Riff Table Arcade (Episode 11) - The East & West Should Work Together!

In this episode, RRPG and 16bitjeff team up with EZ Rider from Reviewtopia to talk about Gaijin Goombah’s response video about Keiji Inafune’s recent response on Japan not understanding what Western gamers want. We all discuss this topic in very thorough detail and explain why this is true and some of the things that both the East and West should be careful with. It’s a blast, and enjoy watching gameplay of Okami while we deliver our thoughts!

Article: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-02-25-why-arent-more-japanese-developers-crowdfunding

Gaijin Goombah’s Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG5gkSl_IjA

RRPG YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/RRPGReviews/

http://www.youtube.com/channel/RRPGGameRiffersSolo/

16bitJeff YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/16bitJeff

FighterXaos YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/bradburnsrival

EZ Rider YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/EZRiderTokuTime

Reviewtopia: http://www.reviewtopia.net/content/ez

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theezrider

TheGameRiffers : Riff Table Arcade (Episode 8) - 2013 Year in Gaming Review

2013 is about to wrap up with 2014 just right around the corner! What is on the mind of RRPG, 16bitjeff, and FighterXaos about how well Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony performed as of this year? Listen in to find out as this is the longest episode of the Riff Table Arcade you'll ever hear! After this episode concludes, the Game Riffers are taking a break from this show and resume at the beginning of 2014 as we'll be back and ready to go from there! We'll have some Game Riffers episodes to give to you all in the meantime! Enjoy this episode, and happy holidays to you all, gamers!

RRPG YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/RRPGReviews/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/RRPGGa...

16bitJeff YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/16bitJeff

FighterXaos YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/bradburnsrival

TheGameRiffers: Riff Table Arcade (Episode 6) - The Xbone truly the Xbox One?

Yes, folks. After a week of Microsoft's competitor launching their next-generation hardware, the computer company of the US finally releases their third console to make it last in the 8th Generation of gaming; the Xbox One. RRPG and 16bitjeff talk about the positives and the negatives of how the console is being buzzed amongst journalists and gamers, but they also leave some insight on what they can do to improve the experience down the road. Did Microsoft do things right with the Xbox One, or was it rushed too soon? Find out in Episode 6 of the Riff Table Arcade!

RRPG YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/RRPGReviews/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/RRPGGa...

16bitJeff YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/16bitJeff

FighterXaos YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/bradburnsrival

TheGameRiffers:'Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master - Part 2

Joe Musashi is getting closer to taking down Zeed once and for all! Can Video Dragon pull it off and make it all the way to the end of episode 7. Probably not. Either way, it's a good watch!

A special thanks to Video Dragon for offering the gameplay footage!

Follow us on tumblr - http://thegameriffers.tumblr.com

Follow us on twitter -

RRPG - @RRPGReviews

16BitJeff - @16bitjeff

xaos - @ikariradio

TheGameRiffers: Riff Table Arcade Episode 1

With about $152 million left in their bank, can Capcom survive in about the next two years? RRPG and 16bitjeff deliver their own thoughts on the situation and what they think that Capcom can do in order save themselves from any further decline. Join us with footage of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate in the background as we have a huge discussion about this matter!

RRPG YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/RRPGReviews/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFFXy...

16bitJeff YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/g1TheIncredibl...

TheGameRiffers: Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master - Part 1

In lieu of something new, we take a look at another Ninja-based game, and we take on one that is really awesome and on the Sega Genesis, believe it or not! It is Shinobi 3: Return of the Ninja Master, but it is a 2-part Riffable, so don't expect the whole game. We almost go through the whole game, but we made it with no cigar. Regardless, enjoy first half of the Shinobi 3 Riffable, folks!

A special thanks to Video Dragon for offering the gameplay footage!

Follow us on tumblr - http://thegameriffers.tumblr.com

Follow us on twitter -

RRPG - @RRPGReviews

16BitJeff - @16bitjeff

xaos - @ikariradio

The Game Riffers: Hagane Finale

This is it! The end of our playthrough of Hagane! So, what will RRPG and the crew find at the end of their journey?

