tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61535151500535633762024-02-19T08:00:51.262-08:00Five-O-RamaThe world is a tangled web of information. This is an attempt to sort that madness into groups of five. Don't dispute us!Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-84071324946359163852016-07-16T04:23:00.003-07:002016-07-16T04:57:48.323-07:00Best Hockey Players to Play for Las Vegas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAjRNQwzlKtTt2zqaazrCwgCVUvZRe-PSH1SqTkB_UWJuRJTFsKqm2Dbh6UguN4vts6lBPP9LhzT8lL4lk9OQ4_-L1Ra7xJjzKs381M2ZDzqS-xk54srENw0zh1V2LL3ikHq4EnGpfY/s1600/fod6ne1blmvjufass3d7hlphp.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MAjRNQwzlKtTt2zqaazrCwgCVUvZRe-PSH1SqTkB_UWJuRJTFsKqm2Dbh6UguN4vts6lBPP9LhzT8lL4lk9OQ4_-L1Ra7xJjzKs381M2ZDzqS-xk54srENw0zh1V2LL3ikHq4EnGpfY/s320/fod6ne1blmvjufass3d7hlphp.gif" width="320" /></a>With the announcement that the NHL's thirty-first team, which will be added for the 17/18 season, is based in none other than Las Vegas, Nevada, I've decided to celebrate some of Sin City's hockey history with this list. From 1993 through 99, the now defunct IHL included the Las Vegas Thunder, a short-lived team to be sure, but one that had quite a lot of interesting players, including many NHL fans are familiar with. For six seasons the Thunder were a mixed bag but always entertaining. They were arguably the first team to prove that professional hockey in the desert could indeed work.<br />
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From the outspoken and frequent Off The Record guest, enforcer Lyndon Byers (31 games and 176 penalty minutes in 93/94) to high scoring minor league defenceman ace (and former Cape Breton Oiler) Greg Hawgood (a 20 goal, 85 point season in 95/96) to diminutive NHL scorer Daniel Briere (a single game during the team's 97/98 season), the Thunder boasted lots of noteworthy and interesting talent. Brent Gretzky represented Vegas at one time (96/97) and so did longtime Detroit Red Wings goalie Manny Legace, several years before reaching the NHL (97/98) and sharing the net with former Red Wings goalie, Tim Cheveldae. And how about Manon Rheaume? Remember her? The female goaltender who once played an exhibition game for the Tampa Bay Lightning? Well, she played two actual-for-serious regular season games for the Thunder in 1994.<br />
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But enough with the honourable mentions/shoutouts (and honestly, there could be more; for more on the team's history <a href="http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/16831801/nhl-las-vegas-thunder-brought-splash-bikinis-rebellion-pro-hockey">follow this link</a>); let's get to the best.<br />
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<b>5. Petr Nedved, LW (1997-99)/Curtis Joseph, G (95/96)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLdh9pS4FSkKNXpHBStEjhl20pnPcrd1-7il4uO0mN77RXekGam7b44w5pnWdVNIh9BWOxRbH9CgRIaX4xZBwwopEjAkRl4qFQTUjTH7bOhKuWeZPKDGP8Og3cI_hh295w-FNB-LQ2Wg/s1600/nedved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLdh9pS4FSkKNXpHBStEjhl20pnPcrd1-7il4uO0mN77RXekGam7b44w5pnWdVNIh9BWOxRbH9CgRIaX4xZBwwopEjAkRl4qFQTUjTH7bOhKuWeZPKDGP8Og3cI_hh295w-FNB-LQ2Wg/s1600/nedved.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He doesn't want anyone to know he played there, I guess</td></tr>
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In terms of sheer talent and career, Nedved would rank higher if he hadn't been limited to just 16 games spread over the 97/98 and 98/99 seasons. After leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins due to a contract dispute following the conclusion of the 96/97 NHL season, Nedved returned to his native Czech Republic to play for Sparta Praha. But he would return to North America towards the end of the season, still unhappy with his NHL contract but still technically Pittsburgh property, to join the Thunder for three games. He acquitted himself very well, scoring 3 goals and 6 points but he didn't suit up for their playoff series. All summer his contract status with the Penguins went unresolved so he began the next season in Las Vegas, racking up 18 points in 13 games before being traded from the Penguins to the New York Rangers for Alex Kovalev.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-pBxXbNjecbvBarDMumCO43cnIytbWA44uXDXQWLuSP_BUnxv6ETen5d05dYUzuR6duR9wBNXjwgAnJCa6ryVCgbepcyrZHQl6yM6lVV5C0-hu8CdyxRj11y2OHAuEsCF3ow4yevvgk/s1600/cujo%253F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-pBxXbNjecbvBarDMumCO43cnIytbWA44uXDXQWLuSP_BUnxv6ETen5d05dYUzuR6duR9wBNXjwgAnJCa6ryVCgbepcyrZHQl6yM6lVV5C0-hu8CdyxRj11y2OHAuEsCF3ow4yevvgk/s320/cujo%253F.jpg" width="247" /></a>The second overall pick of the 1990 NHL draft and a veteran of 982 NHL games, Nedved is easily one of the higher profile players to play for the Thunder.<br />
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The same rules apply to Joseph - heck, he could even be number one on this list if he'd played more games but as he started just 15, I've decided to have him share this slot with Nedved. And just like Nedved, it was a contract dispute that landed Joseph, certainly an NHL star in his own right, in Las Vegas. He played like one too, going 12, 2 and 1 with a sparkling .929 save percentage and miniscule 1.99 goals against average before returning to the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers. Cujo was definitely the most talented and accomplished man to ever guard the net in Las Vegas.<br />
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<b>4. Sergei Zholtok, C (1995-97)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkE88-N1-Jg3ck3H_mW53qSJkDiZJ7BzxDJLXIg4e8kH1jSRMuSlBhKrsz66twWXMUxydjTd4h0L3sFkxC_Otzglic114FwsWwHFwnpLQPSnkBdAK4lV1gSLUVUulN1tIKUqBU3PrDIU/s1600/ZholtokThunder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkE88-N1-Jg3ck3H_mW53qSJkDiZJ7BzxDJLXIg4e8kH1jSRMuSlBhKrsz66twWXMUxydjTd4h0L3sFkxC_Otzglic114FwsWwHFwnpLQPSnkBdAK4lV1gSLUVUulN1tIKUqBU3PrDIU/s320/ZholtokThunder.jpg" width="240" /></a>Zholtok is one of several one-time Las Vegas Thunder players to meet a premature and tragic end. During the NHL lockout year of 2004/05, he was playing in his native Latvia for Riga 2000 in the Latvian National Hockey Championship and the Open Belarus Hockey Championship when he left a game with five minutes remaining, collapsing in the dressing room and dying. He had a pre-existing cardiac arrhythmia and ultimately died of heart failure. He was thirty-one years old.<br />
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But back when his professional career was in its early stages, the Boston Bruins draft pick (55th in 1992) would move from the AHL with Providence (the Bruins's AHL farm team) in the 94/95 season to the IHL to play for the Thunder. He played every game of the 95/96 season with them and established himself as a star in the league, scoring 51 goals and 101 points and adding 20 points in 15 playoff games.<br />
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He would begin the 96/97 season again in Las Vegas, scoring 13 goals and 27 points in 19 games before returning to the NHL (he'd played sparingly for the Bruins a few years before) as an Ottawa Senator. He would go on to be an NHL regular, also playing for the Canadiens, Oilers, Wild and Predators until his untimely death. He's probably the greatest hockey player to ever come out of Latvia besides Sandis Ozolinsh.<br />
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His 95/96 season in Las Vegas is one of the greatest offensive seasons in the team's history - only one other player had a 50 goal season for them and only two others managed 100 points in one, including his teammate Patrice Lefebvre.<br />
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<b>3. Radek Bonk, C (1993-95)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvHdJ321Y05HI3YqHQTc3ti3AGImd0AzUHi3l8GAjx3oqvxeyTTyVtaaVUWtog8Gb75DEVxx75qiqpCkT-neObrD91qL9rQuFWtMD5NyLG3vpOixZ3ZU3gYxv9AN77QLJHWsUxxGqSlQ/s1600/bonkers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvHdJ321Y05HI3YqHQTc3ti3AGImd0AzUHi3l8GAjx3oqvxeyTTyVtaaVUWtog8Gb75DEVxx75qiqpCkT-neObrD91qL9rQuFWtMD5NyLG3vpOixZ3ZU3gYxv9AN77QLJHWsUxxGqSlQ/s1600/bonkers.jpeg" /></a>In its day (1945-2001), the IHL was an interesting league. It coexisted alongside the AHL, providing the same function (farm system for NHL teams) and containing players of basically the same skill level. I'm not sure when the rule was implemented but at least during the period that the Las Vegas Thunder was in operation, players under eighteen years of age were eligible to play. Nowadays in the AHL, no underage players are permitted and even eighteen and nineteen year olds are extraordinarily rare due to the current rules. It's led to the awkward problem of North American players who have proven ridiculously dominant in the CHL (Canada's three major junior leagues) but may not be quite ready to play in the best professional league in the world (um, the NHL) having no choice but to return to junior even though it's unlikely to help their development.<br />
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Anyway, I mentioned all that because this entry, Radek Bonk (one of the best names in sports, right?), was one of the IHL's such players - a seventeen year old foreign import who was talented and physically mature enough to play pro, but, as the NHL draft is for eighteen year olds, couldn't yet play on the biggest stage. He signed with the Thunder for their inaugural season and was an instant sensation. He finished third on the team in scoring with 87 points, including 42 goals. He even wore the flashy #76 (worn by the likes of P.K. Subban in the NHL these days) for them; a far cry from his #14 with the Sens.<br />
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But the statistic I find most interesting about that year was his penalty minute total - 208 - that's in the range of an extremely physical player and in Bonk's case, a power forward who scores. That stat line is akin to players like Brendan Shanahan, Gary Roberts and Rick Tocchet. But here's the thing - if you knew Bonk from his days in the NHL, you'd remember him as a fairly mild mannered player. Even though he was 6'3 and around 215 pounds, in the NHL at least, he wasn't particularly physical at all and his PIM totals reflect that. His career high in the league is 66 - a very average amount.<br />
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Not having seen him play for the Thunder and since I can't really find much info on his season there, I can only theorize that Bonk's status as a hotshot seventeen year old who was also quite big caused his IHL opponents to take it upon themselves to challenge him physically. You don't put up over 200 penalty minutes without fighting. I can't recall him EVER fighting in the NHL but it must've happened at least a couple times.<br />
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So Bonk's awesome season led directly to him being drafted third overall by the Senators in the 94 draft. He likely would've jumped straight to the NHL the next year but a lockout delayed the 94/95 season and he played his first 37 games back in Vegas. We all know now that he never turned into the dominant star player he was envisioned to be but he was definitely one of Ottawa's most consistent and reliable players over the near decade that he played for them. He established himself as a good second line player with some scoring ability, topping out at 70 points in 01/02, but most years he was more in the range of 45 or so.<br />
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While he's most remembered as a solid if unspectacular player in the NHL, for the Las Vegas Thunder, he was one of their very best and brightest stars.<br />
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<b>2. Pavol Demitra, LW (1996/97)</b><br />
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While most of his brief IHL career was spent with another franchise, the Grand Rapids Griffins (who shifted into the AHL when the IHL folded), Demitra's 22 game stint in Las Vegas in 96/97 can't be overlooked. Because...well, it's Pavol Demitra. As with Sergei Zholtok, Demitra is tragically no longer with us. One of the most talented and accomplished Slovakian players of all time, he was killed in September of 2011 along with the rest of his Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (KHL) teammates in a plane crash.<br />
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Like Bonk, Demitra was an Ottawa Senators draft pick, but he was at the other end of the spectrum, going 227th overall in 1993. He never really found his footing with the Sens but after playing in the IHL with the Thunder and Griffins, he joined the St. Louis Blues and soon developed into a star player. On the international stage, he was always one of Slovakia's best and most prominent players. This was punctuated nicely at the 2010 Olympics where he was named Best Forward after leading the tournament in points.<br />
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A brief teammate of his in Las Vegas was Belrussian defenceman, Ruslan Salei, who also carved out a very respectable NHL career. But unfortunately, that wasn't their only link. Salei was also a member of Yaraslav Lokomtiv in 2011 and was killed in the crash as well. So that's three former Las Vegas Thunder players I'm aware of who died prematurely.<br />
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<b>1. Alexei Yashin, C (94/95)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkxgCy0aNSYVh-lOZ-kzWuYkpJjRNC8Q0XezOpC7UfPIMxhjosr43aKXvt282ihGuf6sZZt7OedczLke6VkI4HzwabplqwBX5MyF4R_vKxD9FI2niERGf5YuBPBlcTmIOufozyTXZec/s1600/yash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvkxgCy0aNSYVh-lOZ-kzWuYkpJjRNC8Q0XezOpC7UfPIMxhjosr43aKXvt282ihGuf6sZZt7OedczLke6VkI4HzwabplqwBX5MyF4R_vKxD9FI2niERGf5YuBPBlcTmIOufozyTXZec/s320/yash.jpg" width="249" /></a>By now it's pretty clear that the Ottawa Senators are the NHL team with the strongest link to Las Vegas. That's all going to change in a year but the history will always be interesting. Like Bonk, Yashin was a top three pick at the NHL draft (1992 this time) for Ottawa but unlike Bonk, proved right away he was a genuine star at the NHL level. It's only because of the lockout in 1994 that a player of his calibre wound up playing for the Thunder. He and Bonk were actually teammates that year so right off the bat Bonk got to meet the guy who would keep him from being a number one centre in the NHL.<br />
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And while I could probably devote several lists to Yashin based on the kind of career he's had, mostly due to the reputation he would develop as an underachiever whose heart didn't match up to his talent, in Vegas he pretty much delivered. In the only 24 games he would ever spend at the minor league level, Yashin showcased his all-world skills, racking up 15 goals and 35 points. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the 94/95 NHL season did eventually start and their Russian star returned to the big league so they were without him down the stretch and for the playoffs.<br />
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With 781 points in 850 NHL games (an impressive total especially<br />
considering he sat out the entire 99/00 NHL season with a contract dispute right smack in the middle of his most productive years), I think it's safe to say the enigmatic and sometimes frustrating Yashin was the greatest hockey talent to ever play in service of the city of Las Vegas. With the NHL about to put a team there I guess that won't be true for much longer. But you never know.cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-32459471517942090332016-06-07T07:58:00.001-07:002016-06-07T07:58:50.561-07:00Looking Forward to E3 2016I'd just like to start this list by saying I'm writing it because I don't want to break tradition, but this has to be the worst year for E3 speculation and anticipation in a long while. I initially started to get into the hype, as per usual, but that was short-lived. The big three companies - Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft - have been pretty good to quell any sort of backlash or anger by fans who might be anticipating games or news that won't be forthcoming at this year's expo. As a result, there is a definite lack of wild expectation surrounding the event, which in my opinion is half the fun!<br />
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The long and short of it is that Sony and Microsoft will probably announce new "slim" versions of their current consoles for a lower price point as well as more powerful versions, which will support virtual reality attachments. Hopefully they have some new game announcements, but for the most part it looks like they'll give updated information on games they've already announced. Nintendo is not showing their new console, codenamed NX, and is only showing a handful of games that we already knew about. It doesn't leave a lot to write about!<br />
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Here are a few games that I'm excited to hear news about at this year's expo. A lot of them were already announced and some were teased at the last E3, but will most likely feature prominently this year, as well.<br />
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<b>5. ReCore</b><br />
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Keiji Inafune isn't very popular with gamers these days. After several delays surrounding his Mega Man-inspired <i>Mighty No. 9</i> and a few suspect Kickstarter campaigns, most fans are speaking his name with much disdain at the moment.<br />
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That said, I think just about anyone who saw the teaser for <i>ReCore</i> at last year's E3 are still looking forward to the game. In development by Inafune's Comcept and Armature Studios - a company created by Retro Studios alumni - the game is being developed for Xbox One and looks very promising.<br />
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From last year's E3 teaser, the game appears to be a 3D puzzle platformer. The protagonist, a unnamed female character, uses weapons and a grappling hook to pull "cores" out of robot enemies, either destroying or de-powering them. She is accompanied by a robotic dog and, from what the teaser trailer suggests, you can pull the core out of the dog and place it in other robot bodies, which can then be controlled.<br />
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The graphics and style of the trailer, coupled with what appears to be interesting gameplay, make me excited to see more of <i>ReCore</i> at E3 this year. Really, all we've seen is a video and no real gameplay at this point.<br />
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Inafune is producing the game, while Armature - reponsible for games like <i>Metroid Prime 3: Corruption</i> (as Retro Studios), and the upcoming Vita and Wii U ports of <i>Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night</i> - will be developing the game. It looks like a refreshing title in a world of bland first person shooters and will hopefully garner lots of positive attention at this years show.<br />
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<b>4. </b><b>Final Fantasy VII Remake</b><br />
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There certainly hasn't been a real <i>lack </i>of news surrounding Square Enix's remake of what is considered their most popular game of all time, <i>Final Fantasy VII</i>. The game was initially teased at last year's E3 and since then there's been a trickling of news; some gameplay was shown at the 2015 Playstation Experience and the announcement that the game will be released episodically. That said, there still isn't that much information out there for the remake and E3 is a great time to remedy that.<br />
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This is a game that most gamers are absolutely clamouring for and it would be in Square Enix and Sony's best interests to show off - at the very least - some more gameplay and another trailer for the game. I think a release date of the first episode, a price point, and some idea of how much content these episodes will contain should be released at E3. That said, Square Enix is usually quite tight-lipped with details like this and they also take their sweet time with development, as evidenced by <i>FFXV</i>, which has been officially in development since 2006.<br />
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One can only hope that the episodic release schedule will result in a quick turnaround for the <i>FFVII Remake</i>, which officially went into development in 2014, and that there will be news that 2017 will be the release year for this hotly anticipated title.<br />
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<b>3. </b><b>Hideo Kojima's New Game</b><br />
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Kojima's had a rocky few months. Whatever went on behind the scenes is up to anyone's imagination, but something occurred in Konami that resulted in them unceremoniously firing Kojima at around the same time as the company was releasing his newest hit chapter in the Metal Gear series, <i>Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain</i>.<br />
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As a result, Kojima briefly disbanded his development studio, Kojima Productions, and then reopened the company as an independent studio after the dust settled on the Konami situation.<br />
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Since then, Kojima has done little else but reveal the mascot for his new company, a character called Ludens, who appears to be some sort of space frontiersman. This is inline with Kojima Productions' new motto, "arming the new world with the latest technology and pioneering spirit".<br />
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Kojima was seen touring several different production and hardware studios with Mark Cerny, a consultant who is heavily embedded in the Sony PlayStation 4, and recently announced that he would be developing a new game exclusively for the console. Other than that, we know nothing.<br />
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Where Kojima has ramped up advertising his new company in the past few weeks I think that the hype for his new project is at an all-time high and E3 would be a great time to at least tease whatever Kojima Productions has in store. Described by Kojima as a game that fans of <i>Uncharted</i> would enjoy, it's sure to be a hit and a hotly anticipated title at next year's E3, as well.<br />
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<b>2. </b><b>Tokyo RPG Factory's Next Game</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTbrcQ5zYHEanugGYKkYxYpp-f0J5HBW6oyPAFVVn09JxZKUQzRrl7_rtKrJKNn7Sbd_msCFkBZqJazVmE9v3JyrUSlF57DY6sRZg3LTaYZJeLxGbH4YF8juKp4POGwEoyeoIbCNJbwt7/s1600/i-am-setsuna-news-04-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTbrcQ5zYHEanugGYKkYxYpp-f0J5HBW6oyPAFVVn09JxZKUQzRrl7_rtKrJKNn7Sbd_msCFkBZqJazVmE9v3JyrUSlF57DY6sRZg3LTaYZJeLxGbH4YF8juKp4POGwEoyeoIbCNJbwt7/s320/i-am-setsuna-news-04-1024x576.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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You might not be familiar with Tokyo RPG Factory. They only have one game to their credit, thus far, and it hasn't even been released in North America yet.<br />
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<i>I Am Setsuna</i> is the first title by Tokyo RPG Factory and it looks absolutely amazing. The company was created by Square Enix to produce games that have the old look and feel of SNES and PlayStation RPGs. <i>I Am Setsuna</i> was specifically modeled after <i>Chrono Trigger</i> and uses all the hallmarks of an RPG from that era; a top-down perspective, Active Time Battle System, and a playtime that matches games released on the SNES. It will be released in North America this July for the PS4 and PC and I can't wait to play it.<br />
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What I want to know at this year's E3 is what else Tokyo RPG Factory is up to! <i>I Am Setsuna</i> just released in February in Japan, but with the game fully localized and already garnering a lot of positive press, what else could be on their radar?<br />
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The idea of creating a studio that makes this style of games speaks to me. This is the stuff I want to play. Modern remakes of classic titles are cool and all, but I'm much happier playing new titles that act and play like the games I loved as a kid. If <i>I Am Setsuna</i> is the measuring stick of what Tokyo RPG Factory is going to develop then I'm in high hopes that they'll announce a new title at E3 and that it will hopefully use another great title from Square Enix's back catalogue - say <i>Final Fantasy VI</i> - as it's template.<br />
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<b>1. The Legend of Zelda</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM948h9KMyuFtXQlLG_2y9QDVatQqVcJe6JFz1VTi17lYTSYFsL9KpqdZpWOVFKs36Fc3qTLX4TFwAdLKETqwn2mmolaGx0y_Y85TEkPnRD9k8vVhWB92gqGtFUMb2bOYr0hGaPRdGk5Th/s1600/the-legend-of-zelda-wii-u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM948h9KMyuFtXQlLG_2y9QDVatQqVcJe6JFz1VTi17lYTSYFsL9KpqdZpWOVFKs36Fc3qTLX4TFwAdLKETqwn2mmolaGx0y_Y85TEkPnRD9k8vVhWB92gqGtFUMb2bOYr0hGaPRdGk5Th/s320/the-legend-of-zelda-wii-u.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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As I previously mentioned, Nintendo has been very transparent with what they are going to show at this year's E3... which isn't much. In a statement released a few weeks ago, they made it clear that their newest console, codenamed Nintendo NX, would be released in March of 2017 and would not be shown at E3. They also announced that there would be no Nintendo Direct accompanying the event and that the crux of their show would be gameplay stations for the newest <i>Legend of Zelda</i> title, which will simultaneously release on the Wii U and the NX.<br />
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This news certainly ruffled some feathers with most gamers, but was probably a good call if Nintendo decided they weren't ready to show their newest console. I won't get into all that, but the one positive here is that they will finally be showing off gameplay for the next game in the LoZ series.<br />
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We've seen <i>some </i>live gameplay for the title already last year, but it was just Link riding a horse in a lush green environment. We still know little about the game, except for a few crumbs that the game's director, Eiji Aonuma, has dropped here and there.<br />
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The game will feature an open-world environment, which will be entirely new for the series. It was explored to some extent in <i>A Link Between Worlds</i> on the 3DS, but it's expected this game will take the idea to an all-new level. There is also speculation that Nintendo may allow players, for the first time, to choose between a male or female Link, but this is all rumour and conjecture as I'm writing this.<br />
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The game has had several delays so far, initially aiming for a 2015 release date, and some positive press along with actual gameplay is going to go a long way to help with Nintendo's press as of late.<br />
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All that business stuff aside, ever since I played <i>Ocarina of Time</i> back in '98 I've been a follower of this series and the videos that Nintendo has released thus far have left me highly anticipating any and all news surrounding the newest game in this storied franchise.RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-78862522177220692882016-02-10T20:07:00.002-08:002016-02-11T19:52:04.575-08:00Shane’s Favourite Movies of 2015<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need an introduction, read the title again. Some spoilers ahead.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Kingsman: The Secret Service</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjBV5wzsVlQBpPBJVCaKiDa6bmjwj-hgJS1eHLIRdpFQUl4JnkglCCtdwVf54qqjNjOwgsM-2UEPhruKHGKG5VpNv3XyS8fS0Z5y9hLPlmg8P3mVO7X7iO4xlUP6RH5kbhcEG6m_umRhm/s1600/MV5BMTkxMjgwMDM4Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTk3NTIwNDE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjBV5wzsVlQBpPBJVCaKiDa6bmjwj-hgJS1eHLIRdpFQUl4JnkglCCtdwVf54qqjNjOwgsM-2UEPhruKHGKG5VpNv3XyS8fS0Z5y9hLPlmg8P3mVO7X7iO4xlUP6RH5kbhcEG6m_umRhm/s320/MV5BMTkxMjgwMDM4Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTk3NTIwNDE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" width="216" /></a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plot Rundown: A punk-ass street kid is recruited into a gentleman spy organization and must defeat a mastermind planning mass genocide.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now here’s a movie that I did not expect would be on my top five list. I remember seeing the trailer for this film and thinking, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dear god this is going to be stupid</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I rolled my eyes so hard I think I tore something. But the truth is, the movie </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> stupid. But it’s also hella fun.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seriously, this movie is more entertaining than I’d ever guess. It’s funnier, crazier, and much more violent than it has any right to be. It introduced me to something I never knew I wanted: Colin Firth kicking </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">severe</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ass. One amazing sequence that takes place in a church is this year’s hidden action gem. It’s worth watching the movie for that alone.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kingsman</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has a bunch of well known actors, it’s full of fun sequences that veer off from conventions, and it has constant energy. This is, without a doubt, my guilty pleasure of the year. I had a blast seeing it in the theatre and I pity anyone who watched </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kingsman</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and dismissed it as silly. The movie knows it’s ridiculous, and it embraces that fully.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. The Revenant</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YHSbogQt8u3GYCWpx9xA6E_jz5wK_Gtr_Lhuwth35cYlwIr1WqJqB_jEHgvC3XjBWAVMTUKI1d8uhraBuu09zRlV5mwKVho4m7lJXoDUjEzOvfvh2BNlzNntqIF5N08f7e2k0iEgGFFi/s1600/MV5BMjU4NDExNDM1NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDIyMTgxNzE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY795_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YHSbogQt8u3GYCWpx9xA6E_jz5wK_Gtr_Lhuwth35cYlwIr1WqJqB_jEHgvC3XjBWAVMTUKI1d8uhraBuu09zRlV5mwKVho4m7lJXoDUjEzOvfvh2BNlzNntqIF5N08f7e2k0iEgGFFi/s320/MV5BMjU4NDExNDM1NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDIyMTgxNzE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY795_.jpg" width="215" /></a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plot Rundown: A trapper, named Hugh Glass, is wrecked by a bear and must survive countless other horrific things in order to seek revenge against the man who left him for dead.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most striking thing about this movie are the amazing visuals. The cinematography in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Revenant</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is stunning, and the use of only natural lighting really makes the setting more vivid. It pulls you into the past. The opening raid on the hunters’ camp was wild and visceral, and extremely well shot. In fact, all the moments of action feel raw and brutal.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DiCaprio has very limited lines to say, Hardy’s character is often unintelligible, and huge portions of the film have no dialogue at all. Because of this the movie draws you in, and lets you focus on the characters’ actions moment to moment. You feel like you have an intimate view of Glass’ struggle to survive.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a long ass movie but I was invested the whole time and desperate to know how Glass would find his way back and if he would have his revenge. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Revenant</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is awesome filmmaking and storytelling from start to finish.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Ex Machina</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwDa5t2B-QkiKq2ecXnactI85nfT2692ksgUG3uuR25LA3Nh4e9YPK0YvyKn0tot4PrOalR0V8U9aMTZIUX0_34A8xt1nW_wxrY8W1O6HlglLDNF94LlVknGcBi8NXhWl3fpQbe1lQK3c/s1600/MV5BMTUxNzc0OTIxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDI3NzU2NDE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwDa5t2B-QkiKq2ecXnactI85nfT2692ksgUG3uuR25LA3Nh4e9YPK0YvyKn0tot4PrOalR0V8U9aMTZIUX0_34A8xt1nW_wxrY8W1O6HlglLDNF94LlVknGcBi8NXhWl3fpQbe1lQK3c/s320/MV5BMTUxNzc0OTIxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDI3NzU2NDE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" width="215" /></a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plot Rundown: A programmer wins a contest to visit a private mountain retreat and be part of an experiment with a female A.I. robot built by a reclusive CEO.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve seen people really gushing over this movie. A lot. I really enjoyed the movie, but c’mon now, this is not a ground breaking film. It’s a beautifully shot, well acted movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s also filled with things I’ve seen dozens of times before. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even if the story is often predictable, the details are what make it interesting. There’s a particular dance scene that stands out; guaranteed to have you confused, laughing, or grinning from ear to ear. The weirdness keeps it compelling, no question.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ex Machina</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is dark and seductive. It sticks the audience in a sterile, often claustrophobic setting, and slowly unravels a mystery where each character’s motivations become clear. The whole movie I was waiting for twists that I thought </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ex Machina</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was leading me to, but it turned out the twist was … there isn’t one. You may not be blown away by the ending, but it felt right. Any fan of science fiction should give it a look. Just don’t walk in expecting a masterpiece.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila4uCiaxMR25aHpdCH9Sew9hkdd7maw_vGzOfrEJIzWY39t6EEdcx48bnO9OEK_ck9baHIGJCBRljOGtSbqR7iEoTR9Z4VvJ4-T4hVTWNd66NctGDcddCQzX2UGsSWJnJ4UUts84s3qa4/s1600/MV5BOTAzODEzNDAzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDU1MTgzNzE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila4uCiaxMR25aHpdCH9Sew9hkdd7maw_vGzOfrEJIzWY39t6EEdcx48bnO9OEK_ck9baHIGJCBRljOGtSbqR7iEoTR9Z4VvJ4-T4hVTWNd66NctGDcddCQzX2UGsSWJnJ4UUts84s3qa4/s320/MV5BOTAzODEzNDAzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDU1MTgzNzE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" width="216" /></a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plot Rundown: Thirty years after the fall of the Empire a new threat arises as The First Order, and key information about the location of Luke Skywalker is entrusted with a pilot’s droid who teams up with a renegade stormtrooper and a scavenger with a mysterious past.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Man, it’s so good to have a new Star Wars movie that I care about. It feels damn good.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time I watched the film was great, but I think a part of me was tense with the worry of walking into another </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phantom Menace</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. But </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Force Awakens</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> proved that it had recaptured the spirit of Star Wars that I remembered growing up. With those concerns out of the way, my second time watching was pure joy. It’s such a fun movie.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Force Awakens</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> does so many things perfectly. The characters, creatures, weapons, vehicles, costumes, and set pieces all felt true to the Star Wars universe. They were built with love, often as practical effects, and that infused life into the movie. By comparison, the prequels gave us cold green screen settings inhabited by dead-eyed characters delivering wooden dialogue to CGI creatures who weren’t physically there. So it was a great relief to see Episode VII finally showing us interesting characters who could look at the world around them with awe and emotion. Rey, Finn, and Poe are engaging in the world of Star Wars with enthusiasm. Our heroes look like they give a shit! They’re likeable, and they share a sense of wonder with the audience. There’s even humour and charm! You know, the things that have been missing from the series since 1983.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A weird complaint I kept hearing again and again was that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Force Awakens</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was too similar to the original film. Are you jerks serious? The prequels stepped far away from the familiar and people hated it for not feeling like the Star Wars they knew. Now people are going to gripe about it being too similar? Make up your mind! </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The new characters to the series are great, as I mentioned. Daisy Ridley is a standout performance for me, and Rey is a hero you can care about from the first moment. Plus, characters returning from the original trilogy haven’t just been sloppily written into the story. Their actions are meaningful and true to their characters. Han Solo’s story in particular is handled with care, and by the end of the movie the stakes have been raised in a way that fans old and new can appreciate.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved Kylo Ren as a villain. He’s powerful but undisciplined, making him all the more dangerous and unpredictable. The First Order may look like the Empire, but they are something quite different. They are desperate to be the Empire, but haven’t earned power by the same means. They are so blinded by the Empire’s legacy that they haven’t learned from their mistakes (eg. another Death Star!?). The First Order is just as reckless in their pursuit for dominance as Kylo himself. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The greatest thing about The Force Awakens is that it has reignited my love of Star Wars, and made me hopeful again for the future of the franchise. I’m already starving for Episode VIII and my head has been spinning with possibilities and theories. It feels like there are so many surprises and adventures ahead, and I can’t fucking wait.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mad Max: Fury Road</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0NV2KyzYx4lJ1VbgqIcaeJoSd3ePX4CNgx7w3EJYpjc4H6PuA-XcAbF4H7JUcjWRv_wjp9ltAKufpzxjPRkILBscpy8C5ImoPRNZ-YnMtP1_bK6tPqbA9V5gnNDMKjJHpIlZufsvGV2P/s1600/MV5BMTUyMTE0ODcxNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODE4NDQzNTE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0NV2KyzYx4lJ1VbgqIcaeJoSd3ePX4CNgx7w3EJYpjc4H6PuA-XcAbF4H7JUcjWRv_wjp9ltAKufpzxjPRkILBscpy8C5ImoPRNZ-YnMtP1_bK6tPqbA9V5gnNDMKjJHpIlZufsvGV2P/s320/MV5BMTUyMTE0ODcxNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODE4NDQzNTE%2540._V1__SX1575_SY839_.jpg" width="219" /></a></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plot Rundown: A drifter named Max is captured and ends up joining forces with a rebel named Furiosa who is trying to liberate a group of female prisoners from a tyrant pursuing them through the post apocalyptic wasteland.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Star Wars is a tough one to beat, but Mad Max is another returning franchise that blew my socks clean off. I watched the trailers for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fury Road</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> dozens of times and I could feel in my bones that something incredible was on the horizon. The hype was real, my expectations were through the roof, and it still exceeded those expectations. I walked out of this movie high on adrenaline and completely satisfied. If you haven’t seen it already, stop everything and watch it now. I mean it. Drop your baby, leave work early, jump out of that moving car and go.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I adored how this movie looked. The colour palette is rich and vibrant, and every explosion is a deep fiery red that that looks like hot magic blood. The design of all the characters and their insane vehicles was goddamn incredible. Every time I thought the movie had exhausted its creativity, another slew of freakish bad guys would come riding into action on all manner of motorized death machines. Spikes and blades and claws and guns and fire-shooting guitars. Everywhere you looked there were details of the scavenged pieces used to build these chariots from a desert hell.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The movie’s energy is incredible. The action starts almost immediately and doesn’t let up for the duration of the film. In the trailers you can see a giant sandstorm with lightning, explosions, and cars being thrown around. I had thought... </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">well, that must be a scene fro<span id="goog_484890912"></span><span id="goog_484890913"></span>m the climax of the film</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Nope. It’s first act material in this fucking juggernaut.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So many characters are memorable, they feel almost iconic from the moment you meet them. Immortan Joe, for example, is a ghoulish motherfucker and a great villain. He leads the pursuit to retrieve “his property” and his presence is pure menace. The peril our heroes experience always feels real.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d like to address a dumb complaint I’ve heard about </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fury Road: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">t</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hat Furiosa outshines Max as the main hero. Look, Max doesn’t have to be at the forefront of the film. He’s just a tough dude who roams the wasteland and gets caught up in other people’s shit. He’s a hero because he’ll fight injustice when he encounters it, but that doesn’t mean he has to be considered the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">main </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hero. That’s why he didn’t stick around at the Citadel when they triumph at the end. He’s going to keep moving on because it wasn’t his fight to begin with. Charlize Theron played the part of Furiosa perfectly and was a total badass. She was the hero, and that doesn’t take anything away from the film.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will never forget the experience of seeing this film at the theatre. It completely knocked my dick in the dirt. I mean that in the best possible way. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fury Road</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is endlessly inventive and a one of a kind experience. It looks gorgeous, the action is frenetic and creative, and it moves at a pace that I’ve never seen before. It’s George Miller’s epic vision come to life, and he’s delivered a spectacular chase that will leave you breathless. See it.</span>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-58424449729349297252016-01-31T19:53:00.002-08:002016-04-21T17:56:12.543-07:00Moon Knight's Most Badass Moments (so far)For those of you who haven't been paying attention or just really suck at remembering stuff, my favourite comic book character (also: I'm the one who's into comic books) is Moon Knight. And for those of you who aren't me or like twelve other specific people, Moon Knight is a "superhero" in the Marvel Universe.<br />
