Far Cry 2

BOTTOM LINE:8 out 10

CONCEPT:
Wander the deserts and grasslands of Africa in one of the largest
first-person shooters ever made
GRAPHICS:
Breathtaking
vistas and fantastic lighting effects make this a sight to behold

SOUND:
Evocative voice work weaves its way
throughout the game, which is punctuated by an ever-adapting soundtrack that
changes with the flow of action

PLAYABILITY:
Some
complicated controls aren’t always mapped in the most intuitive ways, but you’ll
have many hours to get the hang of them

ENTERTAINMENT:
A mammoth game, it is nonetheless hampered by some iffy enemy AI,
repetitive combat, and strange design choices in regards to the frequency of
enemy encounters

REPLAY:
Moderate

FAR CRY 2 TRAILER



Via: www.gameinformer.com

FABLE II

BOTTOM LINE:9.25 out of 10

CONCEPT:
This sequel to one of the premier Xbox RPGs lets you control a
character who ages and evolves based on your actions

GRAPHICS:
An amazing and colorful art design helps
push this game forward

SOUND:
The game has a great
score, but the voice work isn’t particularly noteworthy

PLAYABILITY:
The three different combat styles feel
a little more balanced with each other, but once you get powered up nothing
offers much of a challenge

ENTERTAINMENT:
Even with
its simple story and minor imperfections, it’s easy to lose yourself for days in
Fable’s world

REPLAY:
Moderate

Fable 2 Trailer



Via: www.gameinformer.com

Midnight Club: Los Angeles

BOTTOM LINE:9 out of 10

CONCEPT:
Bring Midnight Club to next-gen systems, and add an enormous virtual Los Angeles

GRAPHICS:
Demonstrates the power and versatility of Rockstar’s Rage engine. It’s nearly as detailed as GTA, but moves at jaw-dropping speeds

SOUND:
Skim on familiar hits, but it’s a nice selection of underground dance, hip-hop, and rock tracks

PLAYABILITY:
Rockstar delivers an arcade-style racer that gives racers control in the midst of chaos

ENTERTAINMENT:
It’s not a huge step forward, but rather a gorgeous and exhilarating reminder of Midnight Club’s appeal

REPLAY:
High

Midnight Club: Los Angeles - Trailer


Via: www.gameinformer.com

Saints Row 2

BOTTOM LINE:
8.75 out of 10

CONCEPT:
Take the GTA template in a completely
gonzo (and often ridiculously entertaining) direction

GRAPHICS:
The first Saints Row benefited from being the first next-gen
sandbox-style game. This time around, it suffers in comparison to the gorgeous
GTA IV

SOUND:
A very solid soundtrack balancing
well-and little-known tracks in a variety of genres. The voiceovers won’t win
any Oscars, but they are fine in context

PLAYABILITY:
It’s a bit rough around the edges, especially online, but you can
drive and shoot things just fine

ENTERTAINMENT:
In
its own silly, b-movie way, it’s a damn fun game

REPLAY:
High

Saints Row 2: Activities Trailer


Via: www.gameinformer.com

Dead Space is Out! The Reviews Are In!

The Reviews!

Game Spot- 9.0
“An incredibly atmospheric and disturbingly gruesome deep-space adventure that will haunt your dreams and leave you begging for more.”

Game Informer- 9.25
“Dead Space is technically a survival horror game, but it should really be compared to motion picture juggernauts The Thing and Aliens, as it channels the essence of those films more than it does any other game. If horror is your forte, dim the lights, crank up the surround sound, and take the deepest breath you ever have. I think you’ll agree, no game has ever been this frightening.”

Daily Game- 8.8
“Dead Space, a new franchise and a new genre for EA, is downright incredible. The sci-fi game flirts with two genres, action and survival horror, and injects some much-needed intrigue to both. We've frankly grown tired of the "same old, same old," and Dead Space is anything but stale.”


UGO- A
“Dead Space is a stellar experience, one which should be enjoyable for fans of survival horror and third-person action alike. The game doesn’t really fit neatly into either category, instead straddling the two by delivering the heightened tension and horrifying ambience of the former alongside the run-and-gun splatterfest of the latter. In 2008’s too-crowded holiday release season, Dead Space distinguishes itself as one of the few essential pickups.”