Don't forget to leave a like, and subscribe and tell us what you want more of.

Follow us on tumblr - http://thegameriffers.tumblr.com

Follow us on twitter -

RRPG - @RRPGReviews

16BitJeff - @16bitjeff

xaos - @ikariradio

The Game Riffers: SMB2 episode 3

Finally TheGameRiffers have come back to youtube! Don't worry about not seeing anything for a while either. We have bonus content to put up too.

On this episode we have xaos, 16 Bit Jeff, RRPG and DollowRLance.

Ikaricast Konami E3 2013 pre E3 minisode

Hey, we thought it was a stream! Hear our thoughts on Konami's pre E3 2013 show detailing Metal Gear Solid The Phantom Pain information and more! The Ikaricast crew are joined by Dane and Carlio from the 4DS podcast, and Videodragon.


Subscribe to the Ikaricast on iTunes. email us at theikaricast@gmail.com

Links:

the 4DS podcast on http://GotGame.com

xaos deviantart: http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com

IKARICAST WEEK, Day 5: MECHA MADNESS!!!!

We're over the hump of Ikaricast Week. Now, we get to see our own Jeremias de Leon (Xaos) talk Giant Robots & Super Robot Wars. Going back to Season 2 of the Ikaricast.

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Click to play

With Xaos being by himself this week, and since the guys really had no agenda anyway, Xaos decided to make this episode about GIANT ROBOTS. Specifically about asking YOU GUYS about GIANT ROBOTS. We want to know what you think, so all xaos did was give some explanations and we leave it to you to talk about it. So go ahead and e-mail us your opinions about giant robots and what giant robot anime you guys liked/disliked. So e-mail us at: ikaricast@thegeekfighters.com Of course Xaos doesn't do that before giving you guys the news, so you'll still want to listen in even if you don't care about giant robots. ; The music used for the beginning is called "Dark Knight" (a slowed down version) and is part of the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack The song for the first break is called "Cadillac" by Prepschool and the song for the second break is called "Yacht Race" by Prepschool. The last song is called TROMBE! and is from the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack (and also slowed down...)
Download Prepschool's album "Cadillac" for free at http://prepschool.bandcamp.com/
Check out the Screwattack Magazine worked on by Hybrid Rain and other G1s including The Incredible Jeff aka 16 Bit Jeff http://screwattack.com/blogs/ScrewAttack-Magazine/ScrewAttack-Magazine-Issue-01-September
8 Bit Deathmatch trailer with Shades' livestream footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4JTSnplStM
Cut Man Mike's site http://cutstuff.net/blog/
Download the episode here

Ikaricast Week, Day 2: Top 5 Best & Worst Anime

Here's our second round fo Ikaricast episodes.

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On this week's Ikaricast the whole Ikaricast crew come together and get their otaku on and discuss their personal 5 most loved, most hated and most desired to be licensed in the west anime.

 email us what you think at theikaricast@gmail.com

 The music used in the beginning was "Intense Azuma Battle" by Rukunetsu. You like his stuff go to his soundcloud where you can download his tracks free. soundcloud.com/rukunetsu

 The track on the end is "Pegasus" by Michael Tsukerman. That was a sample you want it for yourself buy it on iTunes.

The guys have a lot of stuff they want you to check out.

http://thebrokeninfinite.blogspot.com
reviewtopia.deviantart.com
http://fighterxaos.deviantart.com

 follow us on twitter @ikariradio @16BitJeff @SeraphSantana and @TheRyotacon 

Download the episode here http://reviewtopia.net/ikari/ikaricasts4e24.mp3

Remember we are the creators of this podcast... google.

Ikaricast Minisode # 4

This mini-sode of Ikaricast, Xaos (Jeremias de Leon), Jeff Williams & Seraph (Frankie Rodriguez) talk about Nintendo, the Wii U, their tactics & more.

