Friday, November 30, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
The Genius of Stephen Hillenburg
News is spreading now of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg. His name is synonymous with Nickelodeon, a network he had worked for for a very long time going back to 1993. Even though it's only a couple of cartoons, they are amongst the most recognized in not just the cable realm, but for cartoons and the entire television spectrum.
If you were to ask me my favorite cartoon on Nickelodeon, it would be Rocko's Modern Life. Even though Hillenburg didn't create it, he was instrumental to a lot of what made the show special. It was a bit tame compared to Ren and Stimpy, but it wasn't playing safe like Doug and Rugrats. Him and a number of those writers created a world of over the top moments, and stuff that can cater to both kids and adults. A lot of fun satire and normal day things being very dangerous. It's amazing how much they got away with, and it holds up surprisingly well. There's no gimmicks to Rocko, and with that, it stands out a lot more.
Of course, we can't talk Hillenburg without talking SpongeBob SquarePants. It's been on the air since May of 1999 and hasn't stopped. Personally, I stopped watching it probably over a decade ago once they really dumbed down the characters tremendously and either aimed to be like Family Guy or some other cartoon. However, you can't deny the blueprints for those first few years. One thing I just realized was that he was a Marine Biologist. I'll assume that's what made him want to have this kind of show.
SpongeBob is a different premise, but yet, similar to Rocko. It is a bit more lighter toned, but you still have those over the top moments and stuff that caters to both kids and adults. What also helps is that there is more of a wide range of characters, almost like what The Simpsons is. Even though the focus is on a couple handfuls of people, there is still the community of Bikini Bottom and all sorts of events that occur. Hillenburg and his staff created a world that is memorable and easy to recognize. Some of their early stuff is amongst some of the best known material not just for the show, but for television overall.
It's tragic of ALS claiming yet another person. The world is less fun with Hillenburg being gone.
If you were to ask me my favorite cartoon on Nickelodeon, it would be Rocko's Modern Life. Even though Hillenburg didn't create it, he was instrumental to a lot of what made the show special. It was a bit tame compared to Ren and Stimpy, but it wasn't playing safe like Doug and Rugrats. Him and a number of those writers created a world of over the top moments, and stuff that can cater to both kids and adults. A lot of fun satire and normal day things being very dangerous. It's amazing how much they got away with, and it holds up surprisingly well. There's no gimmicks to Rocko, and with that, it stands out a lot more.
Of course, we can't talk Hillenburg without talking SpongeBob SquarePants. It's been on the air since May of 1999 and hasn't stopped. Personally, I stopped watching it probably over a decade ago once they really dumbed down the characters tremendously and either aimed to be like Family Guy or some other cartoon. However, you can't deny the blueprints for those first few years. One thing I just realized was that he was a Marine Biologist. I'll assume that's what made him want to have this kind of show.
SpongeBob is a different premise, but yet, similar to Rocko. It is a bit more lighter toned, but you still have those over the top moments and stuff that caters to both kids and adults. What also helps is that there is more of a wide range of characters, almost like what The Simpsons is. Even though the focus is on a couple handfuls of people, there is still the community of Bikini Bottom and all sorts of events that occur. Hillenburg and his staff created a world that is memorable and easy to recognize. Some of their early stuff is amongst some of the best known material not just for the show, but for television overall.
It's tragic of ALS claiming yet another person. The world is less fun with Hillenburg being gone.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Creed II Review
My thoughts on Creed was that it was not anything impressive or revolutionary. However, it was still a solid movie and a way to continue the Rocky series of films. Creed II continues with that same mantra, but is more settled in as you know the new set of characters. I'd say it's better than the first Creed. And I'm saying that as someone who, even with the trailers, wasn't sure what kind of movie it was going to be.
Adonis Johnson Creed is finally becoming a household name. He finds himself as one of the top boxers. Rocky is at his corner for the fights. Bianca is still by his side through thick and thin. Things are all well. In the Ukraine, Viktor Drago is a very lethal fighter. Trained by father Ivan, his life is hell. Both had endured so much since Ivan's loss to Rocky that it exiled them from Soviet Russia. The hope to bring glory back to them and Russia sends them to Philadelphia for a fight against Adonis.
Going in, I was somewhat expecting something over the top like Rocky IV. Being down to earth helps Creed II and doesn't stray away from what made the first one good. This is similar to Creed, but sprinkled with Rocky II, III, and IV. However, it doesn't wind up being a one sided amount of screen time with one set of characters. They give Ivan and Viktor a decent amount of time and they create a fair amount of backstory for Ivan. Another thing is that they are not portrayed as super villains. They are just people trying to make a name for themselves once again. Otherwise, it's still a gritty film.
Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone are still great and provide a nice chemistry as fighter and trainer. They feed off each other with phenomenal performances that feels very real as Adonis and Rocky. Tessa Thompson is excellent and I like that Bianca is given a lot of development. There is more to her compared to Adrian. A lot more, and she is a complete character. Between the three characters, they provide a strong emotional roller coaster of ups and downs.
Going with the amount of time with the Dragos, Dolph Lundgren is portrayed as more than just a puppet and an emotionless person with Ivan. He wants the good life and it will have to take blood, sweat, and tears for his son to bring them back to glory. Viktor is similar to what his father was in Rocky IV, minus the steroids. That being said, he does have some things to say and he takes a lot of abuse verbally in order to stay strong.
