tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80132800313897875202024-02-07T20:21:45.184-08:00The Ideology Of Modern EntertainmentModern entertainment has its achievements, and then it has its disappontments. My goal with this blog is to take the good and the bad of modern entertainment and tell you what I think of them in order to encourage you to watch these films play, these games, whatever it may be.Or to avoid them for a much better experience.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-9872691072577121722014-07-01T05:11:00.001-07:002014-07-01T05:18:40.106-07:00Highlander 2. Bad Movie, Great Meaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Highlander 2 is infamous for Highlander fans and movie fans in general, mainly for its poor continuity with the other films in the series and its poor quality. But when watching the movie I always feel like there is something within it that gives it a more noble sensibility. The films plot deals with a electromagnetic shield that protects the earth from the suns radiation following the ozone's layers destruction at the hands of industrial pollution. Already its clear that the film has a very bold statement to make about pollution and why we should take care of our planet, and this carry's on throughout the whole movie in a very meaningful way.<br />
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The meaningful way it does this is the clever idea of tying in a former immortal man to the idea of the planet essentially dying. From a thematic point of view it is very interesting, the idea that a man who cannot die is the savior of a dying planet. The way the story starts is also very melancholy and symbolic. McLeod is now a mortal man, and is ageing and dying, much like the planet. Once he becomes immortal again, he seeks to destroy the planetary shield, now that the ozone layer is repaired. A greedy corporation wants the shield to remain active, seeing as it funds their corporation. Science fiction often deals with the idea of corporate influence affecting peoples lives, and how we can rebel against it. Highlander 2 does this within its story, although not in a very subtle way.<br />
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The whole film feels like it takes place in a dark city that is falling apart, decayed and old.. Its ideas are meaningful despite the films many downsides. The ending scene of McLeod stepping into the shields beam and destroying it is a very positive way to end the film, and the sense of triumph seeing the clear shield less sky with the stars shinning above is a very powerful image. I find the film can be enjoyed if its intentions are kept in mind. Its still a clunky mess, but I find it fascinating that the film makers did at least want to highlight a certain subject matter and theme. Its kind of operatic in a way, a film about a newly restored immortal trying to save the planet he feels responsible for dooming.<br />
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-6229197948275711582014-03-24T14:23:00.000-07:002014-03-24T14:23:00.348-07:00Gravity Film Analysis (What Its Really About)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-80778500666272861922014-03-13T15:41:00.001-07:002014-03-13T15:44:47.330-07:00Akira (Anime) Film Analysis Part 4: Sins Of Science<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Akira goes to great lengths to suggest that over ambitious scientific study can lead to disaster. Throughout the film the idea of interfering with Tetsuo's psychic abilities presents itself as a destructive decision, as it fails to keep him under control and only ends up provoking him even more. The choice to study Tetsuo was conducted fully knowing the risks involved, but lacked any restraint in actually trying to prevent the disaster before it was too late. Its possible that this idea has some links to the idea of nuclear weapons, the idea of a powerful and dangerous creation basically being used on its own creator due to accidental reasons and a lack of proper control over it. Akira's iconic opening shot demonstrates the nuclear viewpoint even more, evoking imagery of a large explosion consuming Tokyo. This ties into Akira's study of a post war Japan, and it economic issues following such a destructive series of events, events it caused by underestimating scientific consequences. Japan faced a real life nuclear attack during the second world war, something it has difficulty recovering from. Akira alludes to this openly, portraying a post World War 3 Japan as being economically unstable, and socially unstable. The metaphor for the nuclear issue is Akira himself, the one who destroyed old Tokyo. However is this instance it wasn't a attack from an enemy like it was in the second world war, it was from within Japan, and was the result of scientific incompetence As I have said in the other 3 parts of the analysis, Akira has themes of rebirth, revolution, and growth. The idea of Tokyo essentially creating its own destruction is a interesting take on the fears of technology, and how when not harnessed properly it can cause disaster. Nuclear plants have meltdowns, machines malfunction, and a lack of security are probable occurrences and fears for many people. In the world of Akira, and the real world now, there is a over reliance on technology being our saviors, and Akira plays against this feeling of comfort and security by having technology be our downfall, and the idea of interfering with things we cant fully understand to be a apocalyptic consequence.<br />
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This is a common theme in many cyberpunk stories, the machine metaphorically rebelling against its creator. although in Akira's case its not necessarily just the machine, its nature. Tetsuo's destruction at the end of the film reduced Tokyo to rubble and ruins. it no longer stands proud as a city, but a hollow shell of a civilization reduced to nothing. It almost like the city was never there, its like new ground for a new earth, where a new city will eventually take its place. The cycle of destruction will continue from here, again and again.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-52471977077599070512013-08-10T17:54:00.000-07:002014-08-14T06:59:19.737-07:00Only God Forgives Analysis / Review<br />
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Only God Forgives is a Crime/thriller directed by Nicholas Winding Refn, fresh off of his success with his previous film, Drive. The film is about a Thai boxing ring manager called Julian, who is a criminal drug launderer that seeks out the killer of his criminal brother, who was killed by a Thai police Lieutenant by the name of Chang. Chang is referred to as The Angel Of Vengeance, as he dispenses justice on the brutal streets of Bangkok.<br />
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The film blends genre's in fairly interesting ways, as this film is essentially a western masquerading as a eastern neo noir crime film. It features tropes associated with westerns (silent characters, justice being brought to the lawless, ect) and has a slow, mesmerizing pace that borders on the surreal and fantastical. The director also said this about the film, "From the beginning, I had the idea of a thriller produced as a western, all in the Far East, and with a modern cowboy hero." Many people would assume that the "cowboy hero" would be Julian, but it becomes apparent over the course of the film that he was most likely subtlety referring to Chang.<br />
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The cast is lead by Ryan Gosling, who despite top billing, is actually very underplayed and the film is essentially about his redemption at the hands of Chang, the Thai police Lieutenant played by relative newcomer Vithaya Pansringarm. The films features a heavy cast of fairly unknown Asian actors, since the film is set in Bangkok. This choice of setting combined with the gives a sense of disconnection, as we are experiencing a culture we are unfamiliar with, which helps identify with the few American characters who feel the same way. It links to westerns in a way, with the trope of the stranger in a strange town. Its the films clashing of east and west which is interesting as we feel like we are watching a western fused with elements of samurai films, though the film takes more of its cues from Sergio Leonne rather than Akira Kurosawa.<br />
