Review: Toy Story and Toy Story 2 Double Feature in 3D

On Saturday, October 3, I decided to embark upon an epic filmic journey. I stayed at the movie theater from 11 AM until nearly 1 AM the next day and paid for every film that I saw.

The first film that I watched was the Toy Story Double Feature in 3D. Having seen "Up" in 3D, I knew what to expect from a Disney Pixar 3D feature. A large part of the 3D process for a film like this that was made to be 2-dimensional involves going into the original movie, creating a second animation camera, toying around with what looks good in 3D, and reconverting an old film to suit Pixar's modern equipment. This extensive process paid off in the end, as Toy Story looks beautiful. It had been more than ten years since I had seen either film, so being exposed to them in a 3-dimensional way after all those years was a glorious return to my childhood. Disney's method of 3D is not using gimmicks but rather creating depth of the frame. This added an artistic value to each film and set certain aspects of the frame apart, drawing the attention of the viewer to certain details. Each film was astounding in this regard, sometimes using 3D in an incredibly subtle manner that made all the difference. Other animation studios and live-action studios should take note of this and follow the trend that Disney has been perfecting.

As for each film's storyline, I was impressed and baffled. The films each held much more gravity than I had remembered and continue to be significant stories. The dialog was incredibly well-written and beyond that of what one should expect from a "family" movie. This double feature re-release is also a good opportunity for those who are younger and unfamiliar with Toy Story to be exposed to the movies, or at the very least those who never got the chance to see them in theaters.

Disney has made a name for itself by walking the fine line of entertainment and business in film. Toy Story exemplifies the film-industry savviness that Disney possesses and helps to justify the release of a third Toy Story film. Animation aficionados can look forward to Toy Story 3 in 3D next summer.

September is the New August (And Vice-Versa)

For years the month of August was a dumping ground for studios to filter out all of their garbage films into. This August, however, saw several powerhouse flicks, from Inglourious Basterds to District 9. September, on the other hand, was incredibly lackluster. It was much more hit and miss than any previous September, and if I didn't know any better, I'd think this would be a sign of a paltry fall film season. This happens to be the opposite of what is true, as I am saving every dime just to get to see the more than twenty films I want to throughout the months of October and November. So why the shift to September, studios? Was it the extension of the summer movie season, which now spans from the beginning of May until the end of August? This blogger is nearly sure of it. With so many movies coming out during June and July, some films simply have no room to compete, and now the movie-going public is being rewarded with a better August. But there still needs to be an obligatory month of paltry films; this is now September. It is quite unfortunate, but serves as a better break into the supreme autumn movies that we are receiving an especially large serving of this year. Regarding whether this is a trend that will continue on into the future, I believe that September will become what August once was and that August will transition into just another month of big blockbusters and cool indie pics.

Also, in order to "break the (movie) fast," I will be seeing five films in theaters tomorrow, getting head on into the deluge of prestige motion pictures heading our way. Expect reviews of them to roll out on Symposyum in the coming days.

Emerson

Review - Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3/360)

Superhero games have somewhat become known for being not a very good idea. The known good superhero games have either a movie tie-in (Spiderman 2), or a mashup with a plethora of diverse characters (Marvel vs. Capcom). But not all superhero games have to be like Superman 64 or Aquaman. For example, games like Amazing Spiderman and Hulk: Ultimate Destruction weren't bad games, yet didn't quite receive critical acclaim. This is where Batman: Arkham Asylum comes in. Metacritic shows that Arkham Asylum received an average score of 92 out of 100. And the game is completely deserving of that score.
The story of Arkham Aslyum starts with Batman, once again, taking Joker back to Arkham Asylum. But this is all a part of a ruse set by the Joker. Joker, with the help of some freed inmates and an obnoxious Harley Quinn, take over the Asylum and Batman travels the asylum to try and stop them. The writing feels just like any Batman comic you've ever read, although it does sometimes make you wonder how the game pulled off a Teen rating.
Graphically, the game looks great. Textures are almost overly detailed and the characters look like their comic book counterparts. The only time where a hiccup was noticed was when Batman's arm looked as though it went through an inmate's head during a punch. What may take some getting used to is the third-person over the shoulder viewpoint that most of the game takes place in. The environment of the game reminded me a lot of Bioshock. There are also references to a plethora of Batman characters, which makes exploring the environment well worth exploring. As far as the sound goes, the characters are all voiced by their counterparts from the animated series. All of the sound effects are well done and the soundtrack suits the feeling of the game.
Throughout the development of this game, what's pulled the most attention is the combat system. The game uses a freeflow combat system, allowing Batman to jump from enemy to enemy. The combo system is fairly simple (you have one button to strike and one button to counter) yet it still feels like you are fighting like Batman. Batman is also armed with gadgets, like the batarang and explosive gel, which aids in opening new areas and disarming enemies. Other than combat, the game fulfills the Batman experience with stealth rooms and Detective view. As you explore the asylum, some rooms will have inmates armed with rifles. In true Batman form, you're required to take out these enemies without attracting attention. You can do this either by sneaking up behind the enemy and taking them down, glide kicking them from your perch on a gargoyle, or hanging from a gargoyle and snatching them up as they pass below you. The Detective view allows you to see things as Batman does. When activated, a blue tint comes over the screen, and enemies are highlighted. The Detective view also highlights possible escape routes, alternate paths, and clues. The only gripe I have with this is that the game requires the Detective view so often, that the actual view of the game isn't seen as often, which is a shame since the game looks so good.
Overall, Arkham Asylum is a fantastic game with minor flaws. The story mode took about 10-12 hours to complete and there is a Challenge Mode that gives the game some replayability. Whether you're a hardcore Batman fan or a casual fan of the movies and/or comics, the game will entertain you. Developer Rocksteady has said that if the game does well enough, a sequel may be in the works. So please, at least check out this game, because it really is one of the best superhero games out there currently.

