Movies of 09

I'm very big on movies and probably watch at least two or three per week. My movie collection is something I take great pride in, and, not to brag, I've taken a college film class. So I have a nack for taking in each little factor in a movie and judging it's quality. In the year of 2009, these are the best and worst movies I watched (surprisingly, all of which came out in 2009)


Best Movie Of 2009: Inglorious Basterds

While this movie didn't earn 5 *'s originally in my review, having time to digest it, it certainly still holds up with my praise. It's one of the few movies I desperately need to own on DVD, or even better, Blu-Ray now that I've got a PS3. If you love vengeance served cold, or basically anything Quentin Tarentino (same audience?) you need to see this movie. Brad Pitt as Aldo The Apache wants his Nazi Scalps! Honorable mention to Crank 2, Watchmen and Monsters vs. Aliens, all of which seemed like it was too niche-targeted. Yet Basterds wins? Yes. Yes it does.

Runner Up: I Love You, Man



Worst Movie Of 2009: Southland Tales

If you grabbed someone by the shoulders and shook them violently, screaming "write a worse movie!" no doubt, they could only respond "how?" Two and a half hours of you watching an all-star cast do seemingly nothing that makes sense. WHY WOULD YOU HAVE JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE BREAK INTO A DRUG-FUELED MUSIC VIDEO FOR A SONG BY THE KILLERS?!?! Not even worth using on Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Runner Up: 21

Games of 09

Clearance bin video games usually cost me $5 to $10, but that adds up after playing a lot of different games. That's why we're taking a look at the best and worst clearance bin video games of the year.

Best clearance bin video game I played in 09: Bully: Scholarship Edition for $10

I got 20 hours out of this game, which I can't say I've done for many clearance bin games. If you split this game up, I paid 50 cents for each hour I played. Making this game the clearance bin video game of the year.



Runner Up: Mirror's Edge for $10

Worst clearance bin video game I played in 09: Spider-Man 3 for $5

Some people might find this game fun, and if you do that means you haven't played Spider-Man 2 the video game. After making such a great game, how can you make a third game that is so bad? With the look forward to playing this game, to the very large disappointment received, this is why Spider-Man 3 the video game gets worst clearance bin video game of the year.



Runner Up: Fuzion Frenzy 2 for $10

Music of 09

Over the course of 2009 I've reviewed about twenty different albums. These are the best of the best and the worst of the worst. All album titles will have links to the full review written when I first listened to it, but here are some additional comments to how the albums hold up.

Worst Album of 2009: Chris Cornell's "Scream"

You gotta love Soundgarden and Audioslave, and I respect Cornell for venturing out of his comfort zone to try and do something different by adding Timbaland's hip-hop beats to the background of his vocals, but gah! Crap lyrics, crap delivery, and a Pandora's Box full of confusion as to the intended results.


Runner Up: The Fray's "The Fray"


Best Album of 2009: Alice In Chains' "Black Gives Way To Blue"

The highest rating I've ever given an album: 4 1/2 *'s out of 5, which equals a 9 out of 10! This album ranked so high due to it's consistency in quality, style, number of favorites, lyrical content, and general rocking. Definitely worth your money! You just can't go wrong with this album. The single you heard on the radio so frequently this year: Check My Brain, doesn't even scratch the tip of the iceberg.

Runner Up: Muse's "The Resistance".

TV of 09

Every year a bunch of new T.V. shows come on the air, and it's the job of everyone with a blog to complain or praise about them. That's why we have came up with the best and worst of TV of 09.

The Worst TV of 09: Sit Down, Shut Up

This should have been the Arrested Development comeback tour, using the same writer and actors in the show. Sit Down, Shut Up was the biggest let down of the year. It just wasn't funny and audiences were not pleased. We would love some more Arrested Development, but lets not speak of Sit Down, Shut Up ever again.

Runner Up: Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire

The Best TV of 09: Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Sure he had a show before this, but now he's on at a new time, and we just love it. A lot of people might be heading over to watch David Letterman, but we're still watching Conan every night. Since it keeps us entertained for an hour 5 times a week, this is why Late Night won The Best TV of 09.

Runner Up: Community

Thoughts on C.O.P. The Recruit

Source of Image
Alright think here, give a review about C.O.P. The Recruit without mentioning the series Grand Theft Auto. Well you're a cop named Dan Miles. Half the game though you live on the crime side, like in Grand Theft Auto. Wait... crap! Let me get it out of the way! The large map, the different amounts of cars, the running around on the street, completing missions, and the weapons! Yes it's like Grand Theft Auto! What's wrong with that though? Saints Row was good... well not as good as... never mind.

This game has some pretty good graphics on the DS, and the large map is awesome. The missions are fun to play, and being a cop can be fun. So overall there is a lot of things fun with the game. The little computer thing you have with you, can help you a lot, and I liked using it to find directions and making calls.

Besides the fun part, is some very annoying parts. First... can you not jump in this game? WHAT!? WHAT!? I must be wrong... they wouldn't have a cop game, without jumping. Walking around small things is just awful! Also, these cars don't take damage! Oh wait, they do, they just don't show any damage to the car until it explodes. The weapon system is not that great too. There was this mission where I had to *arrest this guy* and he starts going crazy and shoots at me. This ends up with me having to shoot back at him. After 9 shots to his body... he's not dead, he's just hurt enough to arrest. 9 shots? It just seemed overwhelming.

Also I want to bring up that I usually don't find grammar mistakes in video games, but I found one in this game. When I lost a mission it told me, "You let him go away." I'm guessing they were trying to say, "You let him get away."

Final Say: A couple of things need to be fixed in this game. Luckily it's on the DS, because if it was on another console, this would be awful. Since it's on the DS though, they did a really nice job with the graphics and large maps. If you've ever said, "Grand Theft Auto is too violent. I wish there was a game similar, but not much violence." C.O.P. The Recruit is the game for you! If you're bored of the Grand Theft Auto series, then this might be perfect for you! If you're sick of Grand Theft Auto, and never liked it, stay away from The Recruit.

Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith - "The Karate Kid"

In the upcoming 2010 Karate Kid film, Will Smith's son Jaden Smith plays Dre, an average kid from presumably an average neighborhood. Something happens to make Dre and his seemingly single mother move across the globe, all the way to China. Dre's culture clash with Chinese culture finds him at odds against the marital arts masters of his age, but a father-figure steps in (Mr. Miagi? This is supposed to be a reboot of the series, but there's some glaring differences, so I'm not sure) played by Jackie Chan. Chan molds Dre into a butt-kicking karate machine who is ready to enter in a karate duel against his arch nemesis.





I remember there being a lot of controversy that Jaden Smith was going to be the lead role for this film. I'm not sure if it's because he's an untraditional black actor taking a previously traditional white actor's role, or if it's because Will Smith got him the job. I'm pretty sure the trouble stirs around Will's involvement, but family using what pull they have to acquire jobs for each other is how the world works. I didn't see The Pursuit of Happyness but Jaden Smith seems like he's got all the tools to pull this role off and make the film a hit. He makes the role urban and cool again. Just listen to the rap music for proof! Plus, Jackie Chan has a mustache, so that's going to churn in a million dollars right there.

A Christmas Post

Why is it that around the Holiday season people are more angry than ever? I work in retail, and the month of December is the month we get the most complaints from customers. My blogging buddy Shawn, and I worked the Christmas Eve shift. What's the biggest complaint we get? "You don't have what I'm looking for!" These customers have no soul, because their small pea sized brains couldn't process the shopping season. They think, "I can wait till the day before Christmas and everything I want will be there, and since everyone will be done shopping there won't be any lines!" We even closed, and people still showed up pulling on the locked door. "Oh my gawd! They're closed! I've ruined Christmas again!"

Did I just type a FML type thing? Even a Live Journal post?

Christmas entertainment is what you want right? Here is a list of all the best Christmas stuff I've found on the web this year:

Santa Fu! Is a classic remake of the old game of Kung Fu. Great for any old school gamer.

Reindeer Hookup: Everyone should use protection... even reindeer. There is also Reindeer STD... probably not work safe, but you should be home... It's Christmas!

8-Bit Christmas Tree: This is the most beautiful Christmas tree I've ever seen.

Shawn pointed this video out. It's about family taunting and CRUSHING a kid's dream on Christmas!

Happy Holidays

*UPDATE*
Found another video called Videogame Store Holiday Shopper's Guide.

"Smile Kid" by We The Kings Review

image from Amazon

Artist/Band: We The Kings
Album: Smile Kid
Release Date: 12/08/09
Tracks: 11 (-1 for not being able to play on Lala.com)
Runtime: 41:07


Track Breakdown:


1) "She Takes Me High" - Entertaining, sweet and romantic, while still carrying the same pop-punk sound that's worked so well for them thus far. Unfortunately I felt like something big was missing from this song, particularly from the chorus. Maybe it lacked feeling, maybe soul, maybe just one pitch off. But it gets 3 *'s out of 5, perfectly listenable to, not worth skipping over, but not worth skipping to.


2) "Promise The Stars" - Follows a very similar format to the previous track, especially with lyrical contradictions amongst a very sweet and sensitive theme. Unfortunately the pitches are all over the place and feels like I'm listening to the Chipmunks at time. I don't think this is what anyone who listens to We The King is looking for. 2 *'s.


3) "Heaven Can Wait" - The first single of the album, and definitely worthy of it's spotlighting. Definitely better than the previous two tracks, but I felt just a slight change in tone and enunciation in the chorus would have taken this up a whole level. 4 *'s, which is pretty impressive and will catch your attention, but is just barely missing the mark.


4) "The Story of Your Life" - Yes. This had better become the second single of the album, because this definitely rocks the party that rocks the body. It's peppy, yet depressingly relatable. It's going to entice the troubled teenage masses and give everyone hope that tomorrow will be another chance. 5 *'s.


5) "Rain Falls Down" - I feel as though everything I just typed about "The Story Of Your Life" was put into lyrics, and now I hate it. It's a decent song, but the lyrics definitely felt too spoonfed and forced. There's no emotional build or allowance to let me form an opinion or feeling about a situationi. 2 *'s.


6) "Summer Love" - It was hard to relate to this song in late December, but this is a track worth downloading on it's own, just to stock up for Summertime feelgood songs. It's very masterfully crafted and makes me wish for sun and frolic. 5 *'s.


7) "In-N-Out (Animal Style)" - I'm very let down by everything in this song. Look at the title. How is this not about sex! Alright there are parts that are obviously sexual, but with a title as great as this, I was expecting the second coming of The Bloodhound Gang's "The Bad Touch". Very let down. 1*.


8) "Spin" - Pretty decent is all I can really say. It seemed a bit like filler in the grander spectrum of things, but wasn't awful. Got me pumped up a bit. A generous 3 *'s.


9) "Anna Maria (All We Need)" - A great romantic-comedy soundtrack. You can totally picture with crystal-clear visualization a happy young couple dancing and running and playing on a beach. 4 1/2 *'s.


10) "We'll Be A Dream" feat. Demi Lovato - N/A. Not available on Lala.com. Find out for yourself.


11) "What You Do To Me" - This song has a lot more rock vibe to it and it's a fantastic close to the album. It's main focus is being a tributing ode to the sufferers of unrequited love. 5 *'s.


My Highlights:
"The Story Of Your Life", "Summer Love" and "What You Do To Me" are all amazing tunes. If you liked songs from their last album like Skyway Avenue, Secret Valentine, and Check Yes Juliet, these songs are great additions to your music library.


