Film Reviews & Game Reviews. Join me on my journey through movies and games (and sometimes music) as I catch up with the rest of the world! :D
I wouldn't call While you Were Sleeping (1995) anything super special, but it at least has the right sentiments for the holiday season (or just whenever for that matter).
Still a nice reminder of when romantic comedies were possibly at their best. If you just need something good for the background, this one can't hurt.
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Savant - Ascent REMIX (2023) takes the original 2013 game and dials it up to eleven.
The update is a definite improvement over the original (even without the power ups) and also comes at zero cost for owners of the original Steam version.
The new soundtrack replaces the electronic/dubstep sound with a rocking, orchestral like vibe. New mechanics also feel more useful as you can now dodge more.
The last 2 bosses are a bit of a chore and may require some considerable memorization, but once they click the entire game becomes quite a rush.
Took me maybe 7 or 8 hours to finish my first playthrough. Took me one to finish my 2nd one right after and I enjoyed every bit of it.
My one complaint is perhaps the hit boxes for your character. They're quite big and I saw many times where I'd get hit even though I was clear out of range. Fix that (maybe add some i-frames too, please?) and the game would be almost a 10/10.
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Pumpkin Jack (2020) easily makes one of the best games I've played this year and couldn't have been a better choice for Halloween.
Everything from the music, atmosphere, writing and gameplay are all top notch.
While the challenge factor is relatively low, it still makes for a good, relaxing time.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good retro style platformer.
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Neither Little Nightmares (2017) or Little Nightmares II (2021) were planned for this year yet both made it into my October playtime.
While the first one is more sectioned levels, the sequel aims to make the world feel more seamless and ultimately succeeds.
They're both a little buggy in some parts but they also don't demand too much time and offer plenty of quality in other aspects.
Good games for the spooky season. Looking forward to Little Nightmares III.
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Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2019) is a game that should've come with much more punch than it did.
Gameplay and visuals are decent at best but arguably just "passable". The soundtrack and atmosphere lack real presence and the map just feels pretty void of life for some reason.
Being something of a "spiritual successor" to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night left this game with some hefty shoes to fill and it just never felt as if it succeeded.
Even the ability to play as Zangetsu can't save this game from mediocrity.
Just feels like that special something is missing. π
Onward (2020) isn't what I'd call one of Pixar's absolute best, but it's perhaps one of their most important.
It's an adventure packed with fun and humor to make the entire 90 or so minutes worth it.
What matters most, however, is the substantial magic along with important messages.
"Use what you've got."
"You have to take risks in life to have an adventure."
"You don't need the rope."
Most importantly...
"BELIEVE WITH EVERY STEP."
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Zombie High (1987) was almost a big disappointment, but the last 30 minutes or so at least make for a decent end.
Just a shame it doesn't have much going for it outside of Virginia Madsen in her prime.
Unfortunately even she couldn't make this much more enjoyable of a watch.
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Been a long time since I watched Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992) but seeing it again brought back good memories.
Might be a pretty shallow film, but it's still a fun one and a great throwback for the Halloween season.
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![Practical Magic (1998) is one of those nostalgic romantic yet [slightly] cheesy films from back in my childhood days.At ...](https://img4.medioq.com/965/060/725064929650601.jpg)
Practical Magic (1998) is one of those nostalgic romantic yet [slightly] cheesy films from back in my childhood days.
At times it almost seems as if it has no direction while somehow managing to still make sense.
While it might be a mixed bag for some, it'll surely be a fun, sentimental journey for others.
For me it was a wonderful trip down memory lane and one that still has a lot of magic.
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With the original film from 1992 being my all time favorite horror film, I've been long reluctant to dive into Candyman (2021) and for good reason.
It has practically nothing going for it.
Even the talents of the cast are wasted on this incredibly forgettable film.
If this is an inkling of what Nia DaCosta will offer in the future then I'd be likely to avoid watching anymore of her work (though everyone at least deserves a 2nd chance).
Rare that a film leaves me feeling nothing at all but at this one succeeded in there.
How is this so highly rated?
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Katana ZERO (2019) is without a doubt one of the best games ever made.
The wild storyline combined with its precision focused gameplay makes for one of the most intense experiences in gaming history.
