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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

My Power Rangers the movie review

My Power Rangers the movie review 

Amy Jo Johnson, Karan Ashley, Jean Paul Bell, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steve Cardenas, Kerry Casey, Julia Cortez, Jason David Frank, Mark Ginther, and David Yost in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) 


Intro: Is it too much to ask for a movie to be better than the show it's based on? 

Power Rangers the movie: This movie is centered on a superhero group called the Power Rangers. They learn that construction workers discover a human-sized egg that holds a monster called Ivan Ooze, so the rangers have to get to him before someone cracks the egg. That becomes difficult when Lord Zedd and Rita beat them to the punch and he shows the rangers he means business by destroying the command center, stripped the rangers of their powers and Zordon is dying. Alpha tells the rangers that there's a way to save him, but they have to go to another planet to do it, so they have to find new powers before it's too late. 

This is one of those movies that you like as a kid but doesn't hold up after all these years! I'm saying that by holding this movie to Power Ranger's standers. Yes! The show has cheesy lines and puns however this movie overdid it. Also, what's the point of this movie having the same opening as Star Wars if someone is going to read the text? The ranger's new weapons are a downgrade if you ask me. The Megazord fight is a joke because it's too one-sided and the way it ended was odd. 

Season three of Power Rangers handles some of the elements from this movie better like the ninja suit. When the rangers got the ninja suit in the show it gives them special abilities, in the movie they do nothing for the rangers. I wish the Rangers would do more to try and earn their new powers, this is another issue I have with the series. This movie tried to make family a theme of the movie but the creators did a poor job that it. The lesson in this movie is off-putting because the movie contradicts itself. Don't get me started on the CGI, it looks unfinished.   

The rangers are more or less the same as they were on the show. This will annoy people who didn't watch the show because they can't describe the ranger's personality. Plus, this movie has no connection to the show. What bugs me about them is how they treat Bulk and Skull in this movie, you'll see what I mean when you watch this movie.  

Speaking of Bulk and Skull why are they in this movie, they do nothing to help push the story or provide comedy for the most part.

Alpha is aggravating as usual. 

Zordon is the ranger's mentor we learn that he has history with Ivan Ooze and I wish the movie would explore that. 

Dulcea guides the rangers on the plant thereon. 

Lord Zedd and Rita (two baddies.) manage to be funny and menacing at the same time. The way Rita talks to Lord Zedd makes me question their relationship.   

Ivan Ooze (the main Villain) has a personality and seems to be aware of what's going on in the world when he's stuck in an egg. Plus, the creators did a good job at showing us how he's a bigger threat than Lord Zedd and Rita. His plan for world domination makes no sense and he could have achieved his goal if he was proactive. 

This movie can be funny and I like some of the design changes from the show like the command center, Alpha and the rangers suits for the most part. I'm fond that the rangers go on a journey to find new powers plus deal with the fact that Zordon could die. Doing that adds drama to the movie. 

Overall, this may not be a good movie but it's entertaining. I would recommend this to the fans. 

Rating = Rental     
  

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

My thoughts on fighting games

My thoughts on fighting games 

Image result for super smash bros brawl 


I have mixed feelings about fighting games. I like playing them because it's a fair game between you, the other player, and the CPU, kind of. You, the other player, or the CPU have the same abilities; what you do with them determines victory or defeat. Despite that I’m not that good at them, part of the reason why is because of the ridiculous combo combination. I find it insulting that I have to do them because your basic moves don't do as much damage. Plus, they are hard for me to execute; sometimes, I do it without trying. This is what ruins fighting games like MK and Street Fighter for me because I spend more time trying to figure out the combos than playing the game. There are some fighting games where you can set up the controls so that you can perform the special moves with ease, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you want to be made fun of. 

I didn't have this problem with Soul Calibur 2, I can stop playing that game for years and know most of the moves. (I wish I could say the same for Soul Calibur 4.) I'm surprised that DBZ fighting games last this long, I mean, aren't you tired of playing the same story, using the same characters and moves? Fighting games may have the same blueprint and mechanics that doesn't mean that they all have the same gimmick. That's another issue I have with them; I wish they were different. This is what made the Super Smash bros games so popular; four players can fight each other, and instead of having to knock out your opponent, you have to either get a ring out or inflict as much damage until you knock him or her out of the stage. Something you don't have to do, that if you get the right weapon in the game, this is what helps make the game fun, it drops random weapons in the middle of the fight. 

It's a shame that Fighters Destiny isn't popular or became a well-known franchise because that game breaks away from the fighting game formula. In that game, you win by scoring the most points; you do that by performing certain moves. The same thing goes for Custom Robo, you get to customize your robot in that game, plus find cover and dodge your opponent's attacks. To be fair, I can understand why you would be bored with that game because all you can do is shoot lasers and bombs at your opponent. In Godzilla Destroy All Monsters melee you get attacked by the NPC. That can be annoying because you have to split your focus. That's all I have to say about fighting games for now if the developers try new things with this genre, it would be more popular than it already is.      

