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George Prax 2010-10-02 17:29

Video Game ReviewsPost reviews and grades for the video games you've been playing and/or have recently completed.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions

I've been looking forward to this since it was announced. Big SM fan, big beat-em-up (in video games) fan and I had high hopes for what was meant to be sort of a "reboot" of the Spider-Man series after a bad series of games for Spidey the last 10 years. Last year we had Batman: Arkham Asylum, and frankly, that was the bench mark here. While it may not have been as good as AA, it definitely delivered and was a hell of a lot of fun to play.

The story is fairly linear, as are the levels, but it's well-told and the levels well-built. Gameplay differs (in good ways) from one of the 4 Spidey dimensions to the others. Amazing is a lot more combat/swinging oriented. Ultimate was still pretty combat oriented but less combos and more just plowing through enemies. But basically the same idea of traditional Spider-Man combat (to give us that 50-50 traditional/different type of deal). Noir was lurking in the shadows/perch-swinging, silent takedowns, a lot like Batman. It was so much fun getting takedowns on baddies. 2099 was more speed-oriented and the freefalling segments were well done and a lot of fun.

Obviously they couldn't put every Spidey villain in here but they did a good job of choosing 13 villains that really fit the tale. What was really cool is that since there are some badguys that exist in the SM universe as a whole, but don't necessarily exist in one specific Spider-Man's dimension. For Instance, the Hobgoblin in 2099 and Hammerhead in Noir don't exist in the comic books for those specific Spider-Men.

There's lots to do in the games despite it being linear - lots of collectibles, benchmarks/medals you have to go back to get and of course trophies. I see myself going back to this game a lot in the future to play a level or two when nothing else is interesting me.

It's very derivative of Arkham Asylum in certain ways, but it's definitely its own game, and a shitloat of fun to play and the replayability is through the roof considering how linear it is.

9 out of 10 #Entertainment

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Anonymous 2010-10-29 14:57

It's worth the gameplay, as the storyline is interesting enough to keep you hooked. It's complicated in a few spots kill-wise, so it has you repeating levels over and over but its save-points really do help, although if you quit halfway through a level, you have to replay the entire level.

Anonymous 2010-11-01 02:30

Pop-Up Pursuit - WiiWare:

Pop-Up Pursuit could be one of the most artistic games the WiiWare selection has to offer. For those who enjoy board games (albeit a simple one) and enjoy spending time with the family, this game is certainly one to jump at. While it only presents two different maps (or boards), it is creative enough with its progression and attacks on your competition to make the game enjoyable through and through. While the game is specifically card-based with coins playing a significant factor at the end of the game, the ability to transition the game at a moments click allows players to still have a chance to win until the very end of the game. Unfortunately, if you're looking for anything more than just a simplistic point and click board game, you'll want to avoid this game. Simply clicking a card, then selecting which card you'd like to use and clicking A four or five times until your turn is over is about as active as the game gets.

Rating: 6/10

George Prax 2010-10-02 17:15

Movie ReviewsIt's no secret to a lot of you that the people who brought you TCL (i.e., me, among others) will be bringing you a new entertainment site in the coming weeks/months, so I thought, why not get the discussion going (as the sites will likely be sharing the same forums) with some movie reviews. Basically, write a short review of the last movie you saw and give it a great. Letter great, out of 10, stars, whatever.

The Social Network

Just got back from seeing this and I have to say, it might not have lived up to the oscar buzz/hype it's been getting but it was definitely a quality movie, a very good movie actually. Very well written and directed, and all the actors were great in their role (Michael Cera Junior AKA Jesse Eisenberg, NuSpiderMan AKA Andrew Garfield and the man every man wants to be, Justin Timberlake). I like how it doesn't take itself TOO seriously despite it being a very "wordy" script and maybe a little preachy, and despite the word that the movie make Mark Zuckerberg look bad, I found him to be misunderstood and redeemed by the time the movie ended. Yes, he's an asshole, but watching the film I didn't feel like he did anything "wrong" or assholish besides talking down to his girlfriend at the beginning.

Overall I really enjoyed this and I actually kinda want to see it again.

It gets an 8.5 out of 10 from me. #Entertainment

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George Prax 2010-10-21 11:48

Jackass 3D

I'm not going to give this a score. It's honestly beyond that. When you go to see something like Jackass, you already know going in whether you're going to like it or not. You don't need a review to know whether you want to see this or not, unless it's simply comparing the film to the previous installments in the series.

