Hobbies, Family, & Geekery from a Stay-at-Home Dad
IT’S AN AMIIBO UNBOXING! It’s been so long, I almost forgot how to do this! I almost didn’t do it, but I figured with this whole trying to revamp the blog thing, a new, proper amiibo unboxing was needed. And the Diablo III Loot …Read More….
Ahh, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Seems like only yesterday I was pulling out all of the nearly two dozen amiibo from my cabinet to scan them on a daily basis. Seriously, who wasn’t? If you had the amiibo, it’s what …Read More….
I’m not sure if you were paying attention, but 2018 was more or less the year of Spider-Man. We had so much awesomeness come out on so many fronts, it was almost hard to keep up with it all. Gaming saw what is being labeled as the best superhero game created with Marvel’s Spider-Man on the PlayStation 4. It was my personal Game of the Year and I had an absolute blast playing it (I’ll be reviewing it on my gaming site, FutureMonkeys.com soon!). We also got to experience more Spider-Man in the MCU with Avengers: Infinity War, which spoilers, was an emotional train wreck. In the comic world, we saw Spider-Geddon happen. A hyped up storyline that featured numerous Spidey’s from various times and universes. Which ultimately got you warmed up for the grand finale in December when Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse came out in theaters. We got to watch it a few days after Christmas and absolutely fell in love. With the Blu-ray coming out March 18th (you know I’m getting that steelbook! Pretty mad it’s not 4K though), I figured it’s good a time as any to review it here.
Into the Spider-Verse was quite possibly one of, if not, the best film adaptation of Spider-Man to ever come out. With a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and hopefully a matching Oscar to go next to it, it makes me so happy to see it being recognized for what it was able to deliver. Usually with animated movies, you go in expecting to be entertained, but that’s about it. Into the Spider-Verse managed to not only do that, but it took you on a roller coaster of emotions and then left you at the station, begging to go on the ride again.
The first thing you’ll notice is the art style. And rightfully so, because the geniuses at Imageworks Managed to craft a hybrid of art styles. I knew it was unique to the point where I had never seen anything like it before, but it turns out that’s an understatement. After reading this article from Polygon with Patrick O’Keefe, one of the film’s two Art Directors, it’s clear that you have every right to be thoroughly impressed with the visuals you experience with Into the Spider-Verse.
Into the Spider-Verse managed to take you on a roller coaster of emotions and then left you at the station, begging to go on the ride again.
Add in the music which is an entire other level of immersion, and it creates a package that is beyond anything I could’ve expected. Speaking of music, the soundtrack and Daniel Pemberton’s score have been in my ears since we watched the movie. Let me just say, What’s Up, Danger? and The Prowler have been on repeat numerous times. I can never listen to them just once.
As far as the story goes, there’s almost too much to praise. You’d think with it being a Spider-Man movie, they would focus on Peter Parker. Lots of fans know there are different Spideys from different universes, but the one most renowned person who is typically behind the mask is Peter Parker. But not here.
While Parker is a huge part of the film, he’s not the focus. Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn, is the headliner and wow is it refreshing. He’s been in and out of the comics since 2011, but this is the first time we see him on the big screen. With an African American father and a Puerto Rican mother, Miles steps into the shoes of Spider-Man in his own way, and with his own style. As his character evolves throughout the movie, I can only imagine the eyes of kids who are not the same color as typical superheroes, seeing themselves as such an iconic character they know and love. This is not the first time Spider-Man has been half hispanic. Miguel O’Hara, who is half Mexican, was a futuristic Spider-Man in Spider-Man 2099. But that debuted in the comics back in 1992. 2019 is different times. Where the world, and especially children of color, can benefit from seeing a Spider-Man that they can relate to so closely. As a hispanic nerd dad to bi-racial nerd kids, I hope you understand how great this is to see. I was almost in tears coming out of the theatre and coming to this realization.
