Anna and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you The Feel Good Story of The Year Award. This is an award I invented strictly for the purpose of me saying the phrase "The feel good story of the year". Last years winner was another terrific story, one of courage, honour and uhh..uhh, a white wolf with a sword? And a poker game?

Yes! It was the story of a little known Polish company rising from the ashes to deliver one of the best RPG games in year - no not Oblivion put down that hatchet. The Witcher! And yeah then they uhh sold out to console. Anywho...

I would like people to vote for their favourite story. If you have your own story to nominate please state what it is and give me a synopsis.

UPDATE: The Winner is...

[spoiler] Mass Effect: A really fantastic port and an overall solid game. Probably my first choice for PC GOTY this year. [/spoiler]

The nominees for "The Feel Good Story of the Year 2008" are:

Huckleberry Hound: Hot Potato's Sick Dog.

The story of Hot_Potato's terminally ill dog was a touching one. It took the hearts and wallets of many Australians to stand together with lit candles to spell the pooch's name out. This along with prayers from the Gamespot community raised the hounds spirits and he has lived on to see out the rest of the year. There will be no refunds given on the candles.

I'm allowed to wear it. I'm a college student.

A story straight from my own backyard. I was accepted into Sydney University, regarded as the best University in the world. Even better than Yale! Many of you will remember the photos that I placed up from the very first day! Take a look!

A Port with Mouse Support?! Blasphemy!

Mass Effect. Forget the "Press Start button". Its a new precedent for ports on PC.

A cinematic and action packed RPG with superb writing and awesome visuals which combine to create a very fun experience. Its my first nomination for PC GOTY. And yes I chose Liara! Ha! Okay I may have tried Ash as well...

Too Much Teal!! The Devil is building his army and Max Payne is looking for something that God wants to stay hidden...that line still doesn't make any sense does it?

The announcement of Diablo 3 was one of the worst kept secrets in gaming history. It was not a matter of if but when was it coming. Blizzards website hyped up the annoucement with a photo that they unveiled day by day. I am sure that there were many of you - like myself - that believed this would be the long awaited game based on the movie Love Actually with all of the characters from the movie voiced by Alan Rickman! Sadly this was not the case, and Diablo 3 was also booed by some babies for its bright lights. Many who complain about a game being too bright before they've played it are unlikely to have been outdoors. To contain them: vote for Diablo 3 this year!!

(That looks like me after I saw Max Payne: The Movie!)

Runners Up/Honourable Mentions:

- My New Computer.

- Police unable to explain disappearance of director J. Moore.

- Uwe Boll quits movie making, joins Church.

- Crytek drops charges and endorse fan idea for Crysis 2: Legend of Psychos Son

- Director Uwe Boll believed to be missing.

 

An Englishwoman (Nicole Kidman) comes to Australia in 1939 to oversee a business deal involving her inheritance of a cattle ranch. Yet when her husband is murdered she is persuaded by rival businessmen King Carney (Brian Brown) and Neil Fletcher (David Wenham) to return back to England. Resisting this, she insists with the help of a cattle herder named Drover (Hugh Jackman) to move the livestock across the harsh desert plains of Australia. She forms a romantic relationship with the drover and gradually embraces the love of a small Aboriginal child named Nullah as well.

Baz Luhrmann's much talked about and hyped epic is a lavish production, beautifully photographed by cinematographer Mandy Walker, to capture the landscape and allure of the Australian outback. The superb camerawork artfully captures the sweeping plains and deserts in such a way that you will wish that many of the shots were held on slightly longer. From the opening title card of the film however – despite having an Australian cast and director – it is obvious that the film is intended for American audiences. We are informed of what the Stolen Generation was, as well the attacks on Darwin by the Japanese. It feels like a very simplified way of expressing these events rather than allowing the audience to see them on screen for themselves and recognise what is happening.

Structurally the film also resembles a Hollywood blockbuster too.  There are merely heroes in villains in the story – like Brian Brown's Carney – and we have no doubt that good will eventually triumph evil. A climatic battle scene involving the bombing of Darwin provides the film with the razzle dazzle of epic war films gone by. Though the film has no shame in this given the way it imitates Hollywood ****cs like The African Queen and references others such as The Wizard of Oz. There are few surprise in the story, particularly in the relationship between Drover and Lady Ashley. As an Australian film I would have liked to have seen a less conventional story, with fewer clichés and a much slower pace to the opening of the film. Luhrmann's direction – and theatrical background - rushes through the film's opening scenes and exposition, skimping through the details of the takeover plot of the land.

A more precise and patient film would have given the actors more time to express who their characters really were, as opposed to many of the cartoon and two-dimensional personalities, like Jack Thompson as an alcoholic accountant. Again this cartoonish and simplistic way of drawing Australian personalities as Bogans and bar fighting thugs, along with repetition of phrases like "crikey", seems to appeal to a more American audience, who may not have a sense of Australia apart from these caricatures and stereotypes.