An essential for all who consider themselves "hardcore" gamers and an easy candidate for top 20 if not 10 favorites.
PLAY IT.
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Bastion (2011) is pretty good example of how to start a legacy.
While it hasn't aged as well as similar titles, it's still a really good time and has story, artwork and narration that current day games could only dream of having.
Not a bad way for Supergiant to have started off their catalog.
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Scream VI (2023) had some pretty big shoes to fill with its predecessor being a rock solid revival to this iconic franchise.
While it doesn't quite fill them, it's still a worthy successor and an entertaining watch.
Here's hoping for a Scream 7 that turns out even better (and doesn't decline the franchise again like Scream 3).
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Spider-Man films have been pretty solid ever since the Tobey Maguire days.
While 2018's Into the SpiderβVerse easily became contender for best film in the franchise, Across The Spider-Verse (2023) seems to surpass it and fall a little flat at the same time.
The film isn't bad by any means (aside from some injected modern concepts and occasionally forced/mediocre humor).
It just seems to be lacking some of the same magic as its predecessor.
Spider-Verse is still fun, creative and relatable either way and shouldn't be missed.
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LATE TO THE PARTY: TRANSFORMERS EDITION
Transformers: Devastation (2015) is full of semi-annoying boss fights and still manages to be one of the most fun games I've ever played.
Not just in the hack n' slash genre.
PERIOD.
It's CRIMINIAL this game and the other Transformers games aren't on Steam anymore because whoever missed it definitely deserves to try it out.
To say I recommend it is an understatement.
It's just that good.
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2018 gave us a wonderful soft reboot of the Transformers films with the underappreciated 'Bumblebee'.
While Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) doesn't have quite the same magic, it still manages to be a good watch and is FAR from the worst in the series (that honor still belongs to The Last Knight).
The ending alone is worth watching just for possible crossover films on the horizon.
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) is a contender for best video game based film of all time.
Littered with references from the source material, it also comes packed with a great soundtrack to make things even better.
It's fun, funny and quite literally fantastic (and yes even Chris Pratt does a great job voicing the star character).
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Marvel manages to pull off yet another hit with Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 (2023).
Starts off a bit dry for about 15-20 minutes but, ramps up nicely soon after (even if it does have some hit or miss humor in between).
James Gunn's trademark style shines yet again and though may be showing its age a bit, the film wraps up wonderfully.
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It's A Wonderful Life (1946) is touching, sentimental and somewhat profound as it reflects on the importance of life and one's individual significance.
Truly one that lives up to its legacy of greatest films of all time.
It's not just a wonderful life, it's also a wonderful film.
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Last Romance (1988) is a dreamy, if not somewhat anti-climactic story of two girls with a beautiful, loving friendship.
Maggie Cheung (Nancy) and Cherie Chung (Chu So-so) take center stage for the entire film and each bring an angelic presence in different ways.
Their chemistry evolves from a childish tone to one of mature adults in a way that feels very natural yet almost majestic.
While it might end on a more pessimistic note, it doesn't keep the overall result from being relaxing and memorable.
A great testament to that "80's magic" we got from that era.
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Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022) isn't just how you do a great video game film, it's also how you make a great sequel.
Aside from the countless fan-service Easter eggs, there's nothing short of a good time here.
Everything from the introduction to long time characters like Knuckles and Tails to Jim Carrey's fantastic evolution (and increasing accuracy) as Eggman/Dr. Robotnik surpass expectations.
The CGI is also particularly impressive as Sonic, Knuckles and Tails manage to look almost realistic in certain shots.
The 2 hour length is perhaps it's only flaw as it could've been just a good (if not a little better with slightly less content).
Doesn't keep it from coming out on top as the little blue wonder does it again and this time with new/old friends.
Gamers and Sonic fans alike should rejoice especially with a 3rd film slated to release in 2024 and feature none other than Shadow the Hedgehog.
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Eyes Without A Face (1960) is an interesting case of
Special effects are impressive for its time (if not a bit unnerving) and character roles are acted out well.
There are times where the film comes off more comical than what the director may have intended (due to its score), while others it seems very intent on portraying a certain aura about itself.
Pacing in some moments can also feel sluggish and uninteresting which is where the film really loses a lot of steam.
