The Older Gamers Forums - Blogs - Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/ Online Gaming for Mature PC and Console Gamers en Tue, 21 May 2013 13:14:58 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg The Older Gamers Forums - Blogs - Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/ Talera vs Splice http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/159-talera-vs-splice.html Sat, 29 Oct 2011 06:53:36 GMT While I was intrigued by the trailer for this film when it was released in cinemas, I figured it was one of those films that could wait until it was... While I was intrigued by the trailer for this film when it was released in cinemas, I figured it was one of those films that could wait until it was on weekly status at the local DVD store. How right I was.

This movie is marketed as a horror/thriller. Realistically, it is a drama for the first 90% of the film, then thriller, scratch that - attempted thriller, for ten or so minutes, then a plot hook for potential sequels. Yes the whole genetic enginerering often goes into a sci-fi category, but they focus less on that and more on the concept of this creature 'developing' and how the social relationships form and change between the parties.

Unfortunately the movie is also entirely predictable, obvious scripting. While the actors make the best of their role, they are let down by these other two factors.

I haven't written much about this film because ultimately I don't have much to say. I may consider watching any sequels, which no doubt there will be, but only on weekly status. I don't think I'll watch the original one again though. While I can see why some people may like it given the moral concepts of science playing with genetics, it was not explored well enough to bring these issues to the forefront of the movie. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/159-talera-vs-splice.html Talera vs Zombie Town http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/157-talera-vs-zombie-town.html Sun, 02 Oct 2011 04:46:06 GMT I have to admit I have a soft spot for B-Grade horror. It has spawned such legends as Bruce Campbell. Every now and then I queue up a movie that is... I have to admit I have a soft spot for B-Grade horror. It has spawned such legends as Bruce Campbell. Every now and then I queue up a movie that is beyond B-Grade. This is one of those movies.

This movie is probably between D to F-Grade. The camera moves about not for effect but because it was probably filmed with a hand held camera and they could not afford a tripod.

The dialogue and acting is cheesy, but it is intentionally so. This movie is indeed done to be a zombie comedy film. It opens with bogan townspeople who have been turned into zombies wondering through the scrub finding further willing victims. The idea is that the 'survivors' band together in order to determine how to stop them as well as what is causing the phenomenon. However, the trailer and even the back of the case gives away what is causing people to turn into flesh eating red necks (pun intended).

While this film does have some good one liners and also classic things such as zombie geriatrics, it did not have enough of them to fully rescue the film. It does leave you wondering what could have been achieved with a larger budget or even non-amateurs. Having said that, budget and experience does not always make a film better.

The film was entertaining for the 95 or so minutes it ran. But it is not a classic Zom Com like Braindead. You may not find me saying this often, but I think this movie is better watched intoxicated when life generally seems more amusing. However, then you run the risk of doing something silly like singing about how you're going down down down to Zombie Town. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/157-talera-vs-zombie-town.html Talera vs The Human Centipede http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/156-talera-vs-human-centipede.html Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:52 GMT This movie was banned from cinemas in some countries of the world. The planned sequel will apparently be banned from more. As I said before, I... This movie was banned from cinemas in some countries of the world. The planned sequel will apparently be banned from more.

As I said before, I watch horror. The notion it is gross doesn't impact me. So the concept of this movie being 'graphic' also didn't concern me. I was interested in the concept of the mad scientist going to an extreme, in the same way I often watch the ones based on human experiments.

Really, with this one I shouldn't have bothered. Seriously, don't bother with this film. The supposedly uber gross scene does not show any detail. The theory is that the first person in the centipede has to defecate and due to how they are joined it passes into the next person. You don't actually see anything though, it is just referred to.

The script and direction was woeful. The acting (for the most part) was terrible. We had the screamer who didn't have any passion behind it, just a loud voice. We had another valley type girl just as unbelievable, who seemed to believe she could convey melodrama just by putting her hand to her forehead every 10 minutes. The same actress, while on the phone at the start, also tended to wait one second before responding to something that the other person could not have possibly said in that time frame (one of my movie pet peeves). The police were stereotypical for movie police and unrealistic for real life ones.

The only positive thing about this film was the performance of the evil doctor. He was so believable as crazy and evil. In fact I don't think if I saw him in real life I could be convinced he was nice. He even managed to convey it with body language, including his facial expressions. It's sad that he was cast in such a terrible movie, I don't think it would help his career.

It doesn't worry me that the second one may be banned in Australia, I don't really want to watch it anyway if the quality of the first one is an indication of the sequel. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/156-talera-vs-human-centipede.html Talera vs Resident Evil Afterlife http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/155-talera-vs-resident-evil-afterlife.html Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:55:08 GMT Hm, I found it difficult to put my thoughts together on this movie.

Firstly I wasn't expecting much in the way of plot. The background story is the same as previous movies with the whole virus, Umbrella Corp and so on. a female super human seeking out the evil corp behid the conspiracy and shooting a bunch of zombies along the way. I don't watch these movies for plot, I watch them for action and zombie splatter gore.

