Horror has never been so lol!

Over many moons there arrives a horror movie which defies all logic, and overrides the laws of physics. It obtains in the process a state of epicness, and lolness like no other. Halloween II might be that movie because Rob Zombie has hit gold. Rob Zombie rebooted the dying Halloween franchise in 2007 and garnered mild success. Forward to 2010 and the release of his sequel, which looks more like an extended version of one of his music videos.

Lauri Strode (Scout Taylor-Compton) has survived the murdering mayhem of her pyscho hulk brother Michael in the previous film (Tyler Mane). Once, again Michael kills people in a variety of gory, obscene ways. All in the hope of getting to his sister Lauri, now named Angel in the film. The film suffers from being a confused mess, with random symbolism and moments that defy common sense. Michael is able to flip cars over with his bare hands, and dismember bodies like a fiend on speed. The consistent use of a white horse throughout the film is quite jarring, enhancing the lol factor of the film. Michael seems to be the Hulk rather than a serial killer on steroids. Or, perhaps he is both.

One of the more promising points of the film is the score, and the intriguing direction Rob Zombie chose to take the franchise in. The score uses classic 80s synth music coupled with some classic rock bringing a bit of nostalgia to the movie. This reminds me of many other slasher films from the same time period as Halloween, and enhances the funny moments of the film (which are meant to be so horrific). Rob Zombie uses many weird transitions and has unexplained plotholes in his version of the franchise, but offers some weirdness and a plate of awesomeness instead. The movie is a must see for any horror fan looking for a good laugh. The promise of a low budget film in the hodpodge of over-complicated horror movies, is strangely welcoming. Weird is good, and Rob Zombie deserves a view. RAMjew

Kaze No Stigma stinks!

If one anime could be filled to the rim with generic vomit, that would be Kaze No Stigma. I watched the anime on the recommendation from a friend. But, oh was I sorely mistaken. I am quite the avid anime fan and appreciate a good action anime every now and again. I don't even mind the slight inkling of romance and comedy. Yet, Kaze No Stigma takes stereotype and fanservice way over the top. The anime was animated by Gonzo, who produce anime ranging from average to epic. This anime was average, bordering on stupid.

First off, there are two main characters Kazuma Yagami and Ayano Kannagi. Kazuma is the quintessential silent, but strong type. He has been exiled from the Kannagi family, because of his inability to use fire jutsu. Kazuma is very much the Sasuke of the series, with less emo-ness and a pole up his ass. He is constantly protecting his brother, who is the damzel in distress for most of the series. Ayano on the other hand is a strong willed redhead much like Shana from Shakugan No Shana. This shows no true effort on the part of Gonzo to establish her character more effectively.

The animation is mediocre as expected of such a fail series, and character development is limited going nowhere. Fans will be left with dissatisfaction and a coppery taste in their mouth, from biting their tongue at the epic fail of the anime. RAMjew

Born to be a rebel? Red Faction Needs you!

You know I have this theory that rebels must have a hard time. This thesis of sorts was confirmed whilst playing the awesome game Red Faction Guerilla. Where, oddly enough you are a rebel and the main objective is to blow stuff up. The player faces the evil actions of the Earth Defense Force (EDF) who plan to terraform Mars to hell and gone. You take on the role of Alec Mason, a mining engineer who seeks revenge for the death of his brother. Red Faction Guerilla is a third person shooter, sandbox game by developer, Volition. Volition well known for their previous Red Faction games mix up the gameplay and borrow heavily from other sandbox games. This in itself is not a bad thing as it takes the best elements of GTA, Prototype and even Assassin’s Creed. The player is faced with the daunting task of taking back control of Mars from the EDF. Mars itself is divided into different sectors in which the player has to lower the control of the EDF, by blowing stuff up and completing missions. Different EDF facilities are rated in order of importance, meaning if you take out a high importance target more control will be lost. Missions range from demolition, to transporting vehicles and even guerilla raids on the enemy.

The fun of the game is in completing these missions which raise the morale of the people in a sector. As the morale increases ordinary civilians begin to join the guerilla movement, and support you in your fight against the EDF. What, also makes the game unique is the freedom it allows you to achieve a mission objective. For example if you wanted to blow up a target you could set up mines, destroy it with large vehicles or even rocket launch it to hell. This ease of choice means there are endless possibilities. The storyline is intriguing with the continuous plotting of the EDF, the unknown goals of the marauders and the story of a man seeking revenge.

Red Faction Guerilla has excellent graphics, but has some lag issues which may depend on the specs of your rig. The game offers something different in the overcrowded sandbox genre, improving on some of it’s borrowed gameplay elements. Overall, the game will satisfy any gamer with a taste for destruction and mayhem.

84% A great game, let the destruction begin. RAMjew