Grow Up Mason: A Review of Boyhood

Growing up is something we can all relate to. Regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, interests, and friends, most of us experience the same core events that we all go through. Even as adults when we listen to children about their lives, we through memory, experience, and nostalgia can place ourselves in their shoes and remember what it was like when we were that age. But, we often don't notice how much we change year after year. When we look back on our own lives we're shocked at how much we've changed, but don't always notice it as we're growing. This very transition of childhood to adulthood is the core of Boyhood's premise, but it's the "realtime" maturation of the cast on top of a classic story that makes this one of, if not the best film of the year so far. In fact, it might be one of the greatest films ever made.

The film follows Mason as he grows from a little boy at the age of 6 to a young adult at 18. We see all the key formative life experiences and relationships of his life, but rather than have different actors play him at different stage in his life, it's the same child actor playing him literally for 12 years.

Probably the the biggest draw of the film is the fact that shooting took place over 12 years, from 2002 to 2013. Now while this technique has been done before on other projects, it has never been on this scale. The use of the same cast over the 12 year period makes the coming-of-age story that much more powerful. Everyone ages, not just the kids but the adults too. In fact while watching the film when you seriously think about the time difference between certain scenes it's mind-blowing. For example (and being vague for the sake of not giving any spoilers), there's a scene where a minor character shows up near the end of the movie last seen about three years prior. Generally, a movie would have merely shot this scene later... possibly with a subtitle saying "3 years later" to indicate the time difference. But because Boyhood isn't like any other movie, when it actually sinks in that a scene was literally shot 3 years ago and you just saw three years within the span of 30 mins, it's an amazing experience that is in many ways indescribable. We see a life that is both sped up and yet feels completely natural. You always know where the characters are in time by the subtleties in the characters and dialogue.

Mason (Coltrane) and Samantha (Linklater)

This perfect flow is a testament to possibly the best editing I've ever seen. Now there are plenty of movies that can be praised of their editing and technical direction. But considering the scope of this project and how seamless it seems, everyone involved in this movie deserves a standing ovation. But not only that,  the cast is perfect. Part of the reason why this story works so well is that everyone involved gives 110% and is believable. Props go to the children, Ellar Coltrane and Lorelei Linklater; for giving fantastic performances and pretty much letting us watch them age on screen. 

Another aspect of what makes this film so relatable apart from it's classic premise is its cultural timing. During the span of 2002 to 2013, we have the advent of social media, the surge of the digital age, and the 2008 presidential election which makes for a fantastic scene part way through the movie. When you once again realize that these scenes were shot at the year that these events were happening, it somehow makes Richard Linklater seem even more of a visionary. This magic is what will make the movie appealing for everyone but will definitely resonate with individuals of my generation, or rather those who were around the same age that Mason was during each year.

I've always wondered what it would be like to see film history on screen as it happens, such as seeing Casablanca back in 1942 or Godfather in 1972. While there have been many fantastic films in the last 14 years, there hasn't been anything that I think can be elevated to that level of cinematic landmark. However, I believe that I have experienced, along with everyone else who has seen this movie; another milestone in film. Boyhood is an incredible film and I hope a classic for years to come.

Verdict 10/10

A Weird Week in Tomodachi Life: A Review

Back in April when Tomodachi Life was announced to world back in April, I reacted the same way most people did, what the hell is this game. What feels like Animal Crossing thrown in a blender with Warioware and Mii Maker, Tomodachi Life is simulation and social game tinged with the surreal. In fact, it's so random and strange that how I just described is the only way to condense it in a sentence. In fact while I managed to go through most of the games features, I'm still finding surprises that make roll on the floor with laughter. That reason along with several other factor make Tomodachi an essential in anyone's 3DS library.