I know this movie was at the cinemas in 3D. I didn't get to see it there, which was a shame. However, I do not have a 3D home entertainment system and I had to watch it in the normal 2D version. I have to be fair and say I think the special effects and fight scenes would have been a lot better in 3D as they appear to be designed/choreographed for that format.

The movie itself wasn't enough to engage me. While I paid great attention during fight scenes, the parts in between I tended to multi-task. Again, to be fair to the movie, I don't play the games. Perhaps if I did play the games I would be more interested in the 'filler' between the 'biff'.
The fight scenes themselves were great. While the concept of normal humans being able to undertake such feats is incredibly unrealistic, we have to acknowledge it is based on a game and of course game characters tend to be able to undertake unrealistic feats of heroism.

The highlight of the first Resident Evil movie for me (besides zombie creatures, I lurve zombies). was actually the soundtrack. I own very few soundtracks as I tend to only like one or two songs, but I do own that soundtrack. Again in this one the music was appropriate and assisted in highlighting theme and action as intended. Especially the song in the starting scene. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/155-talera-vs-resident-evil-afterlife.html Talera vs I Spit on Your Grave http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/154-talera-vs-i-spit-your-grave.html Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:53:31 GMT Sorry for the frequent entries, I'm on holidays so have time to catch up.

Okay, let's face it - I'm a horror girl. I love a good splatter as much as the next horror buff (though I prefer there also to be a mind screw in there). I saw the original of this film when I was in my teens, during a period where it was not banned in Australia (for those overseas, the original went through a couple of periods where it was banned in Australia due to the sexual violence).

Only one other person at my work has seen the original. When we saw there was a remake we both grimmaced. Still when it first came out she rented the remake and told me it was well done and I had to see it. So off to the quickflix queue I went and added the film to my list, putting it at the top of my queue.

Last friday night, after child was asleep and I was the only adult in the house, I put it in and watched it. It disturbed me. It was not scary by any means, but I was left disturbed.

I can take a lot of things being on my screen without batting an eyelid. I have seen sexual sadism on screen and while I abhor it in real life I know it is fiction I am watching. I don't want to get into a discussion about whether it contributes to sexual crime rates by having such films, I just want to focus on the movie here as I don't think you need to be subjected to my beliefs on the issue (though if you really want to know, just send me a PM and I'll spill).

Why did the movie disturb me? The gang **** scene pure and simple. The original film had a brutal **** scene, but while certain things were shown (I'll never forget the bottle) much was left to the imagination. I think this is best as it is a plot where your mind can fill in the blanks quite adequately. However, in the remake, the scene went on for almost half of the movie. It was prolonged and much less was left to the imagination. I know that it was done to horrify the audience and really make you feel for the victim. I know in order to do that it would have to be more graphic given today's society than when the original film was made. Having said that, I have to admit I found it a bit too prolonged and confronting.

While the revenge killings are imaginative and well done, I found the main actress' performance lacking. The actress had the original character down pat, but really after an event like that she is now a new character. I didn't find her believable as this second character.

All in all, actually not bad for a remake. However, I think their focus on shock value to make you feel victim empathy went overboard and I think the main character was miscast. Despite this, it is brought back up by the performances of the perpetrators, who acted in a creepy and ugly manner wonderfully considering the roles they ofen take in other films.
　 ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/154-talera-vs-i-spit-your-grave.html Talera vs Inception http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/153-talera-vs-inception.html Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:56:26 GMT Dreams. Fluid, intangible. Somehow even the most unrealistic concept can seem to be real and possible. Trying to grab hold of it and feeling it slip... Dreams. Fluid, intangible. Somehow even the most unrealistic concept can seem to be real and possible. Trying to grab hold of it and feeling it slip through your fingers.

Sometimes the dream is so real that when you wake you have to consider whether it actually happened. The vividness causing deja vu as a temporary state.

Everyone has considered certain things in their life. Is it possible for someone to read your mind? Is it possible for someone to enter your dreams?
When this movie first came out, I saw the trailer and knew I would love it. I could not go to see it at the cinema and wanted to wait until I had the house alone to enjoy it in full. I stayed away from reviews, told my friends not to speak of it to me and so on, just so I could experience it fresh and not go in with the bias of other's opinions. I also tend to be able to predict twists and I wanted this movie to be unpredictable for me, in the same way dreams often are.

This movie was everything I wanted it to be and more. The artistic direction managed to provide such movement within that it was as fluid as one conceives dreams to be. The notion someone can construct worlds for you and control the progress of a dream was effective in that the same concept revealed it could not control the dreamer. While your setting may be falsified, your actions are still your own. Your mind is their dominion, but you cannot be ruled.

The introduction of latent meanings, hiding items from our subconscious in places such as a safe is also fantastic. So often we believe a dream was trying to tell us something, but we just cannot bring the thoughts to mind. It is as if it is locked away and only the right combination can unlock the information.