Overall Rating:
The average of the ratings come to about 3 1/2 *'s out of 5, or about 7 out of 10. As of late with my music reviews I award myself the power to give or take half a star from an album on big-picture analysis, but this feels about right for the album. This is full of hits and if you're into the genre at all in 2010, then this would be a great CD to purchase. It's worth the money.

Lolcat at School

Here I am in college, and I come across this pinned to a board in one of my classrooms. It's about time people started using lolcats as a way of advertisement! Seeing a lolcat of course brightened my day. Wouldn't your day be brightened to if you saw a surprising lolcat?

Epic!

Mom Calls Cops On 14-Year Old Gamer Son

According to Comcast News, a Boston mom called the police for assistance with her disobedient gamer son. The fourteen year old boy refused to go to bed, and even made sure to turn on all the lights in the house. Police arrived at 2:30 AM after receiving the mother's distress call and convinced the boy to put down "the popular Grand Theft Auto game" and listen to his mother.

Presumably the article is talking about the new GTA instillation of the franchise, The Ballad of Gay Tony. What's gloriously ironic about this is that the game is rated M, for mature, and so the victimized mother would have had to of bought this game for her son. But I don't want to rob her of all her sympathy. Notice there's no father involved in the story? Can't downplay the difficulties of being a single mother.

But also, let's strip away the sympathy for the kid, brainwashed by the video games as the article would have you believe. There are two possible sides to his story: his mother is a loose cannon, who freaked out because he quietly played his video game in the privacy of his own room, or living room, and didn't want to destroy his vision so he kept his light on rather than play in the dark. The alternative story, which I garner from the article mentioning how he turned on all the lights in the house, is that this kid is a straight-up punk, who was being disrespectful just for the sake of it. Don't blame the video games, don't blame kids in general, this kid was the kind of punk who probably had the volume turned way up, walked through the house turning on all kinds of lights to get snacks and check his email and go to the bathroom, left all the lights on, and used the phrase "I'm fourteen! I can do what I want!" Then you'd get what you had in the Super Nanny episode of South Park. Even if you unplug the X-Box and sit him on a stool for a time out, he's going to get down and forcibly take his console back. But you have to show him who's boss, I say. If he's going to raise the stakes, the mother should too. So I call this one in favor of the mom over the gamer.

Video Tutorialists Need to Read This!

A note to everyone that makes video tutorials.

Beginning Story: I get this new program for my computer, but don't have much knowledge about it. I look up a tutorial, and find some written out tutorials. They give instructions, but no pictures, and sometimes you can get lost easily. That's when I try to find a video tutorial.

Makes me angry: Going through the tutorials, it's usually someone talking on a mic, without a prepared script. Since it's a program there showing me on the computer, they have a screen recorder. This is where it gets on my nerves, not the fact that they have a screen recorder (infact that's what I want). It's the narration of what there doing, and not about the program. For example: They will start waving the mouse icon around and start to yell "WEEEEEEEEE! Look at it go!" So I do what I think anyone would do, skip to a further part of the video. Now I'm even more lost, and have to end up going back, and watch this guy play with his mouse! Get to the point!

Another thing about video tutorials is opinions. We've all got opinions, but they don't belong in a tutorial (unless it actually has to do with other programs like it, or it relates). For example: When I received my DVD recorder for recording game video for the reviews, I found this tutorial on how to use it, and this guy is perfect! Getting right to the point and everything. That's until he sees his Xbox 360 in the corner of his eye, and starts yelling "Xbox is Sh**! Xbox is Sh**!" Sigh... *fast forward* Crap now I'm lost again.

End Note:

Please, people on the internet! I love the tutorials and they help out a lot! When you're going to make a video tutorial, please please please! Write a script of what you're going to say! It will help everyone out on the internet very very much!

Thoughts on Zelda: Spirit Tracks

Source of Image
The newest edition of Zelda for the DS recently came out. I played through it, and I have to say that it's great. It's really fun to play on the DS, and fun using the stylus to do tasks. There are also some downsides, but I will talk about the pros first.

Pros: We have a great story in this game: Princess Zelda has been kidnapped, and the spirit tracks have disappeared. This sounds like a normal Zelda story, but Princess Zelda's ghost actually appears around you, and she helps you out a lot. She is able to take control of this giant guard, and use him to your advantage. Playing as this guard is really fun.

Here's a reason why the DS makes this game so fun. There is this wind move you get in the game, which allows you to blow in the mic and shoot a small tornado. This is great for pushing things off ledges, or dazing small enemies. The boomerang is also done with the touch screen, with you drawing where it goes. There is more weapons out there, like my favorite, the whip, but it's just great how the game uses the DS's capability.

The puzzles, dungeons, weapons, and characters are all top notch. This game is almost perfect, but let me go over some of the cons to this game.

Cons: Some might see this part as fun, as for me... I did not. I'm talking about this train! Yes Spirit tracks, and the train is the point of the game, but it moved so slow! If they added one more faster speed option, I would of been happier. I find myself not even looking at the DS when I'm on the train, and looking out a window. Later on in the game, you get a cannon attachment, which makes the ride more fun, and allows you to shoot enemies... or signs, but still the train ride is meh. They also added this rabbit mini game, where you go through the game looking for rabbits on the track. This is also meh.

Final Say: Besides my complaints with the train, which I've heard people have liked (I don't know how), this game is a great addition to the Zelda series. If you're a fan of the series, I'm guessing you already have it. For the people that don't know too much about Zelda, and a beginner to the series, this might actually be a good one to pick up. I think it was the easiest Zelda game I've ever played, but it still gives you hours and hours of entertainment. For you DS owners out there, pick this one up.

