Batman V Superman: Who Will Win Review

The Official Movie Game for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.  Mankind faces a new threat as darkness falls on Gotham and Metropolis. A personal vendetta has been made, side between Batman or Superman to set the record straight. Race against time and go the distance. Dodge obstacles, collect power-ups and battle against your opponent. Who Will Win is an endless runner and the Official Movie Game for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Fear The Walking Dead: BLU-RAY Special Edition Review

Set in Los Angeles, California, the series follows a dysfunctional family composed of high school guidance counselor Madison Clark, her English teacher boyfriend Travis Manawa, her daughter Alicia, her drug-addicted son Nick, and Travis' son from a previous marriage, Chris, at the onset of the zombie apocalypse. They must either revamp themselves or cling to their deep flaws as they come to terms with the impending collapse of civilization.

Fear The Walking Dead is the prequel to hit series on AMC “The Walking Dead.” The Blu-Ray/DVD will be released tomorrow March 22nd on 2016 and if you’re a fan of the franchise this is a must buy. One thing I really like about the show it’s more focus on the characters more than the actual event. This is the birth of the zombie apocalypse and what is happening to the people around it. The pacing of the show is much slower than The Walking Dead. However the build up to the actual event is intense, engaging and scary at times. Characters like Madison Clark played greatly by Kim Dickens and Travis Manawa by Cliff Curtis. The show focuses mostly on how the citizens and family are dealing with this epicdeimic. It’s more of a personal story surrounding these characters. While the zombie apocalypse is on the horizon you still get real human drama to the story. Such as Alicia the daughter of Madison who is going through her teenage girl phase. Nick who has a drug addiction and the relationship between Travis, his son and his ex-wife all comes together. The focus more on the human dynamic of the people around the beginning of this epidemic is a big focal point. In these six episodes questions are raised but not all are explain. Overall the first six episodes are great.

The Blu-Ray Special Edition is pack with special features that give fans a more in depth look at the show. Which I really enjoyed.

Pilot Episode: The Widescreen Version - For those who likes more of the Widescreen format for the television show. The special feature has the entire pilot in widescreen. I actually like the pilot in this format. It felt more like a movie.

Inside Fear The Walking Dead: This feature has the actors and executive producers breaking down the overall plot, characterization of each episode. Each section is about 4 to 6 minutes long. If you like more of information on how actors see the characters from each episode or just want a more in depth overview. This is a great section.

Fear The Beginning: This another more in depth look at actors and executive producers perspective on characters and story line.

Five Things You Need To Survive: This was a very fun special feature where the cast gives a list of 5 things they will need to survive.  Spoiler alert Cliff Curtis needs positive music with him. I can agree with that. You will need something uplifting during the zombie apocalypse.

Locations LA & Vancouver : The cast and executive producers talk about shooting in locations LA & Vancouver. This was one of my favorite features. Not only does the feature gives us a behind the scenes look at the filming. We get a better understanding of why LA was chosen for the show and how certain interior scenes were film for the show. As someone who thinks that the setting is a character in itself. It was great to here an explanation of how LA was the choice location and why.

Other special features such as Quarantined, The Faces of Fear and The Infected offer more looks into the show. There is also some delete scenes which I did enjoyed I just wish there was an indication on what episodes it was deleted from. My favorite special feature is Stunts and Anarchy. This gives a behind the scenes look at how certain stunts were done like Nick car hit from the pilot. Overall the special edition is nicely put together. You get an in depth look at the show, great audio commentary with some great behind scenes stories and the show is great. 

Final Score 4/5

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LoveLive! School idol festival (Mobile Game Review)

Japan's most popular rhythm action game is now available in English! Manage the school idol group "μ's" (Muse) from the "Love Live!" series and help them perform great performances! Tap the screen in time to the music in this fast-paced and fun music game.

Broforce Review

When evil threatens the world, the world calls on Broforce - an under-funded, over-powered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force. Brace your loins with up to four players to run ‘n’ gun as dozens of different bros and eliminate the opposing terrorist forces that threaten our way of life.