It's a great example of work that's both poetic yet only slightly engaging.
But, I digress...it may not have aged very well, but it's at least been highly influential in all the best ways.
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Village of the Damned (1960) vs its 1995 remake is ironically like a case of damned if you do and, well...damned if you do the other.
While both films accel at different things (better pacing and more detailed storyline for the original compared to better casting, score and tension for the remake), neither film is particularly entertaining outside of a few moments here and there.
There are certainly better examples of classic and throwback Sci-Fi and Horror alike.
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Possessed (1947) might have been better titled "Obsessed" if anything, but it's still a nice classic treat.
Not surprising when you have the lies of Joan Crawford and Van Heflin leading the show.
All around pretty solid film.
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Marvel films have gone from carrying somewhat dark, edgy tones to becoming more colorful and cheeky throughout the last 10+ years.
Thor in particular is no exception.
The difference between Thor: Love And Thunder (2022) and 2011's first entry in the series is like night and day.
For some this may be off putting as Thor himself is a lot less serious and perhaps more of a goofball now.
The first half of the film is also a bit heavy on what feels like forced comedy that's thankfully effective more than it's not.
While Taika Waititi's direction is beautiful, it's his and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's script writing that's something of a weak link.
Sitting through it all, however, winds up being worth it as the second half is much more rewarding (and even revisits some of the darker tones from the first 2 films).
Visually everything is colorful (except for the moments where it's the exact opposite and completely void of color) and the package give is very pleasing to the eye.
There are many redeeming moments in the film and some more emotional than others.
It's not going to win over Thor fans unanimously, but this adventure has something very special and heartfelt qualities that make for a great climax and ending.
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Quake (1996) is arguably one of the best FPS games of all time.
Sadly, it hasn't aged as well as some might suggest. The gameplay is 'technically' solid in terms of firepower and movement.
Level design on the other hand will subject many to countless cheap deaths and constantly having to backtrack from falling off platforms.
As a BIG fan of Quake IV, this is disappointing.
But, I digress.
There's still plenty of people who still love this 'classic'. π
DOOM 64 (1997) with the Brutal Mod is a mixed bag. The atmosphere and gunplay is stellar, but level design goes from great to borderline awful at times.
It's a package that overall falls short in comparison to both of its predecessors, which in itself is a bit baffling.
The real fun unfortunately comes at the price of using cheat codes to become fully armed and invincible.
Silver lining is that at least helps to save the game's fun factor and make things more enjoyable.
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For something labeled as a "Psychological Horror Thriller", Secret Window (2004) manages to get only a third of that down in a convincing manner.
The psychological aspects are indeed present.
While the story itself is also fairly interesting, the film itself is light on any trace of "horror" or "thriller".
Not bad, but barely passable as a quality watch.
The 4th Man (1983) is a lesser known gem in the realm of Psychological Horror.
Intriguing and disturbing to say the least, but a good watch nonetheless.
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Anime wasn't meant to be on on the agenda for quite some time, but Neo Tokyo (1987) found it's way into the mix today.
It's a small collection of 3 short stories rolled into one very intriguing Sci-Fi package.
The legendary director, Rintaro, kicks off the anthology with Labyrinth Labyrinthos, a bizarre adventure of a young girl who finds herself traveling to a labyrinth world after chasing after her cat.
It's one with a lot of imagination and abstract visuals, making for the most unique experience in the film.
Construction Cancellation Order finishes things with a story of rogue, malfunctioning construction bots and a salaryman sent to cease all operations before things get too out of hand.
While the circumstances are quite serious, the entire short is told in a comically effective manner. The end result is a chaotic mess in the best way possible.
Running Man (the 2nd story in the set), however is perhaps the most impressive.
Out of every short presented, Running Man presednts itself with stunningly animation and a remarkable attention to detail.
Every wrinkle and fold is present in the skin of characters as every scratch, bolt and decal is on vehicles and environments.
Blood, explosions and other particles are particularly highlighted as well, giving the final result a stark contrast in its visuals.
The story itself is also somewhat chilling and even awe-inspiring, even to be such a simple one.
Neo Tokyo is impressive anime; certainly one for enthusiasts to consider if it somehow got overlooked.
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