Justin talks with director Adrian Bobb and Producer Brian Quintero about their new short film "The Fore-Men." In “The Fore-Men” directed by Adrian Bobb, weeks after a mysterious time-compression event violently splices environments from the past and future into the present, two survivors encounter the foreboding figures responsible for the event and experience firsthand their sinister nature.
Read MoreBright Memory: Infinite, the high-octane, visually stunning first-person shooter made by indie developer FYQD Studio and published by PLAYISM, has landed on the batterfield on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Shoot and slash in fast-paced, acrobatic combat, deploying ferocious firearms, crisp sword skills and psychic powers to perform skillful combos. Square off against futuristic soldiers, beasts from Chinese mythology, and gigantic bosses that test special agent Shelia’s skills as she searches for the truth behind a bizarre black hole.
Read MoreHey guys, GGG here, I can finally talk about the all- new original live action series Paper Girls! Here's my Completely spoiler free thoughts on Season 1 of the Amazon Prime Series. (For a more detailed breakdown stay tuned for my written review)
In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves. While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves. Based on the best-selling graphic novels written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang, Paper Girls is a high-stakes personal journey depicted through the eyes of four girls, played by breakout leads Camryn Jones as Tiffany Quilkin, Riley Lai Nelet as Erin Tieng, Sofia Rosinsky as Mac Coyle, and Fina Strazza as KJ Brandman. Ali Wong also stars as the grown-up version of Erin, with Nate Corddry as Larry, and Adina Porter as Prioress.
River City Saga: Three Kingdoms offers players a unique experience set during China’s Three Kingdoms period and based on the popular Downtown Special: River City Historical Drama! game. The River City characters enter China’s Three Kingdoms period and take on roles set within the historical tale, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
Read MoreWhat destiny awaits them after the screaming? After abruptly departing from a train in a small town, a couple encounters a “weeping woman”—a professional mourner—sobbing inconsolably at a funeral. Mako changes afterward—she can’t stop crying! In another tale, having decided to die together, a couple enters Aokigahara, the infamous suicide forest.
Read MoreIn episode 21 of Otakus & Geeks. The women of O & G Ashley, Nadya and Lenni sit down and have a discussion on a variety of topics in the geek, gaming, and fandom world.
Read MoreThe latest Marvel Disney+ series not only stuck the landing but successfully introduced the teenage superhero into the MCU and to new audiences. Ms. Marvel is one of the strongest and highest rated disney plus shows, garnering rave reviews, with Iman Vellani deservingly claiming her position as the newest addition into the world of Marvel heroes.
Read More
courtesy of NETFLIX (Gosling); (EVans)
Following their immense Marvel success The Russo Brothers have once again teamed up with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to make the new action-thriller The Gray Man. The high-octane $200-million Netflix/AGBO produced film based on Mark Greaney’s novel drops on Netflix this Friday and is available in select theaters. The film stars Golden Globe nominee Ryan Gosling as CIA operative Court Gentry aka Sierra Six who goes toe to toe with former Captain America, (Chris Evans) who plays Lloyd Hansen, a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. This non-stop adrenaline rush is sure to wow audiences with its explosions, effects, and impressive stunt work although it isn't anything extraordinary or original.
When the CIA’s most skilled operative—whose true identity is known to none—
accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head,
setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.
The action-packed thriller is Gosling’s first venture with the Russo Brothers, and his return to mega- action blockbuster’s since his lead role in Blade Runner 2047. He plays the skilled operative Court Gentry aka Six, who we first get introduced to in a federal penitentiary. He is recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton) who he builds a father-son type relationship with over the years. Under Fitzroy, Six earns his ranking as one of the best agents in the covert program known as Sierra, making a name for himself while remaining hidden in the shadows. Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death, but now the tables have turned as he becomes the target, hunted internationally by psychopath Lloyd Hansen.
“The Gray Man” Sierra program is an unofficial government sanctioned operation that recruits nameless assassins and offers them limited sentences in exchange for a lifelong commitment. These assets are chosen for certain skill-sets, a lack of family and lack of morality. After years of loyalty to the program Sierra Six is now targeted by the agency currently run by the entitled and whiny Denny Carmichael (Regé-Jean Page). Six is now on the run as he has something they want, which is the only thing keeping him alive. In a web of co-conspiracies and competitors, Six doesn't kill for pleasure or a price, unlike the other deadly assassins currently hunting him. He also has to save a kid in the process, who Carmichael has kidnapped as collateral.