Final Fight 3 Let's Play

The first Let's Play on TheBrokenInfinite. In which BrokenInfinite's own Jeremias de Leon and Jeff Williams along with Steven Albano comment over Final Fight 3.

The Amazing Spider-Man movie review

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) film review

Review: Jeffrey Williams

Editor: Jeremias de Leon & Francisco K. Rodriguez

(Author's Note: During this review, while it may sound like I despise the original trilogy from 2002-2007, I don't. I just had problems with that interpretation of the wall-crawler.)

With the lukewarm response to 2007's Spider-Man 3, both Sony (the current owners of the Spider-Man film rights) and Sam Raimi respectively decided to part ways during the pre-production of Spider-Man 4 in January 2010. Following that announcement, the studio decided instead of continuing the already established continuity of the previous trilogy to reboot the franchise with a new movie that would not only be an amalgamation of both the mainstream universe and the ultimate universe, but also directing it would be a director that was commonly know for doing music videos and indie romcoms (Romantic-Comedies).

Directed by Marc Webb (500 day of Summer) written by James Vanderbilt (Zodiac) with additional re-writes done by Alvin Sargent (Spider-Man 2 and 3) and Steve Kloves (Harry Potter film series), this is The Amazing Spider-Man.

While this movie is a reboot to the character and that respective universe, I can understand and respect why people would demonize this movie as simply as remake. I say this due to the fact of the story's plot feeling like a "beat-by-beat" retelling of the 2002 original film done by Sam Raimi. However, even though this plot's framework is similar to that of the original, this film does try to differ itself from the original.

For example, unlike the organic webshooters we get mechanical ones. Unlike the original showcasing Peter's high school for around 5-10mins., this movie is focused entirely at Midtown High and unlike the original love interest being MaryJane Watson, in this film we get what many people would consider Peter's True love Gwen Stacy. In other words, you can already tell I prefer this film over the 2002 original,,, and that my review.

Wait, why's everyone leaving. Come back, I'm not finished yet. (Note to self: No one can take a joke on the internet.. EVER)

PLOT:

The film starts off as a flashback to Peter playing hide-and-seek with his father, until he goes into his dad's office to see it was broken into. After hearing his son calling for him, he sees the office was trashed and he quickly picks up he son, his briefcase (i.e the "deus ex machine" to the film) and tells his wife to get in the car. They drive to the home of Peter's aunt May and uncle Ben (respectively played by Sally Fields and Martin Sheen) and leave Peter there until they would return.... Were then transported to a 16/17-year old Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) in present day Manhattan.

CAST:

Andrew Garfield is better as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in this interpretation then Toby was as the titular character in the original. Though he's as charismatic like Peter was in Spider-Man, he was MORE fleshed out character-wise then the all-around whiny, boy-scout that Toby portrayed as Parker in Raimi's take. The same goes for his alter-ego "Spider-Man", this time around he comes with quips…. QUIPS! We finally have a Spidey that not only bodies people like a spider would, but mocks them at the same time.

Emma Stone plays Pete's first love, Gwen Stacy. Unlike Kristen Dunst's portrayal as his better known love interest MJ Watson, Stone's portrayal as Gwen comes off as a  believable, strong and independent girlfriend unlike the annoying and weak one we got with Dunst's portrayal.

Denis Leary as Cpt. Stacy was comparable to the recent portrayal of Commissioner Gordon in Chris Nolan's Batman trilogy, however in a snide way.

Both Sally Fields and Martin Sheen pull of a great job as aunt May and uncle Ben. They come off as a loving couple that, while they're not Peter's biological parents they care about Peter's well-being like if he was there own son.

Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors is a better choice for the character's portrayal that Dylan Baker did in Spider-Man 2 and 3. While I did like Dylan Baker's take on the character, I honestly could never see him becoming the Lizard and being a threatening villain. This isn't the case with Ifans's take on Conners; even before he takes the serum and transform into the creature for the first time, he shows a dark/troubled side to him while talking with the "other villain" Dr. Rajit Ratha played by Irrfan Khan.

