Movie Review: Inside Out

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios

Starring the voices of Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black, Bill Hader, and Phyllis Smith

Directed by Pete Docter

Rated PG

My Rating: *****/5

The 15th film from Pixar Animation Studios has arrived in the form of "Inside Out". This "major emotion picture" is the ideal film to celebrate 20 years of animation since the original "Toy Story" first graced theater screens in 1995.

The story concerns a young girl named Riley (voice of Kaitlyn Dias) and her parents (voices of Diane Lane and Kyle McLachlan) moving to San Francisco and trying to cope with this change. The emotions that such a change can instill consist of Joy (Poehler); Sadness (Smith), Anger (Black); Fear (Hader), and Disgust (Kaling). With some difficulties (such as changing schools and unsavory pizza toppings); they try to guide Riley through the changes in her life.

Then crisis strikes when Joy and Sadness get lost in Riley's memory banks (literally- the film portrays them as a central hub of the human mind; with a lively environment to match); and the two distinct personalities must find their way back while Fear, Anger, and Disgust try to deal with the chaos of the whole thing.

The situation is instantly relatable to anyone who has gone through the situations portrayed in the film. Not only that; the personified emotions play off each other in a manner worthy of their actors' diverse backgrounds not only in film; but in TV series such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Office." Pete Docter; who had previously made the wonderful "Monsters, Inc." and "Up," has managed to deliver another film that can easily get you on the same wavelength as the emotions you see onscreen.

The animation is also; as usual, worthy of the studio's pedigree. The way the characters move is slick; and the use of color and lighting is masterful. The environments also make great use of the San Francisco location as well as giving the state of Riley's mind every nuance short of its own zip code in terms of design (a key scene shows how dreams are made in a film studio; even down to scripting situations such as enchanted unicorns).

Of course, the film is also preceded by one of Pixar's traditional shorts; in the form of the film "Lava." A love story of two volcanoes is the ideal curtain-raiser to such a great film.

Even though the revolution Pixar brought along in 1995 has long since become the establishment; "Inside Out" proves to be just as grand in making you feel as any live-action film. Whether it's a group of toys or a midwestern family adjusting to life in the Bay Area; Docter knows how to hit all the right notes for any age group. Whether it's fear of being the new kid in town; joy over bonding with your family, sadness over leaving your old life behind; anger about your belongings being held up by movers, or disgust at garish fashions; it is the ideal family film that will easily be remembered for another 20 years as Pixar continues to build a legacy on par with Disney themselves.

Movie Review: Jurassic World

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent Do'nofrio, and Judy Greer

Directed by Colin Trevorrow

Rated PG-13

My Rating: ****1/2:5

The "Jurassic Park" franchise has been given its ideal successor in "Jurassic World." Director Colin Trevorrow; who previously made the little-seen but much-loved "Safety Not Guaranteed" has not only made what's easily the best film in the franchise in a long time, but also managed to rekindle the wonder and thrill that we all felt when the park first opened its doors in 1993.

The story concerns two young siblings (Ty Simpkins and Nick Robinson) being sent on vacation in the eponymous Jurassic World; where John Hammond's vision has finally come to fruition after 22 years (the genetic lab in the park is named in honor of the character; commemorating Richard Attenborough's passing at age 90). In that time; herbivore dinosaurs are now able to be mounted by children in petting zoos, mosasaurus are fed sharks in a manner similar to that dolphins are fed minnows at SeaWorld; and velociraptors are trained by the finger snaps of Owen (Pratt, "Parks and Recreation," "Guardians of the Galaxy").

Seeking to "up the wow factor;" Claire Dearing (Howard) is supervising the creation of a new species known as the Indominus Rex, with the cloning process from the first film now having made way for outright gene splicing of numerous species. As Ian Malcolm warned; however, things can go awry with that power in one's hands.

Sure enough; the I-Rex gets smart enough to wonder why it has to be in captivity, and begins a rampage in the park that puts humans on the main course. The action scenes that ensue "up the wow factor" in their own way; showing off 22 years of advances in paleontology and special effects at hand. To describe how the film captures the chaos and sheer thrill a setup like that promises: imagine a little boy playing with dinosaur models in a homemade diorama. Now imagine if that boy grew to be a man; and you gave him a camera and a budget of $150 million. That is exactly what Trevorrow has done with this film; reinvigorating the franchise with a sense of terror and childlike wonder that the previous sequels (most infamously "Jurassic Park III") notably lacked.

