Man, it's been a while, so yeah my Internet was down for a couple of weeks (My reasoning for not being on GS or Xbox Live). While I was out of action I've been doing various things to keep from going crazy (Me loves the web). First I rented Stranglehold, fun game, but not enough depth for lasting appeal. After finishing that up, I went out and purchased Viva Pinata, addictive guilty pleasure if I may say so myself. I've at least put 25+ hours into the game and I only paid $14 for it so it's certainly a bang for my buck. Now I wasn't going to stay at home all of this time, I went out clubbing with friends and saw (On the request of those same friends) the new Resident Evil movie...a mediocre movie at best, still don't know why I decided to see it. Oh and Ratchet & Clank: UYA is done aswell.

Also did something I haven't done in while seem like an eternity, and that was read a book, well actually I just started reading it not to long ago. It's called "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave". I'm only on page 10, and so far it's sorta hard for me to comprehend some of the wording, some that I haven't even heard of before. It is a Harvard University book so maybe that explains all the "big" words or maybe it's just the beginning preface by William Lloyd Garrison, duh. Anyways I'll figure it out as I go along, my dictionary is only a arm's length away. And of course I can't forget about the 800 pound gorilla known as Halo 3, unfortunately though, won't be able to get it until I pay off my pre-order. I can never seem to get a pre-order on time when the game's released. Still, Must. Get. Halo 3! So, what happened while I was gone?

1. The Lord of the Ring Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy comprises three live action fantasy epic films; The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

Set in the fictional universe of Middle-earth, the three films follow the young Hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and a Fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring, and thus ensure the destruction of the Dark Lord Sauron. However, the Fellowship becomes broken, and Frodo continues the quest together with his loyal companion Sam and the treacherous Gollum. Meanwhile the Wizard Gandalf and Aragorn, heir in exile to the throne of Gondor, unite and rally the Free Peoples of Middle-earth in several battles cumulating in the War of the Ring. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trilogy Trailer.

Sure, some of you maybe thinking, these are three separate films of the same name. But I think of it as one long journey and one full film all together.

Now the reason why Lord of the Rings is number #1 is because I've never seen a film so far with as much great production quality, visual & special effects, storytelling and acting. Granted, it is based on the hugely selling novels (also I've never read) by J.R.R. Tolkien so that certainly helps when making a masterpiece such as LOTR. Peter Jackson's direction along with crew was flawless in every sense of the word. And the cast, what can I say? fantastic all around performances especially by Andy Serkis as Gollum. Of course, you know I had to get the DVD's, the special edition 12 disc extended DVD box set to be exact.

So their you have it, my top 10 list is completed...for now. It's still subject to change because their are still a ton of quality films I haven't seen yet. Maybe after watching those I may do this again, but in a more simpler fashion. Anyways, I appreciate all the support, random blog trackings and opinionated comments throughout my selection. Thanks!

2. The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film, written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding.

The film portrays Andy's twenty years in the cruelty of Shawshank State Prison, a fictional penitentiary in Maine, and his friendship with Red, a fellow inmate. Despite a poor box office reception, Shawshank Redemption received favorable reviews from critics and has enjoyed a remarkable life on cable television, home video, and DVD, and continues to be noticed by popular culture. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

I'll put my #1 movie up tommorrow just to keep the suspense going, but I'm sure you probably have a good idea what it might be anyways considering what you've seen so far. Think people, think.

4. Glory
Glory is a 1989 Academy Award-winning drama based on the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment during the American Civil War. The 54th was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African American men (apart from the officers). The first was the 1st South Carolina Volunteers.

The film depicts the unit's organization by Col. Robert Gould Shaw and other white abolitionists, and its struggle against racial prejudice in many forms. The film also depicts the struggle Colonel Shaw faced to get supplies for his troops, and also to get his regiment into battle to prove themselves as "true men, worthy of fighting among Whites". The climax depicts the Union's attack on Fort Wagner, which was spearheaded by the 54th, who took heavy losses but were hailed for their bravery. The film was rated R, but the edited version was rated PG. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

3. A Beautiful Mind
A Beautiful Mind is a 2001 biographical film directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. It was inspired by a bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-nominated 1998 book of the same name, Sylvia Nasar's unauthorized biography of John Forbes Nash the Nobel Laureate (Economics) mathematician. The film starred Russell Crowe, along with Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris and Paul Bettany.

The film begins in the early years of Nash's life at Princeton University as he develops his "original idea" that will revolutionize the mathematics world. Later, Nash develops schizophrenia and must endure paranoid and delusional episodes while painfully watching the loss and burden his condition brings upon his wife and friends. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

Honestly, I had trouble deciding wither this would be number 2 or 3, because after you see what's number 2 and/or watching A Beautiful Mind, then you'll know why it was so difficult. Also, if anyone is a fan of strong orchestral musical scores, A Beautiful Mind certainly has some of the best I've ever had the pleasure of listening to, good enough for me to even get the soundtrack, which of course I did.