Chris Zylka as Flash Thompson was a good portrayal of the character. The thing that not only surprised me but made me happy was, a day or two after uncle Ben's murder, at school Flash goes to confront  Peter not as the stereotypical bully we've known in the Raimi original, but as a friend….. like in the comics!

DIRECTOR:

Director Marc Webb mostly known for directing the 2010 romcom, 500 Days of Summer and music videos from such artists as Green Day, Brand New, AFI (a fire inside) and Weezer. Just to name a few. His direction for this re-telling of the beloved character and it's universe was 50-50. While he does a phenomenal job with directing emotional scenes, which range from simple talks that Peter has with uncle Ben, aunt May or both to his interaction with Gwen including him telling her that he's Spider-Man, were done great which is obviously his strong point. It's rather a hit-or-miss when it comes to directing a fight sequence. Honestly, I would even compare Webb's fight direction to that of Nolan's take from 2004's Batman Begins. While Nolan's fight scenes in Begins were an eyesore due to the fights feeling "zoomed-in", that's not the problem with Webb. The problem with Webb's fight scene were with the introduction to the Lizard on the Bridge and the climatic battle between the two in the third act. They felt rushed and were the ones that I personally fell were product of the many re-shoots with this film. The ones that I did like, were the smaller and personal brawls with criminals at the 1 act of the film and the EPIC fight between Spidey and the Lizard inside Midtown High. Speaking of that fight….. look out for "Smiling" Stan Lee for one of his best (and funniest) cameos to date.

FILM SCORE:

James Horner, the composer of Aliens, Star Trek II,The Rocketeer, and many other well-known films was announced as the composer of Amazing Spider-Man back in late November 2011. Since then I've wondered what Mr. Horner would bring to this re-telling of the character and would this score exceed the 2002 original that was composed Danny Elfman (Batman, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Wanted). The score that Mr. Horner created has not only exceeded my expectations, but one that I HIGHLY think fits the character of Spider-Man. The main theme and the overall score that Mr. Elfman created for the 2002 original felt out of place and would've been more appropriate for a Superman movie, rather then Spidey. Mr. Horner on the other hand has composed a score that not only emotes the characters and their feelings but one that recognizes the modern scores yet it having an old-school feel to it.

Before I give my final say on the film, if there is one negative I have to acknowledge  it's the editing. The editing in this film is so disjointed, that it the flow of the story. this is evident due to the recent article that Bad Ass Digest posted as of this week. http://badassdigest.com/2012/07/05/was-the-untold-story-cut-from-the-amazing-spider-man/

FINAL SCORE:

While the main problem is only the awful editing, The film is not only one of the best Marvel films not made by Marvel Studios but one of the premiere superhero movies of this year. It may not be Amazing, it may not be Spectacular, but unlike the 2002 original this is a true-to-form telling of the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler's origin. 4/5

Liked the soundtrack? Wanna buy it: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/amazing-spider-man-music-from/id534265228 

If you liked Jeff's review and want to follow him on twitter for more of his thoughts follow him on twitter @16BitJeff

Comics on the Screen: THOR (2011)

THOR (2011) Review by Jeff Williams

Editor: Jeremias de Leon

 

For today's review for Comic Book Clash's "Avengers Month", I'm taking a look at a movie that (before The Avengers was released) was my favorite from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That film is the 2011 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Epic, Thor.

Based off the comic of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, 2011's Thor was written by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz and Don Payne with story credits going to J. Michael Straczynski and Mark Protosevich, and the director of the film was Kenneth Branagh.

The film starts off with a short montage showing both Thor and Loki's Origins, from their childhoods to adulthood, we come to see that even though their not related, they do act brotherly to one another.  We then cut to Thor, now as a adult (played by Chris Hemsworth) preparing to ascend to the throne of Asgard, until a group of frost giants try to retrieve the casket from Odin's vault which contains the Tesseract (the cosmic cube int this universe). and they failed. Thor wants to confront Laufery and the frost giants abbot this incident on their realm, Jotunheim. Odin forbids this, but that doesn't faze Thor, Loki, Sif nor the Warriors Three (Volstagg, Fandral and Hogun).