Ok, back to the story. Into the Spider-Verse follows so many characters that find themselves intertwined, it can leave your head spinning. But in the middle of it all, holding it all together, is the origin story of Miles. I know, “origin story” is not something you want anymore. At this point, with so many superhero movies out now, we’ve grown tired of seeing the same origin stories over and over. But this is far from your typical “here’s how it happened” plot line.
The way the story is all laid out and how it unweaves itself will leave you laughing, crying, and cheering, almost all at the same time. At one point it got so down that my kid turned to me and said he doesn’t think he wants to watch it anymore. And I can understand, after seeing what I won’t spoil. But the story keeps on going and redeems itself, making you realize that even when you feel like you don’t want to go on, like you can’t go on, there’s always reason to. That there’s something you have to push through in order to see the sun shining again. By the end of the movie he told me it still made him sad, but with everything else that happened he wound up really liking it. I’m glad he was able to see it how I did, and walked out with positive thinking. But it should show how much of an emotional ride the film takes you on. As a kid, you go in expecting a Spider-Man cartoon. But you come out with so much more, as if you’ve just been loaded with the responsibility of having to understand how the world works. And we all know about Spidey and responsibility.
I’m actually kind of jealous kids today have such a superhero to look up to.
Look, I don’t think I need to explain myself any more here. It’s pretty obvious where I stand on how much I liked this movie. The visuals, the music, the story, the characters. It’s all meshed together in such a way that it will leave you feeling like no other animated movie has made you feel before. Yes, I may be somewhat bias, seeing as how I come from a nerdy, superhero loving background. Maybe someone who isn’t into the genre as much but still wants to watch it won’t come out feeling the same way. But personally, there’s too much here to love and enjoy. The plot is easily my favorite origin story I’ve ever watched, and the visuals that deliver it are groundbreakingly unique. If Miles Morales was a real person, I can only imagine him being proud watching this, as the movie as a whole seems to be the embodiment of his character. I’m actually kind of jealous kids today have such a superhero to look up to.
We got a chance to see The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part on opening night! First of all, that’s a feat in itself, ok. I mean, getting us to a theater to watch anything is worth congratulations, but on opening night?! It was shocking. …Read More….
There’s an anthem being sung quite regularly these days. Have you heard it? Hard not to if you’re paying attention. Gaming is evolving. Right before our eyes, we’re becoming something different from what we were a few years ago. Sadly, the direction we’re headed towards …Read More….
It’s been almost exactly 5 whole years since the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the Wii U. I know, not many remember it because, well, the Wii U. But I’m sure you know of it now if you own a Switch. Because in May of last year, it was re-released on Nintendo’s new hotness. Now, I can get into a huge side track here, going into the remaster debate. But I’ll save that for another post (hint hint, I’m all for them). For now, just know that I was who Nintendo had in mind when they put it out again. I have been a huge fan of Donkey Kong Country games ever since the first one on the SNES. It was one of those games that you put on and you play over and over so much that you know where everything is and how it moves so you’re just speed running it for yourself. Like the mine cart levels, remember those?! How can you not, this screen will probably give you PTSD.
But for some reason unbeknownst to me because I’m sure it has nothing to do with time or age or anything, but I find DKC games are just so damn hard! I tried playing DKC Returns and I quit without beating the first area. I was so happy to find that I wasn’t alone. I felt as if I let my younger self down, as he looked at me with shame that I couldn’t hang with our favorite primate anymore.
Well, Tropical Freeze is no different. This game is straight bananas (I’m not apologizing for that). I skipped it on the Wii U because I heard about the difficulty and I was very easy to give it a nice big stamp of “NOPE” whenever I saw it on a shelf. I enjoyed making fun of myself on Twitter a few times (here, here, and here), posting videos of the game having no mercy on me. But the Switch version has something that the Wii U didn’t. And no, I’m not talking about success.
