If you ask any film buff what their favorite movie is, chances are they’ll tense up and think hard about their answer before saying, “I dunno, man, I like a lot.” I can identify with these people -- for a long time I had a hard time answering this question with less than five titles. It wasn’t until recently that I actually thought about all of my favorites and decided which one is my numero uno: Goodfellas.
True Blood Recap: Episode 1 "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
Last night, HBO premiered season 5 of True Blood, a premiere that had been much anticipated since the finale last summer. Well the finale was not at all what I expected it to be, and that's not a good thing...
What Next: Avengers 2?
“AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!” A battle cry familiar with any self-respecting Marvel fan and a line many fans like myself were anxiously awaiting the “star-spangled man with a plan” to cry during this summer’s blockbuster. I think at least most of us can agree that Avengers provided many of us with great joy and satisfaction in its execution.
Completely Random Episode 2: Coffee and Idle Banter
In this episode of Completely Random, Jon, Drew, and Chad discuss the effect of dating on video game play time, The Walking Dead Game, The Avengers, guns, the idea of a Justice League movie, and much more. Take a seat and absorb your sermon for the week.
Max Payne 3: Pain as art
Rockstar Games has accomplished what few games in the industry have: they have made gaming an art form. After playing Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead Redemption, and now Max Payne 3, I can say with honesty and a straight face that these three games delivered in ways many Hollywood movies can't.
This week comic stores had a little comic book titled "The Avengers Prelude: Fury's Big Week"
It's got the little "Marvel Cinematic Universe Official Tie-In" stamp on it, and as the title suggests it is a prelude to the Avengers movie releasing in theaters later this year. This is issue 1 of 4, so expect at least 3 more before the movie is released.
The purpose of a title like this is to let readers know exactly where they need to be in order to fill any loopholes in the movie. What that basically means is that if you haven't watched any of the other films (Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, etc) or if you're too focused on the actual Marvel Comics universe, you'll be on the same page as everyone else.
This book is the first of it's issues, and let's say this right off- $2.99 is too much. Why? Well as you read through it there are two aspects of this book- things you knew, and things you didn't know. For example, the book highlights a few of the moments in Iron Man 2, such as Tony's fight with Rhodey in the armor, and Tony sitting in the giant donut. The stuff you don't know, is exactly what Nick Fury does in SHIELD or what his orders are or were. This gives you a little insight into where his motives may lay in the future, especially with the movie.
The issue focuses mainly on three points. First, it shows that Nick Fury was highly interested in reviving Captain America, although as of this issue they haven't even located his body yet. Second, it shows Agent Coulson (I've been spelling it wrong this entire time, sorry readers!) informing Fury of the electromagnetic disturbances that movie-goers later discover to be the arrival of Thor. Lastly, we see the status of Tony Stark, and more or less the poisoning that he was exposed to in the middle of Iron Man 2. As you can see, since Nick Fury is involved in each of these points, it is appropriately titled " Fury's Big Week" for a reason.
My thoughts exactly, Agent Coulson.
As I previously said, this issue just gives a little more detail to the information you probably already know from watching the movies. If you see it, just pass it by. If you're going to read it, do so, but then put it back on the shelf. Maybe a later issue will give you more clarity, but for now you're stuck with just a tease.
This seven minute video will keep you spellbound. I was actually shocked at how well done this was, and it reminds me once again why I'm such a fan of David Cage and the team at Quantic Dream. The short film apparently features a new tech developer as well.
It should be noted that this is not a new game, but a tech demo of sorts. For those who are unfamiliar with Quantic Dream, they are the team responsible for two very good games, Indigo Prophecy and Heavy Rain. You should play those when you get the chance, in the meantime watch this amazing short film.
The countdown to Wrestlemania stands at 27 days. Four short weeks to continue to build feuds, enhance challengers and make champions look strong (or weak, as necessary). The first thing Raw presents to us is Shawn Michaels, full intro, pyro and all. Always a welcome sight, and in Wrestlemania season, an indication that we should pay attention.
We’re quickly reminded that Teddy Long is in charge tonight. HBK wants to know what made Hunter have a change of heart regarding facing the Undertaker at ‘Mania. HHH out comes out when beckoned, because the COO apparently has nothing more productive to do. Short of transcribing a script, both men take mildly low shots at each other in a passive fashion, as they tend to do when they’re face to face.
Shawn takes offense that the turning point for Hunter seemed to be Undertaker insinuating that HBK was always the better man. Hunter says the sentiment is all wrong; he’s tired of people talking behind Shawn’s back and he can’t stand looking at his best friend as a loser. \When Hunter ends ‘Taker, it will be for himself and for Shawn. HBK, tells us that he knew last year who would win and he’ll know this year as well: Because he is the special referee.
Now, this of course gets a huge fan reaction because who doesn’t want Shawn Michaels involved in Wrestlemania, but the issue at hand is the lack of reasoning given. I expect we’ll get a bit of exposition on this next week when HBK and Undertaker will both be present at Raw, but at no point was a lack of effective officiating made a point throughout any of this. I’m reserving judgment for a couple of weeks on pure faith.