Lenni Reviews: Goldenfire by A. F. E. Smith

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**Warning: This review may contain spoilers for book one; "Darkhaven" reviewed here.**

In this sequel to "Darkhaven," Ayla Nightshade is adjusting to being the new overlord of Mirrorvale, and being able to freely transform into her changer self; a fire-winged alicorn. She also has settled into her relationship with Tomas Caraway; the infamous Breakblade who is now a hero for saving Ayla's life in the first book. The conflict here is an assassin has been sent to kill Ayla and the secret that pistols can harm changers has managed to leak from the walls of Mirrorvale. Since Tomas is currently accepting new recruits into the Helm, the assassin could be among them.

Like the first book, this story revolves around the hunt for the true identity of a killer. Despite the repeated theme, the tension, character development, and pacing are well worth the read. In this second installment, we learn more about the cities surrounding Mirrorvale, the nature of changers, and the impact of guns being introduced into a fantastical, steampunkish (because there's airships and airships = steampunk, apparently). In addition, many books in a series get sappy and annoying when the romantic interests finally pair off but not here. The relationship between Ayla and Tomas is there but it doesn't take over or drag down the plot. It was refreshing to see the couple still retain their individuality, face conflict in their relationship, yet still remain a united force.

When the assassin is revealed and everything is wrapped up, it feels satisfying for the journey is took to get there. Each character's weaknesses and strengths are faced with grace in a well-built fantasy world and the concepts brought forth - such as the use of alchemy - leave the potential for interesting story avenues in the future. If there is a third novel in this series; I look forward to reading it.

If you like detailed world-building, fantasy creatures, and intriguing assassination plots, you will enjoy this book.

“Check out Lenni’s site at atthequillsmercy.com”

Psycho Pass:The Movie (Review)

Four years (2116AD) after the death of Shogo Makishima and the disappearance of Shinya Kōgami, the Japanese government has begun to export the Sibyl System technology to other countries, with plans to ultimately spread it throughout the world.

Psycho Pass: The Movie proves that there is a reason this franchise has been so popular these past five years. It's has great cases, storytelling and cyberpunk atmosphere can be compared to the legendary Ghost in The Shell. As stated in the synopsis above the Sibyl System has begun to reach other countries. This system is charged with keeping the peace. It uses extensive surveillance and biological monitoring to gauge the likelihood that individuals will commit a crime. The police use weapons called "Dominators" that is able to eliminate potential criminals before they act. However when Japan begins to spread the Sibyl System a group of terrorist called Seaun attack. This brings Inspector Akane Tsunemori on the job. Akane travels to Shambhala Float where the terrorists are seem to be hiding. Here she encounters an old ally Shinya Kogami but who side is he on.

Psycho Pass: The Movie is a fun, action packed ride with great set pieces. It also has a few heart warming scenes to make you feel for the people outside of Japan. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Akane arrives at Shambhala Float. As she is being taken to where she will stay, she sees poverty, military martial law and collars attach to people who are labeled criminals. The Sibyl System has arrived but not fully yet, so the Shambhala Float government uses their own means to deal with people. This naturally raises suspicion for Akane as she begins her investigation on not just the terrorist group but the government itself. Akane is a great protagonist to watch on screen. She is strong, stubborn but at the same time vulnerable in her moments alone. One thing I wish was explored more was that alone feeling she shows a little bit when her friend announces her marriage. She then goes home and you see taken a shower and then just sitting on the couch thinking about life. She thinks about maybe what could've been if she took another path. It's these quiet but brief moments that made me connect with her character. She also has a great chemistry with her former ally Shinya Kogami.

Fans will enjoy the different ideals that go back and forth between the two characters. One character is about order and doing what needs to be done. The other doesn't agree with the system and with the amount screentime both characters get its great to see that element. Overall the story is great but if you never seen the show you might be confused. The movie doesn't spend time to explain much of the already established world. Side characters that have development on the show don't really get much screentime. If you haven't watched the show be prepared to ask who is that person or what is that weapon.

The voice acting is great in both English and Japanese dub. Kate Oxley is wonderful as Akane and Robert McCollum plays a very driven but complex Shinya Kogami. As far as action goes the best scene are with a group of mercenaries. The scenes with then on screen is brutal and had me saying okay he's dead already stop stabbing him. If you want a good cyberpunk time check out Psycho Pass : The Movie which hits theaters for 2 days only on March 14th and 15th.

