Search
Search results
Reiko LJ (126 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect 3: Citadel (DLC) in Video Games
Apr 22, 2020
Packed with funny nods (1 more)
Varied and fun content
Meta fest
I played this when it was first released which was a good year after the base game. I think gave it and extra edge considerabley. It meant you were approaching it with a different view on the content and universe.
Having recently played it during a replay of ME3 it doesn't have the same effect. It ends up a little jarring with its overly comedic moments in juxtaposition to the tone of the base.
It's still a fantastic DLC though with some great nostalgic moments and decent content. I just think it should be played after completion of the base game, maybe after having some time to digest like the original release.
Having recently played it during a replay of ME3 it doesn't have the same effect. It ends up a little jarring with its overly comedic moments in juxtaposition to the tone of the base.
It's still a fantastic DLC though with some great nostalgic moments and decent content. I just think it should be played after completion of the base game, maybe after having some time to digest like the original release.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Scream (2022) in Movies
Aug 9, 2022
Scream..... Some more
Ok so scream was rebooted once again in what I can only describe after seeing this one, is not much more than a cash grab sequel that's just DYING to squeeze the life out of the remaining original characters.
Riffing on the original plot, which is constantly brought up in its own poor attempt at being meta by using the fictional movie stab which is based on the original movies events.... (hey you, ya still there? Are you keeping up?) and being used as a terrible guide book if you will...
The only good thing about this movie is the return/inclusion of the original cast...
Honestly, this movie just kinda fell flat quickly and had its moments throughout its run but its nothing to brag about.
Seriously....
Riffing on the original plot, which is constantly brought up in its own poor attempt at being meta by using the fictional movie stab which is based on the original movies events.... (hey you, ya still there? Are you keeping up?) and being used as a terrible guide book if you will...
The only good thing about this movie is the return/inclusion of the original cast...
Honestly, this movie just kinda fell flat quickly and had its moments throughout its run but its nothing to brag about.
Seriously....
Andi Lutz (3 KP) rated Doki Doki Literature Club in Video Games
Apr 15, 2018
Atmosphere (1 more)
Art
Unsettling and Entertaining
I am not a fan of dating sims. I would not have played this one if I had not heard a podcast on horror tabletop gaming say to play this game. They gave no details whatsoever, except that the game was free. No harm in trying it when it's free!
There is very little actual gameplay, as with most dating sims. A lot of just reading and clicking on dialogue choices. The game has all the stereotypical dating sim personalities and events to work through: culture fest, clubs, making friends, getting to know people. It takes a bit, but eventually, small things start to seem out of place or odd.
Once you start to notice the weird things, though, the roller coaster ride begins.
The game takes you on an unsettling, sometimes disturbing, trip that crosses into meta-gaming and breaks the fourth wall in some unique ways.
The art is solid. The dialogue and writing are excellent. Some parts of the game remind me of some of the older meta-gaming efforts out there in the late 90s, early 2000s.
Even though there are not a lot of choices to make in the game, not a lot of gaming, it is still worth the effort to watch the show and be part of the game itself. This game sucks the player in and adds you to its dossier. Guys and girls alike will get a thrill out of it if they stick through to the end. And trust me when I say that when you think you are at the end, just keep playing. Don't turn the game off for a second. Keep playing. And when you think you are at the end again, keep playing. And when you think you are at the end again, keep playing.
There is very little actual gameplay, as with most dating sims. A lot of just reading and clicking on dialogue choices. The game has all the stereotypical dating sim personalities and events to work through: culture fest, clubs, making friends, getting to know people. It takes a bit, but eventually, small things start to seem out of place or odd.
Once you start to notice the weird things, though, the roller coaster ride begins.
The game takes you on an unsettling, sometimes disturbing, trip that crosses into meta-gaming and breaks the fourth wall in some unique ways.
The art is solid. The dialogue and writing are excellent. Some parts of the game remind me of some of the older meta-gaming efforts out there in the late 90s, early 2000s.