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The setting feels very authentic, as the film was shot on location in Bangkok. The setting feels lived in, mysterious, intimidating, exotic, atmospheric, and dangerous. The film focuses more on the seedy side of Bangkok, which paints its setting as a very grim, uncompromising reality. The sense of surreal mysticism that the neon drenched streets of Bangkok at night creates is almost dream like, and covers the screen in a hellish red and orange glow with slight variations with other bright colours, a thematic artistic choice that makes the Bangkok setting look like hell has corrupted the earth. This contrasts with other parts of the film, where the colours are more pure, and elegant, which gives of a sense of more peaceful imagery, which is also important thematically.<br />
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The reason why the colours are so thematic is because of the hidden symbolic, or possibly real nature of the films premise. Simply put, Chang is God, and he is unleashing his wrath on the hellish landscape of a seedy Bangkok, one sinner at a time. Whether or not he is God, or is a man who thinks he is god, is left ambiguous. Although Nicholas Winding Refn as said in interview that he is a man who thinks he is God, This doesn't rule out the fact that he at least symbolically represents God and is portrayed in a larger than life, powerful and highly respected light. His fellow police officers are angels, who are with him almost all the time and have huge respect for him. Whenever we see Chang at his home, the films lighting and visuals become more peaceful and pure. He home is surrounded by nature, which gives off the idea of heaven, or paradise, and that Chang (God) is residing in a place of peace and purity, while the inhabitants of the corrupt seedy Bangkok are condemned to rainy, smoggy, moody looking areas with the hellish red and orange lights bearing down.<br />
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<b>The red and orange lights provide a fiery hellish colour scheme.</b><br />
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<b>The red hellish image of Bangkok on the horizon, bordering Chang’s peaceful green paradise.</b><br />
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The contrast is very strong and visually Operatic. The way the film is shot adds to its theme, with its cinematography using colour as a way of symbolically portraying a subtle hell on earth scenario, in which criminals prey on those who are not corrupted. The films use of neon lights gives the film a dreamlike quality, which helps sell the fantastical and otherworldly elements of the film.<br />
The Chang Characters role as God is demonstrated in subtle ways which border on the supernatural. As to whether or not Change in literally God in human form is left ambiguous but it is hinted in bits of clever visual design and direction. For example Chang uses a sword to kill criminals, but when he draws the sword from his back, its as if the sword is being pulled out of nowhere, as we never see him with the sword actually on his back. He also appears to show a level of all knowing abilities, as he senses the incoming danger of a gun fight before it even occurs, and at one point demonstrates his talent for vanishing completely after turning a corner while he is being followed. Also a very important hint, is that the director directed the actor playing Chang by literally whispering into his ear "You are God".<br />
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<b>Chang reaches for his sword.</b><br />
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The music is a mix of instrumental music and Karaoke songs. The Karaoke songs are very important thematically as the director said that in the region of the world where the film is set, Karaoke is considered "almost religious". Interesting thing for him for him say, especially interesting since its Change (God) who sings the Karaoke songs at a bar after he has brought a criminal to justice. In a way him singing is a symbolic way of showing people in awe while in the attendance of God and hearing his voice reaching them. The looks on the faces of people in the Karaoke Bar while Chang is singing seems to support this, as they are mesmerized, and have a massive sense of respect for the man and hold him in very high regard.<br />
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<b>Chang's fellow police officers act as either literal or symbolic angels on earth.</b><br />
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The instrumental music is brilliant in what it achieves. Because the film is basically a larger than life clash between good and evil, its appropriate that the film has music of high energy and operatic sounds. The score has both of those things, with the music being both surreal at times, sorrow filled, and pulse pounding. The films story is told primarily though visuals and music, with very sparse Dialogue, so the music at times acts as the voice of the situation, helping us paint a much larger more epic picture of what’s going on.<br />
For example there is a fist fight in the film which is done is a very down to earth, heavy hitting way with a focus on realism. But the music makes the fight seems like a much bigger, epic feel and gives it a sense of larger than life purpose. The music in the scene is a mix of electronic music and what sounds like, and could possibly be, a electronic organ. The electronic organ sounds are very interesting as it evokes the sounds of a church organ, and links it to aggressive religious retribution. which makes sense in the context of the scene since Ryan Goslings character, Julian, is fighting Chang (God).<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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Also during the Karaoke scenes, Change is singing in front of mural or painting of sorts that appears to be showing a long bridge or series of steps leading up though a cloudy sky. This image evokes heaven, and further suggests that Chang is God, singing from the heavens.<br />
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<b>The image behind Chang shows a walkway or stairs leading through the clouds, and someone can be seen in the bottom right hand corner walking up it. The picture possibly represents heaven, with Chang prominently standing in front of it.</b><br />
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The film is edited is a way where we are entering and leaving reality at times. Julian has visions through out the film, where the scene will seamlessly go into what he is imagining or experiencing, with visual cues to let us know it is a vision (for example his shirt changes to a different colour in his vision, and then back to its original colour to let us know we are back in reality). The visions are directed with a quality reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick, with lots of long shots peering down hallways and creating a sense of surreal dread.<br />
In a effort to evoke the feel of a western, many scenes have long drawn out moments before a big moment as a way of building suspense. For example the fist fight with Chang is done in the style of a stand off or dual from a western, with long shots showing the combatants opposite each other, and shots of close ups of the characters faces as they clench their fists while getting into a fighting stance. The films also uses its imagery as a way of foreshadowing later events. Early in the movie Julian is positioned in front of statue, and the statue appears to be looming over him in the background. This is a visual cue which evokes imagery of the fist fight with Chang later on in the film, in which Julian in knocked to the ground with Chang standing behind him, with his fists raised in the same position as the statue. The scene also cuts from Chang to the same statue to further imply the connection.<br />
