I Watched: Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch – 2011 – Dir. Zack Snyder – 120 min. – U.S.

In today’s movie landscape, there are three (general) types of movies. One that relies on a compelling story and excellent acting (i.e.  The King’s Speech). Another that relies on stunning graphic effects and the more-often-than-not gimmicky element of 3-D (it’s like adding stickers to a car…neither really make it that much better). The third is a rare one that is able to blend the visual effects with solid story (i.e. The Dark Knight). Sucker Punch tries to be that third type and might be a bit more successful at it…if movies like Inception and Shutter Island didn’t come out the previous year.

Zack Snyder has established a unique visual style as seen in 300 and Watchmen, with a lot of slow motion and blood spattered all over the place. But while he’s able to make your eyes feel like they’re having sex with the movie screen, none of his movies have been incredibly strong in the story/ character development department. That leads me to Sucker Punch (which has been, so far, his worst reviewed movie on Rotten Tomatoes).

The film starts out with a visually and musically beautiful sequence to explain the back story. This was my favorite part of the whole movie:

My Top Movies of 2010

There are few things in life that give me greater joy than taking a time out from life and watching a movie. I watched a lot this past year, a few horrible ones, a few good ones, and a bunch that make me feel indifferent.

I watched a handful early in the year, then stopped when I had to move. Started to pick up a little more towards the end of the year. Oh, and as you can tell, I was only able to watch more mainstream stuff. So no international and super-indie films. But I always welcome recommendations.

(in no particular order)

1) Inception

Director: Christopher Nolan

-So lets start out with the most popular one out of my list. Yes, this got hyped beyond belief. It seemed like a lot of people who saw it turned into film experts overnight. And these same people, when upon learning you hadn’t seen it yet, would treat the spoilers like government secrets. I waited until I went to San Diego for Comic-Con to watch it. Normally with hype, I turn into a cynic and anticipate the giant expectations not to be matched. But after watching this, I had to admit defeat and say it was actually really good. Did it deserve all the hype? I don’t think so. Was it the best movie I had ever seen? Nope. But you had to admit it was well made and the thing that always separates the good films from the bad ones: the details. You could tell Nolan took his time and made sure he thought about everything. And to this day (despite article after article discussing it), debates arise over what the meaning of the ending is. This was the default movie-to-watch for 2010.

A Christmas Gift from Where The Sideblog Ends

 

PRESENT?!?! WHAT COULD IT BE?!?! Photo: Faye Lacanilao

Since I probably won’t have internet access on Christmas Day, I wanted to make sure I got this through. Thank you for dealing with my randomness, long-winded entries, and weeks/ months of inactivity. I truly believe in gifts that keep on giving. So my present to you are two videos that really define the holiday season…and make me laugh no matter how many times I watch them (courtesy of Saturday Night Live). Enjoy and have a good and safe holiday weekend (go Chargers)!

It’s that time of the year…COMIC-CON!

This is an exciting week. Not only because it’s the one year anniversary for this blog…but also that it coincides with the biggest geek fest in the world: SAN DIEGO COMIC CONVENTION INTERNATIONAL!

Again, I am going into this unsure if I have a pass or not (though I have many leads working on it). This time my partner-in-Con will be Brandon, as a kinda farewell gift before he moves to the Philippines.

Here are the top 5 things I’m looking forward to this year:

1) Random acts of celebrity sightings. I only care about celebrities when they’re relevant to my life. Which is why I only care about them at Comic-Con. Last year I had people randomly walk past me (cast of The Big Bang Theory) and within visual sight (Olivia Munn). Really, there are only three people I really want to meet. Summer Glau, Kristen Bell, and Olivia Munn. I haven’t heard if Kristen Bell is going to be there, Summer Glau has a panel for her new NBC show, and Olivia Munn is usually around the G4 booth. Other than that, I’ll be okay with surprise run-ins while walking the floor.