The script he has crafted alongside Derek Connolly, Rick Jaffa; and Amanda Silver also slyly satirizes the state of the film industry in the form of audiences' love for showy effects; as well as corporate backing for many films. What began as simply using the tie-in merchandise as props has expanded to pteranodons making meals out of panicking patrons of the park's local Starbucks and Ben and Jerry's (a park worker in a bit part notably laments the state of the whole thing, all while wearing a vintage t-shirt from the park's early days).

The only real flaw of note is that sometimes; the villains of the film can be a bit too cartoonish, as can the complacency of some of the patrons; most notably Robinson's jaded teenage character. That's OK, however; as you get to watch the dinosaurs devour them, and he does genuinely love his brother (Simpkins) warts and all. 

The heroes' dialogue is worthy of the late Michael Crichton, volleying witty remarks back and forth throughout the 123-minute visit to the park (even despite Joss Whedon's criticism of Pratt and Howard's dynamic). Much like the characters in "Safety Not Guaranteed;" Trevorrow never forgets to imbue his characters with heart and soul; nor the film.

Forget everything you know about the term "thrill ride." Much like the original film; "Jurassic World" manages to take that clichéd term of praise, chew it up; spit it out, and crush it into the mud. It is a film that redefines it in a manner where you actually do feel the experience of everything that goes through the film. In the course of one showing; it can easily channel a feeling of nostalgia for "Jurassic Park" from the moment you hear Michael Giacchino's arrangement of the theme music and leave you with an experience that successfully reimagines it for a new generation. The park is open.

Video Game Review: Pokémon Shuffle

Courtesy: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company

Publisher: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company

Developer: Genius Sonority

Platform: 3DS eShop

ESRB Rating: E

My Rating: ***1/2:5

Puzzle-based spinoff games have always been fun diversions for the Pokémon series.

Notable ones include the Nintendo 64 game “Pokémon Puzzle League” (based on the classic “Tetris

Attack, which in turn was based on the Japanese “Panel de Pon”) and the Nintendo DS “Pokémon

Trozei” (A “Bejeweled” clone of sorts where Pokémon heads are swapped instead of jewels). Now,

they are joined by the 3DS eShop title “Pokémon Shuffle.”

While the “freemium” model has been a divisive one for gaming (essentially; it involves

giving you a set number of time and items for play free, with you paying for more if you desire); this

game has managed to make it work by being generous with free items and playtime via the 3DS'

Streetpass and Spotpass features. When you meet other players via that function; you can easily gain

more ways to play.

The gameplay echoes the likes of “Bejeweled;” and also adds that mechanic to a

surprisingly fun method of battling and capturing Pokémon. The result is a game that's not too tough

for casual players and also not too easy for hardcore ones.

While the graphics and sound are minimalist at best; they are also colorful and bouncy,

as befitting the franchise. It also has quite possibly the most cheerful “Game Over” music ever heard

in a video game.

Yet, the main draw of the game is also arguably its biggest flaw: the freemium model.

Depending on your play style, it might be difficult to spend actual money to get in-game currency and

items needed to excel on later stages. While not everyone minds this; the freemium model in itself

has been highly divisive among gamers for being a sort of double-edged sword for the more well-off.

Be that as it may; “Pokémon Shuffle” is definitely an entertaining game regardless of

what you might think of its business model. It's definitely worth downloading if you own a 3DS.

Movie Review: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Courtesy: Marvel

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Ruffalo

Directed by Joss Whedon

Rated PG13

My Rating: ****1/2:5

The summer movie season is off to a spectacular start with “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

The sequel to the massive hit superhero film is everything a sequel to “The Avengers” needs to be.

Director Joss Whedon has not only managed to deliver a satisfying follow-up to his adaptation of the

Marvel comic ensemble of the same name; but also craft a film which can stand against its predecessor

on its own.

After a dazzling opening fight scene in Eastern Europe; the Avengers are overwhelmed

as a team. Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) attempts to jury-rig a dormant peacekeeping program cobbled

together from the ashes of HYDRA. This program becomes self-aware as Ultron (James Spader); who

instead seeks to destroy the earth and rebuild it in his image. Ultron is also a much more active villain

than Loki. He takes great pride in driving a wedge between Tony and fellow team members Thor

(Hemsworth), Captain Steve “America” Rogers (Evans); and Bruce Banner (Ruffalo).  

The portrayal of Ultron is easily one of the most frightening things about the movie; even when he isn't murdering

those who stand in his way.

