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Popcorn-Sized Movie Reviews: Inception and Scott Pilgrim

Here are two popcorn-sized movie reviews (in 250 words or less) you can read on the go.

87% on Rotten Tomatoes

Everybody dreams, in one meaning of the word or another, and most people are familiar with the beliefs surrounding them: for example, when you fall in your dreams, you die, or in the case of Inception, you wake up.

Innovative director Christopher Nolan, a visionary of our time, takes a basic idea like dreaming and fashions it into a whirlwind of cinematography and storytelling. With expertly shot camera work and a well-rounded cast plucked from various movie genres, Nolan delivers a film that, while low on typical Hollywood excitement, pulls you into its building momentum of a dream within a dream within a dream in which a crew of mind hackers attempt the perhaps unachievable: the inception of an idea.

On screen, Inception lays down the groundwork of everything that’s universal about dreams, and from there spirals into an intelligent film that ticks like clockwork in its excellence and self-control. Romance, drama, suspense, action, and a dab of comedy engulf Nolan’s best production yet, a classic mind-bending film that refuses to stands still and always impresses with its masterful design and thoughtful progression.

Also, Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t smother the movie, so tween fangirls, steer clear.

81% on Rotten Tomatoes

Pop culture might infuse Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, which stars the one-note Michael Cera and adapts the popular Oni Press series by Brian Lee O’Malley, but the film promises a richer time that breaks through any audience limitations.

Despite its hit-or-miss humor (especially during the beginning third), Scott Pilgrim brings a surprising charm that wins over moviegoers with its heartfelt story and colorful visuals. Easing into its groove once the ambitious Sex Bob-Omb band member Scott lays his eyes on dream girl Ramona Flowers, the movie sets a fun and knowingly silly beat. The real surprise is the movie’s nicely choreographed and energetic fight scenes, which never feel sloppy camera-wise and allow viewers to easily follow each kick and punch and K.O. to its dramatic finish.

The acting could use some polish, feeling painfully amateur at times, but each character quickly gains a comfortable, though often short-lived, place in the movie. The highlights-knocking power blast of indie music songs and hipster flair trumps any awkward first impressions. Scott Pilgrim might have short-fused at the box office, but it wraps up as an endearing story and a good flick that creatively blends comics and video games with broken hearts and love at first sight.

Want more popcorn-sized movie reviews, low on fat but with all that buttery goodness? Let me know!

Tags: Christopher Nolan, Edgar Wright, Inception, Michael Cera, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
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GameCube Review: Resident Evil

The first generation of Resident Evil helped pave the survival horror road, a genre dripping with dismembered limbs, peeling wallpaper, blood-ruined luxury carpets, and heaps of empty shotgun shells. As members of Raccoon City’s homegrown Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.), Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and their surviving teammates escape the slobbering jaws of zombie dogs roaming the Arklay Mountains only to enter a reclusive mansion full of locked doors, instant death traps, and unsightly horrors. The original spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, both successful and embarrassing, but the GameCube remake of the classic gem stands as one of gaming’s most well-aged, graphically gorgeous wonders. Zombies have never looked so good.

Directing their painstaking attention to finer details, the developers transform the cobwebbed nooks and crannies of the mansion/ultra super secret Umbrella lab into a decor more haunting and clever than before. The spooky atmosphere permeates throughout the mansion interior and the surrounding grounds as new puzzles replace weary ones, and undiscovered locations open their poorly oiled gates. The menus taking a hint from the later REs, maps color “unexplored” rooms, those that still harbor items or herbs, for determined perfectionists and confused stragglers alike. For unknown reasons, though, gamers are still forced to rely on their scrambled memories when determining which key goes to which random red door on their multi-story mansion map.

While the beret-wearing Jill and the slightly less muscular Chris sport a few new moves, including a 180-degree quick turn and fancy stairs running, like in the original, they approach movable objects with an overly sensitive grace. The steep difficulty curve between the initial two modes can intimidate first-timers, as well.

On the other hand, new defensive items make countering unwelcome ambushes a cinch, especially in tight hallways with lots of easily shattered windows. Even the undead receive a complimentary face-lift, bumping up the difficulty a notch or two. Various unlockables, such as costumes and different endings, boost the replay value, and savvy gamers will note the enhanced music and sound.

Although the altered puzzles and extra scares fit neatly into the original’s code of fear, most fall flat in comparison with parts left untouched. The game’s plot, for instance, has been reworked and expanded, and some of long-time fans’ favorite cheesy lines have been removed or somehow made sillier (in a bad way).