2) Actually going to panels. The lines get long quick, so I’ll really have to be on point for this. I really want Brandon to go to the Tron panel. There’s a bunch of panels for TV shows (The Big Bang Theory), video games (Halo: Reach), and movies (Thor) I’d like to catch. There’s nothing like being in a room full of fellow fans getting excited about every little piece of spoiler information you have the privilege to receive.

3) Nerds Gone Wild! In cosplay. I’m excited to see who dresses as what. Who puts that extra effort. Who should have put less effort. Who should have came as something else. This is probably the best part of the convention.

4) Friday is Star Wars Day! Nuff’ said.

5) Sunday is the day for those looking for deals. All the big companies dump all their excess freebies. Booths are usually looking to unload all their stuff at reduced prices. Temptation is a big thing. A shrinking bank account is bigger. I look to find a healthy medium which allows me enough money to drive back home.

We’re still trying to compile our ideal Comic-Con schedule. There are also plenty of non-Comic-Con-related activities going on this well too. So I’m pretty sure no one is getting any sleep.

Last year I wanted to blog after each day. I won’t promise that this year seeing how that was an utter failure. But if I can, I will do my best. Check back!

But if you can’t go this year, G4 is going to have live coverage. It’ll be like you’re there without all the sweaty nerds!

Twilight Fans’ Vampire Addiction Affecting Relationships

With the new “Twilight” film opening up…I think today?…I thought this would be funny to put up. I hope people remember that this is only a movie and you can’t compare your own relationships to the ones artificially created on-screen/ in a book. At the same time, if it helps someone realize how unhappy they are in a relationship, then maybe it’s a good thing? As long as you don’t put unrealistic expectations on your relationship, like your partner having to be a supernatural creature. But far be it for me to offer relationship advice…

In the end, there are better movies out there. Please, watch them. Please.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movie-talk-twilight-fans-vampire-addiction-affecting-relationships.html

by Lindsay Robertson · June 28, 2010

With fans turning the area outside the Nokia theater in L.A. into a tent city in advance of the “Eclipse” premiere, the Los Angeles Times examines the phenomenon of fans whose lives are upended by their fierce love of the vampire books and movies. The Times found women who have nearly lost their marriages by neglecting their husbands in favor of “Twilight” fan sites, blogs, and message boards. One woman gushes that she’s seen the movies “over 300 times.”

So-called “Twilight addiction” proliferates on the Internet, where a fan can take any of hundreds of quizzes to self-diagnose their condition, and websites sell hand-made crystal-encrusted T-shirts that say “Twilight Mom.” Some “Twi-Moms” as they’re known, have even argued that their love of Edward and/or Jacob has actually improved their marriages.

Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 2010 Trailer

This was by far, my favorite trailer from E3. Their first one was already pretty awesome. The second one doesn’t disappoint.

I know the game play won’t look like this, but if a trailer’s job is to get people excited about a game: SOLD! And I don’t even play MMOs (massively multiplayer online game).

Even if you don’t play video games, just enjoy the visual awesomeness.

P.S.: I wonder when Luke is going to learn how to do the Jedi hadoken. I hope Yoda wrote down the code for that somewhere.

Darth Vader’s Diagnosis

Of course someone had to do a psychological analysis of Darth Vader. Someone is always 1) that bored 2) that obsessed. But the the analysis is interesting (at least to me). I mean, you have to have some problems if your idea of punishment for your daughter not telling you a secret is to blow up her home planet or for your son not following your same path is to cut off his hand. I wouldn’t want to be Cader’s therapist.

I hope that we all realize that because he’s a science fiction character, he’s supposed to be fucked in the head. Darth Vader’s characteristics is more to drive story and interest, instead of following some sort of psychological profile built as a reaction to real human interaction.

I hope we all know that. Right?!

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/buzz-log-darth-vaders-diagnosis.html

His enemies and underlings are painfully aware that Darth Vader is highly irritable and prone to bursts of anger. But until now, we don’t think anybody knew that the Dark Lord of the Sith may have suffered from borderline personality disorder.

According to a popular blog over at CNN, French researchers have concluded that Mr. Vader (aka Anakin Skywalker) has, at various times, exhibited six of the nine criteria for borderline personality disorder. To be diagnosed with BPD, you need only showcase five of the behaviors.