The boxing is about as brutal as you can get without becoming an R rated film. It comes off very real and not over the top compared to a few of the Rocky sequels. As I said about the first Creed, I wouldn't be surprised if these guys took actual damage from some of those punches. Some very strong choreography helps quite a bit, and the training is not overly ridiculous.
Clocking in at just under two hours, Creed II has its own identity while still being a sequel to the Rocky franchise. It stands out a lot more and continues to have a solid foundation for its characters and create some strong drama and sports action. Also quite a few surprises, too. This is a must watch. Head to your theater and see it. You won't be disappointed.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone are still great and provide a nice chemistry as fighter and trainer. They feed off each other with phenomenal performances that feels very real as Adonis and Rocky. Tessa Thompson is excellent and I like that Bianca is given a lot of development. There is more to her compared to Adrian. A lot more, and she is a complete character. Between the three characters, they provide a strong emotional roller coaster of ups and downs.
Going with the amount of time with the Dragos, Dolph Lundgren is portrayed as more than just a puppet and an emotionless person with Ivan. He wants the good life and it will have to take blood, sweat, and tears for his son to bring them back to glory. Viktor is similar to what his father was in Rocky IV, minus the steroids. That being said, he does have some things to say and he takes a lot of abuse verbally in order to stay strong.
The boxing is about as brutal as you can get without becoming an R rated film. It comes off very real and not over the top compared to a few of the Rocky sequels. As I said about the first Creed, I wouldn't be surprised if these guys took actual damage from some of those punches. Some very strong choreography helps quite a bit, and the training is not overly ridiculous.
Clocking in at just under two hours, Creed II has its own identity while still being a sequel to the Rocky franchise. It stands out a lot more and continues to have a solid foundation for its characters and create some strong drama and sports action. Also quite a few surprises, too. This is a must watch. Head to your theater and see it. You won't be disappointed.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Ralph Breaks The Internet Review
Along with Super Troopers 2, Ralph Breaks The Internet was a film I had been anticipating for and wanting to see in the theater. I saw the original a few weeks after it came out and enjoyed it a lot. This one is a solid effort, but not as strong as the first.
Things go awry when the steering wheel of Sugar Rush breaks thanks to Ralph. Mr. Litwak is not keen on getting it fixed. The machine is unplugged and many of the inhabitants are left homeless. Litwak has also gotten with the times and added Wi-Fi to the old arcade. Ralph and Vanellope venture into the world of Wi-Fi and the Internet in hopes of finding that part and trying to pay off the costs of it.
One thing I'll get out of the way is that it stays consistently funny with tons of moments and little gags that make for good entertainment. As far as making fun of the Internet, it gets its point across through the various websites without overstaying its welcome on their purposes. One example is the Disney princesses scene, which was in the trailers. It doesn't come off as a cheap one time gag that lasts for a minute. A bit of thought was put into it, as are some of the other websites.
There is a lot more dedication towards both Ralph and Vanellope. Both John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman deliver solid performances as the two characters and provide a good combo of both comedy and drama while exploring the Internet. A few new characters get some screen time. One is Shank, voiced by Gal Gadot. She gives the story a shot in the arm with the writers take on online gaming and contributes to Vanellope's thoughts about life beyond Sugar Rush and Ralph. The other is Yesss. I don't care much for Taraji P. Henson, but she doesn't come as overbearing with her character. Like Shank, she adds a bit to the story, but to the parody of YouTube. Really, both characters are not written as people you forget about during the nearly two hours of the movie.
Fix it Felix and Sgt. Calhoun both return with their original voices, but are mostly afterthoughts. I'm not complaining much about that. There are plenty of game characters in their brief scenes, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Chun-Li, and Pac-Man. It definitely is more along the lines of a popcorn flick, though. The story is not the greatest, but there's worse. Ralph has a bit of a stubborn attitude at times throughout it. It doesn't make it unwatchable, but as a character, he's not as strong like in the first one. Other than those two things, some complaints might be towards being a product placement for various sites to add in some cheap gags. It's noticeable, but I don't think it detracts from the overall experience.
There aren't too many options other than The Grinch, but Ralph 2 is something to watch in the theater. Go check it out. Not as strong as the first, but still a good solid movie.
Score: 7 out of 10
Things go awry when the steering wheel of Sugar Rush breaks thanks to Ralph. Mr. Litwak is not keen on getting it fixed. The machine is unplugged and many of the inhabitants are left homeless. Litwak has also gotten with the times and added Wi-Fi to the old arcade. Ralph and Vanellope venture into the world of Wi-Fi and the Internet in hopes of finding that part and trying to pay off the costs of it.
One thing I'll get out of the way is that it stays consistently funny with tons of moments and little gags that make for good entertainment. As far as making fun of the Internet, it gets its point across through the various websites without overstaying its welcome on their purposes. One example is the Disney princesses scene, which was in the trailers. It doesn't come off as a cheap one time gag that lasts for a minute. A bit of thought was put into it, as are some of the other websites.
