Movies for 2007 and beyond - 12.27.2006.5

Even as the year ends and we mourn the surprising losses of political, artistic and musical giants some things keep moving ahead. There have definitely been losses that will be felt in every medium. Mr. Peter Boyle, Mr. Joe Barbera, Mr. James Brown, and most recently Mr. Gerald Ford have all passed in this month, and signaling a changing world. Yet there are some things in the works to help us keep our memories of these great figures alive.

Much like the cartoons of Hanna/Barbera (and the generous license taken by the likes of the creators of Harvey Birdman - Attorney at Law), the syndication and movies with Mr. Boyle (Young Frankenstein and Everyone Love Raymond), and the Oscar winning cinematic portrayal of Mr. Ray Charles and Mr. Malcolm X, the life of Mr. James Brown is already in the works. Mr. Charles had already been working with noted producer Brian Grazer. Adding to the excitement of the project is the fact that renown director Mr. Spike Lee has taken the helm. Mr. Lee is no novice to creating a biopic movie, the acclaimed Malcolm X film starring Mr. Denzel Washington was his creation. [Why that film did not get an Oscar nomination, nor did Mr. Washington get one escapes me completely.]

This is a film that I look forward to seeing. I can’t imagine right now who might be portrayed as Mr. Brown. There are few Black actors that have enough skill to sing the part (that I know of), and there is no singer that has the acting ability (with the exception of Mr. Will Smith but I don’t think he looks the part and he is more of a rapper than singer). Yet given the fact that Mr. Lee has an eye for talent there may be a new surprise for everyone in this role.

On the other spectrum of upcoming films is the news that Mr. Willie Nelson will be lending a hand for Ms. Jessica Simpson’s latest film. Of course the film is to be a remake, or “revisioning” of an older film – Working Girl. I am left without any anticipation or interest in this latest endeavor. It’s not just that I think that Ms. Simpson has little acting talent, but that the film being copied is not classic enough to warrant a redo. It was a decent film, helped in large part by the abilities of Ms. Melanie Griffith, Ms. Sigourney Weaver and Mr. Harrison Ford. Taking out these highly talented entertainers and replacing them with the comparatively pop fluff likes of Ms. Simpson and Mr. Luke Wilson (who was quite good in The Royal Tenenbaums), and Mr. Andy Dick.

I especially have no love for the work of Mr. Dick nor his recent actions [What I feel about Andy Dick - 12.6.2006.2]. Perhaps if Mr. Dick were completely absent, and the role of Ms. Simpson were miniscule I would consider seeing this film. That is not the case though. I’m sure the concept of the film will be interesting enough to the 15-24 demographic of women movie-goers to capture a profit. Perhaps even a sequel. Yet I still have to think it will just be another addition to the extremely long list of remakes and flops once it arrives.

This is what I think, what do you think?

My best/worst video games of 2006 - 12.27.2006.2

**My comments on the passing of President Ford can be found at www.mvass.com**

Well it’s that time of year again. Time for the best and worst of what was 2006. I’ve already mentioned some of my thoughts about the year previously, now for some lists. Come on we all love a good list, sometimes even a bad one. Hopefully I will have the former and not the latter.

First off are video games. Yes, the bane of wives, mothers and girlfriends. A good game is worth it’s weight in coffee, or caffeinated drinks if you prefer, and then some. A bad game makes you think the ladies are right (unless you are Mr. Samuel Jackson – his wife loves them and so he married her or so he said at the Spike Video Game Awards). My preference is PC games, though I have a PS2 as well. My thoughts on other systems is culled from Gamespot.com, a site I find to be quite accurate and useful.

The number one game I played this year has to be Worldwide Soccer Manager. Most may not have heard of this one, it’s a European game but it’s fantastic. Very addictive and fills the time until the next World Cup, or the next version, quite well. If you love soccer (football to the rest of the world) you need this. It’s not a action game, but watching the matches play out is so close to the real thing you will be caught in it’s web quickly.

Guitar Hero is the second best game of the year to me. Yes I know that Guitar Hero II is out, and I have that as well. But I like the music on the original better. There is nothing like rocking to a classic rock song and feeling like you are playing it yourself. It’s as close to being in a rock band as I will ever get. If you want to do well on expert I suggest extreme practice or knowing how to play a guitar, I’m still not near that point yet.

Third for me is Elder Scrolls IV : Oblivion. Immersive, graphically beautiful and open-ended. It’s hard to ask for more. There is little better than doing what you want in a world you can master. For the casual gamer it’s better than a MMO (massively multiplayer online game), and for those that are cheap. Expect to dedicate days and weeks to the game, looking for that better piece of armor, or sneaking into that one room to rob.

The new Wii system demands to be discussed as the sports are easily the best new innovation in some time. The Legend of Zelda has been a constant favorite since I was in college and the latest is no different.

On the other end are the games we really don’t want to ever remember playing.

First I must mention my hate of all the GTA rip offs. I find them to be playing to the worst stereotypes and making them glamorous. I dislike the thought and the intention. There is no benefit or justification of these games.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The kids all want this, and none of them should see it. Unless you hope for your child to become a buffed up, ignorant, pimp-drug dealing- gang member. I have nothing against violent games. I will not say that any game should not be made. But I don’t like this and never will.

Torino 2006. Like virtually any game that tries to cash in on a theme this fails. What more do I need to say than curling?

Superman Returns. Decent movie, crappy game. This helps to reinforce the idea that you never buy a game that is based on a movie. It’s just a way for the movie makes to suck away more of your money, regardless if the movie was good or not.

Infinity: The quest for earth. I’m not sure when this popped up. It’s supposed to be a free MMO, based in space. Of course like many of the new MMO’s (especially the free ones) it’s broken. Or not yet finished. Why it should exist as only part of a game I don’t understand.

2007 should be interesting. A lot of MMO’s are supposed to be coming out. Vanguard is the first one I think I will be checking out. That is after it launches and the bugs are found. Give it a month from launch and look for a review.

This is what I think, what do you think?