REVIEW: Pixels

PIXELS is the latest Adam Sandler movie which preys upon people within a decade of Sandler’s age bracket and hoping that the lure of retro arcade classics will help this movie become the blockbuster that it promises to be. Up front and centre on both the poster and the trailer, is a gigantic Pac-Man that is terrorising the world. But before we go that way, where did this idea come from? Was it Sandler’s inspiration or some other source?

 

Well the truth is, is that it is based on a mini movie that had all the hallmarks of a fantastic idea. Check it out the clip, by clicking here.  It  was fantastic as an idea so it was to go without saying that someone somewhere would be wanting to take it further and sprinkle the “magic of Hollywood” ‘pon it. Sadly, it was Da Sandler who got his mitts on it. Part of the appeal of Adam Sandler films, original ones anyway, was the young goofball, wanting to be loved and trying to get the girl. Now he’s older, the template doesn’t fit quite so well, and this movie is a very similar premise, and sometimes it borders on creepy. In this movie the love interest is a really pretty girl who is visually a lot younger than the ageing Sandler and it looks more like a dad pursuing a daughter than two people who would fall in love.

 

However, besides that fact, Sandler’s character doesn’t really have any redeeming features (apart from really good at certain video games (read 80’s arcade machines)) so it’s difficult to see how those two would get together even in the constraints of this movie. There’s a sequence where the two of them are in a cupboard and it just doesn’t make any sense and feels rather strange to watch. You may have noticed that I have not even told you the names of these two characters, as the story is so weak I can't even recall them. But, IMDb promises me that Adam Sandler's character is called Brenner and Violet (Michelle Monaghan) is the love interest. Backing up those two characters, we have Kevin James (as the President of the United States?!), Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad and the creator of Pac Man himself, Professor Iwatani (even if he is played by an actor).

 

The movie goes like this (but if you have seen the trailer it basically explains the premise) but it’s this – in the 1980’s NASA send a message of greetings into space to show them what our lives are like in the 1980’s – complete with the arcade games of the day, speeches and music videos from the megastars of the day and more. However, instead of a message of hello to the universe, they took it as an act of war and therefore create arcade game characters to come to Earth to destroy us. It’s times like this when they should have just stuck with The Carpenter’s “Calling All Occupants…” song and left it at that. Anyway, this premise sounds damn good on paper – but as with a lot of movies these days it seems that it is not the inspiration but the execution of it that lets the movie down. As described, we have a talented cast with a mix of experience and the film does show sparks of brilliance on occasion, but this is few and far between. This is a copy and paste sci-fi action movie that doesn’t really take anything further forward in terms of story or character development.

 

The problem with this movie is that it’s a fantastic idea and has an epic selling point, and, like most movies of that ilk, it’s the execution of the idea that it falls prey to. Character development is mostly non-existent – and for the pixelated characters it relies solely on what we know in pop culture and that’s about it. Adam Sandler exclaims each video game character as if to tag it – the only thing missing is a hashtag graphic at the same time while he says it. In fact, as cheesy as it sounds, that wouldn’t look too much out of place in this movie. The movie then is heavily special effects laden and low on just about everything else. Even the low-fi HD pixelated characters are shallow.

 

Adam Sandler is getting older and the schtick that worked when he was younger just sparks of desperation and doesn’t seem to work in this instance. I think he needs to move on and try being a different type of character and move with both his audience and his career. The movie is below average and even the most die-hard fans of sci-fi and/or retro gaming (which demographic it is clearly gunning for) would struggle to say it’s a good movie (and yes, I’m one of them). The only film worse I have seen in 2015 is Fant4stic Four (see my review here) and this isn’t much better. If I had to sum it up – it’s all looks and no personality.

 

Pixels is out now on DVD and Blu Ray and digital download.

 

POPSCORE: 5/10

What am I talking about? Pixels movie
Where can I find out more? http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/pixels/
If you liked this try: King Kong (latest Peter Jackson version), Night at the Museum (which is far superior), Independence Day (ID4), Wreck it Ralph (which does the licensed characters a lot better)

Anything else?
The closing credits re-run a synopsis of the movie in 8-bit style.       