As a man who had extensive TV work under his belt (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,”

“Angel,” “Firefly”); Whedon more than understands how the technical aspects of film work. In

essence; Marvel's films have been the films the live-action “Transformers” films wish they could be

ever since the first “Iron Man.” This is largely due to the fact that the human characters are given

equal worth to the machines they coexist with; rather than merely being glorified extras for when

the special effects and action scenes take over. In obvious fact, Whedon never forgets the human

element behind his $250 million globetrotting adventure with an ensemble cast of costumed heroes.

With a fight scene featuring the Incredible Hulk and Tony in his new “Hulkbuster” armor; every punch

hits with the force of an emotional brawl between two friends as it does raw thrill. As Natasha “Black

Widow” Romanov (Scarlett Johansson) and Clint “Hawkeye” Barton (Jeremy Renner) are evacuating

civilians in South Korea and the final battle in Eastern Europe; you feel everything they go through

as massive set pieces crumble around them. Even new characters Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson)

and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) are given emotionally powerful backstories that help fuel their

speed and sorcery in this 141-minute successor to an already great film.

As Tony remarks “this is the end of the path I started us on;” this is also Whedon's last film he

is making for Marvel. For the two-part “Infinity War” this film helps set up (both entries are due out

in 2018 and 2019; respectively); the reins will be handed to Anthony and Joe Russo. As they already

directed the superb “Captain America: The Winter Soldier;” it will be in good hands. For now;

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” ends his take on the story with a bang and kicks off a season filled with

films hoping to achieve the bar for success Marvel has helped set. If other Marvel films in the coming

years (such as “Ant Man,” on the docket for July 17) can be as intense and slickly-produced as this

one; then Whedon's work with their studio will definitely have finished on a high note. Much like how

“The Dark Knight” improved on “Batman Begins” while also being a great film on its own,

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” is an incredible follow-up to “The Avengers” as much as it can possibly be.

Netflix Review: Daredevil

Courtesy: Marvel/Netflix

Starring Charlie Cox, Rosario Dawson, and Vincent Don'ofrio

Created by Drew Goddard (Based on the graphic novel series by Marvel Comics)

Rated TVMA

Available on Netflix (Basic subscription $7.99 a month)

My Rating: *****/5

The first part of Marvel's “Defenders” series for Netflix has arrived in the form of

“Daredevil.” While Marvel has already crafted high-quality TV series with “Agents of SHIELD”

and “Agent Carter;” Drew Goddard has reimagined the famed superhero in a manner that is being

called “a bloody triumph”by USA Today and “Marvel's biggest triumph yet” by Vanity Fair.

You know the story: young Matthew Murdoch is blinded by an industrial accident in

Hell's Kitchen in New York City; but his remaining four senses heighten to levels that are far more

powerful than that of a normal person. He grows into a fledgling lawyer by day (Cox); but by night,

he fights the scum of Hell's Kitchen as Daredevil. While he may start out wearing an all-black

ensemble (a move well-known for the “Batman” and “X-Men” movies); he does get to eventually wear

the iconic blood-red costume from the comics (which is teased in the opening sequence, which looks

reminiscent of “Dexter.”).

This attracts the attention of many organized crime outfits; most notably Wilson Fisk,

better known as the Kingpin (Don'ofrio). His portrayal is a stark contrast to the late Michael Clarke

Duncan in the 2003 film; as he has very little tolerance of failure, to the point where he'll kill members

of his mob legal team with his bare hands.

While the 2003 film was an early attempt to craft a darker superhero story before other

franchises dabbled with the concept; it ended up being critically-panned and highly divisive among

fans to this day. Stan Lee himself even hated it for being “devoid of optimism.” Now that darker

stories are more commonplace; this, along with the growing popularity of alternative entertainment

through online streaming are the ideal way to bring the character back.

In essence, the series is probably the most grounded and realistic work Marvel has

made as their own studio. The fight choreography is incredibly fluid (there is notably a fight scene

filmed in one continuous shot; and the series is touted as the “most stunt-heavy series ever”); and the

writing and tone are in line with Frank Miller's run on the comic. In addition to Kingpin, there is

involvement with the Russian mafia; Japanese Yakuza, and Chinese Triad gangs (as I continue my

binge-watch; I'll keep an eye out for others.). Even so, there are some great Easter eggs for fans of the

Marvel Cinematic Universe (a line in the pilot mentions that an event caused real estate values in New

York to drop dramatically; referencing the climax of “The Avengers”); so keep all your senses open.

