Friday, August 12, 2011
Long Time no See
Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted here. A lot's happened since then, and I think I might be upgrading from this blog to a full-on website soon. Anyway, thanks for watching, and I'll post our new home once it's ready.
Friday, March 25, 2011
UPDATE ON NEXT REVIEW
All right, I know I said my next review was going to be for Monsters (2010) but I actually have a colab project to do before then. You'll be happy to know that I've finished the script and plan to shoot and edit over the next week.
The topic? 2009's The Haunting in Connecticut.
My co-reviewer? None other than The Agony Booth's very own Mr. Mendo!
The topic? 2009's The Haunting in Connecticut.
My co-reviewer? None other than The Agony Booth's very own Mr. Mendo!
Friday, March 18, 2011
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY'S REVENGE
Sorry for the delay, but I had some technical problems! Hope you enjoy the new review!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
NEWS UPDATE
Sorry it's taking me so long to move ahead with the next episode, but I promise there's a good reason.
This has been a fairly eventful last couple of weeks for me, and I think it's time that I shared what's going on with you folks.
Apparently, somebody is interested in adding my show as a regular series on their website. I won't name names at this delicate stage, since it isn't for sure, but if things work out, Terror Obscura may wind up with a new home on the internet.
As for my next episode, you can probably expect it by Wednesday.
Keep your fingers crossed, viewers!
This has been a fairly eventful last couple of weeks for me, and I think it's time that I shared what's going on with you folks.
Apparently, somebody is interested in adding my show as a regular series on their website. I won't name names at this delicate stage, since it isn't for sure, but if things work out, Terror Obscura may wind up with a new home on the internet.
As for my next episode, you can probably expect it by Wednesday.
Keep your fingers crossed, viewers!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TERROR OBSCURA: GODZILLA VS. MECHAGODZILLA
Here it is, my long awaited review of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.
Hope you all like it!
Hope you all like it!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Status Update
For those of you who are curious about where I am on my next review, I've completed scripting on the first draft. I'm going to revise it over the weekend, and I should start filming on Monday.
Also, I've decided that for my third episode, I'm going to start scripting at the same time I'm editing my second episode.
That way, I might be able to shave off a few days on my release schedule.
Until then, I just finished doing a cameo for a gentleman named Lord FAIL.
It's only one line, but it can be found at urset2fail.blogspot.com
Also, I've decided that for my third episode, I'm going to start scripting at the same time I'm editing my second episode.
That way, I might be able to shave off a few days on my release schedule.
Until then, I just finished doing a cameo for a gentleman named Lord FAIL.
It's only one line, but it can be found at urset2fail.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Terror Obscura: A Nightmare on Elm Street
Here's my first video review! Comments and criticism are appreciated!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
First Impressions: DEAD SPACE 2
Make no mistake about it, I am a diehard fan of the original Dead Space for a number of reasons. The excellent atmosphere, the great sound design, and the fascinating story all conspire to make it a classic in my mind, not to mention the fact that there seems to be a dearth of good sci-fi/horror properties and DS fills that void wonderfully.
That said, after only a couple of hours of game time with its sequel, Dead Space 2, I feel ready to make the following statement.
I like Dead Space 2 better.
Before you stop reading in indignation, keep in mind that I've only played a small portion of the game, and that these are only my first impressions of DS2. I may change my mind after I complete the game, but that's the subject for another article.
Here's a list of things that I've liked so far.
1: A MORE DRAMATIC NARRATIVE
Dead Space had a great story, a wonderfully atmospheric setting in the U.S.G. Ishimura, and it delivered its story in a novel way. As Isaac Clarke wandered the vacant hallways, you would often find audio and text logs that fleshed out what happened to the doomed ship. It was an interesting approach, but it did have one major drawback- Isaac was simply an observer as he rushed from location to location trying to stay alive. It was the equivalent of visiting a crime scene after the tragedy has already taken place, and Isaac never truly became involved, except as the story began to coalesce at the end.
In DS2, Isaac feels like a participant from the beginning. After escaping Aegis VII, he has become an object of interest for both the Church of Unitology and the Earth Government. He seems like an actual character this time rather than an on-screen avatar for the player, and it really makes the story that much more intense, especially since he's at the center of the action.