Match 1 – Santino Marella vs Jack Swagger (c); United States Championship match
As Santino opens the match with jabs, a split and a hip toss, John Laurinitis and David Otunga approach the ring. The cobra comes out early, but Ziggler (of course at ringside) runs interference. Santino turns around into a Gutwrench Powerbomb for a very close two count, which the crowd goes absolutely wild for. Cue up Teddy Long’s music and Long, Aksana and, for some reason, Kofi Kingston, join the ringside circus. Santino counters another attempted Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Ziggler interferes again, this time eating a Cobra for his trouble. The general managers get into it on the floor, creating a distraction that lands Santino in an Ankle Lock. Santino fights out, rolls through, putting Swagger face first into the turnbuckle and rolls him up with a schoolboy for the three count.
Winner and new United States Champion: Santino Marella via pinfall
The GMs once again get into it, Long has security remove Laurinitis and Otunga and Laurinitis’ original objection to Santino’s win is cast aside, leaving Santino as your new US champ. A parade of tromboning in the ring from Santino, Long, Aksana and Kofi lead us out. Santino seemed to be asking for a mic as they cut to a Rock graphic, so the house crowd likely got a fun chat with him. Kofi was present, but really did nothing at all here, other than being an ‘equivalent’ to Otunga at ringside.
Rock History Lesson #1: Rock compares throwing Cena merch into the river to the Boston Tea Party. The
Rock Revolution has begun. While the merch might be silly (A Cena garden gnome among it), this kind of comparison doesn’t seem especially strong for the Rock. It’s more akin to the silliness that Rock and fans criticize Cena for.
Match 2 - Alicia Fox vs Eve Torres
Alicia is in ring back from a break and Eve gets a full intro. The intro lasted longer than the match, as Fox poorly executed a split/arm drag combination, got her leg swept from under her (another nod to Eve’s Gracie training?) and a roll up from Eve, which took longer than the three count to actually get into proper position for.
Winner: Eve Torres via pinfall
Ryder comes out to his music, tells Eve he’s thrilled they never hooked up, calls her a Hoeski and scampers off to the back. Eve sells being incredibly distraught about this. Eve catches up with Ryder back from a break, kisses him and runs off. Ryder is of course thrilled with this, so we’ll be heading down an “Eve manipulates Ryder” storyline heading toward Wrestlemania. I’m okay with this; keeping Ryder who, despite a silly gimmick, is really solid in the ring, in the public’s mind while he’s not active in the ring is a very good thing.
Cut to a pensive Cena in an empty arena pre show. Cena needs this match; he needs this win. The Rock returned and deemed him a worthy opponent, which he does not take lightly. Cena vows not to be second-place.
Match 3 – Sheamus/CM Punk (WWE Champion) vs Chris Jericho/Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Champion)
Typical WWE; ahead of the pay per view, we get to see the champs and their respective contenders fight. A bit of making the fans “want” to see the match would serve everyone well. Punk and Jericho start out, with solid arm drag and monkey flip action. Jericho escapes and tags out to Bryan and Punk happily tags out to Sheamus. Bryan quickly catches ten forearms in the ropes.
Jericho sneaks in a kick to the back and tags in to try to take control, which of course leads us to a commercial. Back in, we see Jericho drop Punk with a sideslam. Punk escapes and tags Sheamus back in who lands the Irish Curse for a two count. Jericho responds with a springboard triangle dropkick, knocking Sheamus off the apron. Bryan follows around and lands a running dropkick on Sheamus.
Back in the ring, Jericho controls Sheamus with a chinlock, leading to Sheamus powering out. Jericho goes for his one-handed bulldog, but Sheamus shoves him into the corner, leading to both men tagging out to the two champions. As he lands suplexes and neckbreakers, Punk continues to sell his back from the attack from Jericho last week. It’s an important touch, and one that isn’t paid attention to often enough. He ascends the top rope and dives off with his Macho Man elbow, again selling the impact, even as he makes the cover.
Punk soon after finds himself almost placed in the Walls of Jericho, but counters into a small package, only for Jericho to get the leverage and roll over enough for Punk to be pinned. Jericho pins his Wrestlemania opponent and Sheamus takes a loss that he doesn’t quite “suffer”. Bryan gets a win that he didn’t “earn”.
Winners: Daniel Bryan and Chris Jericho via pinfall
Bryan, if continued to be booked this way, is more than likely to lose at Wrestlemania. The chickenshit heel wins can only continue so long and Sheamus seems to be the man that will put a stop to them. Another win from Bryan and a continued chase from Sheamus isn’t at all a bad option either.
Rock History Lesson #2: What if John Cena were Paul Revere? What if Rock went back in time?
Apparently women would line up to serve him Boston Cream Pie. Also, penis jokes. This is the “bad” Cena territory for Rock to explore. Likely done on purpose for Cena’s benefit, but good for a cheap laugh, at the very least.
Match 4 – The Miz vs Big Show
Cody Rhodes come out as the match starts, shows Big Show not being involved in Wrestlemania 18 and instead stomping around at “The World” that is long since closed. Not especially embarrassing, Cody. Miz takes advantage and attacks from behind. Show spears him and readies the Weapon of Mass Destruction, knocking Miz out. Another 30 second match tonight. Poor, poor Miz.
