Rev-Boy's Flicks

God of War

2008-05-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

Ok this isn't quite a big screen production or movie (yet ... I hope) ... but it is still a flick (defined : A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement).

The God of War video games series is often hailed to have more production value, depth of story and connection with the audience than most films out there even now have. I have to agree. This is all besides being one of the best games (series) of all time.

It is simply (actually "simply" is an understatement ... but only for comparison's sake to movies) a video game with very very cool in game cut scenes, either 3D rendered or full motion and a magnificently compelling story behind it. Also, I so very very dig it. So it's here :)

Kratos is a warring Spartan (that's him up there ... he don't look like King Leonidas or Gerard Butler) who, in a shocking defeat had to pledge loyalty to the Greek God of War, Ares ... in order to save his life, and gain superior power over his enemies. Thus opens a plot filled with inner-struggle, revenge, Greek myths, legends, conspiracy and more.

Like I said, there's no real movie out yet, and since I've never owned a PS2 console or played the game enough to have seen every movie in game, I had to rely on the folks from Speed Demos Archives who recorded the entire game in one of their speed runs.

Let's run that Flick-o-metre.

Rating :
8.0 out of 10 flicks (I'll throw in another flick if they make the movie)

Best Part :
Boss fights!! Every boss fight is a work of art that could match Hollywood's freakiest fantasy or sci-fi works. To add to that, the whole story of a renegade mortal against a Greek God is appealing.

Worst Part :
Long ... but what do you expect from a video game ? You do pay more than a movie ticket for it, y'know. But truth be said, the length is not a complaint.

Should Have :
More hero characters, instead of being centred on just one guy.

For Keeps :
Like I said, it's not a movie, but I know I'll be keeping my copy of the speed run, until something better comes along (refer next point).

Sequel :
Bring it on! The game has span up to 3 sequels, prequels and spin-offs to date, with God of War 3 video game rumoured to be next. However, let's talk Hollywood ; it has been indicated that Universal would be behind the big screen adaptation of God of War, where possibly Kratos is played by Djimon Hounsou (Constantine, Blood Diamond).

Now THAT is a movie to look out for. If any video-game-to-big-screen adaptation is to make it big and "gangsta", it would be this one.

Ironman

2008-05-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed every bit of it.

Ironman is a well balanced action flick. It had a simple but relevant plot, it had humor, it had cool tech scene, smooth CG, more humor ... and though it was a good 2 hours long, it didn't feel long at all.

Tony Stark, sells weapons big time, gets caught by terrorist who wants his help with weapons, he doesn't just give in, and soon controversy reveals and a eventually very nice looking Ironman (looked better than in the animation or comics).

Here's my flick-meter's readings:

Rating :
8.5 out of 10 flicks

Best Part :
Ironman's first complete full body assembly, marvelous. Kinda reminds me of the Starcraft 2 announcement CGI movie. I could just watch this part over and over again.

Worst Part :
Too short a final confrontation sequence.

Should Have :
I can't think of any immediate ones, other than a longer final battle sequence ; twice as long with more brains vs. brawn tactics thrown in.

For Keeps :
Get the DVD when it's out, even if there are no extras (but who am I kidding, of course there be extras). One of the best Marvel to big screen adaptations, even if you think Spiderman is the only true hero in the Marvel world.

Sequel :
Can't wait. But for now, you Marvel fans, look out for The Incredible Hulk, not the 2003 one. Can't get enough of Marvel ? See if The Avengers eventually hits the big screens.

I had a wonderful Labour Day break, thank you ; Marvel, Jon Favreau, Robert Downey Jr. and gang. You know I actually had to sell 2 of my spare tickets to strangers before watching this movie :)

[added 02/05/2008 14:50]

Stay tuned until after the credits for some indication of, aforementioned, The Avengers, and an appearance by another star/character related to Ironman, but didn't appear in the entire movie, until this last bit.

All About Flicks I've Watched ... Not Necessarily Enjoyed

2008-05-01T02:32:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I started a blog (again) ... and tried to wanna keep it active. But I realised soon that I was doing that good a job keeping it active. Perhaps having some personal passion on a focus topic would help.

If you know me, you'd know I practically invest a good segment of my life with movies, tv shows, films ... you know ... so why not blog about the stuff I've watched. And how else to start it, with the advent of summer of 2008 in the USA when loads of films hit the big screens.

So I thought about a name ... revvywood, hollyrev, rev-films ... nah too corny. Better keep it simple.

flicks : A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement.

I present to you, Rev-Boy's Flicks.

Enjoy ... and I pray this stays active.

** thinks ** : I wanna display a logo or something but I don't even have one.