REVIEW: Dad's Army (PG)

Welcome to 2016... the year of revamps and remakes and the recycling of old ideas.  Actually, the truth is, I guess the world is running out of inspiration for the time being. However, in a world where superhero movies and political correctness are running rife, you may be one of those people who are pining for the past. If that is the case (and it may well be judging by the recent resurgence and popularity of retro gaming) then Dad’s Army might be for you. Based on the classic British TV show (not to be confused with M.A.S.H) Dad’s Army is a remake for the next generation using the previous generation and the generation before that. I have to say, as a neutral supporter, I have never seen the original show (I know, what a travesty!) but I watched this without prejudice. But, brace yourself. There is more to come in the old-tv-shows-being-revived situation as I hear they are remaking Porridge, Open All Hours and more for the small screen and remaking Ghostbusters (due out this year) and Dirty Dancing among others on the silver screen.

So the movie then? It’s definitely pointing in the direction of comedy, but sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea. I could see where the funny parts were supposed to be and, admittedly, there were a couple of sniggers. However, the whole movie felt like a 30 minute show stretched out to last its elongated run time. Maybe as a show it would have felt more complete, but as it is it felt like it was running out of steam. The best way I could describe it would be as a baker who was rolling out some dough but stretched it far too much than was needed and causing it to become thin and holey and therefore doesn’t quite bake to perfection. A bit more dough, then, and it would probably have been a decent enough pie.

The cast is astounding though, covering the great and the good of British acting. It’s been a long while since I’ve seen such a strong British ensemble cast (maybe Love Actually was the last one – Harry Potter doesn’t count as the main actors didn’t have established careers before then) and as people entered the scenes you were like – “oh, that’s so and so out of whatsit”. You have a nice mix of actors too – Michael “Dumbledore” Gambon, Toby “Dr. Arnim Zola” Jones and Bill “Davey Jones” Nighy are just some of the great talent on show here.

Toby Jones plays Captain Mainwaring with Bill Nighy as his second-in-command Sergeant Wilson, backed up with a slew of other British acting talent. Blake Harrison (Neil from The Inbetweeners) plays Private Pike, the youngest of the group and nephew to Sergeant Wilson. Catherine Zeta-Jones provides the glam as the love interest for, well, most of the main characters. However most of the main characters have wives and these are also featured. This female cast also includes the actress who plays Lynne in Alan Partridge as a particularly matriarchal leader of the ladies force and wife to Captain Mainwaring.

As the Home Guard are assigned to patrol an army base near the White Cliffs of Dover, the soldiers discover that a spy has infiltrated their small town and must find out who it is. They go through the motions and, as suspicions go on, they realise that it could be anyone from the general public to someone in their own ranks. Meanwhile, the men are falling head over heels for the new girl in town, the sophisticated vamp Rose Winters (who works as a journalist chronicling the Home Guard). Will they find out the true identity of the spy or will it be too late?

I’ve built up the movie like it would be an exciting build up, but most of it is spent watching married men bumble over the attractive Catherine Zeta-Jones. Although she is a very pretty lady, this way forward gets old really quickly and seems to be stretched out into infinity. This makes the characters seem a bit dastardly and I also feel sorry for the wives in the tale, who seem to be strong female characters but seemingly (and deliberately) far from sexy or attractive in comparison to CZ-J. The film itself is amusing but I didn’t find it funny enough to laugh out loud. I’m told there is some cameos from the original surviving cast in this movie too. When the movie concludes the iconic theme tune is played, but not until then. Also there’s a small sequence of CGI at the start to represent London in WWII, but it’s really rather poor. Most of the other effects are more physical and real, so it looked really out of place.

Overall, it was a decent stab at a remake but it could have been so much better. Two types of people will go to see this film, I think. Those are fans of the original series (who I think I think might be disappointed) and those who are impressed by the famous names to see how they get on (I’m in this second set). It’s not exactly Bad Army but more distinctly average.

POPSCORE: 6/10

What am I talking about? Dad's Army (2016) movie
Where can I find out more? http://www.dadsarmymovie.co.uk/
If you liked this try: The original TV series, Dad's Army, the movie Dad's Army (the original one), M.A.S.H, Hot Fuzz.

