Bleam66 Reviews

Gamer (2009)

Gamer suffers just one fatal flaw.

[5/10 · 11 March 2010]

"Set in a future-world where humans can control other humans in mass- scale, multi-player online gaming environments, a star player from a game called "Slayers" looks to regain his independence while taking down the game's mastermind."

Gamer is a movie that is truly a love hate situation. As we venture on into the future, more and more of society is becoming comfortable with the real notion that electronics, more so gaming in general, is becoming a very huge part of entertainment. Basing off this logic, I think quite a few people were excited for this idea.

Where Gamer fails to captivate us is not the idea, but how it was executed. Take for example the idea of Kill Bill V.1 and V.2, both movies could have quite easily been combined into one movie, though you would sacrifice confusing the audience and ruining what could be an incredible experience. Gamer is exactly that. Too much to show and tell in such a limited time. I have little doubts that Gamer could have been great, granted it had at least a sequel to follow up on.

Without spoiling anything, you will often find yourself wondering just what this part connects to. Eventually it will reveal and you will still have some questions. Other parts seemed unneeded at best. There was just far too many moments that could have been done better given more time to explain them, or parts that should have been better and suffer the same flaw.

Gamer is not without some breath-taking performances and scenes however. The parts that were executed quite well and done correctly were nothing short of just incredible. Explosions were nicely detailed, the tension was high, everything looked realistic where it should and the idea behind the setting was great. Personally, I found myself in awe in questioning the true motive of the movie, would you gladly accept to be a slave for technology, or pay to control the slaved technology?

Overall, the movie had some very high points, then some very low points, with a good message wrapped in there. I only cannot rate it higher for the simple fact that while I enjoyed it, this movie felt way too much in one package. Had it been given a proper chance to slowly evolve through another movie, even two before reaching the climax, I could see it much more accepted. Unfortunately, it did not turn out that way.

My verdict is ultimately a 6/10, a rent for those who wanted to see it will probably enjoy it enough once to merit a rental.

Saw VI (2009)

SAW finally redeems itself.

[8/10 · 23 October 2009]

Coming back from the midnight viewing, I am seriously shocked. I remember this time last year writing a review for SAW V, and from first impressions, I enjoyed it. Digging deeper though after-wards, I realized how much was wrong. This time however, several friends came along, avid fans of disliking the newer installments. Well, I am happy to say, they finally did something right.

The very first thing I noticed that was different was the pacing of the movie. The opening scene is a trap. I will not reveal who, or why for that matter, you pay good money to find out after all. Though after that, the movie takes a very different tone. While everyone probably is used to the nature of SAW not wasting any time, they took a different approach for the sixth installment.

We begin to follow where SAW V left off, Hoffman emerging victorious, or so it may seem. And soon enough, the introduction of our newest test subject, William. It's hard to get into the character without spoiling anything, so if I seem vague, you know why. William is an insurance agent, the vice president of his company as a matter of fact. In that, he made a formula on how to determine who should be eligible for health insurance. Needless to say, John Kramer was a former associate of his.

Jill, the ex-wife of the infamous Jigsaw Killer was also presented a box. The box plays a large role this time around and again, I will not spoil it. Her role in the grand scheme of things is further explained and finally understood. Everything between her past with John, her present with Hoffman, and if she truly is part of the scheme, or just another person wanting to escape it all.

The story is nice refresher from the original pace and nicely executed. Acting this time around as well was great.

My only complaint is how even though the ending will surprise you, there has been so much exposed through previous installments, you feel less than shocked. Those who remember previous SAW's will understand what I mean by shock.

There is a lot answered this time around, near everything actually. Be it the letter from SAW III, Hoffman's true intentions, Jill's involvement, and Jigsaw's grand scheme, everything will be fully explained this time around. I highly recommenced this SAW, especially if you want to give it that one last chance to see if it can be saved. Personally, I find it redeeming and if they continue with refreshing courses such as this, SAW could go on forever.

Zombieland (2009)

Twinkies aren't the only that survive.

[6/10 · 15 October 2009]

Zombieland is first off, and I am so happy to say this, not a Shaun of the Dead rip off. While the two are arguably two of the best zombie movies to date and comedy oriented, they are two separate humors in their own glory. This also has set a new standard in reviewing, I found it quite difficult for how unique it truly was.

What you can expect from the trailers and the descriptions, Zombieland is largely based on the comedy at the expense of zombies. Woody in this movie plays a no talent renegade--though everyone is in this world--who finally did find a one talent--killing zombies. He makes it a point and what seems like a goal for the most creative ways of killing zombies. One notable scene is when he lures zombies out, in the hopes of snagging Twinkies, with a banjo. I won't go into further detail, but you can use your vivid imagination until you see the movie.

