This summer is going to be a great one for big blockbuster franchises. We've got the 3rd Bat Man film, The Avengers, and finally Prometheus (among others).
I remember a while ago Ridley Scott saying that Prometheus was not a prequel, and whilst it had 'shared DNA' with the Aliens films, was not part of that franchise. This definitely piqued my interest, job done Mr. Scott.
Since then, cards have been kept very close to chests, and very little has been given away about the film. The closest we came to any connection to the Alien films, was a shot of the downed spacecraft that features in the 1st and 2nd, containing the eggs that kick start everyone's problems. This generated a great buzz of energy and speculation. So whilst I'm looking forward to all 3 of the films mentioned above, I very much feel I know what I'm to expect from The Avengers, and The Dark Knight Rises. Where as I was looking forward to the potential curve ball of Prometheus. Taking an great idea, a brilliant concept, a thread, starting from Alien, reweaving it into something new, something unexpected.
Then I watched this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0WUpsErUBA
(Whilst watching this will put the post into context, I wouldn't advise it. Ignorance is bliss in this case I feel)
Now it just feels like a prequel. That whatever happens, I know that the end will do nothing but leave us lined up for Alien.
So I don't spoil it for anyone who chooses not to view the above link, I'll not go into anymore detail. I just hope that this in itself, is a clever bit of trickery and diversion from Mr. Scott.
Fingers crossed.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Monday, 26 March 2012
'Mass Effect' on user controlled game plots?....
Earlier this month, EA Games released Mass Effect 3. A game developed by BioWare, and last in the trilogy of the Mass Effect series, which centres around Commander Shepard.
From humble beginnings in 2007, the Mass Effect series has grown far beyond the realm of consoles to include comics, graphic novels and a newly announced Anime in the works. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series, at it's core it has a compelling, well written storyline. The amazing gameplay then carries it to levels of greatness seldom seen in a series of games.
The thing I like most about Mass Effect, and many other things from the science fiction genre, is that it's amazingly imaginative. I find myself in awe of the story, rather than sitting there thinking that I could do a better job. This makes it all the more easy to get caught up in. This is what makes the recent furore surrounding the ending, all the more disappointing.
Before I continue, I would like to note, that as yet, I have not completed Mass Effect 3 and am basing my opinion purely on what I am seeing written in various reviews and blogs out there on the internet.
The ending of Mass Effect 3 has come under a huge amount of criticism. To the point where the developer has released an official statement, and a charity has raised money to fund an alternate ending. Again, I do not know how the game ends. BioWare are rumoured to be working on DLC to provide an alternate ending for outraged fans. Don't get me wrong, this is a massive gaming series, with some amazingly written characters spanning a great many years.
The way it all ends is a big deal.
But this is the way I see it.
The guys and gals at BioWare have spent more time developing, writing, rewriting, creating and finessing Mass Effect than we've spent playing it. As much as I love Mass Effect, I'm sure they love it more. This is their baby, they've birthed it, raised it and set it free into the world, and they've done it for us. So as much as we want the ending to be spectacular, I imagine they do too. I would think the last thing they want is for it to end poorly. On top of that, the best part about being the spectator, and not the story teller, is that I'm on the ride, and all I can do is hang on.
That is why the very thought of BioWare reacting to the outcry by rewriting the ending as part of a future DLC is horrifying to me. It would be like everybody demanding that J.K. Rowling rewrite the last Harry Potter book because we didn't like the ending. Or upon the release of the upcoming Bat Man film, lobbying Chris Nolan because we don't like the way it all draws to a close. It's madness.
Sometimes the hero doesn't ride off into the sunset, or get the girl, or survive for that matter. That's just the beauty of the story that's being told. It may well be that when I complete the game, that it's an ending I didn't expect. But I'm not the one telling the story. I'm just along for the ride.
From humble beginnings in 2007, the Mass Effect series has grown far beyond the realm of consoles to include comics, graphic novels and a newly announced Anime in the works. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series, at it's core it has a compelling, well written storyline. The amazing gameplay then carries it to levels of greatness seldom seen in a series of games.
The thing I like most about Mass Effect, and many other things from the science fiction genre, is that it's amazingly imaginative. I find myself in awe of the story, rather than sitting there thinking that I could do a better job. This makes it all the more easy to get caught up in. This is what makes the recent furore surrounding the ending, all the more disappointing.
