Friday, January 30, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: The Rainbow Connection
I'm kind of surprised it took me this long to post this.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: In the House, In a Heartbeat
While many hail it as a great film, I wasn't a fan of 28 Days Later. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that it sucked. I never saw the sequel because why would I? However, this track, right here? Is freaking amazing. Murphy did a great job on this one. It's tense and creepy, perfect for building the sort of atmosphere needed for a horror movie.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
High School of the Dead
Episode 1: Spring of the Dead
Episode 2: Escape from the Dead
Episode 3: Democracy Under the Dead
Episode 4: Running in the Dead
Episode 5: Streets of the Dead
Episode 6: In the Dead of the Night
Episode 7: Dead Night and the Dead Ruck
Episode 8: The Dead Way Home
Episode 9: The Sword and Dead
Episode 10: The Dead's House Rules
Episode 11: Dead Storm Rising
Episode 12: All Deads Attack
Pros
- Really strong characters who you are able to root for and empathize with
- The action sequences are impressive as the group partakes in coordinated, stylized fights against armies of zombies
- While the show is largely of the "popcorn" variety, there are several emotionally resonant moments throughout. Be they moments of inspiring heroism or grim tension, they all work and accomplish what they set out to do.
- Saeko is freaking awesome, episode 9 notwithstanding.
Cons
- There is A LOT of fan service here. All of the panty shots and close ups of cleavage are taken to such ridiculous degrees that they don't even accomplish the intended goal of being sexy.
- Episode 9 paints a character in a light that goes against what made her so freaking awesome to begin with. Oddly enough, it's never brought up again, rendering it completely pointless to boot.
- Can come off as tonally inconsistent. One episode has the characters charging into battle showcasing awesome martial arts skills and being highly coordinated, the next has a dark and intense showdown in a gas station where one of the characters is held at knife-point and threatened with rape. Each works on their own, but it can feel like it's all over the place.
Overall
It may not be the deepest or most thought provoking show, but it was entertaining. It had strong, likable characters, decent action, and enough emotional fodder to keep you engaged. I really could have done without all of the blatant fan service, but it is just something you have to get used to. Truth be told, I wouldn't have minded seeing this get a longer run, but for 12 episodes, it is worth checking out.
Episode 2: Escape from the Dead
Episode 3: Democracy Under the Dead
Episode 4: Running in the Dead
Episode 5: Streets of the Dead
Episode 6: In the Dead of the Night
Episode 7: Dead Night and the Dead Ruck
Episode 8: The Dead Way Home
Episode 9: The Sword and Dead
Episode 10: The Dead's House Rules
Episode 11: Dead Storm Rising
Episode 12: All Deads Attack
Click here to join our Patreon campaign
Pros
- Really strong characters who you are able to root for and empathize with
- The action sequences are impressive as the group partakes in coordinated, stylized fights against armies of zombies
- While the show is largely of the "popcorn" variety, there are several emotionally resonant moments throughout. Be they moments of inspiring heroism or grim tension, they all work and accomplish what they set out to do.
- Saeko is freaking awesome, episode 9 notwithstanding.
Cons
- There is A LOT of fan service here. All of the panty shots and close ups of cleavage are taken to such ridiculous degrees that they don't even accomplish the intended goal of being sexy.
- Episode 9 paints a character in a light that goes against what made her so freaking awesome to begin with. Oddly enough, it's never brought up again, rendering it completely pointless to boot.
- Can come off as tonally inconsistent. One episode has the characters charging into battle showcasing awesome martial arts skills and being highly coordinated, the next has a dark and intense showdown in a gas station where one of the characters is held at knife-point and threatened with rape. Each works on their own, but it can feel like it's all over the place.
Overall
It may not be the deepest or most thought provoking show, but it was entertaining. It had strong, likable characters, decent action, and enough emotional fodder to keep you engaged. I really could have done without all of the blatant fan service, but it is just something you have to get used to. Truth be told, I wouldn't have minded seeing this get a longer run, but for 12 episodes, it is worth checking out.
