THROWBACK REVIEW: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

They say there's a bit of a myth/curse when it comes to Star Trek movies. You've likely heard it by now, it's that the odd numbered movies are bad, and that the even numbered movies are good. And in some cases, it's strangely accurate, but in some cases, I think it's a silly idea. And this movie is exhibit A when it comes to that, because frankly, I think this movie is just as strong as its predecessor. Now granted, those are some big words for a movie coming off the heels of Wrath of Kahn, but in many instances, there are moments in this movie that impressed me in ways that Wrath of Kahn didn't as much. Now that's not to say it's better, because there are a few things in this film I do rub my head at, but to call it a bad film is highly inaccurate.

The Search for Spock takes place immediately following the events of Wrath of Kahn, and that's a trend that no other Trek film (except for the film following this one) does.  This is the second film of a designated "trilogy", and it takes on the torch as we see a battle-beaten USS Enterprise, limping towards Starfleet, scheduled to be decommissioned. We also get an introduction to one of my personal favorite ships of Starfleet, the ship dubbed the "Great Experiment", USS Excelsior, which to date remains one of my favorite ideas and designs for any Star Trek ship. The Excelsior's color, smooth design, and even sounds at first are just beautiful to witness, though I will say that in this movie, the bridge is a little ugly. But thankfully, that's fixed in Star Trek VI (but we'll get to that soon enough). It also gets a bit of a laugh in the film when Montgomery Scott sabotages it's awesome transwarp technology, and it sputters out literally in space...and it sounds like a cartoon car dying.  Oh the indignity... And the inner nerd still rages about how Starfleet immediately ditched Transwarp after this movie, but that's a rant for another day.

We get a little flashback to Star Trek II, specifically when Spock decides to sacrifice himself to fix the Warp Core of the Enterprise, and we see that he's put his essence into the mind of Dr. McCoy. And this might be the biggest thing I scratch my head at.  The idea of putting an essence into someone?  I've seen this done in so many ways now, that I really don't know if there is a good way of doing it or not.  I didn't like it in Chappie when it literally erased any death of the main characters, I didn't care for it in Transcendence when it actually led me on an interesting trip of wondering if the main character in the computer was indeed the main character, or a rogue machine, only to pull one of the stupidest endings I've ever seen at me, and here, where machines aren't even a part of the equation, I'm still unsure about it.  Now it's not NEARLY a plot device as the other two films I just mentioned, and the idea of Spock's soul trapped in the mind of Dr. McCoy is actually very intriguing.  But I would have liked it more if it actually hindered McCoy more.  Instead, they give him some drugs and it's pretty much rendered quiet for the rest of the film.  I would have liked this idea explored more.  How was Spock able to put his essence into McCoy by a simple mind-meld?  We're there any other symptoms that McCoy perhaps had to deal with from such a burden?  Just simple questions like this to give us a better idea of how the overall idea works.  But it's just kinda glossed over for much of the film.  That is the film's biggest fault in my book.  While Spock's return to the franchise is a welcome one to me, as he is my favorite character in Trek, it just seemed a little too convienient to bring him back in the way presented.  

But enough about that, let's talk about the good.  The villain.  Christopher Lloyd, before he was known as Dr. Emmett Brown, plays a Klingon Commander named Kruge, and he is just so much fun on screen.  Now granted, he's not as strong a villain as Kahn, but in my opinion, he doesn't need to be. He's one of my favorite villains of the franchise. He effectively left the Enterprise dead in the water, he has his minions kill Kirk's son in an actually very emotional scene (and again, Shatner pulls a decent emotional breakdown when that happens, which kinda makes up for his dry response of the fact he even had a son to begin with in the previous film), and he's just...such a fun Klingon.  Whether his persistent headstrong personality is getting in the way of finding out the secret of the Genesis planet, or having a fun fistfight with Kirk, Christopher Lloyd had a lot of fun in this role, and you can tell by his performance. He is a born Klingon.  

And speaking of the Enterprise...it has the strongest scene in the movie.  I remember the first episode I saw in which Kirk activated the auto-destruct sequence of the Enterprise.  "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" was a very strong episode, and for it to come in the absolutely ATROCIOUS season 3 of Star Trek (and no, this episode does not redeem that season), I will say surprised me.  And it introduced the concept of the auto-destruct sequence.  The thing is, much like the first motion picture, the auto destruct was paced...very slow.  So the tension really wasn't there for me.  Here, they capture that needed tension in the short time needed, and I gotta say that though it's a very strong scene, it does get a bit of a laugh when the Klingons board and have no idea what's going on despite an audio countdown. But seeing the Enterprise, the ship we grew to love, a ship that is by all means the poster ship of science fiction, a ship that is in many ways untouchable in the levels of cool in Starship's in general, going up in flames, seeing that registry number disintegrating in flame on screen really hits home.  You fans out there may know that the Constitution Class Enterprise isn't exactly a ship I worship, but any incarnation of the Enterprise is cool in my book. And seeing it erupt into flames like that when it was set to be decommissioned was just...strangely touching.   

There are a few other scenes I kinda question, from Spock aging rapidly from infancy to a possible theory my father brought up of the possibility of Saavik getting pregnant after sating Spock's Pon Farr, but overall there's not enough bad about this film to negate any enjoyability in watching it.  Sure it does some things better than other things but overall, it's a good follow up.  Again, I just don't think many people look at it as strongly, mainly because it may have needed a villain as strong as Kahn or a more emotional ending, which this one didn't really have.  But for what it was, I don't let anyone talk bad about it, because it needs to be said that...well in Star Trek fashion, the points of the good...outweigh the points of the bad....or something.  I tried.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock earns three stars out of four from me.  A great follow up to Kahn, and just an overall great movie.  As the first movie to be directed from Spock in the franchise, it really was a fun movie.  Yeah there are a few things that are silly or just don't fit, but again, those small things don't do anything to the good of this film.  But you don't have to take my word for it.  Give it a watch after watching Wrath of Kahn.  You won't be disappointed.

