Kaichou Wa Maid-sama! Review

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Hey guys this is the review of the manga Kaichou Wa Maid-sama!. Hope you enjoy it. ^-^

Story

Ayuzawa Misaki is a second year student at Seika High. Sekia High used to be an all boy school until the decicion was made it was to be co-ed (80% are males, 20% female). Misaki is the first girl student council president and is very strict on the boys. She feels that she has a duty to protect the girls that are at that school, to feel safe and secure in a sea of testosterone. With that being said, its tough to be a president, one of the top students in the class and maintaing a part-time job. Since she has unreasonable amount of stress, when the boys act up she become a female dictator that takes no mess from anybody. This makes the boys afraid and resentful towards Misaki so any chance to get rid of her would do them some good. Unknown to the boys at school Misaki has a secret job as a maid in a maid cafe. All of a sudden while taking out the trash, Usui Takumi the most popular boy in school, saw her secret. Now Misaki has no choice to put up with him since he comes by the cafe everyday. Will Usui spill her secret or what does she have to do to keep his mouth shut?

I for one love this story. It is very shojo but I love this type of manga. The characters are very dynamic. Usui seems like a jerk at one point, then nice, then flirty, then back to being a jerk. Its "that guy" in your class that is very annoying and interesting at the same time. Misaki is very headstrong and very independent. She tries to solve problems by herself but Usui comes in to save the day or give a valuable lesson to her. She reminds me of Haruhi and Usui of Tamaki form Ouran High School Host Club. However Usui is not nearly as loud and dramatic as Tamaki. I love the story and I love the characters.

The art was very well drawn. Like I said it definitely reminds me of Ouran especially the close ups of Usui and Misaki. I love the details of the clothing and I'm always picturing myself cosplaying in them.

Final Grade
I give this manga an A-/9.0. I can't seem to set it down once I started reading. It is also an anime so I have to check it out. This is a must read for Ouran fans. That's it for my review. Manga Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets Analyze NBA 2k12 "Greatest" Trailer

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The trailer above shows 5 NBA legends Jordan, Magic, Bird, Dr J & Kareem. According to IGN NBA 2K12 will feature a game mode called "NBA's Greatest," which will allow the user to play through 15 historic games and control 15 basketball legends. Who's the other 10? Lets save that for another post. Lets figure out which 5 historic games for these 5 legends shown.

Michael Jordan
Last year was all about Jordan, 2k did a great job letting us play his greatest games. So whats left?
Bulls vs Rockets! The Bulls and Rockets won 8 consecutive championships in the 90s...8!
If you pause the trailer at the 35 second mark you can see the 1991 roster.
They only played each other once in Chicago that year. That game Jordan had the flu(again yes I know) Jordan scored 34 points shooting 60% from the field and blocking Hakeem The Dream 3 times...Lets just hope 2k doesn't make us block Hakeem 3 times for the achievement.

Magic Johnson
Magic had ALOT of great games but I'm not sure why 2k decided to show him against this Blazer team.
In 1985 Magic had 23 assist against the Blazers but since the trailer shows Kevin Duckworth -number 00-(he wasn't a Blazer in 85). I' am led to believe we will control Magic playing against the the Blazers in the 1991 western conference finals where the Lakers beat the Blazers 4-2.
Magic vs Clyde will be fun regardless.

Larry Bird
Once I saw the trailer I immediately thought OMG the shootout!
1988 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals game 7! Hawks vs Celtics or Wilkins vs Bird.
Bird scored 34 and D.Wilkins scored 47(only missing 4 shots.)
The Celtics squeaked out a 2 point win thanks to Birds 20 fourth quarter points. Wilkins battled at the end as well scoring 14 in the games final period alone.
One of the greatest NBA games EVER!