I'm hungry

At face value it's pretty easy to understand Tomodachi Life. You can either create Mii's from scratch or Import Mii's from your own 3DS. But beyond the traditional mii Maker features, you give these mii's a vocaloid voice and personality based on 5 criteria. These small touches allow your multiple miis to run amok on your own island. Unlike the Sims and more like it's furry cousin animal crossing, the game plays in real time and miss are self-sufficient, they'll ask you solve they're problems (mostly boils down to you buying them stuff). It's a stress-free game and unlike Animal Crossing where time is a factor for certain tasks, the goals of this game are self-defined. This makes for a nice relaxing experience. Now the voices aren't perfect, in fact they're absolutely terrible. But that terrible quality actually makes the charms and oddities of Tomodachi Life that much more fun to play, like enjoying a hilariously bad movie.

By the power of Tiramisu

No, this review doesn't have a food theme. This is a reference to a 'dream', yes your miis dream now; that one of my Mii's had, where he turned into a superhero using tiramisu (in a transformation sequence as well :P). Tomodachi's quirky and random sense of humour vaguely reminds me of Invader Zim and the Gaia days. Being random for the sake of being random if you will. We're all mad here, and trying to find all the jokes is part of the fun. And I'm still being surprised, that's just how much there is.

Same old, Same old

But despite that random moments that keep things interesting, everything else can get routine very quickly. You get the same problems to solve every day, almost always easy to solve. It's not a game-killer, but it certainly takes away from the fun. The again, it can be compared to a certain similarly named simulation from the 90s that really didn't have much to do... and that one was significantly more stressful.

Conclusion

I'll definitely playing this game for another month, perhaps even on and off again all year. Is it 3DS game of the year? Not by any stretch of the imagination, but it's definitely a must buy for any 3DS owner.

Verdict 8.5/10

A Repeat Performance: How to Train Your Dragon 2 Review

In 2010, DreamWorks released How to Train Your Dragon. I didn't see it when it first came out, in fact I didn't see it for about 2 years. To provide some context as to why I didn't see it at the time, the film came out with a slew of other 3D movies that seemed to be following the new benchmark in 3D movies, Avatar. Now while I still think that 3D is a gimmick and merely a way for studios to make more money, I lament that I didn't see this movie when it was first released. Because while many of DreamWorks' animated films are forgettable and generic childish features, How to Train Your Dragon has become considered by many to be one of greatest animated films of all time. While it differs significantly from it's inspiration, It's setting, characters and beautiful animation have made it a favourite for all ages. Even the cartoon series spin-off uses many of the original cast to expand the universe further without becoming too kiddie for old viewers. But is this franchise Dreamwork's Toy Story? How to Train Your Dragon 2 has arrived to eagerly awaiting fans, and with a more mature storyline and even more stunning animation, it is a sequel that is just as good, if not better; than it's older brother.

Five Years Later

HTTYD2 takes place five years after the events of the original film. Hiccup, Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut are all now young adults and seasoned dragon trainers. What made the last film so great was the wonderful characters that made the world come alive. All the performances of characters new and old are a real treat to watch. When it comes to the six dragon trainers it's especially evident. While they all maintain they're wonderful personalities, they've clearly grown and matured allowing for great dynamics between them and their dragons. But it's not just the characters that have become more mature, the world and the story have grown as well. Combined with the laughs is a more mature storyline that will definitely tug at your heart strings. What I love the most about the movie's writing is that there's no predicting where things are headed. Sure you have some idea, but DreamWorks is continuing to prove that just because it's a kids movie doesn't mean everything is sunshine and rainbows.

Beyond Berk

Because the vikings of Berk are now at peace with their former enemies the dragons, It's gone beyond the familiar island village that we've grown to love. While the islands that surround Berk are as unknown to us as they are to most of our main cast, it's clear that we're going to be treated to a vibrant and vast world of dragons. One of the downsides to the movie is that it tries almost too hard to cram everything. And yet despite this, I still want more, maybe because the movie was almost all about Hiccup and him finding himself. Maybe a little bit more from the supporting cast would nice, in many ways they're interactions as a team with hiccup are infinitely more enjoyable to watch.