Daily Dose of Awesome: Yakity Sax
This song is inherently hilarious. You could set almost anything to this song and it would instantly become three times funnier. It works especially well with blooper reels. There have been a few times where I started playing this song while my roommate played Halo. On nights where he was just off his game (no pun intended) and got killed a lot, it worked perfectly. Great song, it never gets old, and the world needs more of it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: "Zombie Apocalypse Ready" ATV
I came across an article on my Facebook feed showcasing this vehicle, that is supposedly perfect for a zombie uprising. While there isn't anything "zombie" specific, it is able to traverse all kinds of terrain, making it handy in that circumstance. It may not be the "bad ass" vehicle you think of when you think "zombie ready" but it is still pretty cool. I'm curious as to what the inside looks like. Either way, I'm not gonna lie, there is a part of me that wants one.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Sky Sharks
Let's see, we've had sharknados, sharktopi, and even ghost sharks. What else could they possibly do? Oh, I don't know, how about zombie sharks?
That's right, in the upcoming film, "Sky Sharks", we're going to see zombie sharks. Zombie sharks that become airborne. Airborne zombie sharks piloted by Nazi zombies.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is going to be one of the greatest things to ever grace the screen. Sadly, it won't air until late 2017, but it's definitely going to be worth the wait.
You can read more (as well as see some promotional posters) here.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Phantom Menace Fighting Instructions
This is something of a bittersweet video. While it's well accepted that "The Phantom Menace" was not a good movie for a variety of already stated reasons, I always held that the lightsaber duel between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul was rather impressive. This sort of shatters that notion completely.
In any event, it is rather funny to watch.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Big Dog Won't Get Out of Bed
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that some of the dog's noises were very wookie-like. Apparently, this is a game between the owner and dog and the latter actually does listen. In any event, it's still fun to watch and is rather adorable.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Triple H Breaks Character
I don't watch professional wrestling, but this story popped up on my Facebook feed yesterday and I felt that it warranted sharing.
On Monday, Triple H, who is a "villain" wrestler also known as a heel, saw a crying child in the front row of the crowd and decided to break character to console him. I'm not sure what made the kid cry. I assume it was related to something his character was doing or saying, but that's just speculation on my part.
In any event, it's a pretty heartwarming anecdote. Even if you don't care about wrestling, I imagine you will find yourself going "d'awww" upon hearing about it.
You can read more about it here.
On Monday, Triple H, who is a "villain" wrestler also known as a heel, saw a crying child in the front row of the crowd and decided to break character to console him. I'm not sure what made the kid cry. I assume it was related to something his character was doing or saying, but that's just speculation on my part.
In any event, it's a pretty heartwarming anecdote. Even if you don't care about wrestling, I imagine you will find yourself going "d'awww" upon hearing about it.
You can read more about it here.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: The Legend of Korra
I was skeptical when it was announced that there would be a sequel series to Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender". I'm a huge fan of the series, but I wasn't sure if they would be able to capture that same lightning in a bottle again.
As it turns out, I was wrong and the new series is absolutely fantastic. There are some missteps here and there. It doesn't quite hit the same highs that the original series did, but it is still a strong work in its own right. It takes all of the things that made the first series such a gem, but it doesn't rehash anything. In some respects, it goes out of its way to act as a contrast, but it feels natural and it carries the spirit of the first one quite well.
Between this and Cartoon Network's "Green Lantern: The Animated Series", I was convinced for a while that there was still hope for Saturday morning cartoons. Sadly, Green Lantern was cancelled too soon, though Korra had a solid run at four seasons.
I highly recommend checking this show out as it really is quite good. It's got a good story, great characters, and it's just fun, which is something that more shows need.
As it turns out, I was wrong and the new series is absolutely fantastic. There are some missteps here and there. It doesn't quite hit the same highs that the original series did, but it is still a strong work in its own right. It takes all of the things that made the first series such a gem, but it doesn't rehash anything. In some respects, it goes out of its way to act as a contrast, but it feels natural and it carries the spirit of the first one quite well.
Between this and Cartoon Network's "Green Lantern: The Animated Series", I was convinced for a while that there was still hope for Saturday morning cartoons. Sadly, Green Lantern was cancelled too soon, though Korra had a solid run at four seasons.
I highly recommend checking this show out as it really is quite good. It's got a good story, great characters, and it's just fun, which is something that more shows need.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Weird Al Yankovic "Interviews" Jessica Simpson
As a way to promote the albums that he's released over the years, Weird Al edited together fake "interviews" with various celebrities. He'd take existing footage of an artist and manipulate their responses to fit his questions and laughs would be had by all. I wasn't even aware these existed until a couple of years ago, but there are quite a few of them out there. More than that,they are quite hilarious. I'll probably post some of the other ones sporadically over some period of time, but for now, you can check out his "interview" with Jessica Simpson.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Black Lab Rides Bus
This story has been making the rounds on both local and national news programs. No matter how many times you read or hear about it, it is really an adorable story.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Stinkmeaner vs. Freeman Fight
This video isn't safe for work as the N word is used rather prevalently. Be aware of this before you start playing it.
