Waiting for Superman: DVD Review
Waiting for Superman
Rating: PG
Released by Universal Home entertainment
Waiting for Superman is a doco about the American
education system and its failings.
From Davis
Guggenheim (who brought us An Inconvenient Truth) its USP is that this doco
blames weak teachers for the failing students rather than the system itself.
Choosing to follow a clutch of kids from all sides of
America and their families who want the best for them educationally, it manages
to humanize the issue. Throw into the mix some inspirational teachers who're
trying to make the difference after realizing what's wrong and some damning
evidence (and some anecdotal) about where it's going wrong and you've got a
fairly potent mix.
Mix in animations and clips
from the School of Rock and The Simpsons and Waiting for Superman aims to get
its message out to all - many will appreciate what it's saying; some will feel,
once again, that the doco maker is following his own agenda.
Rating: 6/10
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Game Review - Sonic Generations
Game Review - Sonic Generations
Sonic Generations
Released by Sega
Platform PS3
Has it really been 20 years since the little blue hedgehog first appeared on the scene?
I vividly remember the first time I played the original Sonic The Hedgehog and being blown away by the speed of the game and the fun of it all.
So, 20 years on, there's another game out and this one embraces the last two decades of Blue Hedgehoggy goodness.
In Sonic Generations, Sonic himself is celebrating his birthday when out of nowhere, a creature known as The Time Eater appears and sucks Sonic and his friends into a series of portals and scattering them across history. As Sonic begins hunting for his pals, he encounters the younger version of himself and the two of them have to team up to ensure their mates can be saved and the bad guys beaten.
Melding levels from all of the Sonic releases from the past 2 decades is quite a novel approach to this game; throw into that mix, the chance to play as Modern and Classic Sonic and all of the spin skills, bouncing, grinding and jumping they've had throughout their career and you're pretty much looking at the ultimate Sonic Game.
As well as various game levels to complete, there are side challenges as well and the whole gameplay experience for Sonic Generations really does feel like a compendium of gaming. There's the nostalgia factor at play here too - as you burn around different levels, you really do remember why it was that you fell in love with Sonic in the first place; even if occasionally, you remember the frustrations of the latter era of the games.
With tremendous graphics, bright colours, a somewhat irritating series of tunes, Sonic Generations is a timely reminder of why and how the Hedgehog changed the gaming landscape. It's a fun, frivolous and affectionate tribute to a legend and a timely reminder that sometimes the simplest of games are the most playable and enduring.
Rating: 8/10
Sonic Generations
Released by Sega
Platform PS3
Has it really been 20 years since the little blue hedgehog first appeared on the scene?
I vividly remember the first time I played the original Sonic The Hedgehog and being blown away by the speed of the game and the fun of it all.
So, 20 years on, there's another game out and this one embraces the last two decades of Blue Hedgehoggy goodness.
In Sonic Generations, Sonic himself is celebrating his birthday when out of nowhere, a creature known as The Time Eater appears and sucks Sonic and his friends into a series of portals and scattering them across history. As Sonic begins hunting for his pals, he encounters the younger version of himself and the two of them have to team up to ensure their mates can be saved and the bad guys beaten.
Melding levels from all of the Sonic releases from the past 2 decades is quite a novel approach to this game; throw into that mix, the chance to play as Modern and Classic Sonic and all of the spin skills, bouncing, grinding and jumping they've had throughout their career and you're pretty much looking at the ultimate Sonic Game.
As well as various game levels to complete, there are side challenges as well and the whole gameplay experience for Sonic Generations really does feel like a compendium of gaming. There's the nostalgia factor at play here too - as you burn around different levels, you really do remember why it was that you fell in love with Sonic in the first place; even if occasionally, you remember the frustrations of the latter era of the games.
With tremendous graphics, bright colours, a somewhat irritating series of tunes, Sonic Generations is a timely reminder of why and how the Hedgehog changed the gaming landscape. It's a fun, frivolous and affectionate tribute to a legend and a timely reminder that sometimes the simplest of games are the most playable and enduring.
Rating: 8/10
Game Review - Disney Universe
Game Review - Disney Universe
Disney Universe
Released by THQ/ Disney
Platform: PS3
As the Christmas rush continues, there's ever more pressure on the dollar and from the kids to keep their gaming needs satiated.
Enter then, Disney Universe, the latest contender for your cash and their time.
As a visitor to Disney Universe, it all looks like a sweet place to visit - Disney characters all around and general peace and love as good ole Uncle Walt would have wanted. But the Disney universe has been invaded by bad guys and it's now upto you to save the day. You get to dress up in a costume from Disney movies and take on each challenge. Each level is divided into three sub levels and you have to go into each one, perform a few tasks, save a trapped visitor and generally collect as many gold stars as you can.
And that's pretty much it to be honest.
