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RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Wreck-It-Ralph (2012) in Movies
Feb 25, 2019
Wish it had been made by Pixar...
Contains spoilers, click to show
At first glance this would appear, as some reviews have sighted, the new Toy Story (1995). Maybe it is, but I just didn't feel it. I'm old enough to remember these 8-bit games and even though Fix It Felix, Hero's Duty and Sugar Rush are all fictitious, they're all rooted in the reality of the industry, with their real life counterparts being Donkey Kong, Call Of Duty and Super Mario Cart.
The plot is basically that of any Disney film and this is kind of where it fails a little. This isn't Pixar and I'm spending most of the time wishing that it was. Tangled (2010) had the same problem, with it being good, in fact better on the second viewing but not as good the masters of digi-mation would have made it. But Wreck-It Ralph would seem to cry out for the Pixar treatment. Its similarity in tone to Toy Story, with computer game characters coming to life when the kids leave, rather than toys, as well as the fact that this is the perfect subject for a Computer Generated movie!
The comedy was decent, with more of the successful jokes revolving around candy, Mentos and cola, rather than the arcade worlds themselves, but still, plenty of references for the game heads, which my wife is but I'm not, really. It was fun and the final reel was exiting, with the running time pushing two hours, it wasn't overly long but still felt wanting.
I think that it would have been better if there was more that just one line cameos from the established arcade characters, but I'll say it again, that for me, this wanted to be a Pixar classic but just couldn't match the standards.
The plot is basically that of any Disney film and this is kind of where it fails a little. This isn't Pixar and I'm spending most of the time wishing that it was. Tangled (2010) had the same problem, with it being good, in fact better on the second viewing but not as good the masters of digi-mation would have made it. But Wreck-It Ralph would seem to cry out for the Pixar treatment. Its similarity in tone to Toy Story, with computer game characters coming to life when the kids leave, rather than toys, as well as the fact that this is the perfect subject for a Computer Generated movie!
The comedy was decent, with more of the successful jokes revolving around candy, Mentos and cola, rather than the arcade worlds themselves, but still, plenty of references for the game heads, which my wife is but I'm not, really. It was fun and the final reel was exiting, with the running time pushing two hours, it wasn't overly long but still felt wanting.
I think that it would have been better if there was more that just one line cameos from the established arcade characters, but I'll say it again, that for me, this wanted to be a Pixar classic but just couldn't match the standards.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
At first glance this would appear, as some reviews have sighted, the new Toy Story (1995). Maybe it is, but I just didn't feel it. I'm old enough to remember these 8-bit games and even though Fix It Felix, Hero's Duty and Sugar Rush are all fictitious, they're all rooted in the reality of the industry, with their real life counterparts being Donkey Kong, Call Of Duty and Super Mario Cart.
The plot is basically that of any Disney film and this is kind of where it fails a little. This isn't Pixar and I'm spending most of the time wishing that it was. Tangled (2010) had the same problem, with it being good, in fact better on the second viewing but not as good the masters of digi-mation would have made it. But Wreck-It Ralph would seem to cry out for the Pixar treatment. Its similarity in tone to Toy Story, with computer game characters coming to life when the kids leave, rather than toys, as well as the fact that this is the perfect subject for a Computer Generated movie!
The comedy was decent, with more of the successful jokes revolving around candy, Mentos and cola, rather than the arcade worlds themselves, but still, plenty of references for the game heads, which my wife is but I'm not, really. It was fun and the final reel was exiting, with the running time pushing two hours, it wasn't overly long but still felt wanting.
I think that it would have been better if there was more that just one line cameos from the established arcade characters, but I'll say it again, that for me, this wanted to be a Pixar classic but just couldn't match the standards.
The plot is basically that of any Disney film and this is kind of where it fails a little. This isn't Pixar and I'm spending most of the time wishing that it was. Tangled (2010) had the same problem, with it being good, in fact better on the second viewing but not as good the masters of digi-mation would have made it. But Wreck-It Ralph would seem to cry out for the Pixar treatment. Its similarity in tone to Toy Story, with computer game characters coming to life when the kids leave, rather than toys, as well as the fact that this is the perfect subject for a Computer Generated movie!
The comedy was decent, with more of the successful jokes revolving around candy, Mentos and cola, rather than the arcade worlds themselves, but still, plenty of references for the game heads, which my wife is but I'm not, really. It was fun and the final reel was exiting, with the running time pushing two hours, it wasn't overly long but still felt wanting.
