Tag: reviews

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The Clone Wars review: ‘Weapons Factory’

Barriss and Ahsoka, BFFs

So we’re sticking around Geonosis for a while, huh?  I suppose it makes sense.  Season 1 included a little virus-fueled trip to Naboo, and now that we’re in Season 2, it’s time to mine those Attack of the Clones locales.  At this rate, the Ewoks will show up in Season 6, in what will be billed as their triumphant return to animation.  Yub nub, Cartoon Network.  Yub nub. Continue reading “The Clone Wars review: ‘Weapons Factory’”

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Video: Nostalgia Chick looks for The Last Unicorn

This isn’t the best Nostalgia Chick, but it’s The Last Unicorn! It was my favorite movie as a kid – I watched it so much that my mother hates it to this day – so I couldn’t not post it. And hey, Christopher Lee!

I can’t believe that it was made by the same guys who did that horrible animated Lord of the Rings. That cartoon is why it took Peter Jackson four-plus hours and a cliffhanger to get me to actually read the trilogy.

Meanwhile, the Nostalgia Critic has a tribute to two other staples of my childhood, Siskel and Ebert. (Is that weird? That the syndicated tv show of two movie critics is a staple of my childhood? TOO BAD.)

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The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition gets rated

Slipping out last week was The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition video game, a re-release of 2008’s The Force Unleashed game, with additional content (the exclusive Hoth level, and 2 levels previously only available as downloadable content), and also finally, a PC version. Here’s what gaming reviewers are saying about it:

  • TheForce.Net gives the XBox 360 version a 4 out of 5, while cautioning those who already own the original game (and downloadable content) to consider renting instead of buying.
  • IGN gives it 7.5 out of 10, liking the new content, but again pointing out that this version really is for people who didn’t get the game the first time around.
  • Gamespot gives the PC version a 5 out of 10, calling it a mediocre port of the game, with frustrating graphic frame rate issues, and bland level design on Hoth, which is the only actual new content.
  • About.com gives the PC version 3 of 5 stars, and still enjoys the storyline and new levels, but finds the controls fidgety.

But don’t worry, I’m sure all of these issues on the PC version were fixed in the v1.1 patch. Judging from these reviews, stick to the PS3 or XBox360 version, but if only you don’t already have the original game.

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‘Landing at Point Rain’ lands positive reviews!

Always with the smirking.

Last week’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode ‘Landing at Point Rain’ has been garnering the praise from the usual reviewers. (Don’t forget our review!)

  • Eric at TheForce.net calls it “Best. TCW. Ever.” with words like “cinematic”, and says the “episode shines because of the visuals”.
  • IGN gives it 8.8 out of 10, while noting that it is light on content and heavy on gritty and intense action, and pushing the envelope on content and POV.
  • BigShinyRobot calls it an all out half-hour battle straight out of WWII movies, and praises the camera work, but calls out Cartoon Network on their special airtime – on a school night.
  • Joseph Lewis points out that only real risk-your-life-on-behalf-of-your-fellow-soldiers is done by the clones, twice saving Jedi, while the some of the Jedi seem to be more interested in their kill scores.

And as a general caution to the parental types, TV Squad points out that while the new episodes of The Clone Wars are stunning, they are veering away from its kid-friendliness with greater intensity of violence. Joseph Lewis ponders whether that line for carnage has been crossed for what he feels is a franchise meant for children.

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The Clone Wars S1 DVD/BLU-Ray rakes up good reviews

Now that season one of The Clone Wars has been released for a week on DVD and Blu-Ray, here’s what they’re saying:

  • Wired’s GeekDad likes the featurettes looking at the artwork, and says it is “definitely worth picking up.”
  • HD Room reviews the Blu-Ray, gives it 8.5 out of 10 with great video and replayability, thinking that this show has the best prequel-era stories.
  • iF Magazine selects it as DVD pick of the week, with the characters that you love, and new characters that are as fascinating as the familiar faces.
  • Blu-Ray.com gives it a 4 out of 5, with near-perfect video transfer, awesome featurettes, and says “the series itself has proven to be far more captivating, inventive, and entertaining than the feature film that bears its name.”
  • Den of Geek doesn’t review it, but shows off some exclusive concept art.

Looks like the release of season one is getting a good thumbs-up!

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Reviewing The Clone Wars: ‘Landing at Point Rain’

Things that go boom

After the political intrigue of ‘Senate Spy’, ‘Landing at Point Rain’ put both the clones and the war back into The Clone Wars. This episode serves as the opening chapter in a Geonosis-based story arc much in the same way that the invasion of the beaches of Normandy starts off Saving Private Ryan – lots of dirt and death. Could the episode title be an oblique reference to the Spielberg movie? Continue reading “Reviewing The Clone Wars: ‘Landing at Point Rain’”

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Star Wars in Concert treks on

Photo by thornmonkey @ flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0Star Wars: In Concert has continued to wind its way through the country, leaving lots of local press coverage in its wake: Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City. Dallas, Tulsa, Houston, Tampa, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. (Anthony Daniels was no slouch either.) And don’t forget Paula’s review!

The show will be in New Haven on Tuesday, and Toledo got an early jump on things by profiling the 15-year-old fan who won their prize pack. And there are a couple chances to win tickets for Detroit, Toronto, and New York.