Beautiful Creatures

I think what I take away from this movie the most though is how amazing the animation is. While everything does have a cartoonish aesthetic (as it should), the details and lighting truly make everything come alive. The dragons scales look real, hell even the hair of the heroes depending on lighting looks uncanny. By far this is the most beautifully rendered animated film I have seen in a long time, if not ever. I liken it to the amazing pre-rendered cutscenes of Square Enix and blizzard, based in fantasy but rendered/animated in such detail that it looks almost real. I can't wait to see what levels they can take it.

A fantastic follow-up flick, HTTYD2 shows that DreamWorks is able to take this franchise is new directions without resting on its laurels. Is it better than the first film? Not entirely. But only because the first film was simply that close to perfection for an animated movie. But is it as good? Absolutely. Go see this movie.

Verdict 10/10

We All Become One: Transistor Review

It's been three years since Bastion was released. It not only changed the way we look at indie games, it made Supergiant Games a household name in an industry dominated by multimillion dollar publishers and studios. Everything about Bastion was so meticulously well-done, from the gameplay and enigmatic story, to the wondrous art and music; not to mention the dulcet tones of Logan Cunningham. A testament to games as art and the ability of independent developers, Bastion serves a standard that all of Supergiant's future games will be judged by.

Which as it stands is Transistor's greatest problem, It's the follow up act of a fantastic opening number. But like it's big brother, Red's adventure in Cloudbank is an equally stellar performance.

Hello World

When you first load up Transistor, you aren't given a prologue, you aren't even given a start screen, you're thrown right into the world Cloudbank in it's final moments as the Process, the enemies of the game; start to turn the thriving metropolis from alive and colourful to sterile and monochrome. You play as the singer Red, who after being attacked by the Process and the Camarata, the administrators of Cloudbank; has had her voice taken from her. You wield the transistor, a digital great sword that not only gives Red the ability to fight the Process, but also serves as the games narrator (again by Logan Cunningham) as it contains the Trace (essentially the soul) of someone close to Red, but isn't initially apparent who.

In fact, apart from the exposition from your speaking sword and some lines spoken by other characters towards the end, Almost all of the big pieces of the story aren't given to the player, but only told as the player explores and experiments. While some might find this as a confusing and poor narrative, I personally enjoy figuring out what's going on from virtually nothing. It's dark, mysterious, and you know that nothing is as it seems. Transistor doesn't want to tell you a story, it wants you make sense of all the data and build the big picture yourself. There will always be some pieces missing though, no matter how much you explore. This is slightly disappointing, but hardly enough to spoil the atmosphere.

Wait your Turn()

Similar to Bastion's gameplay, controlling Red is viewed from an angled fixed camera as she travels through Cloudbank's various alleys and streets fighting the various monsters who oppose her. The very first battle introduces the game as a action RPG a la Diablo, but immediately you're introduced to the game's twist, the Turn() system. This allows Red to execute a sequence of moves and actions planned in advance and then executed as time is stopped for your enemies. It's a refreshing take on turn based RPGs and allows for varied and creative gameplay. As you collect more abilities through additional traces, the ability to customize your skill set is simple, yet incredibly robust and satisfying. Using abilities as either offensive, upgrades, or passive abilities allows for a lot of flexibility, even if some abilities really only have a specific use. You also get access to a practice area and bonus levels called tests to truly become versed in the different powers you have and what best suits your play style.

But just because you're given a lot of power at your disposal, doesn't mean that your enemies are chumps. They evolve as you progress and the battles become more like puzzles than combat, with the player relying on careful strategy that can make or break a battle, especially towards the end. Even the game's unique way of punishing a player or the ability to make your enemies harder on purpose for more experience allows the player to truly tailor the game to their liking, making Transistor one of the best RPGs in a long time, and we've had some crazy good RPGs this year.

Artificial Art

It goes without saying that Transistor is beautiful to look at, but what makes the world truly come alive is the seamless integration of cyberpunk with a modern urban atmosphere. The world and characters are beautifully detailed, as is to be expected of Supergiant Games' Jen Zee. But because of its blend of the organic and inorganic, Transistor's world is that much more beautiful and real, which in turn makes it even more sad to watch as it is processed by... well, the Process. Words really can't do the art of this game justice.

