, off-beat comedy worth the watch on your Flix account!

 

      So, my wife says, "Let's watch a movie on Netflix." I'm all like, "Sure, why not." Then she's like, "I get to pick the movie though." Which I guess I'm okay with because what that translates into is, no action or sci-fi movies. I can live with that. So we fall upon this movie, which at first glance looks a little dumb. However once you read the cast you can't help but be like, "Wow! That's one hell of a powerhouse group of actors!"

Starring America Ferrera, Julia Stiles, Kevin Brennen and many others. Directed by Todd Berger and released by Oscilloscope Laboratories.

      Set in current times, a group of friends gather to have a "couples brunch", filled with lots of awkward moments and is anything but a relaxing afternoon brunch with friends. Only after attempting to watch a UT football game, do they notice that lines of communication with the outside world have been severed. After the declaration of possible disaster things quickly spiral into chaos.

       I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The plot, especially in this day and age, was along with their individual reactions very believable. The all-star cast really helps pull it off though. I think I especially liked America Ferrara's character the most, as she being a very highly educated person immediately knows the worst case scenario they may face.

       Overall, I give this movie 3 stars for being entertaining and a nice Netflix surprise. On a side note, this movie won an award for having one of the best Promotional posters,....in history!

New Daughter (2009)

Blu-ray/Netflicks

A-Mazing sleeper!! Whoda Thunk!?!

              Man-O-man!! I'm not even going to try to hide my love of this movie! It was awesome! Maybe it was because I was in a really bad place in my life. I mean, there hadn't been any GOOD scary movies in a long time. Scary movies are an important component to a long and healthy live, I'm pretty sure Confucius or Socrates said that!?! Anyway, rather I'm right or not about who's quote that was is beside the point. Time for the technicalities. This movie stars Frikkin Kevin "Leave WaterWorld Outta the Equation" Coastner as John James, Ivana Baquero as Louisa and Gattlin Griffith as Sam. This movie had a very limited theatrical release on December 19th, 2009. Blu-ray/DVD/Redbox/Netflicks followed on and soon after May 18th, 2010.

              Okay, with all the formalities out of the way let's get right to it. From the beginning of this film I was pulled into the story.  Filmed in South Carolina, the setting was on point and well picked. Each of the characters is given enough screen time to give you a solid idea of who they and what their focus is. John James is a recently divorced novelist who is trying to start up a new life with his two children. Shortly after moving into the country side home he bought strange occurrences start to happen. 

                Now, on the topic and the "strange occurrences. As previously stated in other posts. I have a very touchy pet peeve about people not "reacting" to ridiculous situations appropriately. I mean come on! It's not hard to know that, "Man this is not natural, it's almost SUPER-natural" etc,etc. I however did not feel like the main protagonist under-reacted to the start of what would spiral into, "I'm out"!! Just saying.

              So for the baddies/villains of this film. I was really impressed by not only the concept but the design and history of the character(s). Brilliant. They are creepy, somewhat scary but not so over-powering that a grown man with a good gun wouldn't say, "I can most certainly whoop these assholes!" Even I, one prone to not ask questions and leave, would have initially thought, "I got this." Point being though, I could see why he didn't just tuck tail and dip. Which for me is extremely important to establish in a horror/scary movie. 

              Overall I give this movie 4 stars. That's a really high rating for a movie that never even appeared in any of my local movie theaters. Regardless though, It did its job. It established a good story, with solid characters and for extra toppings, a awesome villain. Thumbs up Anchor Bay Ent. This is available to watch on Netflicks, so if you got it, use it, watch it. Nuff said.

   Naruto Shippuden 643: Two Fists Bumping Together!

Ten-Tails Revival Arc

 