Please feel free to share your opinions on the film down below. Leave a comment for any film you'd wish me to review.  See you next time as my Voyage through Trek filmdom continues in Star Trek IV, and as always, thanks for reading.

Final Verdict: 3/4

THROWBACK REVIEW: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn

My journey through Trek filmdom goes on.  From what you may remember, the Motion Picture was not one I was easy on.  I had a lot of interesting feedback on my harshness towards it, so before I talk about the film's successor, let me just say this.  Back in the day, it may have wowed audiences, but there are many films that have wowed audiences from back in the day, that have aged very well and still stand out.  Star Trek: The Motion Picture is not one of those pictures.  As I said, it has some interesting concepts, but horrid pacing, and slow storytelling hurt the film...and with film such as the one I'm about to talk about now in the Star Trek filmography...it is one I will likely never care for.  Now that that's out of the way, let's go from bad to good, because the first film's successor is a vast improvement, and I don't think that needs to be said.

I'm honestly not sure where to begin with this review because I have a bad feeling that many hardcore Trek fans will not like where I stand on this film.  Now don't get the wrong idea.  This is NOT a bad film.  At all. It's entertaining, it's got good pacing, and it tells a fluent story that in many cases is very well told.  But this is. The film that many fans will call the quintessential best of the best in Star Trek filmography.  It's got quite a legacy, and it's got a lot of love from the fandom.  But...honestly....I don't think it's the best Star Trek film (put your guns away).  

The idea to reintroduce what is now Star Trek's most memorable villain I must say must have been a very fun idea.  Reading on the legacy this film had I found out that at one point, it was thought that this would be the final Star Trek film out there.  Maybe the last thing Star Trek related even.  So the idea of bringing Kahn into the picture, a villain who was only seen in one episode is a move I'm not sure I'll ever understand, but hey it does payoff.  Ricardo Montalbán returns to reprise the iconic role, and you can tell he is enjoying every last moment of it.  It's a great performance.  Kahn is introduced flawlessly to the audience...but being the fan I am...and a critic at the same time...I must point out the obvious plot hole that immediately popped up in this film.  Chekov should not have known who Kahn was, nor would Kahn know who Chekov was, as Chekov wasn't even on the show when Kahn had his episode.  I brought this up before and got all sorts of fan theories about how Chekov was likely on the Enterprise and bumped into him and whatnot, and you can bring up any theory you want.  The writers screwed up.  Accept it.

I'm gonna backtrack and bring up Kahn's introduction again, because it is easily one of my favorite parts of the film.  When we last saw Kahn, he was being given a second chance by Kirk to survive on a lush world after Kahn failed to take over the Enterprise.  We now see Kahn on a desert wasteland, ravaged after a nearby planet in the system unfortunetaly was destroyed, just giving off such a sinister vibe.  I'm gonna go as far as to say that his introduction rivals that of the first time we saw Darth Vader on screen.  Kahn gives off this deep and buried grudge of hatred for what happened over the past fifteen years, and we get just some of the most tormenting scenes we can think of when he puts these creatures in the ears of Chekov and his captain...it's a scene that still makes me cringe.  It was a perfect way of reintroducing Kahn to the audience.  But unfortunetaly, I kinda feel that Kahn's strength as the villain only goes downhill after that.

There's a lot of story in the middle of this movie that I feel just could have been executed better.  Personally, I never got enough reason to believe that Kahn would go on a bloodthirsty manhunt for Kirk in this movie.  That's not to say that it doesn't give us some really tense showdowns.  The first showdown of the Reliant and the Enterprise is perfectly paced and just as tense as it was thirty years ago. And the SECOND showdown between the Reliant and Enterprise?  The Nebula battle is just incredible shot.  I loved seeing the Reliant passing underneath the larger Enterprise in the nebula.  It's arguably one of the most memorable shots of the entire film.  But there are just some things such as Kahn's death, and the reveal of Kirk's son that I feel are just not pulled off as well as they could have been.  Heck, the creation of a planet from the Genesis device, which this plot centers itself on is kinda just glanced over.  For what it is...honestly, I feel that a lot of the story in the middle of this film just...is missing something. 

So let's talk about why this film is remembered so much.  And personally, I feel that this might be why so many fans will call it the best Star Trek film.  The ending of this film is arguably one of the strongest, if not the strongest ending I've seen in Star Trek, in which we get the iconic death of Spock, and his funeral.  And I gotta say watching it all these years later, I won't lie, I almost got a little emotional myself (and not just because last year we said goodbye to Mr. Nimoy).  Just thinking of Spock's decision to sacrifice himself to save the ship is pretty dang strong, but it's the funeral that really hits it, and as much fun as it is to poke fun at Shatner for his performances, he actually pulled the emotions his character is supposed to be feeling off incredibly well.  Hearing his voice beginning to break at the phrase "...his was the most human.", can be heartbreaking to hear for all the right reasons.  While we will always poke fun at Shatner screaming "KAAAHHHN!", it should be said that his performance is one of his strongest in the Trek franchise.