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<b>Foreshadowing for Chang’s fight and victory. Also the light above the statue makes it look like the statue is holding a sword, just like Chang who uses a sword.</b><br />
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<b>Chang after knocking down Julian, mimicking the statue</b><br />
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<b>Also present in the fight scene is some background detail which further adds to the red hellish visuals. There is a big neon dragon face watching over them, like some demon is observing the fight.</b><br />
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Only God Forgives is a very complex and challenging film, and its critical response is a clear sign of that. The film has polarised both critics and audiences, with people accuses it of style over substance, calling it shallow and having a lack of focus. Other critics and audience's have had the opposite reaction, and have praised the film for its ideas, pacing, and visuals. Some even call it a masterpiece. When I saw the film in the cinema the polarising effect of the film was on full display. People in the room were laughing at it out loud, cracking quotes, leaning over to their friends to trash it. 4 people walked out of the room and never came back about halfway through, just jumped ship before the film was even over.<br />
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The big problem here isn't the film, its the marketing. This film is a difficult one to sell, so the trailers basically made the film look like a action movie, with a quick pace and lots of action. But its not, its a character study, its a film about redemption in a symbolic hellish landscape. About the power of forgiving sins, but being burdened by them as a reminder to be a better person. Its story as a mystic quality, like their is something other worldly inhabiting each frame, like something is on a much larger scale than what’s being presented. Its story is told through imagery and music, rather than words or conversations. The director believes that silence is a good storytelling device in films, because it forces the viewer to engage with the film, to find what its saying on a more personal level instead of having it told to you.<br />
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Only God Forgives is fascinating, technically superb, and such a daring cinematic endeavor that its impossible to forget it. The films invites you to explore rather than tell you to, its imagery leaves room for many interpretations, and each frame is masterfully crafted with great cinematography and art direction. The film turns its premise on it head by making the audience assume Julian is the protagonist, when in reality he is the antagonist. He is a flawed man, and he has committed crimes he is not proud of, and he wants some form of retribution to save him, to change him. But he is constantly battling inner demons, his anger leads to conflict, he manipulative mother forces him to commit crimes, and he feels disconnected from his partner because he feels quilt for what he has done, and knows that what he does is wrong.<br />
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A big motif in the film is hands, and the idea that the hands committed the sin, so the hands are to be removed a way of removing the sin and forgiving the person. Julian has a vision of having blood on his hands, so he is constantly reminded of what he has done. He has trouble connecting with other people because he is ashamed of himself, and doesn't have direct connect with people unless it is an act of violence, something he feels tainted and cursed with. He is seeking a purpose, and doesn't want to just be a violent criminal, he wants to have a relationship, and he it hints he wants to be a boxer so he can fight for sport rather than for anger or in criminal activities.<br />
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His character has traits of Oedipus, his story and motivation are very similar. He fights Chang about of frustration, realising Chang is possibly God and he is angry at God because he feels he has been created to be the way he is rather than accepting that his mother is the source of his problems and is the one who manipulated him and his brother into getting into crime in the first place. After Chang beats him, and his mother asks him to kill Chang’s family, Julian realises that Change can be his chance for redemption and to be a better person. Julian realises that his mother ordered Julian’s crime partner to kill Chang’s wife and daughter along with Change, which Julian objects to. He shoots his crime partner before he ha to chance to shoot Chang’s daughter, his first big act of goodness in the film. The film ends on a somewhat happy ending in a way.<br />
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Julian offers himself to Chang so Julian can be forgiven, and Chang show shim no anger, but a subtle hint of understanding and gratitude for Julian because he stopped his daughters death. Chang then takes Julian to a peaceful forest, taking Julian out of the red Bangkok and into the pure peaceful location associated with Chang. Julian holds out his hands so he can be forgiven of his sins, and Chang cuts of his hands. The film ends with a final Karaoke song from Chang. The song is called "You're My Dream", and the lyrics somewhat symbolise Julian’s chance of a new start in life, with himself and with the girlfriend he was too ashamed of himself to be with, and can now be with now he can forgive himself.<br />
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Only God Forgives is remarkable thematically, and ends on a somewhat happy note as Julian’s character arc comes full Circle. I loved the film and found it to be fascinating and brilliantly well made.<br />
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-41020957978936192242013-06-19T12:41:00.000-07:002013-06-19T12:42:54.644-07:00The Man Of Steel Ending In Paint Form<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-87538555137853262262012-12-30T12:47:00.001-08:002012-12-30T12:57:43.189-08:00Far Cry 3 Analysis: What Is Vaas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vaas is defiantly one of the most popular characters in Far Cry 3, with his interaction with the player being one of the highlights. But what is Vaas supposed to represent in this deadly wonderland, and why is he interested in Jason (AKA the player).<br />
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Simply put, Vaas is just like Jason. Both of them were drawn in by power. Hoyt recruited Vaas using drugs and the promise of power. Citra drew Jason in using very similar tactics, using drugs to cause hallucinations that Jason believed woud lead him to become a powerful warrior. Basically both of them are mere pawns in a deadly game of chess on Rook island. Hoyt uses Vaas to terrorize the isand, and Citra uses Jason to fight back at the pirates. When it comes to conflict, Jason and Vaas lead the fight, they are the ones doing the main fighting. Hoyt and Citra just give orders and relish in the victory that their soldiers earn.<br />
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Vaas seems somewhat aware of Citra's true plans for Jason, as he mocks the idea of Jason becoming an all mighty warrior just because Citra says she can make him one. The idea at the start is that Vaas is insane, but when you compare that to the fact that Jason has deluded himself into thinking he is some kind of savior ,then Jason seems even more insane.<br />
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Vaas has been compared to the Cheshire Cat, in the way that he almost acts as a guide. He is Jason's motivation for vengeance, he is the constant threat just waiting to tie a block of stone to your feet and drown you, he is the one that spared your life so that you could become just as brutal as him. In a strange way, he made Jason become just like himself, brutal and uncompromising. He acts as a warning to Jason because Vaas is what Jason could become, a pawn that acts as someones attack dog. During the final encounter with Vaas, he mentions being reborn in a Christ like way. This is because he lives on inside Jason, as Jason has now become just as brutal and prone to violence as he was.<br />