Nicole Kidman's offers a strange performance, one bordering on comedic at times – whether this is intentional or not remains to be seen – but her accent and overwrought mannerisms as the English aristocrat are at times jarring and awkward. Hugh Jackman is a much more likeable lead and his appearance as the rugged Drover is also more believable. Still he could have at least been given a real name apart from Drover. One of the more surprising actors is the Aboriginal child Brandon Walters as Nullah, who offers a warmth and sweetness to the film, providing it with humour and at times a sentimental touch. Other critics have questioned the films political correctness and the paradox of Kidman's character – a woman who is against racism but is willing to try to adopt an Aboriginal child and dress him in Western clothing. The film's final scene attempts to redeem this unusual contradiction in the story somewhat. Audiences may find themselves divided on this; though others are more likely to ignore this subtext and relish the film as an action blockbuster.

Even at a length running time of nearly three hours, the film is still well paced and there are stunning set pieces to enjoy. If you take it for what it is – an action and adventure film – rather than the cinematic masterpiece it would like to be – Australia is flawed but still very watchable.

3/5.

This isn't a review, more of a discussion about the film American Beauty.

This is a highly praised film, it won Best Picture in 1999. 

I'm glad its very satirical - with comedic moments - because if this was a straight drama this film wouldn't work. There are a lot of ludicrous elements to the story.

One of the weakest parts I think is the subplot about the neighbour with the video camera. Its too improbable that you wouldn't tell him to just go away if he was filming you and I don't think the relationship with the daughter rings true at all. I don't see what the connection is. Those parts really weigh the film done in its attempts to be philosophical and deep. 

My other complaint about the film is that it as a comedy I think it doesn't condemn Lesters behaviour at all. What he was doing with his daughters friend was borderline pedophilia and yet instead of being outraged at this behaviour - particularly a scene late in the film - it amounts to a catharsis really - nothingness.  

It was interesting what they were trying to saying: someone can project love onto another person without having to be physical and see what they are really like at their most valunerable state. 

Annette Bening is a strange character in this - I know  she was nominated for the Oscar but I thought some moments like where she starts screaming when she cannot sell the house was a bit over the top to be honest.

Having said this however, the film is very funny in parts. The Mr. Smiley scene at the drive through is a real gem. And I think one of the films greatest assests is Kevin Spacey who has great timing and delivery. And its a very brave film to come out of Steven Spielbergs production company Dreamworks. Spielberg a very pro-American director, allowing a film like this criticise the falsity of the American Dream.

I watched the film on VHS - lol, thats the only copy I have of it - so maybe some of the scenes at the cinema would have been more intense. But as it stands, its a good film, an interesting one about seeing things for what they are, but its not always successful. 

3.5/5. 

If you agree/disagree let me know. 

BL - Just having my say!

First things first, I hate Censorship. I don't understand why adults are restricted in what they can view and treated like small children. This comes at a time when FEAR 2 has been temporarily banned here in Australia.

However, what I hate reading more than that - because FEAR 2 will eventually be released here - is horribly, unnecessary, naive, racist comments about my country that emerge everytime an article like this is released. Some of the remarks, like calling Australia a dirt ball of a country, are disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.

I would now like to call upon Moderators to permanently ban or at the least submit a 30 day suspension for those who are making remarks like that. A point loss is not a sufficient punishment in my opinion. And if anyone else feels the same please sign here. We don't need thugs like this on our site! Stand with me members of Gamespot against this evil we have inherited! 

I want to show the people of Gamespot that their site doesn't belong to the criminals and the corrupt. I can do that as Biggest_Loser - As a symbol....

 

 

In the American town of Warsaw, director Nanette Burstein filmed the lives of several teenage students for ten months. We meet Megan the spoilt and popular girl, Jake the nerd who wants a girlfriend, Colin the sports jock, Hannah the outcast and Mitch the heartthrob. The pressure placed on these students by their school and their parents is both real and shocking, but it is also the way that their social lives defines who they are that is also engaging and true.

This revealing documentary provides a poignant examination of growing up that everyone will be able to relate to. All of the characters in the film are the clichés we have seen in many other fictional American films, but the authenticity of the documentary and the insights provided by Burstein, provides each of these people with sympathy and heart. While they are deeply flawed and some are quite nasty, it is difficult to entirely dislike them. Megan is highly immature, spoilt and nasty to her friends. Yet the pressure applied by her parents to be accepted into a decent college, as well as the suicide of her disabled sister, allows us to see someone who is flawed for a reason, and it is this earnestly throughout much of the film that provides it with its emotional core.

The access Burstein had to so much of their lives is highly intrusive and there are moments throughout the film that are difficult to watch, such as the breakup of Hannah's long term relationship. This is a particular painful moment in the film as the way Hannah speaks about herself is juxtaposed with a brief animated sequence to represent her degraded personal image. Perhaps it would have been more poignant without the animation and just shown her speaking, but regardless, there are a few moments like this that are very emotional and that you do not really want to experience because you can see them approaching.

Parents also form an integral part of the film, despite the rather negative light they are portrayed in. Many of the parents are seen as either controlling or pressurising of their children, particularly in sports. Colin – the star of the basketball team – is held almost solely responsible for the team's success and failings. His only way to get into college is through a basketball scholarship and there are moments of tension throughout his games where you are just hoping he will succeed. His dad is an Elvis impersonator and you know that Colin would to accomplish more with his life.