They proceed to the realm where the frost giants live, and due to a remake that Laufery utters, a fight insures. As this fight progresses on, it looks like they were  at death's door until Odin intervenes and tries to play peacekeeper between the two races, however due to the god of thunder's arrogance that treaty between the two races was broken. Due to that arrogance, Odin strips his son's godly powers from him and banishes him to Midgard (our realm in the Marvel universe) to learn of Humility.

This films cast (excluding a couple due to some changes) was one that felt like it was literally taken out of the source material. Hemsworth's portrayal of the god of thunder was perfect, from the start of the film he was naive but as the film progressed you felt that he's matured due to his interaction with the humans on earth.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki was one of THE best portrayal on a comic film to date. He's a villain down to a T, but he's a simpifectic one and understand why as the films plot progresses, you understand his character and why he's takes these courses of action.

Not only does Sir. Anthony Hopkins' Odin brings some class to the film, but he's a King at not only thinks of Asgard's best intentions but for his son(s) as well.

The others that portray their respective roles (Stellan Skarsgard, Idris Elba, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano, Joshua Dallas, Jaimie Alexander and Rene Russo) are great additions to the film. However, the one I personally fell that was highly miscast as Jane Foster was Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis.

While Dennings was their for harmless padding in the comedic tense, I personally felt that while Natalie Portman as Jane Foster is the generic love interest in mainstream comics. Portman's portrayal comes off as both whiney, shallow and pedantic. Another reason why I disliked Ms. Portman's portrayal was the exhale in the character's background from her being originally a paramedic to an astrophysicist. I understand and acknowledge why they changed the character's backing to mesh with the films plot, but to a long-term Marvel zombie it may feel weird.

The score, done by Patrick Doyle was amazing. The tone and ominous flows wonderfully with the movie's fantasy element and with the contemporary earth setting. Even listening to it solely  is an experience of its own.

The director of Thor, Kenneth Branagh was one of Marvel's best choices they made due to his Shakespearian background. He really brought out the feeling for both respective realms and also makes both Asgard and Jotunheim look awe-inspiring.

In closing, though The Avengers is now my personal favorites in the Cinematic Universe. Thor is still a close favorite of mine. From the plot, to the characterization of each actor/actress in this film is a mush see!

RATING: 4.5/5

SECOND OPINION by Jeremias de Leon

It was really, really, really, good. Natilie Portman's hot, Thor's Cool and some Frost Giants die. EPIC! I highly reccomend this film to anyone.

RATING: 5/5

COMICS ON SCREEN: IRON MAN 2 REVIEW

Iron Man 2 (2010) Review by Jeff Williams

 

Editor: Jeremias de Leon

With this month being Avengers month, todays review is on a sequel that feels more of a reminder of what's the shape of things to come, rather than a continuation of the original's plot. Distributed by Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures, it's the 2010 film, Iron Man 2.

I personally feel conflicted when it comes to this particular sequel. While the director of 2008's Iron Man, Jon Favreau returns to helm the sequel and the cast from Iron Man return to their respective roles (excluding Terrance Howard as Lt. Rhodes and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane not returning because of Howard's salary and Stane perishing at the end of Iron Man.) for the sequel.

The new additions to the cast, Mickey Rourke as Ivan Vanko "Whiplash" and Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff "Black Widow" are great additions to this already perfect cast. As mentioned earlier, due to Mr. Howard not reprising his role as Rhodey. His replacement is Don Cheadle. Cheadle is known from the Acadamy-award winning 2004 film "Hotel Rwanda".  From a personal view, I prefer Cheadle's portrayal as the character than I did with Howard's take on Rhodey.

