The Green Hornet Review

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Last night I finally got a chance to watch "The Green Hornet" starring Seth Rogen, Jay Chou and Cameron Diaz. Is this worth the full price of admission, or will you be stung?

Story Synopsis - Britt Reid, son and heir to Los Angeles' largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato. They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid's shadow. Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt's new secretary, Lenore Case, they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky. He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls.

The story is fun to watch. Each of the important characters gets their back-story. However the villain Benjamin Chudnofsky is funny to watch, but he's not really a threat. He's kind of boring to watch and his purpose to be the head guy is kind of pointless. He has this thing about making people afraid him, that just comes off more as a comedic villain then a real threat to the Hornet. The Green Hornet gets outshine by his sidekick Kato. Watching the movie I felt that Kato is actually a more interested character. Better back story and more reasons to why he does what he does. Overall the story is average and the pacing is done world, but a lot of characters like Cameron Diaz character is just there. Problem with the story is The Green Hornet is such a dick in this movie, that you don't really care what happens to him. He miss treats Kato, he doesn't know how to talk to girl and in a way you hope he gets his. You don't really cheer for him like you do for Kato.

Acting - The acting is pretty good in this movie. The one who really stands out is Jay Chou as Kato. For those who remember Bruce Lee played Kato in the original Green Hornet, and Bruce kicked major ass. In this one Kato still kicks major ass and does a good job filling in the shoes. The choreography is wonderful when Kato is fighting. You even see a drawing of Bruce Lee in the movie. Seth Rogen as The Green Hornet was funny. But watching it I felt like both Seth and Cameron Diaz were not really playing characters, but themselves. The delivery was there in the lines, but it's nothing new performance wise you see from these two actors. Christopher Waltz is underused and his talents don't really show, due to the script and his character having nothing to do.

Music - The music is composed by James Newton Howard and it's one of the strongest aspect of the film. It compliments the scene and you will love the themes played in the movie. You even get a hint of the original theme sneaking into the scores sometimes.

Final Grade C-/**1/2- The Green Hornet is a fun movie that has it's moments. Jay Chou steals the show, but he is the only one holding the film from disaster. The story arc for The Green Hornet is not that interesting and you don't care for him. The set up is there, but the execution is not pulled off well. The villain is not interesting enough, and when you see James Franco cameo you will wish he was the main villain. Overall it's a movie you will see for a Matinée. Final Grade C-/ **1/2.


Macho Man Returns To WWE Videogame

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OOOH YEAH! The Macho Man Randy Savage is back in the WWE. Well at least in the videogames. The Macho Man will be a playable character in the upcoming game "WWE All Stars." WWE All Stars will be the game where generations of wrestlers collide, in an Arcade Style gameplay. For those hoping for the return of the Macho Man, here is your chance. Here is the trailer of the game hosted by the Macho Man himself. Let's hope he will be in the next Smackdown game.



Interview With Gravity Interactive

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We had a chat with Gravity Interactive. Gravity Interactive is the team behind such online MMORPG's such as "Dragon Saga", "Requiem", "ROSE Online" and Ragnork Online. We sat down and chat about Dragon Saga and what's next for Gravity Interactive.

OtakusandGeeks.com: The game was changed from Dragonica Online to Dragon Saga. Can you tell us about the new changes made to the game?

Gravity Interactive: Well, one of the main reasons the game title was changed was because the name Dragonica was already trademarked in the US. We thought it would be a good idea to give it a new name to give a fresh new start feel to the commercial re-launch.

OtakusandGeeks.com: The game has a lot of other elements that separate it from traditional MMORG. Why was it important to bring other gameplay elements?

