Zeke’s 2013 Year in Review – Movies and Television

Zeke’s 2013 Year in Review – Movies and Television

Last year I did a year in review, and this year I almost forgot to do it! It’s a few weeks late, but I’ve found myself with a bit of time on my hands, so it’s once again time to look back fondly on the year 2013, and examine the best that it had to offer! Today we shall be looking at Movies and Television!

2013 Movie of the Year – Frozen

If last year you told me that my favorite movie from 2013 was a Disney movie, I probably would have laughed. And if you told me that said movie would cause me to get countless songs stuck in my head, causea princess to potential uproot Ariel as my favorite, and be seen in theaters multiple times, I would have called you crazy. But no doubt, Frozen was my absolute favorite movie this past year. It had everything you would want in a movie: great character development, characters you cared about and cheered for, compelling story, shocking twists, an amazing soundtrack…it had it all. If you haven’t seen this movie you really need to step it up and make it out to see it. Frozen broke a lot of age-old Disney molds, and the fact that it has become my favorite Disney movie by-far is a testament to it’s success.

2013 TV Series of the Year – Game of Thrones

I have a sad confession. I did not watch the first two seaons of Game of Thrones. One of the biggest reasons was because I’m lazy and didn’t pirate it, since I didn’t have HBO. But when Kerby got a job at Comcast, thus gaining us access to HBO, I was able to marathon it the weekend of the premier, just it time to catch Season 3 and be up to speed. And I was completely blown away. It was an insanely mind blowing experience. I was ashamed that I hadn’t watched it up until now. Season 3 had a ton of twists and turns in a series that already was well known for coming out of left field (for those who haven’t read the books, of course). The mere fact that two of my most hated characters made me like them, mostly out of pity, and don’t even get me started on the Red Wedding. Wow. I can’t wait until Season 4, and I hope everyone out that has had a chance to watch this amazing piece of television history.

2013 Episode of the Year – Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor

Is it any surprise? The 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who was simply spectacular. I’ve watched it at least 5 times since it aired, including twice the day it came out (so that Kerby and his girl could see it). It had just about everything you could ask for (outside of Eccelston coming back). 10 and 11 worked amazingly together, and John Hurt was commanding in his role as The War Doctor. To top it all off, The Night of the Doctor, a short prequel webisode, brought back Paul McGann as the 8th Doctor, and it was so great to see him once again take over the screen. The story was twisty and turny (or would that be Wibbly Wobbly?) as one might expect from a Moffat written Doctor Who episode, but the added time it was given made it all flow out so well. From start to finish I was grinning from cheek to cheek. This was the Doctor Who I had been demanding for months, and it was very satisfying.
Well, that’s all for today. Tune in tomorrow when I’ll be discussing Music, and reveal my Song and Album of the year!

Zeke’s Year in Review – Movies and Television

Zeke’s Year in Review – Movies and Television

In 2010, I did what I hoped would become an annual event of the year in review, where I went over some of my favorite movie, music, and gaming best-ofs. Unfortunately, 2011 became rather hectic towards the end of the year, but I’m proud to announce that Zeke’s Year In Review is back! Today I’d like to discuss some of my best-ofs in Movies & TV. Remember, these are merely one man’s opinions, if you have a different one, post it in the comments!

2012 Movie of the Year – The Avengers

It’s hard to name any other movie than this spectacular blockbuster as my 2012 Movie of the Year. A lot of really good flicks came out this year, but only one made me want to see it several times. The Avengers took all your favorite Marvel Movie characters and jammed them together in this epic story. Joss Whedon, known for his brilliance in ensemble casts, managed to weave a tale that gave everyone ample screen time, and showed off each member of the super-team’s highs and lows. From Hawkeye’s surprise villain twist, to Black Widow’s acrobatic combat style, to Iron Man’s witty smarm, each character was able to shine and show of their personality. Well, maybe not Hawkeye…but there’s always Avengers 2! The dialog was witty and refreshing, and the humor was subtle but full of impact. As with most things Joss Whedon, there was no feed-line/punchline setup to the jokes, it was all well written in the dialog to make it seem natural, and it all came out of left-field. There were things I heard in my second, third, and beyond viewings of the movie that I had missed in prior showings because of all the laughter in the theater. The whole crowd got behind the film and you really felt like you were experiencing magic. So there’s no other movie that I could give this two. If you haven’t seen it, shame on you.