The main problem that I have with this movie is, there's a good story in there but it wasn't fully developed. I like the idea of Stark slowly dying from his own creation and that showing his mortality, the different view points of Stark and Rhodes when it comes to the Iron Man suits and their use in the world, a villain that's sympathetic and understudying his actions and expanding the universe with the inclusion of Nick Fury and the Live-Action debut of Black Widow.

That main problem I mentioned earlier in this review starts to rear its ugly head. While I do like that they started to expand and connect this universe more, its the BIGGEST problem with this film. I feel that they [Marvel/Paramount] wanted to use this more as a visual marketing tool (i.e. "Watch Out WB! The Avengers Cometh!) than using it to expand the character of Tony/Iron Man, his conflicts and his relationships with the already existing characters, and that in turn hurt the character of Black Widow and her portrayal from Ms. Johansson.

If their is one thing that I've got to commend Favreau's directing in this, compared to the first film is that the fight scenes feel more fluid. While he did a great job with bring the character/world of Iron Man to the big screen, the fight scenes in Iron Man felt out of place and it somewhat shows in that film's third act.

In closing, while this sequel ins't on the same level as the first film. It's still an enjoyable time to have with friends.

Rating: 3.5/5

I would like to add, that while I did enjoy Sam Rockwell's performance as Justin Hammer; the characterization of Hammer was played over the top as joke rather then how he's portrayed in the comics, a rival to Stark and Stark Industries.

Also, I do acknowledge that the story itself was adapted from the "Armor Wars" arc from the comic, but if that was the route they wanted to take with this film they should have stuck with it.

COMICS ON SCREEN: HULK (2003) REVIEW

Hulk (2003)

Review by Jeff Williams

Editor: Jeremias de Leon

Since this month, is Avengers month here on J1 Studios and Comic Book Clash. I though this would be the proper occasion to take a look back a Marvel film, that while it has its flaws, it was released at the wrong time. Fanboys and Fangirls, here's the Review to Ang Lee's take on the Green Goliath himself, 2003's Hulk.

The 2003 Marvel Films (this pre-dates "Marvel Studios")/Universal Pictures distributed film, based off on "The Incredible Hulk" comic created by Stan "The Man" Lee and Jack "The King" Kirby. The script was written by Michael France and John Turman, but writer James Schamus, not only re-wrote the script later in the film's development, but Schamus also gets the "Story by" credit. The director was Ang Lee, mostly known at the time the director of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

This movie from it's theatrical release in June 20, 2003 to 2012, has gotten a bad reputation for it being a more serious take on the character itself and it being more of a character study rather than what we've got with the Marvel Studios'  2008 reboot, "The Incredible Hulk". Though this is a review, I want this review to be a positive one and to show fans why this movie, was and still is an underrated interpretation of the goliath.

For the first Hulk film (theatrical, not the "made for TV" movies), we have Eric Bana as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Banner's love interest, Betty Ross was portrayed by Jennifer Connolly (Labyrinth), Betty's father and Bruce's antagonist, "Thunderbolt" Ross was portrayed by Sam Elliot (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and Anti-Mickey Rourke himself, Nick Nolte played David Banner, Bruce's demented father.

The plot to this film is as follows, David was trying to create super-soldiers for the U.S.military, by mutating his own DNA to study a way on how a body could recover quickly from a wound or injury.

However, this and the countless experiments that followed were denied by the U.S. army. When Bruce was born, it was discovered that David's mutated DNA was passed on to young Bruce and he was attempting to find a cure for his son as time passed. However, In 1973  after learning of David's "experiments", a then Lieutenant "Thunderbolt" Ross shuts down his research.

David, with losing his work that expanded years, he caused a massive explosion to the gamma reactor facilities in an attempt to kill his son. However, he accidentally kills his wife while she interfered with what was happening. After the "incident", David was re-located to a metal hospital, while a then 4 year old Bruce was sent into foster home and later adopted. As time progressed, Bruce suppressed the memories of his biological parents.

Long story short, due to his mutated DNA and the gamma radiation/nanomeds that happened latter in his life, created the beast inside Banner…. known only, as the Hulk.