               Picking up from the last issue, the battle with Obito continues. With the aid of Tobirama and his Flying Thunder God technique, Naruto verifies that Sage/Senjutsu techniques are able to cause harm to Obito, after connecting with a Rasengen. While Naruto gives a brief explanation of the Sage arts to Sasuke, Tobirama praises Narutos' abilities, while beginning to plan their next assault. Taking into account that continuing to use the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport behind Obito would not work again. Once recovered from the Rasengen attack, Obito calmly states that it's time to begin with the Eye of the Moon Plan. Stating also, that the time had come to do away with all obstacles in his path. At this point Obito creates a huge four-headed flower each with massive Bijuu-Damas (Wood-Release:Flowering Tree) on bloom in order to completely wipe out all who stand before him. After a quick cameo of Shikimaru, the focus quickly becomes how can the alliance stop four attacks of that magnitude. Tobirama quickly suggests the Flying Thunder God technique could be used. However, it would only work on one, two maybe, three if Hashirama could also assist. Madara quickly cuts off that avenue yelling to Hashirama that since they were both Edo Tensei the collateral damage caused by the Bijuu-Dama wouldn't impede their duel. Madara challenges Hashirama to charge thru him if he can. One of Hashirama's remaining wood clones calls out to the alliance to not lose hope and begins to explain that they only need to divert the attacks out to sea, rather than absorb or attempt to stop them completely. Obito, reacting to this, quickly plants six chakra rods, creating a massive barrier (Six Red Yang Encampment), effectively sealing everyone within it. Panic sets into the alliance but Naruto says that he has a plan and asks his father to bump fists with him, thus connecting the yin & yang versions of Kuruma . Once connected, the Yin version requests to borrow some of the yang versions power, joking that it was weird to have to ask himself for power. During all of this, Obito is all kinds of disrespecting both Naruto and Minato, saying that "tomorrow" was the anniversary of both Kushina and Rin's deaths. Veiled in his Tailed-Beast Mode gear, Naruto proclaims that also means "tomorrow" was his birthday and that as long as he existed, the world would not end. Minato, mentally thinking of Kushina, says how much his son had grown up.

                Great Issue all in all. I must say though I do get tired of how short each issue is. Other than that no complaints. I like that the yin/yang versions of Kurama are now well incorporated in the storyline. Though I wouldn't mind seeing how some of my other favorites are fairing in their battles. Again though really great issue as always.  

    

Fall TV Schedule

Well, I must say that for once I find myself truly excited for regular TV shows!?! There are just a bunch of shows that have been and continue to be amazing, while a new few on the horizon look to have a lot of potential. Let's sum a few up. Shall we?

   Supernatural: PUDDING!!!! Yup, if you watch it, you know it. It's great. I was pretty sure that last season was going to be the end of one of my favorite series. Then I found out that, no, There would be another season. I was like, HELL YEAH!!! Then (SPOILER!!!) , like teardrops, all the angels fell to earth on the season finale and I was like, BALLS!!! I can't wait to see how they pull everything together in this upcoming season. Not to mention, how will Castiel play into things? Oh and FYI, Dean totally jacked those rims for his Impala!

   Sons Of Anarchy: I know, I know. Big Real, you watch S.O.A!?! Why yes, yes I do. It's awesome! It's so borderline not okay for regular TV that I'm inexplicably drawn to it. Between the plot twists and very interesting characters, if you can make it past the uber-violence, it becomes a must watch series. After what they did to Opie, my favorite character, I always expect the worst for the Redwood Originals but hope for the best. As my wife always says after each episode, "Why can't any of them have a good, calm day?"

   The Walking Dead:  Now,.... you know good and well this was going to be on here. I mean seriously, how could you doubt that? This series has set the bar for, well,....everything. Hell, this show sets the bar unknowingly for the Simpsons! That's how good it is. How good is it? It's so good,...that it got picked up for another season! No jokes with this one, it's real!  Not literally of course. I won't go into the intricacies of last season but I will say, It's a shame to have to see the crew leave the somewhat safe confines of the prison they had set up, however the story must go on. The TV series has strayed a ways from the graphic novel but maintains a true path. I'm also not ashamed to say I'm glad to see Andrea gone! She was a weight that was not only holding everyone back but was unknowingly drowning the rest of them to stay afloat. I never liked her character. Michonne and Darryl however are absolutely awesome. Rick, well, he needs to pull up the big boy britches and get back to work because that soon to be loony tunes son of his, is gonna become a problem. I've always said, "The #1 cause of death in a zombie apocalypse is children"!

American Horror Story Coven:  This series started off strong!!! The first season was, without a doubt, the best horror series made for television EVER!!! I loosely say, "made for TV", because let us be honest,...IT IS NOT. At best, I would consider it to be heavily borderline. Hell, I wouldn't even complain if they said, "This show needs to be on HBO." I'd understand. It's risky, to put it lightly. If you are faint of heart and heavy on morals, this is NOT the show for you. So, for most of America, it's awesome and the ratings verified my unyielding rightisity, my word don't use it. Season two also began very strong, with one of the most intense possession scenes I've ever witnessed on national television. Hell, lol, it even rivaled The Exorcist. Then, however, at the mid-point of the season the writers went off on so many different tangents that it was hard to keep up with them all. There was the amazing possession, an alien abduction, a nazi mad scientist,...wait what!?! Yes,.. a NAZI MAD SCIENTIST!!!! They went there,...with a passport and suitcases. Hopefully this season can stay focused a little more than last but best believe, I'll be there to watch everyone episode.