There is a lot more dedication towards both Ralph and Vanellope. Both John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman deliver solid performances as the two characters and provide a good combo of both comedy and drama while exploring the Internet. A few new characters get some screen time. One is Shank, voiced by Gal Gadot. She gives the story a shot in the arm with the writers take on online gaming and contributes to Vanellope's thoughts about life beyond Sugar Rush and Ralph. The other is Yesss. I don't care much for Taraji P. Henson, but she doesn't come as overbearing with her character. Like Shank, she adds a bit to the story, but to the parody of YouTube. Really, both characters are not written as people you forget about during the nearly two hours of the movie.
Fix it Felix and Sgt. Calhoun both return with their original voices, but are mostly afterthoughts. I'm not complaining much about that. There are plenty of game characters in their brief scenes, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Chun-Li, and Pac-Man. It definitely is more along the lines of a popcorn flick, though. The story is not the greatest, but there's worse. Ralph has a bit of a stubborn attitude at times throughout it. It doesn't make it unwatchable, but as a character, he's not as strong like in the first one. Other than those two things, some complaints might be towards being a product placement for various sites to add in some cheap gags. It's noticeable, but I don't think it detracts from the overall experience.
There aren't too many options other than The Grinch, but Ralph 2 is something to watch in the theater. Go check it out. Not as strong as the first, but still a good solid movie.
Score: 7 out of 10
Monday, November 26, 2018
To Understand Convenience
Another year, another Black Friday. Its numbers were very strong, but one area it did more in, it was more in the online spectrum than going to a store.
There is a comfort zone for many people. For ones that go online, it's knowing they can look for something they want, order it, and not wait in line at a store. Around this time of the year, it can be very hectic. Maybe some violence if it goes that far. Some stores may not have an adequate amount of product or if they do, it may run out quickly if it's the hot item of the holiday season.
Companies are mostly set on knowing that they have tons of people ordering online. That being said, it does hurt them if they don't get enough feet to enter their stores and look at the products and make that purchase. Everyone has their own preferences. I'm more of the type to go to the actual store. Maybe I'll do more online one day, but I'm good with what I do now. But there will be others that will have the convenience to be sitting on their computer, cobbling together their list and in a flash finding them.
It's not a case of too much power from certain Internet websites. People want to avoid headaches of travel, weather and other circumstances. And that needs to be understood.
There is a comfort zone for many people. For ones that go online, it's knowing they can look for something they want, order it, and not wait in line at a store. Around this time of the year, it can be very hectic. Maybe some violence if it goes that far. Some stores may not have an adequate amount of product or if they do, it may run out quickly if it's the hot item of the holiday season.
Companies are mostly set on knowing that they have tons of people ordering online. That being said, it does hurt them if they don't get enough feet to enter their stores and look at the products and make that purchase. Everyone has their own preferences. I'm more of the type to go to the actual store. Maybe I'll do more online one day, but I'm good with what I do now. But there will be others that will have the convenience to be sitting on their computer, cobbling together their list and in a flash finding them.
It's not a case of too much power from certain Internet websites. People want to avoid headaches of travel, weather and other circumstances. And that needs to be understood.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Monday, November 19, 2018
Deep Down in NFL's 2018 Season
We approach the last stretch of the season where the next five or six games will make a huge difference for NFL teams. Some quick thoughts:
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like a good favorite to have a good playoff run. With an ability to run with James Conner and a defense that has held its own, they provide Ben Roethlisberger at least another chance for a third Super Bowl title with him. Baltimore might have a quarterback controversy unless they part ways with Joe Flacco, which I doubt will happen. Lamar Jackson had a strong game against Cincinnati, but whether he can cobble up more victories is something that he'll have to prove.
A handful of AFC teams sit at five and five records following yesterday's games. The Indianapolis Colts have been on a tear in a month's span and could be a favorite for the Wild Card if they continue the hot streak. Tennessee has been rather inconsistent and an injury from Marcus Mariota only adds to the issues they have. What Baltimore does depends on who shows up and plays their guts out. And slumping Cincinnati has a certain problem depending on the game they have. They are slowly fading and they have to get their act together in order to even secure a Wild Card spot. The LA Chargers were stunned and while they are a playoff favorite, getting the AFC West from Kansas City just got tougher.
With Alex Smith's gruesome leg injury in Washington, the NFC East is up for grabs. It's a stretch to say any of them could win it, but Dallas seems the most favorable. With a decent group on both sides of the ball, they could find themselves winning the division. Philadelphia experienced another painful loss, but in embarrassing fashion against New Orleans. A thinning secondary that is banged up and a inconsistent running makes up a recipe for a Super Bowl hangover.
The NFC North has a similar story, but Chicago has built a strong year, including a current four game winning streak. A smothering defense and a young offensive group could mean a playoff berth for the first time since 2010. Minnesota might have experience, but a poor ground game and injuries on defense could keep crippling them. Plus, you never know what version of Kirk Cousins you're getting. Green Bay might have their star quarterback, but an inconsistent running attack and poor defensive unit make it hard to determine if they even have a shot for the Wild Card. Detroit could also have a shot, but like the rest of the North, they will need a lot of luck.