(Picture from Cowboys Stadium by ThornMonkey)

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Review: ‘Star Wars in Concert’ in Atlanta

The Empire attacks at Star Wars: In Concert in Atlanta

November 3rd was the Atlanta showing of Star Wars: In Concert.

If you’re still waiting your turn (or trying to decide if you want to spend the money on an upcoming show), it is SO worth going! I won’t spoil it. (Although really, can you spoil it?) But the multimedia is mind-blowing. The montages really make you look at the story in a different way. And hearing a live symphony so obviously well-rehearsed on the music is magical.

Anthony Daniels spins a magical tale. Yes, we all know the story. But the way he tells it is a wonderful take on the individual characters and the overarching saga. And, as anyone who has seen him at a convention knows, he knows how to work a crowd.

The only negative I would give (at least at our show) was that the micing for the choir was a bit off. Admittedly, I’m a bit of a choir snob, but there was a mic near one tenor that made him stick out SO much. (Thankfully, he was correct and in tune the whole time.) But they sounded amazing, even for all that.

Some tips:

  • Seating Recommendations – If you have yet to buy tickets (and Atlanta was only half-full, so you may not be too late), I’d go with the floor, but in the second or third section back. Too close to the stage and you won’t get the full effect of all the, um, effects. Plus, there is fire, people. Major fire. I was in the back floor section and it was hot back there!
  • If you can’t afford the lower seats, go for closer to the stage. The way it’s set up, you’ll still see everything, but still get to see some detail.
  • Get there as soon as the doors open.  – This is people-watching at its finest. I saw everything from toddlers to someone who had to be in his mid-80’s. Every five minutes or so, a kid would excitedly yell out, “Star Wars!” (And we adults happily took up the call.) There are also archive set-ups featuring stuff I have never seen at the many exhibitions I’ve been to. With the crowds, it will take a while to see them all. Plus, watching the 501st work the crowd is always amusing.
  • Save up your pennies for the store. –  There are some wonderfully clever designs to be had that don’t come across on the website. Having tried on all of my goodies, I would recommend buying up one size if you don’t like tight-fitting shirts or jackets.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  It did my little geeky heart good. I will end with a quote from my friend (and Dragon*Con Star Wars track director) Brandy Roatsey: “Every time you watch the Saga or hear the music it’s like renewing your vows and falling in love all over again!”

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Battlestar Galactica: The Plan comes together… or falls apart…

Yesterday marked the release of the direct-to-DVD Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, directed by Edward James Olmos. Remember when the Cylons had a plan? Now you can see the events of BSG (especially seasons one and two), from the Cylon point of view. Here’s what the reviewers are saying:

  • Wired says not to put too much hope in this mediocre coda, which would more aptly be titled A Tale of Two Cavils.
  • Geeks of Doom loves the inner struggles among the Cylons, but feels that the flow is a bit off. However, they totally agree with Olmos’ proclamation that after seeing “The Plan”, you’ll want to re-watch BSG again to see how it all fits in. They also have a giveaway contest for “The Plan” DVDs.
  • Ellen Gray at philly.com likes when the Cylons try to be human… but wishes there was more of that.
  • Alan Sepinwall of the NJ Star-Ledger likes Dean Stockwell’s and Grace Park’s performances, but overall says, “As one small bit of bonus material tied to a classic series, it’s fun, but it doesn’t really stand on its own.”
  • FilmThreat calls it “a mess” that ends up with epic fail, but also closure for Boxy.
  • The Salt Lake Tribune gives it a brief C+, saying that diehard fans will enjoy it, and that’s about it.

Hyping “The Plan”, PopStar gets a few questions with Dean Stockwell about playing against himself and his views on a Quantum Leap reunion. UGO has a contest where you can win dinner with Admiral Adama, Edward James Olmos.

Overall, most reviews feel like “The Plan” is more like a series of deleted scenes than a coherent story.

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan is released today on DVD and Blu-Ray. Several reviewers note that it is unrated and contains sex and nudity, which will most likely be cut for the Syfy broadcast of it next year.

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The Clone Wars: Intel reports on ‘Senate Spy’

Here’s the latest reviews and reports on ‘Senate Spy’, last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Tonight, Cartoon Network shows a re-run of ‘Children of the Force’ (only after 4 episodes?). And be sure to check out Club Jade’s own review, this week provided by guest reviewer and Hitchcock fan, Stooge.

  • IGN gives it a 7.7 / 10, liking the show of Padme’s strong will but disappointed at her need to be rescued – again.
  • TheForce.net calls it good but not one of the best, praising Padme’s strength, especially turning Anakin’s lines back at him, but is critical of the confusing political setup of this explosion-free episode.
  • BigShinyRobot gushes over the Notorious homage and praises the solidness of storytelling.
  • SWCloneWarsReviews gives it a 2 out of 5 – more promise than actually delivered, and some plot contrivances that were more puzzling than believable.

Meanwhile over at starwars.com, Pete Vilmur provides an introductory interview with Cary Silver, series producer of The Clone Wars.

As for tonight’s repeat of ‘Children of the Force’, SWUniverse has a list of little nods and winks to watch for.