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Prior to the final encounter with Vaas, Jason climbs out of a mass grave, and the way he has to push his way out is almost like he is being born again after almost being killed by Vaas (a lighter in Jasons pocket stopped a bullet Vaas fired at point blank range. Dennis then says you have returned from the dead which also leads into the whole being reborn thing. Its after this incident that Jason finally learns that he has to become just like Vaas to beat Vaas. He assaults Vaas directly, infiltrating his island and slaying everyone there, including Vaas.<br />
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Vaas also claims to have set you free, by allowing to unleash a brutal instinct. Its like Vaas in example of everything Jason needs to be in order to "win". Vaas has a very interesting presence on the island. I almost expected him to be a part of Jason's Mental State seeing how he is barely seen. Even when Vaas died I still felt his presence on the island, probably because Jason has now become just as notorious as Vaas after killing him. Its like he has killed the king and taken his throne.<br />
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Also the final fight with Vaas seems to be a battle of the minds as well as a physical fight. Its like Vaas in inside your head at this point, as indicator of how you are becoming just like him. This idea of also enforced by something Vaas says during this event. He says "you are me, and I am you". He is right, after all they both have the same purpose, they are tools for violence. The insane side of Vaas possibly occurred the same way Jasons did, he was thrown into a impossible situation and had to choose how to survive. The games main title screen also reflects the parallel between them, literally. Its shows distorted images of Vaas in a reflected surface as it switches from Vaas to Jason, with the two of them being symmetrical to each other.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-91512009097682533212012-10-06T15:01:00.004-07:002012-10-06T15:03:17.174-07:00Improving Resident Evil 6I was recently thinking about why I think Resident Evil 6 failed as a concept, and I thought up my own Resident Evil 6 story line and how it would lend to a scary, atmospheric, and survival horror themed game experience.<br />
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The Problem with Resident Evil 6 was the fact that the story was designed to be this high octane vapid action movie that barely stopped to take a breath or build any kind of suspense. I thought to myself about how Resident Evil 6 was a missed opportunity in a actual positive evolution of the series that would bring it back to its horror roots. I have written a short story outline for an example of a story I think a new Resident Evil game could have had that is possibly better than the one we got with Resident Evil 6 ( I don't mean exactly, but somewhere in the same territory.)<br />
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Its been 5 years since the events of Resident Evil 5, and since Weskers death and the termination of his plans, the world is finally free from bio terrorism. All traces of any bio terrorist activity has been wiped out and the BSAA have disbanded.<br />
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In the fictional town of Inns Wick, Jill Valentine has settled down, attempting to live a care free life after the nightmares she has faced. All is looking well and good until a small number of disappearances of the towns children sparks the suspicion of a local police chief. After visiting Jill at her home on the towns out skirts he tries to tell her about a strange abandoned military complex about a mile from the town. He talks about how he has spotted signs of life there while on patrol. He also mentions that the base has a history of "illegal weapons testing". The following day Jill discovers that the chief has been murdered at his home which leads her to at least check out the military complex. Finding nothing but an abandoned base she heads back home only to find the door kicked in and the house a mess. Some one was looking for some thing, or looking for her.<br />
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From there on I would have the game play be very much like a mystery game for a fair amount of the games start. I would set up the story as a mystery and let it slowly unravel over the course of the game, just like the other Resident Evil games. Instead of jumping right into the monster killing I would have exploration of the town be a major factor, talking to the residents, noting their suspicious activity and behaviour. Basically It would feel like the village stage of Resident Evil 4, except people wouldn't be trying to take your head of with an axe, well, not yet anyway.<br />
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For an idea of what I mean when i say exploration in a Resident Evil game, I mean something like Silent Hill, which is filled with interesting locations with things to explore. Not only do I think this would be a great way to evolve the Resident Evil series from a frantic rush forwards to a slower paced experience, I also think it would offer an opportunity to bring back a more survival horror style to its game play and let the story unfold in a compelling, tense, and atmospheric way.<br />
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Combat would be like Resident Evil 4 and 5, no moving while shooting, no ability to kick or punch unless the enemy is stunned, and ammo will be once again limited.<br />
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Other story elements I thought of that connect with the plot outline above involve an underground base populated by a new Bio terrorism group, a conspiracy within the town to achieve genetic perfection in future generations, and a new nemesis style creature that will hunt you down through out the open and expansive locations at random. And I do mean at random, there wont be any quick time events or cut scenes to help you or alert you. This thing will hunt you down will out any warning, its fight or flight.<br />
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Well anyway that's just something I came up with in the span of 5 minutes of thinking while I was bored ( seriously Capcom it isn't hard). If we do see a Resident Evil 7, will they go back to the horror themed game play? will they have actual tension and a great atmosphere? lets hope they do.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-32683134906972475022012-09-14T13:44:00.001-07:002012-09-14T13:44:44.730-07:00A Few Words About Rob Liefelds Deathstroke RunI was actually enjoying the new 52 relaunch of Deathstroke. Sure it wasn't a masterpiece but it still had great artwork, set up the character of Deathstroke and how he works, and had some good action too.<br />
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And then DC went all colonel Kurtz on us and went batshit insane by deciding to hire Rob Liefeld. He was hired as the artist and writer which means we get shat on twice while we read it, or at least while we try to figure out why Liefeld cant draw people holding stuff.<br />
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Look at the hand holding the sword, absolute lunacy.</div>
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While reading issues 9 to 12 of Liefelds run I found myself beginning to wonder if this was even the same series. The writing was so cliche and bland that it made it feel like a completely different comic compared to issues 1-8. Liefeld added this whole new "my wife is dead so im going to be a massive prick from now on" style back story to the character. It doesn't fit at all because it makes it harder to believe that Deathstroke "The Terminator" is this lethal killing machine that does what he does because he is good at it and people know he is good at it. </div>
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Liefeld has never really had much of a full on writing duty (usually he just comes up with the plots) so why </div>
DC would trust him with the writing stage is one hell of a mystery.<br />