For such a long time I have been waiting for another movie to give me a twist I could not predict within the first 30 minnutes. This movie did that for me. While I picked the twist before it was revealed, it certainly was not the twist I had envisaged for the first half of the movie. I'd like to say what I thought it was going to be, but that would be spoiling it for people.

No matter how many times I have tried to describe this movie in this entry, I cannot find the words to capture it and give you an image to take with you. I think this is truly one of those movies where everyone will take something different, the movie leaving its own individual snowflake in your mind. All I can say is it is a must view if you have not watched it to date. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/153-talera-vs-inception.html Talera vs Adaptations http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/152-talera-vs-adaptations.html Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:55:20 GMT So another book has been made into a film. Naturally you compare the book to the movie, but how do you decide if the movie is a good reproduction of... So another book has been made into a film. Naturally you compare the book to the movie, but how do you decide if the movie is a good reproduction of the books?

A few friends and I have been discussing this of late. What elements do we need in order to provide the movie with our tick of approval? While initially I thought most of us would agree, given most of us tend to agree when a movie is a good version or not, I was totally incorrect.

I found my friends fit into three distinct camps when it comes to giving their assent, each camp desiring a particular element as their main attribute. I now understand with more insight why, on some of the movies, we haven't agreed.

The first camp I like to call the 'purists'. They want the book repeated on the big screen. They grumble when characters have their gender or ethnicity changed. For the most part they can overlook these smaller things, but they are tempted to yell at the cinema screen when Frodo is carried across the river. One of my friends who fits in this camp, in that very scene, stated 'they only did that to get the chicks more involved in watching it'.

The second camp, which by the way seems to be the one I am in, is what I like to call the 'spiritists'. Yes I am making up words, but hey its's my blog. Anywho, this group does not care if things are changed. We do not need things to be perfectly literal when it comes to converting the book. If we wanted literal we would simply read the book again because in our opinion there is no way a movie can capture everything. We know characters need to be reduced, there are practical considerations such as budgets and screen time. All we ask is that the 'spirit' of the book is captured and made larger than life for us. We know that even if a movie managed to be totally faithful with words, looks and events, it could still be empty. We know that while the closer it gets the better, as long as it has the same moral quandaries, the deeper lessons of the plot and the struggles of the characters then it is a good reproduction. We are less likely to yell at the screen when the movie annoys us, instead looking at our shoes. But we are more likely to cheer along and be swept up in the emotion of the film when the spirit rides high.

The last camp is the 'comfortists'. For this group it is almost as if knowing what is about to occur gives them a sense of comfort. While they are willing to have a certain amount of departure from the events of the book, they cannot abide too much of this or they squirm in their seat, just like a person being asked to do something outside of their comfort zone. Despite this, they also recognise that a faithful reproduction can be emotionally hollow, and require a certain amount of 'spirit' to engage in the film.

So which camp are you in? Have I missed any simply because I have not come across another group within my limited social circle? ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/152-talera-vs-adaptations.html A departure of sorts http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/144-departure-sorts.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:04:50 GMT It is days like today I hate my job. Well to phrase it better I don’t hate my job, I hate some of the things I’m exposed to. Normally I love my... It is days like today I hate my job. Well to phrase it better I don’t hate my job, I hate some of the things I’m exposed to.

Normally I love my job, even with all the frustrations. While I get exposed to negative things, it still interests me. While many would find those exposures upsetting or tragic, I tend to be able to distance myself from them and deal with the task at hand.

Occasionally I have the days where the ‘thing’ I’m exposed to is so tragic not even I can distance myself. It is today, one of those tragic days, where I hate my job.

Today someone died at the hands of another. While my rational mind knows I could not prevent it no matter what I did and ultimately it was not I who was dealing with the taker, knowing my colleagues were makes me wonder if I had just had more involvement, gave more guidance…

I can’t go into too much here because of the nature of my work and I must remain confidential to do with my involvement in the perpetrator’s (sorry alleged) life. I can’t even contact the victim’s family to advise them of just how sorry I am for their loss. Rationally I know there was nothing I or my colleagues could have done to prevent the tragedy. Still my human nature comes into to second guess things in an irrational and purely emotive manner.

I know this is not the sort of thing normally discussed in these blogs. I know that most people want to read about gaming and geeky topics.

I don’t write this in order for sympathy, I know my emotions will pass once my head regains control. I simply write these words because I feel I need to say sorry to someone, but due to my job requirements this is the only way I can.

Sorry for your loss. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/144-departure-sorts.html Talera vs Advent Children http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/143-talera-vs-advent-children.html Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:49:51 GMT So on the weekend I watched Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. It should be noted I watched the 2005 version and not the revised edition which had... So on the weekend I watched Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. It should be noted I watched the 2005 version and not the revised edition which had more information inserted for people who haven’t played the game.

I was looking forward to this as I found the game play frustrating. The thing I found most enticing about the Final Fantasy games was actually the storyline/plot. The concept of having it purely that and with gorgeous animation was something I looked forward to.