2012 TV Series of the Year – Sherlock

I’ll be the first to admit that, outside of Wrestling and Doctor Who, I don’t watch a whole lot of TV. So when a series comes out that I go out of my way to make sure I catch, you know it’s gotta be good. While I would have loved to pick something like Game of Thrones or even Breaking Bad, the fact of the matter is, I haven’t taken the time to properly experience those shows to the fullest. But one show that I definitely have is the BBC’s Sherlock. With Steven Moffat of Doctor Who fame at the helm, this show is more like a series of made for TV movies, and the added length compared to a standard television program definitely goes to it’s advantage. These shows are witty, clever, and have enough twists and turns to always keep you guessing. Many shows have tried to do a “modern day take” on Sherlock Holmes, from House to CBS’s Elementary. Even shows like Monk and Psyche have taken the Sherlock formula and done their own twist to it. But when it comes to Sherlock Holmes, it’s hard to beat the series helmed by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. If you haven’t had a chance, definitely give this series a watch.

2012 Episode of the Year – Doctor Who: The Snowmen

Despite being a giant Doctor Who fan, I spent a good portion of 2012 dreading the show. Whether it was Steven Moffat’s show-running, or Matt Smith’s portrayal of The Doctor, Amy Pond’s continued mary-sueing, to the gradual grinding down of the mystique of River Song, the 6th and beginning of the 7th season of the premier time-traveling show from the BBC left a sour taste in my mouth. So when the announcement came of Amy and Rory’s departure, as well as the premier of a new companion for the 2012 Christmas Special was announced, I didn’t hold my breath. I was excited, but anxious. I didn’t want to be let down again, as I had felt so often in the past few years. Let me take this opportunity to wash away your fears: The Snowmen is one of the best episodes of the Matt Smith / Steven Moffat years. It ranks right up there with The Eleventh Hour and even the amazing episode The Doctor’s Wife (written by Neil Gaiman, who is set to return in the second half of Season 7). This episode refreshed the entire series for me, and seemed to breath new life into not only the series, but Matt Smith’s The Doctor as well. Before this episode, I would approach 2013 for Doctor Who hesitantly, with much reserve. But after this episode, I’m rejuvenated once again. I’m happy to be a Doctor Who fan, and if you haven’t been able to catch this episode, find some way to do it. You won’t be disappointed!
Well, that’s all for today. Tune in tomorrow when I’ll be discussing Music, and reveal my Song and Album of the year!

Fright Night (2011) Review: aka David Tennant is a Bad-Ass MoFo.

I’ve never been a huge fan of horror movies, but when I heard that David Tennant, the most amazing 10th Doctor from Doctor Who, was going to be in the remake of the 1985 cult-classic Fright Night, I knew there was a very good chance I was going to go see it. The story revolves around a boy who, after shunning his nerdy friends and being “cool” in order to get a hot chick, discovers that his new neighbor is a vampire! This vampire, played quite well by Colin Farrell, is slowly eating his way through the neighborhood. And when Charley Brewer (played rather meh-ly by Anton Yelchin)’s best friend “Evil” Ed (played by the always wonderful Christopher Mintz-Plasse) is taken out, he knows he has to fight back. It’s a fun, action-filled story with a menacing Colin Farrell, a boring Anton Yelchin, and hot chicks aplenty. But, as I assumed, David Tennant’s performance as Peter Vincent, stage-magician and surprise real-life vampire expert, took over the show.

The show just how much love Mr. Tennant has, the moment he arrived on screen, the crowd in the theater erupted into applause. He stole the show every time he was on scene. Then again, I might be a bit biased.