Winner: Big Show via pinfall
Beating the Miz at this point, especially in 30 seconds doesn’t do much for Show and doesn’t prove anything. Miz has been a loser for six months now, so this doesn’t make Show look any stronger, other than knocking out someone the same size as Rhodes.
Rock History Lesson #3: The American Fighting spirit lives in Rock and he’s coming to the arena tonight. Great. The negativity isn’t to say these aren’t decent Rock promos and don’t have a strong energy; the Rock always exudes energy as he talks. But these seem infantile compared to the empty arena self-discussion that Cena gave earlier in the night.
Formal announcement that HBK and Undertaker will both be at Raw next week.
Match 5 – R-Truth vs Kane
Another short match. Kane resists early strikes from Truth, comes back at him with a snapmare and low dropkick. Problem is, Truth stayed lying down after the snapmare, when he should have sat up and Kane didn’t adjust, so it looked more like an incredibly lazy Boom Drop. Truth makes a short comeback, Kane dodges the Axe Kick and chokeslams Truth for the pin.
Winner: Kane via pinfall
As Kane hits his after-match pyro, Randy Orton’s music hits, he hits the ring and Kane hits the mat thanks to an RKO. Orton grabs a mic, lays down next to Kane and says “It’s good to be back” answering Kane’s chokeslam and “Welcome back Randy” from Smackdown. Odd program, but Orton does need to get involved.
The rest of the night is dedicated to Cena and The Rock. Cena comes out to the usual mixed reaction. Cena is happy that The Rock he’s seeing now is The Rock he needs to beat. He wants The Rock; not Dwayne. In the same breath, he compares The Rock to “The situation” from Jersey Shore. Verbatim, he tells us that “The Situation” is from Jersey Shore. If you have to make that much of a clarification, the joke isn’t working. That’d be like calling him “Urkel…From Family Matters!”. He says that Rock has come back, but he’s shaken. He calls for Rock to come out, and he obliges. Rock asks what he sees as he looks at Cena? “Fear.” The fear that Rock will take everything away from Cena. Rock tells Cena he isn’t at all shaken. Rock takes a couple of “Toothfairy” chants and Cena ends the night by jumping into the Boston crowd.
Here’s the exposition, the interaction that we need from both men to make us care about this match beyond “Hey, Rock is back!”. If they are going to take one of the main event spots, there needs to be an investment from the fans other than it being a spectacle. The build now feels like it’s slowly making Cena have more of an edge. If he can keep that up through and past Wrestlemania, then we have a net gain. If Rock bests Cena in four weeks, we can only imagine that Rock/Cena 2 will be a main event next year. Another year long build could be maddening if not done right. As with the HBK/HHH/Undertaker dynamic, it will have to grow, but it has the potential to be what they want: Record setting, and more importantly…trending.
Coming soon: A reflection on being at Ring of Honor’s Tenth Anniversary Show at Hammerstein Ballroom this past weekend and how damn hard wrestling fans are to please.
One month. Thirty short days until the grandest stage of them all – Wrestlemania. And our show opens with a recap of why Randy Orton is returning to Smackdown tonight. Normally, I would say this short pre-credits segment should focus on Wrestlemania, but we’ve seen enough of Rock/Cena in the last week, so I’ll give this a pass. A reworked intro to show some new faces during the opening credits.
The show opens proper with Sheamus out to an eruption of fan support. A quick bout of storytime with Sheamus, discussing his journey from Rumble to Mania. He then switches focus to Daniel Bryan and how he’s changed since capturing the World Heavyweight Title.
Sheamus draws a quick comparison to himself after winning his first title and how he became what he hates most – A bully. Much like what Sheamus needed, Bryan needs someone to set him straight, which Sheamus is more than happy to volunteer for. And on that note…”EXCUSE ME!!” Dolph and Vickie enter the scene, with Ziggler quick to point out that the world wants and deserves to see him at Wrestlemania, not the Great White. We’re treated to some jokes about Vickie being a grandma and Teddy Long does what he does best – enter to music, make a match and skedaddle to the back.
Match 1 – Dolph Ziggler vs Sheamus
Strong open to the match from both men, with Sheamus running over Ziggler with shoulder tackles and Dolph answering with a well placed dropkick to reset. After the reset, they look to do the same spot again, but this time Sheamus hugs the ropes, leaving Ziggler to whiff the dropkick. Sheamus beats Ziggler in the corner and then transitions to 10 forearms while Ziggler is wrapped in the ropes. Booker T, astute as always, informs us that this is a “beatdown”. After another reset, Ziggler manages to drop Sheamus across the second rope with a neckbreaker to take control. Back in the ring, a traditional neckbreaker for a close two count. Standard repeating and jumping elbow drop from Ziggler for another near fall. After fighting up from a chinlock, Sheamus begins to take control back, only for Ziggler to slap on his sleeper hold. Sheamus fights out by jettisoning Ziggler from the ring.
Climbing back in, Ziggler jumps at Sheamus from the top with a double axe handle, but ends up in the Irish Curse backbreaker. Vickie sneaks Dolph’s foot onto the bottom rope to break the pin, which Booker T takes exception to. Sheamus sets up for the Celtic Cross (Which is what they are calling his crucifix powerbomb now), but Ziggler counters into a great sunset flip. Back to their feet, Sheamus hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and readies for the Brogue Kick. Jack Swagger comes out to interfere and catches the kick from Sheamus, who turns around into a huge leg drop bulldog (Ziggler doesn’t really have a name for his version of the Fameasser yet). Ziggler prepares for a Zig Zag but gets shrugged off and walks right into Sheamus’ version of the Air Raid Siren/Kryptonite Krunch, dubbed White Noise for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus via Pinfall.