IGN- 8.7
“Call it science fiction survival horror, but Dead Space does the genre proud with an engaging story; action that's tense, fast-paced and extremely violent; as well as atmospheric qualities that will get under your skin and make you jump…If you like survival horror, action or sci-fi, Dead Space needs to be on your radar.”

XboxDomain- 9.5
“Dead Space is a real treat. If you love story lines which include alien’s mixed with some horror, this game is for you. Dead Space ranks up there as one of the best single player experiences this year and must be played by every fan of the action/horror survival genre.”

Sarcastic Gamer- A+
“I have never played anything like Dead Space. There has not been a minute since the game arrived that I wasn’t feeling the pangs of desire to get back to it. It is a crown jewel in the horror/shooter genre, and many facets of its design will no doubt find implementations in future titles. From the opening moments, until it’s bitter end this is one game that over delivers on the hype that has surrounded it for over a year now.”

Unscripted 360- 9.3
“Dead Space is a freakishly disturbing game that makes hell seem like a day at camp. It looks great and has a deep enough story to keep you checking your video files and clues throughout just to uncover the truth. Did the game scare me? Yes. Did I survive? So far. Will I play this game again despite no multiplayer? Hell yeah. There were a lot of intense moments that EA managed to capture perfectly with a blend of quality sound and detailed environments. I’m already preparing myself for Dead Space 2.”

CHUD- 9.1
“…truly one of the best games of the year so far. It's got just the right mix of action and horror and playability to please any video game fan.

Buy Now

What Just Happened = C+

Two nail-biting, back-stabbing, roller-coaster weeks in the world of a middle-aged Hollywood producer as he tries to juggle an actual life with an outrageous series of crises in his day job. Ben is besieged by people who want him all to be sorts of things -- a money maker, an ego buster, a bad news breaker, an artistic champion, a loyal husband, an all-knowing father, not to mention sexy, youthful and tuned-in -- everything except for the one thing he and all the preposterously behaved people he's surrounded by really are: bumbling human beings just trying to survive by any means necessary.

Genres: Comedy and Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R for language, some violent images, sexual content and some drug material.

Distributors: Magnolia Pictures

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Robert De Niro, Sean Penn, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro
Directed by:
Barry Levinson
Produced by:
Todd Wagner, Mark Cuban, Eric Kopeloff

Morning Light = B+

Fifteen young sailors and six months of intense training... one chance at the brass ring. This exciting true-life documentary tells the inspiring story of a group of intrepid and determined young men and women, on the cusp of adulthood, as they embark on life's first great adventure. Racing a high-performance 52-foot sloop in the Transpac, the most revered of open-ocean sailing competitions, the crew of MORNING LIGHT matches wits and skills in a dramatic 2,300-mile showdown against top professionals. From their earliest training sessions in Hawaii conducted by world-class teachers through their test of endurance on the high seas, they form an unbreakable bond in the process of becoming singular team that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Documentary and Sports

Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG for language and some rude dialogue.

Distributors: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution


Cast and Credits
Starring:
Patrick Warburton
Directed by:
Mark Monroe
Produced by:
Roy E. Disney, Morgan Sackett, Roy E. Disney

Filth and Wisdom = C

Andriy Krystiyan, or A K for short, has come to England from the Ukraine. A K is a philosopher (at least that's what he claims to be), a poet, and an authority on all aspects of life. At the same time, he is following his grand plan to become an international star. Global stardom is how A K describes the goal that he and his band Gogol Bordello are pursuing with their particular brand of boisterous gypsy punk. For the time being, however, he makes ends meet by performing role play in women's clothing for straightmarried men. A K shares a flat with two young women named Juliette and Holly. Juliette dreams of being a kind of Florence Nightingale of the developing world. She is currently working behind the counter at the local drug store run by Sardeep, the Indian chemist. Holly is a trained ballerina. Her big dream is todance with the Royal Ballet. So far she hasn't been able to earn a single penny with her dancing, and continues to 'polish' her skills as a pole dancer at Beechman's Exotic Gentleman's Club.

Genres: Art/Foreign and Comedy

Running Time: 1 hr. 24 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (limited)

Distributors: IFC Films

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Eugene Hutz, Vicky McClure, Richard E. Grant, Stephen Graham, Shobu Kapoor
Directed by:
Madonna
Produced by:
Madonna , Nicola Doring, Angela Becker

W. = B-

W. takes viewers through Bush's eventful life -- his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to Bush's decision to invade Iraq.

