Michael Flanakin

Batman Beyond

Michael Flanakin — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:39:00 GMT

For any Batman fans out there, Batman Beyond is a must see. The series didn't last too long and it comes with the typical children's cartoon twist, of course; but it's enjoyable nonetheless. As usual, I liked the comments that referred back to the old Batman -- kind of like the bits thrown into Smallville. I guess my only real complaint is with the villains. This isn't new with Batman and, arguably DC Comics as a whole, but there seems to be a lack of creativity when it comes to villains. All too often, you saw the same villains back again doing the same thing. Not that I expected a new villain every episode, but I guess I would've liked something more. Of course, this is a children's cartoon, so perhaps I'm looking for too much. That also comes into play when you consider the fact that there is very little that ties one episode to another. There are a few things that carry over, but not enough to make you want to come back to see what happens. This is where series really get their hooks into viewers, but cartoons rarely, if ever capitalize on.

Highlander: Search for Vengeance

Michael Flanakin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:06:00 GMT

Highlander: Search for Vengeance was action-packed, but it just couldn't keep my attention. Granted, I was working on two other things at the time, but I had higher hopes. One thing I thought was odd was the fact that they chose a new character for this one. I thought they said Colin early on, but figured I imagined it. Then, I noticed they had a flashback to 125 AD, and I'm pretty sure Connor wasn't alive that early. Anyway, it turns out I must've imagined that it was about Connor MacLoed. In that case, I guess it does fit in fine with the story line of the movies... not that it tries. I was kind of disappointed that they made this a bit too anime-like. Some of the immortals were more creature-like than human. Maybe it's just me, but I liked the human aspect of it all. I think that brings it closer to home. Some of the most popular sci-fi/fantasy plots are based on what could be the audiences' everyday lives. Did anyone walk out of Transformers and not think about how cool it would be if your car was a robot? Ok, maybe I'm just a dork. I better quit while I'm ahead... or not...

Drawn Together (Season 2)

Michael Flanakin — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 18:13:00 GMT

I know I said it before with season 1 , but don't bother watching season 2 of Drawn Together . The series is just piss and shit jokes. Again, there are some funny parts, but as a whole, it's just the same old thing over and over. If you like Beavis and Butthead humor, this is made for you; otherwise, find something better to do with your time.

Drawn Together (Season 1)

Michael Flanakin — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 18:40:00 GMT

I saw an episode of Drawn Together a couple of years ago and thought it was pretty good. After watching season 1 , tho, I'm thinking it's one of those things that is better left as a memory. If you like Beavis and Butthead type of humor, this is for you. The whole thing is essentially piss and shit jokes. I admit there are funny parts, but all-in-all, not really something I care to finish. Then again, I have this near uncontrollable urge to finish what I start. Perhaps I'll stick it out for season 2 . They're currently on a break for season 3 . I guess I'll watch season 2 and decide on season 3 when it comes out on DVD. Like I said, tho, I don't expect it to get any better.

South Park (Season 10)

Michael Flanakin — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:15:00 GMT

Season 10 of South Park was more of the same. I know that sounds kind of bla, but it was good. The show just seems to maintain a constant level of quality. This season, they indirectly poked fun at themselves in Cartoon Wars Part 1 and 2 ; added a touch of government conspiracy (re: 9/11) in Mystery of the Urinal Deuce ; spoke some truth in Miss Teacher Bangs a Boy ; and made sure to add in the usual religious episodes, Go God Go 1 and 2 . My favorite episode was Make Love, Not Warcraft , which reminded me of the superhero episode a while back. In the end, it's entertaining, but the bar has been set and there weren't any episodes that were leaps and bounds above that, so I have to give this one a 3.

A Scanner Darkly

Michael Flanakin — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:27:00 GMT

What!? Honestly, that's all I have to say. I was curious about A Scanner Darkly when I saw it was in the theaters, but didn't know anything about it. Now that I've seen it, I still don't know what the hell the point was. Well, I could come up with some BS line about drug rehabilitation or maybe even spin a line about a corrupt government, but in the end, they're all just a random thoughts. Keanu Reeves plays an undercover detective that gets too deep, in a sense. The thing that made it somewhat interesting is that nobody knew his identity, not even the police. The undercover police had a suit that would completely disguise them. Very interesting concept. If you're bored, it might be interesting to see the first 10 minutes of it, but anything past that and you'll just be wasting your time. I know a lot of people don't like Reeves, but I don't have a problem with him. It's not his acting that I had a problem with, it's the story.

