Game Review: Red Faction: Armageddon
Red Faction Armageddon
Released by THQ
Platform: PS3
It's off to the red planet we go for this fourth instalment in the Red
Faction series - which I have to admit to having never played before.
50 years after the events of Red Faction: Guerilla, you control Darius Mason
on the wilds of the planet in 2170 in this third person shooter.
The aim is to track down a group known as the Cultists, led by Adam Hale,
who've taken out a Terraformer and plunged your race underground. As you
negotiate your way underground and briefly on the surface, you face threats from
said Cultists as well as numerous bugs and other baddies, hellbent on turning
you into history.
While the action is fairly standard and sees you pretty much unable to roam
too freely (a GPS can help with your quest if you end up getting a little lost
and unsure of where to go when facing marauding attacks from hordes of creepy
crawlies), this is still pretty playable stuff.
A clever addition is the option to repair structures you inadvertently - or
deliberately - destroy while in your quests - thanks to a glove you wear. It's a
neat visual touch as well and helps you realise that sometimes, the solution can
literally appear in front of your very eyes.
Furthermore, a magnet grappling gun gives you the option to haul structures
around and makes wandering around underground a little more fun as well as
giving you the chance for wanton destruction - outside of killing the baddies.
But you have to be smart on how you use this - cause after all, remember you're
underground...
Red Faction Armageddon is certainly playable and there's plenty to do; it's
no mean thing to say it's disposably good fun and will see you wasting hours on
end as you scoot around doing your thing and trying to save the day. It's easy
to control and immerse yourself in and with a couple of other options available
once you've finished the main game, it's got a shelf life beyond the average
third person shooter games.
Rating:
7/10
Thursday, 30 June 2011
The Romantics: DVD Review
The Romantics: DVD Review
The Romantics
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
When a group of several friends and college buddies reunite for a wedding, you know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Katie Holmes is Laura, a writer who's maid of honour to best friend Lila (True Blood's Anna Paquin) ahead of her wedding to Tom, played by Josh Duhamel.
When the gang reunites, it's clear there's still some tension between Laura and Lila - mainly thanks to her love for Tom - and matters are brought to a head at a truly awful wedding rehearsal where Laura inadvertently toasts her and Tom - instead of Lila.
It's clear there's some issues between them all - and they're likely to try and resolve them this weekend whether they want to or not.
Simmering resentments come to the fore in this but it's a little slow and plodding to gain and hold your attention; while the cast is an admirable bunch and a good solid collection of actors, it's very hard to get engrossed in this gang and their issues.
The main triangle works reasonably well but overall, The Romantics is lacking a little of the dynamism it needs to propel it over its 95 minutes running time.
Extras: None
Rating: 5/10
The Romantics
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent
When a group of several friends and college buddies reunite for a wedding, you know there's going to be trouble ahead.
Katie Holmes is Laura, a writer who's maid of honour to best friend Lila (True Blood's Anna Paquin) ahead of her wedding to Tom, played by Josh Duhamel.
When the gang reunites, it's clear there's still some tension between Laura and Lila - mainly thanks to her love for Tom - and matters are brought to a head at a truly awful wedding rehearsal where Laura inadvertently toasts her and Tom - instead of Lila.
It's clear there's some issues between them all - and they're likely to try and resolve them this weekend whether they want to or not.
Simmering resentments come to the fore in this but it's a little slow and plodding to gain and hold your attention; while the cast is an admirable bunch and a good solid collection of actors, it's very hard to get engrossed in this gang and their issues.
The main triangle works reasonably well but overall, The Romantics is lacking a little of the dynamism it needs to propel it over its 95 minutes running time.
Extras: None
Rating: 5/10
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon: Movie Review
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon: Movie Review
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Shia La Beouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Leonard Nimoy, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee
Director: Michael Bay
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us....
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the robots themselves, Optimus Prime spouts his usual pomposity and Leonard Nimoy makes a good father of the robots (and gets to paraphrase one of Spock's famous lines from Wrath of Khan) but the Decepticons suffer a little in terms of screen time - until an end sequence in Chicago where both sides finally fight full on with such ferocity you would think you're in a gangland riot blessed with robot executions left, right and centre.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
There's little in terms of story and the whole thing feels like it's leading to a confrontation between the robotic hordes.
That said if you're willing to check your brain at the door you will be entertained - though a word of warning you may feel at times, like you've beaten into submission by the brash, noisy and FX heavy film which is gung ho and even has the nerve to end on a scene of robots standing near a flying American flag.
Transformers: Dark Of The Moon
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Shia La Beouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Leonard Nimoy, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Patrick Dempsey, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee
Director: Michael Bay
Back for a third time, the Autobots and the Decepticons continue their life long robotic battle
Thrown into the middle of this eternal scrap between good and evil is Shia LaBeouf's Sam Witwicky who's struggling to get a job and is becoming resentful he saved the world (twice) for little lasting reward.