Gravity Interactive: I’m sure this is the case with most game developers, but we started with the idea of making a ‘lively action game’. Thinking about it now, I think we ended up taking a different route while developing this game. “If movement speed is too fast, we can’t synchronize”, “Allowing jump makes it too hard to create maps and battle coordination”, “If line of sight is fixed, there are too many other situations that must go into consideration”, these are some issue that will restrict the abilities to create a fun game. Too many of these restrictions will lead to the ‘lively action game’ idea losing its identity. So we decided to think outside the box instead of adding restrictions. So our idea of anything is possible, such as changing the viewing angle to quarter-view to make it fun while showing the imposing view of the boss monsters, and allowing monsters to be launched into the air, makes our game seem different from other games out there.

OtakusandGeeks.com: We love the art style. Can you tell us a little about the graphical design?

Gravity Interactive: Thank you for the compliment. We feel rewarded for our efforts when the result receives positive feedback. The Dragon Saga in-game characters are a projection of the characters in the storyline. Instead of being just cute and pretty, we made it so the character’s personality with one glance. At the moment, we are working on some changes for new shapes and forms to keep it more interesting.



OtakusandGeeks.com: What separates this from other MMORPG’s is that this actually free. Will there be any premium features coming?

Gravity Interactive: Dragon Saga allows many customization of the character. Every month new costumes are available to the users, and we even allow the users to mix and match their costumes to try other costumes. We are not considering any pay to play services currently. We feel that the decision of free or pay to play should be decided upon the region and its market.

OtakusandGeeks.com: After playing the game I notice there are only four classes, but different variations of them. Can we expect to see more classes?

Gravity Interactive: We are planning to introduce new classes as well as adding more action to the existing classes. We will release more details in the near future.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Will there be any future phone apps for Dragon Saga?

Gravity Interactive: We are looking into the possibility of bringing Dragon Saga as mobile app. We always try to appease the wants of our users.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Any chance this game will be hitting consoles?

Gravity Interactive: Console version of Dragon Saga is not currently under consideration. Maybe after more contents are added to the game.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Can you tell us a little bit more on the customization in this game in terms of characters?

Gravity Interactive: When a player first creates a character, they can choose the gender, face, hairstyle, and hair color of the character. More hair styles and faces will continuously become available. Since face the only part the user can customize at creation, we plan to offer many different styles of costumes to allow the user to customize their characters.

OtakusandGeeks.com: We love the soundtrack in the game? Is there a soundtrack (OST) available?

Gravity Interactive: The game soundtrack was created by one of the most famous music directors in Korea, Byung Woo Lee. Unfortunately, there are no plans of the game OST to be sold separately.

OtakuandGeeks.com: Any plans on expanding the Dragon Saga universe?

Gravity Interactive: The world of Dragon Saga will continue to expand. You can consider the current world as the starting point. More information will be released as the new classes are introduced.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Will there any more attack and magic upgrades in the future?

Gravity Interactive: As mentioned above, we are planning to improve many elements of the current classes while introducing the new classes.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Finally can you tell us any upcoming releases that Gravity Interactive has plan?

Gravity Interactive: Gravity is in the wrap up stages of preparing the release of a new web-based MMORPG called Eternal Destiny. It will start its beta testing very soon. We also anticipate to start the testing for Ragnarok Online 2. More details will be released to our communities in the near future.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 Coming Next Winter

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Square Enix has announced that a sequel to Final Fantasy XIII is coming out next winter. Square Enix states that the story will follow the events after the first game. Also there will be improvements in gameplay and more. Yes it will be for PS3 and Xbox 360. My only question is where is Final Fantasy Vs XIII and Final Fantasy XIII Agito?



Technology I Used As A Kid

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For a few days I have been on nostalgic trip. It started out when I was cleaning out my closet and found my old Tiger Handheld games. Then I just start remembering the gadgets I used as kid. Sit back and let me guide you back to a time, where there is no I-Pads, online gaming and more.