Just what are these traits? Well, there are the unstable moods that Vader suffers. One minute he’s happy because he sliced Obi-Wan Kenobi in half. The next, he’s all huffy that his subordinates let the Millennium Falcon escape. And when Vader ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

E3 2010: Top showstoppers and disappointments

If you don’t know, E3 is the Electronic Entertainment Expo. It’s an annual computer and video game trade show held at the LA Convention Center where companies show off their newest game titles and creations. It’s kinda like a Comic Con, except it’s only for folks involved in the industry (video game designers, producers, media, etc.).

I was pretty much glued to G4 last week watching E3 coverage. A lot of really good stuff came out of it, so much so that I just wasn’t able to grab my jaw off the ground and write about it.

But let’s hear from the people who were actually there.

I’m definitely looking forward to Rock Band 3 and the chance to have new instruments and even more people play together. I’ll give it to the creators, they’re really trying to keep people interested in the series.

But I don’t agree with “Too Many Sequels”. While I like seeing new and innovative games come out, I also like seeing where people can take already-established titles. It’s easy to get lazy and make a sequel stale. But I think with some upcoming games, the sequels can bring more innovation freshness than some new games. As long as there’s evolution.

Oh, and I might even consider getting a DS next year. 3-D? Are you forreal?!

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/e3-2010-top-showstoppers-and-disappointments/1402833

E3 2010: Top showstoppers and disappointments

by Ben Silverman and Mike Smith

It might be ‘game over’ for E3 2010, but gamers have plenty to look forward to. We saw a new Xbox 360 design from Microsoft, an impressive motion-control system from Sony, an absolute barnstormer of a show from Nintendo, and enough new games to keep us busy for years.

But while we were wowed by a few surprising announcements, several high-profile products were strangely MIA. Here are the top 5 surprises — and top 5 bummers — of the biggest video game spectacle of the year.

Top 5 Showstoppers

Nintendo does 3D

Think Sony is the king of 3D? So did we — until we got some face time with Nintendo’s newly unveiled 3DS handheld, the talk of E3.

Like everyone else, we were a bit skeptical of the company’s ability to cram a legit 3D experience into a handheld device without requiring special glasses or a pricey new TV.

Then we got our hands on the unit, and lo and behold, it’s a minor miracle. A simple slider lets users determine the intensity of the 3D effect; flick it to “full,” and the image suddenly gains depth, essentially rivaling the fancier 3D tech found in other devices but at a fraction of the cost. And it works incredibly well: from gunning down enemies in popular Nintendo space shooter Starfox to watching ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ the handheld’s hi-res screen handles 3D effortlessly. It is, in a word, awesome.

Nintendo has yet to announce pricing (it’s due out in March 2011), but regardless of the specifics, the 3DS looks poised to bring 3D gaming to your life without obliterating your bank account.

Rock Band gets real

The once-mighty music game genre has been limping along in the past year or so, but make no mistake: Rock Band 3 is on the case, and this time, it’s playing for real.

With two new guitar peripherals — one of which is a legit, six-string Squier Stratocaster that can be plugged into both your game console and your Marshall half-stack — developer Harmonix is hoping to give game geeks a real-world education. Not only can gamers learn how to play real guitar by plucking through the game’s ‘Pro mode’, but actual musicians can plug in and play through any of the game’s tracks alongside their plastic-peripheral-playing gamer friends. Bringing gamers and musicians together at last? Music to our ears.

10 Ways You’re Getting Ripped Off

Okay, so I know capitalism itself is just one big rip off. But while we have to live in it, wouldn’t it be nice to not get ripped off as much?

I know this is only a small list of ways we’re getting ripped off. And I love their advice to avoid the rip off (ex. How to Avoid It: Join a gym.), but I’m sure some of us can benefit from this. Especially in this messed up economy. Let’s save our money for more important stuff in life (like exposure trips to the Philippines!)

Thanks Forbes for this. Its weird a business magazine is actually telling us the tricks of its bosses. What’s your angle?