NETFLIX: Court Gentry (Gosling)
“It’s really the first time in his life that he’s had any kind of power. He was powerless as a child to a very domineering father, he was powerless to the prison system and then powerless to the CIA. So, even though everything is very cinematic and the stakes are heightened, his story is very relatable in a way because all he really wants is to have some kind of control over himself and over his own life.” - Gosling
Gosling is badass, sarcastic and makes being an assassin look like a walk in the park. He has a natural presence on screen that keeps viewers captivated and cheering him on. The movie delves into his past ever so slightly, with just enough insight into why his life has gone down this path of mayhem. Aside from that we don't know much about his character which adds to the mystery of Sierra Six.
“Extra 10 lol to the first guy to put a bullet in this Ken dolls brain “ - Lloyd Hansen
Evans reunites with the Russo Bros. but this time as the villain, Former CIA recruit Lloyd Hansen, who lasted only five-and-a-half months with the agency before being dismissed for unauthorized torture and lack of impulse control. A free-agent assassin, he torments his targets for sport. Hired by Carmichael, a former schoolmate, to hunt the Gray Man, he’s never learned to play nicely with others and enjoys tormenting people. His character is unbelievable, outrageous and oh that ridiculous stache, but it works! Evans is hilarious as the compulsive, hothead, and psychopathic loose cannon that cannot be contained. He is extremely impulsive, has no ethics whatsoever, and condones all kinds of unsanctioned torture. He goes on a wild and menacing goose chase to hunt down his prey (Six) with an insane amount of collateral. Gosling and Evans are so thoroughly entertaining and work magic together as the hostile adversaries.
Evans on playing Lloyd
“Lloyd is at his most dangerous when he’s at his most friendly.”
“My mustache! [Laughs] What can I say? Certain characters just come to life through something simple, whether it’s wardrobe or a prop. The second that we cut that mustache I was like 'Oh there he is, there’s this psycho.'
But seriously, I’m excited for audiences to see Ryan in a true action movie and to have so many good characters and so many good performances and to blend those worlds of action and drama.”
Ana de Armas reunites with both her co-stars from Blade Runner 2049 (Gosling), and Knives Out (Evans) in the all-star studded film. She plays Dani Miranda, a smart and kickass agent who helps Six with his mission, however the movie does little to show any sort of range of her acting chops. She is very one-dimensional and doesn't get much time to shine aside from being a typical pretty sidekick. They could have given her character more depth and played with the possibility of her being a rogue agent or a key operative more.
NETFLIX Page, Armas
Regé-Jean Page plays the toxic misogynistic power hungry and entitled Agency Group Chief Denny Carmichael, but unfortunately Page also comes off as just another attractive face thrown in the mix. Denny is incredibly whiny, throws temper tantrums and complains a lot. His character is very stereotypical as the new head honcho in charge, who has a power-trip and is clearly hiding something. What the film fails to show is exactly what that is, it is kind of brushed over very quickly- the typical overt ops, conspiracies and cover-ups in a minute of uncovered footage. The film could have made him a little more menacing.
The Russo brothers certainly raised the bar for blockbuster filmmaking in artistry, scope, and box office returns with their string of MCU properties. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019), which in addition to concluding the “Avengers saga” racked up numerous industry records, including Biggest Single-Day Gross, Highest-Grossing Opening Weekend, and Highest-Grossing Film of All Time.” (netflix)
Without a doubt this is visually a Russo brothers movie, with its incredible cinematography, wide- angle shots, globe-trotting and impressive stunt work. There was loads of action, great hand-to-hand combat/gunplay and some memorable action scenes. Overall, the movie is a lot of fun but it is unoriginal and brings nothing new to the spy-action genre. It lacked any actual detective work, espionage, or smarts. It displays concepts we've seen over and over again- the unrealistic jump out of a burning plane scene, the jump off a moving train onto your buddies car scene, and even somewhat similar premises to movies like the Bourne series and Looper.
From a storytelling standpoint it generally keeps it safe and some jokes just don't land. It is not quite original and lacks its own identity. The colors scheme is vibrant neon reminiscent of the visuals of the John Wick franchise, although this was aesthetically pleasing as they traveled around the world showcasing different countries and backdrops. The third act and very last scene were unanticipated but not in a good way. It seems as if they tried to make it a common theme “just another Thursday '' but it just didn’t stick as the last escape was unrealistic, frivolous and unnecessary. The film featured mediocre storytelling, and a lot of things just don’t entirely make sense.
The Gray Man is a fun high-octane, non-stop adrenaline rush full of vibrant colors, explosions and some of the most attractive faces in Hollywood. It’s a considerably solid movie that plays it safe, the story and the dialogue can be a little silly, but ultimately we’re watching for the ass-kicking.
THE GRAY MAN RELEASES GLOBALLY ON NETFLIX ON JULY 22, 2022
Ground Divers! is an excavation action puzzle game. Players will guide the clumsy robot Tsuruhashi as he struggles to stay awake to defeat the enemies lurking around every corner, while also searching for rare matter slumbering deep underground in this strategic roguelike game like no other!