Hum Along

As Red is a singer, you'd think that music would play an important role in Transistor. It certainly does, but not in an obvious way (as is expected). There isn't any specific gameplay mechanic involving singing or music, but the beautifully composed score and the subtle nuances of both the game's soundtrack and sound effects make Transistor a truly complete experience. An amazing detail that I can never get enough of is that when you switch from realtime combat to the planning mode of Turn(), the music switches to a hummed version of whatever is playing... hummed by Red herself. We understand this is her planning, the thoughts in her head if you will. That little touch is such a nice feature I just want to take an extra turn just to hear that lovely hummed melody.

Sign Out

There are going to be a lot of you who aren't going to like Transistor as much as I did, especially when in many ways it isn't as good as it's older sibling. The game is rushed in places and feels over all too soon, even for only 20 bucks. But I think that's what makes this experience such a wonderful one. It's short and sweet, better to be over too soon than drag on too long. But more importantly, it's game that once again pushes the limits of what games can be. I can't wait to see what Supergiant comes out with next, and I'm hoping it's a hat trick and just as amazing as the last two games have been.

Rating 9.5/10

Action Quickie Review Double Feature: Godzilla and The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Disclaimer: I've got a backlog of things I want review/blog about, but real life got in the way and prevented that from happening. Hopefully things will be a bit more settled now and I can do some catching up. I'll start with something more current to get the ball rolling

After months of ice and snow (and a non existent spring), summer has arrived and with that comes heat waves, thunderstorms, ice cream, and summer blockbusters. This month, two of the year's most anticipated movies; Godzilla and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, open in theatres to fans worldwide. Both once again bringing beloved characters (and in Godzilla's case monsters) to the big screen. But the real question is, are they worth your money? While I'll be going into a bit more detail in each of the film's review; to sum it up beforehand, both are a good way to kill a couple hours, but aren't must see films by any means.

The Amazing Spiderman 2

When I saw the first Amazing Spider-Man with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, I not only loved the performances and chemistry between the characters, I was excited about the potential that the spiderman movies now had. But as they revealed more and more details about the latest spiderman flick, that excitement began to turn to apprehension as the small liberties that Sony and Marc Webb had taken with the last film  turn into a narrative that I didn't think I was going to like. 

I finally saw the movie and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but the same amazing performances by Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, and Sally Field couldn't carry the movie with it's poor pacing, plot, and questionable future. Sure OSCORP has always been a sinister corporation, but to make them responsible for EVERY villain in the Spiderman universe is just sloppy writing and doesn't make as excited for the third movie. Maybe third time's a charm, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Verdict: 5.5/10

Godzilla

Based on the positive reception that Pacific Rim got last year, This year's Godzilla seems to further set the trend of bringing back the "Kaiju" movies of yore. But in a way, all the great teases that we had of the famous giant lizard prior to its release built up a little too much hype. The titular monster has an important role to play in the movie, and yet he seems to be just sort of there... like the elephant in the room, if that elephant was scaled, breaths fire and fights other monsters.

The action sequences are wonderfully shot, building the epic scale required for this kind of movie. However the performances leave much to be desired. They aren't awful, just not inspiring (which on a side note doesn't fill me with much confidence for Avengers 2, as both Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen are playing big parts in it, but that's a subject for a different post). In fact my favourite characters are the scientists who just stand there saying "that's impossible" and "could it be?" (trailing off forcing more suspense).

Unlike Spider-Man though, I'm eager to see if there is a future for the King of Monsters.

