Friday, September 30, 2011

Thor (2011)

Title: Thor

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Director (Post-Credits): Joss Whedon

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, and Natalie Portman

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2011

Rating: 3.5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Thor is sent to Earth to learn humility.

The Realms in this Movie
Each of the three realms shown in this movie are very distinct. Asgard has a combination of futuristic and ancient technologies and beliefs. Jötunheim is a vast ice wasteland where there seems to be hardly any technology. Earth is modern day (New Mexico, USA). I like that each realm is very different from the other.

Post-Credits
The scene that appears after the credits does a good job at giving me a reason to see The Avengers movie (not that this is my first time thinking about seeing it). It is very short but I would suggest waiting after the credits to see it.

The Romance
Any romance in a movie is usually done unrealistically and/or because the main lead HAS to have a romantic interest. Fortunately, the romance in this movie is only the former. Thor falling in love with Jane Foster seems to be needed so he'd learn humility (as this is given as a reason to why he becomes a better person). However, it just seems to happen way too quickly. The payoff for the romance is a good one, though.

Final Thoughts
This was a very fun movie. How does it compare to the comic book version of Thor? I haven't read any of the comics with him in them, so I don't know. The graphics for this movie are very well done and help build an atmosphere to each realm. I am sad I didn't see this one in theaters.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Splice (Part 2)


In this part of my Splice review I look at the character of Dren.


If that version does not work, try this one:

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 3

The loud music played as I tried to grow comfortable to my clothes. But, after many hours, I doubted I would. I didn't mind formality if it meant my whores would like me better. Standing beside Hijunaki as Akumie's worshippers came towards us wasn't my idea of fun. I couldn't imagine Hijunaki was enjoying it since he was staying more still than normal.


Reassuring myself that I would be out of my clothing soon, I focused on the festival. Hijunaki had outdone himself by creating special creatures and having most of his creations play music. Luckily he had chosen only his creations that could sing well to do the vocals to the music.


After what seemed like hours, Akumie finally came forward and I knew I wouldn't find another creature like her. Her beauty filled me with emotions I couldn't remember feeling before. Fortunately a lot of the feelings could be passed off as physical urges.


"Akumie, I welcome you to Japan." Hijunaki said and bowed deeply and I followed suit. "And I have instructed my loyal servant Rig to show you the jewels of my palace."


Akumie looked at me and seemed to study me intensely. "Yes, this one does look like he can do his job." She said with a straight face and hardly any emotion.


"I have done other jobs very well in the past." I said and bowed to her and smiled. I tried to give an aura of charm for Akumie.


Akumie leaned close to my ear and I could smell what a good afterlife smelt like. "If you get to me like Asalie has you will be in pain very quickly." She said and went in front of me. With that, Hijunaki lead all the creatures there to a feast.


After we were all well fed, Akumie stood up and looked at me. "You can take me to my room now." She said.


I stood up. "Yes, your grace." I replied. When those words came out of my mouth I thought of other things I could take her to.


The walk to her room was more quiet than I would've wanted it to be. The reason for the long silence was probably that she didn't trust me. But as we got closer to her room I could see her becoming calmer.


I bowed to her when we came to the entrance of her room. "I am in the room next door if you need anything." I told her.


Akumie nodded and I saw a slight smile come onto her face. "I will hold you to that." She said and went inside.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Book of Eli (2010)

Title: The Book of Eli

Directors: Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes

Starring: Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, and Ray Stevenson

Rated: R

Released: 2010

Rating: 3.5/5

Oscars: 0

Basic Plot: Eli wanders around with a book in an apocalyptic world.

Visuals
The visuals are very good to show the story in the movie. The coloring is dull and the slo-mo is used to good effect. The way characters dress suits their positions in the world and also to an post-apocalyptic world in general. The visuals are, in short, great at showing a post-apocalyptic world.

The Book Being the Bible
I do not believe in any form of Christianity and so the book being the bible doesn't really mean that much to me. But, in the world of this movie, God is real and the Bible is truth and not fiction. However, the message of the Bible being important didn't make me even think about turning to Christianity. Though those who are Christians might get more out of The Book of Eli's message.

Cannibals
Cannibals are a big threat in the world of The Book of Eli. They are so much a threat that there is a test given to everyone. The test is that if your hands shake you're a cannibal since eating too much human flesh has the side effect of having your hands shake. This is the reason everyone checks Eli's hands.