Kareem Abdul Jabbar
The NBA's all time leading scorer. Personally I would rather play as Kareem on the Bucks with the Big O but 2k has him later in his career as a Laker.
The game shown in the trailer is Kareem playing against the Hawks. Now this may have been a random game they threw in there because nothing adds up. Lets analyze this.
The biggest game Kareem had against the Hawks was in 1975, Kareems 1st year as a Laker. That game he scored 39 points, 23 rebounds and blocked 10 shots. The 2nd big game against the Hawks was in 1980(Magic Johnson rookie year) when he scored 28 pts, 15 rebounds and blocked 10 shots.
Now I'm pretty sure its not the 1975 game because both rosters lacked stars. While the 1980 roster had Magic Johnson on it the Hawks did not wear the jersey shown(unless it was a hidden alternate). Also the 1980 Hawks didn't have Wilkins. No offense John Drew(the Hawks star before Wilkins) but I doubt 2k will ever recreate you.

Dr. J
Again I don't understand why they have the older Dr. J on the Sixers. Dr. J on the NY Nets is what we want. Maybe because it was in the ABA, 2k refrained.
The footage of the Doc dunking didn't show which team he played against but from the looks of it my guess we would play the 82-83 season when the Sixers won the championship in sweeping fashion against the mighty Lakers.

Again this hasnt been confirmed by 2k. This is just my educated guess on what "NBA Greatest" mode will offer.

Catherine Review

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Known mostly in the RPG genre, developers Atlus decided to try their hands in the puzzle/dating sim genre. Is Catherine worth getting into a relationship with? Or is this relationship heading for a complete break up?

Story - The story of Catherine follows a man name Vincent. Vincent is having strange nightmares lately. Not to mention his girlfriend Katherine is talking marriage. After a night of drinking with his friends, Vincent wakes up in his room with a hot blonde name Catherine. Vincent now must overcome strange nightmares, that are taking the lives of men all over the city, and choose who will he be with Catherine or Katherine.

The story while not original in terms of situations, it is original in it's approach in story telling. Catherine is packed with social commentary on men and female relationships. The game's characters are all interesting, each story can be related to some real life situation. The story raises so many questions, that when it's done you'll probably start questioning the meaning of love, relationships, the effects of cheating and more. The story feels a little cliche, but it gets tense and has enough twist and turns to keep you going.

Gameplay - Catherine is a breath of fresh air. This is one unique game. The game is played in two forms. The nightmare world and the real world. In the real world you will mostly spend time in the bar called "Stray Sheep" (notice the reference of stray = cheating). At the bar Vincent will chat with other people in bar, his friends and through these conversations he will decide the outcome of the game, depending on his answers. The game features a morale meter. This is used when you answer your questions or make a statement in your text messages. When Vincent answers a question his answer will decide his moral standing. For example if a question is asked "Is it wrong to live with your lover even if you never plan to marry them?" Depending how you answer will effect Vincent's outcome to the story, it will either go to the red zone (bad morale) or blue zone (good morale). From time to time Vincent will also receive text messages from Katherine or Catherine. Depending on how you reply will also effect the relationship Vincent has with the girls. That's not all Vincent can do at the stray. Vincent can check email, get drunk which will help him in the nightmare world, also he can play a mini game which plays a lot like the nightmare levels. Finally while having conversations with other people, you can cheer them up and that might also save their life.

The nightmare levels are divided into eight different stages, one for each night of Vincent's sleep. It's up to Vincent to survive all these nights if he wants to find out who is responsible for his bad dreams. Each stage gets more complex and harder. Vincent will have to climb to the top of a mountain of blocks, while avoiding traps, enemies and a time clock. The controls are easy to use. The d-pad is much easier than the analog to control Vincent. However sometimes the camera view is fighting against you, if you your trying to hop from a box from the front to the back. Other than that the controls are smooth and works well. While playing you will encounter a couple of techniques and items you will learn and find from other sheep. These techniques will help you progress through the stages more easier, however these puzzles take a great skill of thinking to complete. The puzzles are very difficult on the hard level and holds your hand on the easy one. It gives a balance for people who want a challenge and people who just want to see the story. Overall the gameplay is unique and does a great job blending dating sim and puzzles.

