Hey everyone!
Sorry I've not posted in a while. I have had a lot of family stuff on at the moment, which I will do a blog about in the future when I have more time.
Pre-production has been heavy but we made it through. Today I am off to Ipswich for 11 days to first prep the set and then help shoot the film.
It should be fun, but will be hard and stressful too! So wish us all luck!
Don't try to miss me too much!
CIAO FOR NOW!
Friday 20 March 2009
Friday 13 March 2009
GAME REVIEW : Killzone 2 (PS3)
KILLZONE 2 (Playstation 3)
Developed by Guerrilla Games
Published by SCEE
Developed by Guerrilla Games
Published by SCEE
STORY
I'll be honest. Just like FEAR 2, I did not play the first game in the series. I thought I'd give this one a go due to its rave reviews. Therefore, I didn't really have a clue what was going on.
Nevertheless, the cutscenes are great. I really loved all the characters and the situation, I just never really had an idea what was going on as a whole. Shame really. I guess you'd of had to play the first game to know a bit more about the actual war. It left me wondering what I was fighting for, and not caring that much!
Also the ending didn't really satisfy me very much. With such great gaming narratives and twists lately (like the ending of Prince of Persia), it was disappointing. It's probably been left open for a sequel, but it just didn't click with me.
Nevertheless, the cutscenes are great. I really loved all the characters and the situation, I just never really had an idea what was going on as a whole. Shame really. I guess you'd of had to play the first game to know a bit more about the actual war. It left me wondering what I was fighting for, and not caring that much!
Also the ending didn't really satisfy me very much. With such great gaming narratives and twists lately (like the ending of Prince of Persia), it was disappointing. It's probably been left open for a sequel, but it just didn't click with me.
GRAPHICS
This is what everyone is talking about. And it is very true indeed. Killzone 2 does have the best graphics I've ever seen in a game so far. I consider myselt to be a true Xbox gamer, but I had to admit that this game is better looking than anything on the 360 so far.
Lighting, effects, the motion, the characters are all amazing. It is to be seen to be believed. The cut scenes all look phenomenal too... and they are created in game. No CG here.
Lighting, effects, the motion, the characters are all amazing. It is to be seen to be believed. The cut scenes all look phenomenal too... and they are created in game. No CG here.
SOUND
Also fantastic. I can't say it is as good as the graphics, simply because the sound here doesn't seem as new and shiny as the graphics on display here. It's stuff you've all heard before. The usual war and sci-fi sound effects for a game like this. Still great though.
The voice acting too is good, the stand out for me was Sean Pertwee as the General. I loved his character, and I loved his performance too.
The music is sometimes great and sometimes not. I can't say that I ever really listened or heard anything great whilst in the gameplay, but the cutscenes really shine through. A full orchestra has been used and often really makes it feel like you are watching a film.
The voice acting too is good, the stand out for me was Sean Pertwee as the General. I loved his character, and I loved his performance too.
The music is sometimes great and sometimes not. I can't say that I ever really listened or heard anything great whilst in the gameplay, but the cutscenes really shine through. A full orchestra has been used and often really makes it feel like you are watching a film.
GAMEPLAY
Hmm. I really wanted to love Killzone 2. I thought the demo was exceptional and couldn't wait to play the full game. I was disappointed though. It was the gameplay that let it down for me. The graphics and all the presentation was exactly what I expected. But I soon found that the game almost became... dare I say it... boring.
It just didn't seem to do anything new to the genre for me. A game like Halo has so many unique moments meaning that it never gets boring. One minute you're fighting with SMGs, the next you're slicing Brutes up with a sword, then taking them on in a tank. It's what makes me love Halo so much. In this though, its just shooting enemies, then shooting more enemies, then move along, then shoot enemies, then the second wave. And the process continues.
There are some vehicle sections, but they felt slightly clunky and weren't much fun. It's such a shame really, if this game had more variety I'd have loved it. But it just dragged a little towards the end. And also, I found the battles quite frustating at times. The controls felt too slow. I did adjust to them, but it still never felt great. This means that if an enemy suddenly comes up behind you, and starts shooting... you probably won't make it round in time and they'll kill me. Extremely frustrating when you're having an epic battle with very few save points and you get killed by the stupidest thing.
This game might be for you though. It was an experience. It's still one that I recommend everyone checks out at some point, but don't raise your expectations too high like I did.
It just didn't seem to do anything new to the genre for me. A game like Halo has so many unique moments meaning that it never gets boring. One minute you're fighting with SMGs, the next you're slicing Brutes up with a sword, then taking them on in a tank. It's what makes me love Halo so much. In this though, its just shooting enemies, then shooting more enemies, then move along, then shoot enemies, then the second wave. And the process continues.
There are some vehicle sections, but they felt slightly clunky and weren't much fun. It's such a shame really, if this game had more variety I'd have loved it. But it just dragged a little towards the end. And also, I found the battles quite frustating at times. The controls felt too slow. I did adjust to them, but it still never felt great. This means that if an enemy suddenly comes up behind you, and starts shooting... you probably won't make it round in time and they'll kill me. Extremely frustrating when you're having an epic battle with very few save points and you get killed by the stupidest thing.