So there are certainly reasons I can see why so many would worship this film as being the best of the best in Star Trek...but for me personally, I've seen stronger films which we'll get to.  Despite some absolutely gorgeous shots, excellently paced action, and such an emotional ending, the middle of this movie I feel can be very non-existent.  While it kept my interest, I didn't feel the story could have been told well enough in certain areas it needed to be.  The reveal of certain facts seemed to be glossed over a little too simply, particularly that of the reveal of Kirk having a son.  Kirk's response to me seemed a little dry.  And I feel that the overall concepts of the Genesis device could have been executed better.  But for what we got, it really is an entertaining ride, and is rightfully called one of the stronger films for many reasons.  All of them holding water.

The Wrath of Kahn is a three and a half out of four stars for me.  With strong and memorable performances from both Ricardo and William in this film, alongside some of the most iconic moments of this franchise, it is a must see for any Star Trek fan.  While I may not worship the ground it walks on, it did start off a trend of strong films for the franchise.  Films we will eventually get to.  And yeah, while I will nitpick on certain things in this film, the fans shouldn't get the idea that I don't like this film.  I will say that there are a few things I laughed at, such as some obvious stock footage from the first film (being a fan of Godilla films, this is a thing I really don't care for too much).  But small criticisms aside, it's a strong film, and nothing's gonna change that.

Please feel free to share your opinions on the film down below.  Leave a comment for any film you'd wish for me to review.  See you next time on my journey through Star Trek's films, and as always, thanks for reading.

Final Verdict: 3.5/4

THROWBACK REVIEW: Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Fifty years ago, Gene Roddenberry gave us a franchise that would revolutionize science fiction, and in many cases, the world as we know it.  You can say what you want about Star Trek as a franchise, and whether or not it's good, but it has changed life in more ways than one.  From inspiring so many people to go into programs like NASA, to revolutionizing our technology that so many of us use daily.  It is a quintessential franchise of science fiction if you ask me, and a personal favorite.  And to celebrate fifty years, I am watching, and reviewing each and every film made to date before the newest film comes out this year.  And we start this marathon out with...the Motion Picture.

And let me tell you that despite my love for the franchise...despite being a tolerant, patient, and open-minded fan of the series...never has Star Trek bored the hell out of me quite like this...except for maybe Season 3 of the original series.  Doug Walker said when reviewing this film, that the film feels less like Star Trek, and more like it is trying to be 2001: A Space Odyssey, and that's a statement I am inclined to believe.  Not only are there so many similar concepts and scenes (despite the fact that it's been a VERY VERY long time since I watched that film), but it's dragged out and just as slow.  I can't do too much comparing here because again...I can barely remember 2001. But in the case of this film...it just didn't work.

How Star Trek could have started it's film career off like this, let alone stayed alive past this film is quite frankly, beyond me. The acting isn't anything spectacular, a lot of the effects seem dated, and despite some interesting concepts of a world of artificial beings, coming across an ancient Earth spacecraft, and giving it a mind of it's own to relay the programming to it's "creator", it just doesn't hold my interest.  The only reason I remember one character, Decker, is because apparently he's the son of who I believe is my favorite one-time character of the original series, Commodore Matt Decker, who appeared in "The Doomsday Machine" in season 2, which is a personal favorite of mine.  Other than that, I don't remember anyone else's name beyond the original crew.  And on a random note, McCoy has one of the worst lines I've heard in the franchise in this film. "Why is any object that we don't understand always called a 'thing'?"  I kinda rubbed my head at that line.

I love the ships of Star Trek.  I love the Excelsior, Voyager, I love Romulan Warbirds, I love Klingon Battlecruisers, and Birds of Prey, I love the many many many designs of Starfleet's many many vessels, and of course...I love the Enterprise.  That being said...was it necessary to devote nearly five minutes of screen time to revealing it?  This is the film's biggest problem.  Pacing.  Putting the movie in, I was treated to nearly three minutes of stars going by as a soft melody played.  Then the Paramount logo appeared.  That goes to show you just how much trouble I was in.  There are so many dragged out scenes, in this film, that I literally feel like I could cut a majority of this film...and have maybe a somewhat decent Star Trek episode for you.  I barely remember any major lines of this film, maybe aside from Spock's "weeping for V'ger" line.  I barely remember any interesting conflict.  All I remember are shots that just wouldn't end.  Ask anyone I know and they will say I'm a very patient guy.  Never before has a film tested my patience like this. I'm actually quite impressed.

There are so many scenes and sequences in this film that just don't make any sense to me.  How was the Enterprise able to warp and create a wormhole?  Why was this "next step in our evolution" never ever mentioned again in the entire franchise?  Why was....God I can't even remember that many of the questions this movie gave me.  Here's one.  Why was this movie even made?  Sitting here writing this...I'm trying to be forgiving of something I'm not ven sure I should forgive.  I'm asking myself if this movie has made it onto my own personal list of my topmost hated movies of all time. Has it?  I don't know.  I've seen worse...but I will say that some of the worst movies that have said to have been made, gave me more entertainment factors than this did. Whether they were so bad they were laughably good, or whatnot...this movie just gave me so little...and coming from Star Trek?  That's a near unforgivable sin. There is always SOMETHING to take away in a Star Trek episode most of the time.  ALWAYS SOMETHING to capture your imagination or interest.  And this...I can't think of anything.  The concepts that I found interesting just...seemed like they didn't fit.  And that personally...is what I hate about this movie.