Don’t judge me, the bible says not to.

All kidding aside, the movie was very enjoyable, even if you aren’t a fan of gorey horror-suspense type movies. I might even purchase it once it’s out on DVD/Bluray (though more realistically, I’ll just stream it if/when it comes to Netflix). I give it 4 Sonic Screwdrivers out of 5.

-Zeke

Dashi is not dead! : He’s thrown on a leather racing jacket and has revved it up with a review on the hit anime movie REDLINE

To be honest the last anime series that I watched was Panty and Stocking and that was a fantastic series. Afterwards I sort of went into a huge anime drought and I could get into any new anime’s like Tiger and Bunny or Madoka magica. After months of trying it seemed that I have been cured by famous anime company Mad House. Fantastic anime from the same group who did Trigun, Gungrave, and Chobits? Now you REALLY have my attention!

Redline follows the story of “Sweet” JP – A man with a retro sense of fashion, waves of fans, and tends to have spectacular crashes towards the end of his races. Paid off by the mob for all of his lost races and being on the verge of giving up his dream, he gets voted onto the next stage and gets to compete in the Redline, a vicious race that is held in Roboworld, where if you lose the race you lose more then your car… you lose your LIFE.

Redline is set to release on dvd and blu-ray in november of this year and there are a few theaters that have been showing this film. If you happen to get a chance you have GOT to see this movie. The animation is unique and it took 7 years of production to make this film. The reviews are awesome and I love how Thomas Zoth of Mania.com said “if Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World was a assault on the senses.. Then Redline is a declaration of war.”

10/10 – Go See this if you can, if not add it to your collection of you want awesome anime to show off to your friends.. This movie is LITERALLY Speed Racer.. on CRACK!

Movies with the Monk: Adventures in “Earthsea”

Movies with the Monk: Adventures in Earthsea

Greetings, movie watchers and fans of “aniRAGE!”. Miroku here and I just had to hop online in order to let you all know about another FANTASTIC Studio Ghibli film, released in August 2010 by Disney. The Story is entitled “Tales from Earthsea” and was based upon the “Earthsea” novels by Ursula K. LeGuin. Now a name like Ursula, when speaking of disney and “sea”, ussually brings up images of heavy set, overly endowed, tentically sea witches, but (thankfully) none of this appears within the story. Rather, Goro Miyazaki (son of the famous Haoyo Miyazaki) brings a world of magic and sorcery to life in a way that only Studio Ghibli has been able to for the last 27 years. The story itself sets you within a world known as “Earthsea” where the balance of light and darkness teeters, precariously, back and forth. Men rule over the earth and waves while Dragons claim sky and fire, but both realms are beginning to fall out of alignment as a mysterious dark force works in the shadows to lay claim of life through fear, drought, and pestilence.

In the midst of this leaking darkness, the story follows the exploits of three characters:

The archmage, Sparrowhawk (voiced by Timothy Dalton), is wandering in search of the reason behind the disbalance that is taking place while policing any and all forces that might be causing the imbalances within the world.

The runaway prince, Arren (voiced by Matt Levin), is fleeing a terrible past and an even more fearful “shadow” that plagues him when rescued by the Archmage and drawn to follow him as he has nowhere else to go.

The mysterious girl, Therru (voiced by Blairre Restaneo), is a scarred beauty with a jaded past whom is almost placed into slavery until Arren intervenes and rescues her.

These three become the centerpoint for the events that ensue and surround them as a wicked sorceror by the name of Cobb (voiced by Willem Dafoe) seeks to discover the power of eternal life… A power that, if discovered, threatens to forever mar and destroy the balance of their world. Additional casting includes the voices of Mariska Hargitay, Jean Smart, and Cheech Marin. It is a story about courage, taking responsibility, and the importance that is found in both the living and the dying. Another excellent film from the same Studio that brought you stories like “Princess Mononoke”, “Howl’s moving Castle”, and the academy acclaimed “Spirited Away” and a excellent starter for what is sure to be an amazing career of Goro Miyazaki. “Tales from Earthsea” is an excellent addition to any collection (whether it be disney, studio Ghibli, or just animation in gerneral) and I would highly recommend everyone watching it at least once in their life.