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He looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWRZbgZsrAICI3OF7pF3Vuu6Q25QSqfB0jPwfeYEDOnM3gbfORXdVl28BBV19ef68lwPJVdDth5fjhRrAwRHgtdLEwDlS5XNrPth1-KSkhvtQILG5XFpSmcRpduklesp7fhWF1zmi-Nc/s1600/Moon_Knight_descending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWRZbgZsrAICI3OF7pF3Vuu6Q25QSqfB0jPwfeYEDOnM3gbfORXdVl28BBV19ef68lwPJVdDth5fjhRrAwRHgtdLEwDlS5XNrPth1-KSkhvtQILG5XFpSmcRpduklesp7fhWF1zmi-Nc/s320/Moon_Knight_descending.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While it's hardly a unique trait among comic book characters, particularly superhero types, one of the major things that makes Moony my main man is that he's a total badass. He's a maverick who plays by his own rules and when he's not being outright ignored by the superhero community at large, he's being actively shunned by them. Even Deadpool winds up doing more team-ups than him. This also makes him something of an underdog - he doesn't really have any powers and when he's in trouble he (usually) doesn't have the option of calling up Tony Stark or Nick Fury.<br />
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Now before I launch into an essay on all the stuff that makes Moon Knight my avenging spectre (ha) of choice let's return to the main point which is he's badass. With that said, here is a sampling of some of his most badass moments.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595Y4ijUDwqa7ixdXuDtosu3J4c87amnV-AoJ9cEBudMBU4q3-bhWw5VwgY31w5y27YDv3-D3hfbfkko3gshJ654ayJ3FpxIbQ-4tN5oYf6XCD9KDBWiz01Dbi9WXOhuqlkAAWlV1hQE/s1600/MoonKnight3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi595Y4ijUDwqa7ixdXuDtosu3J4c87amnV-AoJ9cEBudMBU4q3-bhWw5VwgY31w5y27YDv3-D3hfbfkko3gshJ654ayJ3FpxIbQ-4tN5oYf6XCD9KDBWiz01Dbi9WXOhuqlkAAWlV1hQE/s320/MoonKnight3.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spidey didn't like posing for this one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Honourable Mention: Ultimate Moon Knight crazies himself back to life (Ultimate Spider-Man #110)</b><br />
Haven't done the honourable mention thing in a while because I don't want to somehow undermine the five choices I make, but I thought that since this isn't the regular 616 version of Moon Knight, I could get away with it.<br />
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Moon Knight only appears in a couple of arcs of Ultimate Spider-Man but writer Brian Michael Bendis definitely does him justice. I think that's partly because he's really not very different from his classic incarnation. He's still former mercenary Marc Spector, now wealthy and sometimes moonlighting (I had to) as a New York cabbie who also dresses in the aspect of Egyptian god Khonshu and fights crime. The costume is given a bit of a tweak (as you can see) but his methods, personality(ies) and genuine craziness are all pretty much intact, although the personalities are shuffled a bit.<br />
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Our moment occurs in the second arc containing Moon Knight, "Ultimate Knights", a nod to the Marvel Knights comics in 616. Moon Knight first met Spider-Man in the arc "Warriors". The two fought for awhile and Moony succeeded in totally freaking Spider-Man out. Here, Moon Knight teams up with him, Shang-Chi, Daredevil, Iron Fist and Dr. Strange in an effort to take down the Kingpin, who is pretty much EXACTLY the same as his 616 counterpart. Shang-Chi had previously attempted to infiltrate Fisk's organization via posing as a skilled assassin for hire (actually to replace Elektra who had been killed by...Moon Knight) but his cover was blown rather quickly and he barely escaped alive. The group decides this was still a good idea, and, as part of their larger plan, should be attempted again. Moon Knight volunteers to be the one to do it and everyone agrees at once since Fisk isn't that familiar with him (as he was with Shang Chi and is with DD and Spidey).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Y58HKRa7HlLAdXXZKw8lEeNVJfwxrmEP9n7dFAe3f14VdgbUGh3CnWObLvzmG6dfpZUaC34eur1VlYDD4xHtU8fqBcIzdLFJaUgQ-qtRzkWcUphCLeKuj_uJdlhl9rfBm15rc5HWT8/s1600/ronin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Y58HKRa7HlLAdXXZKw8lEeNVJfwxrmEP9n7dFAe3f14VdgbUGh3CnWObLvzmG6dfpZUaC34eur1VlYDD4xHtU8fqBcIzdLFJaUgQ-qtRzkWcUphCLeKuj_uJdlhl9rfBm15rc5HWT8/s320/ronin.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ultimate Ronin</td></tr>
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It goes quite well at first as Moon Knight creates the character of Ronin (a nice nod to something concurrently going on in New Avengers, also written by Bendis) and is quickly hired. Of course it still winds up a disaster as ruthless assassin Ronin eventually asserts its dominance over all of Moony's personalities and he <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BecomingTheMask">goes from undercover agent to full on baddy</a>. The situation in his head is actually visually illustrated for us as we see the personalities all meeting and discussing the situation together. But in addition to Steven Grant (who is now the cabbie - there is no Jake Lockley), Marc Spector (businessman) and Moon Knight, Ultimate Moony also has a nameless little girl personality. She's also eyeless. Because that's cool. Ronin murders Moon Knight, drives off the others and takes over. Spider-Man actually has to fight Ronin after the latter is ordered by Kingpin to apprehend him and is quickly defeated. But taking out the hero in his own book isn't Moony's badass moment here. No, that comes when he finally is discovered by Fisk (ok, actually Kingpin had known all along but the last thing this entry needs is more explanations) and is promptly executed by two mooks. Shot in the head and dumped in the outskirts to send a message to other costumed vigilantes in New York.<br />
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<i>Except Moon Knight eventually gets back up. </i>How did he pull this off? No healing factor, no illusion powers, nothing like that. Back in his messed up mind, we see the other personalities urging the seemingly dead Moon Knight persona to wake up. The little girl screams at him a bit to no avail. Then Ronin comes over and gives a try, grabbing his head and yelling "Get up!" It does the trick. The personality revives and so does his physical self. He staggers to a police station, takes off his mask and has Fisk formally charged with attempted murder leading to his arrest (something none of Spidey and the others could achieve).<br />
<br />
So there you have it: Moon Knight is actually too crazy to be killed. Badass.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>5. Burning His Ties To The Avengers - Literally (Marc Spector: Moon Knight #50 Volume 3)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39wjuuGHKgoFwu4aJPYCSL0d7SGYzTBrNikkWnXt2h2fqIWg0wRd8ly9k66KvhgGXR5bE20yvVBpMo5T0_UmRyW2PDfj4oFlGN-1HqktgqiWruAOuYFWO0816A8VC35hDFSvSviYM4q8/s1600/Marc_Spector_Moon_Knight_Vol_1_50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39wjuuGHKgoFwu4aJPYCSL0d7SGYzTBrNikkWnXt2h2fqIWg0wRd8ly9k66KvhgGXR5bE20yvVBpMo5T0_UmRyW2PDfj4oFlGN-1HqktgqiWruAOuYFWO0816A8VC35hDFSvSviYM4q8/s320/Marc_Spector_Moon_Knight_Vol_1_50.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, screw those guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While the Marc Spector: Moon Knight series was the longest running, it really wasn't one of the more memorable runs for the character. The creative team was always in flux, causing the tone and direction to fluctuate along with it. Sure, some cool and important stuff happened like Punisher killing Marc's insane brother Randall (something he thought he'd done himself years previously), visiting a couple of alternate universes and participating in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_Vengeance">Acts of Vengeance</a> hijinks, but as a whole it was kinda weak.<br />
<br />
Still, one of Moony's most badass moments does indeed happen in this series. I'm not entirely certain of the order of events but I'm reasonably sure that at the time of the series's opening, Moon Knight was a member of the West Coast Avengers. He (along with Tigra and Mockingbird) leaves the team in issue #41 but it's established at some point later on in Marc Spector Moon Knight that he's still considered a reserve member and thus has a membership card. So-called misuse of said card was one of the actions that led to Moon Knight's fiery resignation from Earth's Mightiest Heroes.<br />
<br />
The Avengers, in disarray after the events of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation:_Galactic_Storm">Operation Galactic Storm</a> and Captain America's subsequent resignation as team leader, became increasingly concerned with Moon Knight's actions, particularly using his membership card to gain access to the Latverian consulate and attack Doctor Doom (an extremely badass act in itself), his ties to the Punisher as well as villain Tombstone and the revelation (captured on television no less) that he'd been housing some kind of demonic presence in his body - Demogoblin by way of Hobgoblin. Anyway, Moon Knight, busy with his own affairs, repeatedly ignores the team's calls insisting he come in for a meeting.<br />
<br />
Finally, he agrees to go after an altercation with Thor. They spend so much time debating the pros and cons of having him on the team as well as whether or not his actions require some sort of disciplinary measures on their part, that he up and leaves while they're babbling. They don't even notice until seeing the smoke from the flaming membership card he leaves behind.<br />
<br />
<b>4. The Raid, Superhero Style (Moon Knight #5, Volume 7)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV35YrUzDkbKAmSCa115TmaltgL3-F_FO34ie9wwFMB9HZcPFY67ExUvmxaUCpbDSGRFUjHEfT3GSvYjp1fdkKPqkpU3B_qJS4jzuKjXL5AKiCXgC-6gtmZB-aHthotU3bF_lYJ8z0NG0/s1600/moonkn2014005001-col-sm-100292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV35YrUzDkbKAmSCa115TmaltgL3-F_FO34ie9wwFMB9HZcPFY67ExUvmxaUCpbDSGRFUjHEfT3GSvYjp1fdkKPqkpU3B_qJS4jzuKjXL5AKiCXgC-6gtmZB-aHthotU3bF_lYJ8z0NG0/s320/moonkn2014005001-col-sm-100292.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm assuming the elevator wasn't working</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one doesn't require much setup. In the latest Moon Knight series, kicked off by writer Warren Ellis, standalone stories limited to single issues replaced the common practice of story arcs spanning multiple comics. After six great stories Ellis moved on but later writers mostly followed his example. In this particular issue, the second last written by Ellis, Moon Knight storms a dilapidated apartment complex to rescue a kidnapped young girl.<br />
<br />
In what is a clear homage to awesome action movie <i>The Raid, </i>(director Gareth Evans's name can be seen spray painted on a wall in one of the panels), Moony makes his way from the ground floor to the sixth, cutting a brutal and bloody swath through all resistance. His nasty fighting style has been showcased in many issues over the years but perhaps this is the single one that celebrates it the most. I'd point out some of the highlights except: 1. Pretty much every panel is a highlight 2. I really couldn't do them proper justice. So just seek out the comic for yourself, in print or digitally.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFwDrNIB7ATd5SmrTd-tz3X8W_yJbSxBPabON7sAJmXp-WJEBEMo5uzj8m6S2c1B_S3JDjWcCZvdFvSpcoFlqn5VpPOcsAjywlm1TPI2hZJZ8eMKaFmBrR0WQmtfgUbKcZduGuJ30v0o/s1600/mark-spector-moon-knight-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFwDrNIB7ATd5SmrTd-tz3X8W_yJbSxBPabON7sAJmXp-WJEBEMo5uzj8m6S2c1B_S3JDjWcCZvdFvSpcoFlqn5VpPOcsAjywlm1TPI2hZJZ8eMKaFmBrR0WQmtfgUbKcZduGuJ30v0o/s320/mark-spector-moon-knight-4.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moony with a sidekick?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>3. The Final Moon Knight/Midnight Reunion (Moon Knight #12, Volume 4)</b><br />
One thing Charlie Huston firmly re-established in the Moon Knight mythos is that for someone without any powers, the guy can take a hell of a lot of punishment. This is illustrated in spades in the two Huston story arcs "The Bottom" and "Midnight Sun". The next badass moment comes from the latter.<br />
<br />
Way back in the very first Moon Knight series, our hero came up against a flamboyant art thief called The Midnight Man. Despite his initial seeming lack of a threat, he would quickly become something of a nemesis for Moony, culminating in his going insane after having his face disfigured from a fall in one of their encounters. He went from daring cat burglar with a thing for theatrics and mind games to another damaged opponent, bent on revenge. Then he died.<br />
<br />
Years later, during the Marc Spector: Moon Knight run, Marc would be faced with a new chapter in the saga between himself and Anton Mogart (Midnight Man's real name): a young man named Jeff Wilde, who claimed to be Mogart's son. But this wasn't the old "son of a vanquished villain shows up for revenge" schtick; Jeff wanted to help Moon Knight. His reasons were never all that clear. He said something like he wanted to make up for all the trouble his father had caused Marc but by offering his services as costumed sidekick Midnight, he just caused trouble of his own.<br />
<br />
Still, Moony reluctantly agreed to take him on, feeling somewhat responsible for what happened to the kid. But Jeff, while not entirely without guts and talent, wasn't very effective as a crimefighter and more often than not blatantly disregarded Moon Knight's advice and orders. Eventually his bumbling got him captured by the lunatics at the Secret Empire (an offshoot of Hydra considered too crazy even by their standards) and they did the logical thing: turned him into a superpowered, killer cyborg. Sometime later, he apparently died.<br />
<br />
But years after that, Huston revealed in "Midnight Sun" that Midnight was still alive and had become completely unhinged and completely obsessed with having a showdown with his former mentor. To get his attention he went about murdering people and ripping their limbs off to use them as hands in clocks traced in blood. The hands pointed to midnight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUK49aPFyPpAbcZpHUu0xlJMjhblfFqGXpJp1GU0HCXSDFH0PtKvmxNAAo8wIQ-TpRQP0VUPt_7OhU-9hnorqEwJp1XTHWl1ojur6xQBzNQrn7avs25V-tEFyykCG1fmDW4Hb1zDSr4k/s1600/2650528-moon_knight__12___page_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUK49aPFyPpAbcZpHUu0xlJMjhblfFqGXpJp1GU0HCXSDFH0PtKvmxNAAo8wIQ-TpRQP0VUPt_7OhU-9hnorqEwJp1XTHWl1ojur6xQBzNQrn7avs25V-tEFyykCG1fmDW4Hb1zDSr4k/s320/2650528-moon_knight__12___page_22.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I knew I could save you, Jeff."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Moon Knight tracked him to a makeshift lair in the sewers (much like one Mogart fashioned years before) and was promptly overwhelmed when attempting to ambush Wilde. With the aid of a female cyborg assistant, who apparently had nursing skills, Midnight (now dressed in his own Moon Knight costume) tortures the bound (to a giant clock face) Moon Knight by removing parts of his spine with a pair of pliers. Yup.<br />
<br />
So this goes on for a few minutes until lady cyborg gets upset, clobbers Midnight and frees Moony, who is, you know, not in the best of shape. She whines to him for a bit about how she and Midnight are unable to die and how Midnight had assured her Moon Knight would be the one to "save them". She expresses her disappointment in him. Moon Knight, having somewhat regained his wits says "I can save you." He rips the minute hand off the clock and leaping off the platform, plunges it down Midnight's throat, ending the latter's torment. A pretty emphatic form of closure on the whole Midnight Man/Midnight saga.<br />
<br />
(That was the badass moment but if you're wondering about loose ends, I'll just inform you Moon Knight also "saved" the woman by telling her walk out of the tunnel and gaze at the full moon for her salvation. In doing this, she is blown away by the heavy ordinance of Moony's helicopter.)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SoftAjyDryA7PSNk6PwVOdos9aHHH3RaNW7ZuxAkcZ9vESRDYUTLhuY42dsMJsAxk_CkFLZBBs5IaDstjUoRU3SnaFQanAJXbZHZ_7x0SlZP6ef1xgzv7IaB8I9ijoZcPzuxkuYKehQ/s1600/secretmoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SoftAjyDryA7PSNk6PwVOdos9aHHH3RaNW7ZuxAkcZ9vESRDYUTLhuY42dsMJsAxk_CkFLZBBs5IaDstjUoRU3SnaFQanAJXbZHZ_7x0SlZP6ef1xgzv7IaB8I9ijoZcPzuxkuYKehQ/s320/secretmoon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon Knight: Secret Avenger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>2. Making Deadpool Say Uncle (Vengeance of the Moon Knight #8, Volume 5)</b><br />
Charlie Huston's resurrection of Moon Knight in 2006 (his first ongoing series since the mid nineties) was what absolutely solidified his status as my all-time favourite not only superhero but comic book character, period. As with Ellis nearly a decade later, Huston kicked off the series but only stayed on for about a third of its run. He wrote two amazing arcs (named in the previous entry) then writing duties were taken over by others. While I enjoyed seeing an overmatched Moony take on the Thunderbolts after Norman Osborn (head of H.A.M.M.E.R. at that time) sicced them on him, the final arc of that series, "Down South", with a mostly out of costume Moon Knight fighting cartels in Mexico, was a big letdown for me.<br />
<br />
This was immediately followed by a new series, Vengeance of the Moon Knight (Volume 5), that had a somewhat new direction: Moon Knight trying to be a bit more "heroic" (this being The Heroic Age of Marvel at the time) and erase some of the ill will he'd built up in the superhero community and public eye. So he's basically making a concerted effort to not, you know, kill or horribly maim his opponents or cause too much collateral damage. He does so well in this he impresses Steve Rogers enough to recruit him to a new Avengers team, albeit a secret one (um, Secret Avengers) that no one outside of it will be aware of. A pretty big turnaround after Rogers's "I don't like your style, mister," speech to Marc Spector back during Huston's run.<br />
<br />
Anyway I'm mentioning all this to properly set up the next badass moment. Sure, Moon Knight has been playing by the rules and even playing well with others - things he's definitely not known for - all to very encouraging results. But he's still Moon Knight and operating this way was...kind of getting to him.<br />
<br />
Enter The Merc With a Mouth, Deadpool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXrD9lRx5pw0yKThIWEm2HWKyvxJ7sncm3ZdHRQsLRmzvzFqtN3v8NY7xl6MDLmTEqDb3OnwCW1339IOrul4FuNwuJbCWHzLljDn_hfsxZOj8rUEwdWh9ofHPBXWagV-UlcSoZ7T_EoY/s1600/moonpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXrD9lRx5pw0yKThIWEm2HWKyvxJ7sncm3ZdHRQsLRmzvzFqtN3v8NY7xl6MDLmTEqDb3OnwCW1339IOrul4FuNwuJbCWHzLljDn_hfsxZOj8rUEwdWh9ofHPBXWagV-UlcSoZ7T_EoY/s320/moonpool.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You shouldn't have mentioned the healing factor, Wade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Deadpool was doing what he does - he was on the job to assassinate some crime boss for a woman whose life had been destroyed by said crime boss - when Moon Knight arrived and stopped him. Said crime boss was confined to a hospital bed at the time and of course, the new "good boy" Moon Knight couldn't allow him to be murdered while helpless. Deadpool of course taunts him for this as they fight (Moony didn't know who the heck it was and would later refer to him as "that welfare-looking Spider-Man) and asks: "Come on Casper, where's that killer instinct?" Moon Knight tells him he's about to see it but Deadpool is incredulous: "Sure. You're Lee fucking Marvin with <i>me - </i>who can't be killed."<br />
<br />
Well. He shouldn't have said that. Moony draws a sword (OF COURSE he has a sword) and declares: "Game on." Deadpool answers with his own blade but now that Moony isn't holding back anymore, it's really no contest. He proceeds to slice and dice the annoying mercenary until there's not a whole lot left to cut. He dispatches one of the most badass characters in the Marvel U with ease. Deadpool concedes defeat with a: "*Kkkkkkkkk* Uncle*" and Moon Knight stalks off remarking how he really needed that. And so did we.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. Another Faceoff With Bushman Ends In A Face...Off (Moon Knight #2 Volume 4)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHUXnNB2i69DPod5NbyBcehfqnMqAs-fRG0ix0UANQxQmKDIfvxWAqI8rlPp261YgfwHdwMfIPovEqiQD_bZhqof0zjRARXGHIn1ufe7P2OrGZ6jv9FEnY2LDqvDoWIwx7RiHA569Ylg/s1600/bushman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHUXnNB2i69DPod5NbyBcehfqnMqAs-fRG0ix0UANQxQmKDIfvxWAqI8rlPp261YgfwHdwMfIPovEqiQD_bZhqof0zjRARXGHIn1ufe7P2OrGZ6jv9FEnY2LDqvDoWIwx7RiHA569Ylg/s320/bushman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, it really was a face only a mother could love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As this list has already demonstrated, acts of horrific violence are pretty routine for Moon Knight. And while I hope I've shown that he still has badass moments that don't directly involve them, you shouldn't be all that surprised that our number one entry is yet another. And this one tops them all.<br />
<br />
Moon Knight #1 of the 2006 series ends with a broken and disheveled Marc Spector. We're shown he's been out of the hero game for quite awhile and that his life has subsequently fallen apart, lashing out and alienating the small handful of people in the world that actually care about him. We see him <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BeardOfSorrow">sporting a beard</a> while sitting in a chair yelling at his Khonshu statue. It appears he doesn't even have his faith anymore. Not in his god and not in himself.<br />
<br />
Moon Knight #2 gives us the flashback that shows how he arrived in such a state. Fittingly, it's a battle with his arch nemesis, the man who inadvertently created Moon Knight, the vicious Raoul Bushman. The two are slugging it out on a rooftop. Moony provides some great running commentary as they go at each other:<br />
<br />
<b>How many times before a guy figures it out? How many times do you beat a guy down? How many times do you take him out? Before he knows you're better than he is? He never got it. Guess that's why he's called a nemesis. So, how many times can you do the same thing? Before you get sloppy? Blame it on arrogance. Blame it on a bag of tricks grown tired. Blame it on the passing years. Blame it on him. Blame it on our hatred. The hatred born from slaughter. Slaughter born from friendship. Friendship born from recognition. Recognition of a kindred soul. Souls hating each other. Hating as you can hate only one thing. The reflection in the mirror.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO9MdoIy4fg67v4V9fv0B13iAfYw4wsOA9PqB6Vs_i_ExE_H6m6vPEX5maw7VZg_-6MraxLwipQMcq-xo6JklrBKjarPclNdufOuHTzE-JfH4NHcy6oJAm87YcSKFeSigrI822F_nNeg/s1600/MK-Broken.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuO9MdoIy4fg67v4V9fv0B13iAfYw4wsOA9PqB6Vs_i_ExE_H6m6vPEX5maw7VZg_-6MraxLwipQMcq-xo6JklrBKjarPclNdufOuHTzE-JfH4NHcy6oJAm87YcSKFeSigrI822F_nNeg/s320/MK-Broken.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, this can't be good</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqAtK5LXYuQx1q6bdnG3f3pdg0aJZ8U7jnRZNMJ9qj3cbbNZFhAuq5lFV6aHLPlvaERLwrEvuLltNY8hIpo8jHq4GUd3G4bujY4WxlGu0yfvLpy0qlMxz3aMhBXtJ0QLmIJ_KGpsvosE/s1600/Moonface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqAtK5LXYuQx1q6bdnG3f3pdg0aJZ8U7jnRZNMJ9qj3cbbNZFhAuq5lFV6aHLPlvaERLwrEvuLltNY8hIpo8jHq4GUd3G4bujY4WxlGu0yfvLpy0qlMxz3aMhBXtJ0QLmIJ_KGpsvosE/s320/Moonface.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You won't see Batman doing <i>that</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b>
<b><b></b></b>
<b></b>
Eventually the fight goes over the side of the roof and Moon Knight is badly injured, hitting his legs off a fire escape on the way down. Lying sprawled and broken in the alley, he's nearly defenceless as Bushman, staggering through a barrage of crescent moon darts and collapsing at his side, manages to bite his enemy's face right through the mask with those terrible filed teeth. Moon Knight somehow manages one final punch then grips Bushman's face in one hand while retrieving one more crescent dart with the other.<br />
<br />
Then he peels off the guy's face.<br />
<br />
I think it's only too appropriate that Moon Knight's most badass moment ever is also the one which led directly to a downward spiral which nearly destroyed him physically, mentally and spiritually. After two years on the sidelines, wallowing in self pity and abusing pain killers, he managed to pick himself up once again (with a little help from his friends, of course). He's a character who has died and been resurrected several times in continuity, but it's this resurrection of his life, pulled off not by an ancient Egyptian god but by the man himself, that is his greatest comeback.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-45262196865491530812016-01-05T22:27:00.000-08:002016-01-09T06:58:17.898-08:00Essential K-Pop Songs of 2015The time has come to share more music randomness from South Korea. This year was tougher than last to sort out the top five slots. There was so much variety and throwbacks to decades past that incorporated old and new genres that I love. Like last year I wanted to highlight a few songs and the artists that made an impression on me. I hope you find something here that entertains you.<br />
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Do not be afraid, my friends. The whole point of this list is to present something unfamiliar that you wouldn't have discovered otherwise. Let's go!<br />
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<b>5)Wonder Girls - I Feel You</b><br />
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<b><b>Album: <i>Reboot</i></b></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhaFzUo_UuKPHZBNZqeCxym0jxPO6qT5nu0EUli8neJk9LxQb_0877YXCk6gUxMVn3GlzmT-831zLZYymwkwThA4-s7KaCg1__jUlPQkbis8LIscXSOn8rITFPykXBCgdl4k6qAZmGDKg/s1600/Wonder_Girls_-_Reboot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhaFzUo_UuKPHZBNZqeCxym0jxPO6qT5nu0EUli8neJk9LxQb_0877YXCk6gUxMVn3GlzmT-831zLZYymwkwThA4-s7KaCg1__jUlPQkbis8LIscXSOn8rITFPykXBCgdl4k6qAZmGDKg/s200/Wonder_Girls_-_Reboot.jpg" width="200" /></a>Back in 2007, Wonder Girls was perhaps the first k-pop group that I became familiar with and they dominated the airwaves in Korea with some catchy hits. Over the years some members changed, others worked on solo projects for a while, and the group went on hiatus in 2013. They reformed this year as a four member band with an 80's concept, playing instruments for the first time as part of their performance.<br />
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I was happy and surprised to find an upbeat number with a music video that captures the neon haze and ridiculous glam of the eighties so well. Even the production quality and mix feels very true to form for the retro sound. Plus, there's something very entertaining to me about a girl performing rigid dance steps in heels and one-piece swimwear while jamming on a keytar. If any of this rings your bell I highly recommend checking out their entire eighties themed album <i>Reboot</i> that features this song. It's a solid eighties concept album that does everything from Madonna-esque dance pop to darker synth-rock, and the whole thing sounds truly truly truly outrageous.<br />
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<b>4)Lim Kim - Awoo</b><br />
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<b>Album: <i>Simple Mind</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxRplO3KIZZciehbKCUpdfM8JAeNDDp3PiYwr5ooJ5wlXhrZabMTcymCopwkB0rpfSxI21J798d2UZoSRieWOLSwXCn_DCNBLd2hA0hFaBIEXcF3thTMyNoHBNH1WFcZ3J4b-dqmP4giL/s1600/kim-ye-rim_1430245928_af_org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxRplO3KIZZciehbKCUpdfM8JAeNDDp3PiYwr5ooJ5wlXhrZabMTcymCopwkB0rpfSxI21J798d2UZoSRieWOLSwXCn_DCNBLd2hA0hFaBIEXcF3thTMyNoHBNH1WFcZ3J4b-dqmP4giL/s200/kim-ye-rim_1430245928_af_org.jpg" width="200" /></a>There's something so lovely about Lim Kim's voice. Her breathy singing is unique - often ethereal - and I've enjoyed every song she's put out. So I was thrilled to see her release a full album this year.<br />
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"Awoo" has a less than conventional sound with its up and down pitched melody, and simple bass line, but it's that voice that makes it so pleasant and pulls the whole thing together. So many of the tracks on the album are a dreamlike experience, with her quiet voice guiding you over heavy electro beats. I highly recommend listening to it as you drift off to sleep.<br />
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If you ask me what is supposed to be going on in the video, it's hard to say. There seems to be a teasing theme going on, and Lim Kim acting like a cat, but besides that I don't have a clue. It's very colourful, well produced, and suits the unusual sound of the song. Like a lot of Korean music, it's the quirkiness that draws you in, and Lim Kim is a talent to watch.<br />
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<b>3)Hyukoh - Hooka</b><br />
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<b>Album<i>: 22</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmshxHyakZUXxE7CmbWIZ-kcPEekW3rvInHr37SzxYg5POf0EPx2i7aUCCfuY-vdf3eMYCDbEaoFBwXHoM-0GlLIxCx5BrhVaFc5QaKOogv9wMKt566TWdzhDG46krd-xnethMKYAMzC9/s1600/20150604_seoulbeats_hyukoh_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmshxHyakZUXxE7CmbWIZ-kcPEekW3rvInHr37SzxYg5POf0EPx2i7aUCCfuY-vdf3eMYCDbEaoFBwXHoM-0GlLIxCx5BrhVaFc5QaKOogv9wMKt566TWdzhDG46krd-xnethMKYAMzC9/s200/20150604_seoulbeats_hyukoh_22.jpg" width="200" /></a>Hyukoh is a four member indie band that have been part of the underground music scene for a couple years, but really gained wider success this year with multiple hits. Oh Hyuk, the leader of the band, has been especially busy collaborating with other singers and producers throughout the year and he has lent his soulful vocals to several songs that I love.<br />
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While there were other songs for Hyukoh that peaked higher on the Korean music charts in 2015, "Hooka" was the one that I kept coming back to again and again for its chill intro that builds into a solid blues rock tune. The style and especially the chorus reminds me of The Doors, but I have no idea where the band draws their inspiration. I haven't gotten that specific vibe from any other tracks.<br />
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Many of their songs have both English and Korean lyrics, but the English is easy to miss because of pronunciation and unclear meaning. I don't consider it a downside, but just an element of their style. In "Hooka" the harsh pronunciation adds intensity as the song progresses.<br />
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All in all, Hyukoh is band I'm excited to see more from in the new year. I think you'll agree.<br />
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<b>2)Brown Eyed Girls - Brave New World</b><br />
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<b>Album: <i>BASIC</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL1vrTlFMUJ05WZD32_WMja23f21NkPZGmenzFtDLePzwBr44UXlh6F93cMsEc8YMtlqL5SapT1c_oyPVVnIvjpqX2R69picqwEnKwsw7SgsE7i-U75c8T6YgbHuutXw-SvoL3OfSdgw3/s1600/tumblr_nx50b0hftK1rcu0soo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL1vrTlFMUJ05WZD32_WMja23f21NkPZGmenzFtDLePzwBr44UXlh6F93cMsEc8YMtlqL5SapT1c_oyPVVnIvjpqX2R69picqwEnKwsw7SgsE7i-U75c8T6YgbHuutXw-SvoL3OfSdgw3/s200/tumblr_nx50b0hftK1rcu0soo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></a>In Korea, Brown Eyed Girls have been making an impression on the music scene for a decade now, and the song in question is from their sixth album, proving that these girls are still working hard to be innovative and to last in this competitive industry. You may even be vaguely familiar with them if you happened to watch Psy's follow up song to "Gangnam Style". In his music video for "Gentleman", the core dance choreography is lifted directly from BEG's hit song "Abracadabra". One member of the group, Gain, even appears in the video alongside Psy performing the dance she made famous.<br />
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When I first listened to "Brave New World" it caught me a little off guard. The song changes gears throughout and it felt jarring in the beginning. It was on repeat listens that the song took hold in my brain and I could appreciate the brilliant composition.<br />
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"Brave New World" opens strong with a throwback sound reminiscent of late 70's Michael Jackson, then quickly shifts into a more modern beat. The instrumentation driving the song is amazing and I love how the contemporary pop elements melds with an underlying orchestral arrangement that's sprinkled with funk and disco. The chorus hits hard with powerful vocals, and then I can't sit still. Later in the song listen at the rap breakdown (at the 3:17 mark) where the song filters down to something new, and then builds back up with strings as the beat returns. Every time I listen I keeping hearing new details.<br />
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The music video also fits the song well, with it's futuristic imagery and settings, and the ladies look stunning. Overall the song is excellent for its creative arrangement, the strong vocals, innovative transitions, blending of genres, and wrapping it all up in a stylish presentation. I can't get enough of this song, and I hope you give it a listen, or two.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>1)Red Velvet - Dumb Dumb</b><br />
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<b>Album: <i>The</i></b><b><i> Red</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJnYK3T4iJna0mYPa-eP-5-VOxiYxBtDKO_n8rBIKpL4T9EXmMXpc06R7aWmyELKbpTHdUg6WHCjWkPqKT-FX9xsVFqhnLeADgRKQoePlxj8smX6om55SLJiQDqg5kD_R_kM6EqR3DvT3/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJnYK3T4iJna0mYPa-eP-5-VOxiYxBtDKO_n8rBIKpL4T9EXmMXpc06R7aWmyELKbpTHdUg6WHCjWkPqKT-FX9xsVFqhnLeADgRKQoePlxj8smX6om55SLJiQDqg5kD_R_kM6EqR3DvT3/s200/red.jpg" width="200" /></a>Okay you guys, this last one is crazy as fuck. The first viewing is an all out assault on the senses, and the song is wild and bombastic. Red Velvet debuted in 2014 with four members: Irene, Wendy, Seulgi, Joy, and most recently, Yeri joined in 2015. Fun Random Fact: Wendy grew up in Canada from an early age and auditioned here before joining the group.<br />
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The music video alone is worth checking out for the insane production value and screwy imagery. You have objects smashing apart in slow-motion, a rag doll robot dance, cloned girls marching down conveyor belts, giant mechanical claw arms, impossible boxes of flailing legs, and so on. Some people say the imagery in the video is depicting the manufactured idols of the Korean pop industry. That would explain the cartoonish factory producing and packaging identical looking girls. In that way Red Velvet could be making a statement about itself as a group and the nature of pop idols in Korea. Or it could just be more typical wacky k-pop stuff.<br />
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Despite being a rookie group Red Velvet is quickly gaining success with the release of their first full album <i>The Red</i>. It hit Number One on Billboard's World Albums Chart in September and this video was ranked #9 in Rolling Stone's 'Best Music Videos of 2015'. Honestly, I don't think I listened to another current album - K-pop or otherwise - more than "The Red" this year. It's just that much fun.<br />
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"Dumb Dumb" is brassy, experimental, and like the rest of the album, bursting with energy. These girls have real talent, and their vocals shine on every track. If you enjoyed this, then I recommend "<a href="https://youtu.be/glXgSSOKlls" target="_blank">Ice Cream Cake</a>" their single from earlier in the year which I feel is easily as good as "Dumb Dumb", but I didn't want a group or artist appearing twice on the list.<br />
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It may seem like nothing but flashy nonsense to some, but Red Velvet delivered a crazy upbeat song with a memorable music video, in one of the best top-to-bottom pop albums I've heard in some time. Check it out.<br />
<br />Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-84583015938167139552015-11-01T20:22:00.004-08:002015-11-04T12:08:17.937-08:00Cole's Favourite Transformers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf4Nzhds4RK53u8Kob_GsFk1fGLy6Jj0cidMiY4QRgiFZtlNyiqY41vxgFwckMqv9-Vzs9Z56Zh6AHbpbnT5YIC8sgOYAJRBIbRUKDKB1X3pWQO41vTsWN5h-sCe79Bgun4r4sYlNUw8/s1600/transwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf4Nzhds4RK53u8Kob_GsFk1fGLy6Jj0cidMiY4QRgiFZtlNyiqY41vxgFwckMqv9-Vzs9Z56Zh6AHbpbnT5YIC8sgOYAJRBIbRUKDKB1X3pWQO41vTsWN5h-sCe79Bgun4r4sYlNUw8/s400/transwall.jpg" width="400" /></a>When I was a kid, I watched lots of the popular cartoons of the day ("the day" being the mid eighties through mid nineties, mostly). Some of those even included shows geared towards girls, like the original My Little Pony (more because of its timeslot than anything else, I think, although I'm not trying to make excuses here) and Jem (which I genuinely enjoyed for some reason). But still, being a boy, it was stuff like He-Man (and, yes, She-Ra), GI JOE, M.A.S.K. and Voltron (which became my favourite when I was much older) that I liked the most. Hell, even more forgettable stuff like Bravestarr was alright by me.<br />
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But one show stood above them all. This was the show that I followed as closely as I could and collected as many of its toys as my parents would buy for me. Since the entire purpose of this show was to get kids to buy their toy line, in my case I would say mission accomplished and then some. This show of course was The Transformers. Even though some episodes and characters were totally phoned in and stupid, and there were animation errors aplenty (more than any other cartoon I can think of) I'd contend that actually the vast majority of the content was really good. I mean, as this was a show created simply to advertise a toy line, it would be understandable if it was all halfassed, forgettable crap. But I believe its creators really put a lot of effort into the animation, characters and stories. It's amazing how well much of it still holds up even all these years later.<br />
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Because the series's main mandate was to sell toys, TONS of characters were introduced. Of all the shows I watched as a kid, Transformers easily had the biggest cast. And as I've said, this definitely led to a quantity-over-quality approach. With so many characters, good guys and bad guys, vying for screentime, many of them were one-dimensional and lame, with their only redeeming quality being perhaps their transformed mode.<br />
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This also led to a lot of annoying voices since, with such limited time to develop characters, the easiest way to differentiate between them was making their voices and/or way of speaking somehow stand out from everyone else. This gave us results such as THREE characters who spoke in rhyme (Jazz thankfully only briefly, Blaster occasionally and Wheelie ALL THE GODDAMN TIME), the tank, Warpath, endlessly punctuating his sentences with exclamations of "Bang!", "Zoom!" and crap like that, some weird accents (Tracks, Outback, and someone who appears on this list) and miscellaneous weirdness like the Dinobots (speaking like braindead retards), Blurr (talking like a <i>superfast</i> retard) and Seaspray (gurgling?).<br />
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There were some great characters, though. And, of course, Transformers exists in all kinds of media besides the show, like comics, movies as well as tons of different updates of the show. So plenty of characters were given more dimension there. All are in different continuities and sometimes make changes to various characters. For this list I'm considering characters based on ALL their appearances. Let's get to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7cTa-fIDib6l3Nbn6hQWUbg5iJdaCy0OThHFJAEu5o8McDA-FftyzhgxDSNURpFml7Es5WS216wN4mG_X8ASNtfmq2EEhkgXjiJJuD2wOWofFmtABSnpwvYa0yKybNet1t28WNpJ4j4/s1600/Transformers-Razor-Claw-Predacon-www.transformerscustomtoys.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7cTa-fIDib6l3Nbn6hQWUbg5iJdaCy0OThHFJAEu5o8McDA-FftyzhgxDSNURpFml7Es5WS216wN4mG_X8ASNtfmq2EEhkgXjiJJuD2wOWofFmtABSnpwvYa0yKybNet1t28WNpJ4j4/s320/Transformers-Razor-Claw-Predacon-www.transformerscustomtoys.com_.jpg" width="315" /></a><b>5. Razorclaw (Transformed mode: Lion)</b><br />
While hardly a major character in any incarnation of Transformers, Razorclaw is still the leader of the Predacons unit, and that has to count for something. Actually, in the IDW Comics continuity, the Predacons are considered one of the most elite units in the entire Deception force. And, typical of being a Predacon I guess, in most media he's shown to be one of the most capable fighters when it comes to hand to hand combat.<br />
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He's proven himself a good leader as well, with a sort of all-business attitude that's actually kind of unique among Decepticons. I guess I like him because the Predacons are my favourite Combiners in all of Transformers and, as their leader, he's their best representative. He transforms into a lion and is often able to overwhelm opponents in this mode. When in robot form he wields a really cool sword (officially called a sonic sword as it's able to emit powerful vibrations) and you know I love swords. Not many transformers, Autobot or Decepticon, have swords so this makes him unique as well. An effective tracker as well as commander, it breaks my heart I never had his toy.<br />
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<b>Personal Crowning Moment of Awesome:</b> I'd go with the episode "Nightmare Planet" from the original animated series. Specifically when he's forced to team up with Autobot, Springer in battling his way out of a castle created by Daniel Witwicky's dreams (yeah, it's a weird one). The castle is owned by a fearsome dragon and Springer, wielding some kind of trident, rode Razorclaw (in lion mode, obviously) and they charged the dragon, managing to kill it. Serving as horsey for the enemy may seem like an odd pick but trust me, it's really cool.<br />
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<b>4. Galvatron (Transformed mode: Laser cannon)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKaRq5s_z9Oh0pmmEJRk8KYzRrTTHd26dgoFqElmv9CfxDQ2h8tWRv4IuWs6Dej43u5xR2UiVnwm7mlQhUx6AkyKc7rsoIXgX19M7ILRBrFgh3pr7-DovbNg5tYm4RqNq94CBEeCZuO8/s1600/galvatron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKaRq5s_z9Oh0pmmEJRk8KYzRrTTHd26dgoFqElmv9CfxDQ2h8tWRv4IuWs6Dej43u5xR2UiVnwm7mlQhUx6AkyKc7rsoIXgX19M7ILRBrFgh3pr7-DovbNg5tYm4RqNq94CBEeCZuO8/s320/galvatron.jpg" width="220" /></a>Well, I think you'd all agree that this guy definitely is a major character. Some people might've even doubled down, taking the old Megatron/Galvatron route, fitting in two characters<br />
for the price of one. They'd certainly be justified in doing so. But to me, Megatron and Galvatron are separate characters and should be treated as such. While in most continuities, most notably the original show, he was formerly Megatron, he wasn't in all of them. In the IDW comics, for instance, he is a completely separate character who actually predated Megatron by millions of years. And even if you are dealing with a continuity where he isn't, I still believe the change (or, transformation, if you'll allow me) was enough that there's really nothing tying him to Megatron anymore besides a fanatical desire to defeat the Autobots.<br />
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If this list was a few slots longer I would definitely include Megatron because he is awesome and probably one of the best villains you can find. He's extremely powerful, brutal, charismatic and, even though it's true he kind of loses all the time (such is the fate of the villain), actually quite a competent leader. He's even shown to be quite rational, sometimes putting aside his hatred of the Autobots for the sake of the greater good (although in those cases the greater good only counts because it involves saving his own skin and that of his Decepticons). It seems every time he dies he manages to come back and just his name strikes fear into the hearts (or...circuits, I guess) of Autobots and those on the side of good.<br />
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So why am I picking Galvatron over him? For starters, one key difference between him and Megatron is that he (Galvatron) is most definitely NOT rational. While Megatron could certainly became enraged and occasionally fly off the handle, this is basically the permanent setting for Galvatron. He's always screaming and ranting and raving, threatening everyone around him. While that could just as easily be an argument for why he isn't as cool as Megs, personally, it just really appeals to me. Galvatron is a fucking lunatic and I love him for it. It makes him wildly unpredictable and ridiculously dangerous. In the continuity of the Generation One cartoon, it's his defeat at the hands of Rodimus Prime (<i>The Transformers The Movie</i>) that really drives him over the edge. Things get kind of confusing after that because in both this continuity (as continued in the Transformers Headmasters series that never aired in North America) as well as the Marvel Comics continuity, there are diverging timeliness involving his path, so multiple versions of him result.<br />
