Mr. A's Review of.....Green Lantern

The Story

Hal Jordan is--

--Okay, I honestly can't talk about this film. Find out why below...

The Review

This film is the biggest piece of crap I've ever seen. This makes Superman Returns look like Wrath of Kahn! First off, the CGI was HORRIBLE. The costumes looked like they were photoshopped onto the actors, Oa looked like it was a reject city from Lord of the Rings, and the Guardians looked liked wrinkled Smurfs.

Now let's talk about the acting. Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan like he's playing Tony Stark mixed with Han Solo. He's more suited to play either Guy Gardner or Kyle Rayner.

The plot was so hastily thrown together and the pacing was so damn choppy that NONE of the film makes any sense around the half-way mark.

The Verdict

DO NOT SEE THIS FILM!!!

Seriously, it's a waste of time.

-5/10

OMG, I honestly can't say anything else about this movie....

Jaa mata,

Mr. A (Green Lantern, sector 2814)

Totoro's Review Of... "Stardust"

As promised, here is my review of the 2007 film "Stardust"... So, let's get this party started!

CAUTION! SPOILERS AHEAD!

The Story
The nondescript English village of Wall holds a wonderful secret. The village's namesake stone wall near the town (and specifically, its large hole) is actually the gateway to the magical Kingdom of Stormhold. While enjoying a romantic evening with his friend/beloved Victoria (Sienna Miller), Tristan Thorne (Charlie Cox) sees a star fall from the sky and land in the forest behind the wall. Tristan then promises to bring the star back for Victoria as a way of showing his affection. Little does Tristan knows that this one act will set off a series of events that will forever change his life.

The Review
As this movie is an adaptation, there are some divergences from the original source material (Neil Gaiman's 1998 novel). But, as I had not read the book prior to seeing the film, I cannot explicitly comment on any major changes on that front.

But I will comment first on the acting in this film. Charlie Cox does a fine job playing the dramatic lead, but Michelle Pfeiffer turns in an a deliciously evil performance as the oldest of three witch sisters on a quest for immortality. The rest of the cast, Claire Danes, Mark Strong, David Kelly, Kate Magowan and Ricky Gervais also turn in strong performances. Fantasy stalwart Ian McKellan puts in a vocal cameo as the film's narrator while Peter O'Toole also appears as the dying King of Stormhold. But, my customary "Scene Stealer Award" goes to Robert De Niro for his performance as Captain Shakespeare.

After my initial viewing, I was surprised to discover that this film was directed by Matthew Vaughn (who had previously directed Layer Cake, and would go on to direct both Kick-Ass and the forthcoming X-Men: First Class). He, along with editor Jon Harris (Snatch., 127 Hours) kept the film at a frenetic yet considered pace.

The Verdict
Upon the advice of Jupiter & Mr. A, I was told to see this film. After delaying for almost two months, I finally set aside some time to watch it, and I found myself regretting that I had not watched it sooner. While I don't view this film on the same level as The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter sagas, it still remains a good fantasy film nonetheless.

7.5/10

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)

A Special Announcement From The Otaku 5-0 Show

Aloha everybody...

It regrets me to inform you, but due to various issues, this season of The Otaku 5-0 Show's audio podcast has been brought to an abrupt end.

I cannot disclose specific details, but on behalf of the staff I would like to thank YOU - our audience - for your continued support of our endeavors thus far. While we will not be producing any podcast episodes for the foreseeable future, we will continue to post feature articles (including my forthcoming review of, "Stardust"). So please stay tuned!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)

Audio Podcast: Season 6, Episode 12

Episode 104
3 episodes before Totoro's departure

Aloha everybody!

Last week I formally announced that I would be stepping down as Executive Producer of The Otaku 5-0 Show at the end of our current season. As such, we have decided to make some changes to our podcast format in an effort to return to the light-hearted, stream-of-consciousness style that dominated our earlier episodes. From now on, we will put more focus on discussing specific entertainment-related issues instead of on weekly topics.