This game might be for you though. It was an experience. It's still one that I recommend everyone checks out at some point, but don't raise your expectations too high like I did.
BEST MOMENT
Believe it or not, my favourite moment was in the opening cutscene. It's when all the soldiers get on the dropship and suddenly it plummets from the sky extremely quickly. It takes place from a first person POV, and it really felt like some awesome ride.
STORY
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GRAPHICS
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SOUND
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GAMEPLAY
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OVERALL
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GRAPHICS
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SOUND
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GAMEPLAY
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OVERALL
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Saturday 7 March 2009
MOVIE REVIEW : Watchmen
WATCHMEN
Directed by Zack Snyder
Starring Patrick Wilson and Jackie Earle Haley
PLOT
When an ex-superhero is murdered, a vigilante named Rorschach begins an investigation into the murder, which begins to lead to a much more terrifying conclusion.
WHAT I THOUGHT
I'll be honest. I was really, really looking forward to this one. After The Dark Knight was out and I'd consumed all the awesomeness from that... my thoughts turned purely to Watchmen. I hadn't read the graphic novel, though had heard nothing but praise. So in September last year... I finally bought the book. I read it. I loved it. It was so deep and different from anything I'd seen before. These were no superheroes!
After that, this year I watched the Complete Watchmen Motion Comic (which I really, really recommend too if you liked the film, or just happened to be interested!), I loved it too. Seeing all the panels come to life with music, voices and motion was wonderful. How could the film live up to it all?
The film could have gone so wrong. Many critics love it. Many critics hate it. A lot of them just don't understand it. I had everything crossed for this film.
I loved it. What a film. It's a film that I couldn't stop grinning at, because I loved every moment so much.
Let me go into a little more detail...
The main things that people are worried about is that the plot may be stretched too thin. I didn't find this. Sure, there were some parts missing, but none at all that made me annoyed they weren't there. Most were just side plots that didn't go anywhere. For instance, Rorsach's psychologist, in the book his home life is affected by his sessions with Rorsach. This isn't in the film, but then again it isn't needed. This is a different medium. The narrative focused on the main characters, and I loved that about it.
The characters are the second thing... they were very well presented too. Every main character has a chance to shine. Each was given a chapter of the graphic novel, and often these are straight on the screen with no personality lost. They are all deep characterisations. Every single character is flawed in some way, which really sets it apart from everything else.
Now to the acting. Great all around once again. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian was a hard role to crack as he is playing a despisable character... yet somehow... you still liked him. He brings a real presence to the screen that is great.
Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre. No complaints here. I wouldn't say she was outstanding, but then again she isn't in the book either. She performed her job as well as it could've been. And yes... for anyone wondering... you do see her boobs! Haha!
Matthew Goode as Ozymandias. This was the only one I had a slight problem with. He wasn't bad. It was just his accent. It was a bit all over the place. Sometimes he sounded American, then the next moment... German. A bit odd.
Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl. I loved this role. In many ways he is the true hero of the story... and he carried it out admirably. He is overweight and impotent, but you can't help but like him all the way through. He feels the most human out of everyone.
Billy Crudup as Doctor Manhattan. I love the character of Dr Manhattan. Just what he can do really makes me geek out. Its a very hard role to do though because he shows no emotion. The trick Billy Crudup had to master was to do a good performance without any emotion. I was a big fan of his work in Big Fish, so I had high hopes. I wasn't disappointed. Dr Manhattan was done entirely in CG, which I was very pleased about because a man painted blue would have looked ridiculous. You forget about it though, his CG is done so well and the performance is so good that you believe he is real. So what if he is naked? To be honest, I was so engrossed that I didn't even notice.
Now to the standout... Jackie Earle Haley as Rorsach. What a performance. It can only be compared with Heath Ledger's Joker from last year. A psychopath... that you can't help but love. The acting is so strong underneath that mask that you root for him all the way through. When the mask comes off, you don't want it to go back on because it gets even better. Words can't really describe it. You'll have to see it.
Now, as for the ending, (SPOILERS AHEAD) it;s wide knowledge by now that is has been altered. I'm going to be honest. I didn't really like the squid in the graphic novel. I thought it was just a bit too weird and out there. I far preferred the ending in the film. Don't hate me, it's just my opinion. (SPOILERS END)
The visuals were outstanding. The greatest delight for me was just how close it was to the graphic novel. Panels are literally brought to life through beautiful art direction, flawless CG and terrific sound. Like 300... you're in for a treat on your senses. The music wasn't what I was expecting at all. It's a lot of 80's music that often juxtaposes with the act happening on the screen, but I thought this was a very strong device. Tyler Bates score also got better as the film went on, but wasn't as great as I was hoping.
If I have one nitpick... its just that the age makeup didn't work that well. After seeing Benjamin Button, I now expect better! It doesn't ruin the film, just something I wanted to get off my chest.