Genres: Biopic and Politics/Religion

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images.

Distributors: Lionsgate

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Ellen Burstyn, Thandie Newton
Directed by:
Oliver Stone
Produced by:
Elliot Ferwerda, Albert Yeung, Matthew Street

The Secret Life of Bees = B-

Set in South Carolina in 1964, the tale of Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey and the Black

Genres: Drama and Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (limited)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic material and some violence.

Distributors: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys
Directed by:
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Produced by:
Jada Pinkett-Smith, Lauren Shuler Donner, Joe Pichirallo

Sex Drive = C+

Eighteen year old Ian finally gets the opportunity to lose his virginity when a woman he meets on-line offers to have sex with him if he drives to Knoxville to meet her. Accompanied by friends Lance and Felicia, whom Ian has a thing for, but she in turn has a thing for Lance, take off on a road trip in Ian's brother, Rex's beloved 1969 GTO -- without permission of course.

Genres: Comedy

Running Time: 1 hr. 48 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, some drug and alcohol use--all involving teens.

Distributors: Summit Entertainment, LLC

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden, Charlie McDermott
Directed by:
Sean Anders
Produced by:
Michael Nelson, Bob Levy (II), Leslie Morgenstein
See Full Cast and Credits

Max Payne = C-

Max Payne is a maverick cop--a mythic anti-hero--determined to track down those responsible for the brutal murders of his family and partner. Hell-bent on revenge, his obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmare journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.

Genres: Action/Adventure and Adaptation

Running Time: 1 hr. 39 min.

Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence including intense shooting sequences, drug content, some sexuality and brief strong language.

Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Mark Wahlberg, Jamie Hector (II)
Directed by:
John Moore
Produced by:
Karen J. Lauder, Rick Yorn, Tom Karnowski

"Dead Space" Video Game Review

Bottomline:
9.25 out of 10

CONCEPT:
Suspense and gore collide to create a horrifying, atmospheric experience that will leave you gasping for air

GRAPHICS:
The texture work is remarkable (especially on the twisted flesh and rusted metals), and the array of lighting techniques deceive your eyes

SOUND:
The ambience messes with your mind, often making you question “what was that?” The voice actors do a decent job making cringe-worthy dialogue flow better than it should

PLAYABILITY:
A satisfying mix of precision targeting and boot stomping. Sadly, most of the objectives fall into the “lead player from point A to point B” category

ENTERTAINMENT:
I’m a horror fanatic, and I’ve never jumped this much during any movie or game

REPLAY:
Moderate

Dead Space trailer

NBA Live 09' VS. NBA 2k9

NBA Live 09'

7.75 out of 10

CONCEPT:
Bring the NBA to life with daily updates that keep the game results on par with the real Association

GRAPHICS:
New defensive animations make the on-court action look more realistic

SOUND:
Steve Kerr and Marv Albert’s relaxed voiceovers give the game a broadcast feel

PLAYABILITY:
Refined controls boost gameplay outside of the tricky new pick and roll system

ENTERTAINMENT:
The core game continues to improve, but the new modes aren’t as impressive as they are in NHL 09

REPLAY:
Moderately High

NBA Live 09' Trailer


NBA 2k9

8.25 out of 10

CONCEPT:
Continue to refine an already great title with the deepest franchise mode in any sports game

GRAPHICS:
Amazing crowd animations make you feel like you’re in the arena

SOUND:
New additions to the broadcast team gel well

PLAYABILITY:
Controls well until you’re in the low post

ENTERTAINMENT:
Still the best basketball game around for hoops aficionados

REPLAY:
High

NBA 2k9 Trailer


Via: www.gameinformer.com

BODY OF LIES - FANS REVIEW

Description:

For Lots More Body of Lies Clips Trailers and Showtimes Go To:

http://www.reelzchannel.com/

Travis Oscarson talks to fans as they leave the midnight screening of Body of Lies starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe to get first reaction.

Be Sure to Follow First Fans on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/firstfans

Talento de Barrio = B+

Edgar Dinero is an angry young man from the slums of Puerto Rico who gets tangled between the thug life of his neighborhood and the beat of his barrio. On that path Edgar encounters disruption among his crewmen while falling in love with an uptown girl, from whom he must conceal his ties with the violent barrio underworld. Edgar may run, but he can't hide from the corrupt cops and the full-blown turf war amongst his men. Soon enough Edgar is faced with two choices: die as the Boss of the underworld or live as the King of Reggaeton.