The Runaways Trailer

Coming out March 19, 2010 is a film based on the female rock Supergroup from the 70's, The Runaways. The film is headlined by three major actresses in today's world: Kristen Stewart (of Twilight fame) as Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning (War Of The Worlds + Twilight: New Moon) as Cherie Currie and Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombie's Halloween series) as Lita Ford. This biopic has balls-to-the-walls, attitude and adrenaline, aggressive, "girls can make it in a man's world, until egos clash" all over it. And I'm totally cool with that. Live the Rock and Roll Lifestyle, and play it up, I'll watch. But I have to wonder about someone like Kristen Stewart portraying one of the biggest female rock icons in the past century. I'll give her a chance, but mainly because it's being reported all over how enthusiastic and focused she's been on getting into her role. Thankfully she's had Joan Jett on the set as a producer giving her plenty of guidance. So I advise you all to keep a look out for this film, cuz it has some real potential to it.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

CBVGR: Battalion Wars

Title: Battalion Wars
System: Gamecube
Rating: T

Script: Welcome to the Clearance Bin Video Game Review by Organized Remains. We're looking at Battalion Wars for the Gamecube today. I found this game for $5 at Gamestop.

This game combines a real-time strategy game with a third person shooter game. You play as... well everyone! You can choose between playing as a tank, or just a person. Everyone has a different ability. This is the third person shooter part of the game. As you are fighting the other side, you also have to control your people. Tell them to follow you, stay where they are, or attack. You can talk to one group of people, or the entire group.

When I first started playing this game, I just figured I would have everyone follow me at all times and tell everyone attack at the same time. I found myself losing a lot, and needed to have a battle plan. I've played many shooting games, but there isn't too many like this. This game has a long learning curb, but you'll be having fun during the experience, and won't slam the controller against the wall.

The game is great, but it's missing something... multi-player! Might be a hassle to have two people on one screen, but this would of made a great game for the Gamecube online. Too bad the online to the Gamecube was so limited.

Final Say: Usually a game based around war is rated M, but not for this Gamecube exclusive. The rating of T for teen shows itself. All the characters are somewhat... cute looking. Does this make the game bad? Not at all, luckily there is a solid game under this cute looking shell. If you got a Gamecube or a Wii this will be great to have in the collection.

Timbaland - "Shock Value II" Review

image from Amazon

Artist/Band: Timbaland
Album: Shock Value II
Release Date: 12/08/09
Tracks: 13 (-1 for intro = 12)
Runtime: 55:44


Track Breakdown (All ratings out of 5 *’s):


1) “Intro by DJ Felli Fel” – No comment or rating. Intro’s don’t deserve the time their spent made.


2) “Carry Out” feat. Justin Timberlake – A song entirely dedicated to the simile of a fast food establishment. It’s got a lot of rhythm to it and I want to like it, but I really have to be sloshed to not focus in on how ridiculous the lyrics are. Clearly then, this would make a great dance club song. 4 *’s. I hope this song gets used for a Burger King commercial. It’d be the greatest thing for their public image since being branded “The BK Lounge”.


3) “Lose Control” feat. JoJo – Really not a great song. During the duet part, it sounds like both artists are trying to sing over the other one, and even during the verses it sounds like the beat is too loud. Easily skippable, and easily hateable. However, for the sake of acknowledging a possible niche market of teenage girls, I’m betting there could be a group that latches onto this song and makes it the next big thing. Regardless, crap is crap, and at most I give it a generous 2 *’s.


4) “Meet In Tha Middle” feat. Bran’ Nu – A fairly relatable song about how both parties in a relationship are wrong in their actions, so they should accept each other’s flaws and appreciate them more for their positive side, rather than play the blame game. Kind of a urban hip hop version of The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out”. Only difference is, “We Can Work It Out” is epic, and “Meet In Tha Middle” is kind of just a filler song, a hair’s width above the not-skippable line, which is assisted by Bran’ Nu who really brings something special to the track. Her name is crap, but she seems hella talented. You may not go searching for this song when you put in the CD, but if you’re listening to it track-by-track, you don’t feel like skipping it. 3 *’s.


5) “Say Something” feat. Drake – Everyone loves Drake. I was actually on the fence about this song until the 2:30 mark when Drake drops the nice-guy, boy-band, cutsie stuff and straight up lays some early Eminem lyrics on the line. Timbaland’s verse was pretty good too, and if the whole song was Drake killing the mic without the weak chorus and weak bridge to the chorus, this would be a definite 5 * track. Unfortunately, it’s only 4 *’s. Memorable, but not perfect.


6) “Tomorrow In The Bottle” feat. Chad Kroeger and Sebastian – Hearing Nickelback’s lead singer sing to a hip hop beat is a definitely interesting sound. I know it’s cool to hate on Nickelback, and hey, sometimes they deserve it, but this is a pretty fun song. I have no idea what the lyrics mean sung by Kroeger, but he really brings something special to the table, and I’d take this song over 9/10ths of the Timbaland produced album, Scream, by Soundgarden/Audioslave singer Chris Cornell. There is one thing that really hurts this song and that’s a potential music video. Every time I heard Kroeger’s voice I thought of how painfully white and uncool it would be to see him trying to perform this. So until MTV screws this up by making a visual, 4 ½ *’s. People should check this out, if only out of morbid curiosity.


7) “We Belong To The Music” feat. Miley Cyrus – first of all, Miley Cyrus: BWAHAHAHAHAHA! No, in all seriousness, she’s certainly grown into a music phenomenon and is very talented at what she does. Also, she’s stated she’s going to be soon branching away from the kid-friendly stuff to be more overtly sexual, so it’s not as though Timbaland was teaming with The Jonas Brothers. Unfortunately for Timbaland, giving the majority of the reigns over to the featured artist may have worked wonders for OneRepublic, but it really puts you in Miley Cyrus’ shadow. This would have been a good track for Cyrus’ album, but for a Timbaland album it comes off as super weak as you’d think it would be. It tries to reminisce the fun of “Wait A Minute” by Pussycat Dolls and Timbaland, but fails pretty hard, as it’s just too centered around Cyrus. A generous 3 *’s, even though Timbaland album-buyers will likely crap all over it, and Cyrus fans will likely never hear it.


