Friday, October 29, 2010

Mr. A's review of.....Wild Zero

The Story
Rock 'n' Roll slacker Ace doesn't have a whole lot of things going for him. He can't play guitar, his motorcycle is a piece of crap, and he just got the ever-loving heck knocked out of him at a Guitar Wolf show. On the up side though, Ace just became rock 'n' roll blood-brothers with Guitar Wolf's front man (oddly enough, named Guitar Wolf) and he's also met a rather adorable girl named Tobio.
Ahh, young love.
BUT LOOK OUT!!! Aliens have decided to stop by and take over the planet! And the best way to do that is to start turning people into flesh-craving zombies!
Will Ace and the members of Guitar Wolf be able to save the day? Who is the mysterious Tobio? And why does fire shoot out of EVERYTHING?

The Review
First off, this film was made for around $50,000 US so forgiveness is a must. The acting is average overall, though there are a few moments when Endo Masashi (Ace) shows that he's actually got some kind of acting chops. The soundtrack is epic if you like the whole "Jet Rock 'n' Roll" style (think old-school punk rock, just louder), but is just random nail-curling noise if you don't. The action is over the top and comical, which actually makes the film better. Camera work is so-so, not brilliant, but no where near as bad as Tetsuo.

The Verdict
With a crap script, a dedicated crew, and an "I don't give a sh*t" attitude, Wild Zero is actually a pretty fun movie. If you're a fan of zombie movies then by all means give this one a shot. If you're looking for story lines that make any lick of sense, stay far, far away from this. I personally will watch this one again from time to time.

7/10

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go shout "ROCK 'N' ROLL!!!" while riding my freaked-out motorcycle.

Jaa mata,
Mr. A
(Executive producer, rock 'n' roller)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Mr. A's review of....Tetsuo: The Iron Man


The Story
While driving though an industrial district somewhere in Tokyo, a middle-aged salary-man and his over-sexed girlfriend accidentally run over a strange man who (unknown to them) enjoys shoving pieces of metal into random open wounds. Trying to cover up this near-homicide, the salary-man's girlfriend convinces him to dump the body in the neighboring wooded areas.
Thinking that this particular nightmare is over, the salary-man goes back to his normal life of eating breakfast alone, riding the train to work, and boning his crazy-looking girlfriend.
That is until he discovers random pieces of metal growing out of his face. Drawn into a psychedelic world of insane dreams and murder, the salary-man must eventually do combat with the Metal Fetishist, the man whom he had hit with his car. What is the Fetishist's ultimate plan and can the salary-man stop it before he's totally consumed by metal?

The Review
I know I said in the last podcast that I didn't want to watch this film, but after all the hype and the third one probably hitting shores some time soon (the third also being the only one in the series that really piqued my interest), I figured I'd give it a shot. Probably not the best idea I've ever had...
The cinematography,while a great style to cover up the fact that this thing was shot for a dime, is almost unwatchable. The acting isn't all that great, but I suppose that in a film where most of the "acting" is yelling and freaking out there isn't much to hope for.
The plot is almost non-existent and whatever fragments you can pull out are usually bat-sh*t crazy anyway. It's almost like Tsukamoto Shinya (writer, producer, director, and Metal Fetishist) choked down a hand-full of pharmaceuticals before writing this script.

The Verdict
I can't honestly recommend this film to anyone, mostly because I can't see anyone I know actually liking it. I watched this with fellow podcaster Zyconis and within the first fifteen minutes he said "F*ck this" and started playing Minecraft.
If you're not a fan of art-house films or anything even REMOTELY close to those type of things, STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THIS FILM!!!! It's a headache on celluloid with almost no redeeming qualities!
ALTHOUGH I do understand why people like this film. It's unique, trippy, and the last fight between the salary-man and the Fetishist is oddly cool. That being said, if you got a bottle of aspirin (or a bottle of Jack) and you want to experience something new, go ahead and give it a shot. It clocks in at a little over an hour so even if you don't like it you won't suffer horribly long.

??/10
I can't even give this thing a number...

Now here's hoping that Tetsuo: The Bullet Man isn't as bad as everyone says it is...I won't hold my breath though.

Jaa mata,
Mr. A
(Executive Producer, Tetsuo in training)

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 12

Episode 87 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

On this week's episode of Otaku 5-0, we continue our Halloween-inspired topic discussion with new installments of Great Debate & Defender (and please voice your opinion by participating in both our polls currently in the left-hand sidebar!)