Monster House

Michael Flanakin — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:15:00 GMT

Monster House was ok, but nothing special. Perhaps this is because I watched it right after Over the Hedge and Happy Feet , which were both much better. I'm not sure what it really was that I didn't like about it; but I guess it just didn't live up to the other two. It was ok, tho.

Over the Hedge

Michael Flanakin — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:02:00 GMT

Over the Hedge was a very cute and entertaining movie. I loved that little squirrel. Despite the fact that he didn't look too much like a squirrel to me, but that's ok. His energy made him the best character, if you ask me. If you enjoy these types of movies, this is a must-see.

Happy Feet

Michael Flanakin — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:02:00 GMT

Happy Feet wasn't as good as I had hoped, but I still enjoyed it. I ended up watching it at an IMAX, but the experience wasn't quite as sensational as I'd hoped. Granted, the movie wasn't one that required such a massive sensory experience, but you don't see too many real movies at IMAX theaters, so I figured it'd be worth a shot. The first thing I thouhgt of when the movie was starting was how good it'd be to watch a major action movie at an IMAX theater. The first thing that came to mind was Spiderman 3 , which is coming up next year, but I'm getting off topic... One of the things I didn't like about the movie was how Mumble never lost all of his baby feathers. I had hoped he'd leave the group and then return, looking better than ever. There were parts where I was hoping he'd get his singing voice, but I can understand that not happening. The only other parts I had a big complaint about was when he went from the zoo back to Antarctica and the political bits that resulted from the dancing. Seriously, how the heck did they know where exactly to bring him back to? Beyond that, I seriously doubt there would've been that much hub-bub caused because of it. I guess the kids need a warm 'n fuzzy, tho.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

Michael Flanakin — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:41:00 GMT

Final Fantasy VII is probably one of my favorite games. Well, it was. I don't play games anymore, so it might not be fair to even compare it to more recent games. Then again, it wasn't about the graphics, necessarily. Every Final Fantasy game has a wonderful story and this one was no exception. Honestly, Final Fantasy III was probably the best story, from the ones I played. Despite that, when I heard about Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children from a friend, I had to see it. I'm glad I did, too. The graphics were great in the movie and the game recap was nice, too. There were some pretty big parts that were skipped, but adding them probably would've dragged the recap out to an hour instead of 23 minutes. Anyway, I didn't get the movie for the recap. The movie was incredible. The fight scenes were outstanding. I never expected this to be so good. I only wish I'd have seen it earlier. I did feel like there was something I missed between the game and the movie that the recap didn't cover, tho.

Above all, I wish they'd create a movie like this for every Final Fantasy game. The movie was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more. If you're a fan of the game, watch it! Hell, if you like action, it's a good one to sit down and watch.

Robots

Michael Flanakin — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 15:51:00 GMT

Robots was a cute movie. There was one part that really stuck out to me, tho. I know things like this happen all the time, but this one seemed pretty risque. Then again, I thought it was funny. When a receptionist was talking on the phone, she said something like, "You should try a Brazilian wax. Every day is like a fiesta." Well, it was something like that. I just thought it was funny having something like that in a children's movie. Then again, there were a few other hidden jokes I thought were pretty funny, too.

Peacemaker

Michael Flanakin — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 04:29:00 GMT

Well, unfortunately, I just couldn't make it thru every episode of Peacemaker. I got to the third disc and realized that I was paying less and less attention to it. I guess it's finally time that I admit to myself that the only anime I really like is the extreme anime -- extreme action, adventure, horror, and science fiction. Every once in a while there'll be a gem, but my interest in looking for those gems is fading. I'm always open for suggestions.

If you like Trigun, I suspect you'll like this one. Not quite as funny, but it's the same style, only set in the latter part of tribal Japan -- I think that's about right.

Samurai 7

Michael Flanakin — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 07:17:00 GMT

Now that the last disc has been released, I've finally finished Samurai 7. This was an action-packed series that was supposed to follow Seven Samurai. I honestly couldn't speak to how closely it follows because I have yet to see Seven Samurai; but, it was recommended to me by a fan of the movie. I may have to bump Seven Samurai up a few notches on my movie list, now that I've finished Samurai 7 to see how they compare. Whether you've seen the original movie or not, this is worth a shot, if you're into anime.