Genres: Action/Adventure and Art/Foreign

Running Time: 1 hr. 47 min.

Release Date: October 10th, 2008 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R for violence, pervasive language, drug content and brief sexuality.

Distributors: Maya Entertainment

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Daddy Yankee, Cesar Farrait, Eddie Avila
Produced by:
Daddy Yankee

RocknRolla = B

A Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, putting millions of dollars up for grabs and attracting all of London's criminal underworld.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy and Crime/Gangster

Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min.

Release Date: October 3rd, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, violence, drug use and brief sexuality.

Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Idris Elba, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges
Directed by:
Guy Ritchie
Produced by:
Steve Richards (III), Navid McIlhargey, Joel Silver

Happy Go Lucky = A-

Poppy, an irrepressibly freespirited school teacher, brings an infectious laugh and an unsinkable sense of optimism to every situation she encounters. Poppy’s ability to maintain her perspective is tested when her commuter bike is stolen. However, she signs up for driving lessons with Scott, who turns out to be her nemesis--a fuming, uptight cynic. As the tension of their weekly lessons builds, Poppy encounters even more challenges to her positive state of mind: a fiery flamenco instructor, her bitter pregnant sister, a troubled homeless man and a young bully in her class, not to mention that she has also thrown out her back. How this affects not only Poppy’s world view but also the outlook of those around her begs the question “glass half full or half empty”?

Genres: Art/Foreign, Comedy and Drama

Running Time: 1 hr. 58 min.

Release Date: October 10th, 2008 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R for language.

Distributors: Miramax Films

Cast and Credits
Starring:
Alexis Zegerman, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Andrea Riseborough, Sinead Matthews
Directed by:
Mike Leigh
Produced by:
James Clayton (II), Gail Egan, David Garrett (II)

Ashes of Time Redux = B

Ouyang Feng has lived in the western desert for some years. He left his home in White Camel Mountain when the woman he loved chose to marry his elder brother rather than him. Instead of seeking glory, he ends up as an agent. When people come to him with a wish to eliminate someone who has wronged them, he puts them in touch with a swordsman who can do the job.

Genres: Art/Foreign, Drama and Romance

Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min.

Release Date: October 10th, 2008 (limited)

MPAA Rating: R for some violence.

Distributors: Sony Pictures Classics


Cast and Credits
Starring:
Jackie Cheung, Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung, Brigitte Lin Ching Hsia, Maggie Cheung
Produced by:
Chan Ye-Cheng, Wong Kar-Wai, Jeff Lau

Quarantine = B-

For a reality TV show about people who work while the rest of the world is asleep, reporter Angela Vidal and her cameraman, Scott, are assigned to cover a night shift with a pair of firemen at a Los Angeles fire station. After an uneventful evening, a 911 distress call in the middle of the night takes them to a small apartment building downtown. Police officers are already on the scene in response to bloodcurdling screams coming from an apartment on the third floor. Having stumbled onto a breaking story, Angela and Scott are determined to get it all on tape. Entering the apartment unit to investigate, they find an old woman in a nightgown, standing alone in the dark. She’s covered in blood, her breathing erratic and raspy. She seems sick. And when a policeman approaches to help her, she suddenly attacks--with her teeth. The group subdues the woman and tries to get help for the injured policeman. But when they attempt to leave the complex, they find that the CDC has quarantined the building. All exits are sealed and guarded by heavily armed men. Telephone, internet, TV, and cell phone access have been cut-off, and officials won’t give any explanation to those locked inside. The apartment complex and its residents quickly descend into panic. Trying to make sense of what’s happening, the inhabitants are forced to look to each other for help. Then there’s another scream from above. In the atrium lobby where everyone is gathered, a body falls to the ground from the third floor. And the attacks begin again. When the quarantine is finally lifted, the only evidence of what took place is the cameraman’s videotape.

Genres: Suspense/Horror, Thriller and Remake

Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min.

Release Date: October 10th, 2008 (wide)

MPAA Rating: R for bloody violent and disturbing content, terror and language.

Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing


Cast and Credits
Starring:
Jennifer Carpenter, Jay Hernandez, Columbus Short, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Harris
Directed by:
John Erick Dowdle
Produced by:
Julio Fernandez, Carlos Fernandez, Drew Dowdle