Gameplay Video


Graphics - The graphics in Catherine are not the best on the market. However it does have a great art style. Those who watch Anime will fill right at home with the graphics and world. The environments, the character designs and the cutscenes scream Anime influence. Nothing groundbreaking about the graphics, but it does it job to immerse you in this unique world of Catherine.

Sound - The voice acting is a hit. Known voice actors and actresses from the Anime world lend their voices. Voice talent such as Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, Michelle Ruff, Travis Willingham and many more. For the most part the delivery is spot on, especially with Michelle Ruff and Laura Bailey as Katherine and Catherine. Both of them play the characters with sweet, but also scary touch to it. The performance with the writing will make it hard to decide who to go with towards the end. The music is wonderful it's a mix of Jazz and interpretation of classical music. The music brings a relaxing but tense feeling depending on the scene or moment in the game. It's a great OST and solid voice acting.

Replay Value - Catherine has multiple endings, the ability tor replay levels and very addictive mini game. This is one game you will come back to again.

Final Grade A-/9.0 - Catherine is a great gaming experience, pack with a great story with wonderful themes and messages. It has great gameplay which is very challenging, great music and decent graphics. This game is a breath of fresh air from the over flooding shooting market we get every month. If you want something different, challenging and a little fan service, get your money and take Catherine on date, just treat her right or it could be deadly.

Kawaii HELLO KITTY Art

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So! We've got some catching up to do, as this is my first post in a while! No worries though. We'll plan a hot date for next week at 1pm. Until then ... I've been lusting over some REALLY kawaii Hello Kitty art.. Some pieces, by artists, I own, however ... it's no fun when your friends don't see the goods!

We'll look at some work from one of these fine artists next week, PROMISE!

Enjoy
~je t'adore! (& I missed you, FOR REAL!)

 
 

Sony's PS3 Branded TV

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As we all know E3 just passed and not much happened, well not much for Microsoft anyway, that was purely boring in my eye. I will say I loved what they shown of the new hardware but that was only the Wii U which is a silly name by the way and the PS Vita also another silly name.

After looking at them both I got to say I did like them and wanted them, but what caught my eye out of all shown at E3, was how Sony was now going to sell a cheap but good 24 inch 3D display. Now this is kind of a big deal for me mainly because the only thing that had 3D before were movies and the 3DS which I am planning to get after Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time comes out, but back to the point at hand. I think this is kind of a big deal.

I mean think about for a second. The PS3 for the longest is the best blue ray player on the market, and its only been going down in price. Sony has talked a lot about how they are all about 3D with the PS3, 3D movies on their Blu-Ray which is perfect with the PS3. The ever growing selection of 3D games that can just get an update to play in 3D, but there is something missing or to say better unable from most people to afford. The 3D TV. While this is not a 3D TV but a 3D monitor. This shows me as a consumer that Sony is truly into 3D . The problem with a lot of 3D TVs I have noticed is that many of them never come with the important glasses, this bundle comes with not just one pair but 2 pairs of what looks to be their best 3D glasses. While it is a 3D monitor and not a 3D TV, that can be fixed easy with just plugging in your cable or satellite TV into one if its 2 HDMI ports, and now you could use it as a TV.

There are more features of it but I don’t want to get into that I will post where you can pre-order it and read more about it. This move by Sony shows that they do want you to play in 3D and they are going to give you a good way to do it cheaply. Yes it is a small 24 inch screen but even Sony said it themselves, this is not for the living room, it is for college dorms and smaller rooms. Now if you can’t handle the size because you think you would have to sit close to it, then I' am not going to fight with you, however I will ask where else you can get a 3D capable monitor or TV for that size or anywhere close to that price that comes with an HDMI cable and 2 pairs of 3D glasses that is from a well known company and I will count Vizio, but can you find one for $500 that Sony is selling?

Sad news:

The bundle of the 3D monitor no longer comes with two pairs of 3D glasses just one pair now: LINK HERE

The Guard Review

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Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson star in a fish out of water tale, where trust, cultures and millions of dollars are on the line. How does it hold up?