Strong opener – always a good way to get the crowd truly interested. A lengthy match, back and forth, and the babyface Sheamus overcomes interference twice to get a clean win over a strong foe.
We are then informed that John Laurinitis and Teddy Long will swap shows next week, apparently to see who the better GM is. Effective decision, Board of Directors.
Back from commercial, we rewind to last week with Santino’s cobra spitting in Heath Slater’s face. I’m going to say more with less here. Most importantly, they have a match. Next.
Match 2 – Santino Marella vs Heath Slater
Slater in the ring back from the video package and Santino makes his powerwalk entrance. Start of the match gives us a split-dodge and some jabs from Santino. Slater blocks the saluting headbutt for a reset. Off the ropes, Slater lands a great facsimile of the Harlem Side Kick on Santino; Booker has nothing to say about this. Way too many opportunities for good comments from him are missed and way too many obvious comments are given. As Slater ascends the turnbuckle and subsequently gets crotched, a few rowdy fans started a weak “You can’t wrestle” chant in his direction. While crotched, Slater eats a Cobra, tumbles off and gets pinned.
Winner: Santino Marella via pinfall
As Santino trombones around the ring, which the crowd loves, Michael Cole talks about how ridiculous the Cobra is and how it’s even worse than the Spinaroonie, which of course draws the ire of Booker T. On another note, the “You can’t wrestle” chant at Slater is wholly unwarranted. He’s no fan favorite, he’s no megastar, but Slater wrestles incredibly well and sells like a champ. “You can’t tan” would be a bit more accurate.
A quick rewind to the most recent HHH/Undertaker Wrestlemania 27 recap. Jim Ross’ voice over this type of video truly makes it better, bigger, stronger. There just isn’t anyone who can make you believe in what you’re watching like good old JR. HBK will be on RAW again; important, as he will definitely play into the Wrestlemania 28 rematch and needs to be established with a good reason to do so.
Eve is primping in the back, staring at herself in a mirror. Natalya (previously a cruel heel) tells Eve that she doesn’t at all approve of Eve’s treatment and use of Zack Ryder. Eve tells Nattie that Ryder is “Sweet and genuine, but he stinks.” Natalya, on cue, farts and tells Eve “No, THAT stinks.” So in one fell swoop, we find out that Ryder’s choice of Axe spray is less than stellar and that Natalya has now embraced her IBS, which is then discussed by the commentators. Super duper use of a great female wrestler, guys.
Match 3 – Natalya vs Eve Torres
Natalya is in the ring, Eve gets an intro, to huge boos and “Hoeski” chants. We wrestling fans love chanting things. Natalya with a quick headlock and Eve with an (unexpected) jiu-jitsu style escape. To be fair, she does some Gracie training, but we haven’t really seen it in the ring until now. A quick exchange leads to dueling kip-ups. Eve breaks out another new hold for this match: A straight-jacket clutch (You WWF No Mercy fans may know this by the name “Goku-Raku Stretch”). Natalya counters for a roll, Eve counters this by rolling through and picks up a three count.
Winner: Eve Torres via pinfall
Not much to note here, really: The commentators ignored the action of a divas match as usual (Three men on the headsets, not one can point out a new move for a popular diva??) and Natalya extended her hand for a shake early in the match, which Eve ignored. So Eve is solidly heel, Natalya is moving back in the direction of a face, but with a semi-comedy gimmick. We’d all much rather see her fart weekly, rather than seeing Sharpshooters. WWE knows their fan base so, so well.
Our next segment has Cody Rhodes come out to the ring, which is always a treat. He prepares to show more embarrassing Big Show moments at Wrestlemania, but Show comes out to interrupt. Rhodes runs away through the crowd and Teddy Long comes out to make Rhodes vs Show for the Intercontinental title official for ‘Mania. Big Show was the World Champion just months ago. Now he’s thrilled for an IC title shot. Should be happiest about getting his hands on Rhodes. Can’t imagine Show goes over and wins this title from what has become a young star, so interesting to see how this plays out. Also, Show is facing Henry right now
Match 4 – Mark Henry vs Big Show
Early in the match, Show takes a backwards flip over the top rope courtesy of a Mark Henry lariat. Not sure I’ve ever seen that before. After Show’s head is rammed into an exposed turnbuckle, we cut to commercial. Back from break, Henry is still in control and Rhodes is on commentary. Outside, Mark Henry throws the ring steps at Big Show’s head, as he is leaning on the ringpost. Show dodges, but regardless of hitting him or not, how is that NOT a disqualification, really? Back in the ring, Henry lands a Vader Bomb on the Big Show for two. Show fights back with a big boot and spear, but walks into the World’s Strongest Slam for a very close two count. Mark Henry gets up and walks into a desperation WMB from Big Show for the three count.