Teen Mom: Seriously,..NO. But I had you going!!!!

 Marvel's: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D : Joss Whedon. Nuff said? No, unfortunately not. I love me some Joss, however he is super hit and miss. Let's not get the Firefly rampage started. Quick internet FYI, never talk badly about that series! Seriously, you will end up with a 100 cos-players at your door with foam weapons ready for vengeance. They do not play. For real, these fans took it upon themselves to punk the movie industry into making a theatrically released film(Serendipity), with a decent budget I might add. Everything Joss touches turns gold or crumbles into obscurity. I for one have enjoyed Joss's creations. His work on the Avengers, his past work on Buffy TVS, Angel, frikkin Dollhouse! I know right,...Dollhouse,...HOT! Anyway, I do appreciate the deviation from the caped, shielded, demi-godded and SMASH pron supers. This series will focus more on the C.I.A., like insert title here, peeps of the Marvel universe. I have heard that some supers will make cameos however. Everyone from Iron Man to the not so well known supers like Luke Cage. So time will tell, fingers crossed! Can I get a Iron Fist or X-23 cameo PLEEEEEASE!!!????


   So those are a few of my favorites, if you want to share your thoughts feel free, Firefly fans included.

The Evil Dead - Blu ray - 4 Stars

                          The Evil Dead (2013) - Great movie, just don't try comparing it to the original.

 

                       http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/evildead/discanddigital/index-c.html

          

           "The Evil Dead, hell yeah I wanna see that!!!" Quoted from one Big Real, said to his wife upon seeing this commercial for the first time.  His wife responds, "Uhh,...No." I in turn say, "HWHAT!?!" (channeling my best Lil Jon impersonation.) "Well, It looks disgusting." - End Conversation. Guess what,.... she was right. It was. Disgusting. Disgusting and AWESOME!!!!

            First off, the technicalities. The Evil Dead was released theatrically April 5th, 2013, followed by the DVD and blu-ray released on July 16th, 2013. Staring Jane Levy(Mia Allen), Shiloh Fernandez(David Allen), Lou Taylor Pucci(Eric) and Rupert Degas(Demons Voice) to name a few.

            A remake of Sam Raimi's monumental cult classic, originally released in 1981 and staring the "One who shall be named" Bruce fraggle-rockin Campbell! Let's be clear on something here. I am thankful for a handful of things, my wife, my dog, my PS3 and Bruce fraggle-rockin Campbell! He's awesome. Try to argue that point,... please,..just try. You won't though. Why? Because he's AWESOME! When he was born the doctor hugged Bruce Campbell's mother, thanked her, gave her $50.00 and never charged her a cent. To be clear Mr. Campbell also had a hand in this incarnation of The Evil Dead. He, along with Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert produced this movie, while Fede Alvarez was personally selected by Mr. Raimi to direct it. They even went as far as to use audio from the original. 

            I do find it interesting that in general, the film review communities were extremely harsh on this movie. I've heard numerous times that, "This movie SUCKS compared to the original!" and various other similar complaints since its release. One thing to know about me is that I am a horror film fanatic. Not the, dress up like Freddy Kruger/Jason Vorhees, fanatic. I just take horror movies serious and appreciate them for what they are or are trying to be. That said, I am also really hard on horror movies. It's rare for me to be amazed or for matter horrified by a horror movie. So after hearing all the bad, negative and down right scathing reviews of The Evil Dead I got a little nervous. However once I watched the film, I couldn't quite wrap my head around why so many people hated it. I do agree that its not "as good" as the original. It isn't. However, let's keep it real in saying that these two films should not be compared to each other. It's not fair to either film. The original had a $90,000.00 budget and was at best a C level, campy, cheesy gorefest that created a perfect storm of awesome. I hate to say it was luck but it was. Luck and BRUCE CAMPBELL. It reminds me of the popularity of Troll 2. The original Evil Dead by all standards should have been awful but it wasn't, it was great. This recent version had a budget of $17,000,000,000.00. That to say the least is a huge difference and is noticeable,....as if it couldn't be.

