Michael*

You should see how Walmart is during the 'Black Friday' shopping holiday here in the states It's sheer madness for materialism on an epic scale that really sucks the faith in humanity right out of you like a punch from Manny Pacquiao right in the gut Go ahead, YouTube "Walmart Black Friday" and let the ensuing madness begin!

Have you been watching the Exorcist lately? That might explain the feeling?

Funny you should mention Black Friday (truthfully, I'm not sure if I dare YouTube it! ), because that particular phenomenon is now starting to catch on over here too. Although you guys do seem to have real discounts, we mostly have stuff that the retailers can't get rid of by any other means or discontinued models that are due to be replaced in the new year. It may not be long before Christmas Day is renamed 'Take a Day off from Shopping Day', and Boxing Day is renamed 'Get Back on with Shopping Day'.

I guess if they ever remake 'The Exorcist', they'll know who to cast as the lead...

Did 'Colonial Marines' have much going for it in the end? I know its visual issues were well documented and that it got considerable stick for being generally undercooked, but I never actually gave it a whirl. Was there any fun to be had?

To be honest I didn't end up playing it much at all (maybe an hour, if that). It was just so overwhelmingly mediocre in every aspect, just made worse when you see what could should have been from that initial "gameplay demo". I've never been so disappointed and let down by a video game

I've also been playing Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Deluxe Edition (dat title). I remember you posted a video about it a while ago, but have you tried it now it's been ported to all platforms? It's not bad, but I imagine it would have been much more enjoyable/impressive as a hand-held game. Unfortunately the combat is the worst part of it, just because it's so frustrating and unresponsive (at least using the Arkham games as a benchmark). Reasonably enjoyable little metroidvania style game though (Y)

^I'd expected so much from that initial tech demo, but it seemed like the end product turned out to be such a classic case of bait and switch. Would have been so gutted if I'd paid the full whack for it on its day of release. Given that the developers were granted access to the official canon, the original voice actors and Fox's blessing to use all the sounds and whatnot, it'll probably go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities in gaming history. I hear they're starting over with this new one though, perhaps it'll turn out to be the Alien game everyone's been waiting for. The idea of playing as Ripley's daughter is certainly a pretty intriguing one, maybe Colonial Marines will turn out to be nothing more than a horrible nightmare she had in her cryo-tube.

I hadn’t actually heard that about BAOBDE (snappiest title since Metal Gear Rising Revengeance ). It still looks like an interesting proposition. I was drawn in by the Metroidvania-style presentation, and the cutscenes had something of Aeon Flux about them, which is also a good thing. I'm in agreement about the combat looking rather flimsy, but as you rightly say, most things would suffer in comparison to the Arkham mechanics. Plus, Catwoman!

^I'd expected so much from that initial tech demo, but it seemed like the end product turned out to be such a classic case of bait and switch. Would have been so gutted if I'd paid the full whack for it on its day of release. Given that the developers were granted access to the official canon, the original voice actors and Fox's blessing to use all the sounds and whatnot, it'll probably go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities in gaming history. I hear they're starting over with this new one though, perhaps it'll turn out to be the Alien game everyone's been waiting for. The idea of playing as Ripley's daughter is certainly a pretty intriguing one, maybe Colonial Marines will turn out to be nothing more than a horrible nightmare she had in her cryo-tube.

Yeah, indeed (Y)

I really like how they've used the first movie as a basis for the look and feel - bringing it back to the horror angle rather than action. Pretty much every Alien game has gone down the Aliens or AVP route - understandably so, since they're so much more 'video gamey'. The love and attention to detail the developers are seemingly putting into it is also encouraging.

Who's that in your avatar by the way?

All these movies are online- you can d/l the dvds and take a look if you aren't planning on watching them.  I think however, that the Matt Damon movie is worth watching in full because it's entertaining and paranoid.  

I managed to watch much of Oblivion and I thought it was alright, too.   Something about its structure makes me feel like a veteran Sci-fi fanatic would probably have seen the plot twist miles away and figured out everything right after the first act. 

Both movies have a lot of interesting imagery.

 

 

'Robocop' passed me by at the cinema, I'll have to check it out when it hits the small screen. The bits I have seen remind me a little of the recent Dredd remake (which I thought was pretty decent) but on a much, much bigger scale. From what I understand, 'Robocop' boasts an excellent cast and the social commentary strand is roughly on the right lines, but overall, the script is a bit of a mix-up of confused ideas. I suppose to be fair, even if it isn't up to much, there isn't a lot of damage left to be done to the franchise after the dreadful third movie and the TV series. For me, the first movie is the only one that really still stands up today.

 

Same goes for 'Elysium' really, I remember seeing the trailer and pegging it as more of a back burner film than a must-see. I have seen 'Oblivion' though. I found it a bit melodramatic and thought the dialogue was paper thin, but it's visually spectacular and the setting of the post apocalyptic timeframe is laid out well. Also, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruisey boy brings plenty of his usual gusto. Best bit of the movie was...