8) “Morning After Dark” feat. Nelly Furtado and SoShy – A really cool beat that has a lot of potential, but the chorus butchers it, and both Furtado and Timbaland are outshined by miles and miles by the unknown female artist, SoShy. SoShy + the beat is the only reason this song doesn’t get 1 *, and instead, will get 2 *’s.


9) “If We Ever Meet Again” feat. Katy Perry – Maybe it’s just because I don’t really like “Waking Up In Vegas” but I feel like I’ve missed Katy Perry. Apparently cherry chapstick and varying degrees of temperature went out the door in 2008 and were replaced by the next level, Lady GaGa. This song has ‘soundtrack’ written all over it, but if not given an extra boost by a romantic comedy, then I don’t see it going anywhere. 3 ½ *s.


10) “Can You Feel It” feat. Esthero and Sebastian – Play it in the really electric-music clubs and you may garner a reaction. But for people who like Timbaland for what he’s become known for, this isn’t for them. In fact, this song is pretty much garbage unless you like raves. But if you like raves, it’s great. So caught between one current and another, I have to give it 2 ½ *’s, which I typically give to possibly-skippable, mediocre, filler tracks.


11) “Ease Off The Liquor” – Even though it’s heavy on the electronica, I can’t see anyone liking this track. It’s very force-fed and “please like me”. 1 *.


12) “Undertow” – feat. The Fray and Esthero – The Fray rule this track, and if The Fray are King, then Esthero is the princess. Timbaland is the jester who gets tomatoes thrown at him. Timbaland doesn’t even do much on this track, but for his one verse that he sings, I say he needs to be hauled out. As a producer, he should recognize that he doesn’t fit in with the song, which is really, really spectacular minus his voice. 4 *’s.


13) “Timothy Where Have You Been” feat. Jet – Maybe it’s because I like Jet, and the original version of this song. Maybe, it’s because I was glad this album was over. But this song was pretty darn acceptable. It had kind of an old school arena-rock/rap feel to it. Almost like posthumous Biggie Smalls’ work, but lacking in the lyrics department. 3 ¾ *’s.



My Highlights:
“Tomorrow In The Bottle” is the highlight of the album, which I was surprised to find Nickelback attached to my highlights section. Honorable mentions to “Carry Out”, “Say Something” and “Undertow”. Check some of these tracks out on youtube, or lala.com to make your own judgment on if the album is worth the money, or if the individual tracks are worth the money.



Overall Rating:
The average of the star ratings comes to 3 *’s out of 5. However, I’m declaring inflation, and for big-picture analysis, am knocking off half a star, bringing this album down to 2 ½ *’s out of 5. I own Timbaland’s previous album, “Shock Value” (the original) and was always very impressed by it. The original “Shock Value” featured such hits as “The Way I Are”, “Throw It On Me”, and “Apologize”, but had so many great unheard tracks by those who didn’t delve deeper into the albums. You can go back into my track breakdown and see where each track went wrong, but I’m mainly going to put the blame on Timbaland’s own game, as he spent too much time working on the production music, and getting the entourage of back-up singers rather than writing his own lyrics and really caring about what he was singing about. This is a mediocre album, and I don’t see the point in people who aren’t impressed by the songs in My Highlights to buy this album. Save your money. Or put it towards something better like the original “Shock Value”.

Rant: Video Game Compatibility

Today's post is a stereotypical gamer rant. I try not to rant about video games too much, because there is enough blogs for that already. "Left 4 Dead 2 is coming out a year after the first one. OMG RANT! Lets say we're not going to buy it!" Stuff like that isn't necessary, because the main argument about that is Valve is doing it for the money... no crap. No one complains about a Madden coming out every year.

My Rant: I never owned an original Xbox system, so I've always used my Xbox 360 to play some of the Xbox games. Problem is that half the games I've played on the 360, either don't work, or have major problems with the games. Before I continue, yes I know they had hard times bringing the Xbox games over to the 360, which I'm guessing is the reason Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath isn't compatible. Oddly enough the other Oddworld game Munch's Oddysee is compatible, but to an awful degree. You can't hear the main character talk! Which if you've played an Oddworld game... that's one of the main points of the game!

I know there's a list on Xbox.com, so I always check that before getting a game. I was looking for a clearance bin Christmas game to review. That's when I came across Outlaw Golf: 9 Holes of X-Mas. I could tell it was probably going to be bad, because it's a golf game... but with only 9 holes, but hey! Christmas Miracles could happen. I got it in the mail the other day and placed it in my Xbox, and what happens? Error! Go to Xbox.com to download update. Let me say that this error came up, AFTER I downloaded an update for the game.

I spent $5 (thank Kermit the Frog that it wasn't more) on a game that I can't play. Maybe there is an update that I just can't find, but I'm done buying Xbox 1 titles. I recently bought the Reservoir Dogs game for the Xbox 1, I'm hoping that will work, but that's the last.

I'm ok with newer systems not being compatible with older games. Sure it would be nice to have, but the games are getting tougher and tougher to make compatible. So no more, it's not worth the hassle of not having games work.

/End Rant

Review Of The Film "21"

image from Amazon

Premise:
Professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey) is putting together a team of college students in his math class that can learn how to count cards in Vegas. The golden boy on the team is the one who needs it the most. Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess of Across The Universe fame) needs $300,000 to go to the medical wing of Harvard, and is the best darn card counter known to man. Greed, lust, and immaturity block him from his goals.


Standouts:
Some great directing for a movie who's cliche-ridden script isn't worth the light of day. You really get some amazing shots, both scenery-wise, and general camera-angle/focus shots. The parties, the clothes, the visuals in general really tell the story.

The script on the other hand is painful. Full of plot holes, reduncies, and for people who don't like math, or poker, one of the most drudging first half hours you'll be forced to sit through. I literally would have gotten more enjoyment out of a school-shown documentary on anything. ANYTHING. Rather than sit through the first half hour of 21 again. Bored to tears.