This time when it appears a deciding component in the struggle's been found in a spaceship which crashed into the moon around the time of Apollo 11's landing in the 60s, both sides scramble to try and seize it.
But it soon transpires the whole thing could signal the end for them - as well as us....
Transformers Dark of the Moon is a typical Michael Bay gig; there are explosions aplenty, set pieces and plenty of swooping shots of planes and choppers as they head into war.
Happily though Bay has dialled down the frenetic pace of the last film which saw scenes of utter mayhem and robots transforming at such a pace, you could barely keep up with it.
This time it's less of a blur and means the couple of major set pieces are absolutely stunning - including a chase scene on the freeway and an attack piece inside a building. It gives the effects a little more space to breathe and visually sends your eyes on one hell of a journey.
As for the robots themselves, Optimus Prime spouts his usual pomposity and Leonard Nimoy makes a good father of the robots (and gets to paraphrase one of Spock's famous lines from Wrath of Khan) but the Decepticons suffer a little in terms of screen time - until an end sequence in Chicago where both sides finally fight full on with such ferocity you would think you're in a gangland riot blessed with robot executions left, right and centre.
As for the humans, Shia makes good fist of whining Sam and shows he can carry an action film- however, that's not the case with the rest of the supporting cast - particularly Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Sadly with her, it's a case of bringing in some eye candy to titillate (as the camera lingers lovingly over her form at every chance) because the moment she starts speaking, it's starchly wooden and robotic. She manages an improvement towards the end though which is a relief - even if it's a minor improvement.
Of the heavily crowded ensemble, John Malkovich and Ken Jeong have cameos which are blown away by Alan Tudyk's supporting turn.
In many ways on screen, this third film is way too bloated - with an overly long running time which starts to sag, the older end of the audience may feel their attention span drift - though the kids will love it.
There's little in terms of story and the whole thing feels like it's leading to a confrontation between the robotic hordes.
That said if you're willing to check your brain at the door you will be entertained - though a word of warning you may feel at times, like you've beaten into submission by the brash, noisy and FX heavy film which is gung ho and even has the nerve to end on a scene of robots standing near a flying American flag.
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders: DVD Review
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders: DVD Review
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders
Rating: G
Released by BBC and Roadshow
And so the third Doctor's adventures draw to a close on DVD - and in some ways, so does some of the supporting talent.
This adventure from the 1970s is the final outing for Jon Pertwee's Dr before he changed into Tom Baker and sees the Dr investigating a Tibetan retreat where spooky things are afoot.
Those involved at the retreat seem to be on the verge of summoning an alien presence - and their very existence causes all kinds of problems for the Doctor - and could even lead to his undoing.
The six part adventure is a perfect curtain call for Pertwee's man of action - he's given every moment to shine and seizes it with both hands; plus with the extras and commentary, it feels like a ending in many ways with three of the main talents involved sadly recently dying.
But that doesn't cast a maudlin eye over what's a great story and a fantastic range of extras as well for fans of the genre; commentary from Nicholas Courtney, Barry Letts and Elisabeth Sladen who have now left this earth add a tinge of nostalgic sadness which is hard to initially shake; but The Final Curtain doco which looks back over the third Doctor's tenure is sensitively handled and all the better for it.
Extras: Commentary, docos, reminiscences, an omnibus edition of the story and the usual informative subtitles make this a superior two disc release
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who - Planet of the Spiders
Rating: G
Released by BBC and Roadshow
And so the third Doctor's adventures draw to a close on DVD - and in some ways, so does some of the supporting talent.
This adventure from the 1970s is the final outing for Jon Pertwee's Dr before he changed into Tom Baker and sees the Dr investigating a Tibetan retreat where spooky things are afoot.
Those involved at the retreat seem to be on the verge of summoning an alien presence - and their very existence causes all kinds of problems for the Doctor - and could even lead to his undoing.
The six part adventure is a perfect curtain call for Pertwee's man of action - he's given every moment to shine and seizes it with both hands; plus with the extras and commentary, it feels like a ending in many ways with three of the main talents involved sadly recently dying.
But that doesn't cast a maudlin eye over what's a great story and a fantastic range of extras as well for fans of the genre; commentary from Nicholas Courtney, Barry Letts and Elisabeth Sladen who have now left this earth add a tinge of nostalgic sadness which is hard to initially shake; but The Final Curtain doco which looks back over the third Doctor's tenure is sensitively handled and all the better for it.
Extras: Commentary, docos, reminiscences, an omnibus edition of the story and the usual informative subtitles make this a superior two disc release
Rating: 7/10
No Strings Attached: Blu Ray Review
No Strings Attached: Blu Ray Review
No Strings Attached
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Natalie Portman heads into lighter comedic territory with this sex buddy romcom.