Even though there are not a lot of choices to make in the game, not a lot of gaming, it is still worth the effort to watch the show and be part of the game itself. This game sucks the player in and adds you to its dossier. Guys and girls alike will get a thrill out of it if they stick through to the end. And trust me when I say that when you think you are at the end, just keep playing. Don't turn the game off for a second. Keep playing. And when you think you are at the end again, keep playing. And when you think you are at the end again, keep playing.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Mar 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 28, 2020)
Somewhat atypical Marvel movie solves the problem of how to keep things fresh and interesting by recruiting Shane Black as director, who brings his usual blend of hardboiled thriller and screwball comedy to the genre. When a series of terror attacks by the mysterious Mandarin strikes close to home, Tony Stark vows to take him on - but not all is as it seems...
Hardly an essential movie in terms of the mighty Marvel meta-plot, but still a hugely clever, fun, well-constructed movie. Unfairly gets a raw deal from some comic fans for its radical interpretation of a classic Iron Man villain, but the sparklingly witty script and great performances from the principal cast more than make up for it. Black handles the big-scale action sequences as adroitly as the comic scenes. One of the more underrated movies in the MCU.
Hardly an essential movie in terms of the mighty Marvel meta-plot, but still a hugely clever, fun, well-constructed movie. Unfairly gets a raw deal from some comic fans for its radical interpretation of a classic Iron Man villain, but the sparklingly witty script and great performances from the principal cast more than make up for it. Black handles the big-scale action sequences as adroitly as the comic scenes. One of the more underrated movies in the MCU.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) in Movies
Apr 22, 2022
Meta-Fun
It is a tricky thing on film, to parody your film image without making it an homage (or a complete trashing) of yourself. And, in THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT, Nicholas Cage (playing Nick Cage) has found the line perfectly.
Conceived, written and Directed by Tom Cormican (THAT AWKWARD MOMENT), UWOMT (as I will call it here on out) is a meta-film that has Nicholas Cage playing a highly stylized and fictionalized version of himself. In this film, Nick Cage is desperate for work and going broke, when a rich fan offers him $1 million to appear at a birthday party. What happens next is bizarre, gonzo and out-of-control - and a lot of fun.
Let’s start with the man himself, Nicholas Cage, once he was convinced to do this film (and it took some convincing, for he turned this film down at least 3 times), he dives in with both feet and with full gusto filling Nick Cage with the wild actions and antics that are the basis of many, many Nicholas Cage memes. It is a knowing characterization by Cage, but one that knows when to pull back (not a trait often associated with him) and he does it all without winking at the camera.
Credit for this must go to Writer/Director Cormican (and his co-writer Kevin Etten),who had a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish here, what tone they wanted to set, and how “meta” they wanted this film to be. And they accomplish this goal well, making an interesting and intriguing comedy/action flick that will satisfy many…but, especially, fans of Nicholas Cage.
Along for the fun ride are Neil Patrick Harris, Tiffany Hadish, Ike Barinholtz and Sharon Horgan who all deliver the right vibe for this film (as well as a couple of cameos that would be a spoiler to mention). They all look like that they are having a fun time.
But…the glue that holds all of this craziness together is the performance of Pedro Pascual (NARCOS, THE MANDILORIAN) who plays the millionaire Superfan who hires Cage and, eventually, befriends him. This is a masterful, comedic performance and it is Pascual’s sincerity (without going into buffoonery or overplaying) that grounds this film just enough that you actually care about the relationship between Pascual’s character, Javy, and Cage.
A ton of fun, not only for the performances and wild events, but for the many, many references to fun Cage films/roles of the past - items that will now motivate many (including myself) to check out.
Letter Grade: A
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Conceived, written and Directed by Tom Cormican (THAT AWKWARD MOMENT), UWOMT (as I will call it here on out) is a meta-film that has Nicholas Cage playing a highly stylized and fictionalized version of himself. In this film, Nick Cage is desperate for work and going broke, when a rich fan offers him $1 million to appear at a birthday party. What happens next is bizarre, gonzo and out-of-control - and a lot of fun.