But it's enduringly cute and relatively playable (if you can put up with the repetitive nature of some of the levels). The puzzles are simple and with arrows telling you where to go and what to do, even the most novice of gamer can achieve something in this. There are also power ups available and plenty of costumes to utilise (from the likes of Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Mickey Mouse et al) so there's always something to keep you amused. And with the chance to build up each costume via every level, there's certainly enough challenges ahead.
The only real problem of this rather cute little platformer is that it does feel a little samey level after level; thankfully the option of multi player competitions and some online content give it a bit of a longer shelf life but all in all, Disney Universe is a relatively sweet and simplistic game which may well keep the kids (and the big kids) amused over the upcoming Christmas break for a short while.
Rating: 7/10
Disney Universe
Released by THQ/ Disney
Platform: PS3
As the Christmas rush continues, there's ever more pressure on the dollar and from the kids to keep their gaming needs satiated.
Enter then, Disney Universe, the latest contender for your cash and their time.
As a visitor to Disney Universe, it all looks like a sweet place to visit - Disney characters all around and general peace and love as good ole Uncle Walt would have wanted. But the Disney universe has been invaded by bad guys and it's now upto you to save the day. You get to dress up in a costume from Disney movies and take on each challenge. Each level is divided into three sub levels and you have to go into each one, perform a few tasks, save a trapped visitor and generally collect as many gold stars as you can.
And that's pretty much it to be honest.
But it's enduringly cute and relatively playable (if you can put up with the repetitive nature of some of the levels). The puzzles are simple and with arrows telling you where to go and what to do, even the most novice of gamer can achieve something in this. There are also power ups available and plenty of costumes to utilise (from the likes of Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Mickey Mouse et al) so there's always something to keep you amused. And with the chance to build up each costume via every level, there's certainly enough challenges ahead.
The only real problem of this rather cute little platformer is that it does feel a little samey level after level; thankfully the option of multi player competitions and some online content give it a bit of a longer shelf life but all in all, Disney Universe is a relatively sweet and simplistic game which may well keep the kids (and the big kids) amused over the upcoming Christmas break for a short while.
Rating: 7/10
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Dr Who S6 Part 2: Blu Ray Review
Dr Who S6 Part 2: Blu Ray Review
Dr Who S6 Part 2 Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
So the second half of this truncated season of Matt Smith's latest outing as Doctor Who comes out - and with it the creaking heavy weight of expectation from fans that writer Steven Moffat actually has an idea of what he's doing.
With the first episode of the 1st half of the season indicating that the Dr would die, there was a sense of foreboding in this set. Throw into that, the truth behind Alex Kingston's River Song being revealed at the end of the last run and there's certainly a lot for them to live upto.
Thankfully, it does - with the opening episode Let's Kill Hitler showing how they've got a lot creatively to give, there's certainly plenty of life left in the time lord yet. This shorter run of 6 eps does suffer a little in terms of story telling with some of them not being as strong as they could be. But with a final ep that proves the wait was worth it in terms of story and emotional core, the pacy run feels satisfying in many ways.
However, it does feel at times that a lot of the story telling and arcs from the past 3 years have run their course and it's really time to change tack for the future. Once again though, Matt Smith knocks it out of the park as Doc 11 and Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill certainly get stronger material to work with.
Extras: Disappointingly very few - may be worth holding off for the entire season set due before Christmas
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who S6 Part 2 Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
So the second half of this truncated season of Matt Smith's latest outing as Doctor Who comes out - and with it the creaking heavy weight of expectation from fans that writer Steven Moffat actually has an idea of what he's doing.
With the first episode of the 1st half of the season indicating that the Dr would die, there was a sense of foreboding in this set. Throw into that, the truth behind Alex Kingston's River Song being revealed at the end of the last run and there's certainly a lot for them to live upto.
Thankfully, it does - with the opening episode Let's Kill Hitler showing how they've got a lot creatively to give, there's certainly plenty of life left in the time lord yet. This shorter run of 6 eps does suffer a little in terms of story telling with some of them not being as strong as they could be. But with a final ep that proves the wait was worth it in terms of story and emotional core, the pacy run feels satisfying in many ways.
However, it does feel at times that a lot of the story telling and arcs from the past 3 years have run their course and it's really time to change tack for the future. Once again though, Matt Smith knocks it out of the park as Doc 11 and Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill certainly get stronger material to work with.
Extras: Disappointingly very few - may be worth holding off for the entire season set due before Christmas
Rating: 7/10
Friday, 11 November 2011
Beginners: Movie Review
Beginners: Movie Review
Beginners
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Melanie Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Goran Visnjic
Director: Mike Mills
Sad, sweet, melancholy and extremely moving, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor as Oliver,dealing with his father's death (played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer)from cancer.