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SO TRUSTWORTHY!!!</div>
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The artwork is these issues ranges from passable to lazy, with a lack of detailed backgrounds being prominent (A Liefeld trademark, along with bad anatomy and hair cuts straight out of the 90s.). Also Lobo appears and barely resembles the Lobo people love, he isn't funny or anything. Also some of the panels raise a few eye brows. One features Deathstroke lunging at someone with a knife and then in the next panel he is delivering a flying kick instead. The dialogue mentions that Deathstroke doesn't want to kill him, but then why did he lunge at him with a knife?</div>
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Once Liefelds run is over things should get back to normal again, with actual good writing this time, not 80s action movie fan fiction.</div>
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Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-28278727986279903952012-08-05T09:34:00.003-07:002012-08-05T09:34:46.190-07:00Dont Ink And Drive (Rob Liefeld spoof)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-31062130415497505822012-07-08T14:20:00.003-07:002012-09-16T04:50:40.348-07:00The Robocop Remake and why its not necessary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.omnicorp.com/">http://www.omnicorp.com/</a></div>
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A viral Video and a website was recently released to build up hype for the Robocop remake which is due for release next year. The teaser trailer focused on the fictional Omni Consumer Products ( renamed Omnicorp in this remake) and the technology they create including the familiar ED 209 robot from the original Robocop. The viral video was ok and was a first step in fleshing out the fictional company for the eventual films release, but that's not what my issue is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10mk-8xDqorQ_S8R7W6csuFSnDM8XO7mvMpdXVI5prd1s6TOttQ73tWE-nowSMI1TMO9LqPtPKDIB26EJezMyg-6Yx9o4Jg-RV8AEj4YPBLCnDuuKkXWTA4O2EG3OOjLF8EEskG69z4A/s1600/Joel_Kinnaman_Robo_Cop_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10mk-8xDqorQ_S8R7W6csuFSnDM8XO7mvMpdXVI5prd1s6TOttQ73tWE-nowSMI1TMO9LqPtPKDIB26EJezMyg-6Yx9o4Jg-RV8AEj4YPBLCnDuuKkXWTA4O2EG3OOjLF8EEskG69z4A/s320/Joel_Kinnaman_Robo_Cop_2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The new suit looks like a Batman suit without the cape and<br />
cowl and with a bowl as a helmet.<br />
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My issue is that Robocop is being remade when it doesn't need to be. More than 2 decades since its release in 1987 and it still holds up as a great movie. Its themes of humanity, social unrest, and industrial decay makes it a smart action movie, which is very rare. Remaking the film is simply unnecessary because it will never have the same effect the original had and will only end up being a rehash more than anything else.<br />
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Its too early to say so right now seeing as there isn't a full trailer of any kind and the film is still in production, but it isn't impossible to have some predictions about what the final result may be. By looking at other remakes like Total Recall ( a remake of another Paul Verhoven movie) we can see how remakes usually like to pretend that they are honoring the original when in reality they are merely using a watered down version of the original to dazzle us with CGI and bombastic action scenes. I mean sure it looks great visually, but its style over substance, and there is far too much of that these days.<br />
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I will use the trailer for Total Recall to demonstrate this.<br />
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Notice how flashy and glossy and clean everything looks, it just has this very artificial feel to the whole thing and it lacks grit and the world just doesn't feel as believable as the world from the original Total Recall.<br />
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Its this glossy artificial look that could ruin the Robocop remake if it decided to use it. This is because one of the key parts of the original Robocop was its focus on the dark, decayed, and crime ridden future Detroit. It was a violent dangerous place and was far from the perfect safe future people would want. If you gave it the glossy look treatment it just wouldn't convey that danger or darkness anymore, and in turn would diminish the tone and perhaps a great amount of its satirical theme.<br />
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There is also this strange choice they made with the Total Recall remake that really changes the film in a fairly big way, and that was the decision to not feature Mars unlike the original film and its source material. While its not a huge loss it still seems odd considering that Mars was one of the most interesting locations in the original movie. Maybe that's why they needed to dazzle everything up for the Earth scenes, because there isn't the promise of a planet like Mars this time around. The original Total Recall seemed to make its scenes on earth deliberately less spectacular so that when we got to Mars further into the film then it really felt like you were on another planet filled with sights and locations you wouldn't see on earth. It felt right doing it that way because that was how the main character Douglas Quaid felt, he was bored of earth and wanted to go to an entirely different world, the same way the audience would feel.<br />
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The remake seems to limit its scope by taking away the Mars aspect and no amount of expensive CGI is going to save that. It also seems like a very bland modern action movie with flashy camera moves and unnecessary slow motion. Its world doesn't really seem all that interesting either, with its Blade Runner style vision of the future being very uninspired by this point.<br />
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This is the possible path of the Robocop remake, a bland, loud and uninspired film that doesn't really innovate on the original, but instead removes certain aspects of what made the original good just so that it looks different by comparison. Will the Robocop remake have the theme of humanity like the original? will it convey that same great satirical tone that was very evident in the original?, and most importantly, will it be as entertaining, and will it innovate. Without some form of innovation then the remake is pointless and unnecessary, you are better off watching the original Robocop. Of course we cant know how good the remake will be until its released, but by looking at an example of a recent remake we can at least ask a question, will it just be another glossy over produced bland action movie that rehashes the original in a less well made form, or will it hold up in the same way the original did.<br />
