No doubt, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are about finished. There might still be a couple titles coming out for each of those systems, but when, I don't know. Most stores will try to get whatever remaining stock they have of the older systems software, so with that in mind, let's get into the main discussion. Should you be going after the last generation consoles?
Personally, I would get into it now. There are a lot of titles that you can find for relatively low prices, especially for some of the base games. One of these examples is Grand Theft Auto IV. Not every store will be like this, but I saw it at GameStop for practically nothing. You can find a lot for PS3 and 360 for 20 dollars and under. There are exceptions like Ghostbusters from Atari and even kids games like Toy Story 3. For the most part however, the local stores and some GameStops should be fair enough with these two systems, both hardware and software.
What about Nintendo systems? To be honest, it's hard to discuss this company. The systems they have are the hardest to deal with due to expensive prices. No average person is going to waste 60 dollars on an N64 Mario Kart or a GameCube Smash Bros. Melee. For the Wii, it might be an exception for now. If you're dead set on getting that system, invest now on those games that are coveted. Odds are most of the shovelware and certain ports will stay very low, while something like a Zack and Wiki or Metroid Prime Trilogy will get higher prices. I wish I would recommend getting the system purely on the Virtual Console and its physical library, but with Nintendo shutting down the ability to add Wii Points in March, I can't put it high on the must buy list.
With handhelds, it shouldn't be too bad. The problem is finding all sorts of licensed junk. That is one of my gripes with the Game Boy Advance. It seemed like the later half of its life was littered with just about every Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network show getting a game adaptation if it weren't a 16-bit port. The DS still has that problem, but there's still a rich library that you can have. Outside of some Nintendo games, it shouldn't be cost prohibitive. Try finding them at the local used stores. Finding them in the cases is critical.
In regards to the PSP, it's going to be very tough. Despite 70 million in hardware sold, it's library had a tough time finding audiences. Your best bet is seeing if the local used stores have them. Even then, it could be slim pickings with some baseball titles, a Syphon Filter game, and maybe some UMD movies typically seen in a small section. I'm not sure if price will be a huge problem as much as finding any games. You can still download some games, but not on a PSP. More so with a Vita or maybe PS3 if you can find anything or if they are compatible such as PS1 Classics.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Psych: The Movie Review
Now for something a little special. For a movie based on a TV show to work, you have to hope it stays faithful to the source material. Luckily for Psych, it had it's creator Steve Franks and main star James Roday writing the screenplay for what is an enjoyable Christmas fest while staying funny with the made the show a huge hit over a decade ago. There are gags that you remember, the banter between the characters, etc... All while solving a crime, it still feels down to earth compared to most ultra serious crime shows.
It certainly gets a good start to laughing when Shawn Spencer (Roday) has to deal with three gangster type guys while looking for jewelry, which if you get a chance to watch it, you will understand if you've seen the show. Cue a chase scene and the fake psychic relying on his old pal Gus (Dule Hill) to help him out of a jam. However, the real plot begins after that when a group lead by the Thin White Duke (Zachary Levi) does real damage to the police partner of Juliet O'Hara (Maggie Lawson) that lands him in the hospital. What does Duke want? Is he sending a message to the San Francisco Police Department? Or is there something that Juliet knows that warrants going after the partner?
Without getting too deep ruining the film and its story, Psych knows when to let loose and when to be serious. It's still Shawn and Gus bantering with each other, helping out both Juliet and Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson), the latter having a quite a bit screen time compared to the show. There are a number of callbacks to the show, especially with a big twist that you wouldn't think would happen. These guys know when to surprise people, and I find it to be really effective.
This isn't just Roday and Hill leading the way withe comedy. There is quite a bit from their coroner friend, Woody Strode. (Kurt Fuller) He is still the same kind of the character like he was when introduced midway through the show's run, especially with what happened after the events of the series finale. Like Vick, Shawn's dad Henry (Corbin Bernsen) has a bit of screentime as well when he wants to help his son and future daughter in law rid of Duke and his cronies. He also gets himself a few funny bits, typically jabs from Shawn. We also get a chance to see Iris, Vick's daughter. as a bit of a troublemaker who doesn't want Juliet to tell her mother of the petty crimes she commits.
With that being said, one of the major things with this film is the relationship of Shawn and Juliet. Things are addressed very early about whether they are getting married or not though both perspectives. Juliet doesn't want to rush things, while Shawn still holds on to the past of his grandmother's ring. Still, through thick and thin, they still love each other and will help themselves together as they looked for the bad guys. Shawn will always be by her side, even if it means facing death right in front of them. I wish I could say more things about this film, but it's so hard not to spoil the important moments. Really, they develop the characters well enough to show that they are there for each other and willing to take on evil.