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In the world of IDW comics, Galvatron hails from Cybertron's fabled (and oft-referenced) Golden Age, which predates that continuity's setting by a few million years. That's before there were such things as Autobots and Decepticons and he was actually close friends with that era's Prime, Nova Prime. Here he's part of a spaceship crew (the first Ark) that is lost in an anomaly sending them into what's known as the Dead Universe, where he became an undead being. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that he eventually shows up in the present to trouble the Autobots.<br />
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In most continuities he's presented as even more powerful than Megatron, which is really saying something. Hell, in some he's nigh invincible. I love the purple colour scheme (purple seems to always work so well as the colour of evil in various things for some reason) too.<br />
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<b>Personal Crowning Moment of Awesome:</b> For a guy like him, there are many but it's tough to beat his arrival on Char just after his rebirth at the hands of Unicron (<i>The Transformers The Movie</i>). The devastated Decepticons have reluctantly allowed Starscream to assume leadership in the wake of Megatron's demise when suddenly Galvatron touches down with the also newly created Cyclonus.<br />
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Starscream: Who disrupts my coronation?<br />
Galvatron: Coronation, Starscream? This is bad comedy.<br />
Starscream: Megatron? Is that you?!?!<br />
Galvatron: Here's a hint! (Transforms into cannon mode and blasts Starscream to ashes)<br />
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It's so awesome you should see it. So <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4iwY2LXhz0">here you go</a>.<br />
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<b>3. Sky Lynx (Transformed mode: It's...complicated)</b><br />
Here we have a truly unique transformer. This guy doesn't even have a robot mode. Instead Sky Lynx is a sort of triple-changer who actually has FOUR (just three in the Marvel comics though) unique forms, those being: lynx, space bird (?), space shuttle and...space bird with lynx legs? I don't know. But it doesn't matter because he's awesome. And he knows it too. In fact, he repeatedly lets everyone around him know just how awesome he is. Just how full of himself is he? Well, consider this quote from the Generation One show: "Before you do anything, think, 'Is this what Sky Lynx would do in my position?' , and you will not go far wrong." ("Call of the Primitives").<br />
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Holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander, which maybe isn't all that impressive because Grimlock does too, I'll always associate Sky Lynx with my memory of the commercial for his toy (which also featured the Predacons/Predaking, something we'll explore in further detail below) which used footage from the show as well as catchy musical hook ("It's Sky Lynx!). I actually had this commercial on tape, as it appeared during an episode of Ducktales, another great cartoon from that era.<br />
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By Season Three of the Generation One show, Omega Supreme was still around but Sky Lynx seemed to take over as the Autobots's de facto mode of transportation when going on missions deep in space and/or to other planets. And, unlike the Decepticon equivalent for this, the triple-changer Astrotrain, he actually retained his giant size. Strangely enough, while in his own shuttle mode, Astrotrain is large enough to transport many of his fellow Decepticons (a good example is in the movie right after the battle at Metroplex where Starscream tosses out the nearly-dead Megatron) but as a robot, is the same size as the average transformer. The two have actually battled each other several times. But, as the aforementioned commercial suggests, it's the Predacons Sky Lynx has a real rivalry with, clashing with them on numerous occasions. In the Generation One episode, "Call of the Primitives", where he is front and centre, it must have really galled him to be lumped into the same group as the Predacons as well as the Dinobots and the various animal cassettes. In that instance he immediately named himself leader of that group. Also to his shame, during the show he was often mistakenly animated with a Decepticon insignia. How insulting!<br />
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<b>Personal Crowning Moment of Awesome: </b>While his rescue of the Aerialbots (as Superion) in the episode "The Big Broadcast of 2006" (a favourite of mine) deserves a mention, I'd say it was his role in locating and bringing back a Quintesson during the Hate Plague ("The Return of Optimus Prime parts 1 & 2"). Fortunately one of the few Autobots not infected by the plague was the magnificent Sky Lynx as he was the only one left capable of spaceflight. The Quintesson he retrieves is successful in restoring Optimus Prime to life and Prime discovers how to stop the plague. Sky Lynx then helps Optimus against Galvatron and although he later does wind up being infected by Rodimus, his prior actions led to the curing of the plague.<br />
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<b>2. Optimus Prime (Transformed mode: varying kinds of 18 wheeler truck)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkc6mTet8LyFzo8nYKp7xyQIu7BOOqHZGYlnqwVruVCl28_70gp4kfBrPP5hYlB1bxcSO3r85PX5oP4do7rezDBFbVCQpDIoWImwk22HDD_NoFYvGcyA6QQtHrmz2D50xGWjxKIPKsk0/s1600/350px-Optimusg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkc6mTet8LyFzo8nYKp7xyQIu7BOOqHZGYlnqwVruVCl28_70gp4kfBrPP5hYlB1bxcSO3r85PX5oP4do7rezDBFbVCQpDIoWImwk22HDD_NoFYvGcyA6QQtHrmz2D50xGWjxKIPKsk0/s320/350px-Optimusg1.jpg" width="250" /></a>Like on some of my other lists, we've come to an entry on a character who is so iconic and so celebrated that I'm at a loss for what to say about him. There have been many, many different incarnations of the Transformers over different forms of media. And while some can get pretty different and "out there" when compared to the original show and Marvel comic, the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, is always present. Although his character doesn't exactly appear in the Japanese animated series Super God Masterforce, his form does at the least (Ginrai) and as far as I can tell, that's really the lone exception.<br />
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Naturally it's his depiction in the Generation One cartoon that still stands as probably the most iconic and it's the one I draw the most from with the current ongoing IDW comic series coming in second. I mean, honestly, how could he have had the same initial impact without the brilliant voice talent of the legendary Peter Cullen? Even Michael Bay and the geniuses behind the live-action film series realized that there was no way they'd succeed if they didn't get the man himself to once again voice Prime. And while you can say what you want about those movies, back in 2007 when I saw the first one, hearing Cullen's voice in the theatre literally sent shivers down my spine.<br />
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Optimus is leader of the Autobots but he's not the type to lead from the back. Whatever's going on, he's in the thick of the action. And while it's true that many characters on the original show were often poorly written and forgettable, Optimus was ALWAYS well-written, exuding courage, strength, wisdom and compassion that often transcended the cartoon. As weird as it sounds, this giant transforming alien robot warrior was actually a good role model for the children who watched the show. He always showed reluctance to battle the Decepticons and often expressed his disappointment and frustration with constantly being forced to fight. He lamented that Megatron and the Decepticons couldn't learn that their way of attempting to conquer everything around them by force was wrong, that it was anything but glorious. But when it came time to fight, he was ready.<br />
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And really, there was no one better at it. As I said, Optimus was an incredibly "hands on" leader. He wasn't just a brilliant commander and tactician but was unequaled in battle prowess. Whether he was firing away with his ion blaster laser rifle, fighting hand to hand or even in vehicle form, he was a force to be reckoned with, able to defeat many enemies single-handedly, best Megatron one on one and even fight off much larger opponents. The Decepticons knew to fear him and few would dare engage him without plenty of support.<br />
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Probably the best depiction of Optimus becoming a Prime is the IDW comic miniseries <i>Transformers: Autocracy</i>. Set on Cybertron just before the Great War (the beginning of the millions of years of Autobots vs Decepticons conflict), Autobot commander (of what was a special police unit back then) Orion Pax is given the task of rooting out terrorist Decepticon cells sowing dissent throughout the city-state of Kaon. The Prime at that time was Sentinel Prime.<br />
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As noted above, some version of Optimus Prime exists in every incarnation of Transformers and while they have their differences, all are great leaders. Still, Peter Cullen, much like Kevin Conroy with Batman, gives the definitive vocal performance and his is the voice I hear in my head whenever I read any of the comics.<br />
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<b>Personal Crowning Moment of Awesome:</b> Too many to mention, obviously. He had one in nearly every episode of the original show and plenty more were to follow in other shows, comics and movies. He even has some great ones in the much-maligned live action films. Personally, I love his highway battle with Bonecrusher in the 2007 movie. Even his death scene in the animated movie could be considered one. But for me, it's not a moment of glorious combat or even that dramatic a moment that always resonates the most. I'm going to give it a pretty long setup because I think that's the only way to give it proper justice so bear with me.<br />
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In the Generation One cartoon, there's an episode called "The Core" wherein Megatron has the Decepticons construct a massive drill to tap into the earth's molten core. The plan is to harvest geothermal energy thus giving themselves either an alternative to Energon or possibly an ingredient to make it; it's never explicitly stated.<br />
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The plan, as pointed out by Starscream, is incredibly risky as the deeper they drill, the greater the chance of breaching the core and causing the earth to explode. Megatron brushes this off, saying he has a contingency plan in place: a space bridge capable of teleporting the Decepticons to Cybertron is nearby in the event of the drill threatening the earth's stability. The Constructicons build and operate the drill.<br />
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As you would expect, the Autobots discover this plan and try to stop the Decepticons. To counter the power of Devastator, whom they know Megatron would surely deploy against them, Wheeljack and Chip (Spike's wheelchair-bound friend) created "dominator discs" - small discs that need to be placed on each individual Constructicon. Once this is accomplished, when they combine to form Devastator, the discs will activate and allow the Autobots to take control of Devastator.<br />
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Blah, blah, blah. They get the discs on the Constructicons, predictably the drill goes haywire and the earth is in danger, the space bridge becomes damaged so now the Decepticons are in the same boat and Megatron agrees to work with the Autobots to save the planet. Devastator, who had briefly been under Autobot control as planned but isn't anymore, uses his strength to destroy the drill. But when he returns he finds Megatron and the other Decepticons have fled. Chip tells him his "noble leader" ran to save his own hide but Devastator, loyal to a fault, states he left to plan his next attack, as a good leader would. He takes off and Chip sighs. He says he was hoping that Devastator/The Constructicons really would join the Autobots but dismisses it as a "dumb old dream." As the music dramatically comes up, Optimus comforts Chip with these words: "Hang onto your dreams, chip. For the future is built on dreams. Hang on."<br />
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Maybe that seems like me making a big deal out of something rather simplistic but between the writing, the music and Cullen's delivery, I think it will always be my favourite Optimus Prime moment. It's stuck with me ever since I first saw it more than twenty-five years ago.<br />
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<b>1. Starscream (Transformed mode: F-15 Eagle fighter jet [Gen 1]; F-22 Raptor [IDW])</b><br />
Just like with Optimus Prime, you pretty much can't do a version of Transformers without the scheming, treacherous Air Commander Starscream. So known and revered is he for his conniving nature that he is actually the <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheStarscream">Trope Namer</a> for such characters across fiction. Simply put, nobody out-Starscreams Starscream.<br />
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The earliest indication of Starscream's ambition is in his bio on the box for his original 1984 toy, where it's mentioned that he desires to lead the Decepticons. Then in the very first episode of the original show, within the <i>first five freaking minutes</i> his stance is heavily hinted at and he winds up making a power play, beginning a long streak of failure. Seriously, even in the episodes where he didn't have any specific plan to overthrow Megatron, he's always criticizing him, quite openly. This of course leads one to wonder why a ruthless commander like Megatron would ever tolerate Starscream. Hell, Cracked even did their <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16954_5-reasons-megatron-should-have-fired-starscream-years-ago.html">own list</a> on this subject back in 2009.<br />
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The accepted explanation for this is that Megatron, as a Decepticon, actually values and encourages a certain amount of ambition and guile in his troops, plus, since Starscream is so bad at seizing power, he gets to constantly punish him and demonstrate the folly of challenging him to the rest of his underlings. And it isn't lost on Megatron that for all his whining, scheming and criticizing, Starscream still is a very capable and effective soldier. He is the leader of the Seeker jets after all and does instill a healthy amount of fear and respect in the Autobots. This is even shown in the 2007 film.<br />
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Still, sometimes he does prove to be more trouble than he's worth. The episode "Starscream's Brigade" may be the best example of this from the Generation One show. After another unsuccessful attempt to take out Megatron, Starscream is beaten by his superior then dumped (by Laserbeak - arguably the most effective Decepticon there's ever been if you stop to think about it) on a remote island in the south Pacific. Here he discovers several old wrecks of military vehicles from World War Two and is inspired to create an army of his own. He brazenly makes his way to Cybertron and steals the personality components of five renegade Decepticons that were stored in a detention centre. He returns to the island and installs them in five of the vehicles. Thus the Combaticons were born.<br />
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Starscream, by virtue of activating his new "friends" without installing energy absorbers, leaving them dependent on him to get some for them, is able to get them to do what he wants. Eventually he leads them in an attack against Megatron and the Decepticons and at first, they're winning. Megs plays his trump card, having the Constructicons merge into Devastator. However, the Combaticons show they also are Combiners and form Bruticus, who quickly despatches his giant counterpart. Only the late arrival of the Stunticons saves the day, with their combined form, Menasor, taking Bruticus by surprise and defeating him. For once, Starscream's actions have real consequences as Megatron banishes him and the Combaticons to deep space, having Astrotrain dump them on a distant asteroid.<br />
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After so many humiliating defeats and setbacks, Starscream finally does manage to depose Megatron, throwing his nearly lifeless body out of Astrotrain (oh, the irony!) after the disastrous attack on Metroplex. Of course, his stint as leader is short lived as the newly born Galvatron arrives to destroy him. (<i>The Transformers The Movie</i>)<br />
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As much as I love Starscream from the original show, it was in the comics where he often really shined. Longtime Marvel scribe Simon Furman would portray him as more intelligent and often sarcastic. Here he suffered less defeats and humiliation and was often the main focus of many stories. He was a bit more respected by his comrades and his enemies here and he was always very competent. The IDW comics would follow this approach. He's one of Megatron's first supporters before the Great War and, because of his charisma, was deployed as a Decepticon recruiter. Two of his targets that didn't join up were Blurr and Hot Rod but with many others he was successful. But it wasn't just his silver tongue that made him an effective operative. He, along with an assist from Shockwave, assassinated a room full of senators, beginning in earnest Megatron's rise to power on Cybertron (<i>Megatron Origin</i>). However, it wasn't long before he began to conspire against his leader and aided Scorponok in overthrowing him. Once again, this was a temporary state of affairs and Megatron would resume his position. Starscream would grow disillusioned with the Decepticons, tiring of the state of endless warfare. It was revealed that Megatron chose to keep him around as reminder to always watch his own back, as treachery was part of the Decepticon way.<br />
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There's plenty more and not just in the versions of Transformers I've mentioned but that's the stuff I know best and we can't be here all day, can we? Starscream will always be one of the most memorable and prominent characters in Transformers and he'll always be my favourite. He's been a scientist (that's his backstory in the Generation One show, where he was friends with fellow scientist Jetfire/Skyfire), air commander, Decepticon recruiter, Decepticon leader and even a freaking <i>ghost. </i>As previously noted, his scheming, treacherous ways are the stuff of legend even outside of Transformers and his deeds as a warrior shouldn't be overlooked.<br />
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<b>Personal Crowning Moment of Awesome: </b>There are many but how about personally shooting down Air Force One in the IDW comic <i>All Hail Megatron</i> #3?<br />
<b><br /></b>cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-77474415310593536432015-10-22T09:18:00.000-07:002015-10-22T09:18:32.864-07:00Spooky Movies for Halloween<div>
It's that time of year where the days get shorter, the air gets cooler, and the world gets a little spookier. There is nothing better to watch at this time of year than a good scary movie! Here is a list of some great horror films to watch this Halloween season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGque6fyb28jzR4VZDRv0ofbIezdbfZUnYg-rbe1qhtm1M1WFOxKRLZ04NkwwTES31UbGOs-8HEUi82NaYKR3TOwYMA9TAONwSBbAS-7JJ576Etr0eqN-M3uLAFoDcyPB851ktcKvlwjm/s1600/trick-r-treat-movie-poster-2008-1020507681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGque6fyb28jzR4VZDRv0ofbIezdbfZUnYg-rbe1qhtm1M1WFOxKRLZ04NkwwTES31UbGOs-8HEUi82NaYKR3TOwYMA9TAONwSBbAS-7JJ576Etr0eqN-M3uLAFoDcyPB851ktcKvlwjm/s320/trick-r-treat-movie-poster-2008-1020507681.jpg" width="210" /></a><b>5. Trick 'R Treat</b></div>
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<i>Trick 'R Treat</i> is a Halloween anthology film that was released in 2007. Horror typically lends itself to anthology films, but there aren't many with the pedigree of <i>Trick 'R Treat</i>.</div>
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The film features four stories, all centered around Halloween and taking place on the same night. The intertwining thread is a character named Sam; a young trick-or-treater wearing orange pyjamas and a burlap sack over for a mask.</div>
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<i>Trick 'R Treat</i> is perfect to watch around Halloween, not only because it's set on Halloween night, but also because it features all the spooky stories that you think of around this time of year! There's jack-o-lanterns, tainted candy, urban legends, and monsters.</div>
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You can tell a lot of love and great talent went into making the film, which is unfortunate because it went through a development Hell taking two years to be released. As a result, it only saw a limited theatrical run before being released on DVD. The film has garnered a cult following, however, and as a result of great home video sales a sequel went into production in 2013. Hopefully this isn't the last we've seen of <i>Trick 'R Treat</i> and that creepy little costumed Sam!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzZSNPsnBzJv0-WpSIEFwprDZcn8kuvJBUN_BR96rPJ3noiwkTtc3lKOn3Jog6eX_moMM7Yn3cHLUTGH7H9YpL9anNaoT9tLTfgVRMi3f3kHQuDA61nfwWinO8lnsmWwRQA8oA7PjnudA/s1600/halloween-3-season-of-the-witch-movie-poster-1982-1020194512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzZSNPsnBzJv0-WpSIEFwprDZcn8kuvJBUN_BR96rPJ3noiwkTtc3lKOn3Jog6eX_moMM7Yn3cHLUTGH7H9YpL9anNaoT9tLTfgVRMi3f3kHQuDA61nfwWinO8lnsmWwRQA8oA7PjnudA/s320/halloween-3-season-of-the-witch-movie-poster-1982-1020194512.jpg" width="209" /></a><b>4. Halloween III</b></div>
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Let's get the obligatory <i>Halloween</i> film out of the way!</div>
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The fact of the matter is that this is the time of year to watch <i>Halloween</i> films and there are several great entries that you can pick from that franchise to enjoy during the month of October. I've decided to switch things up a bit and feature the black sheep of the series, <i>Halloween III: Season of the Witch</i>.</div>
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<i>Halloween III</i> is a completely different tale from the other films in the franchise in that it doesn't feature the iconic slasher Michael Myers and there are no babysitters in sight! Instead we follow Dr. Dan Challis, portrayed by a mustachioed Tom Atkins, who is investigating a novelties company, famous for their signature Halloween masks.</div>
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If it sounds like a weird premise, you seriously don't know the half of it. Veering about as far away as possible from the themes and story of the first two films, John Carpenter (director of <i>Halloween</i> and <i>Halloween II</i>), Debra Hill, and Tommy Lee Wallace (long time collaborators of Carpenter's) went with a story that's about as Halloween-y as you can get! <i>Halloween III</i> blends a tale of witchcraft, science fiction, and Celtic religion.</div>
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About the only connection between this film and its two predecessors is the fact that it takes place during Halloween. Originally Carpenter, et al. wanted to make a series of films that would take place around Halloween, but would all have different stories. After the success of the first film the decision was made to make a direct sequel, sew that story up once and for all, and then move on. <i>Halloween III</i> was their attempt to take a new direction, however the film did not do well at the box office, pulling in the lowest gross of any <i>Halloween</i> film to date.</div>
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It is an absolutely crazy movie, but if you're looking for something interesting to watch this Halloween season, there's nothing like a movie featuring Druid robots, Stonehenge, and creepy Halloween masks! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcyp739xrN-Y3VARa8cfsAnGa8AovrH8Pb2_9heDd11ckXicZ3yEn78giP8jZVM2wE7X6Q8cACi6Wyv49iKLeRWRv2gbutLCfz-FAh5rgtaZLXLchixuMIo57uLG47csVjGY-wdXnSEKu/s1600/The-Original-US-Poster-the-monster-squad-1287452-280-431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcyp739xrN-Y3VARa8cfsAnGa8AovrH8Pb2_9heDd11ckXicZ3yEn78giP8jZVM2wE7X6Q8cACi6Wyv49iKLeRWRv2gbutLCfz-FAh5rgtaZLXLchixuMIo57uLG47csVjGY-wdXnSEKu/s320/The-Original-US-Poster-the-monster-squad-1287452-280-431.jpg" width="207" /></a><b>3. The Monster Squad</b></div>
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How could you have Halloween without Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, The Wolfman, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon!? Well get this, 1987's <i>The Monster Squad</i> features all of these infamous characters in one film! Not only that, but this is a kid's adventure movie, not unlike <i>The Goonies</i> from 1985. There's just not enough of these movies!</div>
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The story follows a group of pre-teens and kids that have an after-school club known as The Monster Squad, where they get together and talk about their favourite monsters and horror movies.</div>
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Little do they know that their beloved creatures and tales are real! Count Dracula is anxiouisly waiting for the day when he can sacrifice a virgin and, with the help of a mystical amulet, take over the world. He was thwarted in his efforts 100 years previous by his arch nemesis, Van Helsing, but the famous vampire hunter was unsuccessful in destroying the amulet, so Dracula is back and the only ones that can stop him are the experts... The Monster Squad!<br />
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The special effects and monster makeup was handled by none other than Stan Winston, himself, and they looks awesome. They keep the classic look-and-feel you remember from the Universal horror films, but add a fresh and modern look, as well.</div>
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<i>The Monster Squad</i> was, sadly, a failure upon its release back in '87. I think it's because it straddled the line a little too much between a kid's movie and something for teenagers. Looking back at it, it definitely seems tame, but some people are just too stuffy!<br />
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You have some seriously funny moments and unforgettable dialogue. There are several characters in it that are very memorable, which I can't say about a lot of films I've seen. It's not only funny, but scary and at times even heartwarming. This movie has it all!<br />
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It's criminally underrated (a term I don't use often) and is on my Halloween watch list every year. It should be on yours, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1d65xoF-4lm4Mz6WICgDPvxrttFiaE5SOK3X6_D4ZATqNFhIStD0tMzu09Ows4pVNRvwswKgL4sAcrTBU-fzSbOzE_0hKSe1KWB-b8HQnwk3BQPIVpDIFU5jlXDDwGGGTb6pbz_8sg6s/s1600/4f11b55f57612f06fe9638b99f6c66e6_500x735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1d65xoF-4lm4Mz6WICgDPvxrttFiaE5SOK3X6_D4ZATqNFhIStD0tMzu09Ows4pVNRvwswKgL4sAcrTBU-fzSbOzE_0hKSe1KWB-b8HQnwk3BQPIVpDIFU5jlXDDwGGGTb6pbz_8sg6s/s320/4f11b55f57612f06fe9638b99f6c66e6_500x735.jpg" width="217" /></a><b>2. Nosferatu</b><br />
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I would be remiss if I didn't suggest something classic in this list and since most people who know me would expect me to choose my favourite classic horror film, <i>Frankenstein</i>, I decided to switch it up and choose something even older: <i>Nosferatu</i>.<br />
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<i>Nosferatu</i>, originally titled <i>Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens</i> in its native German, is an expressionist film directed by FW Murnau in 1921, seeing its release in 1922. Murnau wanted to film an adaptation of Bram Stoker's infamous novel, <i>Dracula</i>, but could not obtain the rights. As a result, many of the terms and phrases of Stoker's novel were changed - vampire became Nosferatu, Count Dracula became Count Orlok - and the movie was made anyway, which didn't sit well with Stoker's widow.<br />
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Ultimately the Stoker family won in court and all copies of <i>Nosferatu</i> were ordered to be destroyed. By a little luck a few prints of <i>Nosferatu</i> managed to escape destruction and are now a part of the public domain.<br />
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The story is very much the same as that of <i>Dracula</i>, with only a few names changed; an old and reclusive Count in Transylvania is looking to buy real estate in the German town of Wisborg. Thomas Hutter is sent to meet the Count only to come face to face with Nosferatu! The "Bird of Death"! Count Orlok makes his way to Wisborg and the hunt is on to kill the evil Nosferatu.<br />
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As I mentioned previously, the film is expressionist, which in my opinion makes it creepy all on its own. To make things even scarier, Max Shreck portrays Orlok, who has got to be one of the scariest looking vampires ever seen in cinema.<br />
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Shreck's portrayal of Orlok became legendary in the film industry after <i>Nosferatu</i> was released, because of his own mysterious background and his incredible portrayal in the film. This rumour persisted for years and was the subject of the film <i>Shadow of the Vampire</i>, in which John Malkovich portrayed Max Schreck who was hired by Murnau to play Orlok because he was a real vampire.<br />
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The stark imagery, use of light, real Eastern European landscapes, coupled with Shreck's unprecedented portrayal of the <i>Nosferatu</i> make this film a very scary watch. The film is not only black and white but silent and when it was displayed at a theatre a musical track would be played live by a symphony. Most of the original music by Hans Erdmann has been lost, but many composers have created their own soundtracks to the film in its subsequent video releases. I'm not sure which soundtrack I've heard while watching the film, but I believe the release is called <i>Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors</i> (a translation of the film's original German title) and is composed by Hammer's James Bernard.<br />
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If you think an old black and white film can't be scary, I dare you to watch <i>Nosferatu</i> with the lights off this Halloween!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBrFsL3H6ZNGk9L8tEyymWmnXzivrq1uBVc7IaywElZ8plVeKvtOZAOYyKpqIr85mQrL11a9wdVfVD8jzTLNq5W0VIs-DVmoG3fVzQKxoTWKjIknL4-9gljeQUkLtFfSDlZHK0CD5jB48/s1600/blair_witch_project_ver3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBrFsL3H6ZNGk9L8tEyymWmnXzivrq1uBVc7IaywElZ8plVeKvtOZAOYyKpqIr85mQrL11a9wdVfVD8jzTLNq5W0VIs-DVmoG3fVzQKxoTWKjIknL4-9gljeQUkLtFfSDlZHK0CD5jB48/s320/blair_witch_project_ver3.jpg" width="215" /></a><b>1. The Blair Witch Project</b><br />
<b><br /></b>I think a lot of people overlook <i>The Blair Witch Project</i> as a great flick to watch at Halloween, but I watch it every year around this time. Not only is it actually set just before Halloween, but it involves a witch! I have watched this movie numerous times - as recently as last night - and I can honestly say that it still delivers the scares and the chills.<br />
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The film is infamous for being the mother of the Found Footage subgenre, but I think the thing that really makes it special is its experimental nature. The filmmakers, Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, really put the actors in this film through their paces.<br />
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Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams, although they were given direction by Sanchez and Myrick, were legitimately sent into the woods for several days, given very little to eat or drink, and were subjected to actual scare tactics during the night scenes. The film, in a lot of ways, was a real psychological experiment and I think that is what makes it makes it so compelling to this day.<br />
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The marketing for the film was ahead of its time, as well. The Internet was a burgeoning phenomenon in the late-90s and had taken hold in many homes in North America. The ad marketing for the film played it up as if it were a true story and the website was chock-full with information and documentation lending to the idea that the film was all real.<br />
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This was even coupled with a faux documentary, which aired on TV, that acted as a teaser for the film and gave some credence to the idea that it all really happened. I know I bought into the hype! I waited eagerly to get into a theatre and finally see the film, back in 1999.<br />
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If you're looking for a good scare this Halloween season, then give <i>The Blair Witch Project</i> a try. If you're outdoorsy, I guarantee the woods will never look the same!</div>
RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-5231459503354148292015-09-10T09:24:00.000-07:002015-09-10T09:24:12.972-07:00The Alternate Worlds of Mega Man<span style="font-family: inherit;">When <i>Mega Man</i> was first released in 1987 I'm fairly certain that its creators at Capcom never expected that their game about a little blue robot shooting pellets at other robots would become the worldwide phenomenon it is today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Mega Man</i> is such a beloved icon that he has seen many homages and has been used in all sorts of other games and media, including spin-offs by Capcom themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With <i>Mega Man</i>'s 30th Anniversary looming and Capcom announcing a new animated series and feature film with 20th Century Fox I thought it would be fitting to take a look at a selection of some of the best and worst versions of the Blue Bomber that have surfaced over the last 28 years.</span><br />
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<b>5. Worlds of Power</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteFY08mGwGwZx1xkx69j6GnDSZQ5CnOmLdqo5AIz1dnZW6IuQC4cwSfspGZRcivsjFeJg2EFm4KawhlqXD9PEmZEJpyuTjrQAEyndZFGqko-IHs__zL1EJFeJ45DE1Q9BZb5VLxs5Ye-4/s1600/Mega+Man+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteFY08mGwGwZx1xkx69j6GnDSZQ5CnOmLdqo5AIz1dnZW6IuQC4cwSfspGZRcivsjFeJg2EFm4KawhlqXD9PEmZEJpyuTjrQAEyndZFGqko-IHs__zL1EJFeJ45DE1Q9BZb5VLxs5Ye-4/s320/Mega+Man+2.jpg" width="228" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
I recently posted an article on my site Retro-Def (shameless, I know) about <a href="http://www.retrodef.ca/2015/08/metal-gear-1987-nintendo-entertainment.html" target="_blank"><i>Metal Gear</i></a> and in researching the original NES title I rediscovered the <i>Worlds of Power</i> novels that were published in 1990.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They were edited by Seth Godin, written by several writers (including Godin himself), and published by Scholastic under the nom de plume "F.X. Nine". The idea was to take some of the most popular Nintendo games at the time and develop them into short novels as a gateway to get kids reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of those novels was "Mega Man 2" written by Ellen Miles. It was one of two "junior" editions in the series - the other being "Bases Loaded II: The Second Season" - which meant they had a slightly smaller page count in comparison to the other novels in the series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As was the case with all of the <i>Worlds of Power</i> books, the authors took great liberties with the storyline, often going off of what little they could find in the games' manuals, some of the gameplay, and notes that Godin had developed as a sort of "bible" to follow in their writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In many ways <i>Mega Man 2</i>'s adaptation is no less wacky than any of the others, but it certainly stands out. In the novel Mega Man has already faced off against Wily's robots in the past. When Dr. Wily re-emerges with a new cadre of Robot Masters, Dr. Light decides it might be prudent to clone Mega Man to shore up their odds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In his attempt, however, he pulls some sort of weird Geppetto and accidentally makes Mega Man into... a real boy! That's right, Mega Man is alive in this story, but still has to face off against Dr. Wily's evil robots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As he is no longer a robot, Mega Man has to carry a handheld laser in this story, which may have been an attempt to answer the question as to why he was brandishing one on the box art of <i>Mega Man 2</i>. If it was then the great irony is that all weapons were removed from the covers of the <i>Worlds of Power</i> books, so instead of Mega Man blasting at Quick Man it just looks like Mega Man is shaking his fist sternly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mega Man is also at another disadvantage in this story, as he no longer has his copy abilities. Instead he takes the weapon of each of the Robot Masters he defeats so that he can use them down the line. Interestingly enough he can still consume "E-drinks" to regain his energy, even though he's no longer a robot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I actually owned this book when I was a kid, although I can't seem to find my copy. I have no recollection of the storyline, whatsoever, and as a kid I may not have found it totally weird, although I suspect I would have. The one thing I do recall is that at the end of each chapter there would be a small hint that you could actually use in <i>Mega Man 2</i> on the NES!</span><br />
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<b>4. Captain N: The Game Master</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQ5SE_mLQ9yYj2hBJNP9WvskQStxRvYjupvI3F4tkzY7VDKDgykQNugXrN9e8W9ricWY9wFKc4teSRxOfr6uhBNhlKEJ-GU2ckQS2HC47Mi1FIsAhI7KUT5FF9IJWYdPOVvlhhXnWy-0/s1600/mm_capn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQ5SE_mLQ9yYj2hBJNP9WvskQStxRvYjupvI3F4tkzY7VDKDgykQNugXrN9e8W9ricWY9wFKc4teSRxOfr6uhBNhlKEJ-GU2ckQS2HC47Mi1FIsAhI7KUT5FF9IJWYdPOVvlhhXnWy-0/s320/mm_capn.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
Captain N: The Game Master</i> was a Saturday morning cartoon series that aired on NBC from 1989 to 1991. It actually started out as a story in the pages of <i>Nintendo Power</i>, Nintendo's former official magazine, entitled "Captain Nintendo".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The story's writer, Randy Studdard, brought the character he'd published in <i>Nintendo Power</i> to some Nintendo executives as a "spokes-character" and even proposed a TV show. The greasy execs decided they liked the idea - but didn't want to play Studdard - so they went to DIC Entertainment with a very similar show idea, which became <i>Captain N</i>.</span><br />
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The show ultimately focused on a teenager by the name of Kevin Keene who is playing Nintendo with his dog Duke and is sucked into Videoland, where all of his favourite video game characters actually exist.</span><br />
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The show featured Nintendo-owned characters like Pit (erroneously named "Kid Icarus" in the TV series), Mother Brain, King Hippo, and Eggplant Wizard, but also - and somewhat surprisingly - there were licensed characters, like Simon Belmont, Dr. Wily, and Mega Man!</span><br />
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To say that the series took liberties with the source material would be the understatement of the century. Simon Belmont is portrayed as a womanizing dolt who is obsessed with his looks and is afraid of his own shadow and Mega Man is perplexingly coloured green and has what could be classified as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULslwGCpOdc" target="_blank">the most grating voice in cartoon history</a>.</span><br />
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You can't really blame the writers in taking some liberties with the subject matter on this one. They were trying to deliver a kid's cartoon based on characters that, at the time, didn't exactly have the deepest back-story. That said, I would say that the writers could have done a little more research. Mega Man's green hue, for instance, is often attributed to the fact that the animators played the game on a TV set with maladjusted colours and they actually thought that he was green and not his signature blue.</span><br />
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Although Mega Man is depicted as a loyal and powerful little fighting robot, having him prefix almost every other word with "mega-" and giving him that awful smoker's voice makes him a little hard to take whenever he's on screen. At the end of the day, though, I usually enjoyed the Megaland (Mega Man's home world in Videoland) episodes the most, because they often did a decent job of depicting what a <i>Mega Man</i> level might look like in a 3D space.</span><br />
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I give <i>Captain N</i>'s weird little green Mega Man a bit of leeway, because I grew up with the cartoon, but in the end he is nothing like the true blue Mega Man he was based on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b><b>3. </b><b>Mega Man Animated Series</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLX73TM8iRqlc18Dq-bZ4MNJ2MHOxr-9uctd-s33ydQ15JdO4I1U_SFIMhx3rr4eYERM9JInXvmbuvG_8cVfiFQuSXX4U8hHsTA9ckATMxGf04hSxWA_SjlY_VBZLuXRqqGFSXA10e8bb/s1600/Mmcartoontitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLX73TM8iRqlc18Dq-bZ4MNJ2MHOxr-9uctd-s33ydQ15JdO4I1U_SFIMhx3rr4eYERM9JInXvmbuvG_8cVfiFQuSXX4U8hHsTA9ckATMxGf04hSxWA_SjlY_VBZLuXRqqGFSXA10e8bb/s1600/Mmcartoontitle.jpg" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>
Captain N: The Game Master</i> wouldn't be Mega Man's last foray into animated television. In 1994 Capcom, in association with several other production houses - namely Ruby-Spears Productions - decided to develop a Saturday Morning Cartoon-style <i>Mega Man</i> series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The show was developed in Japan, but was animated in such a way so that it would blend in well with Western expectations of cartoons, and as such didn't go with an anime style. They also didn't depict Mega Man or Roll as children and instead went for a more grown-up, teenage look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The show follows the events laid out in the first <i>Mega Man</i> game pretty closely. Dr. Light and Dr. Wily are working on advanced robots together and come up with a prototype version. After some issues, Dr. Light wants to scrap the prototype, but Dr. Wily steals the plans and goes on to create the robot in secret, which of course ends up being Proto Man. This is probably the biggest deviation from the canonized <i>Mega Man</i> storyline set out in the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dr. Light goes on to build Rock, Roll, Ice Man, Guts Man, and Cuts Man. Dr. Wily kidnaps the robots, reprogramming the latter three. When he sets his sights on Rock and Roll, Rock lies to Dr. Wily - something he believes robots can't do - and tricks him into letting himself and Roll go free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dr. Light then sees that a warrior is needed to fight Dr. Wily and protect the world from his evil deeds, so he re-programs and upgrades Rock into Mega Man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The show was a fairly big success and went on to spawn action figures from Bandai, as well as VHS releases of several episodes. This was ultimately a blessing and a curse, however, as Bandai would eventually drop the toyline because of poor sales, which prompted Capcom to pull the plug on the show after the second season, even though a Season 3 was already fully planned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was especially a bummer, because at the end of Season 2 there was a time warp, which brought Mega Man X, Vile, Spark Mandrill, and Sigma from the future of 21XX into 20XX. This same premise would go on to be explored in the relatively new <i>Mega Man</i> Archie comics, so if you are a big fan of the <i>Mega Man Animated Series</i> you can scratch that itch!</span><br />