Story - Sergeant Gerry Boyle is a small-town Irish cop with a confrontational personality, a subversive sense of humor, a dying mother, a fondness for prostitutes, and absolutely no interest whatsoever in the international cocaine-smuggling ring that has brought straight-laced FBI agent Wendell Everett to his door. That is the story synopsis.

The story is funny and is one of the better cop fish out of water stories. We have seen tons of fish out of water stories involving cops. However this one does things a little different. One thing is the location of the story doesn't take place in the USA. It takes place in Ireland, and the FBI agent Wendell played by Don Cheadle is the fish out of water in this story. He is in Ireland investigating a cocaine smuggling ring, he is partner up with a SGT. Gerry Boyle played by Brendan Gleeson. Boyle is a cop you're not used to seeing, he doesn't at times seem to take his job seriously. He is the type of cop who would rather sleep with hookers, than get to work. This causes conflict with these two guys as Wendell is serious about his job, and at times it seems Boyle doesn't care at all. However when you peel the layers back on Boyle, you'll get a very interesting character study on why he is the way he is. You'll start to understand where the antics are coming from, and how he likes to mess with people. The only flaw of the story is the pacing in certain scenes. It feels a little dry when you get to the more emotional sections. Otherwise this fish out water story is funny, and will have you asking the same question Wendell asked "Is Boyle stupid or really smart?"

Acting - The acting is spot on. Cheadle and Gleeson have wonderful chemistry together. Cheadle reaction to certain comments that Gleeson makes about culture difference, will have you laughing. Gleeson holds the film strong, his character is lazy and doesn't give a damn. When it comes to the serious tone of the film, Gleeson transforms into a vulnerable character that you can emphasize with, you'll forget that he acts like a crazy man sometimes. Mark Strong also brings his charm into the film, as a drug trafficker who is tired of being in the business. Strong brings a sarcastic tone to the role as he grows tried of the life he leaves. The acting is believable and spot on, you will be wrapped up into this world crazy world of Boyle.

Music & Filmmaking - The music brings element of a Western. You'll get a OST with composition that you will see in a Western film. The score works and brings the theme of a Western out in full effect. The location are gritty, dark and captures parts of the real Ireland. Director John Michael McDonagh wanted a Western feel to the film and he delivers. Although there isn't much gun play, you get the Western feel as Boyle investigates, interrogates and when it finally gets to the gun play things will explode.

Final Grade B+/8.5 - The Guard is witty, different and combines different genres into one. The pacing might not be perfect, the story can hit the cliche road from time to time, however don't let that stop you. The movie brings humor and heart, plus brings a nice commentary on assumptions. It's a fish out of water that will make you smile and question whether, the main character is smart or foolish.


Chrono Crusade Review

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Here is the review for the amazing 24 episode anime Chrono Crusade. Enjoy. ^-^


Story
Sister Rosette and the devil Chrono are part of The Order of Magdalene Order, a place where exorcists reside to get ride of demons. Rosette and Chrono joined the Order for one reason; saving Joshua, Rosettes brother. He was taken away by a devil named Aion who's goal is to rule over everything. I will only introduce Rosette and Chrono because they are the first characters you'll see.


Sister Rosette is a very loud 16 year old girl. Her heart is in the right place however she manages to cause destruction to property. The point is she can get carried away. She has a kind heart and very brave. She is determined to get Joshua back no matter what even if it kills her.




Chrono is a devil and has been with Rosette since she was little. Chrono has two forms thanks to a neclace Chrono has. Since he is a devil he is allowed to make a contract with a person. The neclace holds that person's lifespan. When the neclace opens, Chrono changes into his devil form. Snce Rosette is his contractor, her life force is taken away by how much time Chrono is in his true form. Chrono is very loving and even though some people at the order are afraid of him, it doesn't matter as long as Rosette is with him. He is so cute in his normal form but sooo hot in his devil form *swoon*




Voice Acting
At some points of the anime it didn't register right to me but overall the voice acting was pretty good. Everyone had the right emotion and it doesn't sound rebotic. Although there is one girl in the series who's voice (for me) wasn't quite right but I'll say Bravo.