I think that it would have been better if there was more that just one line cameos from the established arcade characters, but I'll say it again, that for me, this wanted to be a Pixar classic but just couldn't match the standards.
Mothergamer (1536 KP) rated Unseen Academicals (Discworld, #37; Rincewind #8) in Books
Apr 3, 2019
I recently finished reading Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett, the latest book in the Discworld series. The wizards at Unseen University discover a law that states that they must participate in city football games (soccer), but the catch is they can't use any magic. The assistant candle dribbler, Mr. Nutt is brought in to coach this humorous seemingly hopeless team of over the hill wizards. Mr. Nutt is a little odd and seems to be a goblin, but he can't really remember himself. He befriends his candle dribbler boss Trevor Likely whose father was a famous footballer and they strike up an unlikely, but endearing friendship.
I loved this book. The friendship between Mr. Nutt and Trevor makes you smile and even laugh at certain points in the story. Terry Pratchett introduces some new characters like Juliette, Trevor's love interest and assistant cook and Glenda, her supervisor who warns her all the time about men and their ways. There are even cameo appearances by old favorites like Rincewind, the librarian, DEATH, the watch, and even Lord Vetinari.
The pacing starts off a little slow, but it finds its groove and we are told a great story about football, the fans, and the players. We are also shown how wonderful it is when you have friends and loved ones, that see the good in you and because they believe in you, it brings out the best in you. There are also the funny jokes, wit, and social commentary that comes with a Discworld book, overall making it quite an enjoyable read.
If you haven't read Unseen Academicals yet and you are a Discworld fan, I suggest you do. It's a great story and you will find yourself chuckling at various moments.
I loved this book. The friendship between Mr. Nutt and Trevor makes you smile and even laugh at certain points in the story. Terry Pratchett introduces some new characters like Juliette, Trevor's love interest and assistant cook and Glenda, her supervisor who warns her all the time about men and their ways. There are even cameo appearances by old favorites like Rincewind, the librarian, DEATH, the watch, and even Lord Vetinari.
The pacing starts off a little slow, but it finds its groove and we are told a great story about football, the fans, and the players. We are also shown how wonderful it is when you have friends and loved ones, that see the good in you and because they believe in you, it brings out the best in you. There are also the funny jokes, wit, and social commentary that comes with a Discworld book, overall making it quite an enjoyable read.
If you haven't read Unseen Academicals yet and you are a Discworld fan, I suggest you do. It's a great story and you will find yourself chuckling at various moments.
Rhubarbio (27 KP) rated Codenames in Tabletop Games
May 26, 2019
Great party game for larger player counts, and isn't impacted greatly if people drop in and out (2 more)
Engages children and adults
Makes players think outside the box to convey their intentions
A brilliant party game
I play this game regularly with family and friends, the largest occasion being a New Years Eve party where we had approximately 20 people jumping in and out of the game at various stages. It was a great game to capture the minds of all in something that is fun, but also makes one think. The premise of the game is that two teams are pitted against each other to discover their corresponding teams words on a grid. The captain's have a grid, which their respective team members cannot see, telling them which spaces are for the red team, the blue team, neutral or black square (best analogy may be Minesweeper - you look to guess your team's colour, but if you guess a word that is the other teams or is neutral, then play passes to the other team. However, the black square is the mine-if this is selected, you lose and the other team automatically wins). Captains will look at the grid of words and use a one word clue and a number (denoting how many words on the grid they are referring to) for their team to guess their colour tiles...it's a tricky game, as a clue may be interpreted by your team in many ways! Truly enjoyable experience and a game I will teach my son when he is older. This is worth buying if you enjoy word games, without individual pressure (such as in Articulate).
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The One Safe Place in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Review of an uncorrected bound manuscript.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a gripping tale by Tania Unsworth aimed at older children, although completely enjoyable by teens and adults too. Written in the third person and set in the not so distant future, we follow Devin’s story.
In the future the climate has changed, the temperature has risen and rain is very rare. The opening scene reveals Devin, a young boy, on a farm, digging a grave to bury his grandfather who has recently died (presumably of old age and not something sinister). Devin, now alone, decides to head to the city, a place he has never visited, in order to find some help for the farm. The problem is he has never once left the farm and knows nothing of the real world. Here he meets Kit, a young girl on her own living on the roof of a building, and decides to tag along with her. But then they meet Roman who promises them a safe home. Although skeptical, they decide to trust him and thus they arrive at the <i>Gabriel H. Penn Home For Childhood</i>. The place is amazing and has everything a child could want: toys, games, clothes, individual bedrooms, a swimming pool, and most importantly, food and drink. So why are all the other children walking around in limbo, uninterested in everything around them?
