The Evolution of the Harry Potter films

There was a time that some of us can remember before J.K. RowlingsHarry Potterjuggernaut came to life. Columbus approach to the material could best be described as reverential. In fact, they feel like a bolt on at the end of the film. But credit where credits due. To put it bluntly, one of the characters is far more rounded and less annoying than the other. Every subsequent film would benefit from the move....

July 2, 2009 · 2 min · 228 words · Shawn Johnson

Hans Dastrup interview: animating Ice Age 3, working with 3D, and computer trouble

Firstly, congratulations on finishingIce Age 3! Then after that first shock wears off its still very exciting. I think that excitement and the anticipation of that never wears off, and never will. ], and that was a very different style of animation that we explored. It was all about trying to make it feel like the world of Dr Seuss. The challenge of then going back to theIce Agestyle, we had to adjust....

July 1, 2009 · 6 min · 1120 words · Philip Delgado

The Punisher: War Zone Blu-ray review

Castle is informed of the escape and follows Russoti and immediately dispatches a thug whos exiting a toilet. Turns out that this isnt great for Rusottis skin as hes left horribly disfigured. He then sets out to seek revenge by kidnapping Donatellis wife and child and killing the Punisher. Now, I approached this movie with an open mind. I should have gone with my initial instinct not to watch the movie....

July 1, 2009 · 2 min · 248 words · Riley Reed

Edinburgh Film Festival: A Boy Called Dad and I’m Gonna Explode reviews

Needless to say, the plot has these elements collide in an obtuse and unwarranted metaphorical mess. Robbie meets his dad by a ridiculous chance, and they start palling around as if he never left. Thats where the film gets ropey. The more I think about this film, the more it burns me up with a searing hatred. Sound a little familiar? Maru is the daughter of a single mother, who has a lot of trouble keeping up in school....

June 30, 2009 · 1 min · 84 words · John Cuevas

Terminator Salvation Xbox 360 review

Should you fight for the resistance or succumb to apathy? Kevin takes on Terminator: Salvation Need I even say anything about film tie-ins? Its unfortunate then that a game needs to be reviewed where many of the cliches apply. Sorry, ignore that. Not cliches, cliche. That being that film tie-ins are generally worth less than a bucket of mud. So why should you buy this? You probably shouldnt, but for the moment allow me a digression or three....

June 25, 2009 · 1 min · 135 words · Jordan King

Top 10 second chance superheroes

What superheroes deserve a second shot at fame? So lets jump right in and see who made the cut. Numerous companies have tried to relaunch the series, each failing. But these heroes deserve another shot. Ad content continues below The Lost Generation Marvels so-calledLost Generationwas the brainchild of John Byrne and Roger Stern. In the hands of the right author, this could tie nicely into the Marvel Universe. There has been talk that Sprouse will be returning to the character in the next year....

June 22, 2009 · 2 min · 328 words · Shawn Harrison

Caprica: The Soundtrack CD review

The soundtrack reflects this through its two main themes,The Graystone FamilyandA Tauron Sacrifice. The soundtrack forCapricais a success because it feels suitably referential to theGalacticasoundtrackwithout re-using, or aping those same tracks. Its familiar yet at the same time new, individual and different. Its tone is certainly a darker one then some ofGalacticas pieces, its emotional, brooding, yet elegant. Rating: 5 out of 5

June 19, 2009 · 1 min · 63 words · Dr. Kathleen Mullins

The Unborn Blu-ray review

A disappointing release of a disappointing movie. Glen reviews the Blu-ray of David S Goyer’s The Unborn… The further Casey investigates the matter, those helping her start to die. Shes encouraged to seek out the help of Rabbi Sendak (Gary Oldman) to perform an exorcism. Its not awful; its just not very good. The premise, in principal, is decent it just hasnt been executed effectively. Im not adverse to time being spent setting up the story, far from it....

June 18, 2009 · 1 min · 212 words · Kyle Hammond

Milk Blu-ray review

Sean Penn takes home an Oscar, and Gus Van Sant delivers a great film. Milk perseveres at the expense of his relationship with Scott and is finally elected. Not that youd expect any less from Penn, who is undoubtedly one of the finest actors working today. James Franco is also excellent as Milks great love, Scott Smith. Penn seems to have mastered Milks mannerisms, charm and look brilliantly. Josh Brolin is almost identical in look to Dan White as is Denis OHare to Senator John Briggs....

June 16, 2009 · 1 min · 164 words · Heather Wilson

The Assassin Blu-ray review

Bridget Fonda takes over from Anne Parouillaud, and John Badham takes the reigns from Luc Besson. How does The Assassin fare in hi-def? Luc BessonsLa Femme Nikitawas one such film, and its the strict template for John Badhams glossy remake. Sentenced to death, shes thrown a surprise lifeline by Gabriel Byrnes Bob. Its also, to be fair, not a bad stab at remaking the film. There have certainly been far more offensive remakes than this, and its a good, solid entertaining picture....

June 4, 2009 · 1 min · 101 words · Robert Morrison

Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector’s Edition Box Set review

A compendium of Clint ripping through the SFPD rulebook? How lucky can you get…? He asks us directly. Youve all heard him! You have to ask yourself a question right now he says, Do I feel Lucky? So lets look at each release in this box set separately shall we to see how they measure up. The bad guys here are not afraid of being bad guys. They will threaten women and children....

May 28, 2009 · 3 min · 555 words · Katherine Scott

Damnation Xbox 360 review

Few game modifications have made it big however, with most simply enjoying a loyal, small following. Others, however, have fared a little better. We shouldnt forget the excellentPortaleither, yet anotherHalf-Lifemod made good, this time fromHL2s Source Engine. Damnation, the game we see before us here, started off in similar digs. Of course, Rourke also has his own agenda finding his lost love (cliche alert on standby!) Were talking the usual assortment of machine guns, pistols, shotguns and sniper rifles nothing impressive....

May 26, 2009 · 2 min · 299 words · Eric Beck

Terminator 2: Judgement Day – Skynet Edition Blu-ray review

Skynet has once again sent a Terminator back to eliminate John and, therefore, the Resistance. Watching the film on my PS3 also gave me access to the BD Live. TheT2themed THX ident is a nice touch, which made me smile. Terminator 2is a fantastic film and its great on Blu-ray. The effects have stood up really well to the test of time. If the upcomingTerminator: Salvationis a patch onT2then well all be happy....

May 26, 2009 · 1 min · 79 words · Amy Griffin