Let me preface this by saying I was one of those who were extremely disappointed that they did not cast any Asians as main characters. So going in, I was skeptical to say the least. I understand that American reboots of Asian films are not obligated to cast Asians. But it would’ve been nice if at least one of the main characters were. Of course that didn’t happen, so that’s all I’m going to say about that… for now…

Nat Wolff’s Light

The story picks up quickly just like the original does with the main character being given the Death Note …

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What makes a video game great? Opinions will differ on this. Some might think graphics are the most important. Others might value an interesting storyline or variety of maps. Still others might regard function over form, role-play games over first person shooters. Arguably, it’s a combination of all of these things.

Every so often, the major gaming companies upgrade their systems and with that, video quality gets upgraded as well. Back when, let’s say, Playstation 1 came out in 1994, no one could have imagined how clear the graphics would someday become. If you compare the difference in video quality between …

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Set in a dystopic London, Residue is a three episode mini-series about government cover-ups and supernatural phenomenon which you can catch streaming right now on Netflix. Natalia Tena (the shape-shifter from Harry Potter and also the wildling from Game of Thrones) stars alongside Iwan Rheon, whom you might recognize as the bastard Ramsay Bolton, also of Game of Thrones.

I was initially drawn to Residue after noticing the two actors from GOT and was intrigued to see them play characters who, in this story, are dating and in a serious, non-violent relationship. Ramsay Bolton was not my favorite character …

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We all know that this is an amazing film (and if you don’t then damn it see this movie ASAP, and on the IMAX if you still can!), and not since Empire Strikes Back have we been blessed with a truly great SW film that any age and gender can appreciate.  But could it be that J.J. Abrams could create the greatest movie in history, and that movie could also be the perfect tool to rehabilitate a troubled psyche, and bring together mother and son where no therapist, psychologist or family member could do?

So I was talking to a friend …

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We were invited by Universal to take a behind the scenes look of Oblivion at their studio.  Our visit consisted of 3 stops: props, special effects and aircraft (bubble) design.

The first stop was at the props department where we were informed about the little details on the costumes.  As viewers, we wouldn’t notice it but Jack’s costume had details that gave us clues to his origin.  I won’t spoil it for anybody but pay attention to the number in his suit.  Pretty obvious once you see it.  We were also informed about the weapons used.  The director wanted to make …

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This year has seen the release of many amazing movies in several genres.  From Selma to Maleficent to Guardians of the Galaxy, there has  been something for everyone.  However, let`s not neglect the quality animated offerings that debuted in 2014.  They covered a variety of subjects and styles and featured amazing voice talent.  In no particular order, here is a recap of some of the year`s best animated films.

1. The Book of Life.   This is a unique film which was produced by famed director Guillermo del Toro ( Pan`s labyrinth, Pacific Rim).  There are plenty of Christmas and Halloween movies, …

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Have you ever come to a realization while watching a film that the acting unfolding before your eyes could very well be an Oscar winning performance? I experienced that sensation about halfway through Nightcrawler.  In case you’re wondering, this film is not about Marvel’s blue-skinned, fanged, cloven-hoofed teleporter. It’s actually about a man who forges a career as a video reporter in Los Angeles.

To say that Nightcrawler is a great movie wouldn’t come close to explaining how good this film is. It’s a freaking awesome movie, and much of the film’s accomplishment must be credited to Jake Gyllenhaal, who turns …

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The Machine is a British sci-fi film starring Caity Lotz (who played Black Canary on Arrow) as Ava and Toby Stephens as Vincent, a doctor in some futuristic government operation that creates android soldiers. Vincent finds an up and coming scientist in Ava who creates a robotic brain that is so self-aware, Vincent hires Ava on the spot and so begins the android’s journey.

The Good:

The Machine is obviously fairly low-budget but manages to hide it pretty well. The CG effects are decent but luckily the script doesn’t call for much. The outdoor city scenes are reminiscent of Blade …

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Aug. 15  saw the release of  the movie The Giver, based on Lois Lowry`s  young adult novel about a “perfect” society with a dark secret.  Much like zombies, films and books with a dystopian  theme  seem to be making a major comeback in recent years.   According to the Oxford online dictionary, a dystopia is defined as an “imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.”   Here is a rundown of several quality and influential movie dystopias.

 

1. Metropolis ( 1927).  This  German silent film classic  is about a future society …

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Batman: Assault on Arkham has a lot to prove. Despite the excellent Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox, its follow up films Justice League War and Son of Batman left much to be desired in the eyes of many people, and in many ways hurt the reputation of the studio responsible for making them.The former received criticism for its copious amount of action, and violence while the later diverged greatly from the Grant Morrison story it was based off of “Batman & Son” with a large amount of criticism directed at the inclusion of Deathstroke who many think was put in there solely …

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