One thing to note... if you haven't read the graphic novel and haven't seen the film yet... prepare to open your mind. This film has been marketed as a superhero film but its not at all. This is a deep film about psychology of human behaviour. It is also incredibly shocking. Blood is everywhere. Bones are snapped. Limbs are removed. Children are eaten. And more. Prepare to be stunned... but I loved it all.
So, in conclusion to this very long review... you need to see this film. I loved every moment in it. From the huge scenes, like the prison break, to the small moments, like Walter Kovacs walking past the restaurant window. I noticed this and it gave me huge joy. I love the characters. I love the story. I love the visuals. I loved the experience, and can't wait to see it again!
After that, this year I watched the Complete Watchmen Motion Comic (which I really, really recommend too if you liked the film, or just happened to be interested!), I loved it too. Seeing all the panels come to life with music, voices and motion was wonderful. How could the film live up to it all?
The film could have gone so wrong. Many critics love it. Many critics hate it. A lot of them just don't understand it. I had everything crossed for this film.
I loved it. What a film. It's a film that I couldn't stop grinning at, because I loved every moment so much.
Let me go into a little more detail...
The main things that people are worried about is that the plot may be stretched too thin. I didn't find this. Sure, there were some parts missing, but none at all that made me annoyed they weren't there. Most were just side plots that didn't go anywhere. For instance, Rorsach's psychologist, in the book his home life is affected by his sessions with Rorsach. This isn't in the film, but then again it isn't needed. This is a different medium. The narrative focused on the main characters, and I loved that about it.
The characters are the second thing... they were very well presented too. Every main character has a chance to shine. Each was given a chapter of the graphic novel, and often these are straight on the screen with no personality lost. They are all deep characterisations. Every single character is flawed in some way, which really sets it apart from everything else.
Now to the acting. Great all around once again. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian was a hard role to crack as he is playing a despisable character... yet somehow... you still liked him. He brings a real presence to the screen that is great.
Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre. No complaints here. I wouldn't say she was outstanding, but then again she isn't in the book either. She performed her job as well as it could've been. And yes... for anyone wondering... you do see her boobs! Haha!
Matthew Goode as Ozymandias. This was the only one I had a slight problem with. He wasn't bad. It was just his accent. It was a bit all over the place. Sometimes he sounded American, then the next moment... German. A bit odd.
Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl. I loved this role. In many ways he is the true hero of the story... and he carried it out admirably. He is overweight and impotent, but you can't help but like him all the way through. He feels the most human out of everyone.
Billy Crudup as Doctor Manhattan. I love the character of Dr Manhattan. Just what he can do really makes me geek out. Its a very hard role to do though because he shows no emotion. The trick Billy Crudup had to master was to do a good performance without any emotion. I was a big fan of his work in Big Fish, so I had high hopes. I wasn't disappointed. Dr Manhattan was done entirely in CG, which I was very pleased about because a man painted blue would have looked ridiculous. You forget about it though, his CG is done so well and the performance is so good that you believe he is real. So what if he is naked? To be honest, I was so engrossed that I didn't even notice.
Now to the standout... Jackie Earle Haley as Rorsach. What a performance. It can only be compared with Heath Ledger's Joker from last year. A psychopath... that you can't help but love. The acting is so strong underneath that mask that you root for him all the way through. When the mask comes off, you don't want it to go back on because it gets even better. Words can't really describe it. You'll have to see it.
Now, as for the ending, (SPOILERS AHEAD) it;s wide knowledge by now that is has been altered. I'm going to be honest. I didn't really like the squid in the graphic novel. I thought it was just a bit too weird and out there. I far preferred the ending in the film. Don't hate me, it's just my opinion. (SPOILERS END)
The visuals were outstanding. The greatest delight for me was just how close it was to the graphic novel. Panels are literally brought to life through beautiful art direction, flawless CG and terrific sound. Like 300... you're in for a treat on your senses. The music wasn't what I was expecting at all. It's a lot of 80's music that often juxtaposes with the act happening on the screen, but I thought this was a very strong device. Tyler Bates score also got better as the film went on, but wasn't as great as I was hoping.
If I have one nitpick... its just that the age makeup didn't work that well. After seeing Benjamin Button, I now expect better! It doesn't ruin the film, just something I wanted to get off my chest.
One thing to note... if you haven't read the graphic novel and haven't seen the film yet... prepare to open your mind. This film has been marketed as a superhero film but its not at all. This is a deep film about psychology of human behaviour. It is also incredibly shocking. Blood is everywhere. Bones are snapped. Limbs are removed. Children are eaten. And more. Prepare to be stunned... but I loved it all.
So, in conclusion to this very long review... you need to see this film. I loved every moment in it. From the huge scenes, like the prison break, to the small moments, like Walter Kovacs walking past the restaurant window. I noticed this and it gave me huge joy. I love the characters. I love the story. I love the visuals. I loved the experience, and can't wait to see it again!
BEST MOMENT
The origin of Dr Manhattan. My favourite part in the graphic novel... my favourite part in the film.
MY RATING
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