Winner: Big Show via pinfall
Some stare downs, some trash talk. All in all, meant to show that Big Show is back to being a menacing force and Rhodes need fear.
Drew McIntyre is in the back and Long informs him that this is his last chance. His real last chance.
A Raw recap of Orton ‘suffering a concussion’ from a Bryan belt shot to the head. Orton tells us he’s angry and vengeful; big change of pace. Orton feels Bryan cost him a chance to be the champion at Wrestlemania and wants to collect on a debt.
Match 5 – Drew McIntyre vs Justin Gabriel
Drew in the ring, Justin gets an entrance. Too many of these tonight; the entrance is a big part of a wrestler’s character. Drew starts out aggressive with clotheslines and a big boot, followed by repeated cover attempts. Shows us that he wants to win above all else. He’s also very careful about 5 counts in the ropes and turnbuckles, which he shows by begging off with the ref; a nice touch. Gabriel hits a big headscissors-to-DDT transition and lands the 450 for a pin, after essentially no other offense.
Winner: Justin Gabriel via pinfall
Teddy Long pops up on the Titantron to send Drew packing, for real this time. We can only imagine that when Laurinitis runs Smackdown next week, he’ll rehire Drew and pull him into his fold.
A trailer for Edge in “Bending the Rules”. Usually I wouldn’t care about a WWE commercial for a WWE film in a WWE show, but Edge is so damn smarmy that he actually might pull this role off well.
Raw Rebound for the fourth “rewind” of any sort on this show, five if you count the pre-credits opening video. Focus of this one: Cena’s claim of “Dwayne” vs “Rock” as two different people. I’d much rather see a fun match in all this recap time with the likes of Tyson Kidd or Trent Barreta, but I seem to be in the minority on that.
We cut to Daniel Bryan in the back, saying the World Heavyweight Title hasn’t changed him at all. He gets a Mick Foley-style cheap pop for saying he’s from Washington, only to take the heel route to cheap heat, saying he’s glad he left as soon as he could. He runs down his “role model” shtick, which is serving him incredibly well right now, but also shows a fire and intensity. This is important, as up until now, he’s absolutely been showcased as a wuss, a cheater and not ‘worthy’ of the title. As he finishes, Randy Orton’s music hits and it’s time for the main event of the night.
Match 6 – Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan (World Heavyweight Champion), non title
First and foremost, I want to give big credit to the five guys on the hard camera side with “YES!” signs. They managed a retweet from Bryan for that, and in modern WWE, that’s huge. I’m sure they trended.
Orton, as expected, is very aggressive to start. After a tumble outside, Orton stomps Bryan’s head on the steel steps, much to the chagrin of AJ. Back inside, Bryan blocks a superplex attempt and follows with his big dropkick in the corner. He follows with a dropkick to the arm and a single arm DDT; the previous segment’s intensity shows through with his focus on a single body part. Orton begins to make his comeback but gets cut off. Bryan tries to follow with a dive from the top, but eats a dropkick on the way down. Orton finally makes his usual comeback, lands the second rope spike DDT and coils for the RKO. Bryan counters twice, but finds himself set up for the spike DDT on the outside. Then the arena goes dark and Kane’s pyro and music hit. To finish the match, Orton goes after Kane and Bryan slips in to beat the count out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan via countout (Not announced)
Kane and Orton fight, Kane puts Randy’s bad arm into the ringpost and lands a chokeslam. At one point, Bryan bailed from the ring and left poor little AJ (Who, for some reason, Booker T was absolutely brutal to on the microphone tonight) alone with Kane, but he ended up distracted by Orton, leading to the aforementioned chokeslam. Kane gets on the mat and welcomes Randy back on the microphone. Why? Who knows. We’ll see in a couple weeks as it develops. The logic is likely nothing more or less than “Orton needs an opponent leading to Wrestlemania and Cena already beat the ash off of Kane”.
To end the show, Laurinitis and Otunga are shown in the back, impressed by Kane. Laurinitis then says he’s going to book Kane vs Aksana next week. That’s pretty harsh, Mr. Excitement.
Things continue to build for ‘Mania : Our world heavyweight champion continues to wrestle well but win by nefarious means, if at all. Big Show, a former multi time world champion, is excited for an Intercontinental title shot. Kane is mad at Randy Orton for existing…or something. He’ll probably say how happy he is that Orton embraces hi s hate more than John Cena. Eve is a heel. At least Sheamus is doing what makes sense: A strong, consistent string of wins, by defeating his opponent in the ring. The last few sentences may have sounded unnecessarily negative, but I am still more than excited to continue down the Road to Wrestlemania to see what unfolds.
Way back in September, DC launched it's "New 52" series. For those who don't know, it was a major turning point where DC scrapped ALL of it's titles and began with 52 new #1 issues. This change was brought about at the end of the previous "Flashpoint" story that occurred over the summer, having altered the timeline permanently. The New 52 are the changes and new beginnings that occur due to this major change. This past February, DC wrapped up the first arc to one of the most anticipated titles of the New 52, the Justice League.
Before the New 52, everyone knew the Justice League. Whether you remember them from many years ago reading the comics, or from more recently watching them as a cartoon, you know of the core members. Most recently, you probably remember a team consisting of Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonderwoman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Hawkgirl. You may throw Aquaman around here and there, or you might even go so far back as to wonder how a team existed without Robin or the Wonder Twins.