Monday, June 21, 2010

My Toy Story trilogy review

My Toy Story trilogy review 


Image result for toy storyToy Story: This movie is centered on a cowboy doll toy name Woody who's also Andy's favorite toy. That changed when Andy gets a new toy on his birthday, it's a space ranger name Buzz lightyear. Buzz is more advance than woody in every way to the point where it makes Woody look inferior. One day Woody tries to get Andy's attention but that blows up in his face and now he and Buzz are separated for Andy. To make things worse Andy is about to move. So, Woody and Buzz have to get back to Andy before the move.  

This is a classic story of the new replacing the old, heck you can argue that this movie foreshadowed what's going on in Hollywood. Almost everyone knows what it's like to have a favorite toy and then disregard it when you see something new. We also know what it's like to be turned down for someone better. This movie also did a good job of getting us inside the toy's head, I mean if toys were alive how would they think or feel about how we treat them? The theme of this movie is being wanted, what does it mean to people and how it can affect them if they're not wanted. The CGI was impressive the year it came out but now it's dated. The movie also did a good job of building tension.   


Woody is the leader of Andy's toys, he maintains morale among them. Because he's Andy's favorite toy he has an ego to the point where becomes jealous of Buzz and can be a jerk. 

Buzz thinks he's a real space ranger and this proved funny moments in the movie. This also raises the question did any of the toys start off like this? 

Slinky is loyal to Woody.  

Mr. Potato Head is cynical.

the ham piggy bank is a smart mouth. 

Bo-peep is kind-hearted. 

Rex is timid. 

Sid is a sick kid. I mean you have to be if you enjoy disfiguring toys. Despite that he's creative.
  
The only problem I have with this movie is I wish the writers would give Andy an arc of learning to appreciate what he already have. I'm not saying he's spoiled but he lost Buzz he acts like he doesn't have anything else. I find it odd that no one noticed that the toys are moved from a different spot. The movie gives Woody and Buzz too much focus. Overall, Pixar was off to a good start with this film.

Rating = Worth Seeing    



Image result for toy story 2Toy Story 2: Woody is preparing to go to Cowboy Camp with Andy, but something happens that causes Woody to miss out on it. Meanwhile one of Andy's old toys ends up at a yard sale so Woody tries to save him, however, he ends up in the car of a collector as a result of the rescue. So, Buzz and the gang have to find Woody and bring him back home before Andy gets back. 

This is one of those sequels that isn't better than the original. I like how it has almost the same stake as the first film but with a few changes. The same thing goes for when the movie recreates scenes from the last movie. The movie also shows us what the toys are like in different environments like in a toy store or in the hands of a collector. I'm fond of how this movie handles two plots because they both feel different plus, they both complement each other. The theme of the movie is abandonment, the toys have to deal with the fact that Andy will become too old for them and how being abandoned can affect them. The also deals with immortality vs loyalty. The movie also has a good twist towards the end.   

Woody learns about his origin in this movie and he has to figure out if he wants to stay with Andy or not? 

Buzz is flat in this movie he's just the loyal friend. The movie finds a way to bring back the old Buzz. 

Jessie is cynical about being a toy. That's understandable considering her backstory and it's heartbreaking when you see it. What bugs me about is she's helpless and the end of the movie and how she got over her moon. 

Stinky Pete is kind and wise. I'll also feel sorry for him because he doesn't know what it's like to be loved by a child. 

This movie has the same problems as the last movie and that is too much focus on Woody and Buzz. The subplot with Rex is pointless and I'm annoyed with the Star Wars reference. There is part of the last act that was wasted and there are moments in the movie that feel like filler. Overall, this is a fine sequel that builds off of the last movie. 

Rating = Worth Seeing 



Toy Story 3 (2010) - IMDbIntro: WOW! A trilogy where all three movies are good, that's quite an achievement. 

Toy Story 3: While Andy is preparing to go to college his toys are preparing to go to the attic. However, something happen that caused them to end up in a daycare center and the toys made themselves at home. That changes when they learn that the daycare is not what it seems to be, so they decide to escape the daycare and go back to Andy.  

This movie is the best one out of the three! The reason why I feel this way is because the story isn't centered on Woody or Buzz, the story affects everyone. I like seeing how the characters are coping with Andy not wanting to play with them anymore. This movie made me feel bad about how I use to treat my toys, especially my Green Ranger action finger, for those of you who know me know the story behind that. The movie has moments where you will laugh, cry and be at the edge of your seat. How the toys plan on escaping will remind you of a prison escape movie. You can argue that the themes of this movie are purpose and being together. I'm glad the creators waited eleven years to release this movie because it helps us appreciate those themes now that the kids who grew up watching these films are older.  

Woody is still loyal to Andy, but he has to figure out if he wants to be by his side or his fellow toys? 

I feel sorry for Buzz because it seems like the writers don't know what to do with him without being back his gimmick.  

Ken is the comic relief of the movie. 

Lotso Is the head of the daycare and he's lovable. 