The movie takes place about 2 years after the game ends. While the movie introduces the concepts of Jenova and the Lifestream well, it only provides minimal information regarding Sephiroth and Shinra. It also provides no information on Cloud or his connection with Tifa and the other characters. For this reason alone I think it would not be a movie suited for those who have not played the game. My understanding is the revised edition rectifies some of this, but not to a level for those who have not been exposed to Final Fantasy to get full benefit from the film.

Having played the game (in fact FF7 was the first one I ever played) I enjoyed it immensely. Admittedly it did not flow as well as I would have liked and did come across as a bunch of cut scenes put together but really this did not detract from my enjoyment that much. The animation was, in my opinion, very apt given the subject of the film ultimately being the game franchise. In fact it almost made me want to pull out that old game until I remembered the whole chocobo irritation.

It isn’t a long film and went well for entertaining me on a lazy Sunday afternoon while I was making my pumpkin soup. The movie is very story based instead of trying to accrue tension and so the periodic pausing did not cause issues. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/143-talera-vs-advent-children.html Talera vs Assault on Precinct 13 http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/142-talera-vs-assault-precinct-13.html Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:14:56 GMT I think this review may cause some people to wonder what I’m on, or want to hate me for things I’m saying. I know this movie came out yonkers... I think this review may cause some people to wonder what I’m on, or want to hate me for things I’m saying.

I know this movie came out yonkers ago, but I only got around to seeing it last night. Currently I’m on two minds about whether I should have bothered.

Ethan Hawke, good actor, pinnacle in my opinion was Gattaca and to be honest since he split with his wife, he looks more and more washed out (but I do acknowledge some good movies in that time). Which of course meant he looked totally appropriate for playing the ex-undercover police officer who is drinking away his guilt while hiding behind a desk.

Laurence Fishburne does well in his crime boss show no emotion where possible character. No surprise there.

Queue start of movie, 2 minutes on why our main star is a guilty hero. Wakes up and drinks. That is really all the background we get on him bar a small conversation with a shrink later in film.

Queue moving boxes (okay, I can see without reading the back we have a siege in an understaffed secluded building unlikely to attract attention). Main baddie arrested, taken to shiny new station. Emphasis placed on some ‘elite’ awesome rep police officers.

Sorry, but straight up we can see bad guy has secrets on the ‘elite’ police because they are the real villains and they will organise him to be held at dodgy building only guarded by guilty police officer where they will attempt to kill him. Guilty police officer goes through an amazing transformation where he takes charge and becomes a hero again. Guilty police officer and bad guy will form some sort of respect for each other without actually becoming friends.

Voila. The first 10-15 minutes tells you how the rest of the movie will pan out. Sorry if you think I have put in spoilers, but really if you didn’t pick it then not my fault as it is very obvious what is about to roll over your screen. So I sat tight and thought ‘hey maybe the action will make up for lack of subtlety’. Um, no.

This movie is what it is. The action itself is limited because they have to make the building and the characters last for the entire show. The ‘fight’ scenes are limited because the main antagonist is outside hidden in his warm car in the snowstorm. The characters ‘emotional’ stories are too quick and unbelievable. This movie just didn’t sell me. I don’t think I’ll watch it again. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/142-talera-vs-assault-precinct-13.html Talera vs Mock Songs http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/141-talera-vs-mock-songs.html Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:28:48 GMT One of my weird habits is changing lyrics. I’m no Weird Al, don’t get me wrong, but I can be talking with friends and then just suddenly come up with...
One of my weird habits is changing lyrics. I’m no Weird Al, don’t get me wrong, but I can be talking with friends and then just suddenly come up with a song in my head appropriate to the topic. I’m not very good at it, but it has scored me amusement points in groups previously. It has also scored me comments like ‘mum, sing the real words please’.




I have plenty of ones done at home for various themes, my tribute to Friday the 13th was one I got asked to pass around. It even led one night to friends and I all coming up with the ‘top 5’ for slasher films. I have been told that even though my opinion of them is low, I should circulate them more. One of my friends through work, who moved after a transfer, had me give him a song rewritten to be about him and he still has the lyrics up at his new office.




So in an effort, below I have the first verse of my tribute to True Blood and Twilight Cosplayers’Groupies. Do understand it was off the cuff and far far far from my best work. For those who can’t pick up the tune it is to Billy Joel’s Still Rock and Roll To Me. If you enjoy it let me know and I’ll post more in future.





What's the matter with the fangs I'm wearing?
Can't you tell the teeth are too white?
Maybe I should buy some werewolf pelt?
Welcome back to the age of pile.
Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey?
The blood and lunar cycle send the groupies all a funny.
Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new book
Funny, but it's still wolves and vamps to me
]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/141-talera-vs-mock-songs.html Talera vs Supernatural http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/140-talera-vs-supernatural.html Tue, 31 May 2011 06:40:23 GMT I watch Supernatural. Loved it from the first episode and watch it religiously. I can even tell you which episodes made me laugh my patootie off and... I watch Supernatural. Loved it from the first episode and watch it religiously. I can even tell you which episodes made me laugh my patootie off and which ones were a bit shocking. I can tell you the last episode of season 6 made me say “Oh my god” out loud (but I won’t say why – spoilers and all).