And this definitely lives up to the previous entries into the franchise. The stunts are crazier than ever, more disgusting than you can ever fathom and just a lot of fun. I found myself laughing beginning to end, and left with really a sense of warped satisfaction.

As for the 3D, it's probably the most notable and well-used 3D I've ever seen. They actually use it to its potential and while it is a gimmick, it's definitely worth the extra few dollars. As Knoxville said it himself in an interview last week: "we took the most expensive and advanced technology, and filmed the dumbest crap imaginable."

And believe it or not, that really sums up Jackass 3D. But that's ok, because they make it work. To the point where I want to see it again.

Like I said, no official grade, but you really couldn't ask for anything more from this kind of movie.

George Prax 2010-10-25 10:23

RED

Great little action movie here. Willis is the king of his, arguably my favorite action star ever, and once again he gets it done. Obviously this is his typecast role at the moment, the retired, over the hill badass former CIA/cop/What-Have-You that still ends up kicking ass, but where this differs (other than some of the over-the-top action scenes) is that he has a nice little group of retired pros to help him. Helen Mirren is great in her role, as is Morgan Freeman (let's face it, they'd be good no matter what they were doing), Marie-Louise Parker is a revelation and John Malkovich steals the movie.

Let's not forget Richard Dreyfus, Karl Urban, even Ernest Borgnine, among others! The cast really compliments each other very well.

As for the action, as I said, over the top but really a lot of fun. Grenade launchers in pink elephants, bullets through RPGs, exploding badguys, car chases, the movie has it all.

It's a comic book movie, after all!

Have to give this an 8 out of 10. A lot of fun, and I hope they make a sequel.

Anonymous 2010-10-25 12:54

Case 39

WARNING: Contains Some Spoilers

It's a film that has essentially be done before, yet still seems to attract its audience that anxiously awaits a new direction for the climax. Case 39 features an orphan/adoption situation in which things aren't always as they appear (if they were, this would not be a thriller/horror flick, it would be a tear-jerking drama).

Renée Zellwegger gives an acceptable performance as Emily Jenkins, a social worker who stumbles across her 39th case that features suspected child abuse. Once she removes Lilith Sullivan (played by inspiring up-and-comer Jodelle Ferland who also starred in such films as The Messengers and Silent Hill) Zellwegger takes on the role of mother for the young girl.

The film enjoys its twists and turns until it reaches its inevitable deux ex machina. Zellwegger is forced to make a decision that would suggest Lillith must die. Unfortunately for viewers who are pulled through the film with enough "scare-scenes" and intrigue, the conclusion of the film delivers a rather sub-standard end with many questions that are left unanswered. A quick write-up explaining what happened to Zellwegger's character could have been added to provide a more acceptable finish, but the film's pathetic ending simply leaves its viewers taken for granted after committing nearly two hours to its story.

I give Case 39 a 5.5 out of 10.

George Prax 2010-10-28 10:11

LEGION

I was actually sort of pleasantly surprised with this film. I'm not big on the horror genre, and the "undead" or I guess "survival" sub-genre is the only thing that interests me in horror, but these films can be pretty hit-or-miss. And while the film did "miss" a fair bit, it also had a lot of hits.

For instance, the movie is incredibly cast, with Paul Bettany in the lead as archangel Michael playing his role VERY well, Kevin Durand as Gabriel, Dennis Quaid as the "anchor" if you will, and a great supporting cast in Tyrese, Kate Walsh, Charles S. Dutton and others. Besides Bettany (who doesn't play very many lead roles) and Quaid (who's done a lot of bad films) there isn't much "name" value here, but they all work together pretty well and make it work from an acting point of view. Of course it's not oscar material, and SOME of the acting (like the waitress and Dennis Quaid's son, who end up taking a major role in the film) isn't all that great. But as a group, they make it work, especially with Bettany, a classically trained actor, as the lead and as mentioned, Quaid, with a ton of experience.

Moreover, the film is incredibly polished in terms of cinematics, sound, visuals, and action sequences. Explosions, firefights, fight scenes, etc all look very well made and the visuals are kept symbolic but tasteful. Director Scott Stewart makes his feature film debut here, but he has A LOT of experience with visual effects, including Sin City, Blade Runner, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Night at the Museum, Pirates, Die Hard and Iron Man, so you know from the cinematographic point of view, this movie was in good hands.

