In Full Swing

It's that glorious time of year again. My last time going through the rigors of college. While the semester may gain the majority of my already short attention span, this does not mean further neglect to those out there reading whatever I ramble. Classes, for the most part, are pretty heavy this round and ich muss mein Deutsch studieren, but there might just be time for Borderlands 2, Resident Evil Six, Dishonored, and especially Assassin's Creed III with Dredd hitting theatres in the mix of things. 

For now, though, bare with the delayed posts, the assumed forgetfulness, and supposed disregard to my blogging duties. Upon successful completion of my BA, this blog will rocket higher than a V2. 

As each game releases, I'll have my first thoughts posted, then an in-progress review, followed by a full-circle evaluation. Pictures of the collector's edition swag might find their way into the mix. 

Random note: Pick up Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe and the new Gambit series. Also, Before the Watchmen recently included Rorschach to the issues. From my knowledge, he's up to just one as of now. 

Jonesy signing off with a customary rule- #51: Cherish each semester that you don't face down thirty term papers. Enjoy those times.

The Unattended Blog

So........welcome back after these long nine days. Much has happened. Video games played. Books read. Comics bought. Movies........not viewed. Sure, The Expendables 2 overcame its clunky and boring predecessor, but it's still that action-packed juggernaut film every summer needs to close out the season. Stallone, I'm sorry, but Marvel's The Avengers still kicks your ass nine ways to Sunday. Take on the Hulk after he beat down Loki and then, yes, I'll give props. Or, something we'll never see, do a movie that doesn't involve A) explosions, B) guns, and C) extreme violence. Schwarzeneggar's done it (Jingle All The Way), Statham's done it (The Italian Job). Just a change of pace, man. I get it. You're John Rambo. He blows shit up. You're Rocky. He beats people up. Try to escape the type-cast, bro. Actors have done it before. 

Moving on, then. PSN Plus owners were able to download Telltale's The Walking Dead adventure game for free this month as well as Outland (very interesting side-scroller) and Bloodrayne: Betrayal which has slightly complicated gameplay. As episodes one and two are the only ones out, your guess is good assuming those are the ones up for free. Please, for the good of humanity and yourself, download both. If you don't have PSN Plus, GET IT! If you do, good on you, mate. Have fun in the rightful adaptation of Robert Kirkman's brainchild. 

For those who are learned with Kirkman's original story, Telltale takes players along a prequel story following a character by the name of Lee trying to survive the outbreak in Atlanta. Just like the graphic novels, the setting changes constantly and those familiar with the novels will recognize certain areas as well as characters from the books. 

This series is incredible. From the cell-shaded graphics to the voice acting, I felt completely immersed in the story. As this game revolves around choices and morality, you'll feel compelled to revisit the game multiple times for different outcomes. My tally sits at two right now just to have two separate stories for my own intrigue. 

Now, for those unaware, Terminal Reality is currently developing a video game adaptation of the AMC series using Daryl as the primary. Without much to go on, I can't say much about the idea, but information coming from Gamescom seems to paint the game in a decent frame, but with lingering doubts. This is a game coming from a show that took several liberties with the source material. As far as I'm concerned, I have my game and I'm staying there. I wanted a series that came straight from the novels and I'll be damned if that's not what Telltale delivered. 

While I understand where AMC and Terminal Reality are going, providing fans of the TV series with a game, I'm sitting it out just as I am with the show. Perhaps later down the road I'll finally catch up with Season two, but for now, I'm content. 

Short post for today, but stay tuned in the coming weeks for more bits on Borderlands 2, Dishonored, and Assassin's Creed III. 

Until then, this is Jonesy signing off with my customary leave: #17- write a survival guide to the zombie apocalypse in whatever fashion. Get creative. Have fun. 

The Beer's Prayer

Now, I love beer. I don't, however, love being abso-bloody-lutely drunk outside my blooming mind. Never as a kid did I believe myself to appreciate the time and effort brewing beer takes. Upon my first proper pint last year on my twenty-first, I discovered a new-found love and appreciation for this alcoholic beverage loved by many and frowned upon by several others who just don't drink enough to get over their problems. 