Highlights:
The only scene from this film that will likely stick with me is when Jill straddles Ben in the strip club, for the first time seductively returning his interests. The ending ten minutes seems like it's going to make a lasting impression and even redeem the whole film, but then gives you a big middle finger.


Overall Rating:
At no fault of the actors or the directing involved, this movie gets 2 *'s out of 5. For a painfully long 2 hours runtime, it plays like a rushed, under-developed TV show. The script leaves a handful of minor characters who were given main character spotlight, completely unfleshed and needless. If this film was a television series instead, I think it would have been much better. Each week we could see how different characters handle the pressure of their new glamorous lifestyle, how they interact with family and friends, and still have the immaculate visuals and acting.


When You Should See It:
Why bother? I can't even answer.

CBVGR: Prism

System: Nintendo DS
Rating: E
Paid: $5 at Gamestop
Story: A puzzle game for the DS for $5!? Count me in!

Review: Prism is a puzzle game that requires you to use light. As the back of the case says "Color, split and bounce the light to create the one illuminating pattern that lights the way!" The main objective is to shine the little light guys at the white or colored... "ghosts?" To get light to each one, you can use splitters that allow the light to go up and down, or right and left. You can also use mirrors that bounce the light in different directions. Watch the video below for gameplay from the PC version of the game, if you need a better explanation of how the game works.



The first 15 levels are pieces of cake, but the game takes a twist and gets very difficult. So this is the type of game that can get you frustrated, but for the people with patience, then you have hours and hours of gameplay, depending on how good you are.

Besides the main puzzles in the game, there is also Infinite, Time, Hyper, and Multiplayer modes. Infinite mode is just puzzles that come in a random order... forever. Time is self explainable, solve the puzzles in a time limit. Hyper mode is a nice type of mode. Using your light and mirrors, you try and get light on each guy, before they explode.

Final Say: If you're a puzzle fan, then you'll enjoy the puzzles and the $5 price tag. It's got complex levels, but it's so simple to play. Really any puzzle fan will like Prism. Not a puzzle fan? Maybe you should find a different game out there for your DS.

Natalie Portman and Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

image from Wikipedia

According to Geeks of Doom, the leading female actress in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, V For Vendetta, and the upcoming Tobey Maguire/Jake Gyllenhaal thriller-drama, Brothers, Natalie Portman has something big on the horizon. Portman is known for her sense of humor, as demonstrated in the Lonely Island single from Saturday Night Live - "Natalie's Rap" (Language NSFW). The starlett plans to star in, and produce the film version of Seth Grahame-Smith's adaptation of the classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, adding in a whole new conflict involving the flesh-eating undead. - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! If anyone can do this film justice from both a production role, or a casting role, it's Natalie Portman. Portman's gorgeous, talented, and has just the level of cult following that this book does. I can't wait to hear more about this film and who else they cast in it, or a release date.

Sale at Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery

$4.99 for a game is usually the lowest you can find a game. So when a sale goes on for $4.99 I have to go check it out. In New Hampshire we have Movie Gallery, but I know that it has a different name elsewhere which is Hollywood Video. There put a bunch of games on clearance for $4.99. I'm reading a lot of people are getting lucky with games, while some people like myself are not that lucky.

What I saw was a bunch of outdated sports titles, and about two shooting games. I did leave with Lego Batman on the 360 for $4.99, so the trip wasn't a total lost. I wish they had more, but the sale just started, so they didn't have much stock to begin with at my local store.

Angels And Demons Review

image from Wikipedia

Premise:
Harvard symbolist, Professor Robert Langdon is summoned by The Vatican to solve the mystery of a serial killer assassinating members of the church. It's quickly discovered in this sequel to The Da Vinci Code that there's a conspiracy much deeper than appears. The serial killer is a member of the behind-the-scenes revolutionist uprising, The Illuminiti. The government knows that more deaths are going to happen, and Langdon is in a race against the clock to figure out the clues he's left to save the endangered cardinals.


Standouts:
The budgeting, casting, and directing has all really blown me away in this movie. You see some very beautiful scenary, some incredibly gory scenes, and some great artifacts. Ron Howard really pulled out all the stops on this film. Another thing that stood out to me in this film was some occasional iffy writing. There are just certain scenes, no spoilers, where you hear something and it's like a cheese-grater over your ears.


Highlights:
Any time Professor Langdon would find a cardinal. You really feel for Langdon based on his reactions. Also, when you really get to know the serial killer. It's chilling how much can be expressed in so little a scene.


Overall Rating:
The writing in just a select few scenes took a great script and poked a handful of noticible pinholes in them. The length of the film on the other hand made for some noticible crinkles in that script as well, being 2 and 1/2 hours long, and really starting to drag toward the end. Not that the end wasn't exciting, but by the end, you realize how much time you've spent watching this film. With these two flaws in mind, I still give this film a 4 1/2 *'s out of 5. I love conspiracy theories, and this film had plenty of both intellectual stimulation and mindless chase scenes. Definitely more fun overall than The Da Vinci Code, which I liked as well, but probably not to the same degree.


When You Should See It:
It was definitely a great movie, but it feels like that demand and hype around it has past. The reason I saw it was because I had heard about it for so long and so much. You should still see it, rent it, or even go out and buy it, because it's fantastic. But there's feeling that I should rush you to see it. Be in the mood for a smart thriller.

CBVGR: Tony Hawk's Proving Ground

Title: Tony Hawk's Proving Ground
System: Xbox 360, also available for other systems
Rating: T



Script: Welcome to the Clearance Bin Video Game Review by Organized Remains. After seeing the reviews of the over-priced game, Tony Hawk's Ride, I thought about the game that came out before this. That's where Tony Hawk's Proving Grounds comes in, and that is what we are reviewing today. I found it at Blockbuster for $6 for the Xbox 360, but it's also for other systems out there.