Also, one of the morals is about doing the right thing. It's something you have to consider. These characters are detectives, even if some aren't qualified. Throughout Psych's run, Shawn relied on lying, even though his photographic memory and ability to find the details typically netted him the bad guys. I find it amazing that they are willing to flesh him out more, though we do see a few funny things with doing the fake psychic act. With Juliet, she is someone that has to make the hard decisions. It is something they do show throughout the movie. She is a by the book detective in the show. A few mistakes here and there, but she does not mess around with following the rules. Still, they develop her a bit more and you see how it is gnawing at her and seeing how scared she is. They don't overboard with anything sappy or over dramatic, and I think the ending will leave you satisfied enough.
There are nods to the 80s with some of the references. Outside of the crime, Gus has himself a relationship with a woman (Jazmyn Simon, Hill's real life wife) who really can't keep her hands off of him. It is cute, but funny considering his track record with women. Obviously, headlining the guest starring group is Levi as Duke. He is evil, but funny at the same time. There is a bit of shallowness, but Psych has always been known for making humor in dark situations regardless of the bad guy. Other notables are Ralph Macchio reprising his cop character from the show and some WWE wrestlers, one of which includes Charlotte Flair as one of the bad guys. One disappointing thing is not seeing much of Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), but the crew didn't have much choice. Omundson suffered a stroke before filming, but his character still served a big purpose for Juliet and her attempts to solve the crime. Other than a couple awkward moments, this is A plus material.
If you can find it on the USA Network during this month, this is a no-brainer. Watch it. It is exactly like the show. You are going to laugh your ass off with some gut busting moments. This is almost like they didn't stop doing the show, which I will be gladly anticipating another movie if they continue to do more with these guys. A great way to finish off 2017 for television and film.
Score: 9 out of 10
It certainly gets a good start to laughing when Shawn Spencer (Roday) has to deal with three gangster type guys while looking for jewelry, which if you get a chance to watch it, you will understand if you've seen the show. Cue a chase scene and the fake psychic relying on his old pal Gus (Dule Hill) to help him out of a jam. However, the real plot begins after that when a group lead by the Thin White Duke (Zachary Levi) does real damage to the police partner of Juliet O'Hara (Maggie Lawson) that lands him in the hospital. What does Duke want? Is he sending a message to the San Francisco Police Department? Or is there something that Juliet knows that warrants going after the partner?
Without getting too deep ruining the film and its story, Psych knows when to let loose and when to be serious. It's still Shawn and Gus bantering with each other, helping out both Juliet and Chief Vick (Kirsten Nelson), the latter having a quite a bit screen time compared to the show. There are a number of callbacks to the show, especially with a big twist that you wouldn't think would happen. These guys know when to surprise people, and I find it to be really effective.
This isn't just Roday and Hill leading the way withe comedy. There is quite a bit from their coroner friend, Woody Strode. (Kurt Fuller) He is still the same kind of the character like he was when introduced midway through the show's run, especially with what happened after the events of the series finale. Like Vick, Shawn's dad Henry (Corbin Bernsen) has a bit of screentime as well when he wants to help his son and future daughter in law rid of Duke and his cronies. He also gets himself a few funny bits, typically jabs from Shawn. We also get a chance to see Iris, Vick's daughter. as a bit of a troublemaker who doesn't want Juliet to tell her mother of the petty crimes she commits.
With that being said, one of the major things with this film is the relationship of Shawn and Juliet. Things are addressed very early about whether they are getting married or not though both perspectives. Juliet doesn't want to rush things, while Shawn still holds on to the past of his grandmother's ring. Still, through thick and thin, they still love each other and will help themselves together as they looked for the bad guys. Shawn will always be by her side, even if it means facing death right in front of them. I wish I could say more things about this film, but it's so hard not to spoil the important moments. Really, they develop the characters well enough to show that they are there for each other and willing to take on evil.
Also, one of the morals is about doing the right thing. It's something you have to consider. These characters are detectives, even if some aren't qualified. Throughout Psych's run, Shawn relied on lying, even though his photographic memory and ability to find the details typically netted him the bad guys. I find it amazing that they are willing to flesh him out more, though we do see a few funny things with doing the fake psychic act. With Juliet, she is someone that has to make the hard decisions. It is something they do show throughout the movie. She is a by the book detective in the show. A few mistakes here and there, but she does not mess around with following the rules. Still, they develop her a bit more and you see how it is gnawing at her and seeing how scared she is. They don't overboard with anything sappy or over dramatic, and I think the ending will leave you satisfied enough.
