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Batman v Superman: The Review

Batman V Superman, the mother of all match ups finally did its Superhero landing this past Friday. And what a landing!

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The movie seems to be critically panned by most yet is set to make mega moola.

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So how did it really fare?

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*super minor spoilers ahead*

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Firstly the darkness of the movie was a breath of fresh air compared to all the humour we get from Marvel (don’t get me wrong I love the Stark/Banner Banter but too much one thing can be detrimental fro ones health ) but I also feel that they drenched it in darkness when a good soak was all that was needed. A little more humour would have balance it more.

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The movie did feel cluttered at times but with Snyder having to manages 3 heroes and world/franchise building I can let that slide which is more poor editing than bad direction. But like I said before the shared universe has that effect and it’s a symptom we will have to live with if we want this multi-verse to continue.There were some obvious plot holes that may be done on purpose and this shall only reveal itself in future instalments or could be just poor story telling.

The film is well cast ( more on that later) and for the most part well directed. There are some camera angles that seem less that courteous to the scene at times. Visually it is stunning, but with such a long development period I would expected nothing short of spectacular. The score felt right and my favourite was that of Wonder Woman in the final act.

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Moving on to the cast, Batfleck seems to have nailed the Dark Knight but falls a little short on Bruce Wayne as there are times when it feels they are the same character and it shouldn’t, but time will heal that wound and IMO he has earned his seat as a worthy successor to Bale. His relationship with Alfred is captured beautifully and a key moment was him making old Al a cup of coffee. A scene that clearly defined there relationship is more than what appears on the surface.

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Cavill seems to be settling into his role well and his second outing is an improvement, even his physique is larger. His romance with Lois felt a little fast tracked but again nothing one cant get past to enjoy the film. Ms Lane’s character is served well as one can but visually she looks a bit old for Clark but who am I to judge what Supe’s into these days.

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Wonder Woman is a scene stealer in the best sense, her beauty, her strength and charisma shines through and will surely cement success in her solo outing. The only negative is that we never have enough of her.

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Lex I must admit shattered all my fears of Eisenberg playing the role. His malice is unmatched (until a certain new green haired freak makes his début ) and his genius is on point. While others may say his eccentric was over the top, I applaud it and felt it was what would be in his youth in this time. He is so full of himself as only a Luther can be.

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Snapping back to the film itself, I felt it delivered, adapting key Batman and Superman stories write out of comic book history and blending them together to create a cohesive story. So yes the movie is flawed is some ways but it certainly didn’t deserve the global panning which will probably hurt its box office returns.

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This movie isn’t made to win over critics, it isn’t made to collect Oscars, it was made for the fans. It was made as fun popcorn blockbuster that brings together the holy trinity. And in that regards it succeeds.

All in all it is a solid entry into DC’s cinematic universe and even warrants a second viewing.

Lets give it a hard earned 4/5

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As always BRING DA MAYHEM!!!!!!!!!!!

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Deadpool Review

 

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I am not going to lie, I have been waiting for this movie for almost a decade so maybe my view maybe a little skewed, but then again when it comes to Deadpool you kinda need a skewed view to truly appreciate him.

In a world now filled with superheroes and world building, we get the refreshing enema in the form of Wade Wilson, the fan favourite Merc with a Mouth (and thank God it aint sworn shut).

The movie lives up the the well marketed hype and then some, even the opening credits reminds you, you aint in Kansas no more Dorothy.

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The movie keeps the plot simple, while some might find that a bit boring for a Deadpool movie I felt it was necessary otherwise it would have distracted the average movie goer from the oddity (shout out to my boy ) of the movie itself. and that’s what Tim Miller has done well here, stayed true to the core character without alienating the general audience. But that’s not only what he and star Ryan Reynolds do well. They show us they can do X-Men better than X-Men, case in point Colossus. Never has the character been better depicted, from the thick Russian accent to the physique and his humble persona.

I will admit the villains were pretty underdeveloped but the movie makes you forget that with the well placed wit and humour… oh the humour, always the right dosage, always the right time.

In short Deadpool is a fun filled ride that’s the perfect break from all the intense franchise and their sometimes convoluted shares universe. You don’t need to catch up on 7 movies to know what is going on, you don’t need to buy a mountain load of back issues to understand the character. All you need is a barrel of popcorn and large soda and you will get your moneys worth.

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The movie gets a slightly biased 5/5 simply for being totally original when the only options where dark or light. Being grey has never been so colourful.  Oh and to my Deadpool fans….

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Terminator Genysis

Another late review…

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Due to circumstances I was not able to watch this on its initial release, which to me was a great loss as I thought that this instalment had great promise.

After watching it I still stand by that statement.