Just 5 years before his death, his dad came out and began a new lease of life at 75 with a younger man (ER's Visnjic) ;and it's this which inspires Oliver to do the same as he starts a cautious courtship with Anna (Melanie Laurent).
With flashbacks interspersed with some wry narrative tricks and snapshots of life then and now, Mike Mills has made a truly warm and affectionate picture which is subtle and astoundingly good. McGregor's barely been better and Laurent is the perfect romantic foil for him. This is a romatic pair who work really well together and the warmth of the narrative hits you in the heart when you least expect it.
Swinging back and forth helps it all come together and the end could see you in tears.
Plus throw in a cute dog as well who says it all in subtitles, and it's easy to see why this is recommended. Quirky, heartfelt, endearing and human, it's a rare treat late in the year and one which should be relished and cherished.
Beginners
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Melanie Laurent, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Goran Visnjic
Director: Mike Mills
Sad, sweet, melancholy and extremely moving, Beginners sees Ewan McGregor as Oliver,dealing with his father's death (played brilliantly by Christopher Plummer)from cancer.
Just 5 years before his death, his dad came out and began a new lease of life at 75 with a younger man (ER's Visnjic) ;and it's this which inspires Oliver to do the same as he starts a cautious courtship with Anna (Melanie Laurent).
With flashbacks interspersed with some wry narrative tricks and snapshots of life then and now, Mike Mills has made a truly warm and affectionate picture which is subtle and astoundingly good. McGregor's barely been better and Laurent is the perfect romantic foil for him. This is a romatic pair who work really well together and the warmth of the narrative hits you in the heart when you least expect it.
Swinging back and forth helps it all come together and the end could see you in tears.
Plus throw in a cute dog as well who says it all in subtitles, and it's easy to see why this is recommended. Quirky, heartfelt, endearing and human, it's a rare treat late in the year and one which should be relished and cherished.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Batman: Arkham City: PS3 Review
Batman: Arkham City: PS3 Review
Batman Arkham City
Released by Rocksteady and Warner Bros
Rating: M
Wow.
Simply put, there's very little else to say about this new release which once again puts you back into the Bat Boots as the Caped Crusader.
Expanding the world that was created in Batman: Arkham Asylum was always going to be a difficult task, but developers Rocksteady have made a game which incorporates the world of the Batman so seamlessly with its mythology that it becomes one of the best playing experiences around.
In terms of plot - Bruce Wayne is captured and dumped behind the locked walls of Arkham City, a prison area of Gotham City. It's here the dregs and the deranged members of society are dumped - along with some of the Bat's deadliest foes -including his nemesis, Joker.
So when Wayne awakes from his kidnapping, he's understandably keen to get out - and that's where the Batman comes in. Armed with help via comms from loyal butler Alfred, Batman's got to find out what's going on in Arkham City and how it can be stopped...
The plot may sound a little generic but for fans of the Batman mythology, it's a shame to spoil the surprises and characters which crop up as the game progresses.
As a playable landscape, Arkham City is just stunning; the world's been beautifully realized and feels like a pastiche of crime films and Blade Runner. Coupled with the cinematic touches and cutscenes, there's so much to immerse yourself in here that you really can lose yourself in Arkham City. Throw in top notch voice work from those who've been involved in the franchise for a very long time and you're aware this is a labour of love from the developers' point of view as well as a player's.
Using stealth attacks, gliding, an array of Bat gadgets, there's plenty on show for you to build up your armoury, your stamina and your skills and the game really does reward continuous playing. As well as the main storyline, there are side missions too which pepper Gotham City and give you a bit of a breather from what needs to be done.
Easily one of the games of the year, Batman Arkham City is one hell of an experience and one of the best entrants into the Batman genre; it embraces and expands the mythology and is a totally exciting and entertaining proposition for any gaming fan.
Batman Arkham City
Released by Rocksteady and Warner Bros
Rating: M
Wow.
Simply put, there's very little else to say about this new release which once again puts you back into the Bat Boots as the Caped Crusader.
Expanding the world that was created in Batman: Arkham Asylum was always going to be a difficult task, but developers Rocksteady have made a game which incorporates the world of the Batman so seamlessly with its mythology that it becomes one of the best playing experiences around.
In terms of plot - Bruce Wayne is captured and dumped behind the locked walls of Arkham City, a prison area of Gotham City. It's here the dregs and the deranged members of society are dumped - along with some of the Bat's deadliest foes -including his nemesis, Joker.
So when Wayne awakes from his kidnapping, he's understandably keen to get out - and that's where the Batman comes in. Armed with help via comms from loyal butler Alfred, Batman's got to find out what's going on in Arkham City and how it can be stopped...
The plot may sound a little generic but for fans of the Batman mythology, it's a shame to spoil the surprises and characters which crop up as the game progresses.