Verdict: 7.5/10

Short & Sweet: Oscar 2014 Nominated Short Reviews (Live Action & Animated)

In a world where most media is consumed in bite sized chunks, the relevance of short films has actually become more relevant as methods of media consumption have expanded over the decade to include Youtube videos and Vines. But still tried and true are those short films released to theatres, television and film festivals around the world every year. These are the films that every year get selected by the Academy to contend for the year's Oscar for Short Film. Whether it be a live action short or an animated piece, these gems allow for almost any creative individual with an idea and the drive to make something truly spectacular. It is often the starting point for many fresh-faced (metaphorically speaking) film makers who wants to get their vision out there without the bureaucracy and slog of the mainstream film industry.

What follows are short (like their subjects) reviews of each of the contenders in both categories of short film academy awards. Some probably need more time to do them justice. But with all them being winners in their own right, you can't focus on just one. I will be giving my pick for which film I think should win, but if only because the Academy will probably disagree with me.

Live Action

Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)

Conveying the true horrors of being a child solider and the life they lead, this spanish short is intense, powerful and heart-breaking. Performances by everyone are incredible and real, presenting the issues currently facing many countries in Africa in a moving and thought-provoking manner.

Avant Que De Tout Perde (Just Before Losing Everything)

A slice of life that for some is all too real, this french film follows a family trying to escape the abusive clutches of the father in their family unit. It's wonderfully acted and subtly shot with the story left to the viewer to piece together as the parts come to us. It becomes especially good towards the end when the tension rises further as the father; unaware of his family's plan of disappearing for a while, shows up durig their planning their exodus.

Helium

The story of a hospital janitor telling a story about the heaven like world of "Helium" to a young dying cancer patient, this inspiring story is somber but not depressing as the peace that the story brings to Alfred the young boy is bittersweet and beautiful.

Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have To Take Care Of Everything?)

A fantastic finnish flick about a family trying to get ready for a friend's wedding, this laugh a minute short makes you want more as everything that could go wrong goes wrong for this family. Even the ending of this seven minute short had me laughing my head off. A wonderfully sweet piece.

The Voorman Problem

The only short I knew about before going into the theatre to see all the shorts, Martin Freeman stars as a prison psychiatrist trying to diagnose the patient Mr. Voorman, who claims to be God. The skeptical doctor is soon faced with a series of mind boggling events and humourously tackles some big questions about the universe. Great performances by all the actors.

Oscar Pick: Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa?

While I came to see all of the films and finally see The Voorman Problem, it was Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? that I enjoyed the most and was the most satisfied by. Avant Que De Tout Perde and Aquel Era No You came a very close second as the plot and cinematography of both films were incredible. While I enjoyed the The Voorman Problem, I thought it was a bit short for something that could have explored all kinds of entertaining possibilities. Helium was great short film, but not particularly amazing.



Animated

Feral

The story of a boy raised by wolfs trying to re-enter society, Feral is a stunning piece that explores some questions about how society handles those who are different. The art is what really stands out, especially if you're a fan of stark contrasts and monochrome.

Get a Horse!

Disney's submission in this year's awards, it is both a love letter to the beginnings of Mickey Mouse and a clash of old meets new. The ideas while not exactly the most original (as Day & Night by Pixar does a similar story), the plot and concept is unique enough that this adventure is a feast for the eyes and a lot of fun to watch.

Mr. Hublot

Set in a world where everything is mechanical and industrial, Mr. Hublot is about a mechanical man; who's routines are basically OCD, meeting a very lively and routine-free mechanical dog and how his life gets impacted by this new part of his life. A heart-warming and beautifully animated tale, this short is clever in it's use of an incredibly detailed setting and wonderfully developed characters.

Possessions

In Japanese mythology, there are objects that trick people to steal their souls. Unfortunately while the name of said demonic tools escapes me, the possessed possessions (sorry couldn't resist) make this anime inspired short endearing and a pleasure to watch. If you're familiar with the amazing anime short film Kakurenbo (done by the same director Shuhei Morita), then you're going to enjoy this one as well, as it has the same style with wonderful cel-shaded CG and beautiful hand-drawn backdrops.