REVIEW: Deadpool (15)

After many, many debates on whether this movie would be made, Deadpool finally hits our screens and hits it does. Ryan Reynolds has stepped up to the plate twice now in his attempt to break into the superhero genre as a superhero himself. As well as featuring for Marvel in Blade II as Blade’s sidekick, his first real outing was actually as Deadpool in the luke-warmly received X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. Although it was generally in the lower rated echelons of superhero movie opinions, the Deadpool portrayed there had his mouth sewn shut and was a complete waste of a character much loved by many. As if to rub salt into the wounds, or maybe take a distance from Marvel, Reynolds defected to DC to star in similarly panned Green Lantern which may have had a decent run as a franchise if it wasn’t so badly made and relied on too much CGI. Although Ryan Reynolds is a likeable guy and a great actor – he plays smarmy, arrogant or wisecracking as you require it. So he would be the ideal choice for Deadpool. But, he’s already had two strikes – this one needs to be the home run. And do you know what? It is!

 

This new Deadpool movie is all what you would expect from a movie and more and is full of blood, guts, gore and one liners. Some of the insults are both creative and zany, and with the inclusion of X-Men’s Colossus, it adds a flair to the proceedings. Poking fun at everything it can and highlighting it via quips and jokes about poo, death, blood and just about everything else, Deadpool is a Marvel movie unlike any other but also as you would expect.

 

Once again, as expected, this introduction to the character is an origin movie and charts the wise-cracking Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) in flash back format from two-bit mercenary for hire to the Merc With the Mouth. The film slams straight into the action as Deadpool takes on a multitude of enemies and proceeds to tell backstory while doing it. Once up to date, Deadpool carries on from where we left off in the most basic story of revenge, but the quips, special FX and soundtrack (which includes some Wham! and Salt 'n' Pepa to name but two).

 

Even though it is a very different Marvel movie (the closest to it would most likely be something like a Blade movie or The Punisher) and not yet a part of MCU, all the hallmarks of a Marvel movie are there – ties to other movies (in this instance the X-Men) and, of course, Mr Stan Lee features as a cameo. With added self referential items – which without giving anything away do include said X-Men mentioned above among other things, this movie is all a Deadpool fan would want. With a strong supporting cast and a funky soundtrack to boot, strap in and enjoy the ride as Deadpool is your host on this Marvel’s version of Taken. It’s a great start to 2016’s bumper crop of superhero movies to come but it’s set the bar high.

 

Of course, you have to stay to the end of the credits because it’s a Marvel movie isn’t it?

 

Deadpool is out now at all good cinemas and it’s dead(pool) good.

POPSCORE: 9/10

What am I talking about? Deadpool movie
Where can I find out more? http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/deadpool
If you liked this try: Any of the other Marvel movies but especially Blade II, The Punisher and possibly the Daredevil (Netflix series), Ghost Rider and also the latest X-Men Movies but ...
DEFINITELY NOT X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE OR GREEN LANTERN!

Anything else?

Ryan Reynolds has been Deadpool before in X-men Origins: Wolverine and there is at least 3 sequences in the movie where he makes a reference or there is a reference to this.
Colossus, one of the X-Men, features in this movie.
This movie is not officially part of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) because, like the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises, the movie rights currently belong to Fox.

REVIEW: MOVIEBLAST: Crimson Peak (15) & Mr Holmes (PG)

Double review time as we go to MOVIEBLAST and binge watch on streaming site Wuaki with EE Film Club...

Crimson Peak (15) is Guillermo Del Toro's latest foray into fantasy horror starring everyone's favourite Marvel MCU antagonist, Tom Hiddleston. Backed up with other talent including Mia Wasikowska and no less than two actors from a Foxy's Favourite movie Pacific Rim (which is also directed by Del Toro) is this gorgeously shot fantasy horror.

The movie starts with a well-to-do family in America. Their daughter, Edith (Wasikowska) is coming to terms with the death of her mother (which includes seeing ghosts) and dealing with her overprotective father. When well spoken Englishman Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) comes to America to try and get some financial backing for an invention, love gets in the way. Trying to woo her dad for cash and  his daughter for marriage, Sharpe uses his influence to try to achieve both aims. When disaster strikes. however, a love struck Edith returns to England with Sharpe and his sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain). Meanwhile her childhood friend Dr Alan McMichael (Pacific Rim's Charlie Hunnam) finds some unsettling news about these English visitors and goes to retrieve her from the ramshackled manor house in rural England.