Even though I have not seen the director's cut of the 2003 film (which adds 20 minutes

of new footage and bumps up the rating from a PG-13 to an R); I can say that “Daredevil” has not

only managed to create a superb superhero series that makes a wonderful take on the comics, but also

an engaging crime drama in the vein of “The Dark Knight Saga.” With the promise of further series

in the coming months; this 13-episode first season is more than a satisfactory take on “the man without

fear.”

DVD Review: Birdman

Courtesy: Fox Searchlight

Starring Michael Keaton, Zach Galifinakis, Emma Stone, and Edward Norton

Written and Directed by Alejandro Inatirru

Rated R

My Rating: *****/5

There have been many diverse offerings since the Oscars opted to reintroduce the

10 best picture nominees. While there is talk of turning them back to 5; I submit that such a precedent

would end up shutting out many of the more unique entries that have been winners in past years. The

newest entry into that elite club is “Birdman,” which is definitely not your typical piece of Oscar bait.

The film concerns the director and star of a play known as Riggle Thompson (Keaton);

who is attempting to rekindle his career after playing the titular superhero became his most notable

role; but strained his career and relationship with his daughter (Stone) in the process.

If this sounds familiar; the film is essentially a parody of Keaton's role in Tim Burton's

1989 version of “Batman” and the 1992 sequel “Batman Returns”, as well as his life after that role.

In essence, this is a role that is tailor-made for Keaton. Not only is it handled with surprising tact

and bittersweet drama; it also shows how he's often at his best when pushing his craft to his limits.

As such, the film also has great satire on the industry; making light of how the more

personal films about people and their relationships are often overshadowed by big-budget, triple-A;

billion-dollar blockbusters (watch for a scene where Spider-Man, Iron Man, Bumblebee and other stars

of tentpole franchises duke it out onstage; as well as ones where Thompson's costumed alter-ego gives

maniacal advice).

The film is also shot with an innovative technique of editing long takes together; giving

the effect of a backstage view as Thompson clashes with a younger understudy played by Edward

Norton, whose own performance is also worthy of standing alongside the likes of “Fight Club” and

“American History X” in his filmography. Seeing Emma Stone play against type is also not only a riot;

but a key moment for her as she plays Thompson's daughter; who wants no part of her father's attempts

to regain his glory and her love.

With all this on the table; “Birdman” is definitely worthy of the pedigree of not only its

lead actor; but also shows what director Alejandro Inatirru can do with a medium that has endless

applications for expressing oneself. It will be remembered as the best picture winner that thrives

on skewering both sides of the industry and providing insight on both through “the unexpected

 virtue of ignorance.”

DVD Review: Big Hero 6

Courtesy: Walt Disney Pictures/Marvel

Starring the Voices of Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, and Daniel Henney

Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams

Rated PG

My Rating: ****/5

When I first saw “Big Hero 6” being promoted this past November; I honestly didn't

know what to make of it. I personally expressed more interest in the type of “intelligent

blockbusters” that studios are more willing to offer; such as young adult book adaptation

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One” and Christopher Nolan's “Interstellar.”

By all means, it should have been an easy sell. An animated Marvel film from the same

talented animators that produced the likes of “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” One that draws

heavy influence from anime at that? Yet, I remained reluctant until I found out the film won

Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. Because of this, my interest was finally piqued enough

to rent the film.

The story concerns a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada (Potter) and his

brother Tadashi (Henney) living in the fictional metropolis of San Fransokyo (an amalgam of

Tokyo and San Francisco in more than just name). Tadashi is not impressed with the fact that

Hiro spends time in back-alley robot fights instead of using his intelligence and skill more.

He encourages Hiro to pursue higher education, but an accident occurs during a campus

demonstration; and he's killed.

Learning to cope with his brother's absence; Hiro has been left a rubbery “health care

companion” known as Baymax (Adsit). He also latches onto an eclectic group of friends such

as extreme sports nut Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung); gentle giant Wasabi (Damon Wayons Jr.),

eccentric scientist Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and genre-savvy fanboy Fred (TJ Miller).