Better controls and breathtaking visuals certainly polish the original Resident Evil‘s sparkle, but the storyline, devoid of the humorous and garish flair that made the game endearing in the first place, is guaranteed to bore both veteran S.T.A.R.S. affiliates and newcomers. 9/10

Tags: Capcom, GameCube, Nintendo, Resident Evil
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PS1 Review: Threads of Fate

In a world where aeons (err, [relics]) hold unimaginable power, a spoiled princess with a phobia of pumpkins and itch for world domination and a humble shape-shifter with modest intentions meet in a bumbling little town. As they race for Valen’s relic, the ultimate aeon, the two magically bestowed adventurers pummel thievish pirates, explore ancient ruins, and best a mighty dragon. Wrap two stories, one lighthearted and the other redemptive, in one action RPG/platformer, and Threads of Fate is born.

Japan recognizes Square’s sorely underplayed creation (released here in 2000) as Dewprism, a game drizzled with role-playing elements and rife with personality. Clocking in at around fifteen hours, Threads of Fate engages players in a satisfying romp through dungeons and other fantasy locales. After choosing between the magician-in-training Mint and Rue, a mysterious and driven young man, players arrive at the central hub of Carona, and from there embark on a linear path rich with humor.

Although Mint develops her magical prowess along the way, Rue can transform into the monsters he encounters. Simplistic, non-obtrusive puzzles guarding rare treasure, the heroes must implement a different approach to overcome the challenges embedded within the picturesque environments. Indeed, the graphics have lasted well past their shelf life. Vibrant colors fill the screen, and catchy music adds a fun flair.

Since Mint and Rue can take a generous amount of damage before calling it quits, the game’s design adapts quite flexibly to the player’s skill level, the battle system ensuring that players build their stats without grinding. For perfectionists, extra opportunities periodically surface to boost core stats.

While the manageable but limited number of areas, side quests, and characters creates a wholesome and easygoing mini RPG, the world ends up restricted with little reason to revisit places besides collecting a missed item or two. Although magic is intuitive, players will be hard-pressed to exploit the variety available. With the exception of the aforementioned in-game puzzles, enemies have relatively non-specific weaknesses, so magic goes to waste.

Any head-scratching moments that crop up subside quickly, but one wonders whether this is due to the tight world. For such a small town, Carona poorly utilizes its services: The tavern, church, and Hobbs’ shop justify a stark handful of visits combined, Marco’s shop is always understocked, and the rare item buyers curiously disappear when they’re most needed. With a short list of areas to investigate, players won’t be stuck for long.

Though streamlined and entertaining at first, eventually the story and dialogue begin to drag, restating the same old ideas. Nonetheless, the dynamic aned quirky characters interact wonderfully, every scene comes to life, and the consistently interesting bosses fight fair. Two quests means at least a moderate replay level, but with this game’s charm, you’ll want to bash pumpkins and play with cute Poppul Purrels all day long. 8/10

Tags: Action RPG, Dewprism, Platformer, PlayStation, Square Electronic Arts, Threads of Fate
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PC Review: Silent Hill 2: Director’s Cut

As the most acclaimed of the series, Silent Hill 2, much like protagonist James Sunderland, shoulders a considerable burden. After nine years, do the mannequins and geometric monsters still emerge from the woodwork as viciously as before? Revisiting that “special place” should fill any gaps in memory. I plugged in a PS3 controller and loaded the PC version, companion to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox editions.

What You’ll Like

Turn Left on Nathan Avenue

Restless Dreams blankets players with the town’s looming isolation. The sirens, otherworlds, and even the staple flashlight and radio slowly drop into the player’s lap. Between Sunderland’s impeccable map-keeping abilities and the direct tactic of gameplay, players can navigate Silent Hill without breaking too much of a sweat. Memorable, unique architecture distinguishes key locations, and the heavy atmosphere complements the dreary wallpaper settings. Akira Yamaoka’s outstanding musical score and his fifty-plus sound effects provide each moment a haunting undercurrent.

Of Special Interest

Although James often pines over his late wife, even he enjoys a good puzzle—and so will the player. In addition to the several gameplay modes, selecting the riddle difficulty ensures a manageable experience. Logical and fair, the puzzles occasionally call for pen and paper solutions, but the clues rarely stump for long.

Fighting, split between light and heavy attacks, proves an equally satisfying affair, and James can target different enemies with a quick tap. A little exploration returns a big profit, as the game packs surpluses of ammo and health into its nooks and crannies. Keeping the flashlight shining will attract James’ attention to any noteworthy item, as well.

You Say Mary; I Say Maria

Silent Hill 2 gushes with more than blood: It writes the book on psychological horror. Voice-acting striking a reasonable chord, the dynamic characters interact purposefully with James throughout the gradually developing story, which is topped with a grand reveal. The clever scares, second only to the intelligent psychology manipulating them, lure players deeper into James’ mentality.

Pyramid Head, who has become the series’ go-to icon, triumphs as an unsettling antagonist, goading players onward through paranoia.