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-9790379188394541432012-05-12T14:19:00.001-07:002012-05-12T14:19:30.107-07:00Max Payne 3 Speed Drawing (Max Payne 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-86227212997970024592012-05-06T10:59:00.001-07:002012-05-06T10:59:43.110-07:00Captain America (The Avengers) Speed Drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-1861243182889358352012-03-07T11:10:00.000-08:002012-03-07T11:10:09.220-08:00Hitman Absolution box art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HlJ94d0SHJ4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-4740446545934742262012-03-03T12:05:00.002-08:002012-03-03T12:05:27.902-08:00Indiana Jones speed drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1hqACjlpjpA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-90308471584078083622012-03-01T14:41:00.001-08:002012-03-01T14:41:48.907-08:00Altair (Assassins Creed) speed drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NMh3m5_atDI/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NMh3m5_atDI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NMh3m5_atDI?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-54370612250391175182012-03-01T11:03:00.002-08:002012-03-01T11:03:33.668-08:00Assassins Creed 3 box art revealed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZY5pqJCpFpc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-64075415389439162782012-03-01T07:22:00.000-08:002012-03-01T07:22:35.630-08:00Assassins Creed 3 main character image leaked (possible American Revolution setting)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KUWuVIx0aFY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-74152342431369273592012-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:002012-02-24T12:17:56.251-08:00Ghost Rider:Spirit Of Vengeance Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88OitPIA9GQKKwU-AtnpzaYi8KudOaz_a7FnSuM-gQ8Ag2D2XtpOqwV1ZvkARbRX-OprNACk3CVaYDv6yT7AwgcDmNQDNsNwHzVuinE6-uHVL74FFg7fkZcVOgoMagmf-MOMZXDehTFw/s1600/Ghost-Rider-Spirit-of-Vengeance-2012-Movie-Poster1-600x889.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88OitPIA9GQKKwU-AtnpzaYi8KudOaz_a7FnSuM-gQ8Ag2D2XtpOqwV1ZvkARbRX-OprNACk3CVaYDv6yT7AwgcDmNQDNsNwHzVuinE6-uHVL74FFg7fkZcVOgoMagmf-MOMZXDehTFw/s400/Ghost-Rider-Spirit-of-Vengeance-2012-Movie-Poster1-600x889.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div>Ghost Rider Spirit Of Vengeance has gotten an awful amount of backlash recently, with several critics and audiences bashing it for its lack of a deep story and even going as far as saying that the first one was better. In my honest opinion is think these negative claims do not do this movie justice, and I thought the movie was a tremendous amount of fun. The films directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor have offered a fun, stylish and action packed thrill ride that is made even more entertaining by the awesomely over the top performance of Nicholas Cage as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider, the films main character.<br />
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The story is about Johnny Blaze, a man who made a deal with the devil to save his father from death, and ended up cursed in the process. This curse is the curse of the Ghost Rider, a demon with a flaming skull and body which Johnny transforms into from time to time and causes him to lose control and become a destructive soul consuming monster. Johnny has exiled himself to Eastern Europe and it has been 8 years since he was first cursed. He is approached one day by a man named moreau who offers to rid him of his curse in exchange for a job that he wants him to do. He wants Johnny to protect the life of a boy called Danny, who along with his mother are being pursued by the devil himself. The devil in human form as a man named Roarke needs the boy for his own purposes and uses mercenaries for the job. Johnny must keep the boy from danger at all costs and complete his task so that he can finally be rid of his curse.<br />
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This movie movies story is simple and effective and doesn't pad its self out with unnecessary plot choices. The story gives the Ghost rider a lot more screen time in this one compared the first film, which is defiantly an inprovment.<br />
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The films action scenes are one of the films strongest points, as they are just simply awesome. The first Ghost Rider film had a bad lack of good action scenes and failed to show off the potential of the characters powers. This film however is a completely different story. The Rider has much more exciting action scenes is this film that are shot well and feature great special effects. One of the films best action sequences comes in the form of a battle on a road featuring the Rider in pursuit of a truck convoy. Its fantastic seeing the rider actually engage a convoy of trucks while riding his flaming hell cycle.<br />
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Another one of the films strongest points is the portrayal of Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider compared to the first film. In the first film Johnny was a fairly goofy character and you didn't really believe that this man was having a struggle with his curse. The film changes that by having Johnny being isolated at the start of the film, knowing full well that his curse puts everyone around him at great risk. Nicolas Cage is clearly having a blast playing this character and it is really entertaining watching the scenes where Johnny transforms into the Ghost Rider because Nicholas Cage really throws himself into the moment and just goes completely nuts.<br />
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The rider is also a lot better is this film, and at times is actually very intimidating and sometimes scary. The scene where the Rider first appears perfecly demonstrates how much darker this film is compared to the first one. The rider has also had a bit of a redesign, because now the skull is more grey and burned compared to the clean white skull of the first film. The rider also has less dialogue this time, which creates the sense of a very silent and creepy character.<br />
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The CGI work for the Rider is also fantastic and is also fantastic is other parts of the film. The film also has a very great sense of humor, and the film doesn't take itself too seriously. The film is fully aware of its self and it aims to be a fun entertaining film, and its succeeds.<br />
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Overall I thought the film was a amazing amount of fun and I would say that this goes along with Daredevil as a very underrated comic book movie. The backlash and bad press for this movie seems to miss the point and doesn't understand that the film is supposed to be a entertaining action flick that doesn't take its self too seriously. There are times when the film actually seems like a old road trip movie and the locations combined with the action scenes reminded me a little bit of the Road Warrior. People expected too much out of a story involving a guy with a flaming head fighting the devils hired mercenaries on a road while riding a flaming motorbike, and that's why it has been unnecessarily bashed. This film is way superior to first film in my opinion, and the style of this film should have been what the first film was like to begin with. Its action is superior, the characters are superior, the direction is superior, and the Ghost Rider himself is without a doubt way superior and is actually intimidating this time around rather than a goofy bland dissapointment that spewed out bad dialogue.<br />
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I highly recommend this movie and I would love to see a sequel that hopefully also brings back the directors.<br />
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Final Score 4/5<br />
-Great action<br />
-The Ghost Rider is much better this time<br />
-Nicolas Cage is clearly enjoying himself and makes the film more enjoyable<br />
-The films sense of humor fits very well with its style<br />