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<b>2. Bad Box Art Mega Man</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm6QyetRVdZnF1TtI2bY5dImiQ6LTk7glDmZYyoqNWqbcB92gG8UgdoeInPxMjef3Ok_fITr7G4FJmpLPoUNjA4m6d8AgG97gKI1VU3JBrFvbkkfJG-ydf9XVNVKfiPIBNOkpTRsoef0A/s1600/BBAMUN.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm6QyetRVdZnF1TtI2bY5dImiQ6LTk7glDmZYyoqNWqbcB92gG8UgdoeInPxMjef3Ok_fITr7G4FJmpLPoUNjA4m6d8AgG97gKI1VU3JBrFvbkkfJG-ydf9XVNVKfiPIBNOkpTRsoef0A/s320/BBAMUN.png" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Bad Box Art Mega Man is one of those things that I could never have imagined would exist in any sort of tangible way, but of course Capcom somehow managed to make him an actual character in their ever-growing roster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It all started with <i>Mega Man Universe</i>, a scrapped game that was being developed for Xbox Live and Playstation Network, which was basically going to be an online, 2.5D side-scrolling <i>Mega Man</i> game where users could create their own levels, as well as customize their own characters. It was a great idea and is one of the two <i>Mega Man</i> projects that Capcom inexplicably cancelled in 2011 after Keiji Inafune left the company, the other being the hotly anticipated <i>Mega Man Legends 3</i> for the Nintendo 3DS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The game was not only going to include character creation and customization, but also several DLC characters, like Ryu from <i>Street Fighter</i> and Arthur from <i>Ghosts n' Goblins</i>. Another character that was teased for the game was none other than Bad Box Art Mega Man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A complete joke character, Bad Box Art Mega Man is based on the horrific North American box art from the original NES <i>Mega Man</i> game. Referred to as "US Mega Man" in Japan, he is depicted as wearing yellow and blue armour and carrying his Mega Buster like a gun. The only difference between how he and a normal Mega Man character was intended to play in <i>Mega Man Universe</i> was that Bad Box Art Mega Man was only going to be able to shoot two shots at a time, unlike Mega Man who can shoot three.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was all teased in an awesome claymation cartoon, which I would suggest you watch, but I can't find it anywhere on the web. Capcom might've been brushing this one underneath the carpet after the backlash of cancelling <i>Mega Man Universe</i> and <i>Mega Man Legends 3</i>. The image above stands as proof that the video existed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bad Box Art Mega Man wasn't down and out. During the development of these two <i>Mega Man</i> games a joint venture between Capcom and Namco was also brewing in the form of <i>Street Fighter x Tekken</i>, which featured fighters from Capcom and Namco game series. In what is widely considered to be an apology to fans expecting those <i>Mega Man</i> titles, Capcom added Bad Box Art Mega Man to the <i>SFxT</i> roster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this version Bad Box Art Mega Man is depicted as overweight and very boisterous. He says things like, "It's time to bring home the bacon!" He is sort of a cross between the look of Bad Box Art Mega Man and Megaman Volnutt - the hero of the <i>Mega Man Legends</i> series - as he is described as a digger and treasure hunter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I for one wish that <i>Mega Man Universe</i> somehow gets greenlit again and that I get the opportunity to play through a game as this weird little oddity in the world of <i>Mega Man</i>.</span><br />
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<b>1. The Protomen</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRp3481yjUz4kmhdcPv9qSdw3XZoeL1M0eHvx_hLsW6_We5BxM915py6LbqoHVvAU2vnQ3HtO_j002wYkflMjRDpwrFTnTfLxmv2TzhSNfeZEFxFxkiooYNrhKeYgj5O3hKuizDwMTvdu/s1600/5e832e1d9c762668a0f54c377e750718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRp3481yjUz4kmhdcPv9qSdw3XZoeL1M0eHvx_hLsW6_We5BxM915py6LbqoHVvAU2vnQ3HtO_j002wYkflMjRDpwrFTnTfLxmv2TzhSNfeZEFxFxkiooYNrhKeYgj5O3hKuizDwMTvdu/s320/5e832e1d9c762668a0f54c377e750718.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
What may be the most interesting and unique version of <i>Mega Man</i> is the mindchild of The Protomen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Protomen are a rock band based in Nashville known for their very gritty, indie style and most famously for their namesake: concept albums based on the world of <i>Mega Man</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The band themselves are actually an enigma. They all use stage names based on different pop culture references, like "Murphy Weller" from Robocop and "Reanimator", a Stuart Gordon film loosely based on a Lovecraft story. The band is mostly comprised of students the Middle Tennessee State University's recording program and different musicians and artists from the area of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. When they play on stage they wear costumes and make-up, which thematically reflects their music, but also acts to hide their true identities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The band has become famous with "Nintendocore" music enthusiasts for their first two albums, known as ACT I and ACT II. These albums are centered around the world of <i>Mega Man</i>'s first six games, but this isn't the <i>Mega Man</i> you know and love. They've created this dark, dystopian world that essentially uses the story you know as a launching board and then goes in their own direction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In their first album's story Dr. Wily rose up using a robot army and took over "the city", which serves as the entire scope of their world. Dr. Light, once a partner of Wily's, stood up against Wily's regime and created what he considered to be an unbeatable robot, Proto Man. Proto Man attacked Wily and his Robot Masters, but was defeated and literally torn apart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In his grief, Light created a new son, Mega Man, who he dissuaded from fighting against Wily and his robots. Over time, however, Mega Man hears the stories of his brother's heroism and wants to fight back against Dr. Wily, take back his city, avenge his brother, and save the masses from their horrible lives under the thumb of the machine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">ACT II, entitled "The Father of Death" serves as a prequel to the first album and tells the story of Thomas Light and Albert Wily, inventors trying to create robots to perform jobs that are dangerous for humans, like mining and manufacturing. It details Albert Wily's rise to power, his betrayal of Thomas Light, and what leads Light to creating Proto Man in an attempt defeat Wily and end his rule over the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm reticent to give any more details than I have about the world the Protomen have created in their music. I can't emphasize enough just how much I enjoy their music and how their version of <i>Mega Man</i> stands out for me. They consider themselves storytellers, which is very apparent in their lyrics and the tone of their albums. ACT I features a dark, gritty sound, purposefully recorded in mono, meant to help mentally describe the city after everything changed and Wily took over. ACT II is a much cleaner sound, meant to reflect that we're seeing the world before "the bomb dropped".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The music may seem jarring at first and it may not be for everyone, but I encourage anyone that considers themselves to be a music enthusiast and a big fan of <i>Mega Man</i> to listen. It is a very different take on the world set out by Keiji Inafune some 28 years ago, but it is unlike any <i>Mega Man</i> you've witnessed before and likely ever will.</span>RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-29379934553395932092015-08-10T00:54:00.000-07:002015-08-10T04:42:31.930-07:00More Mellow Videogame MusicHey, if it takes just copying a fellow Five-O-Ramaer's list to help keep myself productive, I'm not above that. Ryho's idea of creating a playlist out of some of the more soothing tracks videogames (I follow the EGM example and write it as a single word) have to offer is a good one and I plan to implement it myself.<br />
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So here are some of the songs that will definitely be on it.<br />
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<b>*note: For this list I selected the in-game versions of these songs, foregoing any remixes or different versions like orchestral, piano solo, etc. just so that those seeing them for the first time could experience them as they are in their respective games. But I encourage you to explore different versions as well.</b><br />
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Here's <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2015/03/mellow-video-game-music.html">ryho's list</a> as well.<br />
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<b>5. "Lazy Afternoons" (Twilight Town's theme) - Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2) - Yoko Shimomura</b><br />
Huge surprise, me picking a Kingdom Hearts song, I know. But how can a song titled "Lazy Afternoons" NOT be mellow? Backed by soft, elegant guitar picking with the compulsory strings overlaying as the melody comes on (clarinet in the high registers), the song conveys a definite feeling of warmth and tranquility. That's what summer afternoons have always felt like to me, particularly in the later stages and particularly when I was around the age of the game's main characters.<br />
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The song also meshes well with sunsets (I must have experienced a thousand of these in Twilight Town), as it gives you a feeling of something pleasant and peaceful just about drawing to a close. When Roxas says the line "Looks like my summer vacation is over" (in the game, not the song), my heart always breaks a little bit, not just for him and his situation but also for myself, as I recall the summer vacations of my own childhood and their inevitable endings.<br />
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<b>4. "Tifa's Theme" - Final Fantasy VII (PSX) - Nobuo Uematsu</b><br />
And now a Final Fantasy song. I guess the list isn't shaping up to be very original so far but I can't really help it. I can only assume Ryho left selections from that series off his own list because he figured those soundtracks and Nobuo Uematsu are already extremely well known and celebrated. Whatever his reasons, it was a good call because it introduced me to a couple songs I wasn't familiar with. That said, I still feel I have to put "Tifa's Theme" on here.<br />
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Now, there is a difference between songs that are mellow and songs that are more...I'm not sure how to put it, starkly beautiful? Anyway, I think the case of "Tifa's Theme" vs my personal favourite track from FFVII, "Aerith's Theme" provides a good example of that. While "Aerith's Theme" starts off very soft and peaceful, it eventually builds into a crescendo that can literally get your heart racing and give you goosebumps. "Tifa's Theme" remains slow and subdued throughout.<br />
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I know it's pretty melancholy, which is itself somewhat different from mellow, but I still feel it belongs here. "Farm Boy", also from FFVII, might have been the more obvious choice since it's pretty much all laid back peaceful days without any sadness, but I think for myself personally, I almost prefer a bit of sadness, as this list will reflect.<br />
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Much of the mood of this song is based on Tifa's past, growing up with Cloud, starting to have feelings for him that went beyond friendship, and the realization that she's going to lose him. Even though they're reunited after six years, she still carries this feeling (and this song) with her because, in many ways, the Cloud she knew and loved never really came back. Maybe by the game's finale he's actually become a stronger, better Cloud but still I think she yearns for the boy she knew in Nibelheim, when they were both innocent.<br />
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<b>3. "Soft Tones On The Sea Breeze" - Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP) - Noriyuki Iwadare</b><br />
Once again, with a title like that, how could this song be anything but mellow? Lunar's major theme is music (the other is love) so its soundtrack is even more prominent and important than in most other games. So it's no surprise that it's one of the very best game soundtracks out there. And as far as songs that are mellow go, I'd say nearly half of them would qualify as such. I re-listened to them all and picked what I feel is the best of the bunch. Like many others in the game, the song is carried by a combination of strings and ocarina. I actually do prefer the piano solo version though.<br />
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Silver Star Harmony is, of course, the second remake of Lunar the Silver Star (Sega CD), the first being Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete (PSX). Additional music was added with each remake but I do recall this track was in Silver Star Story Complete as well and while I've never played the original game (although I'd buy a Sega CD just so I could), I can't imagine it not being on the original soundtrack (although it isn't listed on the soundtrack that was sold separately). In any case I've selected the newest version of the song for this list.<br />
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Listening to this song is a bit like wandering along a deserted beach in a dream. If that's not mellow, I don't know what is.<br />
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<b>2." Xion's Theme" - Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Nintendo DS) - Yoko Shimomura</b><br />
Ok, let's face it: for me, "mellow' is rarely just laid back and peaceful, it also has to be heartbreaking as all hell. It's just how I'm wired, I guess.<br />
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"Heartbreaking as all hell" is definitely what's required if you're going to compose a theme for Xion, as she is easily one of the most tragic characters in all of videogames. Like a lot of people, I was first introduced to Roxas, the main character of 358/2 Days, in Kingdom Hearts 2. You play his little bit and it's definitely sad. But then to play 358/2 Days is that much more heartwrenching. For those who haven't played it, I won't spoil anything specific but I do think it's fair to warn you that if you have any kind of a soul, by the time its end credits are running, you're going to be feeling a sadness and emptiness that will cling to you for days. But it's worth it.<br />
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The song is structured around a slow and sombre piano part with drifting strings eventually overlaying. An echo-y, xylophone punctuates the melody later on and things eventually get downright Chrono Trigger-esque in the middle. The juxtaposition of high notes over low without ever really much in the middle registers adds to the dreamlike quality - doubly important in this game as its major themes are highly existential and identity-based.<br />
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As sad as this song and game make me, it's important for me to relive it. That way, Xion and Roxas will always live on in my own heart.<br />
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<b>1. "Smiles and Tears" - Earthbound (SNES) - Keiichi Suzuki and Hirokazu Tanaka</b><br />
One of the greatest videogame soundtracks of all time - featuring tons and tons of awesome songs - requires a pretty amazing tune for its ending and "Smiles And Tears" certainly doesn't disappoint. Like most good videogame music, it's really best experienced within the game but I'll let you cheat and hear it here. Just know that within the context of finishing the crazy, emotional, funny, surprising, post modern experience that is Earthbound is really the way to go. Of course it's too good of a song to limit yourself to just this rare occurrence, I know. But believe me when I say you owe it to yourself to play through this game in its entirety if you never have before. And if you have, you need to do it again. Even twenty years after its release, it remains a truly unique game, memorable for its visual style, unconventional storytelling, philosophical themes and, of course, brilliant music.<br />
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As I said, as a final track, "Smiles and Tears" doesn't disappoint. It carries within it many elements of the songs you've heard throughout the game so, while something wholly different than what came before, still feels very familiar. Hearing it for the first time is like hearing this melody that's been with you the whole time but just under the surface. It's new to you and yet it's like you already know its every note.<br />
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One of the more pronounced and obvious themes (of which there are many, some less obvious) of Earthbound is childhood and it's expressed musically (and in other forms as well) beautifully throughout the game at various points. But the ending is where it all comes together. The first time I beat it (seems so weird to me to still use such terminology; the best games out there you don't "beat", you just complete the experience; it's not about winning - too bad <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_games_as_an_art_form#Roger_Ebert_on_video_games_as_art">Roger Ebert</a> never wrapped his fat head around that) and this song began to play, I felt all the emotions the game had spurred in me during my journey: joy, mirth, longing, sadness, regret, vulnerability and more, all come washing over me. By the time we hear Shigesato Itoi's voice (a very surprising phenomenon on the SNES) utter the words "I miss you", it almost became too much for me. But that was just right. As I've said, it's the way I'm wired.<br />
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RIP Satoru Iwata<br />
<b><br /></b>cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-46827772946225760822015-07-31T09:19:00.000-07:002015-08-03T20:53:45.085-07:00Most Difficult Video Game ChallengesThere was a time when I considered myself pretty good at video games. There weren't many games that stumped me and I usually enjoyed a pretty quick learning curve. There were other times, however, when I wanted to tear my hair out. Here are some of the most blood-boiling moments in my gaming history!<br />
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<b>5. </b><b>Parasite Eve (PSX) - Final Battle</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Playing Parasite Eve for the first time was like a revelation for me. It was Resident Evil meets Action RPG and I adored it. I can remember playing the game for hours perusing its many locations in a fictionalized version of Chicago, blown away by both the gameplay and the graphics, but most importantly the deep story.<br />
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I had spent many hours going through the "dungeons" in Parasite Eve and assumed that I had leveled myself to what the kids today would call "OP". Then I finally reached the final boss of the game and was summarily put in my place.<br />
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As much as I loved Parasite Eve, I did not finish that game because of my adoration. <i>No.</i> I finished that game out of sheer willpower. I must have faced off against the final boss several dozen times. Some times I'd get pretty far into the action, sometimes I'd die right off the hop. I can't say exactly why, because I'm certain I had leveled Aya very well and had great weaponry, but the many "stages" of the final boss would completely leech me of all my advantages and leave me scrounging for every little bit of Parasite Energy I had left in the end.<br />
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Then finally after playing it so many times everything came together; my tenacity met sheer luck, the stars aligned, and I finally managed, by the skin of my teeth, to kill the boss and finish the game.<br />
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I still have nothing but respect and love for Parasite Eve, but recently I picked it up as PSOne Classic on the Playstation Network and played through it on my PSP. Everything was going great and then I reached that final boss again. I'm sure I'm going through some sort of video game-PTSD, but I haven't had the willpower to boot that game up since. Someday I'll have to face my fear and take on that boss again...<br />
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<i>Someday...</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxkwWC_uu0bJkYsA_QQyYTE8MlDaXW3TnaVAxmUIwBDPOb7BqtBylHjIOuocgkYme3I3lpBJrGnRHHx1f-_kvkO9x83hACZNRWKD6jNHfcmgsijXlhr1-jLm7uuyYb2bxHOekF6aikLqM/s1600/tmnt01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxkwWC_uu0bJkYsA_QQyYTE8MlDaXW3TnaVAxmUIwBDPOb7BqtBylHjIOuocgkYme3I3lpBJrGnRHHx1f-_kvkO9x83hACZNRWKD6jNHfcmgsijXlhr1-jLm7uuyYb2bxHOekF6aikLqM/s320/tmnt01.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) - Hudson River</b><br />
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I was born in the 80s, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that I, like most kids from that era, was obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So when my parents bought me the Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas in 1990 the first game I ever owned, besides the packed in copies of Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, was TMNT.<br />
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And I couldn't get past the <i>second freakin' level.</i><br />
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Fun fact: this stage is infamously known as the Dam or Water Dam, but the manual for TMNT actually states that the second level is the Hudson River near the Holland Tunnel. In fact all of the stages, save for The Technodrome, are described as actual locations from New York. You have Fifth Ave./Greenwich Village (Level 1), Wall Street (Level 3), JFK International Airport (Level 4), and the South Bronx (Level 5).<br />
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If you aren't familiar with the Water Dam level in TMNT, it starts out as a side-scrolling stage not unlike the first level. You face off against waves of bad guys, while traversing the many platforms and ladders working your way to the top of the dam. Once you reach the top, and dispatch a couple of Foot Clan ninjas, you can see what looks like an opening in the roof's guard rail.<br />
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It's time to leap into the <i>river of death</i>!<br />
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First of all, swimming stages in the NES-era weren't picnics. The swimming physics were often clunky and difficult, and TMNT is no exception. Secondly, the Shredder appears to have not only planted bombs all over the river, but booby traps, as well. There are electric barriers and spinning blades strewn about the riverbed that will test your swimming abilities. But worst of all is the dreaded electrified seaweed. Combine all that with a strong tidal flow and you have the ultimate death course.<br />
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Honestly, it wouldn't be that difficult if it weren't for one small section of the map. If you've played the game then you know the one I'm talking about. It is a tunnel of electrified kelp. When you enter it you have no choice but to press forward, but each second you're in the tunnel you are losing tons of energy.<br />
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Of course many years ago I found a way around all this, which was simple. I sacrifice one of my precious Turtle brothers to continue on. You see any bombs that you've dismantled will remain that way even if one of the Turtles dies, so I would switch to Michaelangelo (his nunchuku are useless in the game), swim through the tunnel of seaweed, and with whatever little energy I had left attempt to get the bombs on the other side. Then I'd commit underwater seppuku and get the leftover "easy bombs" with a healthy Turtle.<br />
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It's actually only been this year that I've managed to get through the Dam stage with one Turtle. I have been trying TRUEandHONEST's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-y8p7CqxA" target="_blank">Red Swayze Challenge</a> (they have this weird obsession with Patrick Swayze, which I endorse) now and then, which requires a player to try and beat TMNT for the NES while only using Raphael. I've actually managed it once, but with little-to-no energy in the next stage, which resulted in death.<br />
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There's hope for me yet!<br />
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<b>3. </b><b>The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64) - Water Temple</b><br />
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The Water Temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has become infamous in gaming culture as one of the most difficult stages/levels/dungeons in any video game. The thing about the Water Temple, however, is that it isn't so much difficult as it is confusing and long.<br />
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The temple requires you to constantly hit switches that change water levels in the dungeon. It seems simple enough, but there's no real defined way of knowing exactly what areas you've changed by hitting a switch. It takes a lot trial and error just to get an idea of the lay of the land.<br />
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Then there's traversing all of that water. In order to walk around in the underwater sections you have to equip Iron Boots. Sounds easy enough, but going into the menu to change the boots isn't just a quick click of a button. You have to enter the start menu, switch the equipment section, go down to boots, and make the switch. Again, not that big of a deal, but you're going to have to do it like a million times as you go through the dungeon. Also, when you're underwater an added challenge is that the only weapon you can use is the Hookshot, which you'll have to use to fight enemies, hit switches, etc. This is also a bit time consuming coupled with the sluggish movement you face when submersed.<br />
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Finally, this temple effectively has two boss fights: one against Dark Link and another against the final boss of the dungeon, Morpha.<br />
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If you take all of this into account, coupled with the sheer size of the dungeon, and its repetitive nature and you have one doozy of a video game challenge on your hands. I think even if you knew the whole map inside and out and were really fast on the draw with changing your boots and shooting the Hookshot, you'd still need an hour alone to finish the temple. I can recall sitting down to it and playing it for well over two hours of constantly shooting switches, changing boots, and tearing my hair out trying to get to the end of it.<br />
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The biggest kick to the sack - if you will - is that you go through all of this expecting some great reward at the end, but instead all you get for your trouble is the Longshot: an extended Hookshot. It helps you get into at least one area that I can think of, but it doesn't make you feel any better about it when you finally put the Water Temple to rest.<br />
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These days if you wanted to play Ocarina of Time, your best bet might be to get the 3DS version of the game. They've added some improvements to the UI design so you can quickly change in and out of the boots and also have colour-coded some of the areas in the Water Temple to take out some of the challenge!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJx7vRagrhSZRU4zjjnNKfBl9NgTDwKNN8P6TG-EzclzdqKTYFm_hX1fZzqsQNhgOkHT7PjJKsRgeKkBfSLkhoo3ndOXrrKgHCJRvEm1suKKWpXIASetycAqKMKeJwYOGUrlgZpvEdolW/s1600/doak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJx7vRagrhSZRU4zjjnNKfBl9NgTDwKNN8P6TG-EzclzdqKTYFm_hX1fZzqsQNhgOkHT7PjJKsRgeKkBfSLkhoo3ndOXrrKgHCJRvEm1suKKWpXIASetycAqKMKeJwYOGUrlgZpvEdolW/s1600/doak1.jpg" /></a><b>2. </b><b>Goldeneye 007 (N64) - Invincibility</b><br />
<b><br /></b>I don't use strategy guides for video games. I never have and I never will. I have looked at and read a few, either after the fact or for a game I had never played before. I used to receive them from Nintendo Power when I held a subscription back around the mid-90s. I got one for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and one for Goldeneye 007.<br />
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Now, one thing I did check out in the Goldeneye guide was a list of cheat codes. These weren't codes you punched into your controller, though. These cheat "codes" actually required the player to perform different challanges in the game. Then they would appear in a list on the menu screen and you could apply them to your game, whether it be single- or multi-player. I guess they were more like "unlockables".<br />
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One of these unlockables was for Invincibility, and I will never forget it.<br />
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I had achieved all of the other codes on the list, doing a variety of challenges. Some were simple, some were somewhat difficult, but none came anywhere near Invicibility.<br />
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To get the Invincibility cheat you had to complete the Facility stage on 00 Agent (the highest difficulty) in two minutes and five seconds. There were other cheats on the list that required a similar feat, like Invisibility, which required you to finished the Archives stage on 00 Agent in a minute and twenty seconds. That sounds like it would be more difficult, but once you figured out what to do and where to go, you could complete the Archives pretty easily.<br />
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The problem with beating the Facility in such a short time span was that in this stage you had to interact with an NPC in order to complete the level. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, except this particular NPC (Dr. Doak, who I affectionately called "Dr. Dick") was a random spawn and could be found in several different locations in the stage.<br />
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That with the fact that the stage itself is pretty long and requires multiple objectives on 00 Agent and you have a recipe for disaster. Even after you find ways to shave off time, like performing mission tasks without waiting for NPC interactions, and barrelling through rooms without fighting any enemies (which results in having an army of baddies chasing you through the level) the stars all still have to align and the good Dr. Doak has to appear in just the right spot at just the right time to pull it all off.<br />
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I must have run this stage over 100 times, easily. I can remember my fury growing with each run through, but my completionist nature and love for a challenge fueled me to continue. I can also recall when I finally managed to pull it off; when all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place and I managed to unlock Invincibility. After having to play the stage over and over again so many times there was some relief, but I can remember the win being bittersweet, because I was so sick of Goldeneye that I didn't even care that I'd managed to unlock it!<br />
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That feeling passed, however, as I ultimately played more Goldeneye 007 for the Nintendo 64 than probably any other game in my personal gaming history, but that cheat code was a nightmare to unlock!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ra0WEEHPnHBaBd7AF1GQyVZqBAnbcfQ56f_Lxe8sC8OPM1rfjGXxOy5z6gqLeFaC-M6GilWZMN0yZ3k0F0XTK7C89D0Bzb9zHe05Wk2CfMdPOcGNbl7hJZFGMLRKdMyCCGuDswLxoy6E/s1600/29-capture_29012011_104241.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Ra0WEEHPnHBaBd7AF1GQyVZqBAnbcfQ56f_Lxe8sC8OPM1rfjGXxOy5z6gqLeFaC-M6GilWZMN0yZ3k0F0XTK7C89D0Bzb9zHe05Wk2CfMdPOcGNbl7hJZFGMLRKdMyCCGuDswLxoy6E/s320/29-capture_29012011_104241.png" width="320" /></a><b>1. </b><b>Final Fantasy Tactics (PSX) - Wiegraf/Velius Battle</b><br />
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Final Fantasy Tactics is a game that often requires two things: patience and a lot of critical thinking. You have to plan your battle several steps ahead to ensure you come out on top and even then sometimes a third factor - luck - is a requirement for success, as well.<br />
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For the most part you get into a rhythm, however. You can keep your team well-balanced and leveled, purchase good equipment, and make sure everyone knows lots of abilities for their specific job. Follow those rules as you play the game and you'll find most of it moves pretty well.<br />
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There is, however, one moment in the game that you cannot prepare for. You will have no idea it's coming, in fact. Then it just lands on your lap and you have to find a way to survive. That battle is the Wiegraf/Velius battle in Chapter 3.<br />
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What makes this one so heinous? It's a two-part battle which begins with a one-on-one fight between the game's main protagonist, Ramza, and Wiegraf, a Holy Knight. He comes equipped with abilities that Ramza can't even learn and that can easily wipe you out in a matter of a few turns.<br />
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So now you're up against a much more powerful enemy with one lonely character and you have to find a way to survive. This part alone took me many different tries and tactics before I could master it, and even then I barely made it out of the fight.<br />
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I should note that there was another factor that made this particular fight that much more difficult for me. If you have been playing RPGs since the late-80s/90s you know the golden rule about save files: always have at least two. You will undoubtedly come across a moment in which you wish you could've gone back to a recent point, or you've gotten stuck in a situation that you weren't prepared for and need to revert to an older save. I - for whatever reason - did not have multiple save files prepared when I first encountered this battle and, as a result, had to find a way to proceed or lose my entire game. It was legitimately "do or die".<br />
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All these years later, with the help of the Internet and watching several Twitch players that rock a lot of Final Fantasy Tactics, I know of several tactics that can help you through this fight pretty easily, but at the time I had none of that. I just had trial and error. After what felt like hundreds of attempts I eventually came up on a tactic to get me through the Wiegraf portion of the fight, which is the real hump.<br />
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I saw that I had accumulated enough JP in the Chemist job class that Ramza could learn Auto-Potion, a buff that will cause the character to use a potion each time they are hit. I had a lot of Potions and Hi-Potions in my stock, but those weren't doing it for me. I needed X-Potions. What I had to do was throw away all of my Potions and Hi-Potions so that Ramza would automatically use X-Potions on each hit. I only had a few, so it still took several attempts, but I eventually managed to survive the Wiegraf portion of the fight.<br />
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After that I can't really remember specifics. The fight against Velius is definitely tough, but with my full team at my side, I think it only took me a few tries to take him out. It was all that dirty, no good, one-on-one battle that made this fight my most difficult video game challenge to this day.<br />
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RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-51498141135793328662015-06-09T08:24:00.003-07:002015-07-21T11:10:05.736-07:00Looking Forward to E3 2015Way back in <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2010/06/looking-forward-to-e3-2010.html" target="_blank">2010</a> and <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2011/06/looking-forward-to-e3-2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a> I tried to start a <i>Five-O-Rama</i> tradition to write a yearly post about my expectations for the upcoming Electronics Entertainment Expo. I have clearly failed in that endeavour, but with another E3 just a week away let's give it another try, shall we?<br />
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I'll be honest, when I began writing this list I really tried to play it straight and make quality predictions, but you know what? That's boring! Let's make some outlandish guesses this time around.<br />
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I have a feeling this E3 is going to be all about "retro". Some of the biggest video games companies of our time are floundering and they see all the potential dollars floating around in the collective pool of nostalgic childhood memories.<br />
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<b>5. </b><b>Battletoads</b><br />
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I don't know if you've noticed, but I may have mentioned <i>Shovel Knight</i> once or twice in the last few months. Since it was released there have been several version-exclusive features for all the different releases. On Wii U, for instance, you could leave messages and clues for other players via Miiverse, kind of like you can in the <i>Dark Souls</i> games. For the Playstation release you can fight one of Sony's most iconic characters, Kratos.<br />
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For the Xbox One version of <i>Shovel Knight</i>, released in late-April of this year, Microsoft resurrected the <i>Battletoads</i> as exclusive enemies for <i>Shovel Knight</i> to face. This, of course, stirred up some thoughts that maybe MS was considering bringing the iconic brawlers back.<br />
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If you don't know, Microsoft bought out Rare back in 2002 and as such they have become an Xbox first-party developer. Any and all characters and series owned by Rare, excluding the Nintendo titles they've worked on, are now in Microsoft's wealthy hands.<br />
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From the moment I heard that the <i>Battletoads</i> were making their way into <i>Shovel Knight</i>, I felt hopeful we'd see a new <i>Battletoads</i> title on Xbox One and PC. Top that off with the fact that Microsoft renewed the <i>Battletoads</i> trademark this year? I think this is definitely happening.<br />
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It may be little more than a teaser, but I believe we'll see <i>Battletoads</i> at E3 2015. What kind of game will it be? I think it would amazing if Rare and Microsoft farmed this one out to Yacht Club Games so they could make an awesome 2D side-scrolling brawler, like the series is known for. What will it most likely be? Some sort of ultra-violent 3D affair. Either way, I'm looking forward to see Rash, Zitz, and Pimple making their digital return.<br />
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<b>4. Mega Man</b><br />
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This is going to seem highly unlikely, but hear me out. <i>Mega Man</i> was first released in December of 1987. That's 28 years ago, which means that <i>Mega Man</i> is having a big 30th anniversary in the very near future.<br />
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I know that Capcom has been offbeat in recent years. Cancelling several high-profile <i>Mega Man</i> games and letting Keiji Inafune leave the company were definite missteps. They've also gone in a questionable direction with one of their other flagship titles, <i>Resident Evil</i>. I think they are starting to see the error in their ways, however.<br />
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Inafune has gone out on his own and, after an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, is launching the spiritual successor to the Blue Bomber this September with <i>Mighty No. 9</i>. I think after seeing how well received Inafune-san's idea for a new "Mega Man" game went over, the bigwigs at Capcom must have been having some serious meetings about the future of their own mighty little robot.<br />
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With the news that Capcom is producing a new <i>Mega Man</i> cartoon show to launch in 2017, I feel like it's a no-brainer that they'll release a new <i>Mega Man</i> title to coincide with 2017. How could they not!?<br />
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What will this game be like? I hope that it is an all new title that builds upon the great game mechanics the series is known for, but with a nice fresh coat of paint. I really feel like Sakurai nailed what a 3D Mega Man should look like in the recent <i>Super Smash Bros.</i> release and that's the way Capcom should go. I hope they don't just re-re-release some old <i>Mega Man</i> games or make another new <i>Mega Man</i> title in the vein of <i>Mega Man 9</i> and <i>10</i>. I think it's about time the Blue Bomber made a comeback in a more substantial way!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2OPcsoZC1bXzzrBMA5tykot3flpHdMyF-7wH8olqQRVPkg-MI9w4A3FRxnKigA4bKan5FxIEXFYXX0cL2Ws0xiezTUkz9Fq3S7xfTgxITnAI7somQ-L99MgbMd6eJvc5PJcaP_snb2sh/s1600/megaman2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2OPcsoZC1bXzzrBMA5tykot3flpHdMyF-7wH8olqQRVPkg-MI9w4A3FRxnKigA4bKan5FxIEXFYXX0cL2Ws0xiezTUkz9Fq3S7xfTgxITnAI7somQ-L99MgbMd6eJvc5PJcaP_snb2sh/s320/megaman2.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My timestamp of writing this post.</i></td></tr>
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<b>EDIT:</b> I know this post hasn't even been released yet, so adding an edit seems crazy, but I just finished writing the <i>Mega Man</i> part of this list and Capcom has made a pre-E3 announcement regarding the super fighting robot himself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Capcom's official announcement.</i></td></tr>
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They are releasing the <i>Mega Man Legacy Collection</i> for PS4, Xbox One, and PC this summer, with a Nintendo 3DS release coming in winter 2016. It will include the first six <i>Mega Man</i> NES titles with some included modes, which appear to be remixes of those six games.<br />
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This is exactly the kind of thing I hoped they wouldn't announce and I'm pretty saddened by the news. My only hope is that since it is just a re-release and is dated to come out this summer there's still some chance that Capcom is working on something new for the 30th anniversary, but I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.<br />
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<b>3. Resident Evil 2 HD Remaster</b><br />
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Speaking of <i>Resident Evil</i>, what can we expect from the king daddy of all zombie horror games? I think there will be lots of <i>RE</i>-related announcements at this year's E3. It will come as no surprise that <i>Resident Evil 7</i> will be announced at this year's show. Even after a poor showing for <i>RE6</i>, there have been rumours floating around that Capcom intends to continue with the franchise and hopefully return to the roots of what made the series so great. With the popularity of <i>Resident Evil Revelations</i> and its sequel I think there will definitely be a brand-new <i>RE</i> title of some sort shown this year.<br />
