Film Review: Westworld.

Release date: November 21st 1973.

Story: In the far future, there exist a ultra expensive amusement park. Where visitors can enjoy what their hearts desire. They can chose one of three worlds. Western world (a cowboy themed area), Medieval world (a knights and castle area), and Roman world (an ancient roman area). And in each of these worlds are robots. Human looking androids which follow a series or orders and act like the people of the era. Yes it is indeed an amazing place to visit... what can possibly go wrong?

My thoughts?: This is a good film. The characters are good and the whole idea of a amusement park with androids is something that might happen in the future. There is a slow build up to when the androids malfunction (yet they don't say who or what caused it) is worthwhile and this film spawned a sequel, two tv shows, and was the inspiration for the novel Jurassic Park.

My score: Three stars.

The top four games that I want to see in the near future.

No 4: An open world pokemon game.

Pokemon is a popular game in its own right. And with the recent release of Detective Pikachu, it is still highly talked about. So what I would like to see is a game similar to that of Skyrim online or World of Warcraft. Where you can freely walk about, collecting pokemons, building gyms or towns, and challenging and trading with other players. This would be a massive successful game if done right. Minecraft had something similar to this called Pixelmon. But it is sadly no longer around.

No 3: Creepypasta and/or Godzilla Go.

With the success of mobile games like Pokemon Go and Jurassic World Alive, then I wouldn't be surprised if other franchises would try and cash in on their successes. I would like to have two based on the Godzilla and the Creepypasta franchises. Where you travel around and collect the characters.

No 2: A Friday the 13th style game but with other slasher killers.

I love the Friday the 13th game and I want to see other similar games like it in the future. But perhaps one where you can play as other slasher killers from other horror movies (like The Burning, Madman, Nightmare on Elm Street, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween, Child's Play, My Bloody Valentine, and others). And perhaps something like you can create your own slasher killer and even name them as well. But this could just be a DLC for the Friday the 13th game.

No 1: An open world superhero game.

A open world game where you can create and name your own superhero would be amazing. One where you can play with other players and can even form superhero teams. Something similar to GTA online perhaps.

TV Review: Buck Rogers in the 25th century

Release date: September 20th 1979 - April 16th 1981 (2 seasons. 37 episodes).

Story: The year is 1987, and NASA has launched the last of America's deep space probes. In a freak mishap, Ranger 3 and its pilot, Captain William Buck Rogers, are blown out of their trajectory into an orbit which freezes his life support systems. And returns Buck Rogers to Earth... five hundred years later.

My thoughts: I like this show. I like the settings, the characters, and the action. This series was based on a series of novels which also spawned a comic strip, a radio series, a serial film, three video games, a board game, other novels, and loads of merchandise. This show was inspired by the Star Wars films and had recycled props, effects shots, and costumes from Battlestar Galatica. This show definitely is one of the best sci fi tv shows along with Star Trek, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galatica, Space: 1999, and Blake 7. If you like sci fi tv shows, then I would check this out.

My score: Four stars.

TV Review: The hitchhikers guide to the galaxy.

Release date: January 5th - February 9th 1981 (1 series. 6 episodes).

Story: Arthur Dent is having a terrible morning. Not only has loads of bulldozers suddenly turned up on his front doorstep with the intent on demolishing his home, but also that one of his closest friends is in fact an intergalactic hitchhiker who is a researcher for a intergalactic travel guide. And also that the planet Earth is about to be demolished as well. This leads to a series of adventures where Arthur will meet new people, strange places, bug eyed monsters, and will also learn about the answer to life, the universe, and everything.

My thoughts: This was based on the successful book of the same name by Douglas Adams. Which also spawned a radio series (which the cast had also starred in), a comic book, a stage play, video games, and a feature length movie. This is a great show which mainly follows the first book but takes the ending from the second book (where the characters arrive at the Restaurant at the end of the universe, they then highjack another space craft, then they all get teleported to random places, and Arthur and Ford end up on prehistoric Earth). If you like science fiction with a twist humour then I would recommend this.

My score: Four stars. 

Film Review: Back to the Future. Part 3

Release date: May 25th 1990.