 

...when the alien god thingy said 'I AM YOUR GOD!'. Cruise then glanced at Freeman, looked back at the alien and said 'no you're not.' Whether the humour was intentional or not, I couldn't really say for certain, but it was absolutely hilarious all the same.

 

Any others on the agenda at the moment?

 

I don't have any movies currently.  How about you?

I've been getting back into reading about the Eastern front.  I finished the superb 'From Don to the Dnepr', and now I am reading "Stumbling Colossus: The Red Army on the eve of War".  I bought 'Red Storm over the Balkans' and Book 3 of the masterful Stalingrad trilogy recently.  Book 4 and Book 5 (map book) is being released on the 30th.

You like Sasha Luss?

If you look closely, she is the only top model who hasn't gotten her teeth whitened...

 

^I'd expected so much from that initial tech demo, but it seemed like the end product turned out to be such a classic case of bait and switch. Would have been so gutted if I'd paid the full whack for it on its day of release. Given that the developers were granted access to the official canon, the original voice actors and Fox's blessing to use all the sounds and whatnot, it'll probably go down as one of the biggest missed opportunities in gaming history. I hear they're starting over with this new one, so perhaps it'll turn out to be the Alien game everyone's been waiting for. The idea of playing as Ripley's daughter is certainly a pretty intriguing one, maybe Colonial Marines will turn out to be nothing more than a horrible nightmare she had in her cryo-tube.

Yeah, indeed (Y)

I really like how they've used the first movie as a basis for the look and feel - bringing it back to the horror angle rather than action. Pretty much every Alien game has gone down the Aliens or AVP route - understandably so, since they're so much more 'video gamey'. The love and attention to detail the developers are seemingly putting into it is also encouraging.

Who's that in your avatar by the way?

 

I always thought the Dead Space series (especially the first one) were the best Alien VGs ever made.

Michael!!! It's been sooooooo long!! How you doing?

Love your Sasha avi!! What a natural beaut.

Funny you should mention Black Friday (truthfully, I'm not sure if I dare YouTube it! ), because that particular phenomenon is now starting to catch on over here too. Although you guys do seem to have real discounts, we mostly have stuff that the retailers can't get rid of by any other means or discontinued models that are due to be replaced in the new year. It may not be long before Christmas Day is renamed 'Take a Day off from Shopping Day', and Boxing Day is renamed 'Get Back on with Shopping Day'.

 

I guess if they ever remake 'The Exorcist', they'll know who to cast as the lead...

 

Oh jeez man I heard about that particular holiday slowly making its way over the Atlantic (if it's not already in full swing that is) Sounds like there is no stopping those ravenous shoppers from looking for those supposed deals that really don't exist other then those promotional $99 dollar TV's which sell out in minutes. I think you might be right with that labeling sir

Holy heck Cara might fit the bill with that one dude!

I always thought the Dead Space series (especially the first one) were the best Alien VGs ever made.

First game reminded me a lot of that movie Event Horizon.

I really like how they've used the first movie as a basis for the look and feel - bringing it back to the horror angle rather than action. Pretty much every Alien game has gone down the Aliens or AVP route - understandably so, since they're so much more 'video gamey'. The love and attention to detail the developers are seemingly putting into it is also encouraging.

Who's that in your avatar by the way?

Quite honestly, just looking at the scrappy VHS visuals is enough to get me excited. Love the lo-tech sci-fi feel.

As I guess you've probably gathered by some of the posts above, it's Sasha Luss in the avatar. She went off my radar for quite a while, but I officially like her again.

All these movies are online- you can d/l the dvds and take a look if you aren't planning on watching them.  I think however, that the Matt Damon movie is worth watching in full because it's entertaining and paranoid.  

 

I managed to watch much of Oblivion and I thought it was alright, too.   Something about its structure makes me feel like a veteran Sci-fi fanatic would probably have seen the plot twist miles away and figured out everything right after the first act. 

 

Both movies have a lot of interesting imagery.

 

I don't have any movies currently.  How about you?

I just realised that the director of 'Elysium' also did 'District 9', which I thought was rather good. Might be time to finally check it out, then.

Just this morning, I took advantage of the bank holiday and went to see 'Locke', which, although it was essentially just Tom Hardy in a car for an hour and 25 minutes, was amazingly captivating and intense. Great little movie.

You like Sasha Luss?

 

If you look closely, she is the only top model who hasn't gotten her teeth whitened...

Yeah, back on board now.

I didn't know that. Sasha does have a lot of teeth, but I think it suits her. She has a fantastic face.

Michael!!! It's been sooooooo long!! How you doing?

Love your Sasha avi!! What a natural beaut.