This time around, we see the same core five (Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, The Flash, and one of the Green Lanterns) and then two not-so-new members. If you divert your eyes to the image above, the first incarnation of our New 52 Justice League will have Aquaman and Cyborg, previously affiliated with the Teen Titans.
Justice League, as it appears now, ran for 6 issues in it's first storyline, which introduced its readers to how the team was formed and established who was on it. Additionally, it gives us a slight look into one of the biggest villains both before and after Flashpoint, Darkseid.
So by now, you're probably itching to know what went on in these six monumental issues. If you aren't, you should be, so either continue reading or go to your local comic store and pick them up. If you're patient or low on cash, wait for the trade paperback or hardcover graphic novel. I'm telling you, it's worth it!
Let's say you're just lazy. Or maybe you like the way I write. Maybe you just want to know NOW. So, here you go. This is my issue-by-issue summary of what went on.
SPOILERS BELOW
We begin this storyline with Batman being chased by the police. We're not sure why, but he's apparently a wanted fugitive. In fact, as we later are told, most super-humans are. He's seen tracking a strange creature with a small box. Saved by the Green Lantern, who is surprised to see that a Batman even exists, the two notice the creature explode itself praising "Darkseid". After investigating the box, the two take to the skies to interrogate Superman, the only other alien life-form on Earth, to see if he knows anything.
Superman begins to attack them both, and while he has the upper hand, the Green Lantern phones in Barry Allen. Barry Allen is the Flash, and as the name implies, is there in just that- a Flash. After a small scuffle, Batman intervenes and the four discuss the box. As they discuss it, the box activates, teleporting many of those creatures, minions of Darkseid, to their scene and they begin fighting them off.
During this, Victor Stone witnesses the Green Lantern and Batman flying to meet Superman and a fellow teammate of his football team makes a remark how Mr Stone is a scientist studying super-humans at S.T.A.R. Labs. Later, when Victor is visiting his father at the lab, he notices the box being studied when it activates as well, transporting minions there and severely injuring Victor. Mr Stone straps his son to a machine, which assimilates with his body immediately, and begins activating various programming. It decodes the box, and transports Victor away temporarily.
Diana, the Wonder Woman, notices a horde of Darkseid's minions attacking and decides to attack them for the thrill of battle. Her fighting eventually leads her to the scene where Batman, Superman, Flash, and Green Lantern are fighting Darkseid's minions as well.
Aquaman is also introduced, having informed the other five that they are invading the sea as well. After showing off a bit of his talent for calling on various predator fish, he kills a large minion by impaling it with his trident through it's head.
At this point, Victor Stone returns, teleporting himself involuntarily to the scene to join the six heroes, murmuring something ominous. At that moment, Darkseid himself appears, fire in his eyes and all.
This is where issue #4 ends. I'd go on to give you a summary of what has happened in issue #5, but it's been done previously by Andrew M., which was posted to The Geek Asylum at the time of it's release. Feel free to read the full summary by clicking Here. You've made it this far, so show some support (and some interest!) and read his summary.
We move on to the last issue of this particular storyline, where we get a reality check on page 1. We see innocent civilians being attacked, and then subsequently saved by the remaining members of the team. As Aquaman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Cyborg repetitively make attacks on Darkseid, Batman is shown trying to rescue Superman. We see that he overhears some of Darkseid's minions mentioning the importance of the Kryptonian in helping locate Darkseid's daughter. Of course we don't know who that is, but I have a good hunch it'll come into play later in the series.
Cyborg activates one of the boxes, transporting the team and Darkseid to Superman's location, where Superman breaks free and unloads on Darkseid. After a severe pummeling, Cyborg teleports all of the team back to Earth, and deactivates all of the boxes left behind, at least delaying the return of Darkseid for the moment.
The team is congratulated and praised, although everyone agrees they are no team. They all feel as though they coincidentally joined forces to face a common threat. When asked what they would call themselves, the Flash takes the opportunity to call themselves a team, naming them "The Super Seven".
When you go to your comic store, or if you see it in a book store, pick up the issues. Don't wait. Don't be that guy or that girl. Don't be the one buying a graphic novel. Buy the 6 issues. It's worth the money.
These 6 issues lay down the foundations that the rest of the series will build upon. It has established at least the first seven members and started a plot line that probably will play a major role down the line in the series. The issues have amazing artwork, amazing detail, and really give you a good outlook on each character's individual powers. Go get them!
When we were children, we did childish things, but now that we’ve grown up, we put away those things. I think I heard that said somewhere… but, in theory, and in a mentally-mature world, sure! That’d work. But we like our video games. We like to see fantastic simulations of things that could never really happen, or shoot the crap out of the bad guys without ever having to tell Mom that we enlisted in the military.
Some people take their love for video games and bring it to the next level. Folks, I introduce to you the newest sensation for all ages, Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure. I work in retail and1 out of 5 people that come in or call up ask for these stupid Skylanders figurines. I don’t even bother looking to see if we have them because I know we don’t, and I don’t bother to ask when we’re getting them in because my boss answers with the typical “who the hell knows?”