Final Grade 8.0/10: B-

Tokyo ESP Review

Story- Rinka is a normal Tokyo high-schooler with big dreams and a small income. She works a part-time job to support her and her single dad, but she yearns for the day she’ll get to loosen the strings on her pocketbook. Her ordinary life takes a turn for the extraordinary when she witnesses a penguin and a school of fish flying through the air. After one of the fish seems to pass through her, she wakes up in her apartment building with no clothes on and no memory of the strange phenomenon save for a mysterious ability to pass through solid objects. With her newfound powers, Rinka is about to learn just how transparent the world can be.

If anime had it's very own X-Men style type of show Tokyo ESP will probably be close to it.  Right from the opening sequence Tokyo ESP established a city in chaos. A city where people with unique abilities the Espers are terrorizing the humans. The Espers believe they are evolution and the new race of man and that they should rule over the humans. They are lead by a powerful Esper who simply known as The Professor. He has the power of illusion and he's very driven to see the end of humanity. However not all Espers feel this way. There are a small group of people who believe in peace, balance and harmony. This group is lead by Rinka a student who biggest worry was how she was going to support her family. It's not until Rinka discover she has been chosen as an Esper that her life and perspective changes. Rinka was an enjoyable protagonist to watch. Although I found her less compelling compare to other characters. If you compare her to the other characters Rinka is kind of the one note hero. The hero who is going to do what's right no matter what. She's stubborn and once her mind is made up that's it. While I did enjoy her arc of learning to be a hero I found the supporting cast and the antagonists more enjoyable. The reasons for this feeling is the supporting cast and antagonists have more deeper arcs that I think the audience will connect with more.

Tokyo ESP is a smart action anime. While there are plenty of battles to be seen in the show. The real battles come from within. As stated above the supporting cast and antagonists all have deeper arcs compare to our protagonist. Each character has some inner demon that they need to conquer before the shows conclusion. Characters like Ayumu who has a mother who is a politician that wages war against Espers. She hates Espers and thinks they should be eradicated. The problem with Ayumu situation is that he is an Esper and his mother doesn't know. Our big bad The Professor has a reason for his hatred for humanity. I won't spoil it but I love this overall theme of the importance of family, the effects of broken families and how one moment, one day can change everything. The show doesn't beat you over the head with its message of family and the importance of keeping your humanity. However it does get its point across through various characters and their personal demons. One of the most compelling narrative on the show is between Minami and Kyotaro. Minami is a big focal point because she is conflicted. She wants to support The Professor but she still has love for Kyotaro who has sided with Rinka. It's a conflicted narrative that pays off well in the end. Overall I was surprised by the narrative. I expected a funny, action anime instead I got a smart, compelling narrative with great characters.

Voice Acting: The English dub cast was well put together. Sarah Wiendheft as Rinka was great. She brought this strength to the character that connected with me. When Rinka is angry you feel it, when she's depressed, feeling defeated Sarah definitely let you hear it. Adam Dahlberg plays Kyotaro. Loved his performance in this. Kyotaro is really laid back, optimistic type of guy and I felt Adam really captured this smooth, suave character that also has conflicting values. Mallorie Rodak as Minami was a home run. Mallorie plays confliction very well. Every time she's on screen with Kyotaro you hear this strong stance but just a little crack of vulnerability in her voice which is Minami. My favorite character to watch was definitely The Professor played Jefferey Schmidt. You hear his voice as The Professor and you immediately say okay there's our bad guy. However he plays The Professor so well that I was actually cheering for him. The Professor is very persuasive, cunning and Jeffery voice capture that. It's hard to side with Rinka when you have this guy voice trying to convince you to join him. It's hard to say no to a guy like that. Finally one of my standout performance is Ayumu played by Morgan Berry. It's not easy to play a teenage boy and I thought capture Ayumu well. Deep enough to know it's a guy character and high enough to know he still going through puberty. My favorite scene is with Ayumu and his mother confrontation with the Espers. It's one of the character highlights and a moving scene. Japanese dub purists have no fear the English dub does the show justice and worthy of your watch.

Music & Animation: The soundtrack was good but not memorable. The background themes hit all the proper notes. I just wish there was more sad composition to capture more of the eternal struggle of the characters. Animation was great and enjoy the combination of CG with 2d which is the norm of anime these days. The action sequences were well placed, while other shows gave better action this one has hold his own. Just know that Minami steals the show.