The film "misses" at both the beginning and the end. The beginning just takes way too long to get into the real "apocalypse" segment, or the second act, as the writers (which included Scott Stewart) felt the need to set up all of these characters in length even though we could easily get by the clichés and generic character development of a film of this nature. In fact, you could easily skip most of the first half hour of this film and still find yourself able to follow and more entertained as it progresses. Moreover, the end is cheesy, sudden, boring and slightly non-sensical, which causes it to really fall apart as it progresses.

It's really a shame because there is a lot of potential in the cast and the visual effects and action sequences, not to mention a premise that is fairly original and interesting, but with horrible pacing and a sub-par script, this movie disappoints way too much to have the good things make up for the bad.

Overall, the film gets a lot of points for all the good things mentioned above, but I also have to deduct a lot for the negative as the misses are glaring.

5 out of 10. This is worth a rental or a watch on your premium movie channels, but it could have been A LOT better.

George Prax 2010-11-08 11:04

Just re-watched The Sum of All Fears on MoviePix the other day... and I have to say I remember it being a lot better. it's obviously the worst of all the Jack Ryan / Tom Clancy films but I always remember liking it over the years... but upon re-watching it this weekend I found myself disappointed, especially with the nuclear bomb scene. It had the potential to be so much better considering it was around the time Affleck was in Pearl Harbour as well. Obviously this wasn't meant as a disaster movie but they could have done a lot better with it. They do a good job with the tension between the Russians, the President and Ryan at the end but it all just seems to easy, especially considering this was meant as sort of an "origin" story for Jack Ryan. Moreover, the movie was praised for having Europeans as the "ringleaders" so to speak, over what's become the norm for terrorists, but it really wasn't all that original in my opinion. The film strays from the book a lot, and there's a reason that only now are they saying they might make another Jack Ryan film with Chris Pine and Sam Raimi.Morgan Freeman saved this movie from being a total fail, so I'm giving it a 5.5 out of 10

Also re-watched Commando with Arnold Schwarzenegger this past weekend. Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for testosterone-fueled action movies, especially of the 80s variety and ESPECIALLY of the Arnie variety and this one is one of his best. He kills like 115 people in this, mostly in one sequence and he does it in style. Machine guns, shotguns, rakes, chainsaws, machetes, steam pipes, and oh so many explosions. One of the best action movies of all time, so corny and cheesy but yet so awesome. 10 out of 10, what more can you ask from a movie like this?

That being said, I leave you with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FFQ_g8OoQM

Anonymous 2010-11-14 21:58

Saw 3D

First and foremost, there is no way this movie HAD to be in 3D. In fact, there were only about two or three good moments in the entire film to warrant the 3D action, and I truly believe that a scene towards the end of the movie in which a "saw" is thrown at the camera is the only reason why they wanted this movie to be filmed in 3D.

Now that that is out of the way, let's discuss the movie itself. First of all, the acting was atrocious. While the main villain cop does well to portray a true psychotic murderer, the acting around him did little to make the movie seem like a low-grade/budget 80s massacre flick, and even then I may be giving it too much credit. The main story line has to do with a wannabe-jig-saw-survivor who is taught a valuable lesson for lying. Meanwhile, there is a ridiculous police chase on the psycho-murderous cop who seems to outwit everyone in the film at every turn. While the ending does well to tie everything together and provides a satisfying conclusion, the over-usage of the head-lock device, and horrible dialogue makes the movie flat out straight-to-DVD worthy. I, for one, am just thankful the series has concluded.

Grade: 6.0 out of 10
3D Grade: 2 out of 5

Anonymous 2010-11-14 22:03

The New Daughter

I was confused for half of this movie. It's not because of the story-line, that was actually put together very well. It also had nothing to do with the acting, as that, too, was strong and Kevin Costner certainly stole the film. It was where the film drew the line on whether or not it was a horror or a thriller. The genre clash became the primary mistake in the film as it lacked overall commitment to what it was trying to portray to the audience. While the film definitely keeps your attention all the way through, it did little to conclude the plot and the credits rolled in a classic-horror movie way in which something dramatic happens with no resolution.

Unfortunately for the film, that was its downfall. It would have been better appreciated had it stayed the course on a more supernatural thriller and end itself with Kevin Costner dealing with the situation a bit better. The film seems as if it's missing about 5 minutes of footage and after providing 1:45 of your attention, the filmmakers did not fulfill their end.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10 (had the ending have been better, I would have graded it around 7.