New Orleans look to be the Super Bowl favorite. Every facet playing very strong has them very hungry for a second Super Bowl title. The momentum is high and they need to keep playing on a high level. Carolina might still have a Wild Card spot, but after a bad decision at the end of their loss to Detroit, it might be a bitter pill to swallow and a game that could hurt them. Still, they have a decent offense and defense. Atlanta's regressions continue and their chances to even make the playoffs are slim. No strong ground game and a shaky defense make it tough to see them as a Wild Card team.
The Rams are another Super Bowl favorite and if they were to face New Orleans in the playoffs, it could be a game for the ages because of both sides being equally great. With a big win this past Thursday, Seattle has put themselves in the running for a Wild Card spot. A better running attack and young defensive unit has helped compliment Russell Wilson's ability to keep throwing touchdowns.
Who do I think gets the playoff spots as of this blog? In the AFC, the Pats will have the East again. Pittsburgh will win the North. Houston continues on and gets the South. Kansas City has the West. Wild Cards would be the Chargers and Colts. For the NFC, Dallas gets the East. (Was thinking Washington before Smith's injury) Chicago holds on and gets the North. New Orleans has the South, as does the Rams in the West. Wild Cards would be Carolina and Seattle.
My guess for teams that could sneak in are Baltimore and Minnesota. The season is still a bit away from being finished, but crunch time is the name of the game now.
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like a good favorite to have a good playoff run. With an ability to run with James Conner and a defense that has held its own, they provide Ben Roethlisberger at least another chance for a third Super Bowl title with him. Baltimore might have a quarterback controversy unless they part ways with Joe Flacco, which I doubt will happen. Lamar Jackson had a strong game against Cincinnati, but whether he can cobble up more victories is something that he'll have to prove.
A handful of AFC teams sit at five and five records following yesterday's games. The Indianapolis Colts have been on a tear in a month's span and could be a favorite for the Wild Card if they continue the hot streak. Tennessee has been rather inconsistent and an injury from Marcus Mariota only adds to the issues they have. What Baltimore does depends on who shows up and plays their guts out. And slumping Cincinnati has a certain problem depending on the game they have. They are slowly fading and they have to get their act together in order to even secure a Wild Card spot. The LA Chargers were stunned and while they are a playoff favorite, getting the AFC West from Kansas City just got tougher.
With Alex Smith's gruesome leg injury in Washington, the NFC East is up for grabs. It's a stretch to say any of them could win it, but Dallas seems the most favorable. With a decent group on both sides of the ball, they could find themselves winning the division. Philadelphia experienced another painful loss, but in embarrassing fashion against New Orleans. A thinning secondary that is banged up and a inconsistent running makes up a recipe for a Super Bowl hangover.
The NFC North has a similar story, but Chicago has built a strong year, including a current four game winning streak. A smothering defense and a young offensive group could mean a playoff berth for the first time since 2010. Minnesota might have experience, but a poor ground game and injuries on defense could keep crippling them. Plus, you never know what version of Kirk Cousins you're getting. Green Bay might have their star quarterback, but an inconsistent running attack and poor defensive unit make it hard to determine if they even have a shot for the Wild Card. Detroit could also have a shot, but like the rest of the North, they will need a lot of luck.
New Orleans look to be the Super Bowl favorite. Every facet playing very strong has them very hungry for a second Super Bowl title. The momentum is high and they need to keep playing on a high level. Carolina might still have a Wild Card spot, but after a bad decision at the end of their loss to Detroit, it might be a bitter pill to swallow and a game that could hurt them. Still, they have a decent offense and defense. Atlanta's regressions continue and their chances to even make the playoffs are slim. No strong ground game and a shaky defense make it tough to see them as a Wild Card team.
The Rams are another Super Bowl favorite and if they were to face New Orleans in the playoffs, it could be a game for the ages because of both sides being equally great. With a big win this past Thursday, Seattle has put themselves in the running for a Wild Card spot. A better running attack and young defensive unit has helped compliment Russell Wilson's ability to keep throwing touchdowns.
Who do I think gets the playoff spots as of this blog? In the AFC, the Pats will have the East again. Pittsburgh will win the North. Houston continues on and gets the South. Kansas City has the West. Wild Cards would be the Chargers and Colts. For the NFC, Dallas gets the East. (Was thinking Washington before Smith's injury) Chicago holds on and gets the North. New Orleans has the South, as does the Rams in the West. Wild Cards would be Carolina and Seattle.
My guess for teams that could sneak in are Baltimore and Minnesota. The season is still a bit away from being finished, but crunch time is the name of the game now.
Saturday, November 17, 2018
End of Atari Systems: Jaguar
My father was a teenager when Atari started to become a successful company in the 70s. From their beginnings with games like Pong and advancing to the arcades and home consoles, it seemed like nothing could go wrong. But it did, resulting in many home console failures. Even with trying the handheld area and doing okay until the Sega Game Gear, nobody cared about Atari products except the arcades.
I've never really played Atari too much other than a few handfuls of games. Their exit from a manufacturer is one that seemed inevitable with their final system turning 25 next week. The Jaguar was an attempt to be more powerful than the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. In that same breath, it was also going for new generational 3D, which was also the future. It's claim was that it was 64-bit and their slogan, "Do the Math." A very dumb slogan and when you judge the graphics, it's anything but 64. With 2D games, they ranged from average to very good. Ubisoft's Rayman is a prime example of doing something intended for that kind of hardware. Then there's 3D games like the launch title Cybermorph, which looks horrible graphically and tons of pop-up.