And, that’s it for Movies with the Monk. I’m Miroku and I hope to be back soon with another great flick (animated or live-action) to tell you all about. Till then, take care and enjoy!

Hey there little “Red riding hood”: A movie review

How’s it going, everyone?

Just got back from seeing a sneak peek presentation of “Red Riding Hood” and, much like the song by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs… it sure was looking good! I don’t want to put out any spoilers or anything for the movie, but it was a great film. As you can guess, it was a bit of a “creature feature” and being produced by the same folks whom made twilight (bleck… -gags a little.-) it was definately what I would consider a “chick flick”. But, unlike twilight, this was ACTUALLY good. There was enough action and intrigue between the girl stuff that it kept me engrossed the ENTIRE time. The acting was fairly good and the creature effects weren’t too shabby. They went with a similiar theme for “the wolf” as they did for others in previous sappy vampire love stories, but I really enjoyed the look and the story was fairly well written.

In short, Red Riding Hood is, very much, Well worth seeing and I would highly recommend it to ANYONE whom enjoys a good monster movie and/or a love story. Until next time, I’m Miroku bidding you all a “grim” evening… BWa ha ha ha-ack!

Aaaand We’re Back!

Evening everyone your fellow aniRAGEr Dashi here with a update. Why? Because why not! It’s time for a weekly review of stuff Dashi saw on the internet, as well as stuff he rented through netflix as well as gamefly! So here we go!

The Internets:

Gorillaz Offical Video for Doncamatic: The first time I heard the mp3 I thougt man that female was a good singer! …And then I saw the video, boring, going through the sea, references to the Plastic Beach album, patiently waiting for Rhinestone Eyes. 3.5 out of 5 since I like the song.

Hyperbole and a Half: I thank Vicki for finding me this website, I have never laughed so hard in my life. I think I’m sick again. Dammit.

Lol-Comics: If you have not read these yet, go do so, its a great comic.

Damn you auto-correct!: For those droid / Iphone mess ups when you have autocorrect.

Netflix Movies I rented:

Shutter Island: Amazing movie, better then Deception 5 stars!

Sherlock Holmes: Good movie with Johnny Derp Robert Downey Jr. but felt slightly rushed, hoping for a sequel 4 stars out of five.

Alice in Wonderland: Not too bad but not too terrible a kids movie that felt like it was more for adults. A bit of gore and nastiness but for the adults it was pretty decent,4 stars out of five.

Clash of the titans: I’ve seen both versions and honestly the older version was amazing and was a bit longer but the new version was more of a manly edition, and had a few weird flaws in the story. 3 out of five stars.

And on to the gamefly games ive rented!

Metroid Other M: …felt like a movie more then a metroid game. If I ever play another metroid game again I’m hoping it is as awesome as the games they had on the GBA 2 stars out of five.

Red Dead Redemption : …nope cant seem to get into Sandbox Games at all 2 stars out of five.

Grand theft auto – Liberty city stories : I think I grew so old I couldn’t get into the story lines they had 2 stars out of five.

Front Mission evolved: …ugh I prefer Front Mission 3 in my humble opinion – 1 out of five.

WWE smackdown Vs Raw 201: Decently made wrassler 4 stars out of five.

Punch-Out!: Holy gods, If you loved super punch out for the wii you’ll love this remake for the wii! 5 out of 5 stars!

Call of Duty: Black Ops – haven’t gotten it in the mail yet but I tend to oddly enough like the singleplayer of Call of duty, but not big in the multiplayer, 4 out of 5 stars.

And that’s it! till next time Bloggers! 😀

..ok funny photo time.

Ahh nevermind, Ill get you guys a good one or a funny clip next time!

-Dashi