Worth watching, but don't give your hopes up over the ending.

Anonymous 2010-11-14 22:08

Toy Story 3

The know the ordeal - kid has toys, somehow they are separated and the quest for resolving the distance. This film is set a few years later and Andy, the child who owned all the spectacular toys, is now ready for college. The toys are accidentally sent to a day care where they are mistreated and a toy-prison-escape becomes the central plot. I won't say more so that I will not spoil it for you.

The film does well to introduce new characters - some familiar childhood toys that come to life and put a smile on your face. The charisma is once again there, and the comedy does not fall short for all ages. While I have heard negative comments over the conclusion of the film, it's quite honestly foreshadowed early on in its story, and was a welcoming happy ending.

For those wishing the film will be just as good as the first two, I felt it achieved more in its art than the previous installments to the series. The visual of the daycare alone is quite spectacular and balance of excitement and comedy did well to move the story along with ease. It was pure enjoyment, and, again, suitable for all ages.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.

George Prax 2010-11-15 10:49

I really liked Toy Story 3. I felt it was definitely the best in the series and it was also definitely good enough for both kids and adults. I'm not big on the whole "legitimate or deep message" that people claim it has to give, it was very much intended to be a message for kids, but they did the best job they possibly could with it. It was Pixar's masterpiece, and it deserves an Oscar nom if any animated film ever did.

At the same time, the 3D in this is totally useless. It's barely ever noticeable and it was a clear cash grab from Pixar. If the movie itself wasn't so good it would actually reduce my score.

But still, 9 out of 10 for me.

Megamind review coming soon.

Phil T 2010-09-30 13:44

Meme PicturesPost your best Meme pictures here.

I'll start:

#OffTopic

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George Prax 2010-09-30 14:38

The most epic of all memes:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sad-Don-Draper/152832518068859?ref=ts

George Prax 2010-10-15 11:27

George Prax 2010-11-18 13:10

Anonymous 2010-11-18 13:45

ahaha

George Prax 2010-11-24 14:38

Phil T 2010-11-27 23:27

Patrick Storto 2010-11-29 21:34

Photobucket

SloweVechkin 2010-09-30 11:33

Head injuries: Do they raise questions?I've been thinking a lot about the Savard and Laperriere situations and wondering if they really were "cleared" to come back last year and if they did more harm to their recovery process by playing. This has become a huge issue in the NFL, and it certain is to become one in the NHL, too. It seems strange that guys could come back and play at a pretty high level and now they are having recurrences of the symptoms.

Brian Pothier sat out a year and a half and then took an eye test and found out that he actually had issues with his eyesight that were projecting post-concussion syndrome symptoms. It all makes you wonder what the standards and protocols really are. #Hockey

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SloweVechkin 2010-10-01 16:36

There are neurolgical tests that can be performed when a player claims to have or not have headaches and nausea. And there are many more symptoms than just that. I have to believe in both cases I referred to there is blame to go around on both sides. Ultimately, if the player signs off on it, it's his decision to live with, but 20 year from now the player's association will be crying foul when there's a bunch of punch-drunk players walking around. It does need to be addressed.

Phil T 2010-10-03 15:04

I think the issue is that players can sometimes not show any symptoms and think they are fine only to have a setback after playing the game at high intensity

SloweVechkin 2010-09-22 10:00

Fantasy BlogHey everyone. I talked to Prax about me doing a fantasy blog, and he's all for it. Of course, with all the writing talent on the site, I welcome any contributors, comments, etc. along the way. I know there was a TCL fantasy draft weeks ago. Unfortunately my summer was ridiculously busy and that slipped through the cracks for me. I'm going to attempt to start a celebrity/"expert" fantasy league that I will write about as part of my fantasy blog and maybe have "guest bloggers."

I'm sure most of you are in leagues already, but if I need to fill some spaces I'd love to have some of you join in. Just beware that my son will probably win. I believe he's a future GM. He'd rathe draft a team on NHL11 than actually play. Crazy.

Anyway, I'll keep you all posted. Any feedback or interest is appreciated.

Thanks!

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skh 2011-06-26 16:38

George Prax 2010-09-20 20:37

How to be awkward in a photoshoot, with Ilya Kovalchuk

Anonymous 2010-09-20 21:10

haha

Greg Balloch 2010-09-20 22:29

Too bad Price will be the one looking awkward on the ice

George Prax 2010-09-20 23:58

Yes, because that has everything to do with Kovalchuk's awkward photoshoot.

