I was watching...

Dead Space: Downfall

Now, I haven't played the video game yet-- but it seems like something up my undead & space alien loving alley. But I did manage to get a hold of this DVD and I figured "What the heck... should be worth a laugh..."

Instead of a laugh I was treated to around 1 hour and fifteen minutes of fun. More on this prequel to the Dead Space game can be found HERE. Yeah, I'm totally lazy. Live with it.

In short... Ready? Right. In short, space Scientologists get a really cool artefact from a dead world and try to take to Earth in a big spaceship, which gets overrun by these ghoulish horrible monsters that horribly take over people's bodies (and... souls?) and turn them into hideous monsters called Necromorphs.

Pretty fucking neat, in other words.


Note: Commentary on the screen cap images is below the particular image. Just so you know, aight?













Overall, I really dug it. Despite what some naysayers said, I feel that the animation and voice-acting were quite passable, and the script written by comic book greats Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray was pretty awesome. And awesomely violent. I suppose I should point out at this point that if images of graphic violence bother you-- stop reading RIGHT NOW. Thanks. I have a bunch of screen caps that aren't in any particular order and give no spoilers really. Take the one above... this was a really creepy part. Hats off to the crew for succeeding in creeping me out there.












Ahh... sunbathing for the above fellow was never the same again.












Sunbathing or not, motherfucker needs to die.
















Yes, there's a shower scene! And it was quite special. I made sure to edit this shot for the families out there. You're welcome.















There were some great shots in this animated film, and here's one of them. Subtle, yet incredibly effective.















Door to door sales will not be tolerated. Just ask these Necromorphs. They'll tell you so.















Yea, verily, tis a draw-dropping-- er, ripping experience!















Dear WaltargetMart: Please sell these bad-ass laser chaisaw thingies. I'll take six.















Now in CreatureVision™!















Yeah, I really liked primary protagonist, Alissa Vincent.















Do you SEE what those laser chainsaw thingies can do??? There has to be one available on Amazon, right?















AHHHHHH! HOLY SHIT NECROBABYMORPHS!!! Nightmares for the week achievement: Unlocked.















Because I simply can't help it-- HEEEEERE'S JOHNNY... and JIMMY!!! Really, this film had some seriously great moments.

Overall, it slays about 3 of the 5 party members in the group, and severely injures one other, possibly even inflicting some weeping level-loss. If you like 1) sci-fi, 2) horror and 3) gratuitous violence then 4) you'll really like this.

Verdict: Watch it. You should enjoy it.

I should read and post my thoughts of the Dead Space comic books, which bridges the gap between video game and movie.

Roll Models [Movies!]

Looks like I'll have to see this movie that's talked about on AICN.

Called Role Models, it makes fun of LARPers apparently, but in a good way or something. And it's got McLovin and Sean William Scott. Paul Rudd is a plus, too.

It just may rule. Or roll. We'll see!



(x-posted to my Livejournal)

Movie Review: Darkon

“I’ve always felt like I was kind of born out of time.”

It's about time I do a short movie review on here, so here goes.

I've heard good things about Darkon, a documentary on Live Acrion Roleplayers (LARPers) released way back in the Year of Our Lord 2006. To be honest, I expected to not like it-- even though I spent a couple years in the SCA way back when. I just envisioned this over-the-top dork-fest that would make me to be embarrassed to be a gamer.

You know, like most LARPers.

Thankfully, the horror was not to be and I was pleasantly surprised and fascinated by this film. The premise is simple enough: The medieval-esque land of Darkon is in upheaval due to kingdoms vying to overthrow who they perceive as an evil empire. Except, Darkon is located in Baltimore, and the countries featured are just groups of people who meet up a couple times a month and dress up to battle it out and/or socialize. Sound retarded? Well, it isn't. In fact, I found it to be pretty damned cool. Sure, the people featured are classic gaming nerds, ones who wish to escape into a land of make-believe and craft some kick-ass costumes and armour in the time being.

Pretty much like any gamer, really... except they actually do it "off the table".

What's great about this movie is how it's presented. There is an overall story where the young country of Laconia seeks to challenge the hegemony of mighty Mordom. It's the fantasy LARP version of David and Goliath, actually. And it is compelling! It had me wishing there was a sequel after the exciting climatic boffer battle at the end. Interspersed with the main story are the players, who talk about their life, triumphs and a lot of woe. It's hard being a nerd, you see, and one of the primary protagonists, the fellow who leads Laconia, talks about how his family was tore up from shady sibling dealing over his late father's games empire. Talk about rough!

I could go on and on, but that would ruin this fine story for any of you who haven't seen it. The greatest strength of Darkon is how it's presented. There is no narration, only occasional explanatory words on the screen. This story is told from the view of the main characters, and it takes no sides. But if you're like me, you'll end up rooting for Laconia.

The cinematography is wonderful, with great accompanying sound to boot. Some of the people featured would make nice actors themselves and the mood in general is quite positive. It all made me wish there was a Darkon Wargaming Club here, where I live.

Get your copy and more info here.


Lethality: Throngs of screaming nerds armed with boffer swords, axes and hammers lightning bolt the living crap out of the party. No one survives... until next time. TPK in the extreme.