I’m talking about FUNKY KONG! Oh man, in complete honesty, this game should have just been Funky through and through. Like, I’m sorry DK, we all have that crazy uncle that is the life of the party and who makes everyone forget you exist. Is he he’s uncle? Brother? Whatever, the analogy still works. Point is, there’s a reason he’s on the alternate box art. He just dominates the levels. Never drowns, has extra hearts, doesn’t get hurt by spikes, floats down on his magical surfboard that’s powered by awesomeness. I tried playing the game with DK because you know, nostalgia is a biiiiiiiiit-childish of a thing that is hard to let go of, but I couldn’t last. I managed to beat the first area but got stuck and it became instantly no fun for me. I was ready to quit and take the game out and move on with my life. But here comes the FUNK! He turned my frown upside down and I’m so happy he did.
If there was one driving force that kept me hooked through the game, it was the platforming. If you love you some platforming, you’ll have a bunch of fun in Tropical Freeze. I had a blast even in the parts where I would’ve felt better if I could just, I dunno, pull my hair out from the roots and dunk my head in a bucket full of rubbing alcohol.
There was just something about it that had me questioning if I was a sociopath or just really enjoyed the rush of passing a section that was giving me trouble. And it was a great rush! You felt pretty good about yourself if you beat a part that you spent a good 20 lives on. Speaking of which, after losing so many lives on one level, you’re given the option to skip it! Which I utilized only once, thank you very much. I came close to taking the easy road on two other occasions, but I refrained and pushed through. I’m glad I didn’t too because every time I almost did it, I was actually right at the end of the stage, so it would’ve been a waste.
Something interesting though. If you know me, I’m a collector at heart. And that doesn’t stop in real life. I try my best to get everything I can as far as collectibles go in a game. Especially platformers. With that said, I didn’t look at ANYTHING dangling or floating or shining on the screen. I started to collect stuff, but when I was struggling with DK I was already so defeated that I was just trying to beat the levels and get to the end. When I discovered Funky, my desire to push on and not worry about anything remained because I knew I was already teetering on the line of enjoying and rage quitting. I don’t think I missed out on anything substantial, and still enjoyed what I experienced.
Which is what this all boils down to. DK has a bad rap because of its difficulty. The majority of people that I know who have tried it say it wasn’t enjoyable because they got their bananas handed to them. I was almost there. This would’ve been a different tune I was singing if it wasn’t for Funky Kong. His superpowers compared to Donkey Kong were a game changer and I’m happy I discovered his mode when I did. It brought me back to the platforming I loved growing up and reminded me of where I came from with gaming. The music, some of the levels like the mine carts for example, the on-rail enemies who you would think you’re too smart for that wind up killing you a dozen times in a row, it all comes together beautifully. And it’s topped off with a Funky Kong shaped bow and ready for you to dig into.
ALRIGHT, fun times are ahead so sit back, strap in, and get ready for a ride through the wondrous land of “I’m not happy with my stock appearance so I’m going to change it for the sake of being cool!” Look, I can’t help …Read More….
Christmas is here! Basically, right? I mean we’re counting down single digits, it might as well be knocking on our door right now. If you’re following my Instagram you’ll see we’ve been pretty crazy with things around here. It’s hard to keep up with posting …Read More….
Hover over the image and click on the icon to purchase the movie!
Happy holidays! Isn’t it exciting?! If anything it’s insane how the year just flew by. Can’t believe we’re here neck deep in tangled Christmas lights and pine needles. It’s the season of giving! And if you’re anything like me, you’re totally OK with getting yourself a little something during all the shopping craziness. Especially when you find yourself wandering around Walmart at 10 p.m. the week before Christmas trying to find a gift for your cousin who is an absolute pain to shop for. Isn’t Walmart great for that though? It’s my favorite place for spontaneous movie buying. You’re walking around, grocery shopping, doing what you gotta do. Then you come across the electronics section and the next thing you know you’re having to put back those extra boxes of frozen mac and cheese because you HAD to have that new movie that came out. This sounds like a personal experience because maybe it is, alright? Don’t judge me.