Final Thoughts
This is a great movie to watch if you like post-apocalyptic worlds. The overriding Christian theme isn't great enough to make the movie unwatchable. This is, in part, due to the fact that the preservation of the Bible is more to do with the preservation of literature. But if you want a movie full of good action then check this one out.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Green: Illegal 3

I ate the pancakes that Plague had prepared that morning for breakfast. The thoughts about Gralg kept on going through my mind and I found that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was sad that I had lost the Gralg ad to the police. The fact that I had been carrying an ad for the illegal substance probably hadn't earned me any points from them.


I looked at Plague as he ate and wanted to tell him something. As he ate it, it didn't appear like he thought that much about what had happened last night. Of course, he was probably used to such instances. However, I wasn't.


Plague looked up at me and sighed. "Matthias, please tell me you aren't thinking about Gralg."


"Plague, think about it." I said. "Isn't it strange that the substance Thomas ate was green algae? And the fact that Gralg is green and algae put together? The fact that Gralg has side effects so bad that it's been made illegal and what Thomas ate made him go mad?"


"You're just over thinking things. People have complained about me thinking about things too much, but you're going way further than me." Plague took a bite out of one of his pancakes. "I think I know the real reason you want to go looking for Gralg and solve a mystery that isn't really there."


"Why?" I asked.


"You've been inside this house for a long time now. I don't think you were born to stay in one place. A true wanderer." Plague shook his head. "I guess this would relieve some stress and make you see reason. I'll regret this later, but we'll find some Gralg and you'll see that your worries aren't real."


Hours passed before Plague and I spoke again. Not because he thought I was crazy, but because we were both researching in two different directions. When Plague came back he said, "Get in the car. I found a place that might have some Gralg."


I looked outside and noticed that night had come.


I was excited as I got into the car and felt like I was finally on my way to doing something. The ride there was quiet as Plague kept close attention to the road. I had never seen him so concentrated before, but I hadn't known him long, either.


The house we got to was a trailer and in the middle of nowhere. Well, there were houses near, but far enough that a slight disturbance wouldn't be noticed for awhile. Plague and I got out of the car and suddenly there was a shot fired at us.


"Noir, get your slimy ass out of here!" A voice said and another shot was fired. "That goes for your butt buddy too!"


I managed to not get shot, though the bullet had scared my ear as it went by. Looking at Plague I saw him pointing to the trailer. If we left now then we could live without the chance of dying. However, then I probably wouldn't have another chance to get Gralg again. Would I risk the life of my only friend and myself just to get my obsession?


I nodded to Plague and went deep in the shadows as Plague drew the fire of the owner. Each second that I got closer to the trailer I felt horrible for what I was doing to Plague. However, I couldn't go back now.


Plague managed to get the owner away from the trailer and allowed me in. I felt scared as I entered the trailer and raced to find the Gralg. Hours seemed to pass before I found the Gralg. It was labeled in pill bottles under towels in the bathroom.


I took all the pill bottles and raced out of the trailer. In my fear I could only focus on running all the way back to Plague's house. I felt a bullet go through my hair at one point but I don't know if that really even happened.


I fell down on Plague's doorstep and passed out.

Splice (Part 1)


I start my review of Splice with the basics of the movie. I also complain about how the movie was marketed as a horror film.



If that version does not work, try this one (the only thing that's changed is that there's no ending music in this version) :

Friday, September 9, 2011

Questions for Fringe Season 4 (jashycam 33)


I like Fringe and so I have some questions for the fourth season.

Fringe Season 4 Premieres: September 23, 2011 on FOX


If that version does not work, try this one:

Do you say what's on your mind?

Yes. Sometimes too much.

Ask me anything

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Top 10 Terminator Moments


The Terminator is one of my favorite series. In this video I choose 10 Moments from the series as the best.

If that version does not work, try this one:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

S&N: Curse Revealed 2

I started to feel what I would've called nervous, when I was a human, as I got closer to Samara's new house. I couldn't wait to see her and feel human once more. But that would all be meaningless if she destroyed me because she thought I might be some kind of trick from The Net.


I parked in her driveway and looked at her house. It looked more expensive than our old apartment and might mean that she had moved up in rank. Being very careful, as Samara is an agent of Karma, I walked up to the front door and rung the doorbell.


I looked at the wall and did see that it was made out of materials that would dampen the sounds a Machine would hear.


After a minute I figured out that Samara was not home. I didn't want to stand outside where someone might see me that wasn't supposed to. If one member of The Net saw me there would be trouble as I would either be destroyed or reprogrammed.


I walked over to one of the windows and decided to get in that way. I figured that the door would be more trouble than the window. That's how Samara usually did things. After a few careful minutes I managed to open the window and got in a half second before security caught me. I looked around quickly to make sure that there weren't going to be any surprises for me.