9.0/10

Jordan

Sidenote: If you have a PS3, the PS3 version allows you to play as the Joker. Xbox does not get any exclusive characters, but that might change with downloadable content.

Movie Review: Inglorious Basterds

Never fear, no spoilers are here.

After doing some thinking, I have come to the realization that Inglorious Basterds is far and away Quentin Tarantino's best film. This does not make it my favorite, as that space is reserved for the Grindhouse double-feature. The writing of Basterds is perfect, far better than that of even Pulp Fiction. And why shouldn't it be? Inglorious Basterds is years in the making, as Tarantino was working on the script around the time Kill Bill came out. But before I delve further into the glory of Basterds, I'd like to share a bit about Tarantino himself:

Quentin Jerome Tarantino was a high school dropout who lied about his age at sixteen to work in a porno theater just so he could always be around films. Eventually, he moved out to California, where he wrote Reservoir Dogs and befriended Roger Avary, all while working at a now defunct video store. The director's picture ended up getting some funding and people started to notice how good it was. Tarantino was invited to Cannes Film Festival and screened dogs their, cementing his directorial fame. That was 1992, and a little more than 17 years ago. Yesterday, I turned 17 years of age and knew my first legal R-rated movie would be a Tarantino flick: Inglorious Basterds.

Inglorious Basterds begins simply enough, which is perfect and completely necessary for the film. The screen takes us to France and it is evident right from the get-go that this is picture is heavily influenced by Spaghetti Westerns. At first I was worried, as the first several minutes didn't feel like a Tarantino film, but as the entry conversation rolled on, I fell right back in and knew that this was one of QT's. The picture becomes very talky at points as it wears on, but unlike some of the frivolous talk in Death Proof, the dialogue is intriguing, even engaging with the audience. The Spaghetti Western feel to the film continues throughout, as Tarantino's score is influenced by the now-endangered genre, and his soundtrack is just as hip as any of his other feature films. One aspect of the film that I really enjoyed was the lack of Brad Pitt in a majority of scenes, that is to say that even though the actor received top-billing, all of the actors and actresses had about equal screen time and the part of Lieutenant Raine was no more important than anyone else, nor was Brad Pitt too overbearing as he sometimes can be. The one person whose presence can be felt the most during the film is of course Tarantino himself, who for the first time played no on-screen role and solely acted as director, something that I feel helped the film to an infinite degree.

First time actor Eli Roth is very capable and has a very likable part, especially as the film comes to a close. Actor Daniel Bruhl, my personal favorite German actor, plays a recent star among the Third Reich very capably and with much depth. Those interested in seeing the film for B.J. Novak will be sorely disappointed, as he is a bit part, as is Mike Myers (although if you're seeing a movie directed by Quentin Tarantino just to see one of those two, you have no place in a movie theater). The women in the film prove to be very important, as Tarantino always is aware of giving women empowerment in his movies and casting these roles as genuinely talented actresses (and yes, he does embellish in the foot fetish).

From a cinematographic standpoint, the film is excellent, however with Basterds editing proves to be where many of Tarantino's tricks lie, as the action is sped up to light speed while still remaining enjoyable. The violence is necessary, albeit completely different from other World War II films such as Saving Private Ryan, as this film definitely has a lighter side to it. The film's overall structure was wonderfully crafted and many conversations roll on in 'real time', as opposed to the usual 'reel time.'

I would never spoil a movie's ending, but I must say that the best part of Basterds is far and away the second half, as the main conflict is further revealed, which brings me to my next point:
The scope of Inglorious Basterds is much larger than any of Tarantino's other films, maybe any film this summer, and that says a lot of a director who has done a film on an international group of assassins that crossed several continents. The ending of Basterds particularly is important and has many great ideas to it hidden beneath. Film also plays a large part and is a crucial part of the story, which made me come upon the idea that this is ultimately Tarantino's most personal film.
If you enjoy a lot of blood and gore or can at the very least handle it, then Inglorious Basterds is definitely a film worthy of your dollars. With the Academy Awards Best Picture Category extended to a field of ten nominees, I would love to see Basterds at the very least nominated, as it is very deserving of merit for tackling the oft-covered World War II in a completely new way.