No zombie movie, regardless of horror or comedy, is complete without a set of survivors. Each is represented by their territory, all with a cause and purpose to band together to survive. As noted before, I don't want to reveal too much since this is a movie that is meant to be seen, not relayed through words.

While you will not see too much of gore or anything stomach churning, there is plenty to keep the more than casual blood fan satisfied.

Another thing you will notice, again comparing Shaun to this, is there is a lot of humor to be found here despite the setting. Anything from Twinkie searching to creative zombie killing, and even a special cameo who some will be quite amazed by.

Overall, without wanting to reveal too much and let you just simply know that as an avid zombie fan, I couldn't be more happy with this movie. Those who want a traditional zombie experience, with humor and logic, with some very unique settings, this movie is a must see. Definitely one of the best of the year, if not, all time movies.

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Silly and then scary!

[9/10 · 30 September 2009]

Wow. That is what comes to mind when I review this movie. It has been said for some time that horror is over done and nothing unique comes from it; this is the movie that proves it wrong. What Batman Begins started for comic book movies, this has done for horror movies. With that brief monologue of my praising over with, let's get on with the review.

When Trick R Treat first begins, you will find yourself very confused. Those familiar with Sin City will find a little resemblance here. What I mean by that is, it is confusing from the start but is painting a much larger picture for the ending, there is numerous stories going on at one time but not confusing, and they all co-exist in some form.

The main issue I found myself scared of was how did this not get a theater release? Why did it take so long? Questions that normally have answers in the same category: the movie is garbage. To my surprise, this could not be further than the truth as Trick R Treat is a true Halloween film.

It takes the element of Halloween itself, a goofy tradition where we dress up as whatever, and have a good game of dress up while destroying our teeth. In that same essence, Halloween to many is the spooky side of life, where monsters and witches, skeletons and ghouls, spirits and demons, and everything in between. Trick R Treat takes from that as well, turning a Halloween night into an unexpected twist and turn adventure of horror.

More than once you will find yourself saying, "This is silly." and within the blink of an eye, be saying to yourself, "What the...did that just happen?!"

We, the fans of horror, and even those who are not, are finally granted a gift that is absolutely an instant classic.

But in all this rambling coming from my exciting, is the story any good? I am so happy to say it is. While I mentioned it is four stories, they do not play in a Creepshow fashion. Instead, everything is happening in different sectors. For example, a select group of children trick 'r treating will meet with another character, who later on will see what happened to him from a beginning confrontation in the beginning. It does sound rather confusing and bland, though there is nothing confusing or bland about it.

The main reason I kept a lot out about the story is, there is just so much to experience and so many twists, that you have to see it to believe it. From the beginning to the very last words spoken, there is a twist and an unexpected turn.

You owe yourself to see the greatest Halloween movie since...well, Halloween! Anyone who enjoys a causal blood-fest, a movie to enjoy with your other, or something to have an excuse to sit down with the friends and family and enjoy a good Halloween film, this is it. Don't hesitate.

The only reason I can't give this movie a 10/10 is because it just ends too soon!

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009 Video Game)

The Dark Knight stalks onto consoles.

[9/10 · 1 September 2009]

This was one game I was truly afraid of. Not literally of course. Being a fan of the Dark Knight and everything he had accomplished, I was afraid this was going to be another failed attempt at creating him in game. Let's face it, how many memorable Batman games are there? I can't recall any. Now finally, there is one.

We start off with transporting the Joker. Funny how he gave up without so easily. Soon you discover why. After crossing paths with many of his caged thugs, Killer Croc, and various other cameo appearances, Joker escapes your clutches. With the help of his lady friend, Harley Quinn, he is able to keep Batman under observation through the Asylum, and making life a living hell for the Dark Knight.

Now, I knew the story would be great. What I was worried about, as was everyone, was game play. I am so happy to say, the game play is damn near perfect. Each strike, each counter, each glide, it all feels so smooth and fluid. Words cannot even describe the feeling of the combat of this game. While this style may not work in every game, for Batman, it works fantastic. I'll provide an example of the creativity and freedom.

Batman strikes with a punch, back hand, counter, jumps over a thug, waves his cape to blind an armed suspect, take down and disarm, another vicious combination of blows, two more counters, a lift and throw, all in one single combination that flows absolutely perfectly.

It is very simple too. You have a button for striking, countering, your cape, and jumping/running. Now I mentioned it was simple, but it is also complex. As you learn to master it, you can start adding gadgets into the mix, gaining new variations to combat. As said before, my words, and I doubt anyone else's, can truly give this combat justice through words. In essence, try it. Rent this game if you doubt anything about it, and you are almost guaranteed to never wanting to put it down.