As thanks for the memories, I propose a prayer to Beer be established: 

The Prayer to Beer as found in Inebriation, Chapter Seven; Verse Four:

Our Father who art inebriated

Sobered be thy name.

Thy pitcher full,

And pint glass filled,

In bars as it is at home.

Give us this night our daily shot,

And bless us our kegs,

As we bless those who tap amongst us.

And lead us not unto Keystone,

But deliver us to Shiner.

For the keg stand, dropshot, and beer pong are yours,

Now and forever.

Amen.

And I just wrote that. By me, for the masses to be recited at the beginning of each social event involving our precious......whatever type beer, porter, ale, stout to be enjoyed. 

Enough to be said on my devotion to beer. Now, onward to relevant information!

Friday proved me wrong with yet another round of cinematic entertainment. Will Ferrell and Zac Galifianakis fight the good fight in The Candidate which, surprisingly, hit a Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones star as an interesting duo in Hope Springs also coming in on the Fresh rating. And, finally, Jeremy Renner picks up where Matt Damon left off in the ass-kicking department with The Bourne Legacy continuing a new trilogy where The Bourne Supremacy ended.

Firstly, no, I haven't seen any of the above mentioned films. I will as time permits. I have, however, seen the trailer for the Red Dawn remake starring Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth and Josh Peck as the Eckert brothers. If you hated the original, no offense, but f*ck you. Every teenager back in the Cold war era probably imagined sniping off some Russkies. How the hell should I know, right? I'm just a kid who was born right when the Soviet Union collapsed. Well, when you start imagining North Korea taking over Asia and Europe, then invading the U.S. and wiping out our entire infrastructure, you tend to start developing some common grounds with your Cold War counterparts.

Last month, I finally got around to playing Homefront, that poorly developed game by Kaos Studios. In a future where the communist North Koreans become the premier superpower in the entire f*cking world, the U.S. falls under the might of the wimpy offspring of an already satirized Kim Jong-Il (Kim Jong-Un for those not following). What I'm wondering is how the f*ck can a government not fall over laughing over the fact that a five foot Korean kid managed to overthrow multiple governments. An assassin can easily step on the Short Round wannabe and bingo. Crisis averted. We're saved thanks to my size fourteen combat boot.

Overall, Thanksgiving just got better. WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and guess what everybody?! BORDERLANDS 2 IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! OOOOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!

.......sorry about that. But I will have the big, bad-ass Ultimate Loot Chest edition that I posted a while back. We'll crack that sucker open when 18 September rolls around.

I'm tired right now, so keep eyes and ears open for the latest news circling the interwebs. Check out Bethesda's Dishonored hitting shelves 8 October. I will have that as well as Assassin's Creed III (collector's, of course) on 30 October followed by Resident Evil Six on 6 November. Gear up for one of the greatest f*cking gaming seasons ever.

Until then, remember rule #67- Always bring a book with you to work even if you don't think you'll have time to read.

Jonesy signing off.

It's A Post

You know you're the late duck when recalling certain events from only a week ago becomes a virtual impossibility. Luckily, this only happens in a casual, laid-back environment and not in a work/school situation. On the more professional note, I do believe a late review is due. 


In wake of the final new summer release, I flocked to the midnight show of Len Wiseman's remake or, as I viewed it, re-imagination of Paul Verhoeven's 1990 Total Recall. 


Without revealing a majority of the plot for those unaware of the original source material, the story follows Doug Quaid- an Average Joe of sorts with troubling dreams and issues recalling certain memories. Colin Farrell's casting as the lead character was interesting. He brought a serious tone that Arnold Schwarzeneggar did not possess in the original. Here's a man without any idea of who he is and hearing others call him by another name tied to the resistance movement fighting against the tyrannical Chancellor Cohaagen played by a rather surprising Bryan Cranston who we'll get to in a moment. 


