Hey everybody, your favourite moderator is here sharing his thoughts on the entertainment industry so far this summer.  Yes, this update is brought to you by Whoa.  Why am I writing on the blog?  Shouldn’t I be on the board talking to all of you instead?  Yeah, I should but c’mon, let me share the limelight here!  Geez...

So, yeah, this summer has been loaded with some great movies and I figured, ‘Hey, maybe a perspective from a gamer would be appreciated!’ so here’s my shot...

Iron Man

Iron Man has been THE hit of the summer so far, having grossed over $560 million worldwide.  I’m sure most of you have seen the film, but in case you haven’t... go.  It is a must watch.  I’ve been a fan of the comic book films, but this is easily the best one from the Marvel camp so far.  From beginning to end, the story just grabbed you and held your attention.  Robert Downey Jr. was the greatest casting decision imaginable.  It’s the kind of performance that can re-shape his professional career.  And the suit... wow... great job with that. 

The Incredible Hulk

I remember watching the film released a few years ago.  While interesting and a unique take on how to portray a comic book series, it felt like something was missing.  Jennifer Connelly was a great casting decision as Betty Ross and I’ll maintain that she should have been in the re-boot instead of Liv Tyler.  However, The Incredible Hulk nailed it.  They understood the tortured nature of Bruce Banner; the fight to rid himself of the monster within, the forced exile and traveling the world.  And action... finally some battle sequences.  Granted CGI has come a long way since The Hulk in 2003, but destroying military vehicles does not have the same impact as a slug fest between two monsters capable of destroying entire cities.  In my opinion, The Incredible Hulk has taken it’s place where the Hulk belongs.  Top-five Marvel movie of all time.

Next update will feature Kung Fu Panda and Wanted.  Now here I sit waiting for The Dark Knight and a chance to see both Hancock and Wall-E.

Some recent viewings I’ve recently enjoyed on DVD...

Hit:

Jumper - Open the gates.  I’m sure this pick may cause some discussion but I thoroughly enjoyed Jumper.  I thought it was well done, interesting and unique.  Many movie-goers will likely disagree with me, but this was a gamer movie, much like 300 was.

Startup.com - A documentary detailing the rise and fall of govworks.com.  Very well done.  Try to find a copy, you won’t be disappointed.

Fool’s Gold - I wasn’t expecting much, but Fool’s Gold provided an interesting pop corn experience.  I enjoyed the film despite the recent trend of buried treasure movies.  It didn’t hurt things that Kate Hudson was in the movie.  Big fan here.

Strange Wilderness - “Attacks by salmon on bears are much more rare”, and with that line a new catch phrase was born.  Strange Wilderness had some lulls, but the funny moments made up for that.  I’d definitely recommend a watch.

Miss:

Meet the Spartans - For a comedy, I didn’t find it that funny at all.  The recent spoof movies have been pretty poor compared to the original Scary Movie.  Time to move on and come up with originals people, please stop the spoofs.  Don’t get me started on Superhero Movie.

This week’s Throwback film:

I don’t remember how it happened but it did.  I found myself enthralled in a classic series that I need to mention.

Rocky.

Yes, that Rocky.  I was in Best Buy and I saw the original Rocky on Blu Ray.  It was nicely priced and I figured I why not, so I bought it.  Rocky is a classic, but what should have been a one-off watch, turned into a week of bed time watches.  Once I finished watching it, I had to get the rest on DVD, up to that point, I only had it on VHS.  There was no chance that I would avoid it any longer.  Rocky to Rocky IV is just fantastic. 

I’ve told people in the past that Rocky is responsible for the demise of boxing.  When I mention that, people usually look at me all confused and naturally “isn’t Rocky a boxing movie?”  But hear me out...  Rocky provided something no real fight could... emotional connection with the fighter.  And there’s no clutch, grab, break.  Fights are fights.  Today boxing fights are a test in patience, it doesn’t provide excitement in the here and now.

We as consumers want entertainment on demand.  Waiting five minutes or even twenty to see a punchfest is what we want, but cannot get.  I think for this reason alone is why Ultimate Fighting is so popular.  You throw the combatants in the octagon and they fight.  No delay, no avoiding things.  Yes, boxing has taken a hit in the credibility ring, but that isn’t the reason for it’s decline in mindshare.

Recent Games

Time for some rapid fire reviews of some games I recently played.

Alone in the Dark - Pass... please.

The Incredible Hulk - 2003 version was much better.

Iron Man - The Camera... oh god, the camera... Pass.

Lego Indiana Jones - Very good, but not as good as the Star Wars versions.

Metal Gear Solid 4 - Fantastic.  No complaints, a must have.

Mario Kart Wii - Lots of fun.

Wii Fit - Stop criticizing me when I don’t use it for a few days!  Geez, give me a break.

Suggestions, comments, feedback?  Email me at whoa@throwbackcorp.com

And remember, the opinions and views expressed in this blog and/or commentaries are solely of the individuals and are not the views of Throwback Entertainment, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.