Story: After the events of the second film, Doc is trapped in 1885 (the wild west era). So Marty travels there in order to rescue him. But things aren't easy when the DeLorean runs out of juice and you are stuck in a time period where gasoline isn't yet available. And also when you run foul with an outlaw.

My thoughts: This is the third and final part of the trilogy. The movie was shot back to back with the previous film and was released six months after the previous film. Again they recycled some jokes from the other movies and there are some parts that I didn't like. But it was nice to see Doc get a love interest and the wild west setting is cool. Would I want to see a possible fourth film? Properly. But only if everybody else wants to.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Back to the Future. Part 2

Release date: November 22nd 1989.

Story: After a trip into the future (October 21st, 2015 actually), Marty and Doc discover that their world has changed badly. And after discovering what had caused it, they realised that they must travel back to 1955 in order to changed things back to the way they once were.

My thoughts: This was a good sequel. I will admit that it was funny what they had predicted will be around in 2015 (hover boards, self tying shoes, flying cars, Jaws 19) yet they predict some things as well (unmanned drones, video chat systems, talking hologram billboards, wearable technology, widescreen flat panel televisions, head mounted displays, hands off video games, and tablet computers). One of the downsides of the film in my opinion is that they recycled some of the jokes. Yet it is a good film and I would recommend it.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Back to the Future.

Release date: July 3rd 1985.

Story: Seventeen year old Marty McFly is accidently sent back in time to 1955 in a time machine made out of DeLorean. While he is looking around, He accidently prevents his own parents from meeting each other. Realising that he will be erased from reality, he tries to sort things out before it is too late.

My thoughts: This is one of the most recognisable movies ever produced by Steven Spielberg. And it is a great film. From the comedy and the special effects to the characters and the story telling. Michael J. Fox  is great as Marty and Christopher Lloyd does a great performance as Dr Emmett 'Doc' Brown, the creator of the time machine. There are some moments in the film that you may not like but overall it is still a great film.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: The kingdom of the crystal skull.

Release date: May 18th 2008 (Cannes film festival release). May 22nd 2008 (US release).

Story: Indiana Jones is back as he and a young adult Mutt Williams (played by Shia LaBeouf) travel the world in order to save Mutt's mother and to retrieve a skull made out of crystal.

My thoughts: This is the fourth and last Indiana Jones film. And also the least liked one. This was the one which started all of those "nuking the fridge" memes and I can understand the other reasons that fans did not like about it. But apart from those things, it is an ok film and properly good for a rental.

My score: Three stars. 

TV Reviews: Star Trek the next generation.

Release date: September 28th 1987 - May 23rd 1994 (7 seasons. 178 episodes).

Story: Jean-Luc Picard captains the star ship Enterprise as he and his crew continue Star Fleet's mission to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, and to boldly go where no one has gone before.

My thoughts: This is my favourite series of Star Trek and the only one I have brought on dvd. The characters are great and there is a good blend of action, drama, and comedy in the show. I have brought the complete series of the original show (with Captain Kirk and Mr Spock) and might get around to reviewing it at a later date.

My score: Five stars.

Film Reivew: The Core.

Release date: March 28th 2003.

Story: The Earth's core suddenly stops spinning. Causing huge catastrophises on the surface. Realising that the planet is in great danger, a team of scientists create a train/drill machine to take them to the planet's core in order to jump start it before it's too late.

My thoughts: This is an ok film. There are some things in the film that real scientists could question but the action is good. But what I didn't like about the film is that it never gives us a reason why the core has stopped spinning. In the trailers, they said that a top secret device created by the government that can causes earthquakes to rouge nations was the cause of it. But in the movie, the only time this device was brought up was when they were looking for a second option if they've run out of time. But it is an ok movie and I can recommend it for some people.

My score: Two stars.  

Film Review: Eraser

Release date: June 21st 1996.

Story: Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as John Kruger, a top US Marshal at the Witness Security Protection Program (WITSEC) whose job is to 'erase' high profile witnesses (as in faking their deaths) in order to protect them from those who want to kill them. His next mission is to protect a woman named Lee Cullen (played by Vanessa L. Williams) who has recently retrieved data about highly developed weapons (guns that shoot small bolts of compressed air instead of bullets) and that the company is selling them on the black market. But what both John and Lee don't realise is how much danger they are in. And that John's own collages and mentors might be involved as well.