Fash, hey!

I was just thinking about you, oddly enough. Had a nagging feeling that I owed you a PM response from way back when, only I can't seem to find it in my inbox any more. I remember you'd graduated from uni (business marketing, if my memory serves me?), and passed your driving test. I trust all is still well for you?

Michael!!! It's been sooooooo long!! How you doing?

Love your Sasha avi!! What a natural beaut.

Fash, hey!

I was just thinking about you, oddly enough. Had a nagging feeling that I owed you a PM response from way back when, only I can't seem to find it in my inbox any more. I remember you'd graduated from uni (business marketing, if my memory serves me?), and passed your driving test. I trust all is still well for you?

But yeah everything going well on this end.... except I still don't have a job in my field. I still work at a bakery. But I'm going to try to go through an agency to find a better job... I'll see how that goes.

How is everything with you?

I got a copy of 'The Black Swan' last week.  I don't know when I'll watch it but the directing and acting looks very good & the film is acclaimed.  I  respected 'The Wrestler' very much but found it too visceral and depressing.  The Black Swan looks depressing, which is enough to deter me for the moment... 

But Natalie Portman is really a draw.  She has a very expressive way of acting.

~38 Top Models, ~  300 to 1000 photos for the most part

http://www.bellazon.com/main/topic/45100-cult-icon/page-25

There is a Jaime Alexander ultra gallery in here.

 

I just realised that the director of 'Elysium' also did 'District 9', which I thought was rather good. Might be time to finally check it out, then.

Just this morning, I took advantage of the bank holiday and went to see 'Locke', which, although it was essentially just Tom Hardy in a car for an hour and 25 minutes, was amazingly captivating and intense. Great little movie.
 

Sounds kindof like the Ray Charles story . That is if the being whisked away part happens. You may be ashamed to be one of my soccer tutors when you find out that I didn't know Pele was alive . I just happened to see him on a sandwhich commercial. I also overheard a heated argument as to whether Michael Carrick is overrated or not. Both sides felt strongly. I didn't recognize him by name. The more I watch football, the more it seems to me that basketball is highly similar in ways some may not realize. Well, off the bat, they both probably lead all sports in flopping anyway .

Pele's in his mid-seventies now, but he looks pretty good on it. Apparently, he appeared onstage with One Direction in Rio the other night and offered to play guitar for them, which would surely have been the most surreal crossover pop supergroup of all time.

Yeah, Carrick is an England international who plays his club football for Manchester United. He's always been a bit of a curious case, and he divides opinion so much that he's often overrated by the people who like him and underrated by those who don't. The reality is that he's a fundamentally flawed player but a useful one in roles where he can do himself justice. In a three-man central midfield where can he can drop fairly deep, enjoy more time on the ball and distribute it to team-mates with more attacking flair, he can be quite effective. A two-man central midfield however, would always be lacking something with him as a part of it, he's too weak to play the defensive midfield role, too pedestrian to join in with the attacks and absolutely hopeless under any sort of pressure.

There's flopping in basketball? I've seen a few of the games and have yet to notice any obvious examples, although I suppose I'm still watching with something of an untrained eye. It must hurt more on that hard basketball court, probably even more so when you're about 7'3 because it's further to fall.

WOW! Your memory is amazing!!!!! i ts been like a year.

But yeah everything going well on this end.... except I still don't have a job in my field. I still work at a bakery. But I'm going to try to go through an agency to find a better job... I'll see how that goes.

How is everything with you?

Still going strong.

Thankful currently just to have some semi-regular work on the go, as I know a lot of people who don't at the moment. I don’t see there being any shame though in either trying something and deciding it’s not for you, or finding something you like and sticking with it. As long as you do like it, that is. I strongly suspect that if I worked in a bakery, I'd end up eating most of the profits.

So which models are you liking at the moment, other than Sasha?

I got a copy of 'The Black Swan' last week.  I don't know when I'll watch it but the directing and acting looks very good & the film is acclaimed.  I  respected 'The Wrestler' very much but found it too visceral and depressing.  The Black Swan looks depressing, which is enough to deter me for the moment... 

 

But Natalie Portman is really a draw.  She has a very expressive way of acting.

 

 

~38 Top Models, ~  300 to 1000 photos for the most part

 

http://www.bellazon.com/main/topic/45100-cult-icon/page-25

 

There is a Jaime Alexander ultra gallery in here.

I actually saw 'Black Swan' on the big screen, and although I've very little inclination to watch it again anytime soon, I thought it was really rather magnificent. Depressing, yes, but also incredibly intense, creepy and surprisingly scary. Highly recommended, as long as you know what you're getting yourself into.

Sounds fantastic, I'll be sure to take a look. How are you coping with Jaimie's new-look pixie cut? I only ask because I remember you weren't terribly keen on Karlie's hairstyle change.