Let’s start with the man himself, Nicholas Cage, once he was convinced to do this film (and it took some convincing, for he turned this film down at least 3 times), he dives in with both feet and with full gusto filling Nick Cage with the wild actions and antics that are the basis of many, many Nicholas Cage memes. It is a knowing characterization by Cage, but one that knows when to pull back (not a trait often associated with him) and he does it all without winking at the camera.
Credit for this must go to Writer/Director Cormican (and his co-writer Kevin Etten),who had a clear vision of what they wanted to accomplish here, what tone they wanted to set, and how “meta” they wanted this film to be. And they accomplish this goal well, making an interesting and intriguing comedy/action flick that will satisfy many…but, especially, fans of Nicholas Cage.
Along for the fun ride are Neil Patrick Harris, Tiffany Hadish, Ike Barinholtz and Sharon Horgan who all deliver the right vibe for this film (as well as a couple of cameos that would be a spoiler to mention). They all look like that they are having a fun time.
But…the glue that holds all of this craziness together is the performance of Pedro Pascual (NARCOS, THE MANDILORIAN) who plays the millionaire Superfan who hires Cage and, eventually, befriends him. This is a masterful, comedic performance and it is Pascual’s sincerity (without going into buffoonery or overplaying) that grounds this film just enough that you actually care about the relationship between Pascual’s character, Javy, and Cage.
A ton of fun, not only for the performances and wild events, but for the many, many references to fun Cage films/roles of the past - items that will now motivate many (including myself) to check out.
Letter Grade: A
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Scream 4 (2011) in Movies
Nov 12, 2020
11 years after Scream 3 "graced" cinema screens, Wes Craven returned to his meta horror series in an era where the genre had gone into full remake mode.
I'm not convinced that Scream 4 needs to exist, especially after the underwhelming way the third film closed out the original trilogy, but this entry is definitely a step up.
The Meta side of things is again a little over the top, but it's good to see Ghostface in a more modern setting. This Ghostface is brutal as well, and Scream 4 is arguably the goriest of the franchise, making it's iconic masked antagonist more intimidating than ever.
The returning cast are back again - Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette - and have somehow survived all of the Scream movies - as per usual, it feels like a homecoming with them in tow. It's not often in horror you have one person make it this far, let alone three. It gives the series a uniqueness that I can appreciate.
The new characters are all written like typical cannon fodder slasher victims but they all serve there purpose well. Hayden Panittiere is a welcome addition, and it's nice to see Anthony Anderson in a pre Black-ish role.
The plot is so so. It's all ground that has been relentlessly trodden by this point, but it still works. Sidney is back in town. People start getting stabbed. Everyone is a suspect. Rinse and repeat.
The killer reveal in this one isn't too shoddy either, and makes more sense that the reveals in Scream 2 and 3, and there's a lot of direct homage to the first movie in how it's all executed (coming round full circle to the remake commentary)
All in all, Scream 4 is a bucket load of fun, even if it doesn't quite hit the heights if the original. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming sequel will turn out following Craven's death, but I have the feeling it won't quite be the same. Long live Wes Craven!
I'm not convinced that Scream 4 needs to exist, especially after the underwhelming way the third film closed out the original trilogy, but this entry is definitely a step up.
The Meta side of things is again a little over the top, but it's good to see Ghostface in a more modern setting. This Ghostface is brutal as well, and Scream 4 is arguably the goriest of the franchise, making it's iconic masked antagonist more intimidating than ever.
The returning cast are back again - Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette - and have somehow survived all of the Scream movies - as per usual, it feels like a homecoming with them in tow. It's not often in horror you have one person make it this far, let alone three. It gives the series a uniqueness that I can appreciate.