Star Trek: The Motion picture...is a measely half star rating out of four. Of what I remember from all the Star Trek movies, it is the least memorable, least enticing, and least enjoyable film I have seen in my journey. And depending on how I view the rest of the Trek films to come...it may have just become my least favorite Trek film to date, replacing a film we will get to. All I could do, was check the disc running time as this played,and ask why it was still going.  But...there is something of irony in this film.  My father did make a big point...as bad as the film is...it was the stepping stone for everything I've grown to love about Star Trek as I know it.  Without it, there would be no Next Generation.  There would be no other Trek movies.  There would be no Deep Space 9, no Voyager.  How Star Trek managed to cling to the life it had after this film...let alone vastly improve upon it, may be one of those many unsolved mysteries of life for me for as long as I live.  But I will say that...I am thankful it led the way to the superior Trek I know and love...but that doesn't excuse it.  It's a forgettable ride that doesn't offer much of anything for a Trek fan...it has easily gained it's nickname as the "Slowmotion Picture" for a reason, and watching it here, that legacy remains unchanged.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the film below. Leave a request for which film you'd like to see reviewed, and as always, thanks for reading.

Final Verdict: .5/4

REVIEW: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (SPOILER FREE)

I'm not sure how to begin this review.  Because as I sit here, I'm still kinda just reflecting on how special this Star Wars movie is to me.  I was told by my family that this was a movie my father personally wanted to see.  I'm not sure why.  I am older than he was when the first movies came out, and when the prequels came out, let's just say that I was too young to get anything that was going on.  And now that I've seen Star Wars 7, I'm wondering if in spirit, this movie reflects what it was like all those years ago to see the words "Star Wars" grace the screen for the very first time.

Fans will be pleased to know that J.J. Abrams has given this franchise the new blood it has so desperately been needing for years now.  Fans will be treated to the nostalgia of the original trilogy (maybe a little too much if you ask me), the light-hearted humor that was welcoming in all the movies, and the glory of old familiar faces, while introducing us to new faces with characters that are just as interesting and entertaining.  Yes.  It needs to be said that Star Wars 7 is easily amongst the best of the franchise.  From the time you start reading the opening scroll, to when that all too familiar fanfare is playing during the credits.  It steers away from the complexity that made the Prequels so weak, and goes back to just giving us that old fashioned space-fantasy adventure that we all loved to begin with, and...that's about all I can say.

Now no, that's not my review, it just needs to be said that...there really isn't a lot done in this film that hasn't been done before.  I don't wanna call it a carbon-copy of the very first Star Wars movie (the 1977 movie, not Phantom Menace), but in many ways it very much feels like that, and I'm not sure if that's something I like or not.  It literally feels like there was a checklist of scenes that were fun and iconic from the very first Star Wars film, the slightly redone to fit this film.  From beginning to end. And I know a LOT of fans might roast me for pointing that out, but...I didn't come to see a redo of the first film.  I have a feeling that a lot of fans who go, hoping to see something new, might be disappointed.  BUT don't let that stop you, because the movie is by no means bad.  

In fact, that little jab at the movie up above might be my only problem with the movie on a whole.  And despite it feeling so...so very familiar, it does do things new, and it can be incredible to witness.  I absolutely loved Fin.  His attitude was laughable, enjoyable, and when he held that light saber, man he just channeled a badass for me.  In fact he has my favorite line of the movie, and my favorite background as far as new characters go.  But as I said, I'm keeping this spoiler free.  

The galaxy is as detailed as ever.  But if that wasn't enough, the combat has been taken to new heights.  It's not as clunky as it was in the late 70's and 80's.  It's energetic and tense.  And I'm gonna say, the light saber duel might just be my new favorite.  That Sith lightsaber that so many people have rebuked for its broadsword design?  It's actually pretty well done, and I must applaud them for taking risks in trying something new for that.  And speaking of risks, there are plenty done in the movie.  There will be some scenes that will leave you with your mouth open.  You might find yourself asking "did that really just happen?"  How the community reacts to those circumstances, I guess I'll find out in due time.

All in all, the film has succeeded in what we were hoping for.  J.J. Abrams was the perfect choice to direct this.  With his previous work in Star Trek (which I still like, even if it's different), he did have the practice under his belt.  He's reached into the heart of the franchise, and birthed something that the fans will love, no matter what age, and that was what made Star Wars great to begin with.  It starts well, keeps that energy, and leave you on a high, which only leaves you wishing the film were maybe 15 minutes longer.  But as for what awaits us in Star Wars 8...time will tell.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is issued with tough love, with small criticisms, a three and a half out of four stars.  If you're a Star Wars fan, you will want to see this movie.  With the legacy of this franchise, you'll have the time.  I fully expect this movie to not only break records, but give us a firm base for what to expect in the future.  THe bar has been raised for future Star Wars films.  Disney now has a challenge.  With a new Star Wars film to come out annually...I still have my doubts that they'll be able to keep up the pace.  But who knows?  Again, time will tell.

Feel free to share your opinion on the film down below.  And as always, thanks for reading.

Final Verdict: 3.5/4

Review: Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon

If you missed my throwback review to Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky last week, you may not be as aware of just how much I love this little spinoff series of Pokémon. Mystery Dungeon has quickly become my biggest love of the franchise. The intricate storytelling, the lovable characters, it's a treat for me. Some don't care for its repetitive gameplay, or style, and I will just say that's fine, it's not for everyone, but when a Mystery Dungeon game is coming over here to the states, you better believe that I'll be in line to pick it up. The fact that Super Mystery Dungeon came out on my birthday, made this all the more special for me. 