“Born from a Wish” places the seductive Maria in the midst of a haunted mansion. The extra scenario offers a less engaging run-around and little incentive other than a deeper look into Maria’s character, which interested players can appreciate.

What You Won’t Like

Look Sharp

Sometimes the game’s eerie perspectives enhance the frightful effect. In many cases, though, the stubborn camera controls inhibit exploration and acts as a nuisance, particularly upon entering rooms. James’ health meter also suffers from poor construction. Except for the unmistakable red health sign that appears when James is about to keel over, the static distortions viewable from the inventory screen give a lazy estimate of his overall status.

Recommendation: Rewarding and gripping, Silent Hill 2 expertly handles its love story bridled with horror. A solid game, players will find themselves venturing through the fog more than once, minor inconveniences doing little to dent the impressive experience. Few will forget the terror waiting among James Sunderland’s memories … unless they can’t bear to remember. 9/10

Review format credited to the Girls Entertainment Network

Tags: Akira Yamaoka, Creature Lab, Director's Cut, Konami, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Restless Dreams, Silent Hill, Team Silent, Xbox
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Resonance of Fate

Most dissatisfying game ever! At least Nolan North provided me hours of entertainment voicing Vashyron, the only truly worthwhile character. Except maybe Pater. And that “A Letter for My Girl!” guy with the cheesy, upraised fist.

Bullets fly in SEGA’s steampunk RPG Resonance of Fate (End of Eternity in Japan), but the game’s unique battle system and machine-heavy, glimmering world only take developer tri-Ace’s innovation so far. Chances are the aerobatic gunplay will break not only your screen, but also your patience.

You can read my full review of Resonance of Fate now at OneMetal.

Tags: End of Eternity, OneMetal, Resonance of Fate, RPG, Sega, tri-Ace
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Spawn Kill Favorites: Resident Evil 2

“Ada, wait!” Before las Plagas, there were zombies. Ankle-dragging, brain-hungry zombies, the undead who waited behind corners and inside lockers, hoping an unlucky S.T.A.R.S. member or even some exhausted shop owner with a shotgun would walk straight into their open arms. Hey, it happens. Resident Evil 2 is proof.

When it comes to horror video games, Resident Evil tops the chart, nails the head shots, and splatters the screen with blood and gore. Although the popular series changed its mainstream viral formula with the “action horror” award-winner Resident Evil 4, fans still consider the second game a hot favorite. Leon S. Kennedy may be a teenage girl’s knight in zombie gut-stained armor now, but he wasn’t always such a looker who rolled with Umbrella’s punches as slickly as the bad puns and bingo jokes. Once upon a time in Raccoon City, he was a rookie cop whose first day on the job ended in city-wide decimation. He slogged through grimy sewers, followed a corporation’s blood trail, befriended Redfield’s sister … and fell for one dangerous lady in red.

Interested in the full retro review? Click here and read it on Spawn Kill.

Tags: Capcom, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, PC, PlayStation, PlayStation Network, Resident Evil 2
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Review: Yippee Ki-Yay Moviegoer

Two thumbs up for movies! Who doesn’t love ‘em? Well, I guess old school reading elitists, and people who despise Hollywood idiocy … okay, I’m not making a very convincing defense of movies, but I do adore them, generally speaking. And so does Vern, Ain’t It Cool News writer and long-time moviegoer. Recently he put together and shipped off to Titan Books a new paperback that collects over eighty film reviews and essays.

Moviegoers, hold that popcorn; cinema lovers, be kind and pause; amateur and professional film critics, move over because the Seattle familiar and internet scribe popularly known as “Vern” has once again entered the literary arena, widening the scope of film studies with his intense and utterly entertaining new book.

Two years after publicizing Seagalogy: A Study of the Ass-Kicking Films of Steven Seagal, Vern returns to Titan Books to channel his energy into another instant hit: “Yippee Ki-Yay Moviegoer!”: Writings on Bruce Willis, Badass Cinema, and Other Important Topics. The frequent Ain’t It Cool News website contributor packages more than a love for ’80s action movie icons like Bruce Willis and Clint Eastwood into his roughly 400-page monster, a lovechild of his movie career that spans film generations and traces genre and actor legacies. Always insightful, Vern groups his eighty-plus reviews into thematic sections, dedicated to such topics as the warrior code and masculinity, society, the near pornographic (or downright disturbing), summer blockbusters, and various other oddball trends. Sifting through little known or foreign gems (several of them still only available on VHS) and then grazing more mainstream classics, Vern’s collection offers a well-rounded film education: He focuses his attention on such titles as Enter the Ninja, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Knightriders, Brokeback Mountain, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Zoo, The Gingerdead Man, and Yojimbo, to name a handful.

Read the full review at OneMetal.

Tags: Titan Books, Vern, Yippee Ki-Yay Moviegoer
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