Before I continue, I would like to note, that as yet, I have not completed Mass Effect 3 and am basing my opinion purely on what I am seeing written in various reviews and blogs out there on the internet.
The ending of Mass Effect 3 has come under a huge amount of criticism. To the point where the developer has released an official statement, and a charity has raised money to fund an alternate ending. Again, I do not know how the game ends. BioWare are rumoured to be working on DLC to provide an alternate ending for outraged fans. Don't get me wrong, this is a massive gaming series, with some amazingly written characters spanning a great many years.
The way it all ends is a big deal.
But this is the way I see it.
The guys and gals at BioWare have spent more time developing, writing, rewriting, creating and finessing Mass Effect than we've spent playing it. As much as I love Mass Effect, I'm sure they love it more. This is their baby, they've birthed it, raised it and set it free into the world, and they've done it for us. So as much as we want the ending to be spectacular, I imagine they do too. I would think the last thing they want is for it to end poorly. On top of that, the best part about being the spectator, and not the story teller, is that I'm on the ride, and all I can do is hang on.
That is why the very thought of BioWare reacting to the outcry by rewriting the ending as part of a future DLC is horrifying to me. It would be like everybody demanding that J.K. Rowling rewrite the last Harry Potter book because we didn't like the ending. Or upon the release of the upcoming Bat Man film, lobbying Chris Nolan because we don't like the way it all draws to a close. It's madness.
Sometimes the hero doesn't ride off into the sunset, or get the girl, or survive for that matter. That's just the beauty of the story that's being told. It may well be that when I complete the game, that it's an ending I didn't expect. But I'm not the one telling the story. I'm just along for the ride.
Monday, 12 March 2012
A very rare thing...
A science fiction film that my Wife and I both enjoyed. We went to see John Carter, an IMAX screening at the 2nd largest screen in Europe. It was my first IMAX experience, but more of that in a bit.
During the film, my Wife turned to me and said she was surprised a film as good as this hadn't had more fuss made about it. At first I disagreed, but upon second thoughts I could see how she would think that. I wondered at first if it was due to it being a Disney film, and at face value it isn't your average Disney. Then when you think about it, all the usual elements are there, the love, the heartbreak, the hope, alongside your one man against many backdrop. The only main differences being your live action elements and the Mars setting.
It's this strong story element, carried by some good acting performances that had my Wife overlooking the usual elements of a science fiction film that she would pick up on, such as a breathable atmosphere on Mars.
The plot moves away from that of the original book, but as a film I don't think it suffers at all because of this. In fact I quite like the fact that they manage to write in Edgar Rice Burroughs as a result of the slight change to the plot.
John Carter is also a film I believe that has been made better due to it's showing in IMAX. As a result it is the best 3D film I have seen to date. I got a genuine sense of depth throughout, something I'm sure that benefitted from the large screen size (70 feet across!). The sound was also fantastic. The only disappointment was that the IMAX glasses were uncomfortable. The bridge of my nose became sore, distracting me, and seeing me adjusting my glasses to try and ease the discomfort throughout the film. Other than that, it would have been an immersive and sensational experience.
Not only was John Carter a good film, made great by it's presentation in IMAX, but it has also whetted my appetite for the upcoming summer blockbusters that will be hitting the IMAX screen. 2012 is shaping up to be a good year for cinema goers.
During the film, my Wife turned to me and said she was surprised a film as good as this hadn't had more fuss made about it. At first I disagreed, but upon second thoughts I could see how she would think that. I wondered at first if it was due to it being a Disney film, and at face value it isn't your average Disney. Then when you think about it, all the usual elements are there, the love, the heartbreak, the hope, alongside your one man against many backdrop. The only main differences being your live action elements and the Mars setting.
It's this strong story element, carried by some good acting performances that had my Wife overlooking the usual elements of a science fiction film that she would pick up on, such as a breathable atmosphere on Mars.
The plot moves away from that of the original book, but as a film I don't think it suffers at all because of this. In fact I quite like the fact that they manage to write in Edgar Rice Burroughs as a result of the slight change to the plot.
John Carter is also a film I believe that has been made better due to it's showing in IMAX. As a result it is the best 3D film I have seen to date. I got a genuine sense of depth throughout, something I'm sure that benefitted from the large screen size (70 feet across!). The sound was also fantastic. The only disappointment was that the IMAX glasses were uncomfortable. The bridge of my nose became sore, distracting me, and seeing me adjusting my glasses to try and ease the discomfort throughout the film. Other than that, it would have been an immersive and sensational experience.