And so, I politely tell them we don’t have any. Onward they go to barrage the next store. Here I am thinking to myself, it’s like Turbo Man all over again! It’s true, but if there’s any implication that these things are the bee’s knees, the empty shelves would say exactly that. I have three questions: first, WHAT THE HELL ARE THESE THINGS?
Secondly, where the EFF did they come from? Lastly, when are we getting these things in stock? While I’ll never get my answer to the latter, I can help unravel the skyrocketing popularity of the newest must-have. It started with a company called Toys for Bob who is owned by Activision. The team was given the opportunity to revive the Spyro franchise, and while they sat on the idea wondering if it would actually work or not, Alex Ness and Paul Reiche III believed that it was "so outlandish that it was the most promising idea the team sketched out for the brand."
Ness reminisces "We thought a lot about toys. ...When you played with action figures, you always imagined them doing stuff, and we thought 'What if we could actually bring that toy into the game and do stuff with it?'" And this is where the idea was born. When Ness and his crew brought the idea up to Activision, it was by no means an automatic OMFGLEZDODISSSSSS!
It was more like a "Yeah, I guess" kind of deal. Much like how many of you (myself included) might see Skylanders right now. No matter what you think, Toys for Bob and Activision hit (in Dante's words) "jackpot." People of all ages are obsessed with this. It's the new Pokemon. The game is multi-platform throwing your character into this fantastical world of magic and prehistoric adventure.
If you haven't seen any videos on it - whether or not you care about it - your opinion might just change after watching it. It's Spyro at his most badass, his Skylander buddies at their funniest, and world-saving at its most entertaining. Think Space Jam humor mixed in with some Jak and Daxter hilarity.
So okay, you're not feeling this yet, I get it. But think about it for a second - most games you play, you play the whole way through the story through the eyes of one character, snipets of multiple characters, or you get a really shitty storyline if you're fortunate enough to be able to play through every avalable character (like Tekken). Skylanders is a bit different; you grab Spyro, put him on your portal, and now he's in your game.
Want to play someone else, like Trigger Happy? Put him on the portal, and now you're playing as him. Each character faces the world in different ways, so we can already say that the replay ability is massive in Skylanders. It's a great way to incorporate toys and childhood imaginations and make it come alive again. In this game, you aren't just the player. You're what they call a Portal Master, and as the Portal Master, you take control of the currently available 37 figurines(and to think, my store can't even get one toy!), including Spyro.
You're thrown into this fantastical world and embark on a journey of exploration, battle, treasure-hunting, all while on a quest to save the world from their enemy Kaos. This "portal" refers to a portal that you get when you buy the game, and it comes with 3 characters. You set up the portal, place it near your tv, and now the portal and the console are connecting to eachother, much like how a wireless controller works. But you're not simply just some shark or dinosaur looking thing.
Who you play matters. Much akin to the D&D setup where each character belongs to a certain class or "element" and each have varying attributes depending on who you choose. Each character have a primary and secondary attack, and after you level up, you gain more attacks, upgrade your attributes, etc.
It's a sophisticated game that even 6-year-olds can understand, and appeals to the nostalgia and familiarity of those who were into Spyro and have a geeky love for Dungeons and Dragons. I've said my piece, now let's hear yours. Any of you guys play it? Do you guys think it's worth the hype? Let us know in the comments below.
Syndicate is not Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Syndicate is Syndicate, and that's okay. It's really not fair to compare the two, but I'm going to entertain it because it's bothering me. It's also because there are too many similarities to ignore. Don't misconstrue these similarities as Starbreeze Studios (Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay and Chronicles of Riddick: Assaullt On Dark Athena) "ganking" DE:HR. The similarities lie only in setting and certain themes.
Both games are visually and thematically identical, just replace trans-humanism with humans embedded with bio-chips, hardcore corporate espionage with full blown corporate warfare, and Adam Jensen with Miles Kilo. They're also fundamentally different from a gameplay perspective.
Syndicate is a superior shooter in almost every regard because it is a traditional FPS, through and through. Syndicate does try to emulate the cool praxis point system that was in DE to an extent, only it isn't nearly as robust or well designed. It serves little or no purpose in the game, while the praxis point system was basically the entire foundation of how your character played in DE.
The similarities are hard to ignore, especially in the narrative. Both tiltes tend to paint this very bleak future where corporations will be exceptionally greedy and evil, but Syndicate goes in a darker direction. While Deus Ex flirted with moral grey areas and ethics, Syndicate creates a world where corporations are the governing bodies of the world.
I'll break this down really easy for you. It's 2069 and companies are at war with each other in a massive power struggle. The world population has exploded, and to garner control, companies implanted chips into the general populace. Those who can't afford to be chipped are relegated to the pit of the underworld. You are an agent employed by Eurocorp, and it's your job to preserve the good of the company. The parameters? Execute objectives by any means necessary.
The world as Miles Kilo sees it. The DART 6 bio-chip opens up countless ways to dispatch your enemies. Usually ending in some grisly scene where people scream, bleed a lot, and explode.
Sure it's a bit cliche, but I still go gaga for these sci-fi bits. DE:HR has a richer story to tell, but what sets Syndicate apart is its creative approach to a genre where players have seen it all. Syndicate may be an FPS, and finding imaginative or creative ways of making another FPS exciting is difficult. That being said, Starbreeze Studios did a phenomenal job of making Syndicate stand apart with some really ingenious gameplay elements.