She stars as Emma, a girl who's known Kutcher's Adam for several years. Adam has always liked her but the pair never quite got together.
But years later, the pair meet up again and decide to embark on a "friends with benefits" relationship.
However, the inevitable rears its head and Adam wants more but Emma is happier in her no strings attached lifestyle....are they destined to never be a couple?
No Strings Attached isn't half bad - given you already know the ending - and most of it is due to the humour and performance of Portman.
With occasionally crude moments, but plenty of laughs and a script which sparkles with one liners throughout, there's certainly enough to get you engaged - and keep you there.
Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, docos
Rating: 7/10
No Strings Attached
Rating: R16
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Natalie Portman heads into lighter comedic territory with this sex buddy romcom.
She stars as Emma, a girl who's known Kutcher's Adam for several years. Adam has always liked her but the pair never quite got together.
But years later, the pair meet up again and decide to embark on a "friends with benefits" relationship.
However, the inevitable rears its head and Adam wants more but Emma is happier in her no strings attached lifestyle....are they destined to never be a couple?
No Strings Attached isn't half bad - given you already know the ending - and most of it is due to the humour and performance of Portman.
With occasionally crude moments, but plenty of laughs and a script which sparkles with one liners throughout, there's certainly enough to get you engaged - and keep you there.
Extras: Deleted scenes, commentary, docos
Rating: 7/10
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
The Inbetweeners: Series one: DVD Review
The Inbetweeners: Series one: DVD Review
The Inbetweeners Series 1
Rating:R16
Released by Roadshow and Hopscotch
A brilliantly scabrous and scatological comedy about a quartet of teenage boys and their misadventures in suburbia, this six part series is hilarious.
Simon Bird stars as gawky kid Will McKenzie, who's just moved into the area and has gone from private school to comprehensive; to make matters worse, he ends up befriending a trio of misfits who're sex obsessed, intellectually lacking and socially backward.
But you can't choose your friends...
Funny, crude, shocking and a perfect peek into teen boy mentality, there's much to love about the Inbetweeners - from bunking off to hitting an amusement park, the episodes are perfectly formed, incisively observed and dangerously addictive.
There's another 2 series to go after this and the excitement of a film as well - so jump in now - just make sure your parents aren't watching&.
Extras: Commentary by writers and cast, video diaries, the making of and deleted scenes
Rating: 8/10
The Inbetweeners Series 1
Rating:R16
Released by Roadshow and Hopscotch
A brilliantly scabrous and scatological comedy about a quartet of teenage boys and their misadventures in suburbia, this six part series is hilarious.
Simon Bird stars as gawky kid Will McKenzie, who's just moved into the area and has gone from private school to comprehensive; to make matters worse, he ends up befriending a trio of misfits who're sex obsessed, intellectually lacking and socially backward.
But you can't choose your friends...
Funny, crude, shocking and a perfect peek into teen boy mentality, there's much to love about the Inbetweeners - from bunking off to hitting an amusement park, the episodes are perfectly formed, incisively observed and dangerously addictive.
There's another 2 series to go after this and the excitement of a film as well - so jump in now - just make sure your parents aren't watching&.
Extras: Commentary by writers and cast, video diaries, the making of and deleted scenes
Rating: 8/10
An Idiot Abroad: Blu ray review
An Idiot Abroad: Blu ray review
An Idiot Abroad
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow and BBC
A travel doco with an Englishman who hates the idea of being abroad.
Sounds intriguing but that's what this 8 part series is about - and stars Karl Pilkington who some will know as the third member of the comedy triumvirate who include Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
Essentially the show's premise is Ricky Gervais insisting Pilkington check out the Seven Wonders of the World and watching him struggle to cope with new cultures, situations and people.
The highlights are the trips to India where Pilkington pushes his insane theories about people to the limit; and China. The locations look stunning on HD on the BluRay release and it's all the better for it.
Pilkington's sense of wonder and skewed view of the world is very Little Englander abroad but it's frequently responsible for reducing this reviewer to tears of laughter.
Extras: Preview show, deleted scenes and photogallery
Rating: 7/10
An Idiot Abroad
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow and BBC
A travel doco with an Englishman who hates the idea of being abroad.
Sounds intriguing but that's what this 8 part series is about - and stars Karl Pilkington who some will know as the third member of the comedy triumvirate who include Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
Essentially the show's premise is Ricky Gervais insisting Pilkington check out the Seven Wonders of the World and watching him struggle to cope with new cultures, situations and people.
The highlights are the trips to India where Pilkington pushes his insane theories about people to the limit; and China. The locations look stunning on HD on the BluRay release and it's all the better for it.
Pilkington's sense of wonder and skewed view of the world is very Little Englander abroad but it's frequently responsible for reducing this reviewer to tears of laughter.
Extras: Preview show, deleted scenes and photogallery
Rating: 7/10
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