I converted someone else to it this year, not realising I had not converted all my friends. I got into a discussion with him and I realised part of the reason I liked it. It is not a horror which relies on gimmicks. In fact in many ways it’s family friendly.

I know, yes there are the occasional references to material containing nudity or the subtle comment on sexual events. Really, even some PG shows have this now. Despite the references no nudity is actually shown and most things are ‘alluded’ to only.

When it comes to the monster bits there isn’t much gore compared to other ‘horror’ based shows.

The swearing is minimal and what there is I consider to be low grade cussing.

It has the loyalty of ‘family’ even when those you consider relatives are not by blood.

So how does this show, with no real nudity/sex, swearing or gore manage to still draw in audiences despite most other shows relying on at least one of these themes?

Answer is story. Ok yeah some may watch it because those Winchester boys are just so darn hot in jeans, but really that can’t carry a show for six seasons.

I find it refreshing that there is a show on TV which does not rely on the mainstream gimmicks current modern programming contains. That they rely on story each and every episode. They don’t drown with constant character development, swapping in monster of the week episodes. The shows don’t always take themselves seriously and humour abounds. There are pop culture references for a varied audience and really what other show has slow dancing with aliens to ballads after being abducted?

I admit I was concerned when they extended it beyond the five originally intended seasons, would they be able to keep on story. Initially season 6 seemed forced, but my doubts were alleviated when I realised it was just because of plot set up for the big ‘oh my god’ finale.

Carry on my wayward son, I will continue watching. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/140-talera-vs-supernatural.html Talera v Materialism http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/138-talera-v-materialism.html Mon, 09 May 2011 01:57:08 GMT I’m not what I consider to be materialistic. I do not need the latest and greatest items. If I need an item to do A, B and C I will buy something... I’m not what I consider to be materialistic. I do not need the latest and greatest items. If I need an item to do A, B and C I will buy something that does that and not see the point in getting one that also does D, E and F if it costs more.

Yet I own a lot of ‘stuff’. This tends to be things that look like crap to everyone else but mean a lot to me, for example, I have an origami dragon made from dragon print proper origami paper which was made by a good friend when I was in college.

To reduce the ’clutter’ this causes I often have them packed away in boxes where I can pull them out every six months and go all warn and fuzzy with sentimentality.

I remember not only what happened to bring about the ownership, but also things to do with how I was back then. All bright eyed and not yet jaded by the professional world that came with some of my earlier career choices.

When the flood came through, I didn’t lose major possessions. I lost this sort of stuff. Yes I also lost most of my comic collection and some books, but those were not what I cried over. I cried over losing the first ever birthday card I bought my child and the first one he made for me. I cried over losing the things given to me by a dear friend who no longer walks this earth. Those things cannot be replaced by insurance and those things hold so much value to me. I cannot imagine how I would have felt had I lost everything, whether it is like others I know recently, in a fire or anything like that.

So it reminds me that as I age I will forget some of the memories associated with my items no longer owned. I may start to lose touch with that bright eyed girl I once was. I had to find a way to anchor myself without using those things as to who I once was. It reminded me just how much I need to let go of any form of possession and instead use my friends to remind me who I am, which is not materialistic. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/138-talera-v-materialism.html Talera vs the Void http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/135-talera-vs-void.html Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:43:52 GMT So I have been absent, I fell into a ‘void’. What did my void consist of? Well I got sent out of town for work, and it flooded there. Then I... So I have been absent, I fell into a ‘void’.

What did my void consist of?

Well I got sent out of town for work, and it flooded there. Then I went away a week and it flooded there. Then I went back out of town and it flooded there. I returned home for work and it flooded at home. Now I’m not making light of the whole flooding in QLD issue, I was lucky in that my residence only sustained property damage, the goods that were damaged were not essential (though they were incredibly sentimental and included my comic book collection) and nobody I know lost their life. However, once could see that the never ending wherever I set foot ends up wet, well it did not help me want to go anywhere in near future.

So while recovering physically from the water debacle my work increased. Somewhere in there my PC also died, has not been resurrected yet and as such I am confined to a work computer or at best my 6 year old laptop that has keyboard issues.

So while I am confined to a work computer, I will not have time to check the forums. I do undertake to put random words into this thing more frequently…. Sucks to be you having to read my rushed warbling and bastardisation of the English language. I’m sure you will cope and that whatever does not kill you will make you stronger.

Good wishes to all ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/135-talera-vs-void.html Talera v Case 39 http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/114-talera-v-case-39.html Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:47:16 GMT I have had many people tell me that Case 39 is an original horror movie that is unsettling. I know it surrounds a child in the foster care system due... I have had many people tell me that Case 39 is an original horror movie that is unsettling. I know it surrounds a child in the foster care system due to abusive parents and given I previously worked in a field which exposed me to such issues I thought it would also hit home a bit further for me than most people.