For this first revised episode, Maka and Jam re-join the panel (having sufficiently recovered from Kawaii-kon), along with our mutual friend Caitlin, who will be known as Alacorn.

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

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)

WARNING! Portions of this podcast contain mature language and adult content. Listener discretion is advised!



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
The Otaku 5-0 Show's Audio Podcast: Episode 6.12

Recording Date: May 9, 2011
Running Time: 71 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Executive Producer)
Maka (Contributor)
Jam (Contributor)
Peeps (Contributor)
Alacorn (Guest Contributor)

Format
1. Lead-in (Peeps)

2. Random Chatter (Doctor Who, Kawaii-kon, Summer Movies)

3. What If? (All)

4. Ask Mr. 8-Ball

4. Lead-out (Totoro)

Musical Notes
-Opening Theme: Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips "I'll Do It Right!" from Naruto, "Eyecatch" from Full Metal Panic!, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances, "Frog'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 The Otaku 5-0 Show. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post a comment on this blog!

The Otaku 5-0 Show's "Pick of the Year"

Aloha everybody!

Sometime in 2009, DJ Buma (a.k.a. Lord of the Butishake) asked the staff of The Otaku 5-0 Show if we were interested in sponsoring an award for the V.A.S.T. (Video Arts Showcase Theater) competition, held every year at Kawaii-kon. We jumped at the opportunity, and then proceeded to screen a LOT of videos submitted from all over the world, before finally settling on the eventual, "Most Entertaining Video" winner:



So, when Buma asked us if we wanted to submit an award for this year's kon, we were even more excited. So, after watching all the videos for this year's competition, we are proud to present our, "Pick of the Year". Enjoy!

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)

Audio Podcast: Season 6, Episode 11

Episode 103

Aloha everybody!

Though we are tired and weary from our kon weekend, our podcast team returns for our special discussion of Kawaii-kon 2011, with a special announcement from Totoro!

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

Mahalo,
~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
The Otaku 5-0 Show's Audio Podcast: Episode 6.11

Recording Date: May 2, 2011
Running Time: 63 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)
Jupiter (Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Executive Producer)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Ask Mr. 8-Ball

2. Lead-in (Totoro)

3. Pick/Phail of the Week

4. Kawaii-kon 2011 Highlights

5. Lead-out (Totoro)

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, "Subtitle" from Full Metal Panic!, "Pre-Title" from His & Her Circumstances
-Ending Theme: "Breach of Contract" from Ah! My Goddess

Coming Soon...
Our next audio podcast episode!

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

Audio Podcast: Season 6, Episode 10

Episode 102

Aloha everybody!

With days to go until Kawaii-kon 2011, the staff of The Otaku 5-0 Show has gathered for its customary "Pre-kon" discussion, where we give a quick rundown on guests, events and other stuff we are planning to do for the weekend. In addition, Maka re-joins the proceedings to give his review on his DVD Grab Bag pick, Martian Child.

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

~Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)

WARNING! Portions of this podcast contain mature language and adult content. Listener discretion is advised.



Click here to download episode.

Show Notes
The Otaku 5-0 Show's Audio Podcast: Episode 6.10

Recording Date: April 26, 2011
Running Time: 53 minutes

Panelists
Totoro (Creator, Executive Producer)
Jupiter (Executive Producer)
Mr. A (Executive Producer)
Maka (Producer)
Gypsy (Producer)

Format
1. Opening Bit: Ask Mr. 8-Ball

2. Lead-in (Jupiter, Totoro)

3. Pick/Phail of the Week

4. DVD Grab Bag VII, Part 2 (Continued)

Maka reviews Martian Child

5. A Serious Conversation About... Kawaii-kon 2011

6. Lead-out (Jupiter, Totoro)

Musical Notes
-Post-Disclaimer Theme: "Gato's Theme" from Chrono Trigger
-Opening Theme: "Kefka's Theme" from Final Fantasy VI
-Interstitial Clips: "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 The Otaku 5-0 Show. Please send us an e-mail to us at otaku50podcast@gmail.com OR post a comment on this blog!