Devin, with the help of his friends, and his synesthesia, soon discovers and pieces together what is wrong about the home. The pace picks up as they plan their escape leading to the exciting ending.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a book young readers will love. Well what child would not love a book where the children outsmart the adults?
Review of an uncorrected bound manuscript.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a gripping tale by Tania Unsworth aimed at older children, although completely enjoyable by teens and adults too. Written in the third person and set in the not so distant future, we follow Devin’s story.
In the future the climate has changed, the temperature has risen and rain is very rare. The opening scene reveals Devin, a young boy, on a farm, digging a grave to bury his grandfather who has recently died (presumably of old age and not something sinister). Devin, now alone, decides to head to the city, a place he has never visited, in order to find some help for the farm. The problem is he has never once left the farm and knows nothing of the real world. Here he meets Kit, a young girl on her own living on the roof of a building, and decides to tag along with her. But then they meet Roman who promises them a safe home. Although skeptical, they decide to trust him and thus they arrive at the <i>Gabriel H. Penn Home For Childhood</i>. The place is amazing and has everything a child could want: toys, games, clothes, individual bedrooms, a swimming pool, and most importantly, food and drink. So why are all the other children walking around in limbo, uninterested in everything around them?
Devin, with the help of his friends, and his synesthesia, soon discovers and pieces together what is wrong about the home. The pace picks up as they plan their escape leading to the exciting ending.
<i>The One Safe Place</i> is a book young readers will love. Well what child would not love a book where the children outsmart the adults?
Connie (244 KP) rated Werewolf Online in Apps
Jul 26, 2018 (Updated Jul 26, 2018)
Ranked mode (2 more)
New roles being added all the time
Online means you can play anytime
The best reboot of classic Mafia/ Werewolf card games!
I liked the card game Mafia as a kid. It was fun and made parties interesting. When I found Werewolf, I was more interested--the sci-fi/ fantasy theme really sucked me in farther. Now that it's an app, I literally can't put it down!
One team faces three other teams to try and be top dog (errr... wolf, actually) at the end of the game. Assigned a random role with a special ability, you have to try and hunt down all the members of all the other teams and lynch/shoot/holy water them without your own team being knocked out first. Will you be assigned to the Villager team as a Seer or the Mayor? Will you "wake up" as a Werewolf, or as the Shaman? Will you be the Serial Killer or the Arsonist, trying to kill every other player? Or will you be the Fool or Headhunter, trying to be lynched or get one other specific person lynched?
Every game is different. Every game is online against hundreds of others all around the world. And every game, only one team (sometimes only one player) can win.
It's tactical. It's skill and intrigue, lies and manipulations and downright back-stabbing as the most clever rise to the top.
On top of that, new roles are being added constantly through the Discord servers. If you've got an idea, they want to hear it. Several writers have already had their ideas incorporated, and it's awfully interesting to help those roles get perfected!
All in all this is a solid party favorite made playable anywhere. 10/10 WILL play again!
One team faces three other teams to try and be top dog (errr... wolf, actually) at the end of the game. Assigned a random role with a special ability, you have to try and hunt down all the members of all the other teams and lynch/shoot/holy water them without your own team being knocked out first. Will you be assigned to the Villager team as a Seer or the Mayor? Will you "wake up" as a Werewolf, or as the Shaman? Will you be the Serial Killer or the Arsonist, trying to kill every other player? Or will you be the Fool or Headhunter, trying to be lynched or get one other specific person lynched?
Every game is different. Every game is online against hundreds of others all around the world. And every game, only one team (sometimes only one player) can win.
It's tactical. It's skill and intrigue, lies and manipulations and downright back-stabbing as the most clever rise to the top.
On top of that, new roles are being added constantly through the Discord servers. If you've got an idea, they want to hear it. Several writers have already had their ideas incorporated, and it's awfully interesting to help those roles get perfected!
All in all this is a solid party favorite made playable anywhere. 10/10 WILL play again!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Justice League (2017) in Movies
Aug 7, 2018
A rushed DC version of Infinity Wars
This film just missed the mark on so many different aspects. It had high ambitions but just let itself down pretty much everywhere. It felt like a panicked, rushed answer to Infinity Wars, but without taking the time to embed the characters and storyline first. I thought with hits like The Flash and Arrow TV series the DC world may have been fighting back against Marvel's dominance, but I guess for every "Arrow" there is a "Legends of Tomorrow" cheese-fest.