Adding to the intensity are several well-crafted cinematics that help to give the player a sense of the scope and scale of the unfolding disaster.
2: COMBAT
In the first Dead Space, I got by fairly easily, almost never using the secondary functions of my weapons unless I was backed into a corner.
In DS2 though, I find myself relying on them to keep me out of trouble. They seem to be both more effective and more necessary to survival, and I like that I need to use the full range of my abilities to stay alive.
The new enemy types are also impressive, and my favorites have to be the Stalkers. Having a lurker or one of the other enemies rush you headlong is still terrifying, but there is a whole different sort of fear to hearing them calling first from in front of you.. then from the side... then from everywhere...
3: NAVIGATION
The clunky 3D interface is gone for good, replaced by in improved variation on the objective indicator from the first game. Now, a click of the right stick can tell you where to go for a save station, store, or bench. Much better.
So those are my first impressions of DS2. If anyone wants to throw in, feel free to post in the comments.
That said, after only a couple of hours of game time with its sequel, Dead Space 2, I feel ready to make the following statement.
I like Dead Space 2 better.
Before you stop reading in indignation, keep in mind that I've only played a small portion of the game, and that these are only my first impressions of DS2. I may change my mind after I complete the game, but that's the subject for another article.
Here's a list of things that I've liked so far.
1: A MORE DRAMATIC NARRATIVE
Dead Space had a great story, a wonderfully atmospheric setting in the U.S.G. Ishimura, and it delivered its story in a novel way. As Isaac Clarke wandered the vacant hallways, you would often find audio and text logs that fleshed out what happened to the doomed ship. It was an interesting approach, but it did have one major drawback- Isaac was simply an observer as he rushed from location to location trying to stay alive. It was the equivalent of visiting a crime scene after the tragedy has already taken place, and Isaac never truly became involved, except as the story began to coalesce at the end.
In DS2, Isaac feels like a participant from the beginning. After escaping Aegis VII, he has become an object of interest for both the Church of Unitology and the Earth Government. He seems like an actual character this time rather than an on-screen avatar for the player, and it really makes the story that much more intense, especially since he's at the center of the action.
Adding to the intensity are several well-crafted cinematics that help to give the player a sense of the scope and scale of the unfolding disaster.
2: COMBAT
In the first Dead Space, I got by fairly easily, almost never using the secondary functions of my weapons unless I was backed into a corner.
In DS2 though, I find myself relying on them to keep me out of trouble. They seem to be both more effective and more necessary to survival, and I like that I need to use the full range of my abilities to stay alive.
The new enemy types are also impressive, and my favorites have to be the Stalkers. Having a lurker or one of the other enemies rush you headlong is still terrifying, but there is a whole different sort of fear to hearing them calling first from in front of you.. then from the side... then from everywhere...
3: NAVIGATION
The clunky 3D interface is gone for good, replaced by in improved variation on the objective indicator from the first game. Now, a click of the right stick can tell you where to go for a save station, store, or bench. Much better.
So those are my first impressions of DS2. If anyone wants to throw in, feel free to post in the comments.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sorry for the delays!
Sorry for the delay in posting my first review. I was called out of town on Monday and it's set me back farther than I had expected.
Review #1 should be up in a few days, so thanks for your patience!
Review #1 should be up in a few days, so thanks for your patience!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Text Review: Season of the Witch
Well, I just got back from seeing 'Season of the Witch,' the new period-piece/horror film starring Nicholas Cage.
In the movie, two crusaders, played by Nick Cage and Ron Pearlman, return home after a decade of holy war. Disillusioned by the things that they have done in 'God's name,' they quickly discover their homeland changed beyond recognition by the black plague. When they are captured as deserters while trying to resupply at a local town, the local clergy makes them an offer; if they agree to transport a young girl accused of being a witch to a far abbey for trial, then they will be pardoned of their desertion. The girl, though outwardly innocent, stands accused of starting and spreading the black plague through the country.
On their journey, the two crusaders are joined by an eclectic group of disposable characters, including a priest, another knight, a swindler/guide, and a choir boy intent on proving himself worthy of being a knight.