There is more to this game than combat however. Much more. In some situations, you have no choice but to fight, but this game revolves around stealth. After all, when is the last time you saw Batman not stalk his opponents into petrification? This is where many of his gadgets will come into play.

I won't spoil all of them. You have the grappling hook, Batarang, and explosive gel to name a few. These alone can help you take Joker's crazy thugs out one by one. However, there is still more to the stealth play.

As you progress through the game, you will unlock experience for various tasks--more coming on that shortly--and gain unlock-ables such as extra stealth play, gadget upgrades, health improvements, and combat bonuses. Utilizing the stealth upgrades are an absolute must. For instance, gargoyles are often littered around a format area, usually with guards armed to the teeth with guns and ammunition, and they are not shy about using it.

Hiding above, scoping out the layout for your use, sometimes an unsuspecting thug will just so happen cross beneath you. Using a certain upgrade, you can grab the thug, and not only disarm him from above, but remove him from the equation all together. Now had you gone down, fists in the air, you'd be dead before you knew what happened. Utilizing stealth from above is just one of many ways. Like combat, there is just no way to truly put in words how excellent it truly is.

I mentioned experience as well. Another great installment in this first chapter. The better you fight, the more experience you get. Taking down thugs in stealth? More experience. Now if you truly want to arm Batman with everything, you will need to go beyond the storyline, and track down 240 Riddler trophies, riddles, and other objectives. There is also another goodies to track down, but I will let you figure that one out.

All in all, this game was made for whether you never heard of Batman, or have been a die hard fan. It caters to everybody who enjoys a good story, excellent combat system--that is easy to use, hard to master--and a whole variety of challenge modes, extras to find, and so much more. At the very least, rent this game. You will not be disappointed. There is a lot of stuff too in this game that.

You will be amazed by the voice acting, the movements, the art work, and the overall complex nature of this vast island you're stuck on. There is plenty of bosses, interview patient tapes, and many shocking moments. I'll end this with a teaser of arguably the best part of this game: Prepare to face your fears...

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Rocky Horror of our generation?

[8/10 · 23 January 2009]

If someone would have told me years ago that a movie starring, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton, and several other people I have little or no interest in other than Bill Mosely that it would have become a must have for me, I would have laughed in their face.

Repo! is an instant classic from beginning to end. There is just no weak points in this movie. The weakest points of the movie are still strong, keeping you compelled to want to unravel this unique and incredible story. But if you have not seen it, the premise of the story is simple. In a not so distant future, surgery, much like plastic surgery, has swept over the world. You can now finance organs, or anything you desire for the human anatomy. But what comes of this legalized repossession, or in other words, legalized assassination to get the organs back after 90 days of delinquency. I will leave it at that, for most of the story would be spoiling an amazing experience down this twisted and creative road.

Now the story is just great as is, but the singing is where this movie truly shines. Personally, I found myself listening to every song constantly days after seeing the film. Each song is so unlike anything I have ever heard and distinct in difference, and they all shine through. Some are more twisted, others humorous, though they all are great and compose a great story along with perfect acting.

The acting of the movie surprised me the most. I am not a fan of Paris Hilton, not at all. However even she blew me away in this movie. Others like Alexa Vega, who honestly I thought would be a horrible edition, were amazing as well. You felt part of the story, living in this world and watching them tell a story through actions alone. Anthony Stewart was my favorite character of the movie, I will not post why and leave that mystery for you to find out yourself. Each character is different and yet, they are alike in some morbid way or another.

In a short summary, this movie to me is the Rocky Horror of our generation. Fans of musicals will find this an impressive film and great addition to any movie collection. Those who are not interested in the musical aspect, I still encourage you to rent this film. I think if given a chance, this movie will surprise some of the biggest critics out there. Easily one of the best films I ever had the privilege of seeing.

Saw V (2008)

SAW V - Hyped to be a miss but definitely hit.

[4/10 · 23 October 2008]

Like everyone else, I was expecting this movie to live up to the hype and be absolutely horrible. Since though I have seen SAW I-IV, I had to go see this at the midnight showing. What started it off, I was already impressed with that I saw. As the movie was going forward it was hard to tell how it would all add up. By the end though I was expecting to be disappointed and it really did not.

While SAW fans will appreciate this, it really depends on what you like. If you are expecting a SAW II - III where it is mainly gore and such, maybe not so much. If you are like the few who want to know more about the story, then it is a must to see this.

Now while every question is not answered, it makes up for it in its own ways. Do not be like me or most of the people who were hesitant to see this film due to people not enjoying it. I think many people would be surprised on just how great this film really is. To me, it was the best since the first one, despite the weak twist and sometimes cheesy kills. Then again, name a film that has been perfect because everyone has a fault.