The CGI is truly awful. Massive, expensive battle scenes looked clunky and dated. Steppenwolf is so badly animated as to be ludicrous, especially noticeable as he looks like one of Thanos' minions (I genuinely think you'd see better animated facial movements in mid-noughties PS games). And lets not overlook the dodgy attempt at using CGI to remove Henry Cavill's moustache (some scenes had to be re-shot after he had already started filming Mission Impossible and his moustache had to be removed by CGI!).
I had no feelings towards any of the characters. Whereas the new Spiderman was an immediate hit in Civil War, here The Flash is just annoying and his chirpy geekiness does not contrast well with Batfleck's grumpiness. Cyborg was totally redundant except to solve a plot point. And Aquaman did nothing of note and was not likeable at all.
This should have been a big-hitting blockbuster with edge-of-the-seat tension, laugh-out-loud banter and head-scratching plot twists (and any more hyphenated adjectives I can think of), instead it was a mediocre action film with none of the character of the DC universe on show.
The CGI is truly awful. Massive, expensive battle scenes looked clunky and dated. Steppenwolf is so badly animated as to be ludicrous, especially noticeable as he looks like one of Thanos' minions (I genuinely think you'd see better animated facial movements in mid-noughties PS games). And lets not overlook the dodgy attempt at using CGI to remove Henry Cavill's moustache (some scenes had to be re-shot after he had already started filming Mission Impossible and his moustache had to be removed by CGI!).
I had no feelings towards any of the characters. Whereas the new Spiderman was an immediate hit in Civil War, here The Flash is just annoying and his chirpy geekiness does not contrast well with Batfleck's grumpiness. Cyborg was totally redundant except to solve a plot point. And Aquaman did nothing of note and was not likeable at all.
This should have been a big-hitting blockbuster with edge-of-the-seat tension, laugh-out-loud banter and head-scratching plot twists (and any more hyphenated adjectives I can think of), instead it was a mediocre action film with none of the character of the DC universe on show.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Tempest 4000 in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Back in the 80s when the arcade was king; Tempest was one of the more popular arcade games of the era. Anyone who turned their allowance or paychecks into quarters remembers the furious spinning and shooting combinations of the classic Atari game.
Tempest 4000 is the latest version of the classic game which blends new and retro graphics to
Create an updated version of the game. Playing the classic Claw, players must navigate various webs and fields to destroy and evade enemies which emerge from the center of the playing area and shoot and advance on the player. Players also will have a limited amount of Smart Bombs to use which destroy all in site which is a big help when enemies make their way to the edge of the playing area and start advancing their way to take out the players.
The game has some great new maps and colors and the action is fast paced and insane but will seem very familiar for fans of the original.
Playing on a PS4 Pro did have a bit of a learning curve as the control stick is not as ideal to circle a map as the disc of the original as I often found myself going too far or not far enough at first.
The gameplay is fast and intense but did seem repetitive after a while. No matter how many new maps, colors, and enemies it throws at you, it still comes down to how fast you can spin and shoot.
Tempest 4000 is a pleasant enough distraction for those looking for some updated nostalgia and a few hours of fun gameplay.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/31/tempest-4000/
Tempest 4000 is the latest version of the classic game which blends new and retro graphics to
Create an updated version of the game. Playing the classic Claw, players must navigate various webs and fields to destroy and evade enemies which emerge from the center of the playing area and shoot and advance on the player. Players also will have a limited amount of Smart Bombs to use which destroy all in site which is a big help when enemies make their way to the edge of the playing area and start advancing their way to take out the players.
The game has some great new maps and colors and the action is fast paced and insane but will seem very familiar for fans of the original.
Playing on a PS4 Pro did have a bit of a learning curve as the control stick is not as ideal to circle a map as the disc of the original as I often found myself going too far or not far enough at first.
The gameplay is fast and intense but did seem repetitive after a while. No matter how many new maps, colors, and enemies it throws at you, it still comes down to how fast you can spin and shoot.
Tempest 4000 is a pleasant enough distraction for those looking for some updated nostalgia and a few hours of fun gameplay.
http://sknr.net/2018/07/31/tempest-4000/
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Gunjack in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
If you are a fan of the EVE Universe and the Playstation VR, then you will want to check out Gunjack by CCP Games. The game cast players as a gunner on an orbital platform which must help ward off never ending waves of enemies.