There are nods to the 80s with some of the references. Outside of the crime, Gus has himself a relationship with a woman (Jazmyn Simon, Hill's real life wife) who really can't keep her hands off of him. It is cute, but funny considering his track record with women. Obviously, headlining the guest starring group is Levi as Duke. He is evil, but funny at the same time. There is a bit of shallowness, but Psych has always been known for making humor in dark situations regardless of the bad guy. Other notables are Ralph Macchio reprising his cop character from the show and some WWE wrestlers, one of which includes Charlotte Flair as one of the bad guys. One disappointing thing is not seeing much of Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), but the crew didn't have much choice. Omundson suffered a stroke before filming, but his character still served a big purpose for Juliet and her attempts to solve the crime. Other than a couple awkward moments, this is A plus material.
If you can find it on the USA Network during this month, this is a no-brainer. Watch it. It is exactly like the show. You are going to laugh your ass off with some gut busting moments. This is almost like they didn't stop doing the show, which I will be gladly anticipating another movie if they continue to do more with these guys. A great way to finish off 2017 for television and film.
Score: 9 out of 10
Friday, December 8, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Why I Don't Feel Bad For Most Women Accusers
I know when I do this blog, I'm not going to win everybody over. Nobody does. My main focus has been video games, TV, film, and sports. It's not easy trying to get these done a few times a week. This might be the easiest to talk since these are honest thoughts for this. Time Magazine considered their Person of the Year to be The Silence Breakers, women who have gone on to say they were sexually harassed by men. I find it to be a crock of shit, and a bad black eye.
It goes back a few months ago to the Harvey Weinstein incident, which might be one of the very few things that I'll actually believe. It wouldn't surprise me if he did rape and harass women. And I've played the game L.A. Noire, where there's a case of a producer trying to kill and rape a 15 year old at the beginning of it. Then came the floodgates, which increased following the Me Too hashtag created by washed up star Alyssa Milano. Now a lot of women are saying they got sexually harassed. Even the people you wouldn't think is ridiculous such as Dustin Hoffman and Charlie Sheen, the latter accused of raping the late Corey Haim back around 1985/86.
I've had a hard time believing anything since hearing the story of Brian Banks, the football player who got exonerated a few years ago for a rape crime he didn't commit. Losing five years of his to jail because of some idiot woman cost him a chance at college football and even the NFL. The other story in my head is reporter Erin Andrews. I've never liked her. She is one of the most useless sideline people who fits the stereotype of dumb, blonde, and a body of a model. I think she's stupid, and I didn't buy into her sob story a couple years ago. Back in 2007 when she was at ESPN, a peeper supposedly filmed her naked (it was hard to know if it was Andrews due to how the video looked) Personally, I think she underestimated her popularity. Most people aren't going to watch her for her reporting. Someone with a body like hers, big breasts, wardrobe, and hair color is going to lead to some having stalkers.
Sidetrack aside, the media is going to give sympathy to a woman. They get more coverage and platforms to speak on while the man gets nothing. The idea of innocent until proven guilty is a joke. If an incident didn't happen, it doesn't matter. A guy's life is finished and he can't go back to the same everyday routine because of the false accusations. With the big name people, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth because there's actual harassment that goes on that doesn't wind up being heard on NBC or CBS or any network. I view it as women mostly wanting either 15 minutes of fame, or quick money because of it escalating since Weinstein. As I said, it's a bad black eye, and it makes actual harassment cases go unnoticed where something actually did happen and it wasn't a get rich quick scheme.
Until then, I'm just going to be a non-believer in most of these stories. I'm more inclined to believe the local papers than I would what is said in Hollywood. And a number of women need to be held accountable for their actions.
It goes back a few months ago to the Harvey Weinstein incident, which might be one of the very few things that I'll actually believe. It wouldn't surprise me if he did rape and harass women. And I've played the game L.A. Noire, where there's a case of a producer trying to kill and rape a 15 year old at the beginning of it. Then came the floodgates, which increased following the Me Too hashtag created by washed up star Alyssa Milano. Now a lot of women are saying they got sexually harassed. Even the people you wouldn't think is ridiculous such as Dustin Hoffman and Charlie Sheen, the latter accused of raping the late Corey Haim back around 1985/86.
I've had a hard time believing anything since hearing the story of Brian Banks, the football player who got exonerated a few years ago for a rape crime he didn't commit. Losing five years of his to jail because of some idiot woman cost him a chance at college football and even the NFL. The other story in my head is reporter Erin Andrews. I've never liked her. She is one of the most useless sideline people who fits the stereotype of dumb, blonde, and a body of a model. I think she's stupid, and I didn't buy into her sob story a couple years ago. Back in 2007 when she was at ESPN, a peeper supposedly filmed her naked (it was hard to know if it was Andrews due to how the video looked) Personally, I think she underestimated her popularity. Most people aren't going to watch her for her reporting. Someone with a body like hers, big breasts, wardrobe, and hair color is going to lead to some having stalkers.