As the first animated entry in the multi-billion dollar Marvel Cinematic Universe; there

are clear strains of the Avengers within the team. Hiro's rebellious tinkerer persona often recalls

Tony Stark. Go Go's no-nonsense attitude and little to no need to be rescued can easily parallel

Natasha “Black Widow” Romanov. Wasabi displays a sense of intelligence mixed with fighting

prowess that is all too familiar to Bruce Banner. Honey's idealistic spirit would definitely not be

lost on Captain Steve “America” Rogers. Even Fred gets a piece of the action not too dissimilar

from Clint “Hawkeye” Barton. The villain Yokai (whose identity I will not be spoiling) is

every bit as frightening as Marvel's rogues gallery in live-action as well as the line of Japanese

beasts that give its name.

There is a clear amount of anime influence in the character designs; both looks and

personality. It also has influence from the Japanese genre of “tokusatsu” (literally “special

effects”); to the point where late “Kamen Rider” and “Super Sentai” (the series that would

become the basis for “Power Rangers,” itself being rebooted in 2016) creator Shotaro

Ishinomori is honored in the credits.

As befitting a movie a health care robot is kitbashed into a superhero in a garage; the

film also borrows many elements from other animated films of its kind, notably “The Iron

Giant” and “The Incredibles” (the latter having the honor of being my favorite Pixar film). Yet,

while no “Wreck-It Ralph” or “Frozen;” I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised in a

similar manner to when I saw the first “Iron Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” for the first

time.

Are the concepts familiar? Yes. Do the superhero tropes and action stand out more than

the laughs? They do. Are there elements from works that have come before it? Definitely. Does

it also contain the flaws of its lineage but lack the tongue-in-cheek sendups Disney offered

in “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frozen?” It does. Yet, “Big Hero 6” still manages to be an

entertaining and spectacular animated film that never stops surprising you. I can say that I'm

satisfied with my treatment.

DVD Review: Godzilla (2014)

Courtesy: Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures/Toho Studios

Starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ken Watanabe

Directed by Gareth Edwards

Rated PG-13

My Rating: ****/5

The latest entry in the 60-year-long “Godzilla” franchise has arrived. Since the series

was first released in Japan in 1954; it has since spawned 27 sequels in its native country as well

as an odious 1998 remake. For this new film; Toho not only got directly involved with

production to make sure the details were correct, but they and director Gareth Edwards decided

to take influence from the dark tone of the original 1954 “Gojira” (which is available to mark

the occasion, without Raymond Burr's narration in the film's 1956 US release) and position

the film as less of the “monster vs. monster” action that most audiences are familiar with and go

back to a haunting allegory about the dangers of nuclear power going awry.

As a result, the film has indeed succeeded in updating the character and setting for a

post-Fukushima age while also staying true to its original design. Every scene that builds up

to the climactic final battle in New York City is on par with ones in the classic nuclear disaster

films “The China Syndrome” and “The Day After.”

As such; the film makes sure that the human elements that were conspicuously absent

from the 1998 remake are more carefully handled. Bryan Cranston's performance as one of

the scientists determined to find out the secret behind the monster is on par with his multiple

Emmy-winning performance as Walter White on “Breaking Bad.” His son, played by Aaron

Taylor-Johnson; is a military EOD technician that is not above making every effort he can to

protect those around him, whether it's his wife, young son; or the many civilians caught in the

crossfire in some of the most realistic action scenes of the year. Dr. Serizawa (Watanabe) does

everything he can to provide information that is vital to humanity's survival.

The few flaws I found were some instances of inconsistent pacing. There are instances

where the film lingers on awkward sendups of scenes from previous entries (do we really need

more instances of civilians ignoring news about Godzilla until they actually see him?); and

there is also a notable lack of female characters that have any significant impact on the story.

Yet, above it all, the latest revival of “Godzilla” is a highly satisfying take on its iconic

namesake as well as a character-driven nuclear disaster film. The direction; special effects,

and action scenes are every bit as memorable as the first time the beast rose from the Pacific

Ocean in 1954. I certainly hope that the planned sequels (the first of which is slated for summer

2018) can capture the same deft blend of spectacular action and haunting atmosphere that this

film did. With Edwards at the helm; I think they will. “Let them fight.”

DVD Review: Transformers: Age of Extinction

Courtesy: Paramount Pictures/Hasbro

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Kelsey Grammer, and Stanley Tucci

Directed by Michael Bay

Rated PG-13

My Rating: ****1/2:4

The latest entry in the live-action “Transformers” film series debuted this past summer;

yet again, to highly divisive critical and audience reaction; but another massive box office take

(over $1 billion worldwide as of this writing) and a continued push of the accompanying

action figure line of the same name. By this point; it has become inherently clear that, along

with fellow blockbuster property “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles;” those not familiar with

the 1980s-onward media franchise or Michael Bay's style of filmmaking need not apply, and

everyone else knows exactly what they're in for.

