Careful of the Complex Shadows

I thought my recent review of Shadow Complex for Xbox Live Arcade might actually be worthy of a re-post over here. If you don't wanna click through and read it at the 'Funk, I'll just let you know over here: it's amazing. It reminds me why I'd always say Super Metroid for the SNES is my favorite game of all time.

Loved it!

-- "I love you bro Montana."

Second Verse Same as the First

In lieu of declaring my return, I'll just act like nothing happened (because it really didn't) and move on to the movies I've watched since then.

Jumper - I wasn't expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. Say what you will, but it did create an alternate 'verse of possibility living amongst the now. Of course it was no realm of Harry Potter possibilities, but good enough. Also, Rachel Bilson is adorable.

This Film Is Not Yet Rated - I found this documentary about the film industry's rating system very intriguing. Its purpose isn't to just to see differences in NC-17 and R ratings; it also points out a bunch of hypocrisies and unveils some of the ludicrous secrets held close by the MPAA.

Visioneers - It was a complete lack of laugh-out-loud funny and teetering on the edge of serious drama amongst absurd circumstance. And it was interesting enough to see through to the end even though you may be hating some parts of it and/or falling asleep due to the sloth-like pace.

Primer - This one was kinda hard to keep up with as it tried to tackle time travel with existing physics. It attempted to baffle its audience with brilliance. And I totally didn't expect any twists it may or may not contain.

Finding Neverland - Further continuing my Marc Forster love (see Stranger Than Fiction), this movie pleased me throughout. The true-to-life adaptation about the conception of Peter Pan was well-received and worth the hype. I hope Freddie Highmore continues to grow as an actor through all these amazing films he's already been apart of before he even turned 18.

Coraline - I haven't read any Neil Gaiman, but it was definitely a creative world. The animation was stilted but good enough (just like Nightmare Before Christmas) and the design was fantastic. I just couldn't get engrossed in the story.

Horton Hears a Who! - I actually wasn't really familiar with this Seuss tale but felt like I'd be missing out if I hadn't seen it. It was entertaining enough to not be considered a waste of time. And though usually appreciating Jim Carrey's works, I didn't care for his voice-acting in this one. Steve Carrell's voice was trumpeted far above everyone else in this one.

Cowboy Bebop - The Movie - I've gotten used to and actually prefer the English dubbed series, so it was great to hear everyone again after some time since I'd seen the show. The only reason this was called "The Movie" was because the creators made it two hours long. It was really just a long episode, a good one but looong. It's worth it enough just to see Ein with a jack-o-lantern helmet on.

The Jacket - This was another movie of the "mindscrew" genre. So I naturally enjoyed it just for that aspect. But Adrien Brody was thrilling as he approached this schizophrenic role. If Stanley Kubrick directed a movie based on the books Slaughterhouse V and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, it would be a close approximation to this film.

The Godfather - I finally saw it, and yes, I really liked it.

-- "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."

Battlefield

Without any other words, the Battlefield franchise comes to mind every time. How many times can Dice make this game and still make it good? Answer: Just about every time.

Thanks to the mess of great reviews, constant talk from friends about it, and me having a Gold account on XBL, I decided to get Battlefield 1943. The demo was all I needed to put me over the edge, as it iterates on 1942 with an updated game engine. I loved that game oh-so-long ago, and I'm loving it again, albeit in a few less maps and simplified skill sets.

It works perfectly for the Xbox platform outside of the Live issues it's had. The same feel I got from the original fills me with glee whilst running over hapless opponents in my jeep or cruising in my tank. The vehicles are what got me to fall in love with it originally, and I can see they kept that in mind for this most recent translation.

-- "You either give me what I need or this switch will stay on until they turn the power off for lack of payment on the bill."

Gunslinger, It's Been Far Too Long

Summer Movie Fest:

The new Star Trek - as great as everyone said...a month ago. It reaffirmed my solemn vows to love J.J. Abrams' works.

Terminator: Salvation - Good action and effects. I've never been into the Skynet stories before, and this didn't make me care more or less.

Cold Mountain - Maybe it was the fact that I watched this just coming home after a trip to Gettysburg, but this Civil War era drama was fantastic. And though Renee Zellweger was in it, the film didn't remotely pretend she was pretty. So thanks for that.

Lost in Translation - Been meaning to see this for years, but it didn't wow me as much as I hoped. Scarlett Johansson & Bill Murray were absolutely their characters, but the addition of Anna Faris definitely crippled the great cast (or I was just blinded by rage as always when hearing her voice).

Disturbia - I had heard surprisingly good things and hold no ill-will towards Mr. LaBoeuf like so many others. It was a decent thriller but nothing too enchanting past the thin coat of Hollywood gloss.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist - Michael Cera constantly reprises the same, typecast role he was meant to play, and it works here. The inclusion of absurd situations and increasingly offbeat characters rounds out a thoroughly enjoyable film about discovering love.

Son of Rambow - Have you heard of this? Thank you, Netflix, for suggesting such cool films I'd normally pass up completely. This quirky, British comedy ultimately ends with heartwarming flare much like Millions.

Definitely, Maybe - For being a love story starting in divorce, I didn't hate this completely. Ryan Reynolds and a "good" ending considering the travesty formulated over the previous hour saved this from being an utterly detestable film...oh, and the cute kid helped too.

L4YER CAKE - Much like Rambow I hadn't heard of this. It features Daniel Craig in a witty crime story á la Snatch (with less flair) that proved not all movies allow bad people to get away with despicable crimes.

And finally Seven Samurai - The epic 3.5 hour masterpiece from Japanese auteur Akira Kurosawa didn't disappoint (it even includes an intermission). The only drawbacks on the constant bleating and prostrating of peasants.

-- "And now esteemed effendi, we feast."

Prototype Impressions @ IF; Movie Mayhem Mash-up Mix-em-up Coming Soon

My prototypical review of Prototype is up over at InsulinFunk. I tried not to convey all of the hype I had but probably failed. Oh well, enjoy.

And I have a bunch of movie impressions I'll post up soon. I don't think Wes and the gang would appreciate my quick thoughts on all the films I watch as much as you two (three?) don't.

-- "One of these days, I'm really...going to let you teach that guy a lesson."

Insulin Funk Welcomes New Writer

Yeah, I'm now lending my e-pen to the Funk. I'll still write here occasionally, but want to keep consistently writing anywhere really.

Anyway, here's a link to my first post. Check out the rest of the site if you haven't before too.

-- "I looked it up in the dictionary...it wasn't in there."

Rocktober Can't Come Soon Enough

Brütal F'ing Legend.

If you haven't heard of this game yet, please edify yourself with the latest trailer then continue to headbang through this.

I don't know if you absolutely need to be into metal music at all, but it no doubt helps. The game looks to be full of an insane amount of fun and genuine laughs. Apparently it helps to have played some of Tim Schafer's, the game's designer, earlier games, but I have neglected them. Perhaps I'll take time to trounce through the Psychonauts realm later.

And I'm as stoked as anybody to play as Eddie Riggs, but I have some fears about the actual action of the game. Most of the trailers showcase the outrageous setting, the music and cameos, and the funny. Little action is showcased, so I'm wondering how repetitive and lackluster it may be.

I should be calmed by early interpretations from reviewers raving about its performance, so I'll just shut up for now and enjoy Ozzy and Halford alongside Mr. Black.

-- "You know, your clothes may say disco, but your eyes say rock 'n roll!"