-Tremendous amount of funBen Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-32819638743340454782011-12-08T17:33:00.000-08:002011-12-10T09:40:07.075-08:00Akira (anime) film analysis part 3: An overripe fruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGS01ziEbLy3au425_kF2XurY7950uFGAKSuUtGTcD4bzVnegCY_zs0JmBh6Kgt71ZbbQcywM5rGONHc1NM0rJbcXPTbh94ziYTXwvNwTAaIBr7w3JuZEQADuF49OEWkpt-UZezZyfs8/s1600/akira+poster+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGS01ziEbLy3au425_kF2XurY7950uFGAKSuUtGTcD4bzVnegCY_zs0JmBh6Kgt71ZbbQcywM5rGONHc1NM0rJbcXPTbh94ziYTXwvNwTAaIBr7w3JuZEQADuF49OEWkpt-UZezZyfs8/s640/akira+poster+3.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>The sprawling metropolis of Neo-Tokyo is an example of a sophistication in technology and how densely populated it is. The entire setting, like the real Tokyo, is very large and overpowering, and features streets drenched in neon lighting and corporate signs. The setting is visually stunning and is very Blade Runner and cyberpunk in its design. the surface of Neo-Tokyo is the usaul concrete jungle of skyscrapers and industrial buildings, but beneath is a vast network of wires, pipes, circuitry, technology and energy conduits which are just as overpowering as the city itself. Clearly it takes a lot of man power and energy to keep this city running, perhaps a little to much. This is the common groundwork for any cyber punk orientated work, which in this case is an over reliance of technology and the constant desire to update and discover more.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienBtcZwb96u35GTdNCxGVGQVJxeg2cW4Q_iqMJzhQLghK4WkUKrMPjZ4bS8rINxjL2zahfLo9wets2dz64yJxm5-U5HzoPKgf1TRIFF-6_KKljrF8Lrp6V_ObAAdAQrZ26XfmNoi1ejc/s1600/Neotokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienBtcZwb96u35GTdNCxGVGQVJxeg2cW4Q_iqMJzhQLghK4WkUKrMPjZ4bS8rINxjL2zahfLo9wets2dz64yJxm5-U5HzoPKgf1TRIFF-6_KKljrF8Lrp6V_ObAAdAQrZ26XfmNoi1ejc/s640/Neotokyo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The city is saturated, not just in its setting but also how its society functions. The maximum potential has been achieved and the revolution of the people is going to bring it down to square one, repeating the process of maturing and rebuilding after destruction or revelation has been achieved. When something is full it needs to be emptied, which is exactly what Neo-Tokyo needs, its needs to empty its self and fill up again. Even at one point in the movie a character suggests a similar outlook. The character Nezu says "This city is like an overripe fruit".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksyH0C59v_CeqskehHX0yyEStd8gKjYP29MYciJHgKc0HabocfKe7BqlFF_XC-yX9I1OXq_v_T6f8FwQ9leREK4fIqXSTgXtOlSFv2op2g_zEt7E3bXsIdZ3n9K5YrRHODBFq1PsZtoM/s1600/3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksyH0C59v_CeqskehHX0yyEStd8gKjYP29MYciJHgKc0HabocfKe7BqlFF_XC-yX9I1OXq_v_T6f8FwQ9leREK4fIqXSTgXtOlSFv2op2g_zEt7E3bXsIdZ3n9K5YrRHODBFq1PsZtoM/s640/3-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The idea of reaching maximum potential is conveyed with the character Akira, and the fact that this last great discovery within old Tokyo is what destroyed it, and started the next stage of the destruction cycle, rebuilding. The social boiling point has been met within Neo-Tokyo, and it will result in change and a new order, only for it to boil over again and change again.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-34169808741844236952011-12-08T17:05:00.000-08:002011-12-10T09:38:10.716-08:00Akira (anime) film analysis part 2: The Highways of opportunity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxXEO1As0lOLsMzzL7qpkVThfPpuGitXGh_zzD7lNT6pW9xI8U40WybgTu6dQTkgtiVJ2PWlB1UFDYcvX_JAcTbf-PShT9nTrMnY0NwBTzeyfqmPLqExA_GpwlTJvKM5nmFiDR0aMwR0/s1600/akira+poster+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxXEO1As0lOLsMzzL7qpkVThfPpuGitXGh_zzD7lNT6pW9xI8U40WybgTu6dQTkgtiVJ2PWlB1UFDYcvX_JAcTbf-PShT9nTrMnY0NwBTzeyfqmPLqExA_GpwlTJvKM5nmFiDR0aMwR0/s640/akira+poster+3.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>Kaneda and his biker gang are an example of the part of a society that is oblivious to the bigger picture or simply just doesn't care. There is a revolution occurring all around them and political struggles present, but yet they seem to care more about wrecking havoc and fighting in gang wars with other biker gangs. This is common with most teenagers and youth in general. Before they have fully understood the complex world around them, their first main objective isn't to plan a career or to fully prepare, but to discover knowledge or pursue early social lives. This is what Kaneda and his gang are, they are careless free thinkers who spend there time freely riding through the streets and highways of Neo-Tokyo on there bikes. This is their only real output in a country that's crumbling to pieces around them, they haven't found an exact place in main society yet, so they choose to rebel against it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfG4fwsWaweRMBUWAkq5Y_UJY0to2ZrGZ40fAoQ05lsqan2c7f7PoKN_3ZLUxKCl1mKCurhj_c8K_DImbCb7qFQx1CRgQr_e4ZuwB6Gy2xKg7UZZv_Hlave36TLt4Ja59tGUf3jOhV_Q/s1600/AkiraKanedaBike03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfG4fwsWaweRMBUWAkq5Y_UJY0to2ZrGZ40fAoQ05lsqan2c7f7PoKN_3ZLUxKCl1mKCurhj_c8K_DImbCb7qFQx1CRgQr_e4ZuwB6Gy2xKg7UZZv_Hlave36TLt4Ja59tGUf3jOhV_Q/s640/AkiraKanedaBike03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The films opening bike scenes summaries there delinquent lifestyles fairly clearly, showing them taking part in brutal and uncompromising bike chases and fights with a rival biker gang. There is a section of the chase that shows there detachment from their modern society even more. During their chase they start to ride towards old Tokyo as they ride across the deserted highways that lead there. This symbolically suggests the wish to return to an old way of life, and a wish to move away form the complexities and dangers of the modern Tokyo they inhabit. The highway they ride on while heading there is deserted, it is only them and the rival biker gang present. The way this sequence shows only the youth inhabiting these highways leading from an old society to a new one suggests there freedom and mindset.<br />
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Riding around on there bikes is almost like a form of escapism as they ride around almost aimlessly ignoring the complexities of their surroundings and engaging themselves directly into what ever ignites their interests. Because of there status as rebels, they are unbound from their modern settings, and because of that they have opportunity's to set their own future. This is the theme of maturity that is present throughout the movie, and it doesn't just apply to teenagers. It also applies to the changes society and near enough anything can go through, whether it be understanding of the world as a whole, social and political movements, and how we function as a species. This idea of maturity and change also applies to the theme of destruction and revelation, and how destruction and revelation can open up a whole new perspective to work from.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-81303184833975822642011-12-08T11:39:00.000-08:002011-12-08T17:37:48.342-08:00Akira (anime) film analysis part 1: The cycle of destruction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAISMeDW-sJe6827ltcNR5jIoj063GT832kUETQmZeETKMYicr95Mad0esbJcP-3f4r-1zQaQX8a7hRbrT1DYiaI84cXZh0jO0MH0wrnxQz7Sw0Tl-7GpWutBktE8HwfoUQwN7mK7QmR0/s1600/akira+poster+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAISMeDW-sJe6827ltcNR5jIoj063GT832kUETQmZeETKMYicr95Mad0esbJcP-3f4r-1zQaQX8a7hRbrT1DYiaI84cXZh0jO0MH0wrnxQz7Sw0Tl-7GpWutBktE8HwfoUQwN7mK7QmR0/s640/akira+poster+3.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>One of the first scenes the viewer is a faced with is the destruction of Tokyo at the hands of Akira. It is this scene that starts off the cycle of destruction. This event precedes the main story, but becomes prominent again when the exact same event occurs at the end of the film. This idea of time repeating its self is what sets up the main idea of destruction as a continual cycle. This cycle isn't dictated by anyone other than those who choose to repeat mistakes, either intentional or accidental. The main story's continouse use of imagery and themes regarding revolution, teenage delinquency, and political incompetence is all one huge build up to the inevitable destruction that happens at the end of the film. Even the films tag line in the trailer and on the poster mentions destruction " Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhU19G39SB9nSutOr4MFSSFo1jHHIHva_wNG8IAn1HUaHr47SH7IQxcvcm4wUztAbUvfx3GcuPthy0RvVex93lZRhSkJQA2xpeU8afwOccOUtm5Spv4d0iU5FkuNZGMcrOe_go5WdBjE/s1600/akira+poster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhU19G39SB9nSutOr4MFSSFo1jHHIHva_wNG8IAn1HUaHr47SH7IQxcvcm4wUztAbUvfx3GcuPthy0RvVex93lZRhSkJQA2xpeU8afwOccOUtm5Spv4d0iU5FkuNZGMcrOe_go5WdBjE/s640/akira+poster+1.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>The idea of destruction suggested by the film is that destruction of any kind, either physically or within society or politically, is more of a new beginning rather than a permanent end. Tokyo was destroyed and rebuilt, only to be destroyed again in the exact same manner. The destruction cycle would then mean that the society that is left from Neo Tokyo will rebuilt again, and as before there will be problems which will destroy it again, either physically or through problems of its economy. It will then be rebuilt again, and the cycle will keep going as long as there are people willing to rebuilt it.<br />