The geek's awkwardness and social inability provide several cringe worthy moments during the film, though Burstein's direction never judges him. We see him for who he is and he is certainly one of the more spiraling characters, who's lack of confidence and self pity is at times is difficult to watch, but in a sweet way provides the film with some humour too. He imagines himself inside video games meeting his girlfriend and slaying his enemies from high school. All of these kids are hoping for something better in their lives and Burstein has no shame in identifying that they want something more than what Warsaw provides.

Cynics may view American Teen as a cliché in itself since we have seen many of these elements throughout several fictional high school films, like American Pie and Juno. Yet it remains impossible to ignore the documentary's authenticity and – despite being set in an American town – the universal appeal of these people that many teenagers and their parents will resonate with and recognise. I found its insights to be emotional and moving.

4.5/5.

Feel:

Outside of you.

Inside of me

Cold and frozen to the caverns of ice and dew.

I don't want to be alone.

But I walk through there.

Walk through the darkest corner of this sky.

Pull up the covers and shut out the night.

Crawl up next to you.

Watch you sleeping when you're a million miles away.

Watch you sleep when you're two itches to toes.

See you when the sun comes up.

Watch you fade away in closing eyes of today.



Numb:

Feel your laugh

Breakdown the ice.

Bring my shadow

Into your reach.

I'll burn to see them with you.

Short. Sharp.

The longest blister of pain.

Pull me out of the fire

And out of the ice.

I'm numb for you.

See it in my eyes.

Stare for hours. One that cannot break.

You know how I feel.



Fingertips:

Time to let go. To say goodbye another night.

The moments you hold on. Grace me in your arms.

But hold on longer this time. Moments are always.

That's always there for you. Always a time for you.

Always a time to wish you were here.

Wish you part of this night

But you're this puzzle I walk through.

The one to solve. The one to move and shuffle through.

The one to never solve. The one to keep thinking over.

Always.

Well my friends, I completed the Witcher Enhanced Edition. I spent about 30 something hours on the campaign. Just think of all the other stuff I could have done in that time:

1. Got a GF

2. Bought a bagel

3. Got a GF.

4. Broken up with said GF.

5. Cooked some fried chicken. One of my friends makes the best fried chicken!!

So check out the new review and keep watching the sky!!

Witcher Enhanced Edition Review.

Day by day he becomes more and more like his nemesis...

Why so serious? 

He's a film critic becoming like Uwe Boll! Wtf do you think?!? 

But seriously folks, I've drafted the script to a game adaptation. You have to guess what it is - this excludes those that already read some of it. 

Next: I would like to hear what other games people would like to see turned into a movie and reasons etc. Don't just say "Secret Service: Ultimate Sacrifice" for no reason. 

Have Fun. Happy Gaming. 

- BL (Chancellor, Script Writer, Boll Basher).

 

I have made a new video that I would like you all to watch. It is a montage of the most talked about PC Games of 2008. It is dedicated to a very special friend of mine.

Click here to watch it. Leave a comment!

Max Payne.

Adapted from one of the most loved PC Games in video game history, Max Payne centers on the title homicide detective (Mark Wahlberg) who's wife and baby were murdered three years ago. When the sister of deadly mercenary Mona Sax is killed, along with Max's former partner, he suspects that there might be links between the cases. His investigation takes him through the gritty, drug fueled underworld of New York to solve the case with the help of Mona (Mila Kunis), his boss BB (Beau Bridges) and an Internal Affairs officer Jim Bravura (Ludacris).

It will break the heart of Max Payne fans to learn that this derivative action film has separated itself significantly from the sty*e and enjoyment of its video game equivalent. Rumours that Mark Wahlberg refused to play the game are evident from his detachment from the iconic character. Max Payne has always embodied the characteristics of the hardboiled detective. In the games he remains cynical, tough, tenacious and a highly disturbed figure. Walberg, with his expressions limited to frowning, his lack of narration and snappy pulp dialogue, fails to capture the essence of Max Payne. Inconsistencies, such as panicking and almost crying, seem highly out of character. While Mila Kunis as Mona Sax fails to strike a balance between deadly and desire that a femme fatale should have. Without these Noir elements the heart of the game is definitely missing. Other major characters are either non-existent or have been changed entirely. Jim Bravura was a fat, middle aged, white man in the game. Being played by rapper Ludacris here is a laughable decision for those familiar with the games.

Not only is it highly distracting to see how much of the plot of the game has been changed, but also disappointing that it lacks any emotional impact or mystery. Those who have played the game will be familiar with the twists, and those who haven't won't care enough because of the poor performances. Moore's failure to excite the action sequences too – of which there are only a few and limited bullet-time (slow motion) effects – is another letdown. Visually there are some striking exterior shots of snow-covered New York, which look highly reminiscent of the game's graphic novel. Yet seeing these and other locations from the game makes you smile and remember how much better off you are playing the game rather than watching this rubbish.

1/5.