Turning I saw a hidden camera that must've not raised anything since my skin was that of my old human body. Lucky that Samara didn't put much money on her camera or the fact that she couldn't stand killing anything that looked like me. But that last explanation was either too human or just plain illogical.


When I had checked out Samara's entire house for traps, I started looking at it in another way. I started to look for any pictures of her. I didn't expect much since those in Karma had a thing with secrecy. Or at least the better members did. And Samara was a very good member of Karma.


After going through all the pictures in the house I was calm with the knowledge that Samara hadn't taken another lover since my human body had died. At least I had a chance to be with her as I once was. But it would be difficult even if she did accept me as I didn't know how long I could cling onto my humanity. Though my thoughts of being with Samara made me almost forget my Machine side.


I found a place by the door and stood there. I didn't move at all and I didn't feel any reason to move. An hour later I heard a car pulling up in the driveway. Would it be Samara Crichton or someone who would kill me without thought? I waited and took my gun out just in case.


The door opened, there was a gasp, and Samara dropped her groceries. I tried to read a clear emotion on her face but couldn't. There was a mix of fear and joy along with a million other emotions. I remained silent.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Opening 2


A clip from Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, footage I filmed, and the song No Compliance by Delain.

If that version does not work, try this one:

The Prestige (2006)

Title: The Prestige

Director: Christopher Nolan

Based on the Book: The Prestige

Written By: Christopher Priest

Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Scarlett Johansson

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2006

Rating: 5/5

Oscars: Nominated for 2

Basic Plot: Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) kills Robert Angier's (Hugh Jackman) wife which starts a huge and dangerous rivalry.

The Twist Ending
The twist ending to this movie makes me love the movie even more. There is a lot of buildup to the ending with hints being dropped (that I was able to piece together for the most part). Some people were angry with the ending because it turned the movie into a science fiction film. I love science fiction films and the twist involves a very neat piece of science fiction.

The Cast is Amazing
Not only is this movie directed by Christopher Nolan and stars both Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, but it also has Tesla. Now, to a non-nerd this won't mean anything. But it's Tesla. Tesla really did exist and was eccentric. So a movie with Tesla is awesome on its own, but with Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale, and Hugh Jackman it makes it just beyond awesome.

Switching Time Periods
The only problem I have with this film is that it switches time periods without warning. It is very confusing when the film first starts. I grew used to it as the movie progressed but it still annoyed me.

Final Thoughts
This movie is a smart film and a very enjoyable ride. It should've done a lot better since the film quality is very good. The author of the book version of The Prestige SPECIFICALLY wanted Christopher Nolan to direct it. The movie is a very nice science fiction/mystery as well as a good look at the work of magicians.

Jash Draco


A little something for my roleplaying characters Jash Draco and Bob.

If that version does not work, try this one:

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Weekly Update: 9/3/2011

The Most Popular Way People Are Finding My Blog:
Google and Yahoo

Top 5 Posts This Week:

5: Predictions About Bucky Larson (jashycam 32)
I don't want to see this movie at all.
Views: 3

4: The Terminator (Part 5)
I give my final rating of The Terminator (1984).
Views: 3

3: Media-Slayer Shutting Down (jashycam 31)
My opinions on this really sudden decision.
Views: 4

2: The Dresden Files: Ghost Story (Jim Butcher)
Everyone needs to read this book!
Views: 5

1: Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
Very good movie. See it!
Views: 20

Falling Skies Season 1 (2011)

Warning: I missed one episode and the beginning of one but I have researched what I missed so it doesn't affect this review.

Show: Falling Skies

Season: 1

Episodes: 10

Developed By: Robert Rodat

Released: 2011

Rating: 4/5

Basic Plot: Aliens have taken over Earth and a small group of humans rebel.

The Alien Designs
Some of the alien designs aren't good. Unfortunately the Skitters/Cooties don't look that impressive and they are the main aliens shown in the series. Though they don't look impressive they sort of grew on me as the series progressed. The Mechs look good (they are the robots of the invading aliens). The creatures that "harness" the kids remind me of Yeerks a little. The coolest alien design in the show, so far, is the aliens who control the Skitters. They are large and just very creepy looking and I love it.

The Skitters Aren't The Ones in Control
The revelation that the Skitters aren't the ones in control was amazing to me. Throughout this season it seemed so obvious that the Skitters were the ones taking over. Now a question I would like to see answered is who the Skitters were originally and who the aliens controlling them really are.