While still keeping the continuity of the 2007 film; 2009's “Transformers: Revenge of

The Fallen”, and 2011's “Transformers: Dark of the Moon;” the film is also a backdoor start

to a planned new trilogy. Widowed scrapper Cade Yaeger (Wahlberg) and his daughter Tessa

(Peltz) are just barely making ends meet when Cade makes a discovery: He bought a mere

banged-up old truck? I think not! He has stumbled upon Autobot commander Optimus Prime

(voice of Peter Cullen); weathered from his many battles against the Decepticons in a new form

paying homage to his design from the 1984 animated TV series and its accompanying toyline.  

This gains the attention of a corrupt government agent played by Kelsey Grammer; who

has declared all Transformers enemies of the state, not merely the Decepticons. As such, Cade

and Tessa must travel with Optimus; as well as the similarly hardened Bumblebee. Other

characters joining the fray are aged Autobot soldier Hound (voice of John Goodman); snide

Autobot marksman Crosshairs (voice of John DiMaggio); pensive Autobot warrior Drift (voice

of Ken Watanabe), and jury-rigged Decepticon Galvatron (voice of Frank Welker). While

some knowledge is required of the events of prior films; it does make a solid launching-on point

for almost 30 years of prior mythology of previous cartoons, comic books; video games, and

other toys.

What follows is surely the most consistent encapsulation of Bay's filmmaking: what he

lacks as a storyteller, he more than makes up for in spectacle. It is highly counterproductive

to apply real-world logic in a movie where Stanley Tucci plays a scientist who reverse-

engineers technology from the corpses of Transformers (including, oddly, a Rainbow Dash toy

that turns into a firearm); and subsequently gets caught in the crossfire as things go awry.

The film is not all that different from a situation a child would imagine playing with the action

figures: in this 165-minute, $210 million blockbuster; colorful robots once again do battle with

otherworldly weapons in set pieces as big as the locales where they are filmed. The action goes

from Texas, to Chicago; to Hong Kong for the final battle that again takes up the bulk of the

film's final act. This time, it involves another mainstay from previous iterations of the franchise:

the Dinobots, led by the massive Tyrannosaurus Grimlock.

By the time Optimus rides Grimlock into battle through the streets of Hong Kong; it has

become clear that the reception the “Transformers” films have received, both good and bad; has

begun to blur together. For the reasons I have outlined, “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” by

that proxy; will be perceived wherever you stand once you finish.  

Video Game Review: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Courtesy: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Game Freak/The Pokémon Company

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

ESRB Rating: E

My Rating: ****1/2:5

After 11 years since the release of the original “Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire” on

Game Boy Advance; “Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire” not only do a great job

updating already great games for a new generation, but provide satisfying entries in the

“Pokémon” series on their own merits and mark yet more must-own titles for the 3DS.

The story once again concerns you, the player; moving into a small town in the Hoenn

region to be closer to your father Norman; leader of the Petalburg Gym, and your infirm cousin

Wally. Once your journey begins, you will be given access to a large amount of Pokémon from

not only the past games these ones are revisiting; but ones culled from the entire franchise via

new features such as “Mirage Spots” (known to have encounters with legendary Pokémon).

Depending on which version you play, there are one of two villain groups who seek to

awaken the legendary Pokémon for their own misdeeds. Team Magma, led by Maxie; seek to

use the power of Primal Groudon to expand the earth's landmass. Team Aqua, led by Archie;

want to use the power of Primal Kyogre to expand the oceans and flood the earth. Thus, it falls

to you and the help of archeologist Steven Stone to stop them.

While the initial mechanics will be familiar to those who have played past entries; your

abilities will be tested among newcomers and true believers alike. The new ability of sneaking

up on Pokémon with a feature called the “Poké Radar” does take quite a bit of mastering. The

entire battle system has been revamped with the new mechanics from “Pokémon X and Y;”

yet again making the games easy to play, but tough to master. The graphics make good use of

the cosmetic upgrades; from character redesigns to Pokémon and attacks that have been lifted

from Ken Sugimori's drawings. The PokéNav has been upgraded with new features that will

greatly expand your journey in Hoenn's longevity.

Above all, “Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire” have both remained faithful

to the titles they remake as well as updated them for a new generation to enjoy. They are highly

recommended for fans of the franchise and 3DS owners looking for great RPGs. The power's

in your hands.