Record Player


I' am a mid 80's baby. I remember before my family got the cassette stereo system. We had the record players. I used to drive my mother crazy playing records like, "On Our Own" By Bobby Brown, "Thriller" By Michael Jackson and "Disney's Mousercise." Disney Mousercise was this compilation album that got kids to dance and workout. One of my favorite the songs was "Bug A Boo." Check out the video below of the song. Bad thing about the record player is that I always scratch the records.

Bug A Boo


Cassette Player


Before CD Players I listen to music on Cassette Tapes. I used to have a walkman and never left home without. Before burned CD's and I-Tunes. I used to listen to Hot 97 (New York) station for hours just waiting for "Candy Rain" by Soul 4 Real to play so I can record it.

Typewriter


I didn't really have first my computer until the mid late 90's. Instead I had to either go the library or use my Grandfather's Typewriter. I still remember typing my forth grade "Helen Keller" report on my Typewriter. I used to love playing on the Typewriter and putting my finger inside to get dirty with the ink.

Nintendo (NES)


The NES is my first videogame system. It was a system I played for hours. My first games were "Super Mario Brothers, Wrestlemania and Duck Hunt." No online gaming, you had to travel to friends houses to play multiplayer. Remember blowing the games to make the game work. Good times.

VCR


The classic VCR. Before DVD's and Blu Rays I had the classic VCR playing the original Star Wars Trilogy on VHS. I had tons of VHS tapes such as Howard The Duck, Tom and Jerry The Movie and many more. The flaw of the VCR was that sometimes your tape would get destroyed.

CD Player


Aww the good ol CD player another gadget I never left home without. I still see some people still rocking the CD player till this day. As reliable the I-Pod and other gadgets are, the CD player will still work under cold weather. My CD collection is still my house today.

Beeper


"Oh man still rocking the pager." A word Sam Flynn utter in Tron Legacy. I didn't have a pager for a long, but I would borrow my dad's pager when I was outside with friends.

NBA 2K11 My Player Mode Tips

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For those having trouble with my player mode don't fret Justin and I are here to save you. This mode can be extremely frustrating in the beginning, but with a little practice, patience & these tips you will be Rookie Of The Year/MVP in no time.

Keenan's/Bess Tips:

-Increase the minutes
Playing more minutes will allow you to pad your stats more, also allow you to earn a better teammate grade. Personally I play on 8 minutes but i know alot of people who play 12 minutes per quarter.

-Don't play on anything above All-Star difficulty
No I'm not being a puss... I love the challenge, but the problem is you will lose all your games since your teammates, wont play on the same level. For some reason they stay on Pro.

-Pick the right drills

You don't have to play all the drills. You can do 1 of 2 things.

1. Pick the drill your best at and reap the benefits from getting the same gold benefits over and over.

Example :Do 20 shooting drills in a row to develop the hell outta your jump shots.

2. Pick the Dribbling course and get speed +1 or +2 (Tip: Pause the game to see the moves)

Now you can take those points away from the speed attribute and use them elsewhere. Remember speed is the most expensive attribute so you will net A LOT of points if you take away your "Speed +2" bonus. Also speed isn't the most important attribute in this game.

My speed is a 75 and I just scored 78 points this weekend, the next game I had 53.11 & 10....again speed isn't that important.

-Use your points to develop the mid range shot

The mid range shot covers a lot of the court! Its also ridiculously easy 2 max out. Once you boost this past 80, all you need is a little space and you will make almost all your shots. Remember you'll need a little space which can be created with a pick and pop or even a fast break.

Also pick a shot you love. Personally I love J.Alexanders shot, some say Ray Allen's is the best.

-How to guard a superstar/mismatch

Early in your career you will be matched up against the beast, aka Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Durant etc etc. With your defense so low they will abuse you, so the best thing you can do is deny them the ball and contest every shot. These superstars love to shoot even if your on them, so as long as your in their face your teammate rating wont decrease.

Justin's/The Cool One Tips:

- Defense is the key to getting a A+. You know it doesn't matter what position you play. If you can block a shot, get a rebound or even a steal, your grade goes up quickly.