As a playable landscape, Arkham City is just stunning; the world's been beautifully realized and feels like a pastiche of crime films and Blade Runner. Coupled with the cinematic touches and cutscenes, there's so much to immerse yourself in here that you really can lose yourself in Arkham City. Throw in top notch voice work from those who've been involved in the franchise for a very long time and you're aware this is a labour of love from the developers' point of view as well as a player's.
Using stealth attacks, gliding, an array of Bat gadgets, there's plenty on show for you to build up your armoury, your stamina and your skills and the game really does reward continuous playing. As well as the main storyline, there are side missions too which pepper Gotham City and give you a bit of a breather from what needs to be done.
Easily one of the games of the year, Batman Arkham City is one hell of an experience and one of the best entrants into the Batman genre; it embraces and expands the mythology and is a totally exciting and entertaining proposition for any gaming fan.
X Men First Class: Blu Ray Review
X Men First Class: Blu Ray Review
X Men First class
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent and 20th Century Fox
So once more back into the X Men breach - and a third attempt at an origins film.
This time though it's from the minds who brought us the truly wonderful Kick Ass.
James McAvoy stars as Charles Xavier, a gifted young man whose life is decided by the altruistic path he forges in nurturing mutant kind and uttering the word "Groovy" as the 1960s progress.
Directly idealogically opposite him is Erik Lehnsherr (a brilliant Michael Fassbender) whose youth is defined by his tortuous treatment as a Jew in the Nazi concentration camps at the hands of Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon).
So Erik sets out to hunt Shaw down and kill him - but when Shaw threatens to bring the world to its knees via nuclear war, Erik and Xavier join forces - along with other newly discovered mutants to try to avert a potential world war three.
X Men First Class is better than some of the more recent entrants into the franchise but it's no massive progression for the series to be frank.
It's more a case of the film once again attempting to restart and reboot the franchise and managing to do so in a somewhat at times limp way - so fanboys of this particular genre be aware...
However, there are some truly impressive things within this latest mutant outing.
Firstly Kevin Bacon's Shaw is startlingly good - Bacon's really delivered the acting goods here with menace mixed with charm as well as incredible screen presence. His is the stand out performance of the film without a shadow of a doubt.
Fassbender and McAvoy also deliver the goods but it's Fassbender who is the better actor bringing a dash of danger to the future Magneto as he heads off on his Bond like quest of vengeance; McAvoy's performance is crippled a little by his character's penchant for spouting pompous dialogue and putting two fingers to his forehead every time he uses his telepathy.
Overall, X Men First Class may impress some with its fine acting but fans of the X genre will be disappointed nothing radical is done (aside from some great fanboy pleasing cameos); the rest of us may feel it's time to give the X Men a rest - even though this is rumoured to be the start of a new trilogy.
Extras: Good solid bunch including deleted and extended scenes, behind the scenes of the film
Rating: 7/10
X Men First class
Rating: M
Released by Universal Home Ent and 20th Century Fox
So once more back into the X Men breach - and a third attempt at an origins film.
This time though it's from the minds who brought us the truly wonderful Kick Ass.
James McAvoy stars as Charles Xavier, a gifted young man whose life is decided by the altruistic path he forges in nurturing mutant kind and uttering the word "Groovy" as the 1960s progress.
Directly idealogically opposite him is Erik Lehnsherr (a brilliant Michael Fassbender) whose youth is defined by his tortuous treatment as a Jew in the Nazi concentration camps at the hands of Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon).
So Erik sets out to hunt Shaw down and kill him - but when Shaw threatens to bring the world to its knees via nuclear war, Erik and Xavier join forces - along with other newly discovered mutants to try to avert a potential world war three.
X Men First Class is better than some of the more recent entrants into the franchise but it's no massive progression for the series to be frank.
It's more a case of the film once again attempting to restart and reboot the franchise and managing to do so in a somewhat at times limp way - so fanboys of this particular genre be aware...
However, there are some truly impressive things within this latest mutant outing.
Firstly Kevin Bacon's Shaw is startlingly good - Bacon's really delivered the acting goods here with menace mixed with charm as well as incredible screen presence. His is the stand out performance of the film without a shadow of a doubt.
Fassbender and McAvoy also deliver the goods but it's Fassbender who is the better actor bringing a dash of danger to the future Magneto as he heads off on his Bond like quest of vengeance; McAvoy's performance is crippled a little by his character's penchant for spouting pompous dialogue and putting two fingers to his forehead every time he uses his telepathy.
Overall, X Men First Class may impress some with its fine acting but fans of the X genre will be disappointed nothing radical is done (aside from some great fanboy pleasing cameos); the rest of us may feel it's time to give the X Men a rest - even though this is rumoured to be the start of a new trilogy.
Extras: Good solid bunch including deleted and extended scenes, behind the scenes of the film
Rating: 7/10
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