While I do like Norton portrayal as Bruce in the Reboot and the supporting cast that portrayed their respective roles in "Incredible Hulk". I personally feel that the 2003 film's cast was not only had a stronger group of actors (excluding Nolte), but it was a better cast for the respective roles.

Lee's direction for the film, while different by showing a traumatized Bruce and its outcome with Banner's "inner feelings". He really had a very good eye for directing the action shots in the movie. Yes they were, few-in-far between, but they were not only choreographed with care, but at sometimes brutal.

The story while slow and yes at some points, sloppy. Its narrative felt like it was heavily inspired by Peter David's run on the ongoing series, from 1988 to its end in 1998 with issue #467 "The Lone and Level Sands".

When it comes to the score of Hulk. I honestly think that Danny Elfman was suited more for this film, then he was with the 2001 Spider-Man film and its sequel "Spider-Man 2", that followed in 2004. The way he captures the character(s) and their emotions in this film, was utilized properly then what we got with the first two (already mentioned) Spider-Man films by "Evil Dead" director, Sam Raimi.

To close this review, let me leave an allegory...

Like how 2004's "The Punisher" had the story down and 2008 "Punisher: War Zone" had the dark, vibrant and gritty tone.  Ang Lee's Hulk had the more serious side of the character down, while the 2009 "Incredible Hulk" had the feel and excitement that a Hulk movie should have.

If this film was released a year or two after Christopher Nolan envisioned Batman's origins and universe with "Batman Begins", this film would probably not only received critical success in the box office, but would be probably be hailed by critics and comic fans alike as " a fresh, yet daring take" on Marvel's green goliath.

Rating: 4/5

While I did state that the plot was messy at some points in this film. This is not only a different take on the character, the supporting cast and its universe. It's a refreshing take that should be given another chance by the Merry Marvel Marching Society.

COMICS & PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM # 3 - 16-BIT JEFF

  Ladies and Gents, once again, we got another interview with another internet personality. This time from the Ikaricast & the Next Gen podcast, it is 16-bit Jeff.

by Frankie Rodriguez

CBC: So Jeff, you've been pretty busy of late with your shows and new games coming out, right?

16-bit Jeff: .... Yes XD

 CBC: For our readers, what has been consuming your life of late in terms of Video Games?

16-bit Jeff: Let's See... Mass Effect 3 for one (and it's was not Fun Times with Shepard T_T)

 CBC: Ouch. I heard.

16-bit Jeff: Thank You for understanding my pain

CBC: Some people also know that you are an avid comic book fan, correct?

16 Bit Jeff : you are correct :)

CBC: Who or what got you interested in comics in the first place?

 16 Bit Jeff: What got my into Comics, was a Combination of the Cartoons & the Respective Series that were released in the 90's. For Example... X-Men, Spider-Man, Silver Surfer, WildCats...

 CBC: So the cartoons were the gateway drug into comics? What stood out about those books for you back then?

16-bit Jeff: Well. Like Anything.... The Story. The Reason Why I like Spider-Man is becauese he's one of the Most Reconizable and Relatable Characters in the Marvel Universe. Ironically, Majority of the Marvel Heroes Start off with a Random Tragedy happening to them.... God Bless You, Stan "The Man" Lee! :D

 CBC: *laughs* You do have a great point. So, what are some of your favorite stories in comics?

16-bit Jeff: It's Mostly with Writers rather than Arcs. I'm a Fan of Geoff Johns, Brian Azzarello, Mark Waid, Jeff Parker, Stan Lee, Peter David, Dan Slott, Brain Bendis, and ALOT more..... (and yes I'm a Fan of Mark Millar, DEAL WITH IT!)

CBC: Hey. hey. I love Mark Millar's stuff too. I get flack for liking Bendis, Fraction  & Brubaker. Are you still reading comics? And if so, what have you been reading recently?