Animation/Sound
Of course the animation is top notch and the sound is pretty good. The opening theme is my favorite.


Rating: A

Overall this anime you should not overlook and should be on your shelves soon. Don't take my word for it? Watch the first episode on youtube. You'll see what I mean. Until next time. Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!!!

Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic Ch. 3

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Its been awhile since I wrote the last fanfic so I hope this one is to your liking. Lol yes I used Koga's name from Inuyasha and Seta from Persona 4. You try and make up fake names. Its hard. Anime Rules!!!!!!!!!!!



Being a host is hard work. I'm surprised that everyone is still smiling and having great manners day in and day out. If it was me, I'll would be napping on a big comfy couch. After that incident with Rengi, some guys do request me and I start the routine that I've been taught. I still work at the door when no clients are available and look at my friends hard at work pleasing the girls.
One day, as the afternoon rush of girls was slowing down, Tamaki came over and told me I had a client. He led me to the balcony (which is now the place I meet the clients), and announced I was here. Tamaki turned and left and I curtsied and said "Good afternoon sir." He turned and I think I saw a god stand right before my eyes.

"Game Over! I Seemed to Lost the Game Of Love."

Seta: And a good afternoon to you too Angel.

Angel: (heart beating fast) Seta-senpai. I'm sorry I'm just taken back. If you don't mind me asking, why are you here?
(background check: Seta Koga is a 2nd year student in Tamaki and Kyoya senpai's homeroom. He's gorgous and can get any girl he wants. I'm surprised he snuck in here without being noticed with those beautiful light brown eyes, his raven black hair and his muscular body..... Ah!!!!! snap out of it. He is way out of my league).

Seta: Well, I've heard that a fallen angel has come into our school and has smittend our boys into coming here. You have become quite famous. So I wanted to see if it was true.

Angel: If what was true Senpai?

Seta: (walks closer to Angel) If the rumors of a beautiful young lady with a great sense of humor and has a brave but kind heart is true. (he is now towering over her) I guess they were right.

Angel: (blushes; heart is beating faster than before) Well Senpai I'm the angel to make your day heavenly. Please follow me so we can have some tea (Wow did I really say that. It seems like I'm flirting).

Seta: Of course

Upon entering the room, once again the whole club was looking at us with curious and wary eyes.

Tamaki: Do you think she will be okay?

Haruhi: I'm not so sure but he seems to be not a stalker type. It looks like Angel may have found someone though. I haven't seen him in our class.

Hikaru: That's because he is not in our class.

Haruhi: Hm?

Karou: He is actually our Senpai, in Tamaki's and Kyoya's senpai's class.

Haruhi: (anime reaction shot) Whaaaaaaaaa?

Kyoya: Yes its true. Seta Koga is in our class and currently in line to be head of the family business. His family are all lawyers.

Hikaru and Karou: What a boring profession.

Tamaki:Lets just wait this one out. I hope Angel doesn't have to go through what she did last time.


A Month Later

So a month passed and Seta came back when he could have the time. I enjoy his company and we talk more and more about ourselves as time went on. I have fallen for him but I have a feeling that he doesn't have the same feelings. It was one of those days at the Host Club that cosplay is a must. This particular days theme is dress as one of your favorite characters. I chose Aqua from Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep. It was a nice change of pace considering all the other cosplays we've done. (Trust me you don't want to know). As I was doing my door duties, Seta came by.

Seta: Let me guess one of those cosplay days huh?

Angel: (laughs) Yeah but this time we had a choice.

Seta: Um Angel I have something to ask you. Can we talk?

Angel: Of course Senpai. (I wonder what he wants. Maybe he wants to be my boyfriend!)

Meanwhile back to our Hosts....

Tamaki: Well Seta looks nervous. I wonder why? (dressed as Prince charming)

Hikaru and Karou: Don't know and don't care. (dressed as the chestier cat)

Honey; Maybe he wants some cake. (dressed as Usa-chan)

Mori: I don't think so. (dressed as Honey holding Honey. Lol it was Honey's idea).