Not only was John Carter a good film, made great by it's presentation in IMAX, but it has also whetted my appetite for the upcoming summer blockbusters that will be hitting the IMAX screen. 2012 is shaping up to be a good year for cinema goers.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
On the road...
I find myself using the Blogger mobile app for the first time.
This is because The Holiday Inn expect me to pay an extortionate amount of money to access their wifi connection. The prices are as follows:
1 hour - £5
24 hours - £16
If I wanted Internet for the duration of my stay (6 days) - £70
Now this may or may not seem reasonable to you. I would have thought they same, only I'm spending time during my stay with a gentleman who used to work for Sky Business. He was someone who would have dealt with businesses such as the Holiday Inn. He informs me that should an establishment take out a commercial Sky package ( I can confirm that they have Sky. I watched Sky News this morning whilst eating my breakfast ), they also get wifi....wait for it...completely free of charge! So on top of the overpriced rooms, that are drab at best, they make pure profit from any poor fool who pays to connect to their wifi hotspot.
To top it off, this is the view from my room....
This is because The Holiday Inn expect me to pay an extortionate amount of money to access their wifi connection. The prices are as follows:
1 hour - £5
24 hours - £16
If I wanted Internet for the duration of my stay (6 days) - £70
Now this may or may not seem reasonable to you. I would have thought they same, only I'm spending time during my stay with a gentleman who used to work for Sky Business. He was someone who would have dealt with businesses such as the Holiday Inn. He informs me that should an establishment take out a commercial Sky package ( I can confirm that they have Sky. I watched Sky News this morning whilst eating my breakfast ), they also get wifi....wait for it...completely free of charge! So on top of the overpriced rooms, that are drab at best, they make pure profit from any poor fool who pays to connect to their wifi hotspot.
To top it off, this is the view from my room....
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Do people do this for a living?...
Having recently watched 'Moon', a film from 2009 starring Sam Rockwell. Someone I had only previously known as Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2, and also someone I now know to be 44! Wow, the guy's aged well. I felt compelled to write something about such an interesting, intelligent and understated film. When it was originally released I completely over looked it, under the impression that it would be slow, boring, and weighed down by a lack of characters. I was wrong. So I'm reading around about Sam Rockwell, and Duncan Jones (who also directed Source Code), when I stumbled upon this:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/trivia?tab=gf
Now I realise that this is a section that IMDB has on any film you choose to look up, and that it is on the main page. I suppose I have just never scrolled down far enough. I also realise that there are entire TV Shows dedicated to showing us all the goofs and blunders that occur in films. Take the one on the BBC, 'Great Movie Mistakes'. With Robert Webb presenting, they brought us movie mistake classics such as this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxDYlYZxI7E
But if you go back to the first link, which will take you to the IMDB site listing all the mistakes in the film Moon, you will see that there are 42 in total! It's not the number I find staggering, just the attention to detail that some people have put into the film whilst watching it. A great example of this is when they list the mistake where Sam pulls a tooth out of his mouth, and due to the number of roots it has, point out that he pulled it out of the wrong area.
I must say that I only notice 2 of the mistakes when I watched the film. One, where Sam is punching the numbers of the keypad 2 at a time to launch the HE3 canister at the beginning of the film. The other, when he is sick in the toilet and you can see the crew member's reflection in the metal.
Not that I needed a reason to watch Moon again, I think I've found one all the same...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1182345/trivia?tab=gf
Now I realise that this is a section that IMDB has on any film you choose to look up, and that it is on the main page. I suppose I have just never scrolled down far enough. I also realise that there are entire TV Shows dedicated to showing us all the goofs and blunders that occur in films. Take the one on the BBC, 'Great Movie Mistakes'. With Robert Webb presenting, they brought us movie mistake classics such as this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxDYlYZxI7E
But if you go back to the first link, which will take you to the IMDB site listing all the mistakes in the film Moon, you will see that there are 42 in total! It's not the number I find staggering, just the attention to detail that some people have put into the film whilst watching it. A great example of this is when they list the mistake where Sam pulls a tooth out of his mouth, and due to the number of roots it has, point out that he pulled it out of the wrong area.
I must say that I only notice 2 of the mistakes when I watched the film. One, where Sam is punching the numbers of the keypad 2 at a time to launch the HE3 canister at the beginning of the film. The other, when he is sick in the toilet and you can see the crew member's reflection in the metal.