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The build up to destruction of any kind can occur both physically, economically, or sociologically. All three of these things are prevalent in Akira. Neo-Tokyo is going through a political crisis, and that crisis is causing the public to revolt. The revolution is causing chaos in the streets and in turn the police are enforcing a heavy crackdown. And combined with that is anti social devastation from delinquent biker gangs that wage war against each other. Its things like that which are the build up to destruction, and from this destruction there will be huge changes.<br />
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Akira's end credits show that Tetsuo, after being taken away from Neo-Tokyo, became a big bang which created a new solar system and universe. This also heavily suggests a cycle of destruction, and how destruction isnt a complete end. For Tetsuo to create this new universe he had to be the cause of the destruction of Neo Tokyo. The final result is that from the destruction of a city, a new universe was created.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRGwVgSbgkDTiMU3pVBcX2CMQublQKEPbZx904Ot4b0dEY58r77bXPDeAeFHteZ8FjNQG2bM5NgKqeG8tOP4mtzUjROQOMklnSVQJNSfgGeJ8hQ4MwwojYp8tnMd13fP8rwXuYnL5fp4/s1600/268170-akira06_super.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRGwVgSbgkDTiMU3pVBcX2CMQublQKEPbZx904Ot4b0dEY58r77bXPDeAeFHteZ8FjNQG2bM5NgKqeG8tOP4mtzUjROQOMklnSVQJNSfgGeJ8hQ4MwwojYp8tnMd13fP8rwXuYnL5fp4/s640/268170-akira06_super.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Akira uses the idea of destruction as being a form of inevitable change for society, or even an entire civilization. It shows how from the ashes of destruction at the end of a social boiling point, there can still be the ability to recreate and rebuild. Akira's destruction of Tokyo is like a symbolic revelation that marks huge changes, out with the old, in with the new. To rebuilt something to be better or different it must first be destroyed and then rebuilt, which is exactly what happens with Tokyo in the film. It suggests that when politicians cant fix the problems, when the people rise up, and when chaos erupts that there has to be change through a great revelation, which acts as a symbolic form of destruction.Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-78031603304111003752011-12-04T10:06:00.000-08:002011-12-04T10:08:27.054-08:00The live action Akira movie, a sign of even more Hollywood incompetence.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkYqaDTDu9uMmRIwPZrb4VeC3C6s-bBRV6nfJuklOD1dFmYfO8rByQOmdRUjVISWdW7kRgm47byStjrmja3Czw6EmKfh29isw-HShAdXhKq-ZhuaAKj-JNmIMiHw9L1dHQPbyq6YTWE/s1600/akira+poster+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkYqaDTDu9uMmRIwPZrb4VeC3C6s-bBRV6nfJuklOD1dFmYfO8rByQOmdRUjVISWdW7kRgm47byStjrmja3Czw6EmKfh29isw-HShAdXhKq-ZhuaAKj-JNmIMiHw9L1dHQPbyq6YTWE/s640/akira+poster+1.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>The synopsis for the america live action Akira movie was recently released, and it brings a few unwelcome changes to the source material along with it. here is the synopsis.<br />
<div><br />
</div>"Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago."<br />
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</div><div>The first change that is clear is the changing of Kaneda from a teenage delinquent to a bar owner. This was probably done due to the actors being older, but that doesn't mean he still cant be the leader of a biker gang. The opening bike sequence from the anime is a fantastic display of kinetic action and brute force on bikes. It demonstrated the harsh gang violence situation plaguing Neo-Tokyo, and at the same time further conveyed Akira's themes. Changing Kaneda to a bar owner possibly means a sequence like this will not be appearing, but also means that some of the source materials themes will be missing, which is very disappointing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The other disappointing change is that the film be be set in Neo-Manhattan rather than Neo-Tokyo. once again this removes the heavy Japanese themes form the manga and anime. The setting of Neo-Tokyo explores themes ranging from the atomic bombing of japan all the way to its post war crisis. You cant just abolish those themes in favor of a different setting, because in the process you make the prevalent themes form the source material completely pointless.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Tetsuo's role is also different. He is Kaneda's brother and he is being used to release Akira, rather than going on a rage fueled rampage due his inferiority complex. He did seek Akira in the source material, but it was because of his own curiosity on the powerful being. This synopsis seems to suggest that the colonel and military want Akira to be released, while in the source material they are hell bent on stopping it. It says "Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late.". Why would the troops stop him from preventing Akira's release? do they want Neo-Manhattan destroyed?. This also changes an aspect of the colonel's character. His character dislikes what his country has become, but he will do anything he can to stop its destruction. Here it seems like he is trying to release Akira to destroy Neo-Manhattan for unknown reasons.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The synopsis doesn't mention any of the political aspects of Akira, such as the revolution and the failure of the country's leaders to maintain the country's economic problems. If this means that those aspects will be also absent then it is another set of themes that will be missing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In conclusion this short synopsis reveals a huge amount of things that have been changed and abolished. So far this film seems like a huge insult to all of Akira's fans and its legacy. It also seems like Hollywood doesn't understand the films themes, or why they resonate with an audience. Its seems like they saw the keywords "government" and" destruction" and pieced together the plot from that. Akira is a lot more than just a story about a rage fueled teenager using his powers to destroy things, its also about the nature of civilization and how tampering with a greater power or failing to control one can lead to civilizations destruction. It portrayed the apocalypse as the end of a civilization, but also as the start of a new one, where society can rebuild as long as competent people lead the revolution.</div><div><br />
</div><div> It almost showed destruction and economic turnmoil as not being the ultimate end, but being the a way into a new beginning. It treated it like a cycle where the end is still followed by a beginning in which a new society rises from the ahses and rebuilds itself. The manga and anime's themes still have meaning today, with economy's in disaster, revolution in the streets, and the military crossing the line. only time will tell if the film will be any good, buts whats for certain is that Hollywood is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E.</div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-33518162329765553512011-11-20T14:25:00.001-08:002011-11-20T14:25:38.662-08:00Deus Ex Human Revolution game review (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/366Ko8vcjRo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-55175185160689164012011-10-30T16:45:00.001-07:002011-10-30T16:46:04.677-07:00Judge Dredd speed drawing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oDmB2EHI5MU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8013280031389787520.post-17677857533900123122011-10-30T16:42:00.000-07:002011-10-30T16:42:37.916-07:00Batman speed drawing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tUmJU6H8qcY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ben Hawksbeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12182809380126143624noreply@blogger.com0