Random Thoughts

Wow, long time no post.

Yesterday I got a chance to see the Speed Racer movie. Now I haven't seen any of the old television show but as a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Anime/Acton fan; I know what the show is about.
I had heard a lot of mediocre reviews were given and it did not do good in the box office compared to the Wachowski brothers previous Matrix films did but that said; the movie was awesome. I didn't go into this movie expecting anything except to see something new and unique from the brothers. They did not disappoint.

The race scenes and action sections of the movie were amazing. I think the true telling of a great movie is one that pulls you into the movie and it becomes realistic to a degree. you feel for the characters, your vested in whats going to happen next, and this movie will do that.

The final race in the game, I was there cheering for Speed Racer in the stands, I was in the movie. And when his car broke down I was there in shock and disbelief willing him to get his car restarted some how to at least finish the race to give the evil corporation the finger. When he got his car going again and he started the final lap I was on the edge of my seat, my heart in my throat when he took that jump down the incline, and I was wishing, hoping, crossing my fingers, and holding my breath when he came down the final straight away.

I was exhilarated, excited, and proud of Speed Racer. I was cheering aloud withe movie and celebrating along with them. That is the sign of a truly great movie.


The only part of the movie I felt was wrong was the younger brother and his chimp. They fit into the movie properly and provided some nice comedic relief but the young boy who played the part just didn't fit and his parts often ruined the cinematic feel and slightly disrupted that feel of being part of the movie and its events.

All in all this is a MUST WATCH film for any race fan, anime fan, action fan, or family. This is almost a perfect film. FIVE out of FIVE STARS!

Just ran across another interesting BBC show, Bonekickers. Bonekickers is another creation from the mind that brought you "Life on Mars" and "Ashes to Ashes". The story line follows a group of archeologist who uncover artifacts and trace their history.
In the first episode the team uncovers some artifacts that shouldn't be in England, Syrian coins. This discovery leads to evidence of the Knights Templar and a race to find the true cross of Jesus.

I liked the first episode and it was interesting while at the same time offering a fun viewing of what could be in history. I'm sure most of the story lines will be mostly hyperbole but should stimulate your interest in history.
The only item that bothered me was this hint to something in the main actress's history and current obsession. Something about her late mother's obsession with some belief that she was ridiculed and discredited over. It seems her daughter has taken the torch on and is quietly working to prove her mother's belief. What was annoying is just generic hints and no real information on what this belief/obsession entails. Would have been nice to have more of a clue to what it is. Hopefully upcoming episodes will clear things up more and provide some more clues on this interesting back story line of interest.

Defiantly plan to keep watching, hopefully they will clue us in a little more on this mysterious history in the upcoming episodes.

Thursday evening brought us the season 2 opening of Burn Notice. Overall I was kinda of disappointed. Not because it was a bad episode, no because it was not a season opening episode. The whole episode just felt like any regular old episode from season one with just the introduction of this new group and lady's voice that wants him to work for them. It was a decent episode compared to a regular season episode. But for a season opener I was hoping for more.
This doesn't mean I wont be watching. This show is still quite good and an enjoyable action oriented show. Just that I was hoping for a little more from the season 2 opener.

Been quite some this week but here's a couple posts for you to browse.

HELL'S KITCHEN FINALE

Tuesday night was the final episode of Hell's Kitchen. In a surprising move Petrozza took Jen onto his cooking team. While Christina had to take on a pissed Matt who was upset over being picked last. Petrozza assembled his team to discuss his menu and strategy for the evening's service but his disorganization quickly left the team scrambling to help him get focused and ready. Except Jen who continued her usual drivel about how she was a much better choose, that she should be in the final two, and that she had more talent then either Petrozza or Christina easily.

Christina meanwhile had everything highly organized and a nice but simple meal that should present lest problems for her impromptu staff. Christina quickly recognized that Matt's ego and unstable attitude could present a problem. So Christina headed off some of the problem right at the start by stroking Matt's ego. Christina told him that she had chosen her Risotto dish because of Matt. This stroked Matt's ego sufficiently enough to motivate him into a team player.

Despite the problems Christina had with the Interior Decorator, she was able to get them redone and the final result left her eating area felling very comfortable looking and inviting. Petrozza's side was okay but the only part that felt inviting was the flower arrangement he used on each table. These were pleasing to the eye and were a nice touch. The fireplace was nice but at same time it also felt a little out of place in the dining area.

During evening service, Petrozza showed great leadership. Early in the service he ran out of ingredients for 2 of his 3 starters. Due to lack of prep on his teams side. Instead of thinking for themselves, they only prepped what was in front of them instead of realizing that this would not be enough and getting more from supplies. Petrozza was quick on his feet and improvised a second appetizer from what they had available in kitchen and wasn't too hard to fix. Giving the guests at least two options to choose from. Jen caused some problems for Petrozza but he kept things under control and had a very good service.

While on Christina's side things started off a little slow but had few problems until the reached the main course. This is when Matt started breaking down again. Christina had to continually prompt Matt and encourage him on. He then started serving raw fish which she had to send back several times before he cooked it properly. She also let out two meals with cold meat that were returned by the costumers which was a small quality goof on Christina's part.

After service was over Petrozza took time to thank each of his chef and give a few hugs and handshakes before heading off to the dorm to await Chef Ramsey's final decision. Christina on the other hand said a bye and quickly left the area. I think she was nervous and apprehensive on the final decision and was distracted.

Chef Ramsey had a tough decision on his hands. Personally both could have run his kitchen, they both are very strong leaders and cooks. Its not often that two final competitors are both great candidates. Usually there is one that has better quality's than the other or had a better overall service then the other. This time he had two people who both were perfect candidates. This time it mostly came down unfortunately to age. Petrozza in his late 40's and Christina in here 20's. Christina just had the longer potential time and youthful potential. I hope Petrozza gets some good job offers from this. He deserves it, he really proved himself a true chef.

Now that Hell's Kitchen has come to end, tune in next week to channel 2 and be sure to check out "I Survived A Japanese Game Show". I think you will find it enjoyable and down right hilarious.

My last post was about the new game Wizards101 from King's Isle Entertainment. I just today came across these videos released by the company talking about their first release. They explain some about the game and are quite interesting to watch. hope you enjoy them.

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4

I have been been help beta testing a game called Wizard101. This game is scheduled for a third quarter release(July-September). This game is very fun and has nice visuals and great attention to detail. The company was created three years ago with some high level talent and this is their first development. I am also greatly impressed with the developers. They actually solicit our advice and suggestions through the beta testers forums and they have actually implemented several of the testers ideas. This game is also very family friendly and designed to protect children while allowing them to have fun. While targeted toward tweens, this game can still be enjoyed by the teenagers and adults or parents as well. No announcement yet on whether it will be a monthly fee to play or if it will be micro transactions(cash shop). Micro-transactions would allow the game to be free for any one to play but allow those who do have money to spend the ability to buy cash shop items, special items with bonus affects or special items to show or wear that others wont have. So be sure to give the site a check and keep an eye out for the official release.

Official Site
About Game Page