Room on the Broom

Based on the children's book of the same name, this charming short film is about a witches journey with her cat and the new animal friends she makes along the way (that's really simplifying the plot but the reviews meant to be short). Following the Gruffalo and Gruffalo's Child short films that the BBC and ZDF have been doing for the last few years around Christmas, this family friendly film is beautifully animated and has plenty of funny nuances for everyone to enjoy.

Oscar Pick: Mr. Hublot

Animation is something I hold very dear to my heart, so picking one is very, very difficult. but ultimately Mr. Hublot takes the cake with a fantastic and clever story and a detailed and beautiful setting. Possessions comes in at a close second. Room on the Broom while a lot of fun to watch and a great short overall is bit too childish, and like the short films before it, a tad repetitive. Get a Horse! while fun and clever isn't all that original and Feral while beautiful isn't all that interesting.

All these films are worth watching if you get the chance, and be sure to watch the Oscars on February 23rd, 2014 to find out if the Academy even remotely agrees with me.

Don't be Square : A Review of Inside Llewyn Davis

Folk music wasn't always something I loved. Back in my early high school days I would have said that it was boring and wondered when on earth I could listen to some power metal to keep myself entertained. I didn't hate it like I did rap or country (I still don't like those genres, don't think I ever will), but when you're young and incredibly stupid like I probably was, you don't know any better. That of course changed a few years later as my musical tastes matured and became incredibly eclectic with my growing love of the indie music scene, and now Folk is one of my favourite genres. 

The reason why I talk about not liking Folk music is that if I had kept this opinion back in 1961, the year that Inside Llewyn Davis takes place, I wouldn't be alone and I would be part of the problem causing the anguish that Llewyn goes through in the film. What the Coen brothers have created isn't a wonderful story about an underdog overcoming adversity and becoming the next Bob Dylan, this is the journey of yet another artist who quite frankly isn't good enough to make it big. Sure the songs that Llewyn sings in movie are heart-felt and beautiful, but he should trying to make ends meet rather than be the stereotypical starving artist too proud to admit that he has basically hit rock bottom. 

All we see is a chronology and references to all the poor life decisions Llewyn has made, and his continued pride preventing him from either making the right decisions or moving on with his life. It's incredibly evident when we see Llewyn have an angry outburst when he is asked to sing a song for fun rather than get paid for it. The outburst starts when one of his host's sings his former folk duet partner's part; whom we learn committed suicide before the events of the movie. but considering his own love of music is starting to kill him on the inside despite his insistence that we should live in the moment and "not be square", we see that his pride is what is actually exhausting him both physically and emotionally.

The performances in Inside Llewyn Davis are phenomenal, with Oscar Isaac as the cynical and sullen Llewyn Davis and other big names playing the movie's motley crew of characters, all of whom are well cast and make the movie entertaining to watch and all are foil to Llewyn's melancholy. But the movie's focus is Llewyn, and I felt that despite everyone's amazing performances, they really didn't matter to Llewyn's incredibly sad life, or in the words of Carey Mulligan's character Jean someone who turns everything to shit.

It also goes without saying that the music in this movie is wonderful. In the theatre, I heard someone commenting that while they didn't like the movie itself (fun fact, this was before it started so why they were seeing it again I'm not quite sure), the soundtrack was worth listening to. In addition to the amazing performances by the actors of the movie, the musical performances are fantastic. In fact, I was presently surprised that Carey Mulligan can not only sing; she has a fantastic voice for folk songs (you chose well Marcus Mumford).

While the Coen brothers have done a great job making an incredibly smart, darkly comic and downright depressing movie, I can't help but feel a bit odd about what I'm to take away from it. As I mentioned earlier this movie doesn't have a happy ending, but it doesn't have a sad one either per say. I can't help but feel Jean  was right in that people like Llewyn never think about the future, and perhaps that is why so many artists fall into the stereotype of suffering for their art. And yet I don't know if this is what the Coens were ultimately trying to get across, or just a side effect of it. The conclusion of the movie doesn't bring much resolution and we don't know what would happen beyond the week that we witness. For Llewyn Davis, it ends as it started; playing folk songs and trying not to be square.

Verdict: 9/10