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The movie is actually entertaining, which an idealistic mix of humour, action and science fiction. It would have had suspense of a good twist too had the trailer not blown away its best surprise so early.

The movie isn’t T2 quality but I suppose nothing ever will be, what it is though is spades better than T3 which was like a poorly made remake or it predecessor and Salvation which had such promise but kinda folded on its self.

This movie is a great popcorn flick and adds to the terminator universe. Acting might be a little wooden and the relationship between Sarah and Kyle feels more forced than Arnie’s smile.  But the mythology  is given a nice addition and if the sequel gets green lit could make for an interesting trilogy.

Seriously go out and watch this if you get a chance… still a better watch Fanlastic 4 (sorry couldnt resist)

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Arkham Knight: PS4 Game Review

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This review is well overdue… I know… but in my defence the game took me in and never let me go, I mean really. Man what a roller-coaster.

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Let’s kick off with the graphics or visuals, Rocksteady have really used the next gen console’s capabilities as best as one could. From the way the rain slicks of the cape to the landscaping of the city. The city is what I believe Gotham should look like on screen. There is so much to take in, one can just take the time to go sightseeing, however considering the use of the Batmobile the streets could have been made a little more sensible. But there is plenty to explore.

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purrrrr

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“Oracle… the time is off on the Watchtower”

The Story…

This is what a Batman story should be, the odds stacked up against him in every possible way and a multitude of villains doing everything to compound those odds. This game was equal parts comic, movie and gameplay. The plot twists had me stunned as the game took Batman characters to places we never expected. This game is rich with character development, which is just as vital as stunning visuals. There is so much I just want to blurt out here, but I have been spoiler warned by the powers that be, so its zip lips for now.

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Fast and Furious

The Batmobile

This is one of the biggest draws of the game, how often does one get to throw the Batmobile around the streets of Gotham. The car is a nice combination of Nolan’s Tumbler, the forthcoming variant from Batman V Superman and pure comic book insanity. Don’t expect GT like handling this isn’t a racing game or simulator but there are plenty of races one can undertake. The car has 2 modes which one can switch up anytime. The first is the normal car mode where you have speed and minor weapons and there is the battle mode which essentially makes you a tank.  The car is fun to use to get around the city but I still prefer gliding around.

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Surprise!!!

Gameplay

The controls are easy to learn but can feel loose at times especially during close combat, the Batmobile as I mentioned is pretty basic car control with nice power slides and a afterburner turbo boost but the battle mode has decent manoeuvrability, the targeting feels off and never precise. Gliding is easy to pick up but takes some mastery for those moves and precision landing. If you have already played any of the previous titles then it’s like riding a bike and if not then just give it some time. The default settings are fitting, I know there were some arguments that its best to set your own style but I felt they hit it spot on (or maybe my style is default setting 1..LOL)  Again is pretty responsive and nothing negative to report that will hamper your experince

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2 Guys, a girl and one crazy b….

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Botox, a must for the modern super villain

Villains

Err…almost every villain makes an appearance in the final instalment of the trilogy. By now we know it will be focused on Scarecrow and the Arkham Knight, but fear not many other fan favourites have sizeable roles to play in this game. Sadly 2 of mine never even show face, namely Bane and Mr.Freeze but hey I only completed the main story so far and may be surprised yet. The villains are designed superbly mixing elements of realism and pure cartoon madness.

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Pokemon… Gotta catch ém all

Problems?

Well firstly was the day one patch which meant I had to wait at least  20mins before starting as the 2GB plus patch installed (no bandwidth isn’t that fast, but PS4’s play as you download start is awesome). Then games difficulty starts of mild but then starts to intensifies very quickly, while the upgrades help to kerb some of them, it does get a bit frustrating. Then there are the weird glitches, like the one that occurs when you smack in the middle of a fight and the screen distorts and you in limbo.  Riddler’s challenges will make you question (pun intended) you very capability as a gamer, when I say they hard, they friggin hard. The season pass (I opted out for now) is a joke, almost R600 for a six month pass? I would be happy to pay that extra for a premium version that has that included but these season passes are a joke, especially when they let us down so bad for the Batmobile version and threw some cheap skins on our face.

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Verdict

This game now resides as the second best title of the PS4 of all time (so far), GTA 5 still holds on to that Number 1 spot. The game succeeds not because of the superb graphics or the use of the Batmobile or gameplay or what not, it succeeds because it does one simple thing, it makes you feel like you are the Batman, jumping roof tops and gliding around a gothic metropolis (too much?).  Be the Batman? Indeed!

But really how good is this game, well put it this way, I intended to write this review after 10% story play, I am now 100% complete on the core story. Yeah its that good.