Of course, third parties weren't buying into this or to a lesser extent, 3DO. Shelling out 250 dollars is not horribly priced for 1993, but the efforts from Atari were minimal. Sure, they still had arcades, but they were finished with computers and whatever remaining systems they had around 1992. The company was doing most of the heavy work and trying to go after the newest fads. There was a handful of fighting games that imitated their competitors. The first person shooter games are well regarded with Alien vs. Predator and Doom. Some arcade ports like Raiden and NBA Jam Tournament Edition were stand outs.
One of the last ditch attempts to stay relevant came with the release of the Jaguar CD. Overall, the Jaguar was an ultimate failure. It had just over 50 games with the CD having a couple handfuls. Add in a clunky controller many didn't care for, poor graphics and marketing along with a few other things, and it faded into obscurity. Atari stopped with systems in 1996 and focused on making games for others. That being said, the Jaguar is still a relevant system today because of homebrews. There's quite a bit with about as many as the entire Jaguar cartridge library.
Part of me likes Atari, but poor handling of business is why they are irrelevant to my generation and most people that aren't my father's age.
I've never really played Atari too much other than a few handfuls of games. Their exit from a manufacturer is one that seemed inevitable with their final system turning 25 next week. The Jaguar was an attempt to be more powerful than the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. In that same breath, it was also going for new generational 3D, which was also the future. It's claim was that it was 64-bit and their slogan, "Do the Math." A very dumb slogan and when you judge the graphics, it's anything but 64. With 2D games, they ranged from average to very good. Ubisoft's Rayman is a prime example of doing something intended for that kind of hardware. Then there's 3D games like the launch title Cybermorph, which looks horrible graphically and tons of pop-up.
Of course, third parties weren't buying into this or to a lesser extent, 3DO. Shelling out 250 dollars is not horribly priced for 1993, but the efforts from Atari were minimal. Sure, they still had arcades, but they were finished with computers and whatever remaining systems they had around 1992. The company was doing most of the heavy work and trying to go after the newest fads. There was a handful of fighting games that imitated their competitors. The first person shooter games are well regarded with Alien vs. Predator and Doom. Some arcade ports like Raiden and NBA Jam Tournament Edition were stand outs.
One of the last ditch attempts to stay relevant came with the release of the Jaguar CD. Overall, the Jaguar was an ultimate failure. It had just over 50 games with the CD having a couple handfuls. Add in a clunky controller many didn't care for, poor graphics and marketing along with a few other things, and it faded into obscurity. Atari stopped with systems in 1996 and focused on making games for others. That being said, the Jaguar is still a relevant system today because of homebrews. There's quite a bit with about as many as the entire Jaguar cartridge library.
Part of me likes Atari, but poor handling of business is why they are irrelevant to my generation and most people that aren't my father's age.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Creed Review
How about a double review for this Tuesday? I have seen all six Rocky movies, but Creed was something I thought about seeing in theaters in 2015 and forgot about it. With the news this year of the upcoming sequel, I needed to get caught up. What I watched was good, but nothing impressive.
Other than the first five minutes or so, I felt like I was watching a grittier version of the first Rocky. Adonis Johnson, who was conceived by Apollo Creed because of an affair, is a scrappy person who likes fighting. Even though Apollo's wife, Mary Anne, takes him in as a child, he still has thoughts about boxing, which includes some bouts in Mexico while working a regular job as an adult. He quits and decides to go full time boxing. With that, he heads for Philadelphia to see if Rocky Balboa will train him.
In a way, it is like viewing the first Rocky, though it's not directly similar as far as Adonis' story goes. The relationship between the two is similar to how Rocky and Mickey were. Rocky is not exactly willing to go back to the ring as a mentor and trainer, but decides to. Mickey was somewhat like that, but he didn't want to waste time training bums considering he could train other contenders. Adonis wants to make a name for himself and the training is a combination of the first three films, which includes the chicken bit that originated from Rocky II. Basically, Rocky wants to see if the kid has the stuff and if he is not a pretender.
As far as the character relationship goes, Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone gel together quite well and give great performances as Adonis and Rocky. You feel the ups and downs as they battle personal issues and the training to be the best. Outside of the training, there is also the relationship between Adonis and Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson. Luckily, it doesn't go the route of what Rocky and Adrian had. It's more along the line of hate and then turning into love. Bianca is also not afraid to say what is on her mind, but as a whole, the character is more than just a supporting role as she experiences some of the highs and lows that Adonis has.
Like all the others, there is the boxing. We get to see a few, which includes the final scenes of the film. Taking a page from Rocky V and Balboa, they got some real boxers for them, and I wouldn't be surprised if they took some major damage from some of those punches. They are not portrayed as villains, which makes it feel more real and grittier. It's not a show like the first Rocky, nor is it over the top like III and IV.
It is very lengthy, but there is more than enough to keep you watching. Like I said, it doesn't impress me, but Creed doesn't need to do anything revolutionary. It continues on the legacy of the Rocky series. Judging by what they doing with the newest one that comes out soon, being a drama is what makes the movies work and when done right, it makes the experience a lot more better.