My thoughts: I like this movie. I find the action good and the effects ok. If you are a fan of Schwarzenegger movies that I would recommend this.

My score: Four stars.

Film Review: The 6th Day

Release date: October 28th 2000 (the Tokyo International Film Festival release). November 17th 2000 (theatrical release).

Story: At some point in the near future, it is now common to clone animals and human organs. It is however illegal to clone a human being. But someone doesn't follow the rules and clones a charter pilot Adam Gibson (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) without him knowing. Adam finds out that the clone has taken over his life in his absence and so sets out to find out who cloned him, why they cloned him, and to try and get his family back.

My thoughts: Even though this is a box office disappointment, I kinda like this film. The film gives light to what could happen in the near future (cloning, self driveable vehicles, and a fridge with a built in computer that tells you when you are low on items and you can order them as well). And this film has a great twist ending in my opinion. If you are a fan of Schwarzenegger films then give this a watch.

My score: Three stars. 

TV Reviews: Robocop the series

Release date: March 18th - November 26th 1994 (one season, twenty one episodes plus one pilot).

Story: The many trials of Robocop and the Delta City police department as they battle crime although out the city.

My thoughts: This is an ok series. Many Robocop fans properly won't like the fact that the series drops the ultra violence from the movies in favour for a more family friendly audience. But apart from that it is a good series. Some of the things that I don't like about the series are the commercials with the Commander Cash. Which are basically adverts that are selling ultra realistic toy military stuff (like a mini explosive putty that when exploded, resembles a real war wound and even one where they criticises anti-pollution PSAs). Some of the villains are good like the recurring Pudface Morgan (who had been disfigured by Robocop in a previous episode and has the catchphrase "Not the face!" when ever Robocop delivers the final blow). This show may not be for all Robocop fans but it is a decent show and you can enjoy it.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Mars Attacks

Release date: December 13th 1996.

Story: Mars launches a full scale invasion on Earth. The humans try and make peace with them but it's no use. Will mankind be able to survive and defeat the Martians before it's too late? Watch the film and find out.

 My thoughts: This is not a great movie but I happen to like it. This is a black comedy which was based on the ultra violent trading cards from the 1960's. It may be silly and not as funny for most people but I think that there are somethings in this movie that people may like. The opening credits are magnificent with Danny Elfman's music to add the effect of how big of the situation is. There is an all star cast including Jack Nicholson, Jack Black, Peirce Brosnan, Danny DeVito, Michael J Fox, and Tom Jones. If you like silly parodies of B movies then I would recommend this.

My score: Three stars.

TV Review: Power Rangers.

Release date: August 28th 1993 - present.

Story: When ever there is a major threat to Earth, a mysterious being/guardian recruits five teenagers with attitude in order to create a superhero team called the Power Rangers and save the world.

My thoughts: This is a really good show. It was a major hit when it first aired and it is still being shown to this very day. The show is an America version of a Japanese show called Super Sentai (with American actors replacing the Japanese actors). The show has been parodied a lot and is widely phrased. The show basically has the same plot. An evil being (either aliens, mutants, demons, or science gone wrong) has arrived on Earth and wants to take it over, a mysterious mentor (either an alien, a mystic being, or a human) recruits five teenagers, they become Power Rangers, they then fight a monster that the villain has created, they defeat the monster but it comes back to life and grows into a giant, the Power Rangers summon five giant robots named zords (which they pilot), the zords then combine into one large robot called a Megazord, it then fights the monster again and finally kills it, the villain is like "I'll get you next time!", and the heros celebrate. The show can be cheesy and sometimes odd, but it is enjoyable for all ages. I would recommend it for fans and non fans alike.

For further information check out Linkara's (of Atop the 4th wall fame) History of Power Rangers series on Youtube.

My score: Four stars.

Film Review: Robocop 2

Release date: June 22nd 1990.

Story: Robocop (Alex Murphy) and his fellow police officers are trying to clean the city of a new drug named Nuke that is spreading like wildfire. But things are not easy when one of the criminals behind the drug is no more than a kid and the fact that O.C.P is planning to build another cyborg policeman.