Read More“Whatever it takes” .. The Boys team up once again as they embark on a mission to take down Vought and the uncontrollable self-absorbed super-maniac Homelander (Antony Starr). If you're worried about the season not living up to its predecessors, do not panic. The show's shock value has in no way diminished with its “Ant-man”
Read MoreEnter the court and get ready for a brand-new title that delivers authentic gameplay and an immersive tennis experience. As a modern tennis simulation, Matchpoint – Tennis Championships features an extensive career mode and a unique rivalry system.
Read MoreStruggling with life and society, high school student Michio Kaga wanders about the Internet and lands on an odd website. The website, featuring a number of questions and a point based system, allows one to create skills and abilities for a character. Upon completing his character, Kaga was transported to a game-like fantasy world and reborn as a strong man who can claim idol-level girls. Thus begins the cheat and harem legend of a reborn man!
Read MoreA boy and a girl started dating in middle school. They were lovey-dovey at first, but due to a misunderstanding over something trivial, they started feeling more frustration than excitement... In the end, they broke up when they graduated.
Read MoreAccused of arson and the murders of 21 people, protagonist Sengoku Shunju is forced to fight for his freedom and prove his innocence. As one of six Prisoners, he must pair up with one of five victims, referred to as Executioners, within the confines of the strange and secluded amusement park known as Yurukill Land.
Read MoreWOWOW, Japan’s leading premium pay TV broadcaster, is making a live-action spin-off TV series from the hugely popular anime series “Yatterman.”
Read MoreOne of the most popular and widely played RPGs in the world, Dungeon and Fighter is now back as a 2.5D action fighting game. Choose from 10 charming characters, each with their own distinct skills and personalities. Outsmart, outplay, or downright beat up your opponents and become the master of the Ultimate Will.
Read MoreWhat would it really be like to meet an alternate version of yourself, another you who had made different choices and lived a completely different life as a result?
Read MoreOtakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original.
You can check my coverage HERE: http://www.otakusandgeeks.com/articles/2022/6/21/tribeca-games-spotlight-all-the-extraordinary-video-games-at-the-2022-tribeca-games-showcase/author
The games featured in the gallery include:
-American Arcadia (Out of the Blue Studios / Raw Fury)
-As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios)
-The Cub (Demagog Studio / Untold Tales)
-Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course (Studio MDHR)
-IMMORTALITY (Half Mermaid)
-OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (Night School Studio / Netflix)
-A Plague Tale: Requiem (Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment)
-Thirsty Suitors (Outerloop Games / Annapurna Interactive)
-Venba (Visai Games)
As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios) Drama, Thriller *Mature
Watch Trailer HERE: https://vimeo.com/702537117
Available on July 19, 2022
Otakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original. A game that completely caught my attention is the new thriller “As Dusk Falls” coming from X-Box Studios, this game is going to be a literal game-changer. You can check more of my TRIBECA coverage HERE: http://www.otakusandgeeks.com/article...
As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT that explores the entangled lives of two families across thirty years. Starting in 1998 with a robbery-gone-wrong in small town Arizona, the choices you make have a powerful impact on the characters’ lives in this uncompromising story of betrayal, sacrifice and resilience.
The cinematic story is brought to life by the performance of actors that are digitally rendered into a beautiful art style, creating a unique experience that plays like a motion graphic novel.
Reveal insights about yourself and those you play with as you discover the underlying values of your decisions in cooperative gameplay with up to 8 players at a time, locally or online (or a mix).*
*Courtesy of XBOX Game Studios/ Microsoft
Intense Violence, Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Crude Humor
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Developer
INTERIOR/NIGHT
Genre
Interactive Drama
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox One
Windows 10/11
Otakus and Geeks got to attend the Tribeca Press Preview days for Tribeca Games and experience playable demos of the upcoming featured games. This year’s Festival features 9 official Games selections that demonstrate phenomenal storytelling, art, and innovation through interactive experiences. Festival goers will be the first to experience a playable Games Gallery at Spring Studios, featuring demos, art, and artifacts for this year’s selections, which include: American Arcadia, As Dusk Falls, The Cub, Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course, IMMORTALITY, OXENFREE II: Lost Signals, A Plague Tale: Requiem, Thirsty Suitors and Venba.
I got to play and experience each of these game selections, and also speak with some of the creators. Every single one of these games was intriguing, well- thought out and completely original. A game that completely caught my attention is the new thriller “As Dusk Falls” coming from X-Box Studios, this game is going to be a literal game-changer.
You can check my coverage here!
Check out all of the Tribeca Games Selections Below:
Tribeca Games at the Tribeca Festival celebrates the convergence of games, entertainment and culture, highlighting the storytelling, art and innovation of games. Tribeca champions every frontier in the art of storytelling, and video games are at the forefront of pushing narrative to ever greater heights.