16-bit Jeff: Yes. I've been reading a lot of Comics recently. Ongoing Series that I would reccomend: Tom Waltz & Kevin Eastman's TMNT Series (IDW), Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (MARVEL), Ultimate Comics X-Men (MARVEL), Action Comics (DC), The Flash (DC), Wonder Woman (DC), The Cape (IDW), Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel), Daredevil (Marvel), Avengers: Children’s Crusade (Marvel), Young Avengers (Marvel) and trust me... the List goes on and on. XD

CBC: Awesome. What do you think about DC's New 52, now that it's been half a year & are you picking up any of the 2nd wave titles?

16-bit Jeff: Honestly, I LOVE It. The 2nd Wave Titles I'm Picking: Dial H (for a Hero), Earth 2 & World's Finest (and Thanks to Brian of Laid Back Comics for helping me out as we speak)

CBC: Ah. So you are looking forward to the new Justice Society?  And how do you feel about Azarello's WW?

16-bit Jeff: Justice Society. Yes because I'm a fan of Robinson's Work. Azarello's work on Wonder Woman is what I Hoped what JMS Work on the Comic was during his Time... GOOD! In Defense, when I mean Good.... I mean of his work on the Comic Making Sense.

CBC: *laughs* So let's get to the dark side of comics for a second. Are they any comic book tropes that just turn you off or frustrate you?

16-bit Jeff: One Trope that I've Despise (that thanks to Poor writing) is Revolving Door Syndrome (or in laymen's Terms, Comic Book Deaths).

 CBC: How so? Just the overuse of it? How it's done?

16-bit Jeff: it's actually a mixture of both (Overuse & How it's Done). one of it being Overused is that It's a Poor Excuse to make a hero relevant once more (i.e. Superman's death in the early 90's). The Other Being How it's Done is of how they passed and When they are inevitably revived, it's no longer matters.

 CBC: So do you believe that any kind of resurrection cheapens a character?

16-bit Jeff: Unless if the Revival of a Deceased Character makes sense. Than Yes, It's Cheapens the Hero's/Villain's Last Stand. And This is One thing I love of the Ultimate Universe than 616. That is if someone dies in Ultimate, They STAY Dead!

CBC: I can see your point. So, tell me, what are you looking forward to in comics this summer?

16-bit Jeff: Two Events that I'm Looking forward to during this Summer are: X-Men vs. Avengers & Spider-Men... and Why do I have a feeling that Scott Summers Is going to perish during XvsA :D

CBC: Are you a fan of Scott Summers? Is it safe to say you are more of a Big 2 than an indy collector?

16-bit Jeff: I Do like Cyclops. I just think it's Hilarious he's becoming more like Magneto... as for Compays, I'm both a reader of the BIG 3 (Marvel, DC, Image) & of Indy (Oni Press, IDW, Top Cow, etc.)

CBC: Speaking of Cyclops, how do you feel about the X-Men books of late, now that they have split up?

16-bit Jeff: While i didn't like the Outcome Schism (it's still a great event comic)  of why they disbanded. I thought it was a smart move on Marvel's end. And While I still enjoy Uncanny X-Men, I Enjoy Wolverine & the X-Men more due to it's Story-telling & the book portraying Loganas a Headmaster of a School is Hilarious yet Interesting at the same time.

CBC: Ah, you mean the uncomfortable aspect of his (and some other characters') role correct?

16-bit Jeff: Exactly.

CBC: Is it hard to juggle between games and comics and you doing Ikaricast?

16-bit Jeff: In All Honestly, Not Really.

CBC: So, for our readers, what is coming up on the Ikaricast and for you?

16-bit Jeff: Well... For this week's Ikaricast. We are joined With Gundamn Podcast's Own SoulBroRyu to talk about the Recent Trends in the Fighting Game Community (most Infamously, SfXT's DLC & that whole Debacle). For my solo podcast, The Next-Gen podcast.... Stay Tuned.

CBC: Any final words you want to leave our Readers with?

16-bit Jeff: Thank You for Supporting the Ikaricast throughout the Years.

CBC: No problem. Thank you again Jeff.
For more on 16-bit Jeff, check out the Ikaricast and Next-Gen Podcast.