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That said, earlier this year Capcom also re-re-released (see a pattern here?) the original <i>RE</i> game as <i>Resident Evil HD Remaster</i> on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4. The game is an HD version of the title known by fans as the "REmake", which was a high resolution retooling of the original <i>Resident Evil</i> released for the Nintendo Gamecube and later again on the Wii.<br />
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Guess what? The game sold one million copies in no time and they've already announced an HD remake of the Gamecube and Wii-released prequel <i>Resident Evil 0</i>.<br />
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If I know Capcom, and I think I do, they are going to be all over this and I think we are going to see an HD remastering of what many consider to be the best game in the series, <i>Resident Evil 2</i>.<br />
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It won't be a straight-forward affair, though. <i>RE2</i> did make an appearance on the Gamecube, but basically as a straight port with some graphical clean up. It was not the complete makeover its predecessor received. Nevertheless, I think that they'll put in the extra effort to get <i>RE2 HD</i> out as soon as possible and that we'll at least see it teased at E3 2015.<br />
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Now let me go check the Internet and make sure they didn't announce this while I was writing, as well...<br />
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<b>2. </b><b>Metroid</b><br />
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Every E3 there are two games that gamers, especially Nintendo fans, clamour for and they are <i>Star Fox</i> and <i>Metroid</i>. I can't tell you how many prediction lists I've seen over the years with those two games on them and every single year Nintendo disappoints.<br />
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Then at last year's E3, Time Magazine dropped the bombshell that a new <i>Star Fox</i> game was in development by none other than the great Shigeru Miyamoto himself. It was kind of a snafu, actually, because Nintendo hadn't yet teased the game themselves!<br />
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Now, it is a fact that we're going to see <i>Star Fox</i> at this year's E3. Miyamoto has confirmed that himself. What I think will shock people is that Nintendo will also finally reveal a new <i>Metroid</i> game at this year's event!<br />
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It's no secret that Retro Studios is hard at work on a new Nintendo title. Are they working on a new <i>Metroid</i> game? It would make sense. They successfully rebooted the series with <i>Metroid Prime</i> on the Gamecube back in 2002. Although we can't say for certain that Retro is working on the new <i>Metroid</i> title, I think it is likely.<br />
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I'm going to go out on a limb with this one, but I think that we're going to see a new <i>Metroid</i> game released on the Nintendo 3DS. I think that this game will play more like <i>Super Metroid</i> or <i>Metroid Fusion</i> and that it is being developed by Monster Games, the company responsible for the 3DS port of <i>Donkey Kong Country Returns</i>.<br />
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It's been a long time since we got a real traditional <i>Metroid</i> experience. <i>Metroid: Other M</i> from Team Ninja left a funny taste in gamers' mouths and I think the best way to continue with the series is to full return to its roots.<br />
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Will it be a new <i>Metroid Prime</i> game from Retro Studios? A new 2D side-scroller from Monster Games? Or both? We'll see in a few short days!<br />
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<b>1. Final Fantasy VI 3D Remake</b><br />
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This one is a serious reach, and more of a personal wish than anything else, but here goes nothing.<br />
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As part of <i>Final Fantasy's </i>20th anniversary, Square Enix remade <i>Final Fantasy IV</i> in 3D and released it on the Nintendo DS in 2007. The game was successful and saw subsequent releases for PC, iOS and Android in 2012. This was the second 3D remake of a <i>Final Fantasy</i> title on the DS, following <i>Final Fantasy III</i>, which had previously only seen a release on the Famicom in Japan. It was also released on iOS, Android, and PC by 2012.<br />
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After the remake of <i>FFIV</i>, the focus was laid squarely (see what I did there) on <i>Final Fantasy VI</i>. Square Enix themselves said that they were looking into doing a remake of <i>FFVI</i> on the DS, but had changed their focus to remakes of <i>FFV</i> and <i>FFVI</i> on the then newly released Nintendo 3DS.<br />
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I've laid in wait all these years expecting Square Enix to see the light and realize that they need to produce a 3D remake of what I consider to be their best RPG. It's 25th anniversary came and went, however, and I was starting to think it just wouldn't happen. Square Enix has released a new and highly successful franchise with <i>Bravely Default</i> and with its sequel on the way I just couldn't see them having the resources around to produce a 3D remake of <i>FFVI</i>.<br />
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Then just a few weeks ago, Square Enix did something I hadn't expected! In 2008 they also released a sequel to <i>Final Fantasy IV</i> known as <i>FFIV: The After Years</i>. It was released as an episodic mobile title initially, but eventually found its way to WiiWare in North America. It was wildly popular and was finally released as a complete title on the PSP in 2011.<br />
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Now, stay with me, I know I've been throwing a lot of dates and releases around here. In 2014 Square Enix ported their 3D remake of <i>Final Fantasy IV</i> to PC with optimized graphics. Then on May 11, 2015 they released a new 3D remake of <i>Final Fantasy IV: The After Years</i> for PC!<br />
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That means that they have some resources dedicated to releasing a new 3D remake of a <i>Final Fantasy</i> game and my hope is sparked anew that we could potentially see a 3D remake of <i>Final Fantasy VI</i> hit PC and modern consoles by at least 2016.<br />
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I know it's a bit of a pipe dream, but I just can't seem to let this one go, so for my Hail Mary of E3 2015 I'll be sitting and watching Square Enix announcements with the hope that I will finally see <i>FFVI</i> get the love it deserves.RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-56771500973069673402015-04-24T08:01:00.000-07:002015-04-24T08:01:57.447-07:00Star Wars Prequel RumoursWhen George Lucas first began making <i>Star Wars</i> in the mid-70s there were many scenes that he stated he wished he could film, but due to budgetary concerns, as well as the state of visual effects at the time, they had to be nixed. Nearly 20 years later, after seeing the revolutionary computer generated effects being used in contemporary films, he believed he could update his original series with those missing scenes and imagery and began development of the now infamous <i>Star Wars: Special Editions</i>.<br />
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Regardless of what you think of the subsequent updates to the Original Trilogy, in 1997 my teenage self was stunned and awed as he watched <i>Star Wars</i>, <i>Empire Strikes Back</i>, and <i>Return of the Jedi</i> on the silver screen in all their glory.<br />
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With all the <i>Star Wars</i> hype surrounding the re-release, and fueled by the newly booming Internet, news quickly surfaced that Lucas was to begin filming a brand new <i>Star Wars</i> film that summer for release in 1999! And with that came the inevitable slew of rumours surrounding this new film.<br />
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Here we are almost 20 years later and we're seeing history repeat itself, while <i>The Force Awakens</i> looms in the distance. The rumour mill is churning once again and the Internet is awash with what we may or may not see in J.J. Abrams highly anticipated sequel.<br />
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What were some of the stories swirling around <i>The Phanom Menace</i> back in the mid- to late-90s? Here are a few of the biggest rumours I remember cropping up before George Lucas brought us back to a galaxy far, far away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMHd283kUBUvrQifWtbDhdVtCKwiBiGpRpj5qx2thTAAYyl9Ez_3Fr5qKSFPJXEEwrlZ_oeCsD-Y8fVbmDJHszrbGihomWkY9Jm-tsN17lPtIkfvs-W9TFVBi_RQSFqAEEaerEdtENL0/s1600/Got_A_Bad_feeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kMHd283kUBUvrQifWtbDhdVtCKwiBiGpRpj5qx2thTAAYyl9Ez_3Fr5qKSFPJXEEwrlZ_oeCsD-Y8fVbmDJHszrbGihomWkY9Jm-tsN17lPtIkfvs-W9TFVBi_RQSFqAEEaerEdtENL0/s1600/Got_A_Bad_feeling.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><b>5. "Obi-Wan Kenobi originally owned the Millennium Falcon"</b><br />
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This seems so outlandish when you look at it now, but back around the mid-90s the idea that a <i>Star Wars</i> film could ever be released without the Millennium Falcon in it was even more unbelievable. It didn't take long before forums and message boards were teeming with talk of who the "Han Solo" character would be in the prequels and who would own and pilot the Millennium Falcon.<br />
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Lucas was revealed to have been writing the new <i>Star Wars</i> movie as early as '93, so when inklings started surfacing of what would become <i>Shadows of the Empire</i> - an "interquel" story set between <i>Empire Strikes Back</i> and <i>Return of the Jedi</i> - there was the belief that Dash Rendar, <i>Shadows</i>' protagonist, would play a "Han Solo"-esque character in the prequels and would be the original owner of the Falcon.<br />
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Those rumblings were quickly quashed when <i>Shadows of the Empire</i> hit in '96 and featured Dash Rendar in the continuity of the Original Trilogy. So who would own the Falcon then?<br />
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Well Obi-wan Kenobi, of course! As unbelievable as it sounds, <i>Star Wars</i> fans were absolutely certain the Solo void would be filled by none other than ol' Ben. The word on the street was that Obi-wan would end up an exceptional pilot and would be the owner of the Millenium Falcon. He would even have a small Ewok sidekick that would accompany him, which would allude to the Solo-Chewbacca combination that would become famous in the subsequent stories.<br />
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<b>What actually happened:</b><br />
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Obi-wan was shown to be a poor pilot that couldn't care less about having his own ship. He left all the piloting to his pupil, Anakin. The Millennium Falcon was basically a no-show in the Prequel Trilogy, briefly making an almost unnoticeable cameo in <i>Revenge of the Sith</i> for the hawk-eyed, avid <i>Star Wars</i> nut.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFCEDukt9hOrSqO73_hUm_L3HWxpuEYFrOczIsGD88HY4lbknPtTOD4Lx1W5BdQwUZoUmoDxvZ76__3JBv07kW_-hepAK1YvYO7Bk8ocWuBLApHfc1MyL58tXV0cOkz-jWNIABfIWe9ry/s1600/boba-fett-darth-vader-star-wars-episode-7-does-this-mean-we-ll-see-boba-fett.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFCEDukt9hOrSqO73_hUm_L3HWxpuEYFrOczIsGD88HY4lbknPtTOD4Lx1W5BdQwUZoUmoDxvZ76__3JBv07kW_-hepAK1YvYO7Bk8ocWuBLApHfc1MyL58tXV0cOkz-jWNIABfIWe9ry/s1600/boba-fett-darth-vader-star-wars-episode-7-does-this-mean-we-ll-see-boba-fett.jpeg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b>4. "Boba Fett will be featured in the prequel films"</b><br />
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One of the most popular characters in <i>Star Wars</i> history has always been Boba Fett, which seems surprising considering how little screen time he gets in the Original Trilogy. From the very beginning there was a lot of fascination surrounding Fett as fans learned that originally Lucas had planned on having a group of Supertroopers in the film that wore white armour (much like Storm Troopers), but scrapped the idea, colouring the armour and using it for Boba Fett in <i>Empire Strikes Back</i>.<br />
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I, for one, always felt there was so much intrigue surrounding the character and I always wanted to know more about him. I wasn't alone, as the history of Boba Fett, and concept of Mandalorians - a renowned group of warriors - became the focus of many books, comics, and more in the <i>Star Wars</i> Expanded Universe. It seemed like a no-brainer that Boba's character would take some part in the prequels and we'd finally learn more about this provocative character.<br />
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There was talk that there would be a slew of Mandalorians in the movie and that there would even be a massive war featuring Mandalorian Supercommandos versus a Clone Army. Also, Boba Fett would turn out to be... a woman!<br />
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<b>What actually happened:</b><br />
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We got way more than we bargained for. It turns out that Boba Fett is the cloned son of Jango Fett, a Mandalorian Supercommando turned bounty hunter and the specimen chosen as the basis of a Clone Army created in secret by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. That Clone Army would become what we know in the Original Trilogy as Imperial Storm Troopers.<br />
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Interestingly in filming <i>The Phantom Menace</i> a female character was created titled "Babe Fett", and appeared in one scene during the Pod Races for all of a second. That character would take on a mythos all of her own and would eventually become Aurra Sing, who is featured heavily in the <i>Clone Wars</i> cartoon series, and shares a history with none other than Boba Fett himself.<br />
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We actually learned little to nothing about Boba Fett in the Prequel Trilogy. That however will be rectified in the upcoming film <i>Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One</i>, which is believed to feature Boba Fett in the time between the Clone Wars and the events of <i>Empire Strikes Back</i>.<br />
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<b>3. "Liam Neeson will play Anakin's father"</b><br />
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Before filming began for <i>The Phantom Menace</i> it became known to fans that Liam Neeson would have a role in the planned Prequel Trilogy. Once photography started, some scenes from Tunisia surfaced that showed an unnamed character, portrayed by Neeson, and Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker.<br />
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So who was this mystery character? What was his relation to the boy that would become Darth Vader?<br />
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Very quickly the talk began that Neeson would play Anakin's father, and himself another Jedi in the Skywalker clan. What's interesting is that in most of the versions I've read Neeson's character would die, probably in the second film. He would be murdered by the Emperor so that he would not be able to stop Anakin from joining the Dark Side of the Force and becoming a Dark Jedi (the concept of the Sith wasn't around yet). It was believed that Anakin would see his father die at the hands of another Dark Jedi, would take up his father's lightsaber and fell the murderer, beginning his path toward the dark.<br />
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<b>What actually happened:</b><br />
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These rumours weren't really that far from the truth. Of course, no one could foresee that Lucas would make Anakin a Christ-like figure created from the Force itself (by midi-chlorians... <i>ugh</i>), so the idea of a father wasn't that off-base.<br />
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Neeson would play Qui-gon Jinn, who actually played a father-figure to Anakin, in a way, and was killed by the Emperor's apprentice. Anakin's relationship with Qui-gon isn't really explored, but Anakin does begin his descent into the dark side after his mother, Shmi, is killed by Tusken Raiders and Anakin slaughters her murderers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nx42_0MDj2IAkGBB8dVrRvX4GnB5IjfFlPWKqlFm3TOSGagGOfSfSADf9DrlapvcUzUe8d1tUQNPqsCa5DrnlagUByMN9419a3bVpXO_ScZAe-KZmOwyt_13WXX_CgPRAmutwyJ-YjhA/s1600/Seatroopers-BftGS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Nx42_0MDj2IAkGBB8dVrRvX4GnB5IjfFlPWKqlFm3TOSGagGOfSfSADf9DrlapvcUzUe8d1tUQNPqsCa5DrnlagUByMN9419a3bVpXO_ScZAe-KZmOwyt_13WXX_CgPRAmutwyJ-YjhA/s1600/Seatroopers-BftGS.jpg" height="148" width="320" /></a><b>2. "Amphibious Storm Troopers will have a massive underwater battle"</b><br />
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Again, before the prequel films hit the big screen, the concept of a <i>Star Wars</i> film that didn't feature Storm Troopers as the expendable army of whatever evil plot was afoot seemed incredible far-fetched. It was assumed, almost universally, that Storm Troopers would be in all of the prequels.<br />
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George Lucas said that he had always wanted an underwater battle in the Original Trilogy, but there was no way to make realistic water and water rippling effects at that time. So when the new prequel films were announced, fans immediately began speculating what this underwater battle might be like.<br />
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The story that gained the most traction was that a group of Amphibious Storm Troopers and an army from the Republic would do battle on a water planet known as Sedri. The Republic would pilot V-Wings, which were ships that had the ability to submerge underwater, so they could attack the Storm Troopers in their submarines.<br />
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<b>What actually happened:</b><br />
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Technically there were no Storm Troopers in any of the <i>Star Wars</i> prequels! In <i>Attack of the Clones</i>, however, we meet the Clone Army, which would become the Storm Troopers of the Original Trilogy, as I mentioned above.<br />
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There was an underwater sequence in <i>The Phantom Menace</i>, however! We follow our heroes as they travel underwater to meet the denizens of Naboo's watery depths, the Gungans. Their race is infamous for Jar Jar Binks, the most reviled character in the<i> Star Wars</i> series.<br />
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Was there an underwater battle? Not really, The Gungans attacked a droid army in T<i>he Phantom Menace</i>, but it took place on a huge grassy field. There were some underwater action scenes, but not what the fans had been expecting.<br />
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Also, no V-Wings made an appearance in the prequels. A V-Wing ship is featured in the <i>Star Wars: Battlefront</i> video games, but it isn't the semi-aquatic ship that was expected, but instead a precursor to the Imperial TIE Fighter as well as the Rebel A-Wing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSYJf-FR_U2tdXMtOtnGEbZrjSD3r5fN2CNtyhGFUKjgQecibS1RqKsRjwLKxcQjACemBsSFwcGr5ZvyAvSyoyI9sS8ob4T5l9dQaisyzCT7ExdufvGvxooBFyqEA6_gzB9PxTBzlyEdp/s1600/R2D2-C3PO_EP4-KEY-63_R_8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSYJf-FR_U2tdXMtOtnGEbZrjSD3r5fN2CNtyhGFUKjgQecibS1RqKsRjwLKxcQjACemBsSFwcGr5ZvyAvSyoyI9sS8ob4T5l9dQaisyzCT7ExdufvGvxooBFyqEA6_gzB9PxTBzlyEdp/s1600/R2D2-C3PO_EP4-KEY-63_R_8x10.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a><b>1. "R2-D2 is a Jedi Knight"</b><br />
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This is my absolute favourite rumour that was ever associated with the <i>Star Wars</i> prequels. Never in my wildest dreams could I ever fathom this concept, yet the story persisted before the release of <i>The Phantom Menace</i> put it to rest.<br />
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There were many outlandish rumours surrounding the beloved droids of <i>Star Wars</i>; R2-D2 will be Anakin's personal droid and C-3P0 will be an interpreter for the Empire, C-3P0 was a con-artist before he became the butler-like robot we all remember, and another wonderful belief that in the Prequel Trilogy R2-D2 would be the protocol droid and C-3P0 would be an astromech! This one, however, takes the cake.<br />
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In the third film of the new trilogy a dying Jedi would somehow use the Force to imbue his life force into an inorganic object, in order to preserve it. That inorganic object would be none other than little R2. Why would anyone ever come up with this idea? The belief was that this explained why R2 would have that spirit of adventure that we see in the little astromech droid throughout the Original Trilogy.<br />
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It was also generally accepted that R2-D2 and C-3P0 would probably have their minds wiped at the end of the Prequel Trilogy in order to keep continuity with the original films. For this reason it was believed that because R2 would have a Jedi's mind that our favourite little droid's memory couldn't be erased and he would have an "insight" of some of the events that would unfold in the first three films.<br />
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<b>What actually happened:</b><br />
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They were right about one thing; R2 and 3P0's memories would be erased after the events of <i>Revenge of the Sith</i>. However, C-3P0 remained C-3P0 and R2, R2.<br />
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R2-D2 was initially an astromech for the Naboo forces, but did essentially become Anakin's personal droid for his starfighting scenes. C-3P0 would end up being built by a young, brilliant Anakin Skywalker! That's right, Darth Vader built C-3P0...<br />
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Of all the rumours I've listed here, I bet no one saw that coming!RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-1535055504831677042015-03-27T07:32:00.000-07:002015-03-27T18:33:26.394-07:00Mellow Video Game MusicI often find the stresses of my job, and day-to-day life, can be soothed almost instantly by the right song. I've created a playlist of music that helps me mellow out and it is entirely comprised of tunes I've picked up over my many years of gaming. I thought I'd share some of those songs, so kick up your feet and get ready to chill!<br />
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<b>5. "The Starlit Wilds" - Shovel Knight (Wii U) - Jake Kaufman</b><br />
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I've written about how much I enjoyed last year's retro indie release <i>Shovel Knight</i> in my <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2015/02/ryans-favourite-video-games-of-2014.html" target="_blank">last list</a>, so check that out for more on the game. I mentioned in that list how much I enjoyed the music in Shovel Knight, but there was always one song in particular that stood out above the rest.<br />
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"The Starlit Wilds" was the music that accompanied all of the campfire scenes in the game (you'll have to play it to know what I mean!) and every time I made it to one of those moments I would instantly relax and take in the pseudo 8-bit world of <i>Shovel Knight</i>. It's a really beautiful piece from Jake Kaufman aka virt. I'd never heard of his name before <i>Shovel Knight</i>, but he's been in the business since 2000's remake of <i>Q*Bert</i>.<br />
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I don't know if there are plans for a <i>Shovel Knight</i> sequel at Yacht Club Games, but I'd love more retro-inspired games with music from Mr. Kaufman!<br />
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<b>4. "Colony 9/Night" - Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii) - Yoko Shimomura</b><br />
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Although I loved my Nintendo Wii from the moment I opened it back in 2006, nearing the end of its lifecycle the "Little System That Could" received some serious titles, and none so famous as <i>Xenoblade Chronicles</i>, which many can thank Project Rainfall for having released here in North America.<br />
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There is so much to love about <i>Xenoblade Chronicles</i>, but I think anyone playing it for the first time will be gripped by two things: the spanning, gorgeous landscapes and the beautiful orchestral soundtrack that accompanies them.<br />
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There are a great many tracks from composer Yoko Shimomura's <i>Xenoblade Chronicles</i> soundtrack that stick out in my mind, but none so beautiful as "Colony 9/Night". It's a moving, calming piece that I typically don't go through my workday without listening to at least once.<br />
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Yoko Shimomura has had a mind-blowing career, which includes creating music for such classics as <i>Street Fighter II</i>, <i>Parasite Eve</i>, and the <i>Kingdom Hearts</i> series, but make sure to do yourself a favour and listen to some of the tracks she composed for <i>Xenoblade Chronicles</i>.<br />
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<b>3. "Conquest" - Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS) - Hiroki Morishita</b><br />
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Another game to knock my socks off in recent years was 2013's <i>Fire Emblem Awakening</i> on the Nintendo 3DS. I had only played one other <i>Fire Emblem</i> title many years previous on the Gameboy Advance and the time was nigh for a new tactical/strategy RPG experience.<br />
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The soundtrack for <i>FE: Awakening</i> has many stand-out titles to choose from, but the moment I heard "Conquest" by composer Hiroki Morishita - whom from what I can tell is a relatively new composer with a handful of Nintendo titles under his belt - I instantly had to search the song out and add it to my aforementioned video game music playlist. In fact, it is the first song I listen to from that playlist daily.<br />
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From what I can tell "Conquest" is only played when you take on random encounters with enemies and in some of the DLC battles from <i>FE: Awakening</i>. If you were to play the entire game only battling the story-required fights and didn't play any DLC you might never hear it, which would be a crying shame!<br />
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<b>2. "On the Beach of Dreams (Another World)" - Chrono Cross (PSX) - Yasunori Mitsuda </b><br />
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The first time I played <i>Chrono Cross</i> was with a sense of trepidation. I had a great reverence for <i>Chrono Trigger</i> on the SNES and I knew that this game was not a direct sequel to that, but some sort of spiritual successor and I wasn't sure how to feel about that.<br />
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I remember that all those thoughts were dashed away in an instant the first time I booted up that game on my Sony Playstation. The music that plays in the intro of the game is called "Scars of Time" and you are instantly swept up in it. Created by Yasunori Mitsuda, composer of hit games like <i>Xenogears</i> and <i>Chrono Trigger</i> itself, "Scars of Time" takes you on an emotional roller coaster and coupled with the exciting video montage from the game I knew in a matter of moments that I was going to enjoy <i>Chrono Cross</i>.<br />
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And I'm not even here to talk about that song! It's far from mellow, but you should most definitely check it out.<br />
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It's been about 15 years since I've played <i>Chrono Cross</i>, and the details are a little hazy, but I believe "On the Beach of Dreams" is the main theme for the world map in Another World. If you want to know what I mean, you'll have to play the game!<br />
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It's an incredibly soothing piece comprised mostly of guitar and violin, but most definitely captures the feel and beauty of El Nido and the world of <i>Chrono Cross</i>.<br />
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<b>1. "Aquatic Ambiance" - Donkey Kong Country (SNES) - David Wise</b><br />
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There are a lot of songs from video games that hold a very dear place in my heart, but I don't know if any hold a candle to "Aquatic Ambiance". The instant I hear it I'm drawn back to another time and place; to my Mom and Dad's house in 1994, a cold, wintry setting outside, the houses on the street lit up with Christmas lights, and my little sister and I warm in my bedroom wiling away the evening playing <i>Donkey Kong Country</i> on my Super Nintendo.<br />
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The soundtrack to <i>DKC</i>, by composer David Wise, stood out for me as something I'd never heard before in a video game. He so perfectly captured each setting in the game with a different theme; in the mines everything is industrial, in the cold, mountain settings the music is desolate and foreboding, and in the underwater, swimming stages you have "Aquatic Ambiance", which perfectly captures the quiet of the deeps and its constant ebb and flow.<br />
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I have such an attachment to this song that I can often have different reactions upon hearing it, depending on my mood. I listen to it almost every day while I work and it has an instant calming effect, but also some times it can play on my nostalgia and make me very homesick for those old days back at my Mom and Dad's without a care in the world.RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-76819765227194673832015-03-14T15:41:00.001-07:002015-03-27T15:27:01.880-07:00Cole's Favourite Movies of 2014I figured I might as well do one of these since seeing <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2015/02/shanes-favourite-movies-of-2014.html">Shane's</a> was quite different. Once again, I haven't really seen a ton of releases from the past year so there wasn't a lot for me to choose from. So probably no big surprises here if any at all.<br />
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*Note: A lot of people consider <span style="color: red;">Miyazaki's </span><i>The Wind Rises</i> a 2014 release since, while made and released in 2013 in Japan, it didn't come out in North America till early 2014. That's when I saw it in the theatre but I still consider it a 2013 release, otherwise it'd easily take the #1 spot here.<br />
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<b>5. Big Hero 6</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcIMxOlp-55ULe_zI97f015vyBZGTqlNGMXfggV-r3k2hHb6nC1bP01oTdxkhDwrw85jkh_9fL8cm7G3VD__mJujFG1cVnCjCKvp8uG4nZMrzzpNUSmsNRh4moZUSPu1pto3_ovfvzt8/s1600/bighero6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcIMxOlp-55ULe_zI97f015vyBZGTqlNGMXfggV-r3k2hHb6nC1bP01oTdxkhDwrw85jkh_9fL8cm7G3VD__mJujFG1cVnCjCKvp8uG4nZMrzzpNUSmsNRh4moZUSPu1pto3_ovfvzt8/s1600/bighero6.jpeg" /></a>Disney's first take on a Marvel property since buying the big M and everything within it basically takes the title and throws everything else out the window. Which was really the best way to go if you ask me. And that they chose such an obscure thing (a limited series from 1998 featuring the X-Men's Sunfire plus some newly-created characters that was basically a sort of tribute to manga and anime) was probably a good move too. As soon as Disney acquired Marvel there was an outcry amongst fans who were concerned they'd start messing with the brand. But they really haven't. They knew Marvel was already awesome and didn't need any "fixing". No one wanted to see "Disney presents Spider-Man" or "Disney's Uncanny X-Force" and thankfully, they knew it. Although that Ultimate Spider-Man show is annoyingly kidsy...but I can live with it.<br />
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So <i>Big Hero 6, </i>despite all its changes, still is a superhero movie of sorts. From the same studio that brought us <i>Tangled</i> and <i>Wreck-It Ralph</i>, it does also somewhat maintain the Japanese style with its look, some of the character names and its setting, Sanfransokyo - a fictional combination of...well, I think you can probably work that out on your own. It's bright and colourful, fast-paced and quite funny. The robot Baymax is an instant classic character with lots of funny lines and moments and the rest of the cast, while not nearly as memorable, still works quite well.<br />
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With all the more serious and complicated superhero movies coming out these days (which naturally, I think is a very good thing), it's still nice to have a more simple and lighthearted option both adults and kids can enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cH3Smq6RxnyHR1Hwf56hxyQBqq7pQmIosEtJ14xD2qQr_dHy2HsdDe1tdmvz7n7nW86t9WkrKB1dUN-agAnOox2UUJDjWwm8R1BuShKdo1lDbrN7g81VGFnNjpBSFPaI9s4gAZI-A84/s1600/Hobbit_BOTFA_Intl_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cH3Smq6RxnyHR1Hwf56hxyQBqq7pQmIosEtJ14xD2qQr_dHy2HsdDe1tdmvz7n7nW86t9WkrKB1dUN-agAnOox2UUJDjWwm8R1BuShKdo1lDbrN7g81VGFnNjpBSFPaI9s4gAZI-A84/s1600/Hobbit_BOTFA_Intl_poster.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a><b>4. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies</b><br />
I wasn't the biggest fan of taking a three hundred page novel and stretching it into a trilogy of movies two and half hours each but hey, they did pull it off pretty nicely. A lot of content had to be added for this to be achieved and while I was expecting this to annoy me, by the time the third film came along I was actually looking forward to seeing what additions there would be. In a lot of ways, the added stuff helps tie the story together a little better.<br />
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A good example of this would be the prominence of the orc leader, Azog. In the novel, he's simply mentioned by Gandalf as having killed Thorin's grandfather, Thror, in a battle in the mines of Moria. Well. In the films he is front and centre as a major antagonist and it really gives a sense of purpose and continuity to the various clashes Thorin's group has with orcs leading up to the huge battle in the third part. In the book, Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves encounter several different groups of orcs but in the films, it's understood that they're being purposely hunted by a group led by Azog, whom they (the dwarves) had believed dead. (Incidentally, in the novel, he <i>was</i> dead by this point, having been killed by the dwarf Dain after Azog had killed Dain's father Nain. Dain also appears in the film, played by Billy Connolly).<br />
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Also, Fili and Kili's deaths are given a bit more meaning (they also died in the novel) by having their characters greatly expanded on, up to and including an almost romance between Fili and the elf Tauriel (a character not in the book but invented for the films). Tauriel's inclusion also creates an opening for Legolas, who doesn't appear in the novel either but since he is the son of the king of the Mirkwood elves, Thranduil, who is quite prominently featured, having him appear doesn't seem far-fetched or gratuitous.<br />
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The film has great performances and everything has the proper epic feel we've come to expect from the franchise. Even though things can be a bit convoluted at times, it all comes together in this finale. Some critics have dismissed this movie, saying it lacks the feeling of adventure the book conveys and is overly violent. But they're really missing the point since this is the third part of a trilogy and its title is the name of a BATTLE. How could that not be violent? The book itself may not go into as great detail of the final battle as the film does, but isn't that the entire point of having a movie version in the first place? To give us a different perspective?<br />
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I feel I'm definitely a Tolkien purist (in case you couldn't tell from all that stuff above) and these movies satisfy me for sure. I think most critics who took the "too violent" angle were really just being lazy because it's so easy to point to other current movies that are full of CGI and violence and try to make the claim The Hobbit trilogy is just following this shallow trend. And what makes this even more offensive to them (or so they claim) is that this is such a break from the great book upon which it's based. But it's clear to me those critics don't remember the book so well or even that some of them have never read it to begin with.<br />
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So I went on a bit of a tangent there. All you really need to know is that this movie, while perhaps an easy target for lazy critics, is still one of the best of 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKfkr2Ap7PKch36l0mYUe5UlEo3luA0bCLTnGwJpi7AMnhaJwjyRKfJmWOLdaklD0RmXaigS2rTD7w-GDNxUgU7liYNVhOH7KT7_lBND-6xLukezn2TsBKlWrz3-hN0IOlybfqKtQwLU/s1600/The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-Poster-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKfkr2Ap7PKch36l0mYUe5UlEo3luA0bCLTnGwJpi7AMnhaJwjyRKfJmWOLdaklD0RmXaigS2rTD7w-GDNxUgU7liYNVhOH7KT7_lBND-6xLukezn2TsBKlWrz3-hN0IOlybfqKtQwLU/s1600/The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-Poster-20.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><b>3. The Grand Budapest Hotel</b><br />
As with pretty much any film directed by Wes Anderson, I went into this one fully expecting to like it. And - surprise - I did. It features all the hallmarks of an Anderson film: visually striking and memorable locations, quirky and complex characters, charming music that fits each scene perfectly and an unconventional plot.<br />
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As of this writing, I've only seen it the once, which was more than a year ago, so I can't remember a lot of details. I plan to watch it again soon. But I do remember that Adrien Brody's performance is probably my favourite of his career so far. He plays one of the film's villains and he's excellent.<br />
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I also recall that the narrative doesn't just use one framing device but two. Maybe three? The story unfolds as a flashback which then dives into another flashback. This isn't as confusing as it sounds because the action stays on course and doesn't do any more time-jumping. Actually, when it's wrapping up, it's easy to have forgotten how it started so when we jump back to the "present" and then it happens again, it's kind of weird. But in no way detrimental, I can assure you. The story flows very well.<br />
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I can't really delve much further into detail since the movie isn't fresh in my mind at the moment but I still feel confident in giving it this lofty #3 spot. So you KNOW it's good, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYUevCBCS_whLrkMNdEZ3mA-jyrUp_wxxgYhg3YD_JMZlMutaDkx8lmMs8cACuHUZFelIzXaVWgEd0xvi-yl_5vUdv_069k7iU4IZg9y3WTq8fmgOR2v2YxYEJQVBzm_6vOTG2QL0FPc/s1600/raid-2_675x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYUevCBCS_whLrkMNdEZ3mA-jyrUp_wxxgYhg3YD_JMZlMutaDkx8lmMs8cACuHUZFelIzXaVWgEd0xvi-yl_5vUdv_069k7iU4IZg9y3WTq8fmgOR2v2YxYEJQVBzm_6vOTG2QL0FPc/s1600/raid-2_675x1000.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a><b>2. The Raid 2: Berandal</b><br />
If not for the makers of this movie and its predecessor, <i>The Raid: Redemption </i>(2011), I might have lost all faith in the action genre moving forward. Let's face it, after the bounty that was the eighties and nineties, the 00's were a big letdown in the action department. Sure there were definitely some standout gems to be found but if you ask me, not all that many. Both Raids are simple and straightforward in their plots and brilliant in their execution. As for Berandal, which is the one I'm supposed to be discussing here, it was tough to believe it could top Redemption. Hell, Redemption was so good it was tough to believe Berandal would even measure up. But I believe it does measure up for sure. And while longer and more complex than Redemption, I believe it succeeds by still keeping things simple.<br />
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After all, the plot is one of the most used we've seen in the action and crime thriller genres. We've got our hero going deep undercover to infiltrate an extremely dangerous organization. He even gets himself sent to prison to further cement his status as a real criminal. Yeah, we've all seen that once or twice before. But when it comes to the element that matters the most for this movie, that is, the action, I doubt you've seen much before that compares to this film.<br />
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Once again we're treated to spectacular fight scenes showcasing multiple styles of martial arts (although still predominantly Silat, but hey, that's a very diverse one) as well as multiple weapons. And where Redemption offered us one comic book-type of bad guy (Mad Dog), Berandal gives us <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BadassCrew">several</a>. This includes a female antagonist (something totally absent in the former) whose weapons are <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DropTheHammer">hammers</a> and a guy who gets a lot more out of wielding a simple <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BatterUp">baseball bat</a> than you'd think possible. I'd say more about that but don't want to spoil it for the uninitiated. But yeah, this movie is violent as all hell and it's awesome.<br />
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The character of Rama has been cemented in my mind as one of the all-time great <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ActionHero">action heroes</a> and if you haven't yet seen his handiwork, do yourself a favour and check it out.<br />
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<b>1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahjYXrMrrpaCr46wOy7feSGDLKmNhnSs76yhC51wnnfDyQGtUJVuVffMSh2Yg_arNvXvXjA6dcOMCeUWr0ZWw2QcEfQSWpK5exGv9C9I3vlasjJ3S22761N9s4H9G-IYU6KTuoh0WoW8/s1600/cap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahjYXrMrrpaCr46wOy7feSGDLKmNhnSs76yhC51wnnfDyQGtUJVuVffMSh2Yg_arNvXvXjA6dcOMCeUWr0ZWw2QcEfQSWpK5exGv9C9I3vlasjJ3S22761N9s4H9G-IYU6KTuoh0WoW8/s1600/cap2.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a>Hey, check it out: a comic book film in the #1 slot. Who would have guessed? OK, maybe that's not too shocking to some of you. But those who know me and my love of comics are also acutely aware of how said love makes me intensely hard on movies based on them. And sadly, I'm yet to see a movie based on my very favourite Marvel characters that I think does them any justice at all. The second Spider-Man series of films pleases me more than the first but still, not enough. And don't even get me started on my INTENSE SEARING HATRED for most of the X-Men movies. Seriously, <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BerserkButton">don't go there</a>.<br />
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Captain America was a character I never appreciated until I actually started reading some comics where he was a main character, that being Brian Bendis's initial run on New Avengers (that being the entirety of Volume One). Before that I'd always been quite disdainful of Cap and the rest of the Avengers. They were Marvel's premiere superhero team and I never could understand why. The X-Men and their related teams were all so much cooler. I still feel that way but I've definitely developed a new appreciation for "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" over the past decade and Cap is probably the character I've gained the most respect for.<br />
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But it's time to digress, I think. There is, after all, a movie to talk about.<br />