My thoughts: This is a good sequel but it isn't as great as the first one. The movie has its ups and downs. Like the part when Robocop is broken and when he is being rebuild, a random O.C.P spokesman manages to reprogram him into a walking P.S.A who often talks rubbish at times. But on the other hand Robocop 2 looks awesome and the action scenes are great.

My score: Three stars.

TV Review: Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons

Release date: September 29th 1967 - May 14 1968 (1 series. 32 episodes).

Story: The Mysterons. Sworn enemies of Earth. Possessing the ability to recreate and exact likeness or an object or person. But first they must destroy. Leading the fight against them is one man fate has made indestructible. His name... Captain Scarlet.

My thoughts: This is a amazing show. The puppetry is great and the special effects are out standing. Even the Mysterons themselves are among some of the greatest villains on television. Even though they are unseen, their voice is all that you need. And also they (unlike most villains) have a reason for being what they are. Earth had attacked them when they saw something that resembled a gun and opened fire at the Mysterons without hesitation. So the humans have brought this upon themselves. I would recommend this for those who like classic tv shows and sci fi fans alike.

My score: Five stars.

TV Review: Lost in space

Release date: September 15th 1965 - March 6th 1968 (3 seasons. 83 episodes).

Story: While traveling to Alpha Centauri system in order to start a new life, The Robinson family and their pilot Major Donald West are forced to land on a planet when their ship (The Jupiter 2) is sabotaged by Doctor Zachary Smith and their robot. They then try and repair their ship whilst encountering many strange and weird aliens and monsters.

My thoughts: This sci fi show was based on the Swiss Family Robinsons story. And it has it's ups and downs. For the first two seasons, they are stranded on a planet and have to repair their ship in order to escape. Season three was what I though the series was going to be. Them traveling through space and coming across things. Doctor Smith starts out as a bad guy like person in the first season but soon ends up becoming the comedic relief. he is also the most selfish and cowardly person in the show. There have been many times when they are in danger and Smith would either run away or side with the enemy in order to save his skin and get back to Earth. But many of the other casts are like that at times. Like in one episode (at the cliff-hanger before the end titles) Mr Robinson refuses to let Smith eat because he skipped out from doing chores (even though Mrs Robinson had cooked it especially for him). And Major West is seen to be aggressive towards him at Smith as well. Like in one episode were Smith mistakenly presses the wrong button while repairing the ship (causing a major electrical eruption), West threatens to beat him up. Many of the monsters and villains are just the same creature used over and over again. Like in one episode they could be a rampaging creature but in another they are a intelligent being. And also the famous Robby the robot makes an appearance in the first and third seasons. This show can be a bit silly but it is still entertaining.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Jurassic Park

Release date: June 11th 1993

Story: After discovering a way of cloning dinosaurs, a multi billionaire builds a large theme park which the dinosaurs are the main attraction. He then asks a group of people to visit the park before it opens to the public and get their views on it. But things go wrong when a hurricane hits the island where the park is. Which ends up cutting the power to the park... allowing the dinosaurs to escape and start hunting the humans.

My thoughts: This is an amazing movie. Everything about it spells amazement. This is one of Steven Spielberg's greatest movies (alongside E.T, Back to the Future, and Jaws). Originally they were going to use stop motion animation for the dinosaur effects but they changed it to a mixture of both animatronics and cgi. This is something that might become a reality in the future. the idea that we might find a way of cloning dinosaurs and creating a park for everyone to visit them. Anyway this is a amazing movie and I highly recommend it for everyone. But take note that there are some scenes that some people might find scary.

My score: Five stars.

Film Review: Alien

Release date: May 25th 1979 (US release). September 6 1979 (UK release).

Story: After traveling through deep space on its way back to Earth, the spaceship Nostromo comes across a strange planet and awakens it's crew from stasis. They then land on the planet and start exploring a derelict alien space craft. As they do, they come across a large chamber full of egg like objects. And as one of them takes a closer look, something jumps out, smashes it's way through his visor, and attaches itself onto his face. What was the thing that came out of the egg? Is it dangerous? And what will be the consequences? Watch the movie and find out.

My thoughts: This is a great movie. From the suspense and atmosphere to the scenery and actors. The alien creature itself looks like something out of your nightmares. This movie took elements from classic horror movies and mixed them with elements from science fiction. If you haven't seen it then I would say check it out.

My score: Five stars.