Kyoya: No there is something else that is going on with him. (dressed as a doctor)

Haruhi: Still I think Angel is really in love with this guy. I hope she doesn't get any bad news. (dressed as herself)

Tamaki: Yeah (looks at Haruhi) Hey why aren't you cosplaying?

Haruhi: I don't have anything I could cosplay that I would wear anyway. It's not a big deal.

Hikaru: (pulls up cat ears and a tail) Aww come on Haruhi try these on.

Karou: (pulls up maid's outfit and choker) Yeah you will look extra cute with these.

Tamaki: (Tamaki punches the twins) Don't make my daughter wear something like that you double-gangers!!!!!! (pulls out princess dress) Haruhi wants to be my princess, right Haruhi?

Haruhi: No chance in hell Senpai.

(Tamaki sulks in corner)

Hikaru and Karou: Here we go again.


As that is taking place, Angel notices some uneasiness from Seta.

Angel: You said you have something to ask me. Go ahead and say it, Senpai. You are usually not that quiet.

Seta: Well the truth is I need help asking someone out. She is the perfect one but I don't know how to approach her.

Angel: Just tell her your true feelings and everything will be fine. Just be yourself and be patient.

Seta: (lightning up) Yes you are right Angel. Thank you so much.

Angel: May I ask who this lucky person is?

Seta: Her name is Lucia. She's in my class and she is perfect in every way.

Angel: (Disappointed) Oh I see. Well good luck. So will this be the last time I see you.

Seta: Yes it is but I really did enjoy your company and I thank you for the advice. I have to admit I only came here to hear the rumors about you. Then when I saw Lucia I had to come back when she did so I can get a glimps of her.

Angel: (Becoming more angrier and hurt) Really well I hope you two find happiness.

Seta: Yes thank you (oblivious to what happened) Oh she is about to leave. Thanks again.

Seta left me there sitting at the table, feeling like a fool for being hopeful and in love. I guess it was too good to be true.

I was in a slump for the rest of the day. Honey tried to cheer me up with cake, candy, and stuffed animals. All failed and I was left alone to think about why he did this.
The next day i didn't come to school altogether. I was too ashamed of myself but also I caused myself to get sick. It's a real bad cold and the doctor told me I have to stay in until my temperature goes from 106 back to normal. At this point, I don;t know what to do.

I'm still sick and I got a phone call from Tamaki-senpai saying the club is coming to visit. I'm not in the mood for his erratic nature nor the club's hyper tendencies but maybe happiness and laughter is what I need.

On the next Ouran "Despair Be Gone! Laughter is the Best Medicine"

Tamaki: he Ouran Host Club will be waiting for you.

Everyone: We'll see you then!

Sonic Needs To Be Evicted From Green Hill Zone

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After playing the E3 "Sonic Generations" demo I wanted to throw up. I wasnt impressed by the same gameplay and im sooooo sick of green hill zone. That zone is so plain and safe its sad.Its like making pasta with no sauce or making a sandwich with no spread. Sega thinks the nostalgia will grab us old school gamers but instead it shows me they're trying to cash in on nostalgia instead of focusing on the gameplay. Yes we know the Sonic series is dead, I believe Green Hill is one of the reason why. If that's his home then you know what, its time to move...also Sonic when you move dont move into a land filled with blue skies and green grass(like Green Hill Zone).

Look at all these versions of Green Hill Zone.



Emerald Zone is pretty much the same damn thing!







Seaside Hill the same damn thing

Splash hill zone...Love how sega just takes the Green out the title

Green Grove Act sega? Really Looks like Green Hill Zone with a name twist

Interview With Don Cheadle & Brendan Gleeson

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We were invited to "The Guard" press day event. We were able to to be featured in a roundtable interview with actors Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2, Hotel Rwanda, Traitor) and Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Beowulf, 28 Days Later). We discuss with them their new film "The Guard" opening in selected theaters on July 29th 2011.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Did you guys know each other at all before filming this movie?