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I loved the first Captain America film and was anticipating its sequel as soon as the credits started rolling. I had to wait a few years but it was worth it as I was presented with the best Marvel movie I've seen so far. I don't just mean Marvel Studios movie either. I mean best movie based on a Marvel property, period. Yes, <i>Avengers</i> is the big one and a lot fun and, for reasons I don't fully understand, everyone lost their minds over last summer's <i>Guardians of the Galaxy.</i> But Winter Soldier tops them both in my mind. It's pretty cool that the top two films on this list are both sequels to movies I adored. Usually sequels just let me down or piss me off.<br />
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Anyway, as far as the merits of this movie go, I don't really feel like getting into them too much after such a long-winded introduction. Just see the movie. It really succeeds in bringing some of that secret agent-style feel that Ed Brubaker brought to the comic in the mid 00's. Which makes perfect sense since the whole Winter Soldier arc was his doing. Black Widow and The Falcon are good in supporting roles (which is doubly impressive for a character as lame as Falcon) and you've even got Robert Redford in the mix. It's also just really convenient timing that we currently have a French Canadian martial arts champion branching out into film just in time for this film - we get to see one of Cap's longer-running villains given life on the big screen and actually made to look cool. In at least his early appearances...um, believe me, this really wasn't the case. Anyway the result is a really strong cold open culminating in a great one-on-one fight scene.<br />
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Like most people, I am super excited for the next Avengers movie but to be honest, Cap 3 (which will draw from the "Civil War" storyline in the comics) is what I really can't wait to see. Think about it - a trilogy of comic book movies where ALL of them are good? Has that ever happened?<br />
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<b><br /></b>cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-70350701277964573632015-02-17T09:24:00.000-08:002015-02-17T09:24:31.845-08:00Ryan's Favourite Video Games of 2014With the addition of a little one to my family there hasn’t been much time for gaming this year, so I barely eked out five new games in 2014. Also, of the list I’d say that I’ve only really finished two of them. I have played an extensive amount of each title, however, so I feel justified in the list. It’s about quality over quantity, right?<br />
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<b>5. Mighty Gunvolt (Nintendo 3DS)</b><br />
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This one is a bit of a cheat, but it is a video game and I did play it in 2014. <i>So there.</i><br />
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<i>Mighty Gunvolt</i> started out essentially as an “early adopter” bonus for buying <i>Azure Striker Gunvolt</i> on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. There will be more information on <i>Azure Striker Gunvolt</i> in a moment. If you bought <i>ASG</i> on, or around, its release you would receive a download code for <i>Mighty Gunvolt</i>. Both this title and <i>ASG</i> were developed by Inti Creates, a company best known for developing the <i>Mega Man Zero</i> series on the Gameboy Advance.<br />
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It plays like an old school <i>Mega Man</i> game and features Gunvolt - the titular character of <i>Azure Striker Gunvolt</i> - who can perform a double-jump and a charged attack, Ekoro from <i>Gal*Gun</i> - an Inti Creates developed series only released in Japan - who can float in the air and “charm” enemies to fight for her, and Beck - the hero of the yet-to-be-released <i>Mighty No. 9</i>, a joint project from <i>Mega Man</i> creator Keiji Inafune’s new company, Comcept, and Inti Creates - who has the ability to slide and perform a tackle attack. Get it “Mighty Gunvolt”?<br />
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The initial game was really short and could easily be beaten by each of the three characters in just a few short hours. It contains four stages with bosses that are found in each of the three games. It has been expanded since its release and can now by purchased on the Nintendo 3DS eShop along with DLC, which adds four more stages and four more bosses.<br />
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It’s a fun little title that won’t take you long to finish, but was very enjoyable. I’m not sure it’s worth the current price of $3.99 USD, though.<br />
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<b>4. Azure Striker Gunvolt (Nintendo 3DS) </b><br />
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<i>Azure Striker Gunvolt</i> was the first independent project by Inti Creates announced at around the same time that Comcept first started their Kickstarter campaign to fund <i>Mighty No. 9</i>; the spiritual successor to the <i>Mega Man</i> series. It was an apt time to launch <i>ASG</i>, as well, because Inti Creates title is most definitely a spiritual successor to their <i>Mega Man Zero</i> and <i>Mega Man ZX</i> series, made popular on the GBA and Nintendo DS.<br />
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If you’ve played a <i>Mega Man</i> game then you’d be familiar with the gameplay of <i>ASG</i>, as it is a side-scrolling, action platformer. You play as Gunvolt or “GV”, a young boy who is an Adept; an individual who can command “septimal” or psychic powers. In GV’s case he can manipulate electricity in what is called a “Flashfield”.<br />
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The main concepts of a <i>Mega Man</i> title are in place: you choose an enemy from a list and whittle them away in whatever order you like. The differences are in the gameplay. In <i>ASG</i> you don’t “shoot” enemies in the typical sense. Instead, you mark them with your gun and then use the Flashfield of electricity to destroy them. Any enemy marked on the screen will be affected by the Flashfield. At first you can only mark two enemies at a time, but as you progress you can upgrade GV, and receive new guns, so that you can mark several enemies on screen.<br />
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The gameplay in <i>ASG</i> is very fast-paced, but I personally find it difficult to get out of the mindset of simply shooting the enemies. I don’t usually have such a learning curve with a video game, but <i>Azure Striker Gunvolt</i> definitely had me upside-down and backwards. When you eventually get used to it, it is a very fun and rewarding experience and one I would definitely suggest you try if you are a fan of Inti Creates <i>Mega Man</i> titles. <br />
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<b>3. Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)</b><br />
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If you’ve played video games at any point in the last 20 years or so then you’re probably familiar with the <i>Mario Kart</i> series, as it has become a flagship title for any Nintendo console since the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. There probably isn’t much I can tell you about how <i>Mario Kart 8</i> plays, so I’ll stick with my experience of the title, thus far.<br />
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From the moment it was announced at E3 2013 I was shocked by how great the game looks. It is so colourful and vibrant. Nintendo set up booths at different Best Buy locations around the US and Canada where you could check out demos of some of the games they’d revealed at that E3. I managed to find my way to a Best Buy not long after and checked out a few of the demos. Seeing <i>Mario Kart 8</i> running at a smooth 60 frames per second just blew me away. It really is a stunning game to look at.<br />
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And – most importantly – it plays well! The game handles incredibly on whichever controller scheme you choose. You can play on the Wii U Gamepad, the Wii U Pro Controller, the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, and several other input methods as well. I ended up finding that I preferred the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combination, because it reminded me most of playing on the Nintendo 64 controller. <i>Mario Kart 64</i> is my jam.<br />
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There are a plethora of characters to choose from in this installment. The core characters of the game remain in the <i>Super Mario</i> Universe, but with the addition of DLC packages that were released a few months ago, now Link from <i>The Legend of Zelda</i> can join in on that <i>Mario Kart</i> fun!<br />
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This is one of those games that you never just beat and put away, but you play now and again and savour. No matter if you’ve achieved everything the game has to offer you can always find a challenge and with the addition of DLC – something Nintendo is just starting to get used to – more life could be breathed into this wonderful title in the future. <br />
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<b>2. Shovel Knight (Wii U, PC) </b><br />
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<i>Shovel Knight</i> is the freshmen release of Yacht Club Games, which is a company started by Sean Velasco in 2011 after he left Wayforward. Wayforward is responsible for all sorts of games, but are mostly known for their <i>Shantae</i> series on Nintendo’s handhelds, as well as several movie tie-in games, and recently an HD remake of <i>DuckTales</i>, from the Nintendo Entertainment System, on modern consoles.<br />
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Yacht Club Games first effort is an odd little title; a game where you play as a renowned knight in a far-off fantasy land, whose weapon of choice is, just as the name suggests, a shovel.<br />
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The game is a wonderful throwback to retro classics on the NES. It is a perfect union of the elements of <i>Mega Man</i>, <i>Castlevania</i>, <i>Super Mario Bros. 3</i>, and even the aforementioned <i>DuckTales</i>. The style of the game is in a pseudo 8-bit. Everything is created in sprite work that harkens back to the NES era, but at the same time would be far too technical to ever play on Nintendo’s oldest home console.<br />
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Shovel Knight is taking on the Order of No Quarter, a group of evil knights that are up to no good! You traverse the world in a map akin to that in <i>SMB3</i>, and you can take on the Order of No Quarter in any sequence you choose, much like <i>Mega Man</i>. In each stage you can find a relic, which if you purchase it, can help you defeat the boss for that area. Coupled with Shovel Knight’s shovel attacks, including one that is just like ol’ Scrooge McDuck’s pogo stick cane from <i>DuckTales</i>, he is a formidable hero!<br />
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Playing this game was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. It has a hilarious script, is perfectly paced, doesn’t take forever to finish, and it also balances its difficulty quite well, although being a little on the easy side. The music is full of beautifully crafted chiptune songs, which may make a future list, so keep your eyes peeled.<br />
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<i>Shovel Knight</i> is currently available on the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PC (via Steam) and has future releases planned for PS3, PS4, and PS Vita, so if you have the means to play it, you should definitely do so. <br />
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<b>1. Bravely Default (Nintendo 3DS) </b><br />
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<i>Bravely Default</i> is a new Square Enix-published JRPG developed by Silicon Studio, known mostly for creating game development software, but also for their only other release, <i>3D Dot Game Heroes</i>. The game is in many ways a spiritual successor to <i>Final Fantasy: 4 Heroes of Light</i>, which was released in 2010 for the DS and developed by Matrix Software.<br />
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Much like <i>4 Heroes of Light</i>, the game uses an iteration of the famous Final Fantasy Job System - made popular in games like <i>Final Fantasy III</i>, <i>Final Fantasy V</i>, and <i>Final Fantasy Tactics</i> - in which players use “asterisks” to give their characters new jobs and abilities.<br />
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This game is an odd duck, because it is a completely new title and series from Square Enix, but is in every way a <i>Final Fantasy</i> game. The story line starts off like so many <i>FF</i> titles before it, in which a young man from a small village is thrust into the role of hero to save the world.<br />
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Although that sounds really played out, you have to trust me on this: <i>Bravely Default</i> is a breath of fresh air in the world of the RPG. It plays on your nostalgia, giving you the same experience you came to love from the <i>FF</i> titles of yesteryear, but with a new refreshing story, great characters, incredible music, and – most importantly – a new battle system. <i>Bravely Default</i> is not just the same old <i>Final Fantasy</i> game you might be expecting.<br />
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Although the game features turn-based combat you won’t get very far if you simply let everyone take their turn. Enter: the Brave/Default system. What an inventive name!<br />
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This system allows the characters to pass on taking their turn, instead stockpiling it, which is known as Default. In the Default state your character goes into a defensive stance, which greatly protects you from enemy damage. You can do this up to four times at which point you can take advantage of using Brave. Brave allows you to attack up to four times. If you’ve stored enough moves thanks to Default, you can do so and then still perform another command on your next turn. If you haven’t, however, you’ll have to sit there and let your enemy unleash upon you while you wait for your turn count to replenish.<br />
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I’ll admit, I’m a bit of nostalgia junkie and this sort of thing is immediately going to be up my alley, but I assure you there is something special about <i>Bravely Default</i> that makes it worth the playthrough.<br />
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I can’t give this recommendation without a serious warning, though: The second half of <i>Bravely Default</i> does something that is pretty stupid. I can admit that. In fact, for many people, it’s enough that they won’t finish the game, nor recommend it to anyone, and I can see where they are coming from.<br />
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I don’t want to say any more than that and ruin the storyline, but there is a section of the game that can be a bit of slog to get through. In my personal opinion the game is good enough to play through the second half, even if it is rough. I would also add that a good portion of this “bad section” of the game is not mandatory and can be skipped, so if you hate it you can do the minimum amount necessary and get through it relatively quickly.<br />
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Regardless of the general reception of the second half of the game, <i>Bravely Default</i> did incredibly well in Japan and North America, and a sequel is in the works from Silicon Studio entitled <i>Bravely Second: End Layer</i>. I for one can’t wait for more!
RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-46018624227342364172015-02-07T18:32:00.000-08:002015-02-07T21:59:21.366-08:00Shane's Favourite Movies of 2014I prefer to post these annual movie lists before the end of January, but time keeps slipping through my fingers like dog shit down a storm drain. Sometimes you have to go with the flow. Let's get to it.<br />
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<b>5) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes</b><br />
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The only thing better than apes riding horseback while firing machine guns are apes <i>that you care about</i> riding horseback while firing machine guns. I was really impressed by how entertaining and fresh the 2011 franchise reboot was with <i>Rise of the Planet of the Apes</i>, but <i>Dawn</i> was damn near perfect. It had impressive visual effects, a compelling story, and excellent action set pieces.<br />
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The harmony we're seeing now with motion capture performances combined with skilled digital animation is kind of stunning. Look at the dramatic performances of Caesar and Koba and try not to be drawn into the story. They conveyed far more emotion than some live action human performances last year (Example: All the humans characters in the new <i>Godzilla</i> movie were played by bags of potatoes). This time around I'm actively sympathizing with the apes and rooting for the demise of those deceitful HOO-mans. You go, Koba! Get in that armoured vehicle and fuck shit up.<br />
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I'll always have a place in my heart for the oddball campy goodness of the original series (well maybe not for <i>Beneath the Planet of the Apes</i>), but this updated take on the story is really fun and handled so well that I'm 100% on board for the next entry in the series ... even if they continue their confusing titles and call the next one <i>Emergence of the Origin of the Planet of the Apes: Beginnings</i>.<br />
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<b>4) Whiplash</b><br />
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Who would have though that a movie about drumming would keep me on the edge of my seat? They should have called this <i>Full Metal Jazz Kit</i> with all the vicious verbal and physical abuse being unleashed on Miles Teller's character, Andrew. He's a student with a passion for drumming who attends a competitive music conservatory and is soon being pushed to the limit of his abilities. Dishing out the abuse is Fletcher, a strict and ultra-demanding music instructor who will stop at nothing to realize Andrew's potential, or destroy him in the process.<br />
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J. K. Simmons is perfectly cast here as Fletcher. It's the asshole he was born to play. For the entire film you keep bouncing between hating his guts and then discovering he actually has compassion. Then despising him, and then seeing a glimmer of a soul. Where the coin toss lands, I'm not even certain.<br />
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The music was delightful and upbeat, which worked well in contrast to the constant anxiety I felt throughout the film. It all builds to an astounding "all or nothing" confrontation between Andrew and Fletcher that I wont soon forget.<br />
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<b>3) Nightcrawler</b><br />
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<i>Nightcrawler</i> asks the question, <i>what would a monster do in a monstrous profession</i>? And the answer is, succeed. Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of the finest performances of the year as Lou Bloom, an unsettling character of the highest order. Gyllenhaal lost weight for the role to give his character the appearance of a hungry coyote prowling the night, and it works. Bloom is a gaunt, unblinking creep who discovers the world of crime journalism and he stops at nothing to achieve success against the competition. Everything about him is eerie, grotesque, and unethical. Even his empty, corporate buzzword vocabulary can make your skin crawl.<br />
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The film is very dark, literally and figuratively, and mostly takes place on the streets of L.A in the dead of night. Bloom's mad ambitions are perfect for this ruthless world of camera crews hunting down car accidents and crime scenes. The movie is fascinating, and while the subject matter is often upsetting, it's hard to look away.<br />
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<b>2) Snowpiercer</b><br />
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This movie is crazy. It's full blown banana sandwiches and it just doesn't care. Based on a French graphic novel, <i>Snowpiercer </i>takes place on a train carrying the remnants of society through a post-apocalyptic frozen wasteland. The train traverses the globe in an annual loop; it's upper class passengers enjoy a posh life at the front of the train, while an enslaved lower class are stuck to wallow in the rear cars. The film follows a rebel uprising from the back of the train as they fight their way to the front. I think - wait ... yes ... I believe there is some metaphor at play here.<br />
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The premise aside, I don't even know where to start here. Do I talk about the pitch-black tunnel axe war, the gun fight in the school car, the sniper showdown around the curve, the brutal battle in the sauna. What about the amazing lineup of actors here? John Hurt, Ed Harris, Chris Evans, and Tilda Swinton stealing the show at every opportunity. My favourite Korean actor, Song Kang-ho, plays a drug addicted security expert helping the rebellion move from car to car. Although the film takes place on a single train, the array of different settings our characters pass through is brilliant.<br />
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Okay, look. The movie is far from perfect. It somehow manages to get sloppier in the third act with some laughable dialogue and depressing twists, but I can overlook all that because I've never seen anything quite like it. It feels like a film that should have only worked as a bleak and brutal anime from the <i>Akira</i>-era of Japanese animation. It's bold and inventive, and (no surprise here) always moving forward to new and unexpected places. If you've been hungry for some sci-fi action ... all aboard! *gunshot*<br />
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<b>1) Gone Girl</b><br />
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<i>Gone Girl</i> feels like the best directed TV movie you've ever seen, and I pity any couple who chose it as their first date. It may be a long film, but it doesn't feel long. It keeps its momentum with plenty of intrigue and twists with each act, and while you may be able to guess the general elements of the plot, it's doubtful you'd be able to successfully predict where the story will lead. It's nice to feel surprised, and this movie is a perfect modern day thriller.<br />
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Some have complained about the ending of the movie; how it leaves some things unresolved and differs from the ending of the book. That's fine with me since I haven't read the book and I don't need all my movies to have conclusions where justice is served. <i>Gone Girl</i> could be summed up with "men be pigs and women be crazy", but it explores the utmost limits of being trapped in, and escaping a relationship.<br />
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David Fincher is on point here as always. The cinematography is sharp and natural. The cast is solid all around, though I'm especially smitten by Rosamund Pike's performance. Judge me as you will. Maybe the greatest praise I can give is that I wanted <i>more</i> Tyler Perry. I can't believe I just typed that. There's a ton to appreciate and it's worth repeated viewings because it's dense with details. All in all, the movie executes its insane storyline with finesse and I wouldn't change a thing.<br />
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Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-72701461042401540872015-01-22T13:30:00.003-08:002015-01-22T15:22:05.498-08:00Best Female Vocalists: Favourite Voice EditionIn the world of music I think my tastes can be pretty varied. I like lots of bands and solo artists from lots of different genres. While I'm not nearly as eclectic in this as, say, Shane, I still think it's a fair statement. That said, if you were to take gender and suddenly make it a relevant detail within the musical spectrum, then suddenly my tastes don't appear all that varied at all, particularly with regards to singers. My favourite singers, an overwhelming amount of them in fact, are male.<br />
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Now I don't believe there are any deep-seated meanings to be found behind that fact. If you do, feel free to continue believing it, but I have no plans to delve into or dwell on it. Instead I thought something I could do here is celebrate those female vocalists whom I truly do adore. I can assure you that despite my earlier comment, the five on this list represent only a few of the female singers I'm a fan of. I decided to strip things down and make them as simple as possible for the criteria: I'd select those women whose voices I like the most. While it's true a prerequisite for this was also producing music I actually like, it's still less important than the first issue.<br />
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And with THAT SAID, I'll also point out that in this life so far I believe I have encountered two perfect human voices, one for each sex. These voices are pleasing to me when raised in song but also when simply engaged in normal everyday speaking as well. For the record, those two are David Usher and Mandy Moore, both of whom I would be content to listen to reading the phone book. But since Moore hasn't really produced a body of work that I like so much, she won't make this list even though I've already deemed her voice as "perfect". Maybe that's weird, I don't know, but it's how I've decided to proceed.<br />
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<b>5. Holly McNarland</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBIYcaKR5Qr7gbBfKEPcQ6T3uNGfbSEpN_3MCjZljn9P4WcNjGZPT-sfJQxo6Jw28hSzBIKKAxjuWewrG0vlclOt0TauNLvPbljsM_xvxqZ2YYdcM4X1GJiPtmk-C2987Gm-t3pL7uSM/s1600/mcnarland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBIYcaKR5Qr7gbBfKEPcQ6T3uNGfbSEpN_3MCjZljn9P4WcNjGZPT-sfJQxo6Jw28hSzBIKKAxjuWewrG0vlclOt0TauNLvPbljsM_xvxqZ2YYdcM4X1GJiPtmk-C2987Gm-t3pL7uSM/s1600/mcnarland.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I think it took seeing McNarland live to really drive home to me just what an incredible voice she has. Some of the details of that experience can be found on <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2010/04/most-intense-live-songs.html">this list</a> from several years ago. And as I mentioned in that list, it was her set's opening song, "Water", that was the real vocal showcase. I still can't get over how powerful she is. She may be no taller than 5'2 but she has one big voice.<br />
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But she sounds great when performing less bombastic material as well. For songs like "Elmo", in the verses anyway, she has a delivery that reminds me a lot of Ani Difranco. Quick and biting. When her lyrics are dark and/or sarcastic, you can really <i>feel </i>that. I don't think there are a lot of singers who can pull that off. For something more heartfelt and emotional, check out "Beautiful Blue".<br />
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McNarland has a voice that reminds me of an elastic band with the way it stretches and bends. But never breaks.<br />
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<b>4. Amy Milan</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Wy-sZLx05jCgLblEeGMFJ_SWDRaGlrbA-TzZBQzuAbRnMawWLzGRRxyRRhy9mvcL_SCwykcimDk4HVfOtTofnuDjHhYOJMkn7btH2qFgdLHXdCR9N6xgBVTzEvnOvVh_qwKck4e878/s1600/220px-Amy_Millan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28Wy-sZLx05jCgLblEeGMFJ_SWDRaGlrbA-TzZBQzuAbRnMawWLzGRRxyRRhy9mvcL_SCwykcimDk4HVfOtTofnuDjHhYOJMkn7btH2qFgdLHXdCR9N6xgBVTzEvnOvVh_qwKck4e878/s1600/220px-Amy_Millan.jpg" height="320" width="178" /></a>This list is dominated by Canadians which you might take as a sign that I just don't look very hard for material and I'm simply presenting what I know best. Not so, I can assure you. It's not laziness or nationalism or any lack of experience. It just is what it is.<br />
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Here we have indie rock darling, Amy Milan. A sometimes solo artist but probably known best for her work in bands Broken Social Scene and Stars. It's mostly for her Stars content that I'm putting her here. Her voice has an almost ethereal quality to it that makes me feel extremely peaceful. No matter the content of the song, there's just something about her vocal delivery that makes me feel a little less pessimistic (to say "a little more optimistic" would be going too far). It also possesses an innocence that helps make certain lyrics come across much better. I don't know how many singers, female or male, could sing lines like "After I am caught, touch turns into fisticuffs" ("Fixed") and not sound silly.<br />
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My heart always breaks a little every time I hear her croon: "I dreamed I was dying as I so often do, and when I awoke I was sure it was true" ("Calendar Girl"), not because it sounds sad to me but because it makes me wonder if this is the female version of myself that never was, somehow loosed upon this world in comic book parallel universe fashion, reaching out to me.<br />
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<b>3. Plumb (Tiffany Arbuckle Lee)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5p7p-_Y8zWWglaWPMzotyng3muQOXN9o8sKYKv4PesMvy7TLzYhvhH_PAbE75aWOT2huN-__CLgZw7I7u1zjCaiNenFwX-Hs_I9r84Uybftk0iQnBIQLMIOP4bkwFBsLSDcJEm-iUnM/s1600/plumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5p7p-_Y8zWWglaWPMzotyng3muQOXN9o8sKYKv4PesMvy7TLzYhvhH_PAbE75aWOT2huN-__CLgZw7I7u1zjCaiNenFwX-Hs_I9r84Uybftk0iQnBIQLMIOP4bkwFBsLSDcJEm-iUnM/s1600/plumb.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Well before Amy Lee of Evanescence fame was crowned the goth princess of alternate rock, there was Plumb. Which is something Amy Lee herself is well aware of. The fact is Plumb was someone she looked up to and wanted to emulate. Well, mission accomplished. I'm not saying Lee is just some poor imitation - I even like some of the music she's produced and she's certainly a very talented vocalist - just pointing out Plumb did it first and, in my opinion, does it better.<br />
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How highly do I think of Plumb's voice? Highly enough to not even mind the Christian themes and messages found in many of her lyrics. At the very least they're not preachy and exclusive. There's nothing about saying there's a God that loves us all that's offensive to me and that's pretty much all that's really expressed in her songs that are more religious in tone. And lots of songs don't contain any such lyrics at all. Anyway, I realize that by saying that stuff isn't a big deal, I kind of have inadvertently made it into one so let's talk about her voice.<br />
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It is a little tricky sometimes to describe such things as singing voices in words but if I had to pick just one to sum up Plumb, it would be "warmth". As this list will reveal, one kind of female vocalist I really can't stand is the kind that seems to just try to imitate males. I know that's kind of an iffy statement and I don't mean to come across as sexist. But I just prefer female singers who embrace their femininity and channel it into their vocals. I'm not saying a female singer can't be edgy or raunchy or whatever in her vocal delivery, I'm not saying things like hard rock and metal vocals should be left to men. All I'm saying is Plumb knows her vocal capabilities and strengths and employs them in her music wholesale. As with Milan, I would apply the term "ethereal" to Plumb's voice. I guess it's pretty clear that's the kind of thing I like. But there's also a versatility there that allows for some very powerful songs ("Better" comes to mind).<br />
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Probably my favourite vocal moments can be found in the electronica-esque "Damaged", which, incidentally, is the first Plumb song I've ever heard. Her delivery there is so spellbinding to me that it's almost hypnotic. One of the very few songs that can put me in a sort of trance.<br />
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<b>2. Lights (Valerie Anne Poxietner)</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDGo2QKX4ClcNJ2ZyNXQ8IYrg_RLX-6grSiLpZf3Z5sd3-5aWV-q3Dy4k7VUvmU7otXCu88K_9l_dwWPcOUG_aU6OTWVLTeKaQfS2kGHprhiUShA09awCpGi9-W_jXVjgWJEXG8R_nPo/s1600/lights.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDGo2QKX4ClcNJ2ZyNXQ8IYrg_RLX-6grSiLpZf3Z5sd3-5aWV-q3Dy4k7VUvmU7otXCu88K_9l_dwWPcOUG_aU6OTWVLTeKaQfS2kGHprhiUShA09awCpGi9-W_jXVjgWJEXG8R_nPo/s1600/lights.jpeg" /></a>Speaking of "electronica-esque", here's the artist who is entirely responsible for me discovering the genre of "electropop" to actually be to my liking. In some cases anyway. She's also partially responsible for giving me some faith that there are indeed some artists out there producing music that can be heard on Much Music as well as many radio stations that aren't completely fucking terrible.<br />
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Several years ago after another sleepless night, sometime between I think seven-thirty and eighty-thirty am, I turned on my tv because I guess I was completely out of other options at that point. I turned to Much because the guide actually said a word that had all but disappeared from programming in recent years: "videoflow". So I decided to see what videos were current. After watching about three (and WAY too many commercials), what looked at first like just another pop video started, with an absolutely gorgeous girl playing around with paint. I'll admit that at first, that was all that grabbed my attention. To call Lights stunning is probably an understatement by most aesthetic standards.<br />
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The video was for a song called "Second Go", and yes, it was hot. But...I found I really liked the song too. And that voice - it sounded...almost like the way I WANTED female vocalists to sound but had never actually heard until that moment. Is that going a bit too far? Probably. But still, it was a pretty big "wow moment" for me and I wanted to get that across. Soon after I would do a little research through youtube and such and the more I learned, the more I liked.<br />
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Conversely, I can completely understand where people who hate Lights's voice and vocal style are coming from. They might call it "whiny" or "squeaky" or something and accuse me of only liking female singers who sound like "little girls" rather than "real women". I can understand it but beyond that, I don't really care.<br />
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Lights doesn't just sound good with electronic instruments either. Many songs rely heavily on simple acoustic guitars or traditional piano. I actually prefer the scaled down, piano version of "Pretend" to the original. Not sure how to end here so I'll just ask: How catchy is "Up We Go"?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg832cAaLa4T68NqWP-m7D4bBO_ZMOMfALGBuNG7or4meVTTnNxEi31ETx66JpOhwiKIFEdz-4ScXtKypK2ZaJWwQM3TjxzwambOsbIOf1cUWA8d3NE-qm-5BkLfB398T2jqrCb3QI0IQA/s1600/utada_united-passion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg832cAaLa4T68NqWP-m7D4bBO_ZMOMfALGBuNG7or4meVTTnNxEi31ETx66JpOhwiKIFEdz-4ScXtKypK2ZaJWwQM3TjxzwambOsbIOf1cUWA8d3NE-qm-5BkLfB398T2jqrCb3QI0IQA/s1600/utada_united-passion.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a><b>1. Utada Hikaru</b><br />
Proof that to appreciate a singing voice, always understanding the language it performs in isn't necessary abounds. My own personal proof is Utada Hikaru, J-Pop idol supreme.<br />
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Maybe it's because I've reached the end of the list and haven't completed any in awhile that I really don't feel like being articulate anymore. So let's try this: 2002. Kingdom Hearts. Internet. Always heard similar stuff in anime. Absolutely gorgeous. A sprinkling of English language covers. Writes a lot of her own material. Can actually play several instruments. Voice of an angel. Complete infatuation. Fin.<br />
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Give "Sakura Nagashi" a listen and tell me I'm wrong.<br />
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<b><br /></b>cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-49586949685278979302014-12-29T23:07:00.000-08:002015-03-08T16:33:15.727-07:00Must Listen K-Pop Songs of 2014Today's list serves two purposes: to introduce you to songs you would never have listened to otherwise, and to acknowledge one of my guiltiest pleasures ... K-Pop music. Even though I lived in Seoul for over three years, it wasn't until I returned to Canada that this unexpected obsession began to form. I became drawn to the hypnotic and polished music videos, the vibrant enthusiasm of the performances, and all the absurd details that add charm.<br />
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Let it be known that this list is not strictly for the pop genre. While some of my choices here lean more into R&B, hip-hop, and so on, I'm using K-Pop as a blanket term for any popular songs from Korea, regardless of genre. So, open your mind and ears, grab some headphones, and let's get to it.<br />
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<b>5. Hi Suhyun - "I'm Different"</b><br />
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Our first song is collaboration between Lee Hi and Lee SuHyun, two talented young singers with unique vocal styles that turned out to be a perfect match. There is a music video for the single, but I decided to post the song alone because the video was made almost as an afterthought when the song became popular, and I feel like its presentation will distract from the song.<br />
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The song has a sweet groove to it and there is an uncanny 60's sound to this catchy beat. It doesn't feel overproduced, and the vocals really shine. If you enjoy the vintage sound, you may soon find this on a loop in your playlist.<br />
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<b>4. Dynamic Duo - "Summer Time"</b><br />
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Comprised of Choiza and Gaeko, this hip-hop duo has been making sick music for over a decade. When I stumbled upon Dynamic Duo it was a goldmine of incredible songs and collaborations with a wide array of talented artists. "Summer Time" is a good example of their often playful style.<br />
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I love the neon hues of the music video and that it looks like some cartoonish detective show where the two members are playing every character. I couldn't say what story they're trying to tell or why it appears to be an endorsement of Dunkin Donuts besides the fact that they share initials. The song is compelling nonetheless. If you find yourself rocking to this beat, you should immediately check out tracks like "Hot Wings" and "Baaam" from their album last year titled <i>Lucky Numbers</i>.<br />
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<b>3. SISTAR - "Touch My Body"</b><br />
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Speaking of summer, in July this excellent 4 member girl group released an infectious single that became an instant hit, dominating the #1 spot on all music charts in Korea. I love everything about this song and video, from the inexplicable sax playing Korean Elvis, to the unusual trying-to-remove-underwear-wedged-in-ass-crack-without-using-hands dance move. More than any other K-Pop song I listened to this year, "Touch My Body" sounds catchy and mainstream enough to be a hit on the American music charts. It sounds like pure unfiltered joy, and let's be honest these girls are easy on the eyes.<br />
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SISTAR has been around since 2010 and are known for their signature sexy style, but here they are presenting themselves in a more playful, flirty manner. It's just a goofy summer party that had me grinning from ear to ear. After the second listen I welcomed this earworm to lay eggs in my brain, and if this song doesn't win you over I'll gladly eat my watermelon shorts.<br />
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<b>2. Seo In Young - "Thinking of You (feat Zion T.)"</b><br />
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Not only is this a relaxing and sweet song, it's easily one of the most beautiful music videos of the year. Seo In Young - aka "Elly" - is a former member of the longest running Korean girl group, Jewelry, and she sounds amazing paired with the soulful voice of newcomer, Zion T. I'm secure enough in my masculinity to say that I often swoon over his songs.<br />
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"Thinking of You" is a mellow, yet emotional song about different perspectives of a breakup. You may not understand the lyrics, but the feelings are apparent, and the vibe bittersweet. Combined with the psychedelic and sexy visuals this song captures the perfect mood, and it feels refreshing. I could jam to this all day.<br />
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<b>1. Mamamoo - "Piano Man"</b><br />
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I honestly can't get enough of this song or this group. Mamamoo debuted at the beginning of 2014 and I've adored everything they've put out and collaborated on this year. The group is a vocal powerhouse with a wonderful old school but modern style. And yes, a weird name.<br />
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"Piano Man" is their most recent single and it has a bit of everything. There are little hints of jazz, swing, ragtime, and big band throughout the song. The more I listen, the more I appreciate the instrumentation and cool piano licks that dance around the vocals. There's a sick rap break from Moonbyul and the harmonies of Solar, Hwasa, and Whee-in give me chills. The music video is packed with energy and it's the perfect example of why I'm finding so much enjoyment in K-Pop. It's lively, creative, and a flat-out wonderful performance.<br />
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More than any other Korean group or artist I'm excited to see where Mamamoo goes next. Considering that they're still a "rookie" group, they are truly killing it with each new single and live performance. "Piano Man" is a song that brings the heat and keeps impressing upon repeated listens.<br />
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Moving forward I hope to make this an annual list if the hits keep coming. While it's hard to find music that can appeal to a majority of people, I hope that you've found something in this list that put a smile on your face. Happy New Year!<br />
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<br /></div>Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-3168799246772621772014-12-18T08:38:00.000-08:002015-02-17T08:14:22.977-08:00Weird Christmas Traditions Returns<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time I decide to write one of these lists I’m shocked
that I can dredge up even more tales of odd and wonderful Christmastime
traditions, but here we are again and I’ve amassed five more of the weirdest
Yuletide customs from around the globe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t forget to check out <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2009/12/weird-christmas-holiday-traditions.html" target="_blank">Weird Christmas Holiday Traditions</a>
and <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2011/12/weird-christmas-holiday-traditions-part.html" target="_blank">Weird Christmas Holiday Traditions: Part Deux</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Pictures with Santa…
and High-Powered Firearms (USA)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In Scottsdale, Arizona hundreds of people from around the
community flock to the Scottsdale Gun Club to get a wonderful, traditional
photo with Santa. The big man in red isn’t so much the focus of the photos,
though. No, it’s probably the $80,000 Garwood mini-gun that the club has setup
in the background. This bad boy would make Arnie proud.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At $10 a pop, you and your family can be fitted with your
choice of machine guns, pistols, rifles, and racks upon racks of belt
ammunition. Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking, <i>“But, what I really wanted was a picture of Santa with a grenade launcher.