Score: 7 out of 10
Other than the first five minutes or so, I felt like I was watching a grittier version of the first Rocky. Adonis Johnson, who was conceived by Apollo Creed because of an affair, is a scrappy person who likes fighting. Even though Apollo's wife, Mary Anne, takes him in as a child, he still has thoughts about boxing, which includes some bouts in Mexico while working a regular job as an adult. He quits and decides to go full time boxing. With that, he heads for Philadelphia to see if Rocky Balboa will train him.
In a way, it is like viewing the first Rocky, though it's not directly similar as far as Adonis' story goes. The relationship between the two is similar to how Rocky and Mickey were. Rocky is not exactly willing to go back to the ring as a mentor and trainer, but decides to. Mickey was somewhat like that, but he didn't want to waste time training bums considering he could train other contenders. Adonis wants to make a name for himself and the training is a combination of the first three films, which includes the chicken bit that originated from Rocky II. Basically, Rocky wants to see if the kid has the stuff and if he is not a pretender.
As far as the character relationship goes, Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone gel together quite well and give great performances as Adonis and Rocky. You feel the ups and downs as they battle personal issues and the training to be the best. Outside of the training, there is also the relationship between Adonis and Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson. Luckily, it doesn't go the route of what Rocky and Adrian had. It's more along the line of hate and then turning into love. Bianca is also not afraid to say what is on her mind, but as a whole, the character is more than just a supporting role as she experiences some of the highs and lows that Adonis has.
Like all the others, there is the boxing. We get to see a few, which includes the final scenes of the film. Taking a page from Rocky V and Balboa, they got some real boxers for them, and I wouldn't be surprised if they took some major damage from some of those punches. They are not portrayed as villains, which makes it feel more real and grittier. It's not a show like the first Rocky, nor is it over the top like III and IV.
It is very lengthy, but there is more than enough to keep you watching. Like I said, it doesn't impress me, but Creed doesn't need to do anything revolutionary. It continues on the legacy of the Rocky series. Judging by what they doing with the newest one that comes out soon, being a drama is what makes the movies work and when done right, it makes the experience a lot more better.
Score: 7 out of 10
The Grinch (2018) Review
In my mind, I've enjoyed the few adaptations that How the Grinch Stole Christmas has had. The special from the 60s is enjoyable and one of the greatest specials. Other than a few dark things, I liked (and many others I knew as well) the 2000 live action film with Jim Carrey. To say this newest take on it is interesting to say the least. An animated version from Illumination would certainly raise some eyebrows, both good and bad. It's better than you think.
As with following, the idea of the Grinch stealing Christmas is the main basis of the plot. A problem with the live action film was adding enough to keep people interested for an hour and 40 minutes. This one has that issue, too, but not as bad. This version of Grinch, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, is not as mean, but he can pull off some dastardly stuff. His backstory as a kid is similar to the live action one, though with different reasons for hating Christmas. His dog, Max, is still loyal, and there is a bond between the two you don't see in the cartoon or film. At least in terms of them getting along.
The town of Whoville is a bit more unique with people being more excited for Christmas. That was the case in the live action film, but that was more about competition and glorification of gifts and stuff like that. Here, it's people waiting for that day and celebrating it. Their take on Cindy Lou Who is a lot more friendlier take. They make simply a kid and enjoying her life, all while wanting things to be good for her single mother, who does lots of things for her and her twin baby brothers. Among the other noticeable people for the town is Mr. Bricklebaum. He provides some of the laughs with trying to get the Grinch to get into the holiday spirit.
Visually, it's a very clean looking film. A lot more lighter toned than the live action take. The characters are a combo of what Dr Seuss created along with the style Illumination does.It's take on Whoville is very beautiful in capturing a Christmas town. Regarding the script, there's a fine balance of giving the main characters adequate time and enough to provide substance to their plots. It's not over the top or cheesy for a kids film. This doesn't rely on fart jokes or anything gross, which is surprising but also a bit of a breath of fresh air.
It is pretty short, but not to the point where it is boring. My only big complaint is the Grinch sounding like multiple characters. Then again, it's not easy to have an idea of what he should sound like. I do think they nailed it and got a good interpretation of him. There aren't too many choices for the holiday season that isn't a Disney movie (Wreck it Ralph 2 comes out next week) for kids, but at the very least, The Grinch is a safe option. Not my number one recommendation for kids stuff, but a choice you can use if you want to see this in the theater with your family or kids.
Score: 6.5-7 out of 10
Monday, November 12, 2018
Gamers Don't Understand PS Classic
I'm going into this blog saying I am not defending the lineup of titles that the PS Classic has. But the inclusion has frustrated a lot of gamers, even though they have never been the target audience for these Classics on Nintendo and the upcoming PlayStation version. With PlayStation, it's not as easy considering there are tons more of titles that are fondly looked at. Here are the issues:
1. Licenses: That means titles like Tony Hawk can't make it because of licensed music and the skaters. Obviously, sports games are out of the question. Stuff like Harry Potter can't make it. Should be pretty simple to understand. There have been complaints about Crash Bandicoot not being on it. Same with Spyro the Dragon Tomb Raider, and some other franchises. Part of it is the first two being owned by Activision now instead of Sony, both of which have seen multiple publishers over the past 22 years, and the last one possibly being the result of being bought by Square Enix. It's hard to dissect that, but this stuff costs money. Sony may have a lot of money, but they can't waste a ton of it on licenses.