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http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109576/10-ways-youre-getting-ripped-off

by Forbes, Edited by Brett Nelson
Tuesday, May 18, 2010provided by

Think you’re not getting a fair shake? Here’s how bad it really is.

Economists call them “market inefficiencies”–those periods when the price of something veers from its underlying, inherent value. Consumers on the short end of these misalignments call them rip-offs.

We’re not talking fraud here, though there’s plenty of that going around, too. We’re talking about all the ways, within the law, that we allow ourselves to be taken for a ride.

Rip-offs imply choice. If there’s truly no substitute for a particular good or service, then you’ll put up with sticker shock. (Think movie theater snacks and certain life-saving medications.) That’s good work for businesses that can get it, but plenty rely on our collective naiveté, distraction, shortsightedness and high stress levels when pushing this flimflam.

To be sure, in some cases we know we’re being taken but we put up with it anyway. What you may not know is just how egregious the gouging is.

We started unearthing rip-offs in 2009, and our hunt continues. Here are some of the latest lowlights.

Airline Club Memberships

istockphoto

The Rip-Off: A year of access to United Airlines’ Red Carpet Club costs $425, plus a $50 sign-up fee. For that you get cushy chairs, short customer service lines and peace and quiet at some of America’s busiest airports. Sounds nice, except that the airline is taking you for a ride.

How to Avoid It: For $375 a year you can get a United Mileage Plus Club Visa card that earns airline miles and includes a Red Carpet Club membership. Delta Air Lines (DAL – News) and Continental offer similar deals.

–Jonathan Bruner

The Rotten Tomatoes Show Goes from Fresh to… Well, You Know

So a couple weeks ago I go to current.com to check out my favorite show, The Rotten Tomatoes Show. I wrote an entry awhile back, explaining the show and how I was making a small living off of it. Because of the past few weeks of craziness, I hadn’t been watching TV, movies to review, anything. Eventually I returned, expecting things to be business as usual.

Then I find out the structure of the show had changed! They no longer accepted movie reviews from viewers. Instead, they have professionals appearing on the show (in front of an ugly and distracting background btw) giving reviews.

The viewers were up in arms! Besides the fact that many of us are now deprived of a potential $100 each week, we felt like we lost one of the unique things about the show: a show by viewers, for viewers. Current TV itself is all about viewer-supplied content. Rotten Tomatoes now only allows a minute to minute and a half videos for their segments.

I’ll probably still watch the show when I can. But I definitely feel like it has lost some of its original spark that made it a sort of cult show. If you check out some of the viewer comments, they, like myself, hope the format of the show returns back to normal. Trust me, it’ll be good for everyone. Even if you don’t pay us anymore.

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http://tv.gawker.com/5536415/the-rotten-tomatoes-show-goes-from-fresh-to-well-you-know

Last Thursday, Current TV‘s movie review program The Rotten Tomatoes Show decided to go all New Coke on its viewers and change its formula.

What had previously been a clever mash-up of user-generated reviews of week-old box office releases was transformed into a cookie-cutter professional-critic soapbox of upcoming releases. User-generated content was trimmed to a one-minute Question of the Day determining the “Worst Comic Book Movie.”

Viewers called out the show’s bait-and-switch in the comments, leaving a whopping 76 comments compared to the five-ish comments the show typically scores. Reactions ranged from “can you guys bring the old show back?” to “was that a boom mic or a gun to Brett’s head”?

Whoever green-lighted the “upgrade” seriously overlooked Current TV & Rotten Tomatoes‘ demographics. Current TV, for the unfamiliar, is sort of like how New Yorkers would do television if New Yorkers weren’t literate enough for print. It’s self-aware, a little sarcastic, and most of all, it’s young.

The “glorious polyamorous marriage of critique” every week was exactly the innovative, Web 2.0-y feature that caused young viewers like yours truly to add Rotten Tomatoes to their Thursday night line-up. While some of the user-generated content had been clips of professional critics or comedians in front of their Macbooks, a great portion of reviewers were just people at home, talking about their latest trip to the movies.