Saturday, December 11, 2010

Tron!! (and the quest of the where did it go?)

Lo it is December, and Tron Legacy is only a week away.
But I went on a hunt to find any stores that carried a copy. Nay, none.
Even the internet is filled with distilled vinegar (which right now is bitter).

Bummer, I hope it might be re-released before the sequel.
I haven't watched it since it was on laserdisc. (ahem)

On the plus side, hit dj's JohnJay & Rich are stopping by Tucson Mall next week.
Been wanting to chat with those two forever. Haha. Who knows?!
*pics too of my crazy adventure coming soon

And college next year! huzzah! Oh fudge, next month. Where did the time go?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Review - American on Purpose -

- Late Owl
Its 11:35pm in your area, then some character ablazes the screen with energy & pizazz. (and I do mean emphasis on the word "pizazz") There is no other talk show like it, nor is the talk show host himself like anyone you have ever seen before, or read of. This is an "Ode to a Scotsman".


- September 5 years ago
I remember watching late night tv talk shows every summer, when I wasn't in school as a young lad. But as I grew older, my attention grew more towards late night shows. Something about being able to break through tv, wherein after David Letterman was that Craig Killborn guy. Mind you, I never really understood why he hosted the "Late Late Show" to begin with. Too much of his hair, and some phony persona. Was it a knock on another late night host? Pretty sure it was.. but 2005 it all changed.

As a longtime "Drew Carey" fan I find myself noticing a familiar face. And then was hooked, and so my conscience said to me, "Craig Ferguson is a character & delight to keep up with every night". No longer was he some extra talent on another show, or dealt with tough criticism. *For those that have seen some of Craig's work, "Saving Grace" is one you can't miss.*

The Late Late Show no longer felt humdrum, and then came along the mention of a book. But the book? The life story!? It might be awhile till we get to read it.


- American on Purpose 2009
For awhile I kept trying to hunt down a copy of the book, but never could find it. Till I found out a local library here in Marana / Tucson, AZ carried a copy. And waited.. thankfully I read the book and it is totally worth the wait.

And here is the review (written in a non-sequitter fashion)-

Life, music, talent, and energy. Those four words altogether describe the individual known as Craig Ferguson. From the land of Glasgow, facing challenges everyday; from a young kid to an unknown destiny. To "running the gauntlet", or taking a sip of some strange brew that would take over his life.

Family - to Craig this is one of the core points of his livelihood. From his mother & father, older brother & sis, to his baby sister (whom is also a writer for the "Late Late Show"). Its his inspiriation, and challenges that kept him going. Including his son, Milo who is another chapter of his life. *And not to forget the women in his life, to the "stepping stones", and the one whom he shares his life with now.

As a talented character Craig has seen some fallouts. Not only from his musical background, but to films, directing, writing, and producing. Some were successes, and others were failures. Each though taught him a lesson "to keep on going".

"American On Purpose" is a must own book, for those that enjoy a different take from a late night / talented character. (available in hardcover & paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/American-Purpose-LP-Improbable-Adventures/dp/0061885452

To learn more about Craig's acting, writing, and directing career visit his IMDB page
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272401/

And if you've missed any "Late Late Show" escapades, visit the LLS site!
http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_late_show/

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Movie Review - Prince of Persia - The Sands of Time

- Beginnings
Early on, a fellow by the name of Jordan Mechner loved movies. Classic, fast-paced, and heart wrenching adventures. In the early 80's he brought his ideas to life, in a film project with his brother & famlily. Creating two diverse games called "Karateka" & "Prince of Persia". From the start you were given a short introduction, then tossed into a dungeon. Along with a time clock, you had to engage every catacomb, trap, clash with guards, and many perils. But you did it all to save the woman, your hero loved. It was a simple premise, but it opened up a plethora of a imaginitive minds.


- The Next Step
Akin to Prince of Persia's legacy, JM continued on various projects. Most notably a mystery game called "The Last Express", and various documentaries. For some time, JM took a long deserved break from designing games, and sought other projects. But something brought him back to games, a company by the name of UbiSoft thought of reviving the PoP franchise (which ran into many rough spots throughout the years). Thankfully being an advisor, "Sands of Time" was given approval, and gave the series a new life, and an engaging story.