The DART 6 gives you some insane ways to dispatch your enemies. It allows you to hack into enemy chip sets compelling them to do things that they have no control over. For example, say you're in a situation where you have three enemies firing at you, you have the ability have the guns backfire on enemies. This gives you time to turn on the slo-mo function (which has been done to death, but it's still so cool) and pick your shots. This is one of the more timid take down methods, the rest are incredibly violent.
The suicide and persuade functions are really where it's at. You can literally get into the heads of your enemies and have them take themselves out while taking out their team in the process. I loved how the DART 6 system worked seamlessly within combat. You could be in the middle of an insane firefight (which happens every five minutes) , and DART 6 works on the fly.
Low on ammo? Time to get creative. Use the persuade option to get covering fire from one of the grunts, and then get in close and snap a few necks to get ammo. Activate the backfire function to buy the time you need to plant a few rounds in the last couple of grunts. Remember the guy you used persuade on? Don't worry, once he's served his purpose he'll turn the gun on himself. Like a boss.
The DART 6 system has a lot to do with why I really enjoyed Syndicate. It's an unique addition to a title that would otherwise be your run-of-the-mill shooter. The action is so satisfying in Syndicate not only because of DART 6, but sharp AI as well. The action can get overwhelming at times, requiring players to think on their feet. Enemies are well-organized, constantly flanking you as they ruthlessly attack you.
Syndicate isn't doing anything terribly new from a narrative standpoint, however, it does break some new ground with the DART 6 system. Syndicate is a gratifying experience (making an enemy pull a grenade on himself and running into his teammates never gets old.) due in large part to Starbreeze Studios creative approach to a genre that many feel has run stagnant.
“The party you’ve only dreamed of” is the slogan of this film, and boy was it dead on. Before I get any deeper into this let me just say that if I were given the choice to do one last thing before I die it would be to go to this insanely over-the-top, X-tremely awesome anarchy-infestation of a party. If anybody else besides Todd Philips took on this project it would have fallen short. For those of you who don’t know, Todd Philips directed the films Old School, and The Hangover.
Throughout the history of film, or at least in the past decade there have been way too many party films to stomach. I can whole heartedly say that this one takes the cake! Imagine that you are in high school, or if you are then this is no problem. Imagine that you are the loser that nobody knows exists, your own parent’s think that you suck at having a social life. Then, for your birthday this year you throw this unbelievable party that everybody has either heard of or has been to. This is the main plot of Project X.
Project X is shot in the found footage style that many films are leaning towards now. Think Paranormal Activity 1,2, and however many more there are, the brand new film Chronicle (which was awesome by the way) and there are many more that are shot in the same style that are not really that noteworthy. For a party movie, this camera style worked flawlessly. You actually felt like you were there, getting wasted, taking hits, and going skinny dipping with all the drop dead gorgeous girls that only exist in our dreams...exhibit A:
That's just not fair...
One thing that I thought was kind of genius was the way they used montages to their advantage. Now, I know you’re thinking that the whole party is just going to be mashed together in a 7-10 minute montage and then you will have to stomach some story that nobody cares about at the end…wrong! By my count there were 3 or 4 montages, and as the night goes on, the crazier and crazier things begin to get, and you immediately begin to notice the changes in the montages as the night flies by.
I really did love this film. It had everything I hoped for and even more. The stuff in trailers is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more perverse things that only Todd Philips would be able to deliver upon. This film had those moments where we as the audience would break out in laughter, scream all at the same time, and even applaud at the shock and awe moments that were thrown in our faces without our permission, which made it that much better.
When I was playing the SSX demo all last week I was having a blast, trying to best my own times and scores, and more importantly, trying to beat my friends times and scores. Anyway I looked at it I was going to buy this game. I still remember back on the PlayStation 2 playing Tricky for hours on end without breaks. Having friends over and kicking each other’s asses, it was good times.
I wasn’t going to buy this game just for the single player, although the single player is very good on its own. But I want to jump into a multiplayer lobby with my friends and show them that I could get 20,000,000 points with ease in mere minute, then I would get up and do a victory dance in my underwear. Come on don’t deny it, we all do it from time to time.
EA Canada though it would be a good idea to remove the “traditional multiplayer” experience from the game almost completely. Instead you can race or compete for the highest trick score or the best track time on you own time. In short, it is a greatly extended single player experience with amped up leaderboards, no lobbies, no screaming at each other (or a complete stranger) over xbox live, you just jump in, throw down, and jump out.
When the event is over it tallies up all the times or scores and gives you a payout of credits that you have earned. You can’t actually compete with someone in real time online, or even worse, your friends…assuming you have any.
It’s actually pretty funny the way EA sold this title by saying that this SSX was to feature an almost groundbreaking new multiplayer experience. In fact it kind of blew back in their faces as a great number of fans, myself included, really can’t stand the idea of not being able to play with their friends in real time. Which is why I now point the soon to be open side of the yogurt away from my face.
Now I’m not saying that I am going to boycot the game or anything just for that one reason, however, this title is in serious need of a patch in the very near future to add traditional multiplayer to the mix.
10:12 PM
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