2. Source codes: I'm reminded of reading a bit of N. Sane Trilogy of having to do the first three Crash Bandicoot games from scratch because of lost source codes. Tons of companies may not have the original files to bring something some of their titles to the PS Classic. If the intent is to look exactly like it was on the original, then it might be shit out of luck.
3. Dead Companies: Basic and simple to understand. That means any original titles unless they were bought by another company (which that could be a hassle in itself), will never make it to anything including Classics.
4. Representation: Looking at the lineup, I think Sony was looking to use a variety of genres. When you have that many titles to pick, it's tough. And that's where the gamers get frustrated. Frustrated that isn't more Final Fantasies, or more Resident Evils or any of that. This lineup is not intended for fanboys. If it were, it would be a role playing game or Japanese only set and lack of many genres and/or representation of America and Europe.
It's not that simple for Sony compared to Nintendo. PlayStation is remembered for not just their first party but tons of third party games that are beloved. Some of my favorites are not Sony games like Medal of Honor, Driver, Metal Gear Solid. This stuff doesn't come free and if you want free, go use an emulator. Honestly, these Classics are not for me and I understand. Plus, I have a number of those games, so the appeal is not there for me. Part of me wishes gamers were not that stubborn and would understand that it's not easy to pick titles. Their choices would be complained at as well. Cut and dry, it's a lose lose situation.
1. Licenses: That means titles like Tony Hawk can't make it because of licensed music and the skaters. Obviously, sports games are out of the question. Stuff like Harry Potter can't make it. Should be pretty simple to understand. There have been complaints about Crash Bandicoot not being on it. Same with Spyro the Dragon Tomb Raider, and some other franchises. Part of it is the first two being owned by Activision now instead of Sony, both of which have seen multiple publishers over the past 22 years, and the last one possibly being the result of being bought by Square Enix. It's hard to dissect that, but this stuff costs money. Sony may have a lot of money, but they can't waste a ton of it on licenses.
2. Source codes: I'm reminded of reading a bit of N. Sane Trilogy of having to do the first three Crash Bandicoot games from scratch because of lost source codes. Tons of companies may not have the original files to bring something some of their titles to the PS Classic. If the intent is to look exactly like it was on the original, then it might be shit out of luck.
3. Dead Companies: Basic and simple to understand. That means any original titles unless they were bought by another company (which that could be a hassle in itself), will never make it to anything including Classics.
4. Representation: Looking at the lineup, I think Sony was looking to use a variety of genres. When you have that many titles to pick, it's tough. And that's where the gamers get frustrated. Frustrated that isn't more Final Fantasies, or more Resident Evils or any of that. This lineup is not intended for fanboys. If it were, it would be a role playing game or Japanese only set and lack of many genres and/or representation of America and Europe.
It's not that simple for Sony compared to Nintendo. PlayStation is remembered for not just their first party but tons of third party games that are beloved. Some of my favorites are not Sony games like Medal of Honor, Driver, Metal Gear Solid. This stuff doesn't come free and if you want free, go use an emulator. Honestly, these Classics are not for me and I understand. Plus, I have a number of those games, so the appeal is not there for me. Part of me wishes gamers were not that stubborn and would understand that it's not easy to pick titles. Their choices would be complained at as well. Cut and dry, it's a lose lose situation.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
First Impression: Red Dead Redemption II
Normally, I don't buy games that close around their release date. There are exceptions, and Red Dead Redemption II is one of those examples. It has been a game that has been on my radar for a good while and I loved the first Redemption when I first played it on Xbox 360 back in 2012. Now to play the new one on PS4, I'm liking it so far. Maybe a tad bit below the first, but still good.
It's 1899 and a prequel to Redemption. Dutch Van der Linde and his gang must survive the land in their attempt to get money and have a fresh start. That is if they can stay out of trouble, which is very slim. So far from the story, it's a tight group that works together to commit crimes or find stuff that will lead them to easy money.
You are Arthur Morgan, and the game is in a way like GTA: San Andreas. Taking care of him is a must with feeding him, with options to trim his hair, and statistics such as stamina and total health. There isn't too much depth, but it's good enough. Otherwise, it's an open world Western where it plays like Redemption with a mix of GTA V. It will be riding horses, helping or hurting strangers, and playing a variety of mini games like poker, horseshoes, and five finger filet.
The game looks very gorgeous. This is about as photo realistic as you can get. I'm not sure if the hardware on either system has reached its limits. Its scenery, especially in the very beginning with the snow effects and the mountain, is stunning and a sight to see. Outside of that, the character modeling is very real, the areas depict a Western that is nearing the final stages, which it was during that time period. What else needs to be said that hasn't been said already? Given the audio, it's not too Western like, but decent enough. The voices are done very well. Both facets were given good enough care.