Once strapped into your chair, the V.R. experience gives you lots of eye candy as you see the inner workings of the station and move into position.
Mixing old and new, the game sends enemies at players in waves, and using your head to aim, players can unleash a fury of energy and ballistic weapons upon enemies that appear.
Of course you have to be selective with your shots as there is a cool down phase and you do not want to be caught when one of the bigger enemies appear.
Players will also be able to obtain powerful one shot weapons during combat as well as debris which can be used to provide players with additional protection against attacks.
The waves of enemies increase in difficulty which forces players to alter their strategy in order to get the best results. The game is available for all VR platforms and those wishing to play it on the go are able to as well on the Android platform with supporting hardware. The value price is also a big plus for the game as well.
Some gamers may cite a lack of depth to the game but it is important to note that the game was built from the ground up for VR. It was designed to be a fun and affordable VR game which combines the retro shooters of old with the modern VR technology. From the solid action to great graphics, Gunjack is a welcome mix of nostalgia and action and is well worth a look.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/22/gunjack/
Once strapped into your chair, the V.R. experience gives you lots of eye candy as you see the inner workings of the station and move into position.
Mixing old and new, the game sends enemies at players in waves, and using your head to aim, players can unleash a fury of energy and ballistic weapons upon enemies that appear.
Of course you have to be selective with your shots as there is a cool down phase and you do not want to be caught when one of the bigger enemies appear.
Players will also be able to obtain powerful one shot weapons during combat as well as debris which can be used to provide players with additional protection against attacks.
The waves of enemies increase in difficulty which forces players to alter their strategy in order to get the best results. The game is available for all VR platforms and those wishing to play it on the go are able to as well on the Android platform with supporting hardware. The value price is also a big plus for the game as well.
Some gamers may cite a lack of depth to the game but it is important to note that the game was built from the ground up for VR. It was designed to be a fun and affordable VR game which combines the retro shooters of old with the modern VR technology. From the solid action to great graphics, Gunjack is a welcome mix of nostalgia and action and is well worth a look.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/22/gunjack/
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019 (Updated Jun 21, 2019)
An axe to the head was surely enough to stop Jason Voorhees in the last film, right? Wrong. After taking care of a few orderlies at the hospital his "corpse" was taken to, Jason sets his sights on Tommy Jarvis, his family, and the group of teenagers who came to party at the house next door. Tommy loves to make monster masks and loves video games. He could be the key ingredient to Jason's downfall.
This is actually another one of my favorite films of the franchise. The main reason being that the kills in this film are arguably the best so far and quite possibly the best of the franchise. Jason must have a thing against Crispin Glover though or maybe he just saw him having a spasm and seizure fit in the living room earlier on in the film. Nevertheless, I've never seen any one victim in the franchise get as much punishment as he did. First, a corkscrew in the hand and followed by a meat cleaver to the face. As if that wasn't enough, Jason nails up his corpse over one of the doorways by his hands and feet to block anyone from escaping. Then later on, rips him down the hard way.
Another interesting kill is the shower scene. What makes it a bit more unique is that it's a guy who bites it this time around. Face-palmed to death by Jason's massive hand. Jason's "death" is also quite grotesque and spectacular. Tommy Jarvis swings a machete into the side of Jason's head and Jason falls to the ground landing face first onto the handle of the machete causing it to slide through his skull. The weirdest part of the film has to be when the dog jumps through the glass window. I mean...what the heck?
This is actually another one of my favorite films of the franchise. The main reason being that the kills in this film are arguably the best so far and quite possibly the best of the franchise. Jason must have a thing against Crispin Glover though or maybe he just saw him having a spasm and seizure fit in the living room earlier on in the film. Nevertheless, I've never seen any one victim in the franchise get as much punishment as he did. First, a corkscrew in the hand and followed by a meat cleaver to the face. As if that wasn't enough, Jason nails up his corpse over one of the doorways by his hands and feet to block anyone from escaping. Then later on, rips him down the hard way.
Another interesting kill is the shower scene. What makes it a bit more unique is that it's a guy who bites it this time around. Face-palmed to death by Jason's massive hand. Jason's "death" is also quite grotesque and spectacular. Tommy Jarvis swings a machete into the side of Jason's head and Jason falls to the ground landing face first onto the handle of the machete causing it to slide through his skull. The weirdest part of the film has to be when the dog jumps through the glass window. I mean...what the heck?