First lets talk about the skater. Why is it that there is no skating game out there that lets you make a cool skater. Okay let me rephrase this, because there is probably someone watching saying, "I can make an amazing looking one!" Why isn't there a skating game that lets me make a cool skater... even the pre-made ones are meh. I mean look at this guy!

The story part of the game is basically the only part of the game, except for the two-player. That's right, make your own skate park seems to be missing. Thank Kermit the Frog that there is a demo for Activision's Guitar Hero 3 game though. They advertised it on the box and in the game. To be fair, there is a build-your-own-skatepark feature in the game, but it doesn't allow you to start from scratch. Hit select any time on a pre-made level and it will give you options to build ramps, so this is a cool feature.

The story mode is basically the same as Skate, the other skateboarding game out there. You make a skater... blah blah blah... you're becoming a pro. The story is pretty bad, but lets just focus on skating, which you can still do unrealistic skating maneuvers, but that's not a complaint, because that's what makes the game fun. Skate is fun because of the realistic skating, and Tony Hawk is fun for the unrealistic skating. It's good to have both.

The maps are not that great. I would say it's the worst out of all the games in the series... except for Ride. You also have to travel to each spot, and there isn't even transportation.

The best part of the game was Nail a Trick, which slows everything down and lets you control the board, creating your own trick. This was a great new feature for the series.

Final Say: I'm a big fan of the Tony Hawk Series. I liked it up to the Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, but now we should say our peace to the series and see it go bye. I don't think you should waste your money on Proving Grounds. Instead, get one of the earlier games. You will have much more fun playing through the earlier games.

Leon Is Located In iTunes, and They Are The Kings

Considering the King of Leon album, "Only By The Night" came out in September of 2008, I find it a little surprising to report that it's the 2009 album of the year on iTunes. Variety reports that it's the top selling album, followed by the "Twilight" soundtrack, Lady Gaga's "The Fame" and Taylor Swift's "Fearless." I can attest, owning "Only By The Night", that this album is completely deserving of all the acclaim it receives. I won't do a track-by-track rundown of the album, but off the top of my head, it's easily close to 5 *'s out of 5. The band started off the year as the little engine that could, holding only a small cult following, but shaking the world with their single "Sex On Fire". The second single, "Use Somebody" kept the band's name a-float through the year, but there's still so many great tracks on the album that don't get the love they deserve. Some tracks people should look into from the album - Notion, Manhattan, and Revelery. All aces.

But here's another insider tip boys and girls. Amazon (MP3s) > iTunes. iTunes downloads give you a file that's locked up tight only to be played on iTunes. With MP3s sold by Amazon, for one thing, they're not cheaper due to iTunes boosting their prices, but also you can play them on any media player you please.

Burger Time... not the game

We have all gotten hungry after watching a commercial for a restaurant. The burger and fries just look so delicious. We then proceed to the restaurant to find out that it was all a trick! The burger and fries looks like a mess, and we ask ourselves, "Why would I ever get an idea to eat this?" Well I came across this video of a woman dressing up a burger and fries for a commercial.



Now that you've watched it... RAW MEAT!? All this time it was raw meat! The burger... cut from behind and stretched out! This is an outrage... a delicious outrage. While we all knew that the burgers on T.V. were different, we just didn't know how. Now all we need is a video on how they make ice cream look so good.

The Next Twilight Movie

So Twilight is doing very well in the theaters. Well I was thinking, "I have no interest in seeing these Twilight movies, but what would make me want to travel to the theater and watch it?" So I made a movie poster on what I think a lot of people might want to see.

Also if you want some more Twilight related things, then check out this Twilight prank. A large group of Twilight fans are gathered and told about a private screening to the new movie... but it's a lie! Telling them what a real vampire is, and then asking them to leave. Do I need to say more?

Twilight Fans Get Punked - watch more funny videos

Green Lantern Almost Directed By Quentin Tarantino

According to an interview with MTV, Quentin Tarantino admits that in his early days as a director he was offered the rights from DC Comics to make a film based on The Green Lantern. Tarantino turned down the film, and flash-forward to modern day it's being directed by Martin Campbell (of Casino Royale fame) and starring Ryan Reynolds. In his twenties, Tarantino recalls ambitiously desiring to make, or just see comic book based films, but now refuses to take anyone else's pre-established work and call it his own.

"It wouldn't be an existing comic book character," he said. "I'm a writer. I'd want to use my imagination and not have to fight with geeks' memories of how this character should be and, 'Oh, I cast an actor as opposed to a bodybuilder' or it's not as good as the way [DC Comics artist] Neal Adams drew him.' If I were to do something like that, I would want the fun of coming up with the superhero myself."

When I read this, I thought of Kill Bill. The Bride (Uma Thurman) is totally a comic book character in the making. Tarantino should go out of his way to jump on the comic book fad in films today, and make a legitimate super hero, like the miserably failed attempt, Hancock. With Tarantino at the helm, it'd be sure to include bloodshed, a-morality, drug/alcohol abuse, and cinematic time travel (jumping around). If at the very least we get a Punisher inspired rip-off, I'd be happy. Tarantino can do no wrong.

Steven Seagal Lawman Review

Yes we all have seen a Steven Seagal movie, but have we seen him on the force? Now we can see him be a cop on his new show on A&E called Steven Seagal Lawman. Every Wednesday you can catch two new episodes at 10:00, and 10:30 P.M. The first episode was alright, it's basically the show Cops... with Steven Seagal. The second episode was more entertaining because of more action going on, but still... it's just the show Cops.

If you like the show Cops, you will most likely like this show. If you're not a fan of the show Cops, then you're most likely not going to like Lawman. I feel bad almost, because before watching this show, I thought it would be awesome. Now that I've seen it, I realized that real cops do courageous things, but it's no Above the Law movie. I think Seagal's purpose of having this show is to display that the cop business isn't just like the movies... or he did it for the money.