Hey, I wonder, how awkward the Devils' bank account is going to look after Kovy takes $100 million out of it?

George Prax 2010-09-16 15:15

Separated at BirthPost your NHL (and even non-NHL) Separated at Birth pics!

Hank Lunqvist and Hans Gruber, via Phil T #OffTopic

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George Prax 2011-03-16 09:44

The Parros one = thread ended. lmao

George Prax 2011-04-15 15:59

Patrick Storto 2010-09-16 14:10

Most Random Players In HistoryThis is the spot for all of those players that completely fell off the map and out of people's minds. Players that you never would have thought about again in your entire life until now.

Ladies and ladies, reintroducing to you, the long lost...

BRIAN SAVAGE

Anonymous 2010-09-16 14:20

Oh Brian Savage. Your career was injury filled and you were inconsistent. Cheers!

George Prax 2010-09-16 14:49

I was always a fan of the savage. If it wasn't for all the injuries he wouldn't be so random.

I think the nickname we used to have for him was "Mr. October" here in Montreal. He'd start the season incredibly and always be at the top of the pack in points, and then he'd always fizzle out or get injured.

George Prax 2010-09-14 00:16

Lars Eller and Tintin = Separated at Birth

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skh 2011-06-26 16:38

Cinerichabs88 2010-09-13 14:03

The Habs Are Back in Town!!!!Well ladies and gentlemen, the 2010-2011 is only a month away and we somewhat know what the team will look like at the beggining of the season, but what we dont know is our rookies for the year.

with word that Desharnais wasn't invited to the rookie camp, the Montreal Media is already speculating that the young forward is well on his way out of town and that he doesn't seem to fit in the Canadiens plans. I for one think that he will be at the Official Training camp next week.

But we'll forget about that for now, what is important now is how the newest additions to the team will effect the promotions of last seasons hopefuls. We all know that PK Subban is sure in this season especially with the unknown return period of the Great Markov. The players that will be assessed in this analysis are Ellar, Pacioretty, Maxwell, Schultz, Tinordi, and Avstin.

we can safely assesse that Ellar will be playing on the team come October, because people will critisize the manegment for not obtaining a starter for the Halak trade. Ian Schultz on the other hand will start in Hamilton but i predict for only a breif stint, because of the lack of grit the team has they are gonna wana season him just enough to play his hard hitting/grinding style in the NHL.

the important players to watch are Patchy and Maxwell, often veered as being the next Leclair's and Carbonnaue's will be on a short leash especially Maxwell, with the addition of Halpern, the young centers will have a small window to play this year. Patchy will have to work his but off to make the squad because although Boyd and Lapierre are natural centers they will both develope as wingers this season which will additionally take the window of oppurtinuty from a three panel 6 foot long window to a single pane bullet proof 1 foot long window, he also has to compete with Avstin. Unlike Pacioretty, Avstin has 3 years of professional hockey in Russia under his belt, Profesionnal Hockey Played With men not Junior hockey Played with boys.

Same goes with Leblanc although he's playing junior hockey this year with the Juniors de Montreal, he once played in the USHL were you can play up to 25 years old. Playing a big mans game at 16 really helps your development mentally and physically. Finally, Tinordi, this years first round draft pick fallowed the same foot steps as last years first rounder (Leblanc), that is to join the London Nights OHL (which by the way is the hardest hitting team in the OHL). He will do exactly as Leblanc and learn to play 72 games a year and develope a regemental idea of hockey. The 6'7" defensmen will be hot on the tale of O'Byrne's position if he's anything like his father was in the 80's and 90's.

One thing is for sure, if Koystisen and Pouliot dont panne out by the holiday's, Hamilton will be banging on the door to replace them.

Though windows a slowly closing on some young guns, the Camp utterlly be gratifying for thier development. I am looking forward to witnessing who will step up and dominate the camp.

final predictions:
Ellar: starts year in Montreal
Pacioretty: starts in hamilton
Maxwell: starts in hamilton
Schultz: starts in hamilton
Tinordi: spends the year in OHL
Leblanc: spends the year in QMJHL
Avstin: starts year in Montreal
Boyed: starts year in Montreal

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skh 2011-06-26 16:38

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