Final Grade 8.5/10/B+: Tokyo ESP is an anime show to check out. Great compelling characters, strong performances. The ending leaves you wanting more and hopefully there will be more. The universe is now created and the team is assembled.

Bonus Note: The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack has some great commentaries on the episode. If you want a more in depth look on the show check that out.

Lenni Reviews: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

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In this book, we meet the intelligent and strong-willed Lucy Pickett and the brooding, enigmatic Lord Blackwell. As this story is set within the classic framework of Beauty and the Beast, our two main characters fulfill their intended roles. Where the creativity lies in this book is the steampunk and fantasy elements Allen has woven into the narrative; introducing classic steampunk tropes as goggles and airships as well as werewolves and vampires. 

Lucy and Blackwell meet because Lucy's cousin has fallen ill and Lucy refuses to leave her side until she discovers the truth. As she is a researcher and familiar with plant-based remedies, Lucy stays with her cousin at Blackwell's manor. Meanwhile, Lord Blackwell is hiding a secret from the world and someone is  attempting to blackmail him; and rumors surrounding the mysterious deaths of his wife and sister put him in a dangerous position. As the mystery unfolds, the pair predictably fall in love, but as predictable as it is - this is a romance novel, after all - Lucy is an interesting character to read about and Lord Blackwell's reasons for being curt and brash are grounded in reality. He's not angsty for angst's sake and his transformation from 'beast' into a man Lucy can love is believable. 

The steampunk and fantasy elements are a good portion of the story, so while the elements of a historical romance are there if you're not into the paranormal or steampunk, those parts of the story may put you off. They do fit seamlessly into the world building and make a generic romance that much more exciting. Of course, it really helps that none of the women are simpering debutantes and the men aren't empty, emo sacks of angst in frock coats. They are all well rounded with solid motivations despite the fantastical setting. If you like your romances sweet, non-smutty, and with some interesting tech, Allen's book is a treat! Alas, you shall have to wait until August 2nd, 2016 to get your little hands on it.

The Walking Dead Game: Michonne Episode 1 Review

The Walking Dead: Michonne stars the iconic character from the comic book series haunted by her past and coping with unimaginable loss and regret. The story explores her untold journey during the time between issues #126 and #139.

Lenni Reviews: Song of Song by L. J. LaBarthe

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Song of Song is a science fiction romance by L. J. LaBarthe. Set in the far future where humanity has expanded beyond Earth, this book stars Dex (short for Dex742A-GR23), a genetically engineered man called a Boxie, and his AI cat, Manx, fleeing their home in search of freedom. Dex has been created to serve one purpose and if he deviates from that purpose, he will be killed. Once he and his fellow Boxies have been ordered to turn in their AI companions, Dex is too attached to his friend and decides to flee. While in outer space, Chen Lau Song is a fugitive fleeing the oppressive government on a sentient and evolving ship called Fa'a. The government wants to use Fa'a as a weapon but as the genius who created her, Song decided to run with his ship to make sure she couldn't be used as a tool or a template for other warships. Dex and Song meet when Fa'a is damaged and Song commandeers the ship on which Dex is hiding. Their mutual desire for freedom is what brings them together just as the despot seeking control of Fa'a and the entire galaxy; Cory Lewis Atticus Melvile (you can tell he's bad because he's way over named...) plots and schemes - willing to go to any lengths to capture them.

The sci-fi world built in this novel is very well done even if the characters are a bit cliche. You have the eccentric genius in Song, the man who wants out of his slotted life in Dex, and the evil businessman in Cory. It really is the setting and the overarching plot that sets this book apart; making it more a sci-fi with romantic elements than the other way around. If you're looking for the emphasis to be all on the budding relationship between Song and Dex, you may be let down. But the story as a whole is very entertaining. Manx and Fa'a are adorable characters and the rest of the cast and crew are likable characters fleshed out just enough so you care about what happens to them. Except for Cory... He's a twit.

If this story could have been fleshed out some more, it would have been even more fun. The universe created here has so much potential and I hope LaBarthe has more planned for it. I mean, come on. You CANNOT have a character named Shafaquat: Sultana of Agony and Cleverness with no back story! I can see an entire book about just her, easily.

If you like your sci-fi with a sweet little M/M romance, Song of Song will live up to your expectations. While some adult situations are present, they're not overwhelming and I had a great time reading this book.