While the humor used in "The Boondocks" may not appeal to everyone, it is impossible to deny that the show features some glorious fight sequences. This one is my personal favorite. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 fights, especially ones where the larger party finds itself on the losing end of the battle. Even taking that out of the equation, this is still an awesome sequence, made all the more glorious by Stinkmeaner's trash talk. Accompanying the scene with a rap remix definitely adds to the viewing experience. You almost wish real fights were this stylized. The fact that they aren't is a bit disappointing, but that's one of the advantages animation has.
While the humor used in "The Boondocks" may not appeal to everyone, it is impossible to deny that the show features some glorious fight sequences. This one is my personal favorite. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 fights, especially ones where the larger party finds itself on the losing end of the battle. Even taking that out of the equation, this is still an awesome sequence, made all the more glorious by Stinkmeaner's trash talk. Accompanying the scene with a rap remix definitely adds to the viewing experience. You almost wish real fights were this stylized. The fact that they aren't is a bit disappointing, but that's one of the advantages animation has.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Wishmaster cover by Van Canto
As Nightwish's music is awesome in and of itself, it's no surprise that an a capella cover of one of their songs is awesome by default.
I knew from listening to some of Van Canto's other tracks that their female singer had a pretty nice voice, but this song allows her to show that off more than "Master of Puppets" or "Battery" did. She does Tarja proud here in my opinion.
If I may be so bold as to offer some constructive criticism to the band members though. Don't try to look hardcore while going "riddly diddlydiddlydiddly". It doesn't work. You can't pull it off; I doubt anyone could to be quite honest. Maybe that's the joke? I don't know.
Beyond that though. It's an awesome cover and a pretty cool music video to boot.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Daily Dose of Awesome: Pinky and the Brain
Today we discuss Pinky and the Brain an Award Winning cartoon that centered around two genetically engineered lab mice who try to take over the world. As you probably already know, the show was a spin off from Animaniacs (another awesome cartoon I intend to cover on this page at some point).
As the theme song informs us, one is a genius while the other is insane. Some people seem to think that Pinky is actually the genius, and Brain is the insane one, but anyone who's watched the show knows that the descriptions match who you think they are supposed to.
The comedy in the show thrives on great dialogue and a classic comedy duo schtick. Brain is the straight man who acts as a foil to Pinky's wackiness.
Even now, the humor still holds up. It's a show that can be enjoyed by adults as much as kids. There are pop culture references aplenty as well as a fair amount of slapstick humor. It's goofy and silly, but that's what makes it so fun to watch.
Normally, taking over the world is a job reserved for villains, but the formula is mixed up as this is the goal of the heroes in this show. The idea is even lampshaded in an episode that parodies James Bond when the spy points out that, since they are trying to take over the world, they must be villains. We do see that Brain has a benevolent streak and believes that the world will truly be a better place under his rule, and we see that his goals are strangely altruistic. This point is illustrated more clearly with the introduction Snowball, Brain's old friend, former cagemate and newfound nemesis; who underwent similar experiments and has the same goals, but with a more malicious intent. Snowball was awesome, he had an awesome musical leitmotif and Roddy McDowall's voicework was superb. He only showed up in a few episodes, but he always made for a great episode.
There are a few episodes that take place in different time periods, which admittedly don't make a lot of sense considering their talking is explained by genetic engineering which didn't exist back then, but it's one of those instances where the MST3K rule applies.
This show is an animated gem. It's widely loved by many, but with things like this, you can never promote it too much. It's too bad that the show had to go out with a whimper thanks to executive meddling, which added Elmyra to the cast in an attempt to revamp the series. From what I can gather, those episodes will never be released on DVD so we can enjoy the classic episodes of the show back when it was in its prime.
Even to this day, people will reference this show. Whenever someone asks someone else what they plan on doing tonight, it's not surprising to get some mention of taking over the world as a response. One can not forget the classic "are you pondering what I'm pondering" gag which lead to several of the shows most memorable quotes.
This was one of the defining shows of my generation and that's with good reason. If you've never seen it before, I highly recommend it. If you have, feel free to go back and enjoy your favorite episodes as it's always time well spent. The show holds up over time and is just as enjoyable to me now as it was when it was first on the air.