The Differing Beliefs of the Humans
The humans aren't all in agreement on what to do. My favorite human group is one that sides with the Skitters and provides fresh children for them. The episodes that involved this plot line were interesting. Another big thing was Tom Mason's (Noah Wyle) and Captain Weaver's (Will Patton) disagreement that nearly leads to a full blown mutiny.

Final Thoughts
I'm a little biased in my review of Falling Skies Season 1 since I just adore alien invasion stories. This series provided a good pick of aliens and the look at how humans react to the alien invasion. Most of the episodes I wasn't on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next, but there were a few episodes where I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Limitless (2011)

Title: Limitless

Director: Neil Burger

Based on the Book: The Dark Fields (re-released under the title Limitless)

Written By: Alan Glynn

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Anna Friel, and Abbie Cornish

Rated: PG-13

Released: 2011

Rating: 4.5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a starving writer until he takes a drug.

The Movie is Different From the Trailers
The trailers make Limitless appear to be about Eddie Morra trying to beat off Robert De Niro's character. What the movie actually turns out to be is very different. The conversation you see between De Niro's character and Eddie is actually at the very end of the movie and doesn't really add to the plot that much.

NZT-48 (The Wonder Drug in the Movie)
What the drug does is just amazing. It seems to change everyone who takes it and turns them into their better self. Most of the people who take it once seem to grow addicted to it and can't stop. Of course, if you stop taking NZT-48 it does cause some serious problems for you. What I find interesting is that the girl Eddie is dating takes NZT-48 once and decides never to take it ever again.

Would I Take the Drug?
I would have to answer yes. It would cause a huge drug dependency on me and if I ever quit I could die. But I would love to take something that could make me a smarter person and what Eddie does in the movie is just amazing.

Final Thoughts
This movie is a very good Science Fiction movie in that the What If question is interesting. I had been wanting to see this movie for awhile. Bradley Cooper does a good job at dramatic acting (plus he looks hot). I might read the book that this movie is based on.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Predictions About Bucky Larson (jashycam 32)


In this video you will hear me rant about the upcoming movie Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star!

If that version does not work, try this one:

The Terminator (Part 5)


I say something shocking and finally rate the movie.

If that version does not work, try this version:

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sushi, Sake, and Tanuki: A New Leaf 2

I walked into Hijunaki's Throne Room and stood in front of him. Then I bowed very low. His presence filled the room with what felt like greatness. And, of course, his giant snake form.


"Yes, Hijunaki, what is it you wish of me?" I asked as politely as I could.


"Rig, you have certainly heard the rumors of the weather goddess Akumie coming to visit here?" Hijunaki asked me.


"Yes, I have."


"You have proven yourself to be someone I should not put my faith in." He paused. "However, I think this is a simple enough task to prove me wrong in that matter. I give you the task of guiding Akumie around my palace. If you do this task well you will become greater in my eyes. I might even let you take a journey outside of this palace."


I thought about it and decided that it was a simple enough task. Hijunaki would not want to mess up a meeting with a goddess so I doubted he'd be playing any tricks with me at this point.


"I am honored to be given this task and promise to show her only the best hospitality." I told him.


"I am sure of it." Hijunaki replied. "Before you go, I have heard your request from a few days ago. You seem to go through them pretty quickly."


When he finished speaking he signaled to someone standing in the shadows. Then a naked human woman came out. She wasn't one of the greatest ones that Hijunaki had made, but she did seem to be very pleasing to me.


"Thank you, Hijunaki." I bowed to my master and the woman followed me to my room.


When we entered I didn't dive in first thing. I found one of the most pleasing things to do was drag the moment on. Besides, I had something on my mind.


"I am going to guide a goddess around." I said and moved closer to the woman that Hijunaki probably hadn't put enough intelligence in to understand any type of speech. "I am going to rise up from my non-position and maybe get free of this place. Maybe the goddess will even reward me for a good job. And a goddess' backing will be a very good thing."


After that there were no words but only motions. The carnal motions of hungry bodies. She made the right sounds to show pleasure but that was something an animal could do.


Afterwards the woman disappeared and I went in the bath and washed up. As I cleaned up I thought about the carnal joy that I had opened up to, thanks to Katashi. But the human women that were given to me by Hijunaki weren't real enough. They did their job but they weren't truly real.


What would a goddess feel like? A goddess, if she felt the carnal joy I felt, would surely feel real in the act. Even if I displeased her I felt that true sex would be worth it. The thought formed uneasily in my mind but I let the memory of Katashi fill me.


When Katashi filled me I made my decision: I would pleasure Akumie in every way possible.