Don Cheadle: No, I only knew about his work. Wait... I think it was The Emmy's.

Brendan Gleeson: (laughs) that's it, now you got it.

Don Cheadle: Now I got it, I keep thinking Golden Globes,we met when Brendan was up for Churchill. It was at a suite in the Beverly Hills hotel or someplace.

Brendan Gleeson: It was kind of lucky actually, because it just happen that we were all in the city at the same time. Then we read the script and meet up and we knew it was something special.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What was your reaction to the script?

Don Cheadle: I just love it from the beginning. Often you get scripts and your like okay page 15, then go to page 30 and all these things you usually can tell where the story is going. I couldn't get ahead of this script. I didn't know where it was going. The script made me laugh from beginning to end. The opportunity to shoot in the place where the film was set doesn't always happen, not to mention to work with an actor of this caliber was a no brainier. It didn't matter the cost, the size of it. I just knew I wanted to be a part of it.

The Guard Trailer


OtakusandGeeks.com: Don this is a fish out of water story. Did you feel like a fish out of water filming in Ireland?

Don Cheadle: Yes! I've never been to Ireland at all, to be in that specific area in Ireland with the landscapes and those hand built rock walls was really special. You know every moment I wasn't on set I was on the golf course (laughs). Taking advantage of all that.

Brendan Gleeson: (laughs) yeah getting drenched.

Don Cheadle: Yeah getting drenched. *It rained a lot during the filming.*

OtakusandGeeks.com: Brendan was it fun playing a cop who didn't give a damn about anything?

Brendan Gleeson: Totally yeah, it's usually the criminal that doesn't give a damn about anything (laughs). When you get to the point where you have to say those lines, there is kind of a giddiness that happens. Even when your reading the script it hits you, you start saying to yourself okay I have to say it (laughs). If there was an intent to the words, it wouldn't be funny to say. The fact that this guy is winding people up at every possible moment, it was fun. Problem was when it was over I would still be in character saying these things.

Don Cheadle: (laughs) Brendan you're not on the set.

OtakusandGeeks.com: What was like working together, you both have different acting styles?

Brendan Gleeson: Well kind of had to discussion we first met. The topic of rehearsing came up and I notice he didn't really fancy rehearsal. He said "Yeah because I'm afraid I might know the answers to all the questions." I didn't have a problem at all.

Don Cheadle: I wanted to be as surprise, shocked and a have my head spinning around, from the experience and everyone I was meeting. I wanted everything to come new as it possibility come that way I wouldn't act shock. If it was a play I would love to rehearse.

OtakusandGeeks.com: These characters seem to always try to best each other, with wits. Your thoughts?

Don Cheadle: The great thing if you look at the lines. Jerry never really went at Wendell, like Wendell went at him. Like the scene in the pub, and Jerry says I came third in the Olympics, and my character says bullshit. Jerry is like bullshit, why is it bullshit? So he comes with a witty comeback like "So you grew up in the projects?" I love how he gets Wendell to react to him. However when it comes to the job, the jokes are gone, all the games and jokes are over.

OtakusandGeeks.com: Final question, Don any update on the Miles Davis project?

Don Cheadle: We're trying to get it moving.

The Guard opens up in selected theaters on July 29th 2011. Check your listings.

Captain America: The First Avenger Review

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With the summer already giving us three superhero movies, we wonder can we take another one. The final superhero movie of the summer has arrived. Captain America finally gets his big budget debut. Does this film pack the punch, or should we not take the Captain's orders?

Story - After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals. That's the film synopsis.