As the theme song informs us, one is a genius while the other is insane. Some people seem to think that Pinky is actually the genius, and Brain is the insane one, but anyone who's watched the show knows that the descriptions match who you think they are supposed to.
The comedy in the show thrives on great dialogue and a classic comedy duo schtick. Brain is the straight man who acts as a foil to Pinky's wackiness.
Even now, the humor still holds up. It's a show that can be enjoyed by adults as much as kids. There are pop culture references aplenty as well as a fair amount of slapstick humor. It's goofy and silly, but that's what makes it so fun to watch.
Normally, taking over the world is a job reserved for villains, but the formula is mixed up as this is the goal of the heroes in this show. The idea is even lampshaded in an episode that parodies James Bond when the spy points out that, since they are trying to take over the world, they must be villains. We do see that Brain has a benevolent streak and believes that the world will truly be a better place under his rule, and we see that his goals are strangely altruistic. This point is illustrated more clearly with the introduction Snowball, Brain's old friend, former cagemate and newfound nemesis; who underwent similar experiments and has the same goals, but with a more malicious intent. Snowball was awesome, he had an awesome musical leitmotif and Roddy McDowall's voicework was superb. He only showed up in a few episodes, but he always made for a great episode.
There are a few episodes that take place in different time periods, which admittedly don't make a lot of sense considering their talking is explained by genetic engineering which didn't exist back then, but it's one of those instances where the MST3K rule applies.
This show is an animated gem. It's widely loved by many, but with things like this, you can never promote it too much. It's too bad that the show had to go out with a whimper thanks to executive meddling, which added Elmyra to the cast in an attempt to revamp the series. From what I can gather, those episodes will never be released on DVD so we can enjoy the classic episodes of the show back when it was in its prime.
Even to this day, people will reference this show. Whenever someone asks someone else what they plan on doing tonight, it's not surprising to get some mention of taking over the world as a response. One can not forget the classic "are you pondering what I'm pondering" gag which lead to several of the shows most memorable quotes.
This was one of the defining shows of my generation and that's with good reason. If you've never seen it before, I highly recommend it. If you have, feel free to go back and enjoy your favorite episodes as it's always time well spent. The show holds up over time and is just as enjoyable to me now as it was when it was first on the air.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Friday, January 2, 2015
Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing I
Hellsing II
Hellsing III
Hellsing IV
Hellsing V
Hellsing VI
Hellsing VII
Hellsing VIII
Hellsing IX
Hellsing X
Pros
- It's more Hellsing. As a fan of the anime, I liked getting to see another story unfold.
- Great characters who are given ample opportunity to show how bad ass they are. They're also given more depth compared to the original series, which is an added bonus
Cons
- The animation is inconsistent. It gets better, but there were some shaky parts early on.
- An abundance of goofy "comic relief". It's very out of place and at no point is it actually funny. It is cringe inducing in every instance it is used and, alas, it pops up in almost every episode.
- It has some pacing issues as the big climax starts at the halfway point of the series and it starts to get tiresome after a while.
Overall
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this, but it won me over. I still prefer the original anime, but there are some areas where this actually surpasses that. The story is able to better resolve itself and the main cast is better developed since we're given a greater look into their histories. It is a little uneven and has some very notable flaws, but I found it rather enjoyable. When it's good, it's very entertaining.
Hellsing II
Hellsing III
Hellsing IV
Hellsing V
Hellsing VI
Hellsing VII
Hellsing VIII
Hellsing IX
Hellsing X
Pros
- It's more Hellsing. As a fan of the anime, I liked getting to see another story unfold.
- Great characters who are given ample opportunity to show how bad ass they are. They're also given more depth compared to the original series, which is an added bonus
Cons
- The animation is inconsistent. It gets better, but there were some shaky parts early on.
- An abundance of goofy "comic relief". It's very out of place and at no point is it actually funny. It is cringe inducing in every instance it is used and, alas, it pops up in almost every episode.
- It has some pacing issues as the big climax starts at the halfway point of the series and it starts to get tiresome after a while.
Overall
I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this, but it won me over. I still prefer the original anime, but there are some areas where this actually surpasses that. The story is able to better resolve itself and the main cast is better developed since we're given a greater look into their histories. It is a little uneven and has some very notable flaws, but I found it rather enjoyable. When it's good, it's very entertaining.
Click here to join our Patreon campaign.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)