All in all, it's a decent story, but I think the reason most people decided to see this movie was to learn if it would be a disastrous repetition of Nick Cage's last flirtation with horror, the abysmal remake of 'The Wicker Man.'
Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, depending on your point of view), Cage seems to be on his best behavior here, and although he does a fairly good job as a disillusioned man of faith grappling with his own past, his character is shallowly written and he doesn't have much to work with. It's not that it's a bad role, it's just that it's rather bland and easily the most forgettable of the group.
Ron Pearlman, cast in his usual role of lovable bruiser here, also does a fairly decent job, and was undeniably the most memorable character in the film.
The film does have some atmospheric moments, but not nearly enough, and it seems to eschew horror entirely in the last 20 minutes, where it suddenly decides to be a CGI-driven action movie with some horror overtones to it, kind of like 'Hellboy' but without the brilliance of Guillermo del Toro.
Final Analysis: 'Season of the Witch' isn't campy enough to satisfy those who are looking for a repeat of 'The Wicker Man,' nor is it scary enough to appeal to its core audience.
In short, anybody who goes to see this expecting a terrible film will be disappointed, as will anyone that goes to this expecting a good film.
Those like myself, who weren't expecting anything but a disposable hour and a half or so of entertainment, will be satisfied, but not incredibly so.
'Season of the Witch': Not a good movie. Not a bad movie. Just sort of 'there'.
In the movie, two crusaders, played by Nick Cage and Ron Pearlman, return home after a decade of holy war. Disillusioned by the things that they have done in 'God's name,' they quickly discover their homeland changed beyond recognition by the black plague. When they are captured as deserters while trying to resupply at a local town, the local clergy makes them an offer; if they agree to transport a young girl accused of being a witch to a far abbey for trial, then they will be pardoned of their desertion. The girl, though outwardly innocent, stands accused of starting and spreading the black plague through the country.
On their journey, the two crusaders are joined by an eclectic group of disposable characters, including a priest, another knight, a swindler/guide, and a choir boy intent on proving himself worthy of being a knight.
All in all, it's a decent story, but I think the reason most people decided to see this movie was to learn if it would be a disastrous repetition of Nick Cage's last flirtation with horror, the abysmal remake of 'The Wicker Man.'
Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, depending on your point of view), Cage seems to be on his best behavior here, and although he does a fairly good job as a disillusioned man of faith grappling with his own past, his character is shallowly written and he doesn't have much to work with. It's not that it's a bad role, it's just that it's rather bland and easily the most forgettable of the group.
Ron Pearlman, cast in his usual role of lovable bruiser here, also does a fairly decent job, and was undeniably the most memorable character in the film.
The film does have some atmospheric moments, but not nearly enough, and it seems to eschew horror entirely in the last 20 minutes, where it suddenly decides to be a CGI-driven action movie with some horror overtones to it, kind of like 'Hellboy' but without the brilliance of Guillermo del Toro.
Final Analysis: 'Season of the Witch' isn't campy enough to satisfy those who are looking for a repeat of 'The Wicker Man,' nor is it scary enough to appeal to its core audience.
In short, anybody who goes to see this expecting a terrible film will be disappointed, as will anyone that goes to this expecting a good film.
Those like myself, who weren't expecting anything but a disposable hour and a half or so of entertainment, will be satisfied, but not incredibly so.
'Season of the Witch': Not a good movie. Not a bad movie. Just sort of 'there'.
Monday, January 10, 2011
An Invitation! Hooray!
Well, I must be doing something right. I've just been picked for a spot on a reviewer's round-table of the original Godzilla series! As luck would have it, I'll be reviewing my childhood favorite, 'Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.'
Since I'm concentrating on Terror Obscura at the moment, it'll probably be a week or two before I'm finished, but don't worry, I'll post it here along with a link to the other reviews.
Since I'm concentrating on Terror Obscura at the moment, it'll probably be a week or two before I'm finished, but don't worry, I'll post it here along with a link to the other reviews.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Coming Soon...
Alright! I just finished putting together the teaser for Episode 1 and should have the whole thing up by Friday. Also, I just finished adding the donate button, so feel free to send me some money as a test!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Intro Vid is Finished
Just finished the intro that'll be playing before each episode. Feel free to comment!
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