Well, after taking time off to finish some work stuff, I can finally come back with reviews…in December!  Because everyone knows what the days leading up til Christmas are, right?  I don’t either, so I made up: 25 days til Christmas, 25 reviews.  Yep, you heard it folks, for every day leading up til Christmas, there will be 1 review.  Each day will be a new review, each about 2-3 sentences long.  I hope to use this format for my new blog, Dime Store Reviews.  What will these reviews be about?  Christmas of course!  Mainly Christmas movies, but maybe a couple other mediums as well.  I might do another review during November, but get ready for December, its gonna be a doozy!

Perhaps a bit late in reviewing this movie, (by 41 years to be exact) but this movie still stands up to today’s sci-fi movies.  Directed by Stanley Kubrick (also director of A Clockwork Orange), this movie pushed the boundries of what people thought of sci-fi movies.  In fact, I like this movie more than many sci-fi movies coming out today that rely on special effects rather than storytelling.  One featured to be noted as far as special effects go, Odyssey came out 9 years before the original Star Wars, and looks almost as good.  Of course, many people know the story, if you lived back then of course.  I actually watched this when I was very young, and watched it again just yesterday.  One of my reasons for reviewing is this; if you are of the younger generation and haven’t seen this movie, watch it!  Especially if you happen to be a big fan of sci-fi.  Well, that’s about it for this review, gonna go play some Halo Wars.  Until next time.

Sciborg; 95

Rotten Tomatoes: 96

IMDb: 8.4/10

After hearing many very enthusiastic reviews for this movie, I just had to see this movie; and personally I am glad I did.  This movie is definately one of the best that I have seen lately.  Which, considering that I have been watching many classic movies as of late, is saying quite a bit.  Though some might find this movie boring or even evil, I find a great piece of cinema, dipping heavily into controversies of violence, society, and psychology.  Plus, the film’s score is one of the best parts of the movie, from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to the haunting opening score.  All in all, this movie is now one of my favorites and will be for a long time.  Remember though, this movie does have violent and sexual scenes, so don’t show it to any of your kids…

Sciborg: 97

Rotten Tomatoes: 91

IMDb: 8.5/10

Well…wow.  I am literally just now reviewing a game whose sequel comes out in about a month.  How’s that for speedy and quick reviews eh? Well, really the reason is becasue I did not actually own a copy of the game until last week, I just played it at my friend’s house.  But now I have played both the PC and Xbox 360 versions.  Which do I prefer?  Well, I personally prefer the Xbox 360 version, mainly because you can play with your friends at one person’s house.  Of course, if you enjoy playing online then PC is good too.  So what can I say about the game?  Quite a bit.  To summarize, the game is the ultimate party game.  With almost no plot, combined with wild and cray action, the game is great for get-togethers.  Want to make a wedding more exciting?  Is that baby shower boring you to death?  Well then, bring Left 4 Dead!  Seriously, this game is just plain fun, and if you don’t own a copy, pick one up.   Also, I will now rate video games too!  Plus, IGN and GameRankings ratings.

Sciborg: 93

IGN: 9/10

GameRankings: 89

Well, since I am not a big fan of anime, I did not know that plans for an animated Halo were in the works.  I have seen the trailer for it, and well…what can I say?  I mean, fans of anime and Halo will probably be drooling over this, as this does look good.  Me?  Well…  Admittadly, some of the clips shown look good, but some are kind of, well, odd.  The style is, of course, typically anime; which most people like and I think its okay.  Though the brief looks of the humans looks more anime than Halo-esque, I suppose it can be forgiven.  One of the items that piqued my interest were the stories.  Personally, I am looking forward to two in particular.  First is “Duel” a story that is supposed to take place at the alliance of the Elites and the Prophets.  The other story I am really looking forward to is “Origins” which is to be told in two parts.  The story is supposed to detail the entire 100,000 year history of the Halo universe.  There will be 5 other stories along with the two stories I mentioned here.  So will Halo Legends be good?  I think, as long as anime fans like Halo, it will be successful.  As for me, I might get it, but will probably wait until reviews come in to buy.  Halo Legends comes out Spring 2010.  Review of Fallout 3 and Left 4 Dead coming soon!

Halo Legends Reveal Trailer:

So, what can I say about the movie considered to be one of the best of all time?  Not much really.  I mean, it definately lives up to its reputation.  Good lighting, perfect settings and sounds, and don’t forget the infamous camera angles that were ahead of their time.  Casting is amazing, the characters are well fleshed-out, and the plot is interesting and convincing.  Do I have anything to say that has not been said by the thousands of reviews over the 68 since Citizen Kane’s release?  No, not really.  My only advice is this: if you have not watched this movie, do so.  NOW.

Sciborg: 100

Rotten Tomatoes: 100

IMDb: 8.6/10

Lately, I have been watching quite a few older movies.  The classic The Day the Earth Stood Still, Citizen Kane, It’s a Wonderful Life, and now Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  And what can I say about this movie?  I mean, just…wow.  This movie was simply amazing.  This movie makes politics seem actually (gasp) exciting!  This movie is one that captures the viewer and brings him or her along for the ride.  Though it starts a bit slow, the rest captures the viewer so fully, the movie seems to pass by in a flash.  James Stewart makes an excellent Jefferson Smith, and eager, young, and nieve Senator who has not yet been exposed to all his job has to offer, including a more sinister side…Really, this is just a quick review, but if you haven’t seen it, go out and get it.  Ratings:

Sciborg: 96

IMDb: 8.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 96

And now, the conclusion.