Our advisory board of visionary leaders in both the film and games industry champion Tribeca’s power in shaping the future of games as a powerful form of storytelling.
The festival kicked off with the Tribeca Games Spotlight, a digital showcase featuring exclusive gameplay and creator interviews from Tribeca’s official selections co-hosted by Janina Gavankar, Rahul Kohli, and Abubakar Salim. (June 10th) www.tribecafilm.com/games
American Arcadia (Out of the Blue Studios / Raw Fury)
Action, Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Technology
Welcome to Arcadia! A 70s retro-futuristic metropolis where all of its citizens enjoy a life of luxury and comfort… unaware that they’re being broadcast live 24/7! Arcadia is not an ordinary city, but the most-watched reality show on the planet—where a drop in popularity ratings comes at the highest cost: death. Uncover the truth and escape with your life from a televised utopia in Out of the Blue’s brand new puzzle platformer game.
As Dusk Falls (INTERIOR/NIGHT / Xbox Game Studios)
Drama, Thriller *Mature
As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT that explores the entangled lives of two families across thirty years. Starting in 1998 with a robbery-gone-wrong in small town Arizona, the choices you make have a powerful impact on the characters’ lives in this uncompromising story of betrayal, sacrifice and resilience.
The Cub (Demagog Studio / Untold Tales)
Action, Environmental, Music, Science Fiction
Welcome to Earth after The Great Climate Catastrophe, where only the ultra-rich managed to evacuate to Mars. Decades have passed and those on Mars venture back to Earth to collect specimens like a safari hunt. As the Cub, a mutant orphan immune to the toxins that killed off most of humanity, players will be relentlessly hunted by a science expedition and must run to safety amongst the ruins of Earth. Featuring an original soundtrack program, Radio Nostalgia from Mars.
Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course (Studio MDHR)
Animation, Action
Another helping of classic Cuphead action awaits you in Cuphead - The Delicious Last Course. Brothers Cuphead and Mugman are joined by the clever, adventurous Ms. Chalice for a rollicking adventure on a previously undiscovered Inkwell Isle. With the aid of new weapons, magical charms, and Ms. Chalice’s unique abilities, assist the jolly Chef Saltbaker and take on a new cast of fearsome, larger-than-life bosses in Cuphead’s final challenging quest.
IMMORTALITY (Half Mermaid Productions)
Experimental, Horror, Thriller, Art, Mystery *Mature
Marissa Marcel was a film star. She made three movies. But none of the movies were ever released. And then Marissa Marcel disappeared.
After discovering rare footage from her three lost movies—Ambrosio (1968), Minsky (1970) and Two of Everything (1999)—award winning Game Director Sam Barlow (Her Story, Telling Lies) has assembled an interactive trilogy in which players can explore the legend of Marissa Marcel through her work.
OXENFREE II: Lost Signals (Night School Studio / Netflix)
Animation, Drama, Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery
OXENFREE II: Lost Signals is the mind-bending follow-up to the critically-acclaimed narrative adventure game OXENFREE from Night School Studio. In the small coastal town of Camena, unnaturally occurring electromagnetic waves are causing interference with electrical and radio equipment. Reluctantly, Riley Poverly returns to her hometown to investigate the mystery. What she finds is more than she bargained for.
A Plague Tale: Requiem (Asobo Studio / Focus Entertainment)
Horror, Action, Women, Drama, Thriller, Mystery
This direct sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence follows Amicia and her brother Hugo on a heartrending journey into a breathtaking, brutal medieval world twisted by supernatural forces as they discover the cost of saving loved ones in a desperate struggle for survival. Strike from the shadows or unleash hell, and overcome foes and challenges with a variety of weapons, tools, and unearthly powers. A Plague Tale : Requiem will be released in 2022 on consoles and PC.
Thirsty Suitors (Outerloop Games / Annapurna Interactive)
Action, Women, Comedy, Drama, LGBTQIA, Romance, Asian Diaspora Stories
Jala is a young woman returning home for her sister’s wedding and confronting her past. With wildly varied gameplay, Jala will fight skate punks, random suitors, and ultimately, her exes, in the ultimate battle to heal old hurts and ignite new truths, bringing Jala closer to understanding what she wants from her future. Can she learn to love herself and heal the wounds of her past?
Venba (Visai Games)
Animation, Experimental, Food, Asian Diaspora Stories
Venba is a narrative cooking game centered around an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Players will cook various dishes, restore lost recipes, engage in branching conversations, and explore a story about family, love, loss and more.
Banner images provided by Classic Sailing or GollyGforce, for demo purposes only. Powered by Squarespace