Before you read on there are spoilers, but all things I found terribly predictable within the film and guessed within the first 15-20 minutes.

I rented the film and I cannot advise it is scary. To me this movie was effectively a play on the Exorcist. It was not known what cause the child to be evil, though hints were given (especially near the end). This means they could not undergo an exorcism. So what happens when you have an evil child and don’t know if she is possessed or born that way? To me this is the real premise of the film. What are your options? Live within it given she’s fine is she is happy and getting what she wants? Go mad slowly while everything around you dies? Give her away? Take yourself and the child to the grave?

I did not find the performances of the adults that credible to be honest. I do not think Renee was a good choice for the main character and I think that they relied more on her homely face than her ability to connect in a caring manner to children. Maybe this was brought on by having been exposed to the profession previously. Funnily enough the only time I found her believable was when she was yelling at one of the parents, having seen so many people wish they could do that.

I do not regret this movie and did enjoy watching it mainly because the performance by the girl (Jodelle Ferland) was outstanding. While the way the movie was set up did not capitalise on evil innocence the way many try to, her ability to flick between charming girl and cold ‘thing’ right down to the expressions on her face was excellent. I’m not surprised that her acting resume has her doing many dark roles as she is very suited in being able to make the body language and tone changes required for these characters.

In the end I was glad I watched it. While the movie did not unnerve me and I found the story predictable (but hey most films are), I found I was sucked in by Jodelle’s performance of the waylaid little girl who knew who she was but not what she was. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/114-talera-v-case-39.html Talera vs Pandorum http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/109-talera-vs-pandorum.html Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:47:27 GMT Excuse spelling mistakes, in middle of nowhere using dial up! As I said in the last post, I watch a lot of movies/tv. So really when it comes to... Excuse spelling mistakes, in middle of nowhere using dial up!

As I said in the last post, I watch a lot of movies/tv. So really when it comes to describing movies to people I can do so quickly and without giving spoilers. For example ‘has the feel and style of A, but similar theme to B’. I have found this also allows people to have a more objective judgment because at no time have I said the movie is good/bad/ugly, also not commenting on my liking for the A and B movies. This then leads to a lot of people asking me to describe movies to them (in real life anyway).

I find that in the current time, pretty much any movie can be summed up with 3 movies or less. This does not mean it is poorly done or anything like that, it’s just hard to have an original style about life on the screen anymore.

Every now and then one manages it. Pandorum was such a movie for me.

I’ll try not to give too much away, but I guess if you are anti-spoiler don’t read just in case I’m not subtle.

Initially I put this movie into the feel of Alien (rock on) with a bit of Firefly reaver thrown in. Well for the first 20 minutes. Then I started to think ‘hang on, if the ship is called Elysium, where does the title come from?’. This is when my descriptions started to take a turn.

The combination of storylines, the swapping of what is the main focus of the plot and the feel to me all culminated into a film I cannot adequately describe in 3 titles. While I can pick 3 titles for it to cover most, it just doesn’t feel quite right, like my efforts have not encompassed the full idea of this film. I’m still sticking with the feel of Alien though J

I loved how they covered the amnesia. The gradual return of memories was harnessed far better by the storyline than in something like Resident Evil. While I could see what the end of each story arc would be, the fact they were all there and swapping for limelight kept the pace of this movie going for me. I was concerned when I realised this was beginning that it would try to do too much and not cover it all adequately. But I was satisfactorily wrong on this count. By not making each arc overly complicated, enough time and focus was spent on each one to ensure depth and completeness of story.

If someone asked me what this film is about I’m not sure I could really tell them anything other than what is on the box. Is it about the end of the planet, starting again, ‘reavers’, ship malfunction issues, Pandorum or what. While I know the movie is called Pandorum and at times you ask what is real, I don’t actually believe this is what the movie is about. I have come to the conclusion that this movie is not really about any one thing. It is a situation which has arisen on an important date which will decide a massive issue. It is about those involved, the obstacles and the choices they have, showing the results of their decision.
]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/109-talera-vs-pandorum.html Talera vs The Movie Habit http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/105-talera-vs-movie-habit.html Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:43:20 GMT I have a strange habit. I watch a lot of movies. This in itself is not strange, the fact that no matter how crap it is I have to watch until the end...
I have a strange habit. I watch a lot of movies. This in itself is not strange, the fact that no matter how crap it is I have to watch until the end is. I have never walked out of a cinema. If I rent the movie or borrow it I must watch it to completion and cannot turn it off. The only exception is when it is on TV and I have to leave the house.
So as you can imagine, I have watched a lot of movies in my time. When I was at uni I was known as a connoisseur of not only B-Grade, but all the way down to Z-Grade (a classification we invented after some of my more ‘exotic’ choices to rent). Some I remember more than others and I have to admit at times I begin watching a movie I think I haven’t seen before and then 30 minutes in realise I have.
This means most movies for me are predictable. Most follow a very straight formula, some being derived from literary theory, some just tried and true standardised methods. One of my ex-partners even complained (of sorts) that I always knew who the killer was too quickly. I taught him how I knew and now he unfortunately suffers the lack of suspense as he too discovers it early in the piece.
So how does a movie retain my suspense, create my adrenaline and all those awesome things that they should do? For me it’s all about how the movie is done. With the right script, believable acting and decent directing, a movie can still be effective and impacting despite knowing what is about to come next. It is then no longer about knowing the story, but watching how it unfolds. Knowing someone is going to die does nothing to detract from the bump and jump provided the movie has retained your attention intently enough to have the ‘bump’ happen unexpectedly.
I’m not sure if this increases my expectations on movies or if it becomes pleasantly decreased. What I do know is that sometimes it’s the ones you least expect that manage to achieve these goals.
]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/105-talera-vs-movie-habit.html Talera vs Working out of town http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/104-talera-vs-working-out-town.html Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:17:12 GMT You won’t hear me talk much about my employment on here. What I do say will be fairly limited. For work lately I have been out of town a lot. Now... You won’t hear me talk much about my employment on here. What I do say will be fairly limited.