The new characters are all written like typical cannon fodder slasher victims but they all serve there purpose well. Hayden Panittiere is a welcome addition, and it's nice to see Anthony Anderson in a pre Black-ish role.
The plot is so so. It's all ground that has been relentlessly trodden by this point, but it still works. Sidney is back in town. People start getting stabbed. Everyone is a suspect. Rinse and repeat.
The killer reveal in this one isn't too shoddy either, and makes more sense that the reveals in Scream 2 and 3, and there's a lot of direct homage to the first movie in how it's all executed (coming round full circle to the remake commentary)
All in all, Scream 4 is a bucket load of fun, even if it doesn't quite hit the heights if the original. It will be interesting to see how the upcoming sequel will turn out following Craven's death, but I have the feeling it won't quite be the same. Long live Wes Craven!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Doctor Strange (2016) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018 (Updated Feb 5, 2021)
The fourteenth movie in Marvel's meta-franchise is an impressively faithful attempt at adapting a challenging book for the screen. If the story of a brilliant, arrogant man undergoing a personal trauma and discovering his inner hero seems a little familiar, that's only because the studio has used it as the basis of at least two other movies before, but it's a solid structure imaginatively employed here.
Cumbersome Bandersnatch leads the movie with the charisma you'd expect; the lack of a really strong villain is a bit of a problem but also a frequent issue for Marvel. Visual effects give the impression of Ditkoesque imagery without slavishly copying it; may cause migraines/motion sickness in delicate viewers. You almost get the sense that Marvel are doing a Dr Strange movie at this point just to tick a box, but if nothing else it promises to move this series in some interesting new directions. More movies should have a harpsichord on the soundtrack.
Cumbersome Bandersnatch leads the movie with the charisma you'd expect; the lack of a really strong villain is a bit of a problem but also a frequent issue for Marvel. Visual effects give the impression of Ditkoesque imagery without slavishly copying it; may cause migraines/motion sickness in delicate viewers. You almost get the sense that Marvel are doing a Dr Strange movie at this point just to tick a box, but if nothing else it promises to move this series in some interesting new directions. More movies should have a harpsichord on the soundtrack.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Ant-Man (2015) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018 (Updated Jun 9, 2018)
Long-in-the-works Marvel movie gets around lack of big names and (if we're totally honest) significance to the ongoing MCU meta-plot through sheer good humour, inventiveness, and charm. Loveable rogue gets recruited by curmudgeonly ex-superhero to take on his mantle as very tiny special operative Ant-Man. Possibly most famous for the fact that original writer-director Edgar Wright was fired from the movie, allegedly for refusing to stick with the Marvel house style - his influence over the movie is still very noticeable to the discerning, though.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated St. Osmunds (2013) in Movies
Sep 12, 2018
Strong ideas, but misses the mark
St Osmunds is a mixture of found footage and traditional shooting, following two guys that are making a documentary about an Insane Asylum that closed under mysterious circumstances.
There is some nicely placed humour at times, and a great red-herring/meta humour joke quite early on that really surprised me, and the dialogue is actually not the worst, considering how badly low budget horror treats scripts normally.
The plot is ambitious, at times quite interesting but all too often it falls a little short of its goal, leaving the viewer confused as to what is happening.
This may just be due to inexperience on behalf of those involved, or a deliberate attempt to at making a mysterious film, but either way its a slightly chaotic ride.
This is a film for people interested in interesting concepts and twists, but not one if you are expecting a high budget affair.
There is some nicely placed humour at times, and a great red-herring/meta humour joke quite early on that really surprised me, and the dialogue is actually not the worst, considering how badly low budget horror treats scripts normally.
The plot is ambitious, at times quite interesting but all too often it falls a little short of its goal, leaving the viewer confused as to what is happening.
This may just be due to inexperience on behalf of those involved, or a deliberate attempt to at making a mysterious film, but either way its a slightly chaotic ride.
This is a film for people interested in interesting concepts and twists, but not one if you are expecting a high budget affair.