The picture above is what I think some people were suspecting from Lawman. Some people will be disappointed, but I know there are people that like the real cop shows. If you like Cops or even Dog: The Bounty Hunter, you should take an interest in Steven Seagal's Lawman. Also you might learn a thing or two about self-defense.

It's An Always Sunny Christmas Review

Premise:
Mac and Charlie search for Christmas spirit, only to find horrible secrets from their Christmas pasts. Meanwhile, Dennis and Dee try to convince their father Frank to change his Grinchy ways, and give them presents for once, instead of rubbing presents that he’s bought for himself in their face.

Standouts:
The writing in this TV-special is as top notch as all of the other episodes. Something both utterly hilarious and at the same time tragically haunting that will forever stand out to me, is Frank, played by Danny Devito, stark-naked, tearing his way through a leather couch, gasping for air. Another stand out would be Charlie, in a fit of insanity, viciously attacking a mall Santa.

Highlights:
Charlie accusing Santa of treacherous acts he discovers from his Christmas past, Dennis refusing to accept that Frank has changed his ways, and a special appearance from Hermie the Elf from Rudolph And The Island Of Misfit Toys.

Overall Rating:
Some great, memorable, and gloriously gut-busting funny moments, but plot-wise just a little under par from the best episodes of the show. Also, for a DVD sold solo, it dosent’ have many special features. We still give this TV-special 4 *’s out of 5, making it definitely worth a watch.

When You Should See It:
Currently, the normal price for this DVD is around $15, but we got it for $5 thanks to the holiday season. It was definitely worth the cheap price of $5, but since you may not find it for the same price, we’d suggest renting this. It’s sure to bring friends and family closer together in the name of the holiday spirit.

CBVGR: Bully: Scholarship Edition

Title: Bully: Scholarship Edition
System: Xbox 360, also available for other systems
Rating: T



Script: Welcome to the Clearance Bin Video Game Review by Organized Remains. We're looking at Bully: Scholarship Edition. I'm playing it on the Xbox 360, but it's also available for other systems. I paid $10 for Bully.

You are put in the role of Jimmy, a troubled kid that doesn't like to take anything, from anyone! Gary tries to be your friend, and you two try and take over the school. As the story goes on, you'll find that Gary isn't that great, and you're on your own to take over the school... well unless you count Pete. The story is great and very entertaining. Oh and by the way the voice acting is great!

Outside of the main story is many... many different things to do. Bike races, arcade games, carnival rides and games, go karts, getting kisses from girls... or boys, picking flowers, picking locks to lockers, and more! Going to class is also an option for this game, which is ironic I must say. Going to class earns you more stats, or unlocking objects. You can also run errands for people, get a paper route, and mow lawns for money.

Lots to do indeed in Bully. The controls are basically from Grand Theft Auto, which makes sense because it's the same company. While they are not the best controls, they work fine and don't discourage you. The skateboarding is no Tony Hawk game, but it works fine for the game.

Final Say: I spent a total of 20 hours playing this game. I finished the main story before that, but I kept playing just to get all the unlockables. This is a great find for $10, and should be picked up. If you want a great story, great map, great characters, and great fun, then pick up Bully!

Let There Be HULU!

According to Entertainment Weekly, traffic on the popular website Hulu, known for streaming TV shows and now movies for free, has recently exploded. Remember back when if you wanted to watch a TV show on your computer, you had to track down a "legally questionable" website, likely based off in the orient somewhere, that had episodes of your targetted show to let buffer for half an hour before watching? Well some geniuses took that idea, got approval from the shows' networks, and put them all legally on their website - Hulu. Legal, consenting TV shows on the internet wasn't a new idea at the time, but networks were only providing their own individual material. NBC's website would do Scrubs, for an example, and maybe Fox's website would do House. But Hulu compiled it all together, and matched the awesomeness of youtube. Today's youtube, particularly, not the copywrite-crackdown-free youtube of yesteryear. But hey, that's still pretty good! Hulu's recent 47% spike is mainly being attributed to ABC finally pitching their hat in and handing over the rights to host their most popular series, like Lost or Desperate Housewives.

There's one secret ingredient that Hulu needs to really be the all-around greatest website going today, and that's a better movie library. It's interesting that they have popular black-and-white B-movies from the 1950's, but there are plenty of crappily made, crappily recieved movies with a cult status that would love to get their films hosted on Hulu. It could boost sales for the DVDs and merchandise, and everybody wins. I'd suggest using it's heavy partnership weight that it's been throwing around to team up with HBO. What really gives Netflix Instant Watch, a similiar program some umph, and pizzaz, is their partnerships with Starz and Showtime. HBO is kind of an isolationist, but has been known for quality programing like The Sopranos and True Blood for years now. Get on it, Hulu!

Stephen King May Write Sequel To "The Shining"

According to Geeks of Doom, Stephen King has been spit-balling some ideas for a sequel to his hit novel/film, The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson. King's current synopsis is that Danny Torrence, the innocent child protagonist from the original film, retains his telepathic powers gained from the ghost house and is now a forty year old clinician. Danny is dubbed, and this may be the potential title for such a story, Doctor Sleep due to his urge to give terminal patients near death a blissful state of mind before sending them to the other side. Basically, the story sounds like supernatural euthanasia (medically assisted suicide). If I were given this premise to work with, I'd likely have Danny Torrence but the wrong person to a "blissful" death, leading to their ghost haunting Danny and making his life hell. But really, I'm not sure The Shining needs a sequel. It was an excellent movie, probably an excellent book (I didn't read it) but it's got a legacy that doesn't need a spawn leaching off of it. But then, a sequel isn't too bad an idea for Stephen King, since he makes so many allusions in his books to other books he's written that everything is essentially solidified in the same world. So in summary, I'm on the fence about it, but if it comes to fruition I'll give a chance.