For work lately I have been out of town a lot. Now I have a laptop for work, but can’t access most sites and also can’t check my home email. Surprisingly enough, this frustrates the hell out of me. It isn’t that I can’t play computer games or anything. No it’s that I perform most of my communications with others electronically now, via email or the dreaded FB.

So when I work out of town, I tend to feel cut off. I am away from home, alone in a hotel/motel and not really able to talk to anyone greatly. Then I feel crappy that most of my interpersonal communications with those who do not live close to me anymore is done online.

I find online easier. It’s quick, frequent and can reach more than one person at once when you have something big you need to tell everyone. But then you’re screwed if the computer breaks, power is out or (god forbid) you work out of town with the above restrictions. I know there are ways around it, like me taking my own laptop and have portable wireless, but given I don’t work out of town that often it isn’t really worth the expense to me.

So instead I have been spending many nights this month in a room away from home watching bits of movies on pay tv and seeming like I’m ignoring everyone.

My job has made me a snob. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/104-talera-vs-working-out-town.html Talera vs The Children http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/101-talera-vs-children.html Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:52:18 GMT There is always something disturbing about the face of innocence portrayed as evil. Seeing such a pure icon engaging in such acts with a cold look on... There is always something disturbing about the face of innocence portrayed as evil. Seeing such a pure icon engaging in such acts with a cold look on their normally beautiful face can get the best of us. To me this is what makes things such as the Angels in Dr Who and evil children in movies so disturbing to us. We may not be scared, but it makes us feel uncomfortable and ill at ease to watch.

So I went to watch ‘The Children’ on the weekend. It is a new (I say because it not long got released on DVD) horror movie based as Christmas. A family event, joyous holiday where all the adults engage in such fun and make believe for the children. You get together with loved ones and as much as adults enjoy the event, having happy children around increases the wonder all the more. I thought the concept of children turning evil would make for an enjoyable movie.

The main problem I found is that it isn’t really a movie, it’s a mash together of 2 (maybe 3 if I stretch it) other movies I have already seen. I know horror doesn’t have much room to move for original concepts and really I only expect a ‘mish mash’ to be well done. Some of the actors were good, others not so good. Really the movie was let down by the fact that the children came across as aliens rather than evil, it was predictable and to me didn’t have decent enough acting and script writing to make up for those 2 deficits.

To me the only real good thing about how it was done was isolating it to a family home in the middle of nowhere instead of a city. The concept of what would you as a parent do if your child was seemingly evil. The logic is to accept there is evil, but when there is an alternate explanation, no matter how unrealistic, would you still believe your child was capable of those things or would you take the other option? Despite this being posed well, I don’t find this concept ‘scary’, instead I find it more in the realm of moral hypothetical.

Maybe I’m just odd, A lot of movies that scare others don’t scare me and I find other movies friends rubbish to be very disturbing. All in all I don’t necessarily regret watching The Children, but I won’t be adding it to my collection any time soon. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/101-talera-vs-children.html Talera vs Option C http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/100-talera-vs-option-c.html Sat, 13 Nov 2010 05:49:16 GMT So I have been quiet this week. There has been a reason, I have been dealing with Option C.

I haven't been of full health lately. I went to the Doctor and as per usual they have to do tests to be sure of what it is. It could be Option A which just means I have to do either short term or long term medication, but other than that things will be fine. Option B is more serious, requiring surgery, but said surgery is keyhole done as a day operation and then it's all over. Both of these options have pros and cons. I could deal with either of these and relief was starting to wash over me when the Doctor says 'of course it could be Option C'.

Option C is not good and has people who know what that Option is freaking out on my behalf. Of course they can't test for Option C straight up. No they want to rule out A or B before looking at C. Gee thanks, prolong my concerns and waiting time before I get my all clear.