For gunplay, it's mainly finding cover and taking care of any bad guys that get in the way. Other times, it might be getting someone to stop or just putting one shot in them to stop. If not, you can use a lasso. You can still loot them or put them on your horse Like the first, you can hunt animals, but it takes a lot more skill than just a simple skinning of them and selling parts for money and survival. Be weary, as some of them can kill you rather quickly. There is a good variety of rifles, shotguns, and handguns that have various pros and cons, and choosing the right one could make the difference.
Like any game from Rockstar, you have missions. So far, I've played mainly lengthy ones. Normally, that would bother me in something like GTA and L.A. Noire, but it feels more complex and slower paced here. Going after other outlaws or stopping trains is not as simple as you think. Even the first Redemption felt that way, too. With it being an entire gang, you have to put your contributions in, so you'll have to find a way to mix in doing missions and doing stuff when in between them.
I'll wrap up by saying Red Dead Redemption is a must buy. Rockstar delivered on another solid product and I will keep getting further into it and see how much my thought changes after playing it more.
It's 1899 and a prequel to Redemption. Dutch Van der Linde and his gang must survive the land in their attempt to get money and have a fresh start. That is if they can stay out of trouble, which is very slim. So far from the story, it's a tight group that works together to commit crimes or find stuff that will lead them to easy money.
You are Arthur Morgan, and the game is in a way like GTA: San Andreas. Taking care of him is a must with feeding him, with options to trim his hair, and statistics such as stamina and total health. There isn't too much depth, but it's good enough. Otherwise, it's an open world Western where it plays like Redemption with a mix of GTA V. It will be riding horses, helping or hurting strangers, and playing a variety of mini games like poker, horseshoes, and five finger filet.
The game looks very gorgeous. This is about as photo realistic as you can get. I'm not sure if the hardware on either system has reached its limits. Its scenery, especially in the very beginning with the snow effects and the mountain, is stunning and a sight to see. Outside of that, the character modeling is very real, the areas depict a Western that is nearing the final stages, which it was during that time period. What else needs to be said that hasn't been said already? Given the audio, it's not too Western like, but decent enough. The voices are done very well. Both facets were given good enough care.
For gunplay, it's mainly finding cover and taking care of any bad guys that get in the way. Other times, it might be getting someone to stop or just putting one shot in them to stop. If not, you can use a lasso. You can still loot them or put them on your horse Like the first, you can hunt animals, but it takes a lot more skill than just a simple skinning of them and selling parts for money and survival. Be weary, as some of them can kill you rather quickly. There is a good variety of rifles, shotguns, and handguns that have various pros and cons, and choosing the right one could make the difference.
Like any game from Rockstar, you have missions. So far, I've played mainly lengthy ones. Normally, that would bother me in something like GTA and L.A. Noire, but it feels more complex and slower paced here. Going after other outlaws or stopping trains is not as simple as you think. Even the first Redemption felt that way, too. With it being an entire gang, you have to put your contributions in, so you'll have to find a way to mix in doing missions and doing stuff when in between them.
I'll wrap up by saying Red Dead Redemption is a must buy. Rockstar delivered on another solid product and I will keep getting further into it and see how much my thought changes after playing it more.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
When Is Too Early, Too Early?
Halloween was last week, so you definitely saw some stuff for it a bit ahead of time with decor, candy, and a few other things. Same with fall stuff. Where I am going with this has to be about Christmas. Not even halfway through October, I am at a store and I already see Christmas stuff being sold. That bothered me a bit and it begged the question which is the title of this blog.
I think it was way, way too early to start having some Christmas stuff. The problem, unfortunately, is companies trying to get their share in and try to get as much profit in a more sustainable period of time. Competition has always been fierce, but it seems a lot more noticeable compared to years past. I'd say the last 10 years or so, maybe longer, we have seen the Internet become a much stronger presence. When you look at the stranglehold Amazon has, there's more than enough concern from companies to get ahead.
I could see people getting frustrated a bit more as time goes on because there needs to be a time to celebrate certain things at the right time, not two months in advance. It seems every year, Christmas stuff keeps coming earlier and earlier. I like the holiday as much as the next person, but even this is ridiculous. It's the same thing with Halloween as well, though not as much time in advance. No joke, but I could see one day Halloween stuff appearing in August and Christmas stuff in September just so companies can try and get an edge on each other. When, I don't know.
Companies should just let people enjoy the holidays before prepping for the next one.
I think it was way, way too early to start having some Christmas stuff. The problem, unfortunately, is companies trying to get their share in and try to get as much profit in a more sustainable period of time. Competition has always been fierce, but it seems a lot more noticeable compared to years past. I'd say the last 10 years or so, maybe longer, we have seen the Internet become a much stronger presence. When you look at the stranglehold Amazon has, there's more than enough concern from companies to get ahead.
I could see people getting frustrated a bit more as time goes on because there needs to be a time to celebrate certain things at the right time, not two months in advance. It seems every year, Christmas stuff keeps coming earlier and earlier. I like the holiday as much as the next person, but even this is ridiculous. It's the same thing with Halloween as well, though not as much time in advance. No joke, but I could see one day Halloween stuff appearing in August and Christmas stuff in September just so companies can try and get an edge on each other. When, I don't know.
Companies should just let people enjoy the holidays before prepping for the next one.
Friday, November 2, 2018
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