Now, when the original came out twenty-two years ago, I had only been around four months. I didn't see the film until around age twelve and, of course, couldn't make a damn bit of sense other than the fact Arnold's one-liners were cult classics. Youtube some of his greatest hits and stroll down nostalgia lane while you're there. 


The 1990 version was relatively unrealistic for obvious reasons. Cinematography's evolved over the past two decades. This goes to say the opposite for the 2012 remake as the presentation is absolutely phenomenal. Set in 2084, this world actually looks like one we could be heading towards. Magnetic streets with vehicles using reverse polarity to levitate. Synthetic police forces/militaries. Enhanced biometrics. Subterranean, transglobal travel (traveling through the earth from one continent to another at high speeds allowing mass transit in minutes). The next eighty-four years could find us in this world minus downsides of a third world war rendering environments uninhabitable. As amazing as the surroundings are, this really is the film's saving grace: presentation. 


Acting from Farrell, Beckinsale, Biel, and Cranston was great, but I couldn't help but feel the writers could have done more with the source material to move it above the original. You'll see throwbacks to the campy, corny, comical source material and a few "blink-or-you'll-miss-it" bits that give a chuckle. Other than paying homage to Verhoeven, the overall tone was the typical seriousness of low-class rebelling against tyrannical high-class. Of the four, Kate Beckinsale's portrayal of Lori Quaid was worthy of a show-stealer. This woman can do anything. From a WWII-era nurse to werewolf hunter, she has what it takes to be versatile with roles. Hell, her American accent versus her native British literally created two separate characters all because of her voice. In one unnamed scene, she goes from concerned wife to hardcore, bad-ass assassin without missing a beat (no, this wasn't the beginning). 


Cranston shined as Cohaagen and definitely used some of his acting from Breaking Bad to fashion a cold, ruthless, does-whatever-it-takes-to-get-done attitude. I'm surprised at his transformation from overly sensitive push-over (Malcolm in the Middle) to this well-established method acting. 


I honestly don't feel like spoiling the movie or the desire to see it, so I'll leave you with these closing remarks. I still love the original and would watch it any day. However, this doesn't go to say I wouldn't be up for a second viewing perhaps when it launches in three months on Blu Ray (funny how home media releases have been shortened by almost six months). Of the two, I'd much rather lean toward the realistic future presented in Wiseman's version. For a good laugh and flashback to innocent times, I'll always have Verhoeven's. 


Len Wiseman's Total Recall earns a spot in the second quarter, "Think about it for a bit, then stay on the couch and find something else on" unless you're in for a good summer action movie. If that's the case, enjoy. 


In other recent news, the Wachowski brothers are at it again! Yes, a spectacular presentation on the silver screen is upon us. Instead of continuing on an already dead series, the brothers team up to deliver Cloud Atlas, the film adaptation of David Mitchell's 2004 novel of the same name. Mitchell's narrative follows six individual stories occurring over the course of 1850 to a dystopian future. I picked up a copy, just started it, and will post updates as this noble endeavor progresses. As for the film, they're shooting for a brilliant all-star cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturgess, Ben Whishaw (appearing as Q in November's James Bond sequel, Skyfall), Susan Sarandon, Keith David, Hugo Weaving, and Hugh Grant. Cloud Atlas is scheduled to release 22 October 2012. 


That's all for tonight, but before I go, allow for my customary good-bye to sink in. #312- Read Cloud Atlas before 22 October because it's fun to compare original material versus its adapted version. 


Jonesy signing off for the first time in a while. 

Six Days Later

I guess proper blogging etiquette be damned. For those who don't keep regular tabs on most everything awesomely nerdy around the globe, this comes across as normal. For that remaining percentage, I would assume withdrawal symptoms take effect from lack of social networking and constantly existing within "the buzz". I'm different. Separating myself from that certain type of blogging allows me to take in more at one time rather than constantly trying to figure out multiple ways to say similar points. 