Crimson Peak is a delightful film to look at using colour in such a lovely way. The sets, costumes and cinematography are fantastical and a pleasure to look at - however I found the movie to be a bit bland, unlike the scenery. I love most of Del Toro's works but this one just fell a bit flat. I feel maybe that it was to slow and took a while to say what it needed to. Hiddleston's look was far too similar to Loki in the MCU for my liking but his performance was strong. Alice in Wonderland's Mia Wasikowska was great in her role, even though some of her outfits looked like she raided Lady Gaga's wardrobe. The supporting actors were fab too.

Overall this movie looks the business but ultimately fails to deliver on time. It felt more like a paint by numbers horror movie; one for beginners - more fantasy than scary but it's ok nonetheless. Decent for a night in, but not much more. I loved the Johnny Depp fronted Dark Shadows, which is what I expected this movie to be like (from the DVD cover and look of the movie) but it wasn't. Not the strongest entry into Del Toro's collection but probably one of the prettiest to look at.

 

Crimson Peak is out now on DVD, Blu Ray and all good streaming sites.

 

POPSCORE: 6/10

Mr Holmes (PG) stars Sir Ian "Gandalf" McKellen as the ageing Sherlock Holmes in his twilight years. Years later, after his final assignment, Mr Sherlock Holmes has retired to the country to attend to bees and live in a country house. Estranged from Dr Watson and never married, Holmes lives alone save for his housekeeper Mrs Munro (Laura Linney) and her inquisitive son, Roger.

Holmes befriends Roger who keeps him on his toes. Roger is similar to Holmes in a way and is impressed by his mental capacity to think logically and deduce problems and mysteries. However, here's the rub - and the interesting crux of this film - Holmes is diagnosed with dementia!

I have wanted to see this film for some time. The idea of having a literary character develop dementia - (especially for one such as Holmes who is famed for his mental capacity) - is quite a unique take on the mythos of Sherlock Holmes. As his mental capacity declines, with the help of the ever inquisitive Roger, Holmes tries to piece together his last assignment of which he has forgotten.

McKellan plays the younger Holmes and the ageing one well and brings a human side to the man who was almost robot-like in his reasoning and deduction. He infers the frustration well as you would expect from a character famed for his mental capacity. Roger is played well by the young Milo Parker and I can see great things for him in the future.

If you are looking for excitement, edge of your seat Sherlock you are so looking in the wrong place - that is the domain of Cumberbatches or Downey Jr's. This is a slow burning drama, chronicling his decline in mental health and all that goes with it. I would say it's a drama... no, it would be more of an exploration of an idea on film of how this premise would pan out. There is some semblance of story - but the most exciting parts are told in flashbacks. It's not the best film in the world but has such an interesting premise it is worth a watch on a cosy night in or a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Mr Holmes is out now on DVD, Blu Ray and all good streaming sites.

 

POPSCORE: 6/10

REVIEW: The Hateful Eight (18) - 70mm Roadshow Format

Quentin Tarantino returns in his eighth movie, The Hateful Eight or The H8ful Eight. Boasting an impressive cast (and some stalwart Tarantino regulars), The Hateful Eight is an epic quasi-Western with a run time of just over 3 hours including a 10 minute interval. I was lucky enough to visit the Odeon in London’s Leicester Square, so was in the fancy room that they all do the premier’s in. As it has the benefit of lovely curtains and fancy seats, I think the 70mm Panavision Roadshow presentation was complete and the best way to watch it, rather than at my local down the road. It felt more theatrical to me in this way. However, let’s cut to the chase here, we must talk about the movie rather than the fact I was in a swish cinema environment.

 

As we entered we had the benefit of a programme (included in the ticket price) which told us more about the unique way in which Tarantino had presented this movie, a style in which has not been done since the 1960’s. The movie is broken down into chapters, not unlike other films of his, and after a rather lengthy “overture” by legendary music maestro Ennio Morricone we are out in a snow coated landscape and a stagecoach powering through until it is stopped by a very cold and snow covered Samuel L. Jackson.  After taking him on board, the stagecoach travellers the hangman (Kurt Russell with a 'tash to be proud of) and the prisoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh), head towards Red Rock so Kurt can take his prisoner to hang for murder. As the trio continue, they encounter Chris Mannix (Walter Goggins) who claims to be the new sheriff of Red Rock. Reluctantly they give him a ride and as snow storm comes in, they hole up at the establishment known as Minnie’s Haberdashery until it all blows over.