The story is wonderful. Out of all the superhero movies this summer, this is the one that nailed the mythos accurately. Captain America tells the story of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a kind hearted man who just wants to serve his country. Problem is physically Rogers is not strong enough for the army. He's skinny, has tons of medical problems, but beneath all that he has a heart of a champion. Rogers is recognized by Dr.Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), he takes interest in Rogers and gives him the push for him, to be the new test subject for the super solider formula. The story is written very well. It contains enough backstory on Rogers for the audience to really relate to him. One of the themes I love in the movie is how the weak value power with more humility than someone who already has it. This theme is shown through the characters of Rogers and his foe Red Skull. Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) a man blessed with a fantastic mind, wants to rule the world with an iron fist. He views others as lower than he is. While Rogers views all as equals, he has honor, humility and when he gets the power he doesn't let him consume it. Captain America story packs enough balance of action and storytelling that you will stay interested. The only real complaint about the story is some of Captain's friends are not explored to much. Characters like Dum Dum (Neal McDonough) don't get enough screen time to know who he is. Other than that picky complaint, the story is a great ride of honor, fate and a call for justice.

Acting - Chris Evans say goodbye to Johnny Storm (Fantastic Four) and say hello to Captain America. Evans is purely amazing in this movie. He brings so much life and humility to Rogers. Every time he's on screen you can't help but cheer for the guy. Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter has wonderful chemistry with Evans. Her character is tough military woman who doesn't take any mess, however pull back the layers and you see a soft gentle woman, like Rogers just looking for the right partner. Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Chester Phillips plays a typical military boss, however Jones brings his usual witty charm that will remind you a little of Agent K from Men In Black. Finally Hugo Weaving nails a home run as Red Skull. I couldn't think of a better actor to play the iconic villian. Red Skull is a vicious, but you see that he is a man driven by a goal, no matter how psychotic he is. Weaving delivery on the dialogue is almost flawless. Overall the acting is one of the best out of the superhero movies this year.

Music & Filmmaking - The music is well done. The soundtrack packs some lighthearted compositions and compositions that are very patriotic. One song that will get stuck in your head is called "Star Spangled Man." This song has the feel of the classic 1940's music and it's a nice addition to the film. The film is shot very well. Director Joe Johnson knows how to capture the early years of America. The locations capture the spirit of the forties, but still have the comic book twist to it. It works bringing a realistic and stylish world. The pacing is smooth, but there are times where the film can feel a little dry and dead. The action scenes are average unfortunately, Capt doesn't do much but punch, dodge and throw his shield a couple of times. This is not a bad thing, because its more realistic for a solider to fight like that. However if you're expecting huge set pieces, after set pieces than your watching the wrong film. Captain America focuses more story than action. The action is there, but it's refreshing that the story was more important.

Final Grade B+/8.5 - Captain America is a great film filled with great characters, great acting, great themes and a villain who is enjoyable to watch. The movie can feel a little dry at the times, and the action is not the best out of the summer. However this film has heart, substance and you can't help but cheer for the film. Final Grade B+/8.5.




The Dark Knight Rises Teaser Trailer & Thoughts

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This week the world finally gets it's first look at the upcoming sequel to The Dark Knight. The Dark Knight Rises will be the final entry in the Christopher Nolan Batman series. Check out the teaser trailer below and I will give my thoughts below.



Thoughts: I think this teaser trailer did exactly what it was suppose to do. The trailer teases the hell out of you and raises so many questions. First question is why is Commissioner Gordan in the hospital? Does Gordan know Bruce is Batman? "We were in this together, then you were gone. Now this evil rises. The Batman must come back." Bruce: What if he doesn't exist anymore?" Gordan: He must...he must. I feel like Gordan is encouraging Bruce to go back to being Batman. He's trying to tell Bruce that Batman is necessary. Then we see the symbolism of Gotham crumbling. I this not only symbolizes that Gotham is going through a dark time, but also the end of the series. Finally we see Bane walking up the steps to an exhausted Batman. Batman looks like he's just got through fighting a ton of guys. Also if you look closely you'll see someone is a hostage in the background. Who can this hostage be? Also Ra's Al Ghul narrative from the first movie, makes me wonder if a Batman will die in this film. Usually people die in order to become legends in the eyes of the people. How will Selina Kyle play in this movie?What about Ra's Al Ghul? Finally I would love to know what was being chanted in the background of this trailer? Needless to say the trailer did it's job by raising many questions. I can't wait to see what will happen in the upcoming months.