But how is Super Mystery Dungeon as a game? I was asking myself that over and over again as I unwrapped it and put it in my 3DS. I was nervous. If you don't know, the last entry of the franchise was a HUGE disappointment for me. Gates to Infinity had a few redeeming things, but all in all, it doesn't feel like a legit Mystery Dungeon game. It lacks the heart and soul that made me love this series in the first place. No interesting story, a bland partner Pokémon with little likable personality, no real tension or drama in what they call a story, and whenever there WAS tension or drama...I just didn't care. It just felt empty, and I never finished playing it. Well I've been playing Super Mystery Dungeon for the last few days now, and though I've not finished the main storyline, I am pleased to announce that Mystery Dungeon once again has that heart and soul of a true game in this series! 

Right off the bat, I was happy to see that the quiz has returned for the series.  In Gates to inifinity, not only were your choices for player and partner Pokémon extremely limited, but simply chose right off the bat what you wanted to be. Well, Super Mystery Dungeon brings back that quiz, and the extensive choices of who you wanna be.  BUT for those of you who will continue to complain about how the personality quiz just keeps you from your favorite Pokémon to play as, well guess what, you're in luck.  It asks you if the Pokémon it chooses out for you if satisfactory.  If it's not you can choose whatever one you want.  The same goes for your partner Pokémon, which is does a small new thing of trying to choose one out for you as well.  Some might argue that this nulllifies the quiz entirely, but honestly, I'm glad the quiz is back in the game, regardless of whether or not you choose who you want to be.  And I gotta say that the game has a clever subte intro when you first start up the game.  The top screen goes into the camera mode to simulate your presence in the actual human world, before this orb of light transports you into this tunnel where your quiz happens, and your Pokésona is revealed to you.  I thought that was pretty clever.

Already I was happy to be playing this game. But I was still nervous for the story.  What would we be doing? Now as I've said, I've yet to finish playing.  I don't know how close I am to the finish, or whatnot.  I never do.  And while the fist few levels can be kinda slow in story, the game does pick up and it's already grasped my imagination and my interest.  There are so many features and things about this story that have been improved over the last few Mystery Dungeon games, and after the triumph that was Explorers of Sky, that's saying a lot.  Speaking of which, this game does have its fair share of cameos from the previous games.  And by fair share, I mean they are all over the place.  They don't even count as Easter Eggs, they're all over the place.  In my short time, I've run into Corphish and Sunflora from the Wigglytuff Guild, Hydreigon, Quagsire, and Rampardos from Gates to Infinity, the game has Igglybuff, Wooper, and Budew in what I assume is a little homage to the bonus story mission of Igglybuff the Prodigy, and I even have full access to Team ACT from the very first games.  I'm not kidding.  I can send a level 56 Alakazam, a level 55 Tyranitar, and a level 36 Charizard on an expedition if I wanted to.  That's just a small handful of cameos I've come across, and I am betting I'll run into even more.

One thing I absolutely love about this game is the partner you choose.  Now the partner Pokémon has always been a favorite feature of these games.  The Pokémon you grow with, bond with and explore this world with is always loveable...for the most part (damn you Gates to Infinity), and it must be said that the personality, and overall character of you partner Pokémon has improved TENFOLD.  And I mean improved over each and every game in the series.  Even my beloved Sky.  While I will always love the partner pokémon of those other games, this one's personality is brought to a new life.  He shows more emotion, he's jittery, he's downright silly at times, and it's hard not to crack a smile at it at times.  He's a bit of a goofball, but a loveable goofball.  You join him, after you both are kinda outcasted amongst your other Pokémon friends, and begin to explore outside your town further and further, joining him in his dream to travel the world, map it, and eventually join what is known as the Epedition Society.    Yeah yeah, it's similar to the Wigglytuff Guild, but it's still cool in my eyes.  nd it absolutely needs to be said that your partner Pokémon and other Pokémon you take nito the dungeons are MUCH smarter than in previous games.  How smart?  They will notice if you're close to dying, and offer to heal you with an Oran Berry.  If you're fighting an enemy, they will position themselves in ways to lend assistance to take out that enemy.  If the room is covered in items, they will help you gather those items up.  This is impressive.  I've never seen the partner pokémon able to do all this before.  And your choices of teams will only be as diverse as your imagination, as this game features all 720 Pokémon, which is the first time such a game has been made.

Gameplay itself has evolved somewhat, and in many ways for the better.  It is more convienient to use moves now, and before Gates, I did not understand why I'd want to link moves, well this game gives you a reason to do that, and it's much more convienient to use those linked or alliance moves.  And this game will make you get in the habit of doing it more than you might want because for a long time, this game may just frustrate you beyond believability.  Super Mystery Dungeon might have earned it's title of super, because it is the most difficult Mystery Dungeon game I have ever played.  Where are I could plow through dungeons left and right in the other games, I found mysef scratching my head when moves that were SUPER EFFECTIVE were only doing ten damage to the opponent.  Yeah, during the first pat of this game, you really gotta strive to strengthen yourself, because you're gonna be tossed around.  A lot. One of the first missions, I found that I had to fight a Salamance at level 50.  I don't think I was past level 10 yet.I didn't do ANY damage to him in moves that surpassed 10 damage.  I had to continuously do Alliance moves, get revived by those Tiny Revive Seeds that aren't the same as normal revive seeds, until finally I just ate a blast seed and blasted his dragon ass away.  Yeah.  This game is ruthless.  It makes you think outside the box at times, and makes you prepare for expeditions in ways you never would before.  You'll find yourself maybe taking at least four evive seeds in with you, along with plenty of elixers, plenty of apples, and plenty of other things, that normally I wouldn't require more than one or two in the previous games.  Thankfully, the stronger you get the less stuff you'll find you need as you travel along, but in my case, I'm always overpreparing with the Revive seeds.  And remember, I've yet to run into things like those blasted Monster Houses...