         It's not hard to tell that I am a fan of this movie. It was great. The acting was solid, the audio was good, setting and location were on point. I mean it was all done right. My only complaint, is a consistent complaint that I have with all horror films. Why does everyone in horror movies seem to have never watched a scary movie? For me, it just comes off as pure laziness on a film writers part. Having characters do things that no sane person would even begin to consider doing. For example. Big Real is with 5 friends on a vacation. Sounds fun Right? Over the course of 24 hours, 3 of them are horribly killed in unexplainable "accidents". Scary? Could be. Would Big Real stay? Hell, I don't know because I, Big Real, would have left 5 minutes after the first death! I'm not rich and cherish any vacation I can manage to get but screw that mess,..I'm out! There is no convincing me to stay. You'd be wasting your breath and might get throat punched for the sheer stupidity of not only asking me to stay but being in between my car and myself. Anyway, to continue, I will admit that there is a lot of blood and gore. Really though there was no way around that and there shouldn't be. That's why movies have ratings and commercials, to help steer people who don't like that kind of stuff away from it. Plain and simple I rated this movie 4 stars. It's not perfect and it's lacking that over the top, unexplainable quality that movies I rate 5 stars have. So rent it, buy it , whatever it but do take the time to see it. 

                    

Naruto Shippuden Chapter 642 - Breakthrough - Anime/Manga

                                          Naruto Shippuden Chapter 642 - Breakthrough

                                                        Story Arc - Ten-Tails Revival Arc

                                          Issue Link: http://narutobase.net/manga/Naruto/642

 

           So to start off, I plan on reviewing each new chapter of Naruto Shippuden each week. Spoilers are unfortunately going to be here, so be careful if your trying to not ruin reading the issue. This will mainly be my opinion of the issue and thoughts about the topics there in. I will try to keep it relatively brief and I will always include a link to http://narutobase.net/ as this is where I do all my manga reading and anime watching. Another excellent source of Naruto info is http://www.naruto.wikia.com/ a wonderful archive of all things Naruto.

           Since I am starting from what is most likely one of the last story arcs of this series I'll just jump right in. There is far to much story to catch you up on in one blog post and chances are if you've been drawn to read this you're already at least somewhat familiar with whats going on in the story line. Also please feel free to share your opinions and views on my blog. I'd love to hear from any and all Naruto fans!!!!

           Breakthrough continues with the 4th Ninja war and the massive battle between Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Madara versus pretty much the entire Naruto ninja world. For someone that been an avid reader of the series from the beginning It's exciting to see all the various characters of Naruto legend in battle. With this issue we are able to see more of not only Senju Tobirama but we also get even more of Namikaze Minato (pictured above). With each issue it becomes more and more clear as to why these particular ninja have become legend. Whilst the battle between a newly empowered Obito and Naruto, Sasuke, Tobirama, Minato and Killer Bee rages on, we also have Madara and Hashirama waging their own battle away from the others. 

           With Obito having sealed the Ten-Tails within himself, having become a new jinchuriki and gaining what seems to be control over this form. He has become, what he proudly proclaims, a god of ninja. Thus far it seems like his proclamation could be very close to correct. Having thus far managed to stave off everything thrown at him,...easily. The title "Breakthrough" comes from near the end of the issue. When Naruto, with the aid of Tobirama, manages to land a Sage Mode Rasengan attack on Obito. Up to this point any and all attacks whether ninjutsu, dojutsu or taijutsu have simply been absorbed, evaded or ignored by Obito. However Sage attacks seem to work just fine.

          Opinion time!!! First off Tobirama is AWESOME! As is Minato but lets be real we knew Minato was going to be cool. But everything about Tobirama screams AWESOME. His character design is by far one of the best. As is his overall persona. So count me in as a member of the Tobirama fan club. I truly believe a spin-off of Naruto that just started at square one, day one Konoha would sell just as well as Shippuden. It would even be nice for it to be a little darker, more serious. As any Naruto fan knows the writers get a little wonky with childish humor sometimes. 

           All in all this is a great issue and I am thoroughly excited for the next one. Which is always the hope of writers, to leave their fans wanting more. Mission Accomplished!

Thanks to both:http://narutobase.net/ & http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Narutopedia