Sidetrack aside, the media is going to give sympathy to a woman. They get more coverage and platforms to speak on while the man gets nothing. The idea of innocent until proven guilty is a joke. If an incident didn't happen, it doesn't matter. A guy's life is finished and he can't go back to the same everyday routine because of the false accusations. With the big name people, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth because there's actual harassment that goes on that doesn't wind up being heard on NBC or CBS or any network. I view it as women mostly wanting either 15 minutes of fame, or quick money because of it escalating since Weinstein. As I said, it's a bad black eye, and it makes actual harassment cases go unnoticed where something actually did happen and it wasn't a get rich quick scheme.
Until then, I'm just going to be a non-believer in most of these stories. I'm more inclined to believe the local papers than I would what is said in Hollywood. And a number of women need to be held accountable for their actions.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
The Bad Rep of Pittsburgh
No review this week. Last night's NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals will be one to remember, but for the wrong reasons. First was early in the game when Steeler linebacker Ryan Shazier was injured tackling and wound up in a hospital with a back injury. Whether this is a paralyzing one, I don't know. That will be talked a lot along with what receiver Juju Smith-Schuster did.
Late in the game, Smith-Schuster hit a defenseless Vontaze Burfict, a Bengal linebacker who had his share of controversy against Pittsburgh in this rivalry. Burfict went down to the ground and the receiver stood over him, resulting in a taunting penalty to go with the unnecessary roughness penalty. With ESPN broadcasting the game, both their main guys, Sean McDonough and Jon Gruden were disturbed by the hit. Watching it, Gruden was surprised that there wasn't an ejection. There was another bad one but it was the Bengals George Iloka delivering a hit to the head at Steeler Antonio Brown, who later said it was karma regarding the Burfict hit. Brown was hit viciously a few seasons ago in the playoffs by him and some might say that cost them a Super Bowl run in 2015, losing to the Broncos.
Steeler fans wonder what they get such a bad rep. Last night's game is a very good indication. Especially in the wake of Sunday where Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski was suspended a game for a cheap shot on a Buffalo Bill, this should be an easy suspension to put on Smith-Schuster. It's the kind of thing the league does not want to see. This simply adds fuel to the fire that Steeler players are dirty. Shazier himself had a rule named after him following a helmet to helmet hit on Bengal Giovanni Bernard that was legal in the playoffs a few years ago. Not to mention some of the other players involved in the rivalry since 2005.
This is a huge black eye for the league. You have to hope Shazier's injury isn't a paralyzing one, but your guess is as good as mine. With stuff like Schuster, however, that crap needs to stop. Refs can't keep giving teams like the Steelers and Seahawks a break. Not much else to say other than Steeler fans can cry all they want, but the rep they have, even with being one of the older franchises in the NFL, will only get worse if they keep doing things like this.
Late in the game, Smith-Schuster hit a defenseless Vontaze Burfict, a Bengal linebacker who had his share of controversy against Pittsburgh in this rivalry. Burfict went down to the ground and the receiver stood over him, resulting in a taunting penalty to go with the unnecessary roughness penalty. With ESPN broadcasting the game, both their main guys, Sean McDonough and Jon Gruden were disturbed by the hit. Watching it, Gruden was surprised that there wasn't an ejection. There was another bad one but it was the Bengals George Iloka delivering a hit to the head at Steeler Antonio Brown, who later said it was karma regarding the Burfict hit. Brown was hit viciously a few seasons ago in the playoffs by him and some might say that cost them a Super Bowl run in 2015, losing to the Broncos.
Steeler fans wonder what they get such a bad rep. Last night's game is a very good indication. Especially in the wake of Sunday where Patriot tight end Rob Gronkowski was suspended a game for a cheap shot on a Buffalo Bill, this should be an easy suspension to put on Smith-Schuster. It's the kind of thing the league does not want to see. This simply adds fuel to the fire that Steeler players are dirty. Shazier himself had a rule named after him following a helmet to helmet hit on Bengal Giovanni Bernard that was legal in the playoffs a few years ago. Not to mention some of the other players involved in the rivalry since 2005.
This is a huge black eye for the league. You have to hope Shazier's injury isn't a paralyzing one, but your guess is as good as mine. With stuff like Schuster, however, that crap needs to stop. Refs can't keep giving teams like the Steelers and Seahawks a break. Not much else to say other than Steeler fans can cry all they want, but the rep they have, even with being one of the older franchises in the NFL, will only get worse if they keep doing things like this.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)