BF: Bad Company 2:  Now, this is a game that has gotten me excited as of late.  Why?  Because I positively loved the first BF: Bad Company.  It was quirky, interesting, and fun.  The weapons were cool, the characters were awesome, and the story was magnificent.  So when this game was announced, I was excited just to say the least.  The sequel is supposed to be even better than the first, and if it can top the first, then I can’t wait until March 2.  Trailers 1 & 2:

Trailer 1:

Trailer 2 (Squad Stories):

Army of Two: 40th Day: For those of you who visit my site somewhat regularly (about…1 maybe 2 people) you may remember that I did a little special on Angry Joe and Army of Two: 40th Day.  Angry Joe had entered a contest made by EA; the contest was to submit your own gun design and the two that won would be in the game.  Luckily, Angry Joe and his Ass-Kicker (AS-KR1) won the contest.  After that, I am definately looking forward to this game.  And not just for that reason either.  I actually enjoyed the first game.  Yes, it got almost unbearably annoying at some points, but most of it was great, and the weapon customization was awesome.  And the best part is that not only will the new game have the AS-KR1, but EA has actually announced that they are addressing basically all of my complaints about that first game, making this upcoming game just plain awesome.  The game is set for release on January 12, 2010 here in the US.  Two trailers:

Trailer 1:

Trailer 2:

Star Wars: The Old Republic: Personally, I am not a big MMORPG fan.  I have never really wanted to pay a monthly fee to play a video game, especially when I can pick one up at the store and then play for free.  But things can change.  Recently one of my favorite developers, BioWare, has announced their plans for an MMO/RPG game to be set in the Old Republic, appropriately named Star Wars: The Old Republic.  Although I have never played an online pay game, this game actually looks like one that might be worth it.  Tons of players, set in the old days of the Republic, customizable classes, Jedi, Sith, the works.  So, take a look at the trailer and see if you won’t consider playing this game:

E3 Trailer:

Well, that wraps up this mini-series for now.  See you next time.

Well, today I went out and bought Bungie’s newest installment in the Halo saga, Halo 3: ODST.  I mentioned it just 2 days ago in a post on upcoming games, and at the time I thought I would not get the game for quite a while.  However, I could not resist picking it up as I bought some groceries at my local Target.  So, I ended paying my $60 and getting the game.  And after playing ODST, it was well worth it.  This game is definitely what I could expect from Bungie, and already a fast favorite.  I will not trouble anyone with a background for the game, any true Halo fan already knows what has been going on in the Halo universe at the point of the game.  What caught me off-guard is the game’s 180 from Halo 3 and the Halo franchise.  Instead of fighting in a bright, vibrant world and linear gameplay, ODST takes place in a dark, ruined city and gives the player choices for how to proceed through the game.  Though I usually like the bright, vibrant worlds, ODST finds a way to make them work.  One of the highlights is the amazing score by Marty O’Donnell, which was adjusted from the typical Halo score to a new one, and it fits the game perfectly.  The graphics are somewhat updated from Halo 3, but they are still great, and Halo 3’s graphics are still good anyways.  The campaign is actually very interesting and keeps you hurrying to your next objective for more insight into the story.  All in all, the game is a keeper.  Not to mention, it comes with a Bonus disc containing all the Halo 3 maps as well as 3 new ones.  Also, every purchase of Halo 3: ODST allows you access to the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta when it comes out.  My parting advice?  Buy this game!

Well, up here is part 2 of upcoming games to look forward to. As a side note, I hope to have at least one more part to this mini-series, if not two.

Halo: Reach: Though the sideways-sequel to Halo 3 (Halo 3: ODST) is set to come out in stores tomorrow, fans can already look forward to another sequel, Halo: Reach. Announced at E3 2009 with a simple teaser trailer, Halo: Reach promises to be the prologue game to the Halo franchise. Though only a teaser trailer has been shown as of yet, the trailer definately looks exciting. Personally, I am looking forward to being in control of more Spartans, complete with backstories. Teaser Trailer:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: This new game, also shown at E3 2009, is the new game in the Call of Duty franchise, and a sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Now, when this game was announced, I could not have been happier. I loved the story of Call of Duty 4, as well as the modern setting and weapons appealed to me quite a bit more than the other Call of Duty games. So, I was dissapointed when Call of Duty: World at War was announced as being set in World War II. Though I did enjoy the great visuals, Nazi Zombies, and multiplayer, I still want some Modern Warfare. Luckily, the people at Infinity Ward felt the same way, and made Modern Warfare 2. So, I would definately say I am excited. Trailers:

GDC Trailer:

Reveal Trailer:

Next up: Battlefied: Bad Company 2, Army of Two: 40th Day, and Star Wars: The Old Republic!