6.Gladiator
Gladiator is a 2000 historical action drama film. It is directed by Ridley Scott and stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou and Richard Harris. Crowe portrays General Maximus Decimus Meridius, friend of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who is betrayed by the Emperor's ambitious son, Commodus (Phoenix), who murders his own father and seizes the throne. Captured and enslaved along the outer fringes of the Roman empire, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his Emperor. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

5. Forrest Gump
The film tells the story of a simple man (or gump) and his epic journey through life, meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture and experiencing first-hand historic events while largely unaware of their significance, due to his lower than average intelligence. The film differs substantially from the book on which it was based. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

8. Life is Beautiful
Life Is Beautiful (Italian: La vita è bella) is a 1997 Italian language film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, Guido Orefice (played by Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote the film), who lives in his own romantic fairy tale world, but must learn how to use his fertile imagination to help his son survive their internment in a Nazi concentration camp. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia. Trailer

7. Saving Private Ryan
This film is particularly notable for the intensity of its opening 25 minutes, which depict the Omaha beachhead
assault of June 6, 1944. Thereafter it presents a fictional search for a paratrooper of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division. While this part of the plot is a work of fiction, the premise is very loosely based on the real-life case of the Niland Brothers. Saving Private Ryan was well received by audiences and garnered considerable critical acclaim, winning several awards for film, cast and crew as well as earning significant returns at the box office. ~ Courtesy of Wikipedia.com. Trailer

Note: I'll try to do 2 of these a day until I'm finished. Also, this list is subject to change depending on wither I see other really good films in the near or distant future.

Another Note: Most of my list are comprised of fairly recent films. And even though these are classics to a lot of people, I still have yet to see The Godfather Trilogy, Scarface, Dr. Strangelove, Casablanca, Citizen Kane and many others (Yes, shame on me). So like I said before, this list may change. But perhaps I should of waited to do this top 10 until after watching those films. Oh well, it is what it is.

10. V for Vendetta
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, V For Vendetta tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (Hugo Weaving) known only as "V." Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself - and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption. ~ Courtesy of Warnervideo.com.

Well I've never read the comic book series, but I enjoyed this film nonetheless. The pacing of the story was well thought out, and Hugo Weaving was fairly good as the quirky yet wise "V". Natalie Portman (Evey) is decent in her performance, but doesn't seem to have that huge of a presents on screen. And of course the screenplay created by the one(s) and only Wachowski Brothers (Matrix Trilogy) definitely adds good story telling, and solid action. Trailer

9. Batman Begins
Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. ~ Courtesy of Warnervideo.com.

Batman Begins is the real deal and shows how a comic book is translated successfully into film…my personal favorite comic book movie. Anyway, Christian Bale (Who I think is one of the most underrated actors this generation) does an excellent job as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Along with him are a slew of extraordinary actors including Morgan Freedom, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Ken Watanabe and Michael Caine. Not to mention Christopher Nolan, who's a hell of a director in this piece of work, certainly one of my favorite directors in the business. Great job! Trailer

It's just not my type of shooter/adventure game. Don't get me wrong, the demo was rather impressive and graphics stunning, but after playing it for a while I figure Bioshock probably wouldn't keep me satisfied in the long run and that the nature of environments doesn't really go well with my tastes despite it's very engaging story according to impressions/reviews. Anyways, I have other upcoming 360 games on my plate that I'm more interested in like Halo 3, Stranglehold, and Mass Effect (My prediction, 2007 GOTY). I'm sure most of you will disagree with me, and I could care less if so. This is my opinion, and I hope fans can understand (Without backlash) my reasoning for not embracing Bioshock like almost everyone else has. Sorry Rapture, I'll pass for now.

In other news, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal is close to being finished, a few more hours left I assume. Oh and I finally achieved an A rank in DOA4 online which took me forever to reach because their a lot of good players out there. I can't even imagine how long it would take to reach S rank.

To around 45, that's not much compared to some of you, but still decent. 3 for $25...great deal, huh?. So far I've only watched Blood Diamond, excellent film, if you haven't seen it GO! Heard both Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima were very good, plus they somewhat go together as far as specific historical events, visual $tyle, and Director (Clint Eastwood).

Unfortunately for me, 2 of the 3 DVDs in store weren't available in 2 disc format, which sucks because I like viewing behind the scenes bonus content after finishing a movie. Oh well, the bargain I got was satisfying enough.

First off, I'm surprised that these demos weren't released during E3 or maybe on the upcoming TGS, would've been perfect timing, but whatever. Anyway if any of you saw me on XBL earlier today, I got my X360 back, delivered by mail. Well I heard from different sources, Eternal Sonata and Stranglehold had demos so of course I downloaded them. First I tried out Eternal Sonata, and if you remember the blog I wrote about Blue Dragon then you know I'm semi-willing to play more JRPGs even though they're not my thing. But after playing Eternal Sonata I may have another RPG on my list of games for this holiday season...we'll see.

The combat seemed like a combination of turn-based and real-time which was pretty fun. I think KOTOR was the one game I played that had that kind of gameplay, unfortunately it didn't hold my interest for very long. The only thing that sorta bothered me about the demo as well as with Blue Dragon and JRPG's in general, was the lack of voice over when speaking to NPCs, but I guess that's to be expected from a JRPG, they must love their non-verbal communication with subtitles.

Stranglehold on the other hand was more my cup of tea. Straight up guns blazing, lots of slow mo and something that can give me my next action game fix especially after going through Gears of War a while ago. I thought the controls were great, and easy to handle. Sure, we can all compare it to Max Payne, but in my opinion it's much better and more enjoyable from a gameplay standpoint. What concerns me though is the length, because games of this kind tend to be very short and if it is, then it's not worth buying for me. No replay value or not enough single player = no purchase, unless it's really cheap. But realizing the final product will also have online multiplayer (potential replay value), that could push me into possibly getting it.