There are other things in gameplay that I don't particularly care for.  One is the "pushing" of your partner Pokémon.  In previous games before this, if you wanted to backtrack, you could simply walk backward, and your partner would switch sides with you automatically. Now if you want that to happen, you need to hold the B button to switch, otherwise you'll just push him like a trainer pushes a boulder in Rocky Cave outside Cerulean City or wherever the heck that place is.  And while pushing can be beneficial at times, especially for me being a water Pokémon, who will often wander into the rivers and lakes of the mystery dungeons, I just can't help but feel that this push system could have been tweaked a bit more so that it wasn't so frustrating.  It's clunky, and I'm already missing the older system of just switching places, and having an inconvienient warp now and then.

Another thing, though this is mainly coming from my perspective as a 25-year-old adult male, is the fact that when first playing this, I found it weird that I was playing as a child in this game.  The game has you go to school in the beginning, the other Pokémon will talk to you like you're a child, you'll often run into problems that are pretty childish, but that's not so much a thing I am nagging about.  It's just something to look out for if you're anything like me, and enjoy playing games that aren't exactly targeted towards you as an audience. The music of Super Mystery Dungeon has also improved greatly.  I will say I miss the theme from Explorers of Sky, but the dungeon music sounds absolutely gorgeous, easily capturing the adventure spirit, and the mystery heart.  But even more than that, the simple music when you're with the other child pokémon just completely captures the moods and feelings.  It's another thing that cracks a smile on my face.

There are just so many things I want to talk about in this game that have been done right, that it's mind boggling.  I almost want to say that if you've not cared for the series before now, to give it a try.  It makes full use of the 3D screen unlike X, Y, OR, and AS do, with all the cameos, there are plenty of homages to the other games, and plenty of improvements and new features in this game that I've yet to try, heck I've already traveled to another Pokémon town, which is already a new feature.  It makes this world you're exploring seem bigger in so many ways.  And if that's not enough, Nintendo actually made a Buizel character.  I always wanted to see Buizel have a bit of a role in these stories, and Nintendo made one that almost fits my wishes to a completely.  In fact, I almost feel as if this game was made for me.  It came out on my birthday...so it might as well have been made like that for me.

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon is a solid eight out of ten.  A must have for other Mystery Dungeon fans, and one you might wanna consider buying if you've not been in the Mystery Dungeon crowd before.  Even if you didn't like it, I wanna say give it another shot.  Rent it or something.  I feel that so much of this game has been improved.  Now whether or not the story itself is as good as Explorers of Sky for me may forever be a mystery, but already it's up there amongst my favorites.  And after the disappointing Gates game...that is always a welcoming sign.  I would sit here and type more out, but if you'll excuse me, I must return to Lively Town, and continue with my partner Jolt the Pikachu to map this world out, and discover the answers to the mystery as to why the world is acting like it is (the whole thing with Pokémon turning to stone is really boggling my mind right now).  Gotta get those answers!

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the game down below.  And as always, thanks for reading.

Final Verdict: 8/10

OLD VS NEW: The Hobbit

I'm gonna try something new.  This is an idea that I've playfully borrowed from the Nostalgia Critic...meh, I doubt he'll ever read this.  And if I'm mistaken...I have no money.  Don't sue me.  Recently, we finally concluded the Hobbit "trilogy" and well...most of you likely know by now how I feel about that series...if you don't, the review is up. But this isn't the first time the story of the Hobbit has gone on screen.  As some of you know, in 1977, Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. directed an animated version of Bilbo Baggin's journey to the Lonely Mountain.  I was first introduced to this as a very small child, and it birthed my love of the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Now as an adult, of course, the animated movie has problems, but again, if you've read my review of the trilogy by Jackson, you'll know that there are many problems in those movies too.  So with all that being said...which version tells the story of "The Hobbit" better?  Well I'm gonna narrow it down to five factors.  So sit back and relax and enjoy Old VS New: The Hobbit

The first factor I will be diving into will be the title character, Bilbo Baggins himself.  Which version portrays Bilbo better?  Now keep in mind that this doesn't include what he does in the movies per-say.  This is based soley on his personality, and overall portrayal on screen.  Does Martin Freeman make me feel like I am watching Bilbo Baggins?  To be honest...yeah.  Yeah he does.  In fact, in my review, I actually gave Martin the credit he deserved for portraying a great Bilbo Baggins.  That's not to say the animated doesn't do a good job either.  Bilbo is a complete rookie in the art of adventure, and throughout the book, he is constantly thinking about the comforts of home, and how he very much misses it.  In the animated movie, this is portrayed very well.  But there are times however, that I believe a lot of the character is just lacking overall.  Such as when the final battle of the five armies takes, place.  Bilbo seems a bit too chill in the animated version.  A line he says that is laughably cheesy, as the Dwarves charge the men and elves, is the line "Personally, I'd rather be back in Hobbiton."  He says it like it's just another day at the store.  In the Jackson movies, while there are times  I feel Bilbo is out of character, Martin puts more emotion into the role.  He not only misses his home, but shows concern for his companions, and at times, shows legit fear in certain situations.  It's a well performed role for Martin, almost on the scale of Frodo or Sam in the LotR trilogy if you ask me.  Martin took the role and became one with it.  Perhaps it was the limitations, but the animated version just can't rival that.  Point one goes to the trilogy.