Additionally, we have our first PRE-RECORDED opening bit with a fresh installment of, "Manga Minute", recorded by Zell (Contributor-at-Large) before he left on his naval deployment.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the fruit of our labors!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.12

Recording Date: October 25, 2010
Running Time: 106 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Manga Minute (Zell)

2. Lead-in (Mr. A)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. The Top 3... Scary Movies

5. Great Debate: Werewolves or Vampires?

6. Defender: Classic-style Horror films or Modern-style Horror films?

7. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger, "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 4

Episode 86 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

Since Halloween is just under a week away, we at Otaku 5-0 are getting into the spirit of the season by giving you a special "Unplugged" episode which features our podcast panel engaging in a serious discussion about our individual plans for surviving a Zombie outbreak here in Hawaii!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the fruit of our labors!

Uncensored...Unfiltered...Unplugged.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 4

Recording Date: October 24, 2010
Running Time: 121 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Zyconis (Contributor-at-Large)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Lead-in (Mr. A)

2. A Serious Conversation About... Our Plans To Survive A Hawaii Zombie Outbreak

3. Favorite & Least Favorite... Zombie Movie

4. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Ending Theme: "Kyle's Mom's A Bitch" from South Park (performed by the Otaku 5-0 staff)

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 11

Episode 85 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

First off, let me announce that our Great Debate: Michael Cera vs. Jesse Eisenberg poll has closed with a 5-5 tie! That's a definite first!

On this week's regular episode of Otaku 5-0, in addition to our weekly dose of entertainment-themed topic discussion, we are joined on the podcast panel by DJ Buma (Kawaii-kon Assistant Technical Director), with some hot-off-the-press announcements regarding next year's convention!

So sit back, relax and enjoy the fruit of our labors!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.11

Recording Date: October 18, 2010
Running Time: 76 minutes

Co-Moderators
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)

Special Guest
DJ Buma, Lord of the Butishake

Format
1. Opening Bit: Bad Joke of the Day (Jam)

2. Lead-in (Mr. A)

3. Moviematic 5-0 IX: The Pitch - "Succulent"

4. In The Spotlight: DJ Buma

5. A Serious Conversation About... Bringing An NFL Team To Hawaii

6. Best Avatar: The Last Airbender TV Series Moment Ever!

7. Moviematic 5-0 IX: The Return

8. Lead-out (Mr. A, Jam)

Musical Notes
-Opening Theme: "Scarlet of the Campus" from Revolutionary Girl Utena
-Interstitial Clips: "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger, "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Afternoon of Konoha" from Naruto, "Subtitle" from Full Metal Panic!
-Ending Theme: "Honoruru, Hawaii" from Frank DeLima's Ethnicology 101

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 3

Episode 84 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

First off, I would like to thank everybody who took the time to vote in our Tetris vs. Bejeweled poll! It looks like Tetris defeated its more colorful counterpart by a score of 7-5.

For the next episode in our, "Unplugged" series, our podcast panel gives a SPOILER-FILLED review of Jackass 3D, along with a bonus topic (Favorite... Swear Word.)

Uncensored... Unfiltered... Unplugged.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 3

Recording Date: October 17, 2010
Running Time: 38 minutes

Panelists
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Zyconis (Contributor-at-Large)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Lead-in (Mr. A, Maka

2. Jackass 3D Review

3. Favorite... Swear Word

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 10

Episode 83 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

Despite the departure of Strawberry, our podcast panel returns for another episode of entertainment-themed topic discussion, including new installments of X Reasons Why..., Duel To The Death & Fill In The Blank!

So, please sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.10

Recording Date: October 11, 2010
Running Time: 76 minutes

Co-Moderators
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer)
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Gypsy (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Jupiter's Jukebox

2. Lead-in (All)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. X Reasons Why... This Season Of House, M.D. WILL NOT Go Downhill

5. Duel To The Death: Michael Cera (TV's Arrested Development, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) vs. Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, The Social Network)

6. Fill In The Blank - "Mochi"

7. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger, "Eyecatch" from Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

For those of you who are curious as to what songs are in Jupiter's jukebox, here they are, in YouTube form:







Until next time, don't let a bad day get you down!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 2

Episode 82 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

I am pleased to present the next episode in our "Unplugged" series. But first, a little history...