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Yo Affleck… catch! You it!

4/5

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Jurassic World Review

Jurassic World

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I will take you into this review the way I was taken into the movie…..

It was all ho hum until the monorail started approaching the gates and you see the doors “Jurassic World” and the open with the theme music softly playing in the background.

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Needless to say it sent shivers down my spine (o-saurus?)

The plot slowly manifests itself as it establishes the core characters, while giving you a nice tour of the theme park. And what a tour, the 3D work on this movie is breathtaking.There are scenes that truly take in, and then scenes that have something coming at you. And it isn’t forced, like hey this is the 3D part and something just flew at you. Its sometimes little things,but mostly just feels polished.

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The action is amped and plenty, however the thrilling suspense building isn’t as great as the first one was. Speaking of the first, there is plenty homage to it, some direct and some not to direct, but it doesn’t feel forced. It feels right. I do warn you though if you walk in looking to emulate that feeling you got when you first saw dinosaurs come to life then you will be left disappointed.  The movie pays tribute and brings some of the original magic back but also puts its own stamp on it. It iconic water in a cup-tremor tool that used to signal the distant yet closing approach of the large and in charge villain dinosaur is gone. But that’s a good thing, some things are better left untouched, a statement  ironically itself the underlying theme of the movie.

The effects again are nothing short of spectacular, but we all knew it would do that. The acting… well… I mean everyone loves Chris Pratt, but this isn’t Star Lord and there is only a few well placed puns or jokes. I for one am glad as its now adds an extra dimension to his action star credibility. The kids acting is generally poor, “there is no quivering spoon”.  The rest of the cast ranges from wooden to mediocre but then again the real stars are the prehistoric divas so we can let it slide.

I was genuinely concerned about the hybrid dino, but trust me it makes sense and falls into place… in the context of crazy DNA movie science.

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Bottom line this is a great popcorn flick, in fact the best sequel to the original to date and gets 4 out of  5 mega bites.

 

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Pre-Order: Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow

Pre-Order: Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron: Black Widow 1/6 Scale Collectible Figure MMS288

A new wave of Hot Toys’ 1/6th scale Collectible Figures based on the highly anticipated Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron is coming as the movie’s release date draws near! Today we are excited to present the deadly female member of the mighty Avengers – the 1/6th scale Black Widow Collectible Figure!

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in the film featuring a newly painted head sculpt with short curly brownish-red real fabric hair, newly tailored costume with leather-like trims and blue highlights, detailedly made new weapons and accessories.

Don’t forget to add the lethal female agent to your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection!

R500 deposit secures the figure at the special Pre-Order Price.

PM, comment for details or Pre-Order here: http://tinyurl.com/PMMMS288

Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa

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Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa

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Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
Hot Toys Avengers Age of Ultron Black Widow Project Mayhem Durban South Africa
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Avengers Age of Ultron IMAX 3D Pre-Screening Event! Durban, 24/04/2015

Durban! Are you ready? Do we have a surprise for you!

Join us for a piece of motion picture history!
Presenting Durban’s Ultimate Super Hero Experience!

The Avengers Age of Ultron IMAX 3D Pre-Screening Event

Featuring:

Prize giveaways & competitions
Mix it on the red carpet with local celebrities
Cosplay – dress up as your favourite hero on the day and WIN big!
Great promos and vouchers for Action Figures and Games!

Date: 24 April 2015
Time: 8PM (Main feature)
Venue: IMAX Gateway, Durban

Be a part of the build up to the most anticipated movie of 2015 by getting involved on social media with the hashtags #AgeofUltronDBN #iTen #ProjectMayhemSA and #BatcaveComixDBN (t’s & c’s apply)
Like/Share/Follow & Tweet the above hashtags on the following social media pages to increase your chances of being a winner! The more you tag and share, the bigger your chance! It’s that simple!

In addition, there are 100 Tickets to be won! Simply Like ITEN & iTaxi Advertising Facebook pages! It’s as simple as that!
Avengers Age of Ultron Imax 3D Pre-Screening Event is proudly brought to you by #iTEN in association with Project Mayhem Collectibles & Action Figures and Batcave Comics & Games

Tickets for this event exclusively available via iTen, ProjectMayhemSA & Batcave Comics.

 

IMAX®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation.
© 2015 IMAX Corporation

Avengers Age of Ultron IMAX 3D Pre-Screening Event Durban brought to you by ITEN TV, Project Mayhem Collectibles & Action Figures and Batcave Comics N Games Durban
Avengers Age of Ultron IMAX 3D Pre-Screening Event Durban brought to you by ITEN, Project Mayhem Collectibles & Action Figures and Batcave Comics N Games Durban