Christmas is ruined.” </i>Fear not! Grenade launchers are also available at the
club. You can even go classic and get a picture with a good ol’ AK-47.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Described by the club as “… fun from those who support the
second amendment and those who don’t”, they state that, “Whether you’re a gun
advocate or not, you should have a lot of fun with it.” And who wouldn’t!</div>
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I don’t think anything properly expresses the true holiday
spirit like a rosy-cheeked child holding a high-powered boomstick, draped in
ammo like Rambo.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgaCf_i9ba4CJ2aftUwOOIUk_VGhUIV3osVR2l8cLp3T-jH3JF9DOvpJwDsPx6HofQlG9wH9EGW0ZFHWdA2LuEre2zm8-felubAzEFysWQOzhNyweLg0tsaq47oRnofz3mSsnzSotEVRS/s1600/Sauna-Marathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgaCf_i9ba4CJ2aftUwOOIUk_VGhUIV3osVR2l8cLp3T-jH3JF9DOvpJwDsPx6HofQlG9wH9EGW0ZFHWdA2LuEre2zm8-felubAzEFysWQOzhNyweLg0tsaq47oRnofz3mSsnzSotEVRS/s1600/Sauna-Marathon.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><b>4. Family Saunas
(Estonia)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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How many times have you been sitting in a nice steamy sauna,
the woes of your day evaporating slowly from your muscles, and thought to
yourself, “I really wish I had my family here to enjoy this with.” Well in
Estonia, your dreams can be answered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Estonia has an interesting dichotomy to their Christmas
traditions. A blend of Pagan and Christian events are observed. There’s
mysticism, spirituality, and Christian themes at play, but everything looks
like a very traditional Christmas you’d see anywhere in North America.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The party starts on December 21<sup>st</sup> for Estonians
with St. Thomas’ Day and runs right until the Epiphany on January 6<sup>th</sup>.
In some areas it is stretched out one extra day, until St. Canute’s Day on the
7<sup>th</sup>. The Christmas Holidays, specifically, are celebrated from
December 24<sup>th</sup> to the 27<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Known as jõulud,<i>
</i>the celebrations have as much to do with the Winter Solstice, and the
impending cold and dark, as they do with the birth of Christ. On Christmas Eve
many interesting traditions are kept, including fortune telling, but there was
one in particular that caught my eye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After preparing the
traditional jõulud feast, and before church services are held, all the Estonian
families will find a nice sauna to spend the afternoon together in. How does
that all go down? Well first everyone gets naked, bathes, lathers themselves up
in honey, and then wile away the afternoon, whipping one another with birch
twigs to really massage and clear your skin.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I love spending
time with my family around the holidays, I really do, but I don’t want to get
naked with them and practice S&M right before church.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. Danny and his
Grandmother’s Cookies (South Africa)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You might think that from a geographical standpoint that
South Africa wouldn’t really practice Christmas traditions, but being that it
was mostly populated by European colonies, the customs found a home there. From
what I can tell, in fact, Christmas is pretty traditional in South Africa. But,
like good ol’ Krampus, there’s nothing like a story of absolute terror to keep
those kiddies in line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the seemingly normal Christmas festivities, families
will gather up all of their children on Christmas Eve, to tell the story of a
young boy named Danny. You see Danny lived with his Grandmother and in
preparing for Christmas and Santa, she had baked a batch of delicious cookies
for the jolly old elf. Those cookies were so tempting that Danny couldn’t
contain himself, and he ate the whole batch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what did Grandma do? Did she tell Santa and have Danny’s
presents turned to coal? Nope. Did she scold him for what he’d done and make
him bake a fresh batch for the Claus? Wrong again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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No, in a fit of rage she brutally murdered her grandson.
Now, his ghost haunts South Africa during the Christmas holidays, reminding
young children that they need to be good, practice patience, and not be greedy
or their grandparents will take their <i>lives
away from them.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>2. Las Parrandas de
Remedios (Cuba)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Cuba has a pretty interesting history with Christmas. For 30
years it was outlawed by Castro after he declared the government atheist in
1969, and it was only in 1998, prompted by a visit to Havana from Pope Jean
Paul II, that Cubans were allowed to practice the traditions of Christmas once
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the more elaborate events in their Christmas
celebrations is Parrandas, which is essentially a huge carnival. The most
famous Parrandas celebrations happen in the city of Remedios, where Parrandas
was first conceived.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story goes that a priest, Father Francisco Vigil de Quiñones,
wanted the townspeople of Remedios to come to midnight masses during the week
leading up to Christmas. In order to keep people from going to sleep Father
Francisco would send the altar boys from his parish out with pots and pans,
which they would bang while singing at the top of their lungs. Eventually this
turned into a kind of street party and that tradition has remained until this
very day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today’s Parrandas is a far cry from the street parties of
200 years ago. There are several events that take place during the carnival,
which begins at 10:00PM. The first is rumba dancing with fireworks known as palenques.
These fireworks are meant to be completely soundless in their launch, but burst
over the crowds of dancers, surprising and scaring them as they dance in the
streets below. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the second event, massive floats are pulled into the city’s
plaza, each created and decorated by different cities surrounding Remedios. The
floats are decorated in your usual lighting and colours, but also each float
has actors who are meant to signify the theme for the year, and a story which
is read aloud as their floats make their way to the plaza. There’s one caveat:
the individuals on these floats are not allowed to move in any way as the float
is moving some 40m. It is considered a “demerit” to the district if the actors
move on their floats.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The final piece is a row of 20,000 rockets, which span up to
4 city blocks, and that are lit off and explode in the sky in a volley of
fireworks. After the rockets, mortars are launched (for good measure), which
are meant to be the exact opposite of the palenques set off at the beginning of
the carnival; they are loud and canon-like to announce the end of the
festivities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgHzhRtk-qw5mrqnTZiZj5Ewm4jl02HangDfJHYJ_QMuy7AFK-vrel_DGJgtHK7-fIZsynNN4vdrQ3VjU5np-cf86-6dQNMeX-1GeXbsg-IwkPB_QeJ9pUYHn_MG9-mg3bUd7Am-YwCSQ/s1600/yulelads.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgHzhRtk-qw5mrqnTZiZj5Ewm4jl02HangDfJHYJ_QMuy7AFK-vrel_DGJgtHK7-fIZsynNN4vdrQ3VjU5np-cf86-6dQNMeX-1GeXbsg-IwkPB_QeJ9pUYHn_MG9-mg3bUd7Am-YwCSQ/s1600/yulelads.png" height="261" width="320" /></a><b>1. A Christmas of Fear
(Iceland)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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For most of the the Americas Christmas is a time of warm
hearths, music, family, and all those gumdrop dreamin’ kids, but I’ve also
found another prevailing element to Christmas outside of North America: <i>fear.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve already visited the Krampus in my previous list, so you know this sort of thing exists,
but Austrians have it easy compared to Icelanders, who have to deal with a
broad menagerie of monsters trying to eat them at Christmastime.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First there’s the Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn. A massive,
man-eating beast, the Yule Cat is said to prowl on - get this - those <i>who have not received new clothes to wear</i>
before Christmas Eve. In what has to be one of the most direct examples of fear
being used to drive the masses, wealthy farm owners used to give clothes to the
workers who finished their Autumn wool preparations. In order to make sure they
worked fast enough, they came up with the Yule Cat and the story that if they
didn’t finish by Christmas Eve they’d be devoured by a monstrous beast.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over time the Yule Cat was enveloped by Icelandic folklore
and became the pet of the Giantess Grýla, a gruesome witch who lives in the
mountains of Iceland. Once a year Grýla descends from her lofty perch and using
her innate ability to detect misbehaving children, she captures bad kids all
over Iceland, brings them back to her cave, and makes them into her favourite
dish: a nice hot stew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If that wasn’t enough, Grýla managed to entrap a few
husbands along the way. With her third husband, Leppalúði, Grýla birthed a
brood of child-eating troublemakers known as the Yule Lads, or Jólasveinarnir.
The Icelandic version of Santa Claus, for all intents and purposes, the Yule
Lads or usually portrayed as pranksters that cause all kinds of havoc in the
countryside. There are thirteen Lads in total, and in many ways remind me of
Snow White’s dwarves. Their names describe each of the Yule Lads’ specific
traits; there’s Sheep-Cote Clod who likes to torment sheep and sheepherders,
Bowl-Licker who, well… lick bowls, Sausage-Swiper who steals sausages, and
Stubby… <i>you get the idea</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Although there seems to be a lot of fear-laden tradition
here, there is some good. The Yule Lads, for all their mischievery, also reward
good children. If a child has been good all year and places their shoes outside
their window-sills on the thirteen nights before Christmas Eve, they may receive
a present from one of the Lads. If they were bad, though, they might receive a
rotting potato! You know, if they don’t eat those children instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
RyHoMagnificohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08820611866780850182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-25983202858246925092014-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:002014-01-19T12:31:31.720-08:00Shane's Favourite Movies of 2013Another year, another batch of movies. Here we go.<br />
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<b>5. Man of Steel</b><br />
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I went to see this movie on opening weekend, had an absolute blast, then proceeded to watch people shit on for the next several weeks. I recognize the movie has flaws, but this is a very entertaining film that is leagues ahead of <i>Superman Returns</i>. All my life I've waited to see Superman face some epic foes on the big screen and have the large scale battles fitting of a Kryptonian. This movie delivers. When Superman flies some poor bastard 50 miles across multiple counties and through several building, I was cackling with joy.<br />
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To the people bitching about the reckless destruction Superman causes while fighting Zod. I say this: I've seen plenty ... <i>plenty</i> of Superman 'saving the day without breaking a sweat' moments. I've almost never seen Superman in over his head. This was an overwhelmed and still inexperienced Superman facing a more powerful foe. As a result his fighting approach feels desperate and messy. And to the people whining about how Superman finally (spoiler!) defeats Zod, I say: How did you expect this shit to end? Zod was energy-humping Metropolis to ruins and had to be stopped. And since Superman was forced to kill the last of his kind, it may strengthen his resolve to preserve all life. That would be ideal if Superman ever faced an evil, but physically weak, mortal enemy. Who could that be?<br />
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<b>4. Blue Jasmine</b><br />
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In a not so thinly veiled retelling of "A Streetcar Named Desire", Woody Allen presents to us, Jasmine, a socialite who lost everything, now hanging on desperately to her former lifestyle, and sanity. This is a knockout performance from Cate Blanchett, and the best work from Woody Allen since <i>Matchpoint</i>.<br />
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Every time I watch this movie I find new things to appreciate about the performances and the film's jumbled narrative structure. And each time I pick up on subtle pieces of the story that slipped by me before. The movie is filled with amusing, flawed characters, and tells a fascinating story of loss and denial. Plus, as a bonus you get Louis C.K. and Andrew Dice Clay. A pleasant surprise.<br />
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<b>3. Gravity</b><br />
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If I were to make a list of the most spectacular and thrilling cinema experiences I've ever had, Gravity would be in the top tier of that list, no question. It is a dazzling, riveting, nerve wracking adventure in space and feels like a real-time struggle for survival in the most inhospitable setting known to man. The sound design and immersive visuals are extraordinary, and if you didn't have the opportunity to see it in 3D at the theatre then I'm very, very sorry. I'm upset at myself for not seeing it a second time.<br />
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As breathtaking as it is on the big screen, therein lies the problem. In 2009 I put <i>Avatar</i> as my second favourite movie on the year. However, I have yet to watch it since writing my list, and have yet to feel a desire to watch it again. <i>Gravity</i> feels like a similar situation. I have watched it at home, and while it was still amazing, it was decidedly less amazing. Along with performances from Bullock and Clooney that were just fine, and dialogue that felt cliche and hammy, this film is not without issues. Don't get me wrong, though. I still fucking love this movie. But the massive screen and 3D presentation seems essential to the experience, and completing the director's vision.<br />
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For some kids, who are desperately in love with space and didn't see <i>Gravity</i> at the theatre, this will be their <i>Jurassic Park</i>. They will love the film regardless, but maybe 20 years down the road they will have an opportunity to see it in all its glory.<br />
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<b>2. Stoker</b><br />
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It should come as no surprise that an entry on this list would come from one of my all time favourite directors. This is Chan-wook Park's first English film, and while it feels a bit restrained at times, it has his trademark style all over it. The story is about the Stoker family where an unstable mother and introverted daughter are coping with a death in the family. When the mysterious Uncle Charlie comes to live with them things grow exponentially creepier as both mother and daughter are drawn to Charlie for different reasons.<br />
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I think many viewers will be put off by the film's pacing, and the unsettling "crazy eye" exchanges across the dinner table, but it's all part of the fun of <i>Stoker</i>. It's designed to put you on edge. The film turns having ice cream in a murder mystery, a leather belt becomes a vision of gothic horror, and a piano duet is filled with suppressed sexuality.<br />
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<i>Stoker</i> feels like a blending of a Hitchcock thriller and a Korean horror film. I suppose that should come as no surprise since it's from the director of <i>Oldboy</i>. Chan-wook's films are always masterpieces of violence and perversion, and the twisted Stoker family fits right in.<br />
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<b>1. Mud</b><br />
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It didn't take long into my first viewing of <i>Mud</i> before I know that I would love this film. It's such a wonderful display of quality filmmaking. The acting is strong all around, with compelling performances from the young cast. The cinematography is gorgeous and captures the dreamy mood of the film perfectly. As for the story, it centers on two boys, Ellis and Neckbone, and their unlikely friendship with a fugitive named Mud they discover hiding on a tiny island. They end up helping Mud reconnect with a lost love, and help him rebuild a boat so he can continue to evade bounty hunters.<br />
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You can't help but love these characters. McConaughey gives a honest and powerful performance as Mud, a beguiling role model to the two boys who has a shady, violent past. Ellis (played by Tye Sheridan) gives perhaps the strongest performance; a boy trying to hold onto the idealism of youth while being crushed by the realities of adulthood. Then there's Neckbone (played by Jacob Lofland) who has got to be the most straight-shooting kid ever, and together with Ellis, the most dependable kids of all time. Need a boat motor? You got it. Want us to go ferry a cement truck down the river? I reckon we can make that work. I was entertained by every cuss-filled bit of dialogue between them.<br />
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It's a touching film that will grab you early on and refuse to let go. It's a bit of Tom Sawyer, and bit of <i>Stand by Me</i>. A coming-of-age film, mixed with a fugitive on the run film, mixed with a love story. If you overlooked <i>Mud</i> last year, I highly recommend another look.<br />
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Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-14420929529552142482013-12-24T21:23:00.001-08:002014-01-18T11:52:09.808-08:00MINI-LIST: The Best Adaptations of "A Christmas Carol"The holidays are all up in your grill and so it's time to whip out another Christmas themed list. This year let's talk about <i>A Christmas Carol:</i> Charles Dickens' story of redemption and enlightening holiday ghosts. It's a story you know like the back of your hand, it's been adapted hundreds of times, and it just wouldn't feel like a proper Christmas without enjoying this classic. So here are the most entertaining ones you should see.<br />
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<b>5) A Christmas Carol (2009)</b><br />
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<b>Who's the Scrooge this time?</b> It's ol' rubberface himself, Jim Carrey. He even provides the performances for the three spirits who visit Ebenezer in the night. Talk about saving time on casting roles.<br />
<b>Doesn't this seem a lot like <i>The Polar Express</i>?</b> Yes, it's another 3D motion capture Christmas themed movie directed by Robert Zemeckis where the main actor plays multiple roles.<br />
<b>And you enjoyed that?</b> Yes, actually. Despite the generally unappealing 3D and CG motion capture filmmaking choices, this movie turned out to be quite good and was an entertaining theatre experience. It actually managed to feel new.<br />
<b>What's so special about this adaptation?</b> It's one of the most thorough adaptations of the novel I can think of, and it didn't shy away from dark and grotesque elements in the story. It has scenes that would terrify young children. Corpses, creepy spirits, haunting visions of death and decay. Actually in 3D, it kind of freaked me out.<br />
<b>So does this mean you want Zemeckis to make more movies like this?</b> Oh God, no. I really hope his mo-cap days are behind him because animation really needs to be left to the animators.<br />
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<b>4) Scrooge (1951)</b><br />
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<b>Who's the Scrooge this time?</b> It's Alastair Sim, who I imagine didn't need a lot of work to look the part for this movie.<br />
<b>Who?</b> Even though he was in dozens of films, you're not likely to know him from anything besides this movie. It was his biggest lead role, which he even revisited in 1971 to provide the voice of Ebenezer in an animated version.<br />
<b>What's so special about this adaptation?</b> Being one of the earliest and best of the film adaptations, this version has been around long enough that everyone knows it. It's one of the versions that always seems to be on TV this time of year (In fact, as I write this on Christmas Eve, it has appeared on television twice already). It's a straightforward telling of the tale with no gimmicks, great performances all around, and continues to stand the test of time.<br />
<b>What if I can't handle watching movies in black and white?</b> First of all, grow up. Second, there's a colourized version that looks pretty good.<br />
<b>Do you have a favourite scene?</b> Yep, it's when Scrooge wakes on Christmas morning filled with the spirit of love and generosity, accosts his housekeeper on the stairs, all the while giggling and barely able to contain his excitement. Nothing spikes the adrenaline like a visit from the dead, and Alastair truly plays the part like a raving lunatic of joy. Then when he shows up at his nephew's home asking for forgiveness, you can't help but smile to see him welcomed with open arms and begin dancing with them.<br />
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<b>3) Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)</b><br />
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<b>Who's the Scrooge this time?</b> You're not going to believe it, but they used Scrooge to play Scrooge. I'm sure it was a tough decision with all the characters in the Disney pantheon to choose from, but after countless meetings and arguments they went with the most daring choice.<br />
<b>Wait ... wasn't the character "Scrooge McDuck" created for this adaptation? </b>No, he was actually created way back in the 1940's for a comic book. So, like some snake devouring it's own tail, you have a fictional character being used to depict the fictional character that they were inspired by and named after. That would be like doing an animated version of Bram Stoker's <i>Dracula</i> for television and then using Count Chocula to be Dracula. It's fucking weird when you think about it.<br />
<b>What's so special about this adaptation?</b> Well, it packs the entire story into a mere 26 minutes of animated excellence.<br />
<b>Only 26 minutes?!</b> I know it felt longer as a kid, but that's the illusion of commercials for you. And yet it tells the story completely, with every important scene and character. Not a wasted frame.<br />
<b>Any favourite ghost?</b> It's gotta be Goofy as Jacob Marley. I'm pretty sure Dickens intended for the tortured spirit that first confronts Ebenezer Scrooge to perform a little slapstick.<br />
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<b>2) Scrooged (1988)</b><br />
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<b>Who's the Scrooge this time?</b> The always delightful Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a selfish asshole and TV executive who hates Christmas, and everything else. Guess what happens.<br />
<b>Wait, so there's no Ebenezer?</b> Nope. But Frank's journey is essentially the same and happens parallel to a classic production of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> that Frank's station is airing live on Christmas Eve.<br />
<b>What's so special about this adaptation?</b> This is easily the most fantastic modern take on the Dickens' story. Taking place in 80's New York, all the components of the original are there but as wildly different forms. Instead of Bob Cratchit, you have Bobcat Goldthwait with a shotgun. Instead of the apparition of Jacob Marley, you have a rotting corpse hanging Frank out a skyscraper window. Instead of a grim reaper, you have a cloaked monster with a television for a face.<br />
<b>Which ghost was your favourite?</b> Definitely the ghost of Christmas Present played by Carol Kane. She is such a cheery, abusive psycho. First thing she does upon meeting Frank is hover across the room and kick him in the nuts. He threatens to rip her goddamn wings off. And the scene where she uppercuts him in the face with a toaster? Priceless.<br />
<b>So does Frank learn the error of his ways, and welcome the generous spirit of Christmas into his heart? </b>Of course! While always an entertaining journey along the way, the real magic of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> is watching Ebenezer being reborn as a new man on Christmas morning. I'm particularly fond of the ending for <i>Scrooged</i> because watching Bill Murray burst out of an elevator screaming, taking the live Christmas Carol performance hostage, and ranting wildly into the camera until he's in tears, is just great. I love how it feels like the ending was improvised, so it's like the actual movie you're watching is breaking down just as the show within the show is being derailed. If you haven't seen this movie, definitely check it out.<br />
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<b>1) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)</b><br />
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<b>Disney again? </b>That's right, Disney again. Talk about a company that has an obsession with old men in nightgowns. I'm pretty sure they will release some version of <i>A Christmas Carol</i> once a decade until the sun explodes.<br />
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<b>Who's the Scrooge this time?</b> Our personal lord and saviour, Michael Caine. If you don't enjoy him in this role, then there is something wrong with you. You will believe in his performance as the cold-hearted Scrooge, fear for him in his darkest moments, and share in his joy at the dawn of a new day. And when he weeps at love lost, you will cry along with him. It's like gravity; you don't have a choice, so don't fight it.<br />
<b>What's so special about this adaptation? </b>Besides the obvious addition of Muppets, this Christmas Carol is a musical. A damn good one, too. The songs are memorable and serve the story well. This should come as no surprise since they were written by Paul Williams, who wrote songs like "Rainbow Connection"? Plus, having Gonzo and Rizzo narrating the story and getting caught up in the adventure is entertaining stuff.<br />
<b>Sounds good, but what about Tiny Tim? How tiny is he in this version?</b> The tiniest you're likely to ever see. By using Robin the Frog, the audience will feel extra sympathy because he's tiny, sick, poor, AND a frog. Talk about having the deck stacked against you. What's next? Having Tiny Tim fall into a fire when his crutch breaks, just as he's announcing he donated his last good sock to a crippled mouse?<br />
<b>It all sounds interesting, but why is this the best? </b>It takes a lot of talent and creativity to use puppets alongside real actors and make the audience care about them, especially when you're building upon source material so famous. This movie blends music, humour, beautifully designed sets and sequences, charming characters, and never loses sight of the important messages in Dickens' wonderful story. All the highs and lows are there, and the muppets fit in perfectly along the way. If you can only choose one adaptation to watch this Christmas, you really can't go wrong with this one.</div>
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Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-62351769715620347672013-10-27T22:15:00.000-07:002013-10-29T19:55:14.492-07:00Brutal Movie DeathsI don't think anyone can argue that death is a huge part of film. War films, horror films, action movies, and tragic love stories have all been built on a foundation of corpses. Inspired by <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2010/11/memorable-deaths-of-silver-screen.html" target="_blank">Cole's list of memorable movie deaths</a>, I wanted to put together a list of other memorable scenes, but focus on the ones that make you go, "Holy hell, that was rough!"<br />
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The only conditions for my choices were that they have to be memorable, shocking and/or brutal deaths, and that horror films are disqualified (sorry, Halloween) since that's exactly what scary movies are going for. Instead let's look at the deaths that were burned into your memory as you watched in disbelief. There will be spoilers.<br />
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<b>5) Bottle Boy - Pan's Labyrinth (2006)</b><br />
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Pan's Labyrinth is a beautifully filmed dark fantasy filled with gloom, freakish creatures, and oodles of despair. Early on the film lets you know just how grim things are going to get when the ruthless Captain Vidal questions an apprehended farmer and son suspected of being rebels. The two men claim they are simply out hunting rabbits and when the son insists they are innocent, it causes something to snap in Vidal.<br />
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Using a bottle, Vidal proceeds to strike the farm boy in the face over and over until it has completely caved in. To cap off his savage attack, the Captain shoots the weeping father in cold blood, then becomes annoyed when it's revealed moments later that they were telling the truth.<br />
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The scene left me aghast seeing how vicious the villain could be. Turns out .... extremely vicious. The film has a number of shocking violent moments throughout, but special mention must go to "the bottle scene" for letting the audience know - with horrific clarity - that this <i>fantasy</i> film means business.<br />
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<b>4) One Grave For Two Brothers - Casino (1995)</b><br />
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When Scorsese directs Joe Pesci the role will usually follow this pattern: Pesci plays an aggressive, short-tempered asshole for most of the film and then dies an awful, awful death. Casino is no exception.<br />
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Even though the film had established violent mob deeds throughout (head in a vice, anyone?), I was still alarmed at Nicky's demise. He and his brother Dominick are taken out to a cornfield somewhere, beaten nearly to death with baseball bats, stripped down to their underwear and buried alive. The lesson here is that you can only be a cocky prick for so long before the guys in charge will make an example of you.<br />
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There is something very raw and relentless about this scene. Maybe it's the way Nicky is forced to watch his brother get clubbed to a bloody pulp until he sobs for them to stop. Maybe it's the sloppy way they are dumped into a shallow grave and you see the dirt covering Nicky as he gasps for air. Whatever the reason, the scene creates pity for a character that for most of the film deserved no pity. The audience can easily anticipate where a character like this will end up, but still be surprised by the details. I wanted him dead, too ... just not that dead.<br />
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<b>3) Upham Fails Mellish - Saving Private Ryan (1998)</b><br />
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In a movie filled with horrific moments of violence, and graphic combat, the death of Private Mellish still stands out. Images burn deep into the viewer's mind: the knife slowly sinking into Stanley's chest, the drops of sweat dripping off the German soldiers chin, Upham weeping in the stairwell draped in ammunition. It all adds up to a very unpleasant, yet memorable movie death.<br />
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Some see this scene as an allegory for the war itself and the late involvement of the United States responding to the horrors Germany inflicted on the Jewish people. That comparison makes sense we see a German character murder a Jewish character while an American character fails to intervene. Later the American kills the German soldier responsible, but it is a hollow victory. The damage is already done.<br />
<b><br /></b>A scene like this really tortures the audience in two ways: the physical brutality of the kill itself, and the agonizing helpless feeling it drapes over you like a blanket of shit. I've seen the movie several times and this scene is always hard to get through. A part of me thinks that maybe it'll turn out differently this time, that maybe Upham will find the courage to get up those stairs and save Mellish. Alas, it never happens. All you can do is sit there grimacing through it, filled with equal parts sadness and anger.<br />
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<b>2) Curb Your Racism - American History X (1998)</b><br />
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Okay, do I even need to explain this one? This death is just horrible on so many levels, and the first time I witnessed it, my brain could barely compute what had happened. Now when I recall the moment where we see teeth making contact with cement, I can't help but cringe or do a full-body shudder.<br />
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The build of tension and intensity up to that moment is almost unbearable, and the reaction we see in Danny adequately mimics the viewers' feelings: first a desperate desire for Derek to see reason, panic, and finally stunned beyond measure. As Danny crumples to the ground you can't help but feel the same way... that hate has triumphed and everything feels hopeless.<br />
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<b>1) Murphy's First Day - Robocop (1987)</b><br />
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You know that whole movie cliche where a cop will get killed just a few days away from retirement? Well, this movie didn't have the patience for it, instead opting to savagely destroy our cop on day fucking one.<br />
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Okay, it wasn't his first day as a cop, but when we first meet Officer Alex Murphy in the abysmal world of "future Detroit" he's been moved to a new precinct, is teamed up with a new partner, and shit gets serious real fast on their first patrol. From everything we see in the opening of the film, Murphy seems like a good guy. He's friendly, professional, has a sense of humour, is a loving husband and father. You certainly don't want to see him get executed in some abandoned steel mill.<br />
<b><br /></b>When Murphy gets shot up by bad guys, he doesn't just get shot ... he gets <i>blown to goddamn pieces!</i> There were few other more scarring movie moments in my childhood than watching this nice guy get torn asunder by gunfire, screaming bloody murder the whole time. And when a thousand shotgun blasts to the torso wasn't enough to seal the deal, they pop one more round in his skull. Following that is several minutes of disorienting footage of the mangled remains of our hero being rushed to hospital, frantically worked on, then declared dead.<br />
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I realized later in life that I watched this movie at far too young an age. Everything about it is horrifying: limbs being blown off, the cruel laughter, geysers of blood erupting everywhere as Murphy is obliterated by this criminal shooting squad. Looking back it felt like the scene was 10 minutes of pure agony and horror. In reality, the whole affair took about a minute. Fun fact! Director Paul Verhoeven had to reduce the gore in scenes like this one to appease the ratings board while making the film's final cut. Meaning ... yeah, what we saw was the shorter, tamed-down version. Let that sink in.<br />
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With a reboot of the franchise right around the corner, I already have strong doubts that it can live up to the brutal slaughter unleashed in '87. Those are big, bloody shoes to fill.</div>
Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-6167940706288758962013-07-26T04:09:00.006-07:002013-07-29T21:52:15.622-07:00Best Spider-Man ArtistsJust like <a href="http://www.fiveorama.com/2012/10/best-batman-artists.html">my list of Batman artists</a>, we're dealing with an extremely popular and iconic character who has been around for a pretty long time (although not as long as the Caped Crusader) and has been drawn by a multitude of talented artists.<br />
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This list was actually a little easier for me to do. I'm not sure if it's because Spidey has perhaps evolved slightly less visually or not. Whatever the case, I don't feel the need to make honourable mentions as I did last time around. At least not to devote too much space to them anyway. We'll see how it goes.<br />