One of the few problems I have with this movie is the conflict in this movie involves misunderstanding. There are moments where this movie is similar to the last film and the last act can be contrived in some areas. All in all, this is one of the best Trilogy, that's saying a lot because there isn't a lot of good trilogies. It's sad to see this come to an end because I would like to see a spin-off where toys are being replaced with technology. 

Rating = Treasure Chest 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

My Titan A.E. review

My Titan A.E. Review 



Titan A.E.: After Earth has been destroyed by an alien race called Drej the survivors are scattered around space. Meanwhile, a space pirate name Capt. Joseph found Clae, who has the map to Project Titan that can save the human race. The search for Titan becomes difficult when the Drej catches on to them, so they have to find it before they do.  

This movie is Waterworld, but in space. The movie also reminds me of Star Wars. I like the world-building; it's interesting seeing how humanity is dealing with Earth being destroyed. The Animation isn't good because it tried to mix 2D animation with CGI, and it doesn't look good. (not from a lack of trying.) Also, the film has some entertainment value. The characters are fine but left more to be desired. 

Clae (The main character) is the relucted hero. The problem is there isn't a moment where we start to like him I mean, he complains and acts like he's all that, but he isn't. If he was, he wouldn't get captured so many times and think he can talk his way out of trouble. When he learns that he could save the human race, this was his response. 

Clae: What's in it for me? 

You're saving the human race!!!! What do you mean, what's in it for you!?! See what I mean? How can I root for him if he's self-centered? I understand he has a tragic backstory, however that doesn't justify how he's behaving. 

Akima (One of the crew members) is the sassy love interest, and that's it. That's all I have to say about her. Yeah, I don't buy her being into Clae because she seems to be put off by him not wanting to save humanity. 

Stith is a hothead who wants to hurt someone or something. 

Gune is the brains of the crew. 

Capt. Joseph is an enigma because we don't know much about him beyond his connection to Clae's past. 

The Drej (The villains) are boring! They have no reason to feel threatened by humans, just like you have no reason to feel threatened by bugs. 

Despite liking the concepts in this movie, the writers wasted them. I wish we knew the humans point of view on living in spaceThere is a scene in the movie where one of the characters is naked, why!?! Also, some of the music doesn't go well with some of the scenes. There are plot holes around how Titan works, the conflict between humans, the Drej, and how space works in this movie. Also, the twist in the movie serves no purpose; it might as well not be in the movie. 

Overall, this movie fell short to be considered underrated and it didn't end Fox Animation on a high note. To be fair, it suffers from behind-the-scenes issues. 

Rating = Rental 

Monday, June 14, 2010

My Mortal Kombat review

 My Mortal Kombat review 


Intro: So, in order to protect the Earth from being invaded, Earth's fighters have to win a tournament ten times. You can’t have the best two out of three. Also, don’t you wish we would have this instead of wars or trial by combat?  

Mortal Kombat: This movie is centered on a man name Liu Kang who learns that his brother was murdered, so he goes out to find the killer. He learns that the killer is hosting a tournament called Mortal Kombat and he has to compete in it to reach him. That becomes difficult when he sees that the competition is more than what he bargained for and the stakes are high. So, Liu Kang and the other earth fights have to win the tournament to protect the earth.

Calling this the best video game movie wasn’t a fair statement considering the lack of competition at the time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fine as an adaptation but that doesn’t help make it a good movie. As bad as the Street Fighter movie was, I understand why the movie went in that direction it's because you can’t have a movie with just fighting. The story in this movie is OK ( Despite the fact that it’s a rip-off of Enter the Dragon.) however it could have been better. The movie set up interesting things with the character it’s just that the writers don’t flush them out. 

I understand why this movie is rated PG-13 because you don’t want to alienate the kids who played this game. Plus, the R rating wouldn’t help make this movie better. I would like to know how this tournament is structured I mean, I find it odd that none of the earth fighters fight each other. Another issue I have with the movie is the CGI hasn’t aged well. (To be fair, it didn’t look good back then.) Characters don’t always react when they see someone or something unnatural happen, one of the fights is lame, and how one character used a line from the game is contrived. 

Liu Kang is a tortured character. Not because his brother was murdered, it's because he struggles to come to terms with his destiny. Despite being short-tempered, he can be sarcastic.   

Johnny Cage is a movie star who's the comic relief and self-centered. 

Sonya is an FBI agent who's self-reliant. It's a shame that she and Liu Kang are not close because they both want the same thing. What bothers me about her is the movie doesn't do much with her. Also, she becomes helpless in the last act of the film. 

Kitana is wasted in this movie! Besides being eye candy, she's just in the movie to guide Liu Kang. She was suppose to be his love interest but that didn't get enough focus.  

Raiden is the guarding of the earth realm. He serves as a mentor for the trio. My issue with him is his advice is on the nose.   

Shang Tsung (the main villain) is power-hungry but is calm and collective. 

There isn't much I like about this movie beyond the soundtrack and one touching moment in the movie. Overall, this is an OK movie and I use the term loosely. I would recommend this if you like Kung Fu films. 

Rating = Rental