Emerson

Comics Review: Terror Inc. - Apocalypse Soon

I am almost positive that very few people are aware of who Terror Inc. is. Having been first introduced in the 80's by Marvel as a character from a limited series and appearing in several crossovers, the character has lately been revived as part of Marvel's MAX imprint. Terror has been reimagined slightly; rather than being a detective-for-hire, he is now an operative-for-hire and no longer bears the spikes on his cheeks. Those familiar with the MAX imprint will recognize this as the perfect place for a character who is immortal, as long as he uses the body parts of other; Terror is basically a bad-ass, ever-changing Frankenstein. The first volume of the MAX series reintroduced Terror and was the character's best appearance ever. Apocalypse Soon is the sequel to that story and delves deeper into Terror's past. The story is interesting and engaging, and the MAX imprint brings all the nice violence and language that can't be afforded in the 'regular' Marvel series. Terror Inc. Apocalypse Soon suffers from one thing and one thing only, the art. While I am not usually critical of comic art, I feel that it made the comics in this case nearly unreadable. By the final issue, another writer was brought in to finish the second half of the comic. At least this shows Marvel knew there was a problem, but penciller Koi Turnbull creates Bourne-like fast-paced images that can hardly be made out in a format that this is simply wrong for. Comics have their visuals, movies have theirs, and Terror Inc., although somewhat cinematic in scope, will probably never see the big screen (as much as a fanboy can dream). So, when choosing a comic, stick with reading the previous volume of Terror Inc., but if you yearn for more on the character, than check out Apocalypse Soon just to satiate your desires.

Emerson

The Future of the Caped Crusader

MAJOR SPOILERS THROUGHOUT:
Batman is dead. Bruce Wayne is dead. These are the issues that are played with in Battle for the Cowl. It can certainly be said that this run is a big change to the Batman lineup. Jason Todd returns, with a vengeance. Nightwing wants to be the leader without resorting to overtaking the mantle and having to live in the shadow of his master. But one of the most important aspects of the comic is the return of Black Mask, a character thought to be dead. His resurgence into the Gotham underworld proves to be a large threat and will continue to be. The question is whether or not this is the same Black Mask that was killed or someone new donning the cowl of a fallen villain in the same way that Batman has.
Thematically, Battle for the Cowl is an astounding series, detailing many characters through their cyclical journey as Gotham falls to pieces. Through one shots and limited runs, the experience delves deeper, into mysteries and stories that are quite fulfilling to create the entire experience. As a big Batman fan, I am glad at the death of Batman, as it brings issues about to make this timeless character all the more fresh. I will admit to not being as well-versed in the comics as I would like, but I definitely have a good enough sense to judge that Battle for the Cowl is an important step in the evolution of the comics. It is obvious that DC will bring back Bruce Wayne as Batman one way or another, but it is still good to see the comic industry making big changes to capture reader attention. As of this writing, the series has been done for three months, but these issues are still pertinent. Those interested in reading more can got to their local comic shop and indulge themselves in this great comic event.

Emerson

Rant: Explicit Content in Games and Why It Should Be There

Since the dawning of games like Mortal Kombat, the ESRB rating system has kept a close eye on the content shown in video games. But still, 15 years after the ESRB was formed, video games still get criticized for showing explicit material such as over-the-top violence, sex, and drug use. Why is that true? Some may argue that this sort of content does not belong in a video game regardless of what the rating on the box says, because kids under the age of 17 will inevitably get their hands on it. But who's fault is this really? Should game developers be doomed to strike out content from their games just because parents are unable to understand how the rating system works? Also, it's almost as easy for kids to be exposed to the same type of material in mediums such as movies, especially with the internet making explicit material incredibly easy to access. Now, I'm in no way advocating that explicit material needs to be placed in games. Personally, I don't find gratuitous violence incredibly entertaining, but who am I to criticize what other people find enjoyable. I just thing it's ironic that an incredibly tame "sex scene" in a game like Mass Effect can cause an uproar amongst the media that the game is immature and disgusting. Parents just need to stop pointing fingers at the game developers and spend more time keeping an eye on what their kids are getting into. But let's face the truth, if your kid wants to see the sex minigame in God of War or the Hot Coffee scene in GTA: San Andreas, all he has to do is enter a phony birthday into the video player. Blaming game developers is not going to fix that problem. In this day and age, there really is no true solution to the problem, but if parents are really worried about what their child is being exposed to when they're playing video games, just read the back of the box. It says EXACTLY why the game got the Mature rating. And if you still have doubts, talk to the people at your local game store. They'll give you the full details on what's in the game and whether it's appropriate for your child to play.

Jordan