- Complete milestones. Milestones gives major points and will help you boost your player more faster.

- Complete objectives and win rival games. As the game states itself win rival games and double your points.

- You want to be Rookie Of The Year, then chuck, chuck, chuck. My player averages 48.8 points per game. Three pointers will help you with your scoring average. Being the top leading scorer will double you chances of Rookie Of The Year.

- Make sure your offensive and defense awareness is up. Your rating will shoot up quickly.

- Do not play the D- league. Chances are you won't get called up to the NBA till mid of the seasons. This will ruin your chances of Rookie Of The Year.

- Know your position and your role. Stick your man and set up plays that will get your team the win. If you need help with plays, then do scrimmage. Scrimmage will help you learn pick and rolls, etc.

If you have more tips then put them in the comment section.





Tiger Electronics Handheld Games

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Today I was cleaning out my closet. I was shocked that I found my old Tiger Electronics Handheld Games. Now when I was younger I didn't have a Gameboy, so I had to play with these games. Believe it or not I had a lot of Tiger Electronics Handheld Games or toys. As you see in the picture some of the games I had were, Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers, Space Jam, Mega Man 2, Rugrats and All Pro Basketball. The games were fun for me back in the day. I tried them all today and it actually still works. These handhelds uses your standard Double A batteries. Here is a brief review on all the games I had.

Space Jam - Based on the movie you play as Michael Jordan as his Toon friends go against the Monstars. You don't play as the whole team. You only play as Michael and it's kind on of a one on one with one of the Monstars. The other Monstar just stays on the bottom of the court to steal the ball. Each quarter you can call a Toon to help you steal the ball once. You can call Daffy, Lola, Taz and Bugs. It was pretty fun for it's time.

Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers - You play as Chip N Dale as they try to stop Fat Cat from stealing precious rings. Gadget comes random at times to help you. The object is the move forward, hit Fat Cat and collect the rings. You do this every level.

Rugrats - In Rugrats you get to choose from Tommy, Chucky, Phil Or Lil. They're at a amusement park and the goal is to collect Reptar cereal. Gain the most points and avoid Angelica and Adults from taking the cereal away.

All Pro Basketball - This a two on two basketball game. It's very difficult the d-pad does so many functions and it's not really fun to play.

Mega Man 2 - This to me was actually of the best Tiger Handhelds. In Mega Man you had to fight in 6 levels with a boss battle at the end, also you had different forms of weapons. It was pretty challenging for it's time.

Evangelion Screening and Prizes

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Hey guys we got this cool email from our friends at New York Comic Con. Check it out. Anime Rules!!!

Eleven Arts and FUNimation are presenting screenings of the feature films Evangelion 1.0 and Evangelion 2.0 next week in theaters across the country. Evangelion 1.0, released in 2007, will screen in NYC on the 19 and 20 at Big Cinemas (239 East 59th St) and Evangelion 2.0 (coming to Blu-ray and DVD on April 5) will screen at Big Cinemas from the 21 to the 27. Both will screen in Japanese with English subtitles.

From the mind of Hideaki Anno, Evangelion tells the tale of Shinji Ikari and Tokyo-3. Tokyo-3 is a city that still stands after most of civilization was decimated. Now it endures the ceaseless onslaught of the deadly Angels, bizarre creatures bent on eradicating the human race and to combat the strange and ruthless enemy. The last of mankind constructs a fleet of towering humanoid machines - the Evangelions - lead by pilot Shinji Ikari. In Evangelion 2.0 pilots Shinji and Rei find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots, the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. Maneuvering their enormous machines into combat the four young souls fight desperately to save mankind from the heavens. But who will save them?

For more information, to order tickets and to see Eva in action, visit www.funimation.com/evangelion. Want to WIN tickets? Keep reading... ReedPOP and the New York Anime Festival are giving away eight prize packages, including tickets to Evangelion 1.0 courtesy of Eleven Arts. How do you win? Just use the hashtag #evainnyc in your conversations on Twitter. We'll be selecting eight winners at random from all those who tweet out this hashtag.