 

From there we meet the other four of the eight – including Michael Madsen, Tim Roth and two others. However, the whole movie from there evolves into a thriller/whodunit and is specifically stays within the confines of the cabin they are all trying to shelter from the storm from. This set up lends itself to a more theatre-style presentation with Tarantino overtones. The first half of the movie is heavy on typical Tarantino banter, a lot of it inconsequential or merely to get a glimpse of the characters motivations. It’s not until the final throes of part one – where Samuel L. Jackson’s character breaks into a big speech with a shock ending. By the time you return from the 10 minute interval, you are ready to see the conclusion to this set up that has lasted the length of the first part.

 

The Hateful Eight is a worthy addition to the Tarantino productions; complete with all the hallmarks you would want if you are a fan. For the casual viewer, however, it is high on banter but low on action until the last quarter of the film. Although many films would do a similar thing, the last quarter of this movie is after 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is longer than the average movie. I always have been a fan of Tarantino’s work and appreciate that he tries to do things a bit differently – playing around with genres (like From Dusk Til Dawn) or timelines (Pulp Fiction), and his creation of the art of conversation. All of these things are included in his latest movie, and so is his ongoing creativity

and attempt to make cinema not just a night out but an experience.

 

Well acted, different and contains all the hallmarks of a Tarantino movie, The Hateful Eight is another great Tarantino movie that is worth a watch – especially at a cinema. However those accustomed to action my find it a hard slog as much of it is talking until the final quarter which gets a bit more exciting, Overall, a great film.

 

The Hateful Eight was presented at most cinemas (except Cineworld) and is available in 70mm roadshow format and normal format too.

 

POPSCORE: 8/10

REVIEW: MOVIEBLAST: Horns (18) & Maggie (15)

Double review time as we go to MOVIEBLAST and binge watch on streaming site Wuaki with EE Film Club...

HORNS (18) stars Daniel “Harry Potter” Radcliffe as he takes yet another turn from his childhood acting roots to play somewhat of a demon in the horror/thriller Horns. The movie is an interesting one with a scattered narrative and a lot of it you have to try and follow. So what I gathered was this –

 

Ig Perrish (Radcliffe) is in a seemingly perfect relationship with the seemingly perfect Merrin Williams (Juno Temple). When she is found murdered in the woods and the small town mentality is to blame the boyfriend after an argument in a diner, Ig finds himself at the anger of the small town. Defiantly stressing his innocence even his own family do not believe that he is not a murderer. Things change when, inexplicably, he starts to grow horns and things take a turn for the weird. As the horns grow, the people become more strange, it’s up to Ig to prove his innocence and find the killer.

 

This thriller/horror is uniquely original, in parts inspired, but in parts totally out there. Some dark humour underlies the main story which is actually quite shocking. The endgame reveal is a bit of a twist and a bit crazy too. Like The Woman In Black, I was reading in too much Harry Potter references – like when he befriends snakes and wears a yellow hoodie with a maroon top (Gryffindor colours). However, the movie itself isn’t bad and is desperately trying to reinvigorate the horror genre. The narrative, splashed with a lot of flash backs and current time sequences, all jump about making it a bit confusing to follow sometimes.

 

However, overall the movie is one that would be good to watch if you are at a loose end, but I don’t think you could watch it more than once. One cool thing to happen is a small character appearance by the ever gorgeous Heather Graham, but, as usual, is typecast – this time as a slutty, fame hungry waitress. A strong performance by Radcliffe and the cast, Horns is a unique, if weird, take on the horror/thriller genre.

 

Horns is out now on DVD, Blu Ray and all good streaming sites.

 

POPSCORE: 6.5/10

 

MAGGIE (15)  stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in his return to the silver screen (or my console as I streamed this one through Wuaki) in Maggie. Backing up Arnie as the parent of titular character Maggie (played well by Abigail Breslin) is a strong cast with a surprise appearance by Joely Richardson.If I tell you what I would classify as a log line for this movie you would be quite excited.