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<b>5. Stefano Caselli</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXTyDu6_zFJ80i5nNcWT_cOGssWEvDeqdomAeoOlp_LgJemGMt3GrbFNFz95_y3256-5S67ebUcz2Xjvhso6_V5FmYoaUj7LJkLyEmSqn9HBlZfPb__prRY9cXMHrVYTXoBBIVxN0N6E/s1600/casellispidey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXTyDu6_zFJ80i5nNcWT_cOGssWEvDeqdomAeoOlp_LgJemGMt3GrbFNFz95_y3256-5S67ebUcz2Xjvhso6_V5FmYoaUj7LJkLyEmSqn9HBlZfPb__prRY9cXMHrVYTXoBBIVxN0N6E/s320/casellispidey.jpg" width="210" /></a>I promise you I didn't make this pick simply because I felt obligated to include a more current artist (he's had pencilling duties on <i>Amazing Spider-Man </i>since 2011 and has also drawn him in various cameos in a few recent Avengers titles). Caselli gets the nod because I believe he's the first artist in some time to come along and really bring a fresh style to Spidey's look that I also find appealing. While I'm satisfied with the look a guy like<b> Bryan Hitch</b> or <b>Stuart Immonen </b>gives the character, it's just not different enough to really stand out.<br />
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I feel like Caselli's take pays a bit more attention to real anatomy and how it affects the costume and gives us a somewhat more realistic-looking hero but without losing any of the dynamic boldness that makes him so visually appealing. That can't be any easy thing to do (it certainly wasn't easy for me express in one sentence). He's also on occasion drawn the costume with smaller eyes than I'd normally accept and yet, he makes it work. As usual, I'm kind of at a loss to explain just how this effect is accomplished. All I know is that Caselli's Spider-Man is always pleasing and exciting to look at and even presents our hero as a bit more vulnerable than we're used to seeing him.<br />
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<b>4. Gil Kane</b><br />
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A lot of people credit <b>John Romita Sr. </b>with being the first artist to break away from original artist <b>Steve Ditko</b>'s style and successfully reinvent Spidey's look. I have no argument with that claim. Although even Romita himself admits that for the first few months all he really did was try to mimic Ditko's style because he was convinced there was no way he (Ditko) would just walk away from such a popular title. He was sure that Ditko would be returning soon and felt that it was best to just try to draw the way he did. Eventually he realized that the job was his and put his own mark on Spidey. And it was great. I'm sure he'd be on most people's lists.<br />
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But I'm gonna have to go with Gil Kane, Romita's own Spider-Man successor. Because to me, it just seems like Kane, having done a lot of work for DC in the sixties (he took over Amazing in 1971, I think), really brought a style that wasn't present in any Marvel book at the time. He also seemed to be the first artist to fully understand Spidey's capability for movement and how to represent that on the page. Now it's possible this is at least in part due to writer Gerry Conway's scripts, but I guess I'll never know. What's important was that after stellar work by both Ditko and Romita in defining the character's look, Kane really drew him to a fuller potential. He no longer looked stiff or awkward when he was swinging on a web line or hanging from a ceiling.<br />
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Again, we're dealing in personal opinion here so I can't just state that Ditko and Romita's Spider-Man DID look awkward in some movements or poses, but at least to me, that was the case. But Kane was the first artist to maybe really understand the character from a visual standpoint and how he should move.<br />
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<b>3. John Romita Jr.</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr34RP-ktFUqIX3ufwFm3qrOVKtcI3Vv2mDQbAzy-XZ2lZzZOOLPYlUkIX9ezdn_3SpX6v2fhwTxf1sWDrsk8Rrhzl-vuGXLSyRGVW0tHa9rthYcI4psGByLR5gPES-98c4MFhk7FsWeM/s1600/romita_jr_spiderman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr34RP-ktFUqIX3ufwFm3qrOVKtcI3Vv2mDQbAzy-XZ2lZzZOOLPYlUkIX9ezdn_3SpX6v2fhwTxf1sWDrsk8Rrhzl-vuGXLSyRGVW0tHa9rthYcI4psGByLR5gPES-98c4MFhk7FsWeM/s320/romita_jr_spiderman.jpg" width="213" /></a>So now I have to somehow make the argument that the son's contribution to Spidey's visual legacy is more significant than the father's. Or, I guess I could just sidestep that by once again mentioning this list is primarily based on my own tastes. I think I'll go with that option.<br />
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Romita actually first drew Spider-Man in the early eighties, not at all that long after his dad. And while his work there was good, it really doesn't factor into my decision to include him on this list. Because at that point I don't believe he'd really found himself as an artist; he was still developing. I think it was in his work on <i>Daredevil</i> in the late eighties going into the nineties that he came into his own. If I were to compile a list of best Daredevil artists, he certainly would have a place there.<br />
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While I think his real strength was drawing street-level heroes like Daredevil set in urban landscapes, Romita proved to be one of Marvel's most versatile artists and he drew a ton of different characters in a ton of different titles throughout the nineties. He was their Mr. Reliable for sure. Whether you needed someone to draw Thor, Cable, even Hulk, he could pull it off. But it was his return to the character who had helped define his father's career where I believe he's done his very best work (although the <i>Daredevil</i> stuff is close).<br />
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In 1996 he began penciling Peter Parker: Spider-Man. It was a period of turmoil for the character; the infamous <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/ComicBook/TheCloneSaga?from=Main.TheCloneSaga">Clone Saga</a>, which had begun two years prior, was STILL going on. So Romita found himself drawing Ben Reilly as Spider-Man for awhile, (as well as as the Scarlet Spider before that) with a new costume designed by <b>Dan Jurgens</b>, who was doing the art and writing for the brand new <i>Sensational Spider-Man</i> featuring Reilly. For the then very important limited series, <i>Spider-Man: The Lost Years</i>, it was considered significant that he was the one doing the art. If people were going to accept this whole "new Spider-Man" thing (something Marvel eventually realized they <i>wouldn't</i>, and took steps to correct), then having a great artist like Romita was key.<br />
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We've talked a lot without getting into Romita's own drawing style and what he brought to the character. Well, on his initial work back in the eighties, I don't think there was really anything that distinct about it. His Spider-Man looked very much like an homage to the Spider-Man of artists like his father and Kane. But in the late eighties, Spidey would undergo a rather dynamic visual change that we'll get into in detail as we climb to the top of this list, and it would be impossible to believe that this did not influence his later work to at least some degree.<br />
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What I can tell you is that Romita Jr. might be the artist who has so far found the most iconic look for Spider-Man. When I was discussing Batman, in the entry on Neal Adams I mentioned that it looked almost as if he had discovered and given us Batman's true <i>form, </i>that is, his most authentic visual archetype. I feel that it's a similar case with Romita's Spidey - everything just looks <i>right,</i> somehow. So if that's the case, how is he not the number one entry on this list? Well, I guess I'd have to say that perhaps if there is a flaw to his Spider-Man, it's that it's just a little too...safe. Given Spider-Man's unique look and potential for unique movement, Romita's Spidey does not take quite full advantage of the visual possibilities.<br />
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<b>2. Mark Bagley</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMHiBciCZqoJ0mIoJOcfLyHL75mCmbE67QI8iYaTPPaq6IYI5OaWHGpt2UMkKle4_u0tU0ImvWyQiseDxI4UGN2uPTOpik9sXY42Y33wqdQ9IJDLmHyqYLh31zTiHc8BNMbQUEpcT2vg/s1600/bagleyspidey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMHiBciCZqoJ0mIoJOcfLyHL75mCmbE67QI8iYaTPPaq6IYI5OaWHGpt2UMkKle4_u0tU0ImvWyQiseDxI4UGN2uPTOpik9sXY42Y33wqdQ9IJDLmHyqYLh31zTiHc8BNMbQUEpcT2vg/s320/bagleyspidey.jpg" width="216" /></a>In 1983, by the age of twenty-seven, the ultra-talented Bagley was working for Lockheed Martin in Georgia, and had mostly given up on his dream to be a comic book artist, having so far failed to break into the industry. But fate found a way. In true Marvel fashion, a Marvel Try-Out Book was created. It was a deconstructed comic book that aspiring artists could complete then turn in. The artist with the best entry would be given a Marvel assignment and a shot to stick with the company. Bagley beat out thousands of other submissions to win the contest.<br />
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He got to draw some of the lower profile assignments, including trading cards and backup stories for the rest of the decade. In 1990 he transitioned to full-time artist, drawing the first twenty-five issues of the brand new title <i>New Warriors</i>. During some of the editorial shuffling at Marvel, <i>New Warriors</i> editor Danny Fingeroth became responsible for the Spider-Man books. He placed his faith in Bagley's ability and made him artist for the flagship: <i>Amazing Spider-Man</i>. His faith was well-placed: Bagley would go on to become perhaps the most iconic and definitive Spider-Man artist of the nineties.<br />
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In 2000, with the launching of the new Ultimate Marvel line, Bagley was this time the obvious choice to be the artist for that line's own flagship title, <i>Ultimate Spider-Man</i>. He and writer Brian Bendis would break the record for longest run by the same creative team on a title, previously held by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, established on their run on<i> Fantastic Four</i> back in the early sixties. Bagley did the art without interruption for the first 111 issues.<br />
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Bagley's Spidey screams dynamic. Perhaps more than any other artist's depiction, the sense of fluid movement is beautifully conveyed. Perhaps not since Ditko himself had anyone drawn Spider-Man as quite so wirey. He was still a muscular figure but clearly a lot leaner than most Marvel heroes. In Ultimate this was even more apparent since Spider-Man is fifteen years old and maybe three inches or so shorter than his adult 616 counterpart. And those large, exaggerated eyes on the costume he includes are just essential to me.<br />
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For quite some time I strongly considered giving Bagley the top spot on this list. He brings everything that Romita Jr. brings but perhaps with a slightly better grasp of Spidey's anatomy and style of movement. And when I say slightly, I mean very slightly. But I can't help but think that Bagley's Spider-Man wouldn't have been quite everything it was without the previous contributions of a certain artist, who resides at the top of this list.<br />
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<b>1. Todd McFarlane</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxNxo2hSNvIbVQYWh2k8puHk2S0M4RVxG3_Wc9vT_umaHdXfGfLb-TN14ynyFvTKMbQQn_qupVleK-Q5okEU4wW588trjsmT9wYByt6gBpQp6Mojjuw1QTq5GJzA-n_vXtRd1k8IeuJY/s1600/mcfarlanespidey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxNxo2hSNvIbVQYWh2k8puHk2S0M4RVxG3_Wc9vT_umaHdXfGfLb-TN14ynyFvTKMbQQn_qupVleK-Q5okEU4wW588trjsmT9wYByt6gBpQp6Mojjuw1QTq5GJzA-n_vXtRd1k8IeuJY/s320/mcfarlanespidey.png" width="316" /></a>When you see McFarlane's name, it conjures up a lot. Few people in the comic book industry have been as successful as he's been and that's due to a lot of factors. He's proven himself to be very shrewd in matters of business and smart about applying his skills to different mediums. Perhaps he's best known for his involvement in the founding of Image Comics or perhaps his extremely popular toy lines. But what I'll always consider his greatest contribution to comics to be is his work on Spider-Man, specifically, the way he drew the character.<br />
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In my top three of McFarlane, Bagley and Romita Jr., I feel that their respective styles overlap and intermingle. I'm not sure exactly where it begins. But I am certain that when McFarlane started drawing <i>Amazing Spider-Man</i> in 1988, he redefined how the character should look.<br />
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Firstly, like Bagley after him, McFarlane gave us a Spider-Man that was muscular but still lean and wirey. This was emphasized by his understanding of Spidey's movements. His panels featured our hero bending and contorting his body in odd, almost inhuman fashion. This stands to reason since Spider-Man possess a level of flexibility and agility that goes far beyond the capability of ordinary humans. McFarlane took full advantage of that and the results were awesome. As far as the costume went, it seemed to fit better than ever. And then of course there were the eyes - no one before McFarlane had ever drawn Spidey with such large eyes. It's become so imitated that it's almost unthinkable for any artists since to not follow suit in that department. It's something I always have to include in my own visual idea of Spider-Man.<br />
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But McFarlane also innovated another aspect of Spider-Man that had remained virtually unchanged since his first appearance: his webbing. Gone were the thin, dark, almost black strands that used to emit from Spidey's wrists - McFarlane replaced them with much thicker stuff of a lighter colour. It was ropey and chaotic-looking. Now it really resembled real webs adjusted to human size.<br />
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Clearly I'm not the only person to think McFarlane's Spider-Man was awesome. His work on <i>Amazing</i> catapulted him into comic book superstardom and his talent soon was high in demand. He was given his own new Spider-Man (simply <i>Spider-Man)</i> title to write himself as well as draw. While not a particularly compelling series beyond its art, it sold like mad.<br />
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The rest is history and really has no place in this list. His initial departure from Marvel was of course far from friendly and he subsequently became so successful with Image, McFarlane Entertainment and other creative and business ventures that he's never really had cause to go back. Outside a single Spider-Man holiday special released in 2004, he hasn't drawn the character in any official capacity since 1991.<br />
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But his contribution to the character from a visual standpoint really can't be overstated. And while I know there are plenty of people who claim he was highly overrated as a Marvel and Spider-Man artist, I just can't agree. I've had quite a few years to think about how I feel about his Spider-Man and a plethora of artists to compare him to. And as much as I love Bagley's depiction of the character, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be quite what it is without McFarlane's influence.<br />
<br />cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-27330500972679755102013-03-18T23:36:00.001-07:002013-03-23T16:06:37.470-07:00Best femme fatalesThe femme fatale; a staple of fiction and storytelling dating back to pretty much the beginning. As long as there have been brave, powerful men there have been women who have been capable of taking them down using cunning, guts and smoldering sexuality. They can be found in nearly every corner of literature there is: ancient Greek myth, the works of Shakespeare, even the Bible. History is also littered with the deeds of actual women who fit the trope.<br />
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Some are outright villains, using their unique skillset to corrupt good men, start wars and frame others for their deeds. The other kind is a little more ambiguous. They may appear to be evil, or at the very least self-serving, but at the core of it all, they're actually on the side of good, even if their methods are questionable.<br />
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This list includes examples of both types, with points being awarded for ambition, deviousness, sexual potency and overall style.<br />
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<b>5. Clytemnestra</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv01IQuj_v9xdy8VV6Ird3fK-9HF_apuHm5R7Jv1zOvqT0g2rwvA-k4yqPqUqTnav0qGVeDrfs9rVbG2mnvEAq3lJw0eYaGag_FmrPeOE2xSa3ApTBnJGvua-M_qN78dwSWUebRHHm1KM/s1600/250px-Clytemnestra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv01IQuj_v9xdy8VV6Ird3fK-9HF_apuHm5R7Jv1zOvqT0g2rwvA-k4yqPqUqTnav0qGVeDrfs9rVbG2mnvEAq3lJw0eYaGag_FmrPeOE2xSa3ApTBnJGvua-M_qN78dwSWUebRHHm1KM/s320/250px-Clytemnestra1.jpg" width="190" /></a>The daughter of Spartan royalty and half-sister (depending on how you look at it) of the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, Helen, Clytemnestra may not have gotten all the beauty genes but she definitely got all the crazy. But maybe that's not being fair as the event that truly kicked off all her ruthless behaviour was the sacrifice of her daughter, Iphegenia. Said daughter was sacrificed in order to attain the needed winds to get the Greek fleet moving after declaring war on Troy. If you know your Greek myths, then you know this was a result of Paris stealing Helen away with him. Her husband, Menelaus, turned to his brother, Agamemnon, to command the Greek army to get her back. After having no luck with the winds to get the ships on their way, Agamemnon sacrificed his own daughter, thus pissing off his wife quite a bit. Get all that? Good.<br />
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The Trojan War lasted ten years and then the journey back to Greece took some time as well. During this time Clytemnestra conducted an affair with Agamemnon's cousin, Aegisthus, while she plotted her husband's demise. Apparently she hated him even before the sacrifice of Iphegenia as he had murdered her first husband and forced her into marrying him. So Agamemnon finally comes back from Troy, with hot little Cassandra in tow as his concubine and Clytemnestra makes her move and stabs him to death in the bath.<br />
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This left Aegisthus as the new king with Clyemnesta as queen. They ruled happily for awhile but eventually she's murdered by one of her own sons in a power move. Like mother, like son.<br />
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<b>4. Phyllis Dietrichson</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiushDf80WEDQN7-B1zQIiqZ-qK9hc5Jjg3i3KQXtnlEkfNUwoFSZOMr5R7Tosg9GD218HovFFtq6xUMnSAGwTuE7XY5ghpK4HStDP18whWpl61u8rlyEzVKVxszxpA1YkptGmMu8tqaXk/s1600/phyllis-dietrichson-double-indemnity--large-msg-130137046851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiushDf80WEDQN7-B1zQIiqZ-qK9hc5Jjg3i3KQXtnlEkfNUwoFSZOMr5R7Tosg9GD218HovFFtq6xUMnSAGwTuE7XY5ghpK4HStDP18whWpl61u8rlyEzVKVxszxpA1YkptGmMu8tqaXk/s320/phyllis-dietrichson-double-indemnity--large-msg-130137046851.jpg" width="320" /></a>The realm of film noir is filled to the brim with femme fatales - they're a major staple of the genre. So picking just one was terribly difficult. But I think I made the right choice here.<br />
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The introduction of Phyllis Dietrichson in the 1944 classic <i>Double Idemnity </i>remains an extremely memorable scene in American cinema. It has most of the hallmarks of a film noir scene - the shadows of drawn shades are visible in the dim lighting, and a seemingly innocent conversation plants the seeds for not only an intense attraction but also a diabolical plot. She appears calm and cool and doesn't do or say anything overtly flirtacious and yet Neff is certainly left with a firm impression.<br />
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Phyllis's motives soon become clear and her seduction, both through the lure of money and her own sexuality, escalates. At first Neff wants no part in a murder plot but very quickly he succumbs. Shortly thereafter a formerly good man has become a murderer. Once the victim's daughter becomes a potential problem, Phyllis displays no qualms about knocking her off as well. She's proven herself to be quite the ruthless character. In fact, it's strongly implied that she had murdered her husband's first wife - and the girl's (Lola) mother - to get to where she is. But wait! There's more!<br />
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It turns out Phyllis has also been using her feminine wiles on the girl's own boyfriend and is still involved with him at the time of her partnership with Neff. It's only once he finds out this detail that Neff finally realizes just what a monster the woman he's become involved with is. Once confronted, she promptly lies (presumably) and when this doesn't work, shoots Neff. It's not a fatal wound and Neff comes on and manages to get the gun away from her. She insists her love for him is genuine, citing her inability to fire again as proof. But at this point Neff isn't buying it and he shoots her twice, killing her. But the damage is done. Neff will soon bleed out, an innocent man is dead and a girl has now lost both her parents. All because of one lousy dame's greed.<br />
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<b>3. Morgan le Fay</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL9JRr0mzhzji66uLAPJHvq481Utlr0BnMbWmlnkATCVCYzeiHU9iXXGGkC0yjO0rkV5hAxAy36NEXhkj55RwBNMQ_lwbREEh9QrOjtMTHSMUy-ISLcErjvVqIzec6BoxSdUxFR6rpaY/s1600/MorganLeFay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL9JRr0mzhzji66uLAPJHvq481Utlr0BnMbWmlnkATCVCYzeiHU9iXXGGkC0yjO0rkV5hAxAy36NEXhkj55RwBNMQ_lwbREEh9QrOjtMTHSMUy-ISLcErjvVqIzec6BoxSdUxFR6rpaY/s320/MorganLeFay.jpg" width="320" /></a>Cunning sorceress of the Arthurian Legend, Morgan le Fay is a femme fatale of the Middle Ages whose legacy of villainy and manipulation is still well-known today, if through differing accounts.<br />
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In most versions of her story, le Fay is said to be the half-sister of Arthur as they share the same mother. But as to her personality and motives, that seems to vary somewhat depending on what you read. Some of the earliest stuff portrays her as an ally to Arthur, who uses her powers to be a great healer. It's in the French <i>Lancelot-Grail</i> that her character becomes much more complex and interesting. Here she's an antagonist of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and uses her magic and powers of manipulation to defeat them. In Thomas Malory's famed <i>le Morte d'Arthur</i> it's actually she who throws Excalibur's special scabbard into the lake after a failed attempt to steal the legendary blade.<br />
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She also figures prominently in tales of Charlemagne as an enchantress and seductress, sometimes aiding the heroes by testing them and others opposing them more directly.<br />
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Her name and many of her character traits have endured over the centuries and she's been used again and again in various works of fiction including the Marvel and DC universes, many movies based on the Arthur Legend and even the anime Ah! My Goddess. Throughout it all she's remained a femme fatale of the highest order.<br />
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<b>2. Ada Wong</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoimg_6GBV0T83VZRM4wFM5wCsOVQFA16rSCEpDTU0Z6Pumljqk36fFMQY77cNxjhpeumOEC4rZFE2uyHUwYXQuZqQm9BcuRvh03ZVBS2muOG3GeUHf4qsO4nc5pNSunWiXz_F1cYpmc/s1600/ada_wong_by_amyliya-d5ctixy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoimg_6GBV0T83VZRM4wFM5wCsOVQFA16rSCEpDTU0Z6Pumljqk36fFMQY77cNxjhpeumOEC4rZFE2uyHUwYXQuZqQm9BcuRvh03ZVBS2muOG3GeUHf4qsO4nc5pNSunWiXz_F1cYpmc/s320/ada_wong_by_amyliya-d5ctixy.jpg" width="224" /></a>The only special operative I'm aware of who likes to go on missions in a slinky party dress, Ada Wong might be mistaken for an antiheroine as opposed to femme fatale, if not for the fact that she drips sexuality.<br />
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She first appears in Resident Evil 2 in Leon's scenario and it quickly becomes apparent that there's more to her than she's letting on. But if you're a gamer who pays attention you'll know that she is actually mentioned in the first Resident Evil (set in 1998), in a letter written by a dying Umbrella researcher named John. She'd used her considerable feminine charms to convince John to try to steal secrets from his employers. Ada requires information to pass on to her own employers - referred to only as "The Organization". He is among the infected during the first T-Virus outbreak in the Spencer Mansion in the Arclay Mountains outside Raccoon City and in his letter, pleads Ada to destroy the mansion and expose Umbrella's actions to the public. Unfortunately, the letter never reaches her.<br />
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Months later, during the outbreak in Raccoon City, Ada is sent by the same unnamed organization to try to steal a sample of the new G Virus from the secret Umbrella lab beneath the city amongst the chaos. It is here that we first see her, confronting her as Leon. Her story is that she's looking for her boyfriend, "John", whom she claims is a journalist. Her agenda is eventually exposed but she still displays heroism by saving Leon, which in turn, helps him rescue Claire Redfield and Sherry Birkin.<br />
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Spinoff titles give us a little more info on what she was doing during RE2 and she next plays a major role in Resident Evil 4 (taking place in 2004), once again working against the game's main antagonists (this time Saddler and the Los Illuminados cult) but with goals separate from, and sometimes counter to, Leon's. Once again she proves helpful but still self-serving. Her flirting with Leon is really amped up this time around and her skills as an operative are on full display, particularly when you play her scenario. Despite working against Wesker (her new employer) by helping Leon kill fellow operative Krauser, she still delivers the goods in the end - the Las Plagas sample. HOWEVER, if you check out "Ada's Report" you discover she was playing Wesker as well, giving him the lesser sample, and keeping the dominant one for herself.<br />
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In Resident Evil 6, Ada is still sexy and dangerous in 2013 and I think her actions there cement her status as a crazy awesome femme fatale. You never really know what side she's on besides her own but she's still benevolent enough to risk her neck to help others if the situation calls for it. Antiheroine she may be, but if you really don't think she's also a femme fatale, maybe you should give that sultry voice another listen.<br />
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<b>1. Catwoman</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbkpyTc1tOJKhRVOME4xQVDdemkpaG_JCpmVoq3_EcBUTrOnYH97WcgW79dApjtkpkg0SYfxdU5rwYqZLzQCLCcuz945YC2TXlOXC8DqnSozDupTgFKAxGwHeQd3QsNMlD1WqdfExiqI/s1600/Catwoman73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbkpyTc1tOJKhRVOME4xQVDdemkpaG_JCpmVoq3_EcBUTrOnYH97WcgW79dApjtkpkg0SYfxdU5rwYqZLzQCLCcuz945YC2TXlOXC8DqnSozDupTgFKAxGwHeQd3QsNMlD1WqdfExiqI/s320/Catwoman73.jpg" width="231" /></a>If Ada's routine of frequently working for shadowy employers, doublecrossing them, making a point of saying she's only out for herself but still going out of her way to sometimes help others, constantly flirting with the male hero while at the same time baffling and even hampering him, all the while going about it in a confident and sexy way seems familiar, it's because she stole it from Catwoman.<br />
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As I said in the intro, femme fatales have been around about as long as human beings have been on this planet but it was Selina Kyle who finally perfected the art. First appearing way back in Batman #1 <b>(note: this is not Batman and Robin's first appearance, as comic book sages like myself know - that would be Detective Comics #27) </b>in the spring of 1940, she's been a major part of the Dark Knight's mythos ever since although she actually disappeared from all Bat books between 1954 and 1966 - most likely because her moral ambiguity paired with her overt sexuality would have made her a prime target for the Comics Code introduced in the mid fifties. This was easily a low point in Batman's publishing history, as well as many other comic characters, both major and minor. Most stories were lighthearted and goofy fare, moving away from Batman's dark roots and it's not at all surprising in retrospect to note that Catwoman wasn't present for any of it.<br />
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Anyway, once Batman returned to his roots and the comics started getting good again, everyone's favourite cat burglar-turned-sometimes-crimefighter really began to shine. She's become such an enduring symbol of a femme fatale that most people who haven't even read any comics know that Catwoman is a bad, bad girl. But still good.<br />
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Like Ada, she makes for a pretty good antiheroine, always playing it cool and letting others know that she plays by her own rules and will only risk her neck if she sees some profit in it - although at times we've seen she can be heroic just for the sake of doing the right thing (but she'll never admit to it).<br />
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From the sexy costume to her endless flirtation with Gotham's staunch defender (she's about the only character who can really throw him off his game - quite a feat when you consider the types of characters he often deals with) to her overall badassness, Catwoman is the femme fatale that all others should look up to.<br />
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cole d'archttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563302380043887861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6153515150053563376.post-66668166551242271882013-03-09T00:28:00.001-08:002013-03-11T17:59:20.428-07:00Awesome Fictional Brands<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRfS-GWjmMG2kbnMSZoaP5WxdL9iDUngJzqYRpvkR1Rcn4cR2DkWBRtanhcNDGBcGM92ez2GYDw-Tu0zsVRkyxRmwG7FIRQVKylihYWFVNjpsrSoSlUrjI5tL5xOHy4p-_Fh21GojqeAw/s1600/tumblr_m1ze1uae0F1qhoxx9o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRfS-GWjmMG2kbnMSZoaP5WxdL9iDUngJzqYRpvkR1Rcn4cR2DkWBRtanhcNDGBcGM92ez2GYDw-Tu0zsVRkyxRmwG7FIRQVKylihYWFVNjpsrSoSlUrjI5tL5xOHy4p-_Fh21GojqeAw/s320/tumblr_m1ze1uae0F1qhoxx9o1_400.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>5) Blammo</b><br />
As seen on the incomparable <i>Ren and Stimpy Show</i>, Blammo was the brand behind the greatest children's toy of all time ... LOG! An obvious parody of one-note toys like a Slinky, Blammo's toy also requires ample imagination to enjoy, and the catchy jingle was quick to inform us of all the ways it could be fun. You can remember every word of that song and you know it. Don't lie to me, goddammit.<br />
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Later episodes had commercials for slight variations of Log, like dress up versions similar to a Mr. Potato Head. But the original unadorned Log remains a classic fake commercial for a fake product from a fake brand, and a tribute to the simple toys of days gone by.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmn8WkUZIqLXTIs54WWrnhk-jG4MBZfygbkvlOuDSKSOg8J5KG5cFu1vXNB3706TossO0kqxZek9cDLLwIad5VtG8tY3Pu8w76WqrgRl1-vWRv0UHiGd8MlbKAaLThaY_nzy3KnRKwARp/s1600/2s85pci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmn8WkUZIqLXTIs54WWrnhk-jG4MBZfygbkvlOuDSKSOg8J5KG5cFu1vXNB3706TossO0kqxZek9cDLLwIad5VtG8tY3Pu8w76WqrgRl1-vWRv0UHiGd8MlbKAaLThaY_nzy3KnRKwARp/s320/2s85pci.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>4) Spishak</b><br />
Following the lead of <i>Saturday Night Live</i>, the variety comedy show <i>Mad TV</i> would often include fake commercials between skits. Unlike <i>SNL</i>, however, the products in these commercials were often from the same preposterous company.<br />
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The ads usually followed one of two patterns: A) a compilation of product demonstrations that got progressively more ridiculous, or B) a Spishak spokesman suddenly appearing in someone's home to advertise the product in a mini-infomercial. What sort of products? Well, anything from a combination knife-spoon-fork, to a toy oven for kids that requires the child to disconnect the gas line from their real oven to use. Each item was a hazardous, nonsensical, defective mess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNKagUiLL1cJd3nw0Ikr2r8dajD3G4kDRPzHEnFCL3gsAz66Ezf0Nam_bCxMlobHs_VaYN2bgXDG7KXJ8l9_RyzzGOmcPls6QoHdbl2YhduOekmxZQNC4RlBjks8v37WX_xSe3rEUxGLQ/s1600/tumblr_lrsw9gYUFj1qddi87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNKagUiLL1cJd3nw0Ikr2r8dajD3G4kDRPzHEnFCL3gsAz66Ezf0Nam_bCxMlobHs_VaYN2bgXDG7KXJ8l9_RyzzGOmcPls6QoHdbl2YhduOekmxZQNC4RlBjks8v37WX_xSe3rEUxGLQ/s320/tumblr_lrsw9gYUFj1qddi87.jpg" width="284" /></a><b>3) Red Apple Cigarettes</b><br />
Occasionally a director will tie together their body of work with reccurring characters, locations, or brands even when the plots and styles of their movies are vastly different (eg. Kevin Smith). Red Apple Cigarettes represent a key connective tissue for the filmography of Quentin Tarantino as they appear in nearly every movie he's directed or co-written.<br />
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Sometimes the cigarettes will be smoked by a character, or other times appear as an ad in passing. Most recently in <i>Django Unchained</i> it can be spotted as a pouch of Red Apple Tobacco. These fake cigarettes are great because they are one of the many ways that Tarantino has pulled his movies together into the same crazy universe, and at this point finding the Red Apple has become a hidden gem for movie fans to discover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhyphenhyphenzIny5-4Z0Oi-2ySPRwdS_CNt_ilDKCl7b3vKV2llFCy6ezxmGKJdJq60EAp1P7WR90E4UyY-Z4uBn1JLQ7i4D9a34WMh4b4NvQB6pyFF4wZc9u12uFxaaGtABmtlkyPjAquZvVjevR/s1600/Krusty_s_Seal_of_Approval_by_KrnBgn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhyphenhyphenzIny5-4Z0Oi-2ySPRwdS_CNt_ilDKCl7b3vKV2llFCy6ezxmGKJdJq60EAp1P7WR90E4UyY-Z4uBn1JLQ7i4D9a34WMh4b4NvQB6pyFF4wZc9u12uFxaaGtABmtlkyPjAquZvVjevR/s320/Krusty_s_Seal_of_Approval_by_KrnBgn.png" width="320" /></a><b>2) Krusty Brand</b><br />
While the Simpsons' universe has many memorable brands like Duff Beer, the greatest line-up of products come from the world's biggest shill: Krusty the Clown. He is the iconic face of a gigantic empire of TV shows, fast food restaurants, amusement parks, and an endless array of shoddy household products.<br />
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Every bit of merchandise stamped with the "Krusty Seal of Approval" is poorly thought out, cheaply made, and often dangerous. Krusty Brand is wonderful satirical take on the corporate greed we see all the time when celebrities slap their name or likeness on all manner of pointless shit. So when a cross between Bozo the Clown and Ronald McDonald is selling home pregnancy kits, frosted cereals, personal swabs, imitation gruel, handguns, cough syrup, cigars, and facial hair trimmers it's equal parts familiar and hilarious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0z1PSZLWIv3DVUTTUO1IvBf6cIqBKuyU0joBpjamEhWzoqG_OY83AKduY8mCQSZxZaevBRQ7X7M-5R4Ez7t-3qbp3rzAIa8yZOsMxCxmQ4353O8qoZMNtGTJk5vx68UmqiYiFCQsSwT2/s1600/Comp_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0z1PSZLWIv3DVUTTUO1IvBf6cIqBKuyU0joBpjamEhWzoqG_OY83AKduY8mCQSZxZaevBRQ7X7M-5R4Ez7t-3qbp3rzAIa8yZOsMxCxmQ4353O8qoZMNtGTJk5vx68UmqiYiFCQsSwT2/s1600/Comp_2.jpg" /></a><b>1) Acme</b><br />
The Acme Corporation is a huge supplier of crazy bullshit in the Looney Tunes universe, and while the word "acme" comes from the Greek word for "zenith" or "prime", the products bearing that name are often lacking quality. What do they sell? A better question is what the hell don't they sell? Explosives, anvils, rockets, giant slingshots, giant magnets, escape kits, earthquake pills, the list goes on forever. The majority of their profit comes from Wile E. Coyote no matter how often their products fail miserably. You have to assume the prices must be amazing since he keeps placing orders for anti-gravity boots and fake tunnel paint instead of buying ... you know... food.<br />
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In fact Acme as a generic brand has been appearing in all manner of television shows, comics, movies, and cartoons for more than 90 years. You can find the familiar name in silent films of the 20's, episodes of <i>I Love Lucy</i>, and - my personal favorite - the film <i>Who Framed Roger Rabbit</i> with the epic showdown at the Acme Warehouse. As a child that warehouse overwhelmed my imagination with possibilities, and to this day I still want to see more of the gadgets and weapons scattered around the place.<br />
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The name Acme represents more than just an insatiable desire for Roadrunner meat, it represents generations of wild ideas and preposterous products. Whenever you needed a ridiculous prop, weapon, or device for your character to get their hands on, it was easily explained away by the good ol' Acme Corp. Who on earth would produce a jet-powered pogo stick and over-night ship it to the middle of the desert?<br />
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Acme, of course.Shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06577252478937507403noreply@blogger.com3