The factor I'm going to look at is Gandalf.  Gandalf has always been a staple character in the lore of Middle Earth, and one of the most iconic characters in the universe.  And I gotta say that he's also well represented in both films.  Even in the Rankin/Bass version of Return of the King, Gandalf is decently represented.  But as the Nostalgia Critic pointed out in his own Old VS New of the animated LotR VS the Jackson LotR, Ian McKellen puts a phenomenal effort to the role of Gandalf. I dare say that he was the best cast member of the trilogy. So naturally, he'd be back for the Hobbit movies, and again, though there are times I feel he may be off (but I can't exactly blame him as he showed emotional difficulty in how Jackson shot these films), he still portrays the Gandalf I know and love. He speaks in riddles, proverbs, much like the Gandalf of the books. In the animated version, while the voice acting is absolutely great, he feels more like an adventurer who goes straight to the point. I guess that's a disadvantage of having less time to fully portray Gandalf as he should be depicted. Ian shows life in Gandalf, a passionate character, a concerned character, and the fondness of Bilbo really shows in both trilogies. In the animated version, the only character showing any real fondness of anyone is Bilbo of Gandalf. Gandalf barely pays any attention whatsoever. Now that isn't to say that there aren't times I feel like Gandalf is out of character, like the possible love interest with Galadriel...but he still outshines the animated version by a long shot, and easily gets the point for the trilogy. 

Our third factor is one of my favorite factors of the story, which is the dragon, Smaug. Now...as far as appearance goes, the Jackson films easily take the cake. Smaug was a CGI marvel, almost rivaling that of Godzilla. Almost. He was incredibly built up in the first film, and looked great in the other films. But that is about all I can say about him. Why? Because...he just doesn't represent the Smaug I know and love. Now that isn't to say that the animated version is perfect, because Lord knows he isn't. He almost looks like a cat in appearance. But as far as personality, the animated version nearly nails it. It near perfectly portrays Smaug as the arrogant and boastful dragon he is. The Jackson films do a decent job at it...but they overdo it. There are times in the movies that Smaug is just laughable as a dragon. He never uses the fire when it would benefit him most, he doesn't act like the dragon I know to be a fearsome beast, and man...the best part about Smaug was just incredibly dull in the Jackson films...the boasts. The boasts in the animated version are phenomenal. In fact, the entire encounter with Smaug and Bilbo is very well done in the animated series, but you can go on YouTube, and look up the animated version of Smaug's boast, and it is just incredibly done. I also gotta say that the voice of Smaug is better in the animated. It's deeper, and much more intimidating. And Smaug acts much like the Dragon we are supposed to believe is threatening. He nearly incinerates Bilbo numerous times, and when he attacks Laketown, he doesn't do any boasting or stalling. He just goes to town and razes the town. He doesn't play games. He takes Laketown by surprise, and that is the Smaug I know. It's this ferocity and all around personality that takes this point. Jackson nailed the look, but that was all he nailed. The Animated version takes this point.

The fourth factor I will look are the minor characters of the story, which include the Dwarves, the Bowmen, and other characters. There's plenty to talk about. The Jackson movies I believe portrayed the...important dwarves at least rather well. But a downside that the Jackson movies do is the fact that they concern themselves with cameos and original characters that don't even appear in the book. It's an argument that's been done before, so I will keep it brief, but these characters do absolutely nothing to enhance the story. Tauriel is this elf who serves to be in this love triangle between Legolas who appears, and Kili. I was open to this, but it wasn't executed well enough for me to care enough. In fact, some of Tauriel's dialogue in the movie is absolutely laughable. In a bad way. It is some of the most clichéd dialogue I have heard since Attack of the Clones or Revenge of the Sith batter between Anakin and Padmé. And THAT was pretty bad. Jackson also tries to fit in Galadriel and Saruman in ways that just don't fit if you ask me. If he'd bother trying to flesh out the other characters of the actual Hobbit story, I wouldn't have such a if deal, but even that is portrayed off if you ask me. There were multiple times that Thorin didn't seem like Thorin, and Bard had been downgraded from a nobleman of respect to this...laughing stock of a fisherman almost. In the animated version, while the Dwarves aren't focused on as much, the tension between Thorin and Bilbo only builds similar to that in the novel. Thorin rarely smiles or looks at Bilbo in favor because he holds doubt that Bilbo can benefit them at all. Much like the book. And because I love epic speeches, Bard in the animated version does in fact do the epic Black Arrow speech from the book...you know, instead of that over the top steadying the arrow on the son's shoulders nonsense of the Jackson movies. Little things the Animated version does that make me appreciate the minor characters more than the trilogy. Which gives the animated version the overall point.

The fifth and final factor I will look at is the overall story itself. Which version successfully portrays the story of the Hobbit?  Both have their strengths and weaknesses in the story, but I'm going to point out the biggest deciding factor.  When the Nostalgia Critic decided which was superior with the LotR movies, he immediately pointed out that the Jackson movies were told mutch stronger because unlike the animated version, each movie represented a book in the trilogy, where the animated tried cramming the first two into one, thus resulting in a weaker story. Here, ironically it's the exact opposite. The Hobbit doesn't have three books, it is one book. And while it's a long book, the trilogy was unnecessary. There are things not associated with the story that never should have been. And before you bring that aged argument in that Gandalf's sidequest is written in the Silmarillion, that doesn't justify its inclusion in the trilogy. It doesn't. It ironically makes Gandalf look really stupid in my opinion, especially when he, Saruman, and Galadriel talk about Sauron's return and the One Ring...you'd think Gandalf would at least inquire of Bilbo's magic ring that he knows he possesses. But that's beside the point. Forcing the Hobbit into a trilogy was a huge mistake, because while the Animated film may have a few problems of its own in story, it kept the focus on where it needed to be kept. Bilbo. The Hobbit isn't meant to be a love story, it's not meant to foreshadow the Rise of Sauron, it's not meant to be anything, but one Hobbit's adventure into a bigger world. And the animated version nailed that. Jackson may have nailed a lot of characters, but how can I appreciate Martin's performance when he is constantly shelved, while the spotlight shines on Elf and Dwarf romantic drama? Or something that won't even come into play until the actual next trilogy? The Animated film may not look as visually appealing in action, may have story inaccuracies of its own, but it knew the story it was telling from beginning to end, which is why I can easily call it the superior film.  The Jackson films have enjoyable aspects, but all in all, they do not hold up to the original story they are supposed to be telling. 