 

Okay, here goes: When Wade Vogel (Arnie) finds out his daughter has been bitten by a zombie he goes all out to protect her until they can find a cure. Yep, like me, I bet you thought this would be The Terminator: Zombie Edition, but nope, it’s far from it.  The movie is based around a caring father who dotes on his teenage daughter, and when she is infected to become zombiefied, he protects her from going into quarantine and looks after her while she is going through the changing process. The film is a massive departure from the rough and tumble Arnie we know, and is about as curveball as when we found out he was doing Twins with Danny Devito back in the early 90’s. Having said that Arnie does a solid performance as the trouble father while the immediate supporting cast fulfil their roles well. The balance between Wade and his wife – the understanding, sympathetic father and the scared, misunderstanding mother is a delicate balance played well by Richardson and Arnie. Abigail Breslin’s Maggie (of the title) is played well too.

 

There is a lot of quiet or scenes with lack of dialogue in it which create a more pensive tone – and a lot of these scene seem to replace dialogue and if you don’t get it, or miss it, the film seems to jump to continue the narrative. As it’s a bit unconventional this way it seems that the film doesn’t say very much in words but more in pictures – which is good in some respects but, it’s a movie and I’d like a bit more talking as we, the audience, are the ones that have to be quiet. The most annoying thing with it though is that there is an awful lot of what I call “natural camera” (you know the type where it’s like someone holding it and a bit wobbly) which can be distracting at times, especially in important or heartfelt sequences.  It ends up giving the feel that there is literally someone following the characters with a camera – which would be okay if it was one of those found footage type movies, but it clearly isn’t.

 

Overall the movie isn’t fantastic but it shows Arnie has the potential to be a lot more than just an action hero, but now, in his later years, a serious actor too.

 

Maggie is out now on DVD, Blu Ray and all good streaming sites.

 

POPSCORE: 6/10

BYTE: Merry March

I'm Paul ... and this is Paul & The Popcorn...

Welcome to a merry March - and I hope it is so for all of you!

Firstly I must apologise for the lack of updates - my computer has been playing funny, then it decided to pack in and with working lots and being on adventures I haven't had time to fix it. Obviously I have now so there'll be some reviews up and posted over the next few days.

Last month we had Deadpool (review soon as I've seen it 3 times now!) this month we have the muchly anticipated Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Wow! And we've got London has Fallen, Grimsby and Allegiant (part one) to look forward to among others.

Although I visited Middlesbrough Comic Con back in February (I need to write that one up as well, jeez I'm slacking) the first epic one of the year for me is the one in Wales - the Sci Fi Weekender, which we have been going to for about 5 years now. This year guests include Garrett Wang (from Voyager), the ever lovely Eve Myles (she's beautiful inside and out) and the oft imitated but never bettered, the legend that is Brian Blessed! I'm really looking forward to this one and a two part review will come in time. And, if my new video camera comes, you might even get a You Tube video. if you are going there, say hi!

Later in the year I'm looking at visiting other 'Cons and on my hitlist include Destination Star Trek in Birmingham in October and The London Film & Comic Con by Showmasters in July. The latter stars Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and others while the former celebrates 50 years of the Star trek frnachise and includes cast members from all of the series AND prop and set shoots. Wow!
 

Looking at the latest stuff as well:

>   Xbox Live:  Games with Gold this month includes the usual selection of games, rather than list them I've included the link that's in blue. However, as this links to the current games, if you click the link it is the current games available and maybe not what's available now. Remember though that all the Xbox games have limited availability and are yours to keep once you have purchased them. However, some are only available at the beginning of the month, some at the end and some longer than that. Generally though, there are some games for the first two weeks and then a different set two weeks after, so you need to move quickly.

Every Xbox 360 game that is featured on Games With Gold from now, is now backwards compatibly with Xbox One which means the Xbox 360 games above WILL work on your Xbox one. They are adding new games all the time, so keep checking to see if you can use any of those old 360 games again on your shiny new Xbox One.

>  PSN: PS Plus this month has another selection of games but usual rules apply in that if you stop your subscription those games'll stop workin'. I know this to be true because it has happened to me. However, simply subscribe again and poof! by magic they work again. Also, this is the link to where to download the games, which means that although there's a certain set this mont, if you click the link next month there will be different games on offer - so get in while you can.