The Prizes:
-First Place (One Winner): Evangelion figurine, Japanese theatrical booklet, one ticket to Evangelion 1.0 and an Evangelion poster
-Second Place (One Winner): Japanese theatrical booklet, one ticket to Evangelion 1.0 and an Evangelion poster
-Third Place (Three Winners): One ticket to Evangelion 1.0 and an Evangelion poster
-Forth Place (Three winners): An Evangelion poster

The Rules of The Game:
-Follow @ny_anime_fest on Twitter
-Send tweets - any tweets - with the hashtag #evainnyc between now and 11:59 PM Eastern on January 16
-@ny_anime_fest will be direct messaging the winners on January 17. Tickets will be at the Will-Call window of Big Cinemas and we'll need your mailing address to send out the prize packages.

Cool? Then suit up, ship out, or - at least - start tweeting up a storm!

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight Wii Review

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Kamen Rider is one of the most beloved TV series from Japan. But how does it hold up? Is this a must play? Does it do the Kamen Rider series homage? Check out the review.

Story - There is no story in this game. However one of the modes Mirror World, offers a brief description about the characters backstory. Sadly you won't know anything about the characters, unless you have knowledge of the show and history. It's a real disappointment and a miss opportunity, because Kamen Rider would've had an awesome story mode.

Gameplay - Kamen Rider Dragon Knight consists of 2 modes. 1p Play is when single player can play Arcade, Vs Com and Training. Arcade is facing series of opponents, Vs Com is when you take on the CPU opponent, and Training you practice moves. Mirror World is when you take on a series of missions, on this grid map. On this grid map you select your missions which usually are Arcade fights, with stipulations. Some stipulations are your opponent has more power, their cards are always max or they block all the time. There are other missions like defeat all enemies. These missions consists of you fighting a wave of enemies. Problem with Mirror World is that it's repetitive and not really fun. The controls for this game uses the Wii Nunchuck and Wii Mote with no option for just Wii Mote. The analog is used to control the fighters, C button is used to summer your Beasts during fights. The A and B are your standard attacks, the D-pad is used to switch cards. The cards you will gain from completing Arcade mode, and Mirror World. They can be purchase in the Card mode. Depending on what cards you buy, you can boost your attack, gain more moves and other cool stuff. The fighting in this game is average at best, it's cool to fight with Kamen Rider characters. However the controls take time to get used to. Sometimes pulling off moves is not as responsible with the analog and buttons. I would've enjoy it more if you can use the d-pad, it would've felt more comfortable. The missions were you have defeat all enemies is dull and don't take much challenge. All you have to do is button mash your way through the enemies. The camera work in those missions is not good if your are surrounded, you will have to wait for the camera to catch up with you. The gameplay is enjoyable for a while, but gets old really quickly.

Gameplay Video


Graphics - For the most part the graphics are pretty good. However some of the environments look bland and uninspired to the Kamen Rider universe. The special attacks look really cool especially Dragon Knights special attacks. I didn't see no framerate issues, it's just there is nothing in the graphic department to make me saw wow.

Sound - The sound is actually good. We don't the Japanese voice actors, but we do get some of the big names in Anime. Johnny Young Basch and Kyle Herbert provide voices. The music gives you that nice Japan fighter feel, that the series is known for. However some of the rock tracks weren't so great.

Replay Value - If you want to collect all the cards and unlock all the characters, then there is replay value. If you find enjoyment out of this medicore fighter than unlocking will keep you busy, but for others who don't want to deal with it will only play it once.

Final Grade D+/5.5 - No story mode, lack of moves, bad camera work in beat em up section. Kamen Rider Dragon Knight just doesn't offer enough to keep you interested. This is one ride you should avoid taking. Final grade is D+/5.5