Not that I needed a reason to watch Moon again, I think I've found one all the same...
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Life after Chronicle...
On February 1st 2012, Chronicle released in the UK (2 days before it was released in the US, strangely) and whilst I was extremely excited I wasn't sure whether the film would live up to my expectations. There was one very good reason why I was not only get excited, but also extremely nervous about how Chronicle would measure up.
I want to see the live action version of Akira made.
From what I had learned about the film pre release, there were similar themes running through both. Teenagers and super powers. Having watched the film, the similar themes continue. You have the exploration of the bond of friendship, and the crescendo to the all out set piece finale.
Needless to say, I thought Chronicle was a fantastic film. Made even more so by the fact that it came a bit out of nowhere. It had a fantastic opening weekend in the US, surpassing the much anticipated Woman In Black, and was number 1 internationally. A reception I hope will breathe new life into the Akira project, which has stalled yet again. This time, it looks terminal too. Surely Chronicle is proof that there is a market for this type of film, without needing a blockbuster budget, just a fantastic story to propel it along.
Maybe, if Akira's issue is budget, which is what the stories seem to suggest. They need to take a leaf out of the book of Iron Sky, and the Wreckamovie crew. Sweeping through the Berlin Film Festival and causing quite a stir, in no small part due to it dealing with Nazis in space, Iron Sky is a collaborative production from Wreckamovie. Based at www.wreckamovie.com, this site encourages enthusiastic film lovers to get involved in productions. A great example to follow for all aspects of film making.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed....
I want to see the live action version of Akira made.
From what I had learned about the film pre release, there were similar themes running through both. Teenagers and super powers. Having watched the film, the similar themes continue. You have the exploration of the bond of friendship, and the crescendo to the all out set piece finale.
Needless to say, I thought Chronicle was a fantastic film. Made even more so by the fact that it came a bit out of nowhere. It had a fantastic opening weekend in the US, surpassing the much anticipated Woman In Black, and was number 1 internationally. A reception I hope will breathe new life into the Akira project, which has stalled yet again. This time, it looks terminal too. Surely Chronicle is proof that there is a market for this type of film, without needing a blockbuster budget, just a fantastic story to propel it along.
Maybe, if Akira's issue is budget, which is what the stories seem to suggest. They need to take a leaf out of the book of Iron Sky, and the Wreckamovie crew. Sweeping through the Berlin Film Festival and causing quite a stir, in no small part due to it dealing with Nazis in space, Iron Sky is a collaborative production from Wreckamovie. Based at www.wreckamovie.com, this site encourages enthusiastic film lovers to get involved in productions. A great example to follow for all aspects of film making.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed....
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Mission Impossible?
I hope that the decision to do away with the number, and go with the title of 'Ghost Protocol', is less about leaving the door open for the franchise to continue an more about taking your mind off the fact that there were 3 other movies previous to this one.
Let me start by saying that I thought the film was good. It has the locations, the gadgets, and the action sequences. If the high rise antics in Dubai don't get your blood pumping, the subsequent chase through the sandstorm is fantastic.
There are only two things that let it down:
- I was constantly reminded that Tom Cruise is nearly 50, and now, 16 years after first appearing on our screens as Ethan Hunt, is staring to show his age. Now don't get me wrong, I hope I look as good at 50, and am even half as active. I just think it's time to leave this character alone now.
- The cameo by Ving Rhames. This is for the very same reason. He just doesn't look good, and certainly not like a secret agent anymore.
The bottom line with this, is that you get exactly what you expect. With the added bonus of it being visually stunning, from both an action and location point of view.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and feel old myself....Mission Impossible....1996!! That's 16 years ago!! Damn.
Let me start by saying that I thought the film was good. It has the locations, the gadgets, and the action sequences. If the high rise antics in Dubai don't get your blood pumping, the subsequent chase through the sandstorm is fantastic.
There are only two things that let it down:
- I was constantly reminded that Tom Cruise is nearly 50, and now, 16 years after first appearing on our screens as Ethan Hunt, is staring to show his age. Now don't get me wrong, I hope I look as good at 50, and am even half as active. I just think it's time to leave this character alone now.
- The cameo by Ving Rhames. This is for the very same reason. He just doesn't look good, and certainly not like a secret agent anymore.
The bottom line with this, is that you get exactly what you expect. With the added bonus of it being visually stunning, from both an action and location point of view.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and feel old myself....Mission Impossible....1996!! That's 16 years ago!! Damn.
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