If you’re not terrible like I am, buying things for myself when I was supposed to be buying for others, then here’s a tip for you last minute shoppers: Try and get something new that just came out. Not only will it have that special “new” feeling of something that just hit the shelves, there will also be a greater chance of the recipient not having it already. And they really shouldn’t be going out to buy anything anyway because EVERYONE should be on a buying freeze for themselves in December. How can anyone buy you something nice if you already bought it for yourself?!
I know, I know, I need to take a long look in the mirror. Again, I’m weak, don’t judge me.
I’m sure you already figured out what I’m getting to here. Pictures have a funny way of giving away all the details. Venom on Blu-ray comes out on December 18th! It’s PERFECT timing for gifting or getting yourself a little something nice. See it works both ways! It comes out so close to Christmas that no one is going to get it for themselves, and there’s a good chance everyone finished shopping for you already! So giving it as a gift or getting it for yourself won’t put you in any awkward gift exchanges. Win-win! I was fortunate enough to be sent an early copy so I can share its awesomeness with you.
It would be remiss of me to not mention The Equalizer 2 is also available! It released on December 11th and is another great idea for a gift/treat for yourself. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the first one and have every confidence in Denzel Washington to be the badass that he is. Tooting Walmart’s horn again, they have an exclusive The Equalizer 1 and 2 movie collection that’ll be a sweet gift to the Denzel fan in your life. And as far as Venom goes, they have a Venom Retro Action Figure Movie Gift Set that just screams Christmas gift for your favorite Marvel lover. Seriously, this close to Christmas, Walmart is setting you up lovely if you’re a last-minute shopper or getting yourself something nice. This is why it’s my favorite place to buy movies because you get to mix it in with your weekly grocery shopping. It’s like a sweet dessert for doing your weekly routine.
As for Venom, I can vouch that it’s a great gift for the Marvel/superhero fan in your life. Or anti-superhero, to be more specific. Because if you know Venom, you know he’s not your conventional hero. The movie tagline of “The World Has Enough Superheroes” should give you a good hint as to what to expect. It’s an action-packed ride in association with Marvel that helps satisfy your superhero movie fix away from all the other Marvel movies you’re accustomed to. I know I’m not the only one with a huge collection of superhero movies, so trust me, this will fit right in and be a must-have gift for anyone you know that has a soft spot for Marvel.
If you’re not familiar with it, it stars Tom Hardy, who absolutely rocked the roll. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Venom and all of it checks out. I was hooked throughout its entirety, especially when the action picked up because once it did it never stopped. The symbiotic relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom was perfect, with the banter between the two characters evolving and maturing into one heck of a team. There was a ton of action and the visual effects were impressive. The story had me hooked from the beginning to the scene after the credits (c’mon, what did you expect, it’s Marvel!). And boy, oh boy, if you are familiar with anything Venom, that end credits scene is going to make you audibly gasp. All in all, it was an awesome flick and I’m totally down with whatever Sony and Marvel would like to cook up.
Best part though? Seeing Stan Lee’s smilin’ face in his glorious cameo. I may be bias there, but I can’t help I’m still saddened by our loss. R.I.P.
Venom Blu-ray comes packed with over an hour of special features and extra content which I’m an absolute sucker for. I love watching behind-the-scenes features and seeing how things were done. That gift set from Walmart I mentioned earlier also comes with a Venom retro action figure that my son would go crazy over. For some reason, he loves bad guys in superhero movies and Venom has always been on the top of his list. As far as him watching this though, I can’t say I’d be alright with it. Yeah, I admit, I’m a fairly lenient parent when it comes to some stuff. But the PG-13 rating stands strong on this one. There’s no blood splattering everywhere, but the action does get pretty graphic in some spots, and there is a few instances of language that your kid may or may not be accustomed to. I’m glad I didn’t let him sit and watch despite really wanting him to. I think 10-11 year olds might be alright but that’s your call as a parent.
Alright, that’s where I leave you! Thanks to Collective Bias, Walmart, and Sony for giving me the opportunity to check out this awesome flick! And I hope someone out there reads this and listens to me when I say Venom deserves a spot in a Marvel fan’s stocking or under their tree.