The final point goes to the Rankin and Bass Animated Version, the superior film. 

Agree with what I've said? Feel free to share your thoughts down below, and as always, thanks for reading. 

ALBUM REVIEW: Repentless by Slayer

I haven't written a music review in a while, so this will be a little fun.  Let's talk about Slayer.

Okay, I will not lie.  Going into this album, I was VERY skeptical.  I love Slayer.  The controversy, the energy, the dark music, lyrical themes, it's a devil side of me that I enjoy...despite ironically holding to a faith that completely opposite, but that's beside the point.  The point is, after the awesome album that was "World Painted Blood", I wasn't sure exactly how they could go further.  And then all this stuff with Dave Lombardo and Kerry King happened...and of course, we had the tragic passing of Jeff Haneman.  I wasn't the only Slayer fan in doubt.  I was starting to think it was time for Slayer to throw in the towel.  They've been beat up lately.  And with the  rehiring of Paul Bostaph, who was the drummer for Slayer throughout most of the 90's, I gotta say I was skeptical.  The only album I really liked by Slayer with Bostaph sitting on the throne was "God Hates Us All" (ironically also released today....14 years ago....talk about your horrible coincidences).  The first track I heard from this album, "Implode" only strengthened my worries.  I wasn't sure what I was hearing.  So...the album was released today.  How does it hold up?

Well...better than I thought.  It's safe to say that Slayer isn't letting the hard times get them down.  And that's something to be admired.  But I will say that for what it was hyped out to be by Kerry King, as the "Reign in Blood" for Paul Bostaph, I am honestly not sure I agree that it's all that it was said to be.  In fact, after the first few tracks, I kinda feel the album is lacking in many areas.  The tempo is slower than the average Slayer album (say for bits and pieces in the album), which to me is rather questionable.  There's a charm in Slayer songs I find it hard to headbang in tempo with.  With "Repentless", while its fun to headbang in time, and mind you there are a lot of moments in this album I found myself headbanging to, I can't help but feel that there's just something missing.

The opening tracks of this album are great.  It's got a fun and dark opening instrumental, leading into the intense title track, and I gotta say, Tom sounds great.  It's hard to imagine a guy his age able to scream as intense as he can still.  I immediately get that energy that he has been so great at giving for the past 30 years.  He keeps that energy throughout the album.  There's no lack of energy like in albums I feel he didn't do too well in such as the 1998 disappointment "Diabolus in Musica" and even bits and pieces of "Divine Intervention". He is shouting all the way through, and it's wonderful to hear.

And I will say that despite Jeff's mastery of the riff no longer a part of this band, Slayer does still know how to give some good melodies and riffs.  Kerry...I still think he's a bit of a jackass, but he's doing his part to keep Slayer alive, and that is something to be admired.  And if Gary Holt is indeed here to stay with Slayer now...he's about as good a replacement as they could ask for.  He doesn't fall behind, and he has fun with the group.  And with Paul back, and blasting as well as he did on "God Hates Us All", the Slayer sound is ripe, and much cleaner than what it was in the 90's.  I will say that I think it was cleaner with the previous two albums, but "Repentless" does indeed present a much cleaner sound than the albums of the 90s.  

There are a few questionable tracks, such as "Cast the First Stone", which almost made me wonder if they were paying on the lowest tuning of the guitar they could.  Honestly during the opening, I could almost see the strings vibrating lazily off the guitar.  But it should be said that the enjoyable tracks outweigh the questionable ones. As I said, I enjoyed the title track, but I also enjoyed "Vices", "When the Stillness Comes" and "You Against You".  Even "Implode" sounded better than from what I remember.  Maybe I just needed a second listen.  I'm not sure.  But there are moments in this album that I question.  For example, the opening of "Cast the First Stone" and the ending of the album, which is something I feel should match the intensity of the opening of any album, especially in a Slayer album. I feel the ending kinda fades away in this rather dirty ending.  It's almost comparable to Metallica's white noise ending of the album of St. Anger.  Maybe that's a bit of an overstatement....no that IS an overstatement, but it is one of the things I thought of when I heard it, and I'm not sure it fits here.  But it's a minor gripe, and for what the album is, most of the gripes I have do not detract from the overall enjoyment of this album.

Do I like the album?  Yeah.  I like it a lot.  But do I like it to the point where I will call it the "Reign in Blood" of Paul Bostaph?  Probably not.  Those are some big words, and this album doesn't have that kind of material to match that.  It has great material, but nothing quite on that scale.  But the ride is still enjoyable, and Slayer has proven to this fan who was in doubt, that they're not dead yet.  Do they have more in the future?  I hope to see at least one more, maybe a bit more energetic than this one, but if they can keep the brutality that they've captured here, and the darkness that they are so famous for, I think Slayer fans have nothing to fear, and only hopes for some good times up ahead.  If you were in doubt like I was, give it a listen.  If you are expecting the album to live up to Kerry's words...maybe approach with caution, but don't pass this album up.  

Slayer...you have my attention again.  And I thank you for getting it.  

Album Grade: B