I know Doctors have to advise of all risks, potential bad outcomes and so on. I know they have to prepare us for the worst while trying to encourage us to remain optimistic. I get that and don't have a problem. What I don't understand is when one simple test can rule out Option C, why not do it when testing for A or B and stop freaking me out waiting to find out what is going on. Maybe a Doctor is reading this and can let me know. If testing for Option C was overly invasive or expensive then yeah I would wait, but it's as simple as testing for A and B.

So since I posted about my ordeal with the Walking Dead, I have been dealing with my shell shock and fretting about what could be going on with me. I'm not writing this for well wishes comments or anything like that. I'm just venting about how frustrating it is to be told to wait for something like the answer when they could do the test and give me one within 24 hours. Currently it has been almost 72 hours. My tests to determine if it's A or B don't happen for another 72 at best. Then wait for those results. Then get referral for test C if required. I'll be waiting almost 10 times as long (maybe longer) than I would by giving me the referral for test C in the first place.
]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/100-talera-vs-option-c.html Talera vs The Walking Dead http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/97-talera-vs-walking-dead.html Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:27:47 GMT A policeman, figure of protection and safety, wanders through a deserted area filled with bodies and empty cars. He walks to a petrol station and... A policeman, figure of protection and safety, wanders through a deserted area filled with bodies and empty cars. He walks to a petrol station and just as he notices there is no fuel left, he hears a noise. Getting close to the ground we see slippers stopping and picking up a teddy bear. He has found a young girl. He calls to her, telling her he is there to help keep her safe. She turns, her bottom jaw half missing. This picture of innocence and all that should be protected and kept safe emits this guttural primal growl that sends shivers down your spine. Protection and safety is forced to murder innocence.

This is how the Walking Dead commences.

When I heard they were turning the comic series into a television show I had my doubts. Often when they are turned into movies, it fails to bring the feeling across, leaving us with two dimensional characters and storylines. Would this be any different? If the first two episodes are anything to go by then yes.

While the walking dead (they are not called zombies in the show) are shambling, they refrain from going Romero and having them emit words such as ‘brains’. They manage to bring sympathy for those who are now themselves killers because they were turned into such by circumstances outside of their control.

By starting with the ‘apocalypse’ already commenced and focussing on someone who was in a coma and missed it all, they have not had to explain how it happened or what caused it. In this respect the show does not have to come up with scientific reasons why it does not cause animals to be walking dead. I like this. Many zombie style flicks tend to feel contrived in explaining these things. With ‘Walking Dead’ it is just a given that this is how it is. Also, it does not have much in the way of gore, which will increase its appeal to those who are not normally fans of the horror genre, which in modern times seem to be reliant on the amount of fake blood used during scenes. The aim is the horror of their situation, both the survivors and the dead.

Normally I give a show 3 episodes to tell me what it will be like from there on in, allowing time for setting up characters and plot. I already like this one. ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/97-talera-vs-walking-dead.html Talera vs The Beginning http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/95-talera-vs-beginning.html Sat, 06 Nov 2010 20:57:32 GMT So I have been out of town for work for the week. I’m tired and managed to pick up the flu along the way. Due to my incessant coughing and sneezing,... So I have been out of town for work for the week. I’m tired and managed to pick up the flu along the way. Due to my incessant coughing and sneezing, despite how exhausted I feel, I cannot sleep.

It is 6.30am. I woke up just after 5am and gave up trying to get to sleep about 15 minutes ago. What is annoying is that it is Sunday morning. This is the only morning I can even try to sleep in. It is the only morning my son sleeps in so I’m boned any other morning.

So here I sit, with a laptop, a good cup of tea, the latest episode of Fringe on and I write my first blog entry while every other live being in the house continues to remain in the sought after comatose state. I write a lie, all of the beings bar my cat who is over attentive when he knows I’m sick and follows me from room to room, hence him being curled up on the couch beside me as of 6.25am.

So I have said I would write a blog previously. My main problem is I don’t write to appeal to the masses. I write knowing others could be reading this, but I write to put ‘me’ on ‘paper’. I don’t have a consistent theme throughout my entries and I’m not a ‘reviewer’.

Instead you, the reader, will find a few things. I write about what is in my head. This could be a game I’m playing, a book I’m reading or video I’m watching. I may just write about some philosophical crap that is clouding my mind until I vent it. I will however take requests (if anyone actually reads it and decides they care enough to want to discuss a particular topic).

At times my writing style will be verbose, at times abrupt and short. At no time will I be aiming to offend someone when I write, but I guess you also have to take me as I am.

On occasions (mainly decided by family or work commitments) I may not put an entry for a few days. Then I may become prolific and put several entries in one day.

I guess what I am trying to say is that as per the idea of putting me on paper, my blog will be eccentric and erratic in the same way I am. I hope people can deal with that. The only rule for reading this is that you have to take me as I am. :wink: ]]> Talera http://www.theoldergamers.com/forum/blogs/talera/95-talera-vs-beginning.html