Other than that, at least from my limited perspective, the summer movie fest has certainly dimmed. Total Recall hits theatres next Friday, but apart from that, we're done with blockbusters. The 2012 summer season began with Marvel's The Avengers and damn well ended with The Dark Knight Rises with various other films to fill the gap. Some were good (Snow White and the Huntsman), some were comically satisfying (Madagascar 3, Brave), and some were flat out disappointing to at least bookworms (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter). I'm definitely leaving out several films mainly because I haven't seen them due to limited release (Moonrise Kingdom, Safety Not Guaranteed), but I can rest assured knowing when they release on DVD/Blu-ray that my green will be hitting the scene on those indie flicks. 


For you gamers out there, T-minus less than two months for Borderlands 2 and the f*cking awesome Ultimate Loot Chest edition I thoughtfully pre-ordered for myself. 18 September will be magnificent! 


Now, I'm very tired and will retire. 


Anxious for more? Engage yourself in item #67- pick up the graphic novel adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Thought the movie was good? Ha, guess again. 


Jonesy signing off. 

The Knight Rises

Let me begin this review by clearly stating this: 

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!

Now, shall we? 

Christopher Nolan definitely saved the best of his directing skills for last. This honestly goes without saying, but you have to give the man credit. The Dark Knight Rises along with Marvel's The Avengers lead the charge to include comic book movies for the Academy Awards. While most critics will thoroughly dissect the film trying to find every possible downside, it's their job to act as these pretentious douchebags in search of a quick buck. Other reviewers, such as the chaps over at IGN, understand the interior of comic book films and deliver a much detailed version of the review fans don't need, but deserve. 

I've been a loyal follower of Bob Kane's brainchild since I first heard Kevin Conroy's voice during the run of the animated Batman. No Batman film has passed through time without my knowing. And then......Christopher Nolan comes along and forever changes the way fans look at the Caped Crusader. While it's a disappointment to know Nolan's Batman won't be showing up in the Justice League of America movie, fans can rest assured knowing the Bats finally had a damn good run on the silver screen. 

Focus on this film was clearly centered around suspense. Those who dug a little deeper than most already knew the basic outline of events to transpire. Those who went further found leaked footage of certain fight scenes. Those who paid close attention at Bat School pretty much figured Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character was that wonder boy of sorts and Marion Cotillard's femme fatale was an old love interest of the Dark Knight. My jaw dropped when these were revealed on-screen. In one of those rare "Ho-ly shit" moments, Nolan delivered more than I expected. I pride myself on figuring out early the correlation between John Blake and Tim Drake. Moving back on point, the suspense leading up to Bats vs Bane led me to the confirmation of my one wish: Bane breaks the Bat. And.........hell yes. I, for one, was shocked at the level of enthusiasm my theatre shared at this moment: none. This was the rising action of the entire film and people were understandably shocked, but come on. This scene deserves an uproar of applause. This leads into my next point: Bane.

Die-hard fans of Heath Ledger's Joker (me) might find Tom Hardy's villainous portrayal of Bane rough around the edges at first, but I found myself getting used to the non-luchador, Venom-enhanced, South American master criminal. Bane's voice was particularly interesting as a study on villains. He spoke in what I call the traditional British villain accent. Refined, proper, intelligent, and sinister. Hearing this voice meant that you knew beyond a reasonable doubt this guy was a harbinger of "I'm f*cked". While Hardy wasn't Ledger-level performance, I abso-bloody-lutely loved his acting and Nolan's idea for a realistic Bane. Even if that idea failed, it would've still been better than the last on-screen Bane we saw. Talk about laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame. 

Christian Bale has never once made me doubt his clout for Batman. His last ride soared past his performance in The Dark Knight. Here's a man, eight years after taking the fall for Harvey Dent's death, looking for nothing except a way out from his internal torment. Now equipped with a cane and grey streaks, Bruce Wayne falls into hermitage while Gotham finally enjoys peace-time. However, you can't spell Gotham with the B-A-T-M-A-N. Bale really injected the rise and fall feel for the character across the span of three films. When the Batman does fall, Bale uses that idea to re-invigorate the sense of purpose into a fallen icon. As always, Bale meshes with his supporting cast perfectly. With Alfred, we see this father-son relation at the breaking point. Michael Caine could not have been more convincing especially at the end. Alfred's wish to see Bruce married and with children provided Caine with the perfect level of emotion to give the relationship meaning. This is a man who's seen the birth, upbringing, rise, and fall of an orphaned boy. Nolan made this bond akin to a father worrying about losing a son on a battlefield. 

Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman shine in their respective roles again as Commissioner Gordon and Lucius Fox even though screen-time for the characters was a little lax in the beginning. I found it interesting to see Gordon bed-ridden while recovering from his injuries. Had he been younger, there might've been the escape attempt to jump back into the fray. One supporting role that surprised me was Matthew Modine as deputy commissioner Peter Foley. The last film I saw with this guy in it was Memphis Belle, so needless to say, I didn't recognize him. His mirror opposite of Gordon was refreshing to see after the Dent and Gordon team-up where both were on the same side until the Two-Face bit. 

Now, of all the supporting roles, I've saved my favorite for last: Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle. Move over, Michelle Pfeiffer. You and Halle Berry can keep on walking. Of course, Hathaway's not the carbon copy of the comic book Catwoman, but damn does she convince me otherwise. She's smart, sexy, agile, and not afraid to lay to the hurt on apple-stealing thugs. I had my doubts months ago. Thanks to her performance and Nolan's directing/writing ability, I forgot the meaning of 'doubt' once I saw her in the Catwoman persona. It was nice not to hear the name 'Catwoman', but rather 'cat burglar' instead. Some things just need not be said to make a point. 

I won't go hellishly deep into the plot because that would be terrible manners. What I will say is this film racks up to my top tier in the "Get the f*ck off the couch and see this damn movie right now" rating. Nolan's departure from the Batman legacy may be over, but will never go forgotten. His contributions to a well-established lore now shine in the kingdom of Nerd-dom forever. A series seven years in the making has successfully ended in a fashion thoroughly pleasing to any fan of the Bats. 

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me"

Remember that when thinking what DO you do with a BA in English. There's always #3- inject Batman into any Sherlock Holmes story and conduct a battle of the detectives. 

Jonesy signing off

A New Feel

That last title was just too damn long to remember. "The Late Duck" sounds more catchy and makes sense in three ways: I'm usually always late with reviews, late with catching up on pop culture, and most often posting late into the evening. I will, however, continue with the whole "What DO you do with a BA in English" just for continuity's sake. 


So, what's new in the world? Honestly.....more than I can list right now. SDCC launched into full swing and, regrettably, I'm stuck in north Texas. Marvel stepped up to bat with sequels and some change. Plans for the Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, hell, even Ant Man have been shined on a tad more. Of course, the Mandarin has been slotted for Stark's baddy this time around, but what of Cap? Dun, dun, duuuuunnnnnnn......the Winter Soldier. There was just no way in hell Bucky was offed in The First Avenger. He's found by Soviets and bada-bing: Winter Soldier. Makes sense, I want to see it, how about you?


This caught me pleasantly off-guard: Deadpool gets the video game treatment. Hells to the hell yes! I've watched the trailer multiple times now and can't find a damn wrong thing about it. I mean, come on! The Merc with a Mouth at your fingertips! As if MvC 3 wasn't enough. There has to be a life-bar special move. 

Enjoy!

And if that's not enough to scratch your Deadpool itch, Nolan North voices the lovable pyschotic Weapon XI. I, for one, is happy. 

Alright, kiddies, daddy's bedtime approaches. Stay tuned for more info on everything you know and love, but don't have enough time to stay on top. Might just find my review of Asus' Nexus 7 which is a might bit impressive from what I've seen. Quad-core processor running on Android 4.1 Jellybean, 16GB hard drive with 1GB memory all on a brightly lit 7" LCD screen. Pretty lightning fast with internet browsing. $246 at your local Sam's Club. Pick yours up today so you can find out what else you can do with a BA in English such as #288- Write a poem about Deadpool and recite at your next open mic. 

Until next time, late ducks. 

Jonesy signing off.