Origin has another game on the house which is Need for Speed: Most Wanted still -  so get it now before it's gone forever. As always you need to have an Origin account to get this. if this game is on your Most Wanted list, then now's the time to take advantage.

Origin have a new thing out called Origin Access which is £3.99 a month to play their games and you can cancel at any time. I need to look into this further but it looks pretty cool if you have the time to do it. If you check it out - let me know.

 

As always we have Loot Crate and Nerd Block unboxings to look forward to...

...AND Marvel Collector Corps is coming in April!

It's time to go now but -  I'll see you soon.

Keep being awesome!

Until next time

Paul

BYTE: Fab February

I'm Paul ... and this is Paul & The Popcorn...

Welcome to a fabulous February - and I hope it is so for all of you!

As we power through to February we have a lot of things to look forward to - Valentine's Day is one, maybe. But let's sack that for now and check out the movies this month.

Heralding the new superhero movies of 2016 and onward, Ryan Reynolds leads us astray with Deadpool - the much awaited movie from 20th century Fox - however he's already had two stabs at being a superhero both of which failed. This is his third chance - but will it be his last?

It seems Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues to dominate the cinema and I visited the D-Box at my local cinema. It was an interesting experience which took you right into the movie. I literally felt every explosion, laser blast and swoop of the spaceships. Overall it was a nice touch, but I think 5 pounds added to the ticket price and the length of time it was throwing you around is nice every now and then but would not be my regular planned cinema outing. One of my friends didn't really like it and ended up sitting in a vacant seat that wasn't D-Box enhanced, but for the adventurous ones among you, you should try it out - even if just once.

I mentioned about a video camera to do some unboxings on YouTube and I tried doing one but sadly the video camera I got for Christmas was of terrible quality and could have done better on my old Samsung Galaxy S3. I was very disappointed with it and have sent it back, but still waiting on my refund to replace it and then I will continue to try and make a video. However, I really enjoyed doing it so was gutted that the picture didn't work out. I WILL try asap, and I'm really excited about trying to give this editing software a try.

Let's get to the computers then -
 

If you are interested in Steam games but want to expand your horizons from just the triple A rated blockbusters and have a peek at other offerings - including indie developers, you could do no worse than checking out a SteamCrate. It says that each game is worth at least £3 and you get 10 random games each month - which could be anything from the latest releases to goodness-knows-what. I have subscribed to this and I'm going to do a review soon - so keep an eye out for it to see if it is worth it or not. They give you a 10% discount if you subscribe to their mailing list too, so it's worth doing that if you want to take advantage. I've been subscribing to this for a few months now and I'm fairly understanding of the type of service they offer. I am going to do a separate review next month breaking the box down so look out for that.

Looking at the latest stuff as well:

>   Xbox Live:  Games with Gold this month includes the usual selection of games, rather than list them I've included the link that's in blue. However, as this links to the current games, if you click the link it is the current games available and maybe not what's available now. Remember though that all the Xbox games have limited availability and are yours to keep once you have purchased them. However, some are only available at the beginning of the month, some at the end and some longer than that. Generally though, there are some games for the first two weeks and then a different set two weeks after, so you need to move quickly.

Every Xbox 360 game that is featured on Games With Gold from now, is now backwards compatibly with Xbox One which means the Xbox 360 games above WILL work on your Xbox one. They are adding new games all the time, so keep checking to see if you can use any of those old 360 games again on your shiny new Xbox One.

>  PSN: PS Plus this month has another selection of games but usual rules apply in that if you stop your subscription those games'll stop workin'. I know this to be true because it has happened to me. However, simply subscribe again and poof! by magic they work again. Also, this is the link to where to download the games, which means that although there's a certain set this mont, if you click the link next month there will be different games on offer - so get in while you can.

Origin has another game on the house which is Need for Speed: Most Wanted -  so get it now before it's gone forever. As always you need to have an Origin account to get this. if this game is on your Most Wanted list, then now's the time to take advantage.

Origin have a new thing out called Origin Access which is £3.99 a month to play their games and you can cancel at any time. I need to look into this further but it looks pretty cool if you have the time to do it. If you check it out - let me know.

 

As always we have Loot Crate and Nerd Block unboxings to look forward to...

...AND Marvel Collector Corps is officially Deadpool!

It's time to go now but -  I'll see you soon.

Keep being awesome!

Until next time

Paul