- From videogame to film, the journey unfolds
Jerry Bruckheimer, many film fans know this name, and thankfully his crew delivers their utmost word. For those that have been fans of "Pirates of the Caribbean", to CSI (Miami, NY) , and many of his production teams other projects. "Sands of Time" as interpreted into a film treatment has been done with the utmost care, and still gives its best to fans either from the gaming community, or those who love action movies.

Going to diverse aspects of lost kingdoms, and the desert dunes. Every background piece is a part of the story, between night & day, and battles that take place. Motion & solemn moments are carefully directed with diligence that JB's team delivers.

Storywise, SoT takes a departure from the in-game series, and takes the viewer on a different quest. Following the same prince, now as we know as "Dastan", his origin, and how he came to be. To meeting the "damsel in distress", along with the "dagger", "allies", and the "villains".

In short, "Sands of Time" is an excellent movie, and definitely not one to miss.

*Bonus links -
http://jordanmechner.com/ Jordan Mechner's official website
http://ubisoft.com/
http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/princeofpersia/
http://prince-of-persia.us.ubi.com/ Official Series site

Monday, April 5, 2010

Of vampires and hedgehogs

Welcome to another dose of gaming goodness..
Today's 2 mini-reviews are
Castlevania - Dawn of Sorrow & Sonic Rush

- Dawn
Pros - Brings back the gameplay from Aria of Sorrow.
Looks gorgeous on the DS
Obtaining monsters abilities is even more vast
Being able to play as Julius, with Yoko & Alucard (CV III)

Cons - It feels a bit shorter than Aria
The stylus is rarely used

- Sonic Rush
Pros - Challenging & fun
Awesome music & gameplay

Cons - Some special stages get so tricky
It takes some getting used to with 2 screens

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Saying goodbye to Hollywood Video

Just dropped by the local HV store, and turns out they are running a "all stuff must go" sale.
Sadly its going as fast as they can keep up with the market. Once an item is gone, its gone.
Renting movies or games up-front has always been somewhat of an endeavour. But the days are coming that there won't be a movie rental store anymore. Sure Blockbuster may be the last major retailer, but how long will it last...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Music review - BT - These Hopeful Machines

Beginnings -
As a music listener, I grew up listening to the local radio stations in San Jose, CA. At the time, it was mostly pop, rock, and some country. But once I received a game for a gift, and the midi soundtrack involved so much influence in its structure and design. Metroid, an NES classic that contained atmospheric intensity, and so many dynamics even from a simple design at the time. Now games are full fledged movies, with integral decisions for us to make.

Where are you now?
As I grew older, my music & gaming interests grew tenfold. Once I bought a copy of Sonic the Hedgehog for the SEGA Genesis, the music changed progressively. Later in my life, I found out that some of Michael Jackson’s audio producers offered rights to remixed, and re-edited versions of various songs for Sonic 2&3 which featured some diverse beats never before in videogames.

Evolution-
Sometime later, in the mid 90’s I stumbled upon an early BT record. I listened briefly and reminisced how far music has come. It took me back to my NES days, and I just smiled. I needed to dive into this new phase of sound, something no one else in my mind, has ever been able to compose such beautiful melodies.

2/2
On 2/2, I went on a trek to find a somewhat local store that would carrty THM. Sadly Best Buy did not have it avaiable, I found out that another store named ZIA Records actually had copies. Purchased, listened, and smiled again. THM is so well collected, it feels like the perfect soundtrack to someone’s life.

Just last night I went through the past BT album’s in my collection to find out that the liner notes from 10 Years in the Life had some funny notes. And then when you look through THM’s cover / art gallery, it boasts so much imagination, it makes you smile every time you look at it.

Yesterday…
music’s past and future. I have never felt more positive about things around me until I found out about the collected mind of BT. Just listening to every melody takes your mind to fun and interesting places, this is definitely not an album to miss, but enjoy like the lives we go through everyday.

THM now available! http://www.btmusic.com/

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Super SFIV - REMIX?

Gametrailers recently added a newly english dubbed trailer for SSFIV.
http://www.gametrailers.com/game/super-street-fighter-iv/12123?action=trackThisGame

Suprisingly enough it looks very promising, although its a remix of the past release.
But the new animation clip delivered by Gonzo (who sadly has been let go). Looks way better than the original anime cutscenes from the first SFIV.
Is it Alpha? Er I'm confused, but it looks very impressive.

More fun stuff to share!
OCR's Castlevania 2nd tribute http://sotd.ocremix.org/
BT http://www.btmusic.com/ New album "These Hopeful Machines" out 2/2