Since Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer) will soon be leaving on a month-long vacation back to the Mainland, she got wind of all the activities the rest of us will be planning in her absence (Mr. A will be house-sitting for her while she's away.) So, in an effort to prevent her from feeling left out from the impending festivities, it was decided that she take part in the next episode of our, "Unplugged" series.

So sit back and enjoy some interesting discussion between two of our podcast veterans as they spend some time watching a few episodes of Sailor Moon.

Uncensored...Unfiltered...Unplugged.

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0 Unplugged: Episode 2

Recording Date: October 5, 2010
Running Time: 91 minutes

Panelists
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)

This episode contains NO format whatsoever.

Musical Notes
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Otaku 5-0 Season 5: Episode 9

Episode 81 out of 100

Aloha everybody!

On this week's episode of Otaku 5-0...

-More entertainment-themed topic discussion!

- We respond to clarifying feedback comments left on this site by Ron Kaneshige, Events Director for the upcoming HEXXP Sci-Fi Convention.

-The assembled panel bids a fond farewell to Strawberry (Guest Contributor), who leaves our island home for the wide-open fields of Kansas.

- McGarrett & his team investigates the kidnapping of an Ambassador's daughter?...Wait, wrong show! (But I can totally see an episode like that...)

So, please sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labors!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
Otaku 5-0: Episode 5.9

Recording Date: October 4th, 2010
Running Time: 106 minutes

Co-Moderators
Jupiter (Podcast Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Assistant Podcast Executive Producer)

Panelists
Totoro (Otaku 5-0 Executive Producer)
Maka (Assistant Video Executive Producer0
Jam (Contributor-at-Large)
Strawberry (Guest Contributor) <--- Final Appearance On Panel

Special Appearance: Titus (Video Executive Producer)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Bad Joke of the Day (Mr. A)

2. Lead-in (Mr. A)

3. Pick/Fail of the Week

4. Random Chatter: The Otaku 5-0 Response to Ron Kaneshige

5. Great Debate: Tetris or Bejeweled?

6. How We Would Have Done It: Superman Returns

7. Best Strawberry (Guest Contributor) Moment Ever!

8. Lead-out (Mr. A)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "Catch (boon)" from Ah! My Goddess, "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Frog's Theme" from Chrono Trigger, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
A special bonus audio podcast episode!

Feedback is always accepted here at Otaku 5-0. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post on our message boards OR post a comment on this blog!

Mr. A's review of...The Social Network


The Story
Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg has just been dumped by his girlfriend Erica Albright. Any normal person would go home, get drunk, and go to bed. Thing is, Mark isn't normal. Heading back to his dorm, Mark gets drunk off his ass and decides to create a website where people can rate the hotness of various Harvard undergrads. Having no unified listing of all student pictures, Mark hacks into the various resident hall's student listings, or "face books" and creates his website. Popularity of the site skyrockets and within two hours it receives over 22,000 hits and crashes the Harvard web servers.
Taking an interest in these events, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, twin members of Harvard's rowing team, approach Mark with an idea to create a Harvard-exclusive social networking site. Inspired by their idea, Mark sets out to create a similar site called "The Facebook." With the help of his best friend Eduardo Saverin the two begin work on what would soon be the biggest social revolution known to man.

The Review
This is probably the best film I've seen in a long time. It's part of my top ten films of all time (which I'll get to at a later date). The story is well crafted and the acting is impressive. Justin Timberlake shows his incredible talent as the villainous Sean Parker. From the second he jumps on screen you can't help but hate him. Brenda Song breaks away from her bubbly Disney characters by playing the first Facebook psycho. There is very little down time in this film and the story will keep you riveted to your seat.

The Verdict
After seeing this movie TWICE, I must say that this is a HEFTY movie. Not necessarily in length, but because there is so much story to absorb. This is not a "popcorn" movie by any means, you actually have to sit down and watch it. And make sure you take some friends with you because you WILL be talking about it afterwards. With a surprisingly good soundtrack to back the film, incredible actors, and a modern-day story that almost anyone can get behind and understand, The Social Network will not disappoint.

Perfect 10/10

Before I go, there is one last thing I'd like to say about this film. Much like how American Graffiti defined the 50's and Saturday Night Fever defined the 70's, I believe that when our children and our children's children look back, this film will define our generation. Not many films can say that. We stood and, for better or for worse, we caused a revolution.


Jaa mata,
Mr. A