UPDATE: 14th November 2015

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Hey everyone, just giving you an update on some things that have been happening around and about. I've just signed up to link my blog to Bloglovin (above) so if you are interested in when I update the blog and want to keep up to date on other blogs, feel free to click above so it can keep you in the loop and informed.

Secondly, Microsoft have released an update to the Xbox One which finally includes backwards compatibility. This is blooming awesome as it's something I personally feel very strongly about. I think having such a rich, diverse back catalogue as this should be available to play on the next generation - and I'm impressed that Microsoft have found a way to do this. Admittedly there are only about 100 games supported (most on XBL) but it's a start and more will be added. Speaking of XBL - don't forget to get the second set of free games if you are an XBL subscriber after 16th - if you haven't got the first set be quick - you need to get them now.

Star Wars fever is hotting up and in the cinema, 17th December to be precise! With the final trailer being dropped, the release of Star Wars: Battlefront and more merch available this Christmas than Scrooge has savings, this is guaranteed to be one of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory. It still could be rubbish, but somehow (at least I hope) that will be very unlikely, especially since it features the original cast.  Who is Kylo Ren? And what the heck is he doing with that sword? It all starts in a few days more than a month. Yes, that soon!

Mockingjay Part 2 comes out this week with the final part of Katniss Everdeen's trials and is still the YA dystopian franchise to beat. With the Scorch Trials (film two of The Maze Runner) merely luke-warm, how sparkling will the conclusion be to the much loved trilogy of books? Hot on it's heels will be the third Divergent movie - Allegiant in March '16, though it also may be split into two parts. Personally I hate this trend but, if they must they must I guess. I wonder if they made a quadrilogy would they stretch the movies to five?

Finally I would just like to take a moment to show respect to France and to those in Paris after last nights atrocities. My thoughts are with them and the whole world stands with you.

Be strong as the world unites.

Paul


 

BYTE: New November

I'm Paul ... and this is Paul & The Popcorn - welcome to New November - one step closer to Christmas, but we have bonfire night first and, of course, BLACK FRIDAY!!

Firstly I need to apologise for my scant October updates - so much has been going on that I've forgotten to upload my reviews on the blog, though I do regularly keep tweeting. I've had a busy October including a visit to Pinewood Studios for a recording of British institution, Birds Of A Feather, a One Direction concert (yes, really), a visit to Birmingham and numerous cinema visits. I realised I haven't uploaded my reviews and thought I did - so I'll be uploading a block of them this week!

It was back to the Future day on 21st October 2015 and this would have been when Marty McFly and Doc travelled to the future to see what life was like in 2015. We found that generally some of it was complete codswallop, but some of it was quite prophetic. Did you watch the trilogy on the day like I did? They are still brilliant movies and the first one is one of my all time favourites. When I got to sit in the Delorean earlier this year at Sheffield Film & Comic Con, it pretty much put the icing on the cake.

Let's look to the cinema - the latest James Bond offering SPECTRE is doing really well at the box office and is supposed to be brilliant. Featuring the new Bond them by Sam Smith, The Writing's On The Wall, Bond discovers that there's a sinister organisation at work that has been following him about causing trouble. Featuring star turns from Daniel Craig, the awesome Monica Belluci (who is the oldest Bond girl yet) and backed up by the talents of Ralph Feinnes and Ben Whishaw, I think this promises to be a great Bond movie. Also starring Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux and Drax himself, Dave Bautista, this movie is one to see.

In November, Mockingjay Part II hits the silver screen which will conclude the Hunger games Trilogy (erm, I mean series, or whatever). Word on the street is that they are looking to capitolize (see what I did there?) on the success and want to make more even though they are no books to follow on just yet. Will Suzanne Collins write exclusively for another movie? Will she write more books? And where does this leave Katniss? We will find out one day but not yet.

Let's get to the computers - biggest release going forward looks like the old Call of Duty franchise will be reanimated (as there's probably zombies in this one) with the muchly anticipated Call Of Duty: Black Ops III. And batten up the hatches because in December we will not doubt be having the legendary Steam Christmas sale so better get saving up. New Skylanders game Super Charger looks interesting too - just when you thought we'd ran out of ideas they stick cars into the mix.

Looking at the latest stuff as well:

>   Xbox Live:  Games with Gold this month includes the full games of DiRT 3 and Dungeon Siege III on XBOX 360 and for the posh 'uns who have XBOX ONE you are treated to Pneuma: Breath of Life and Knight Squad to download free if you are a subscriber. Microsoft have started releasing these games over 2 week periods so the first games listed are available for the first two weeks in November and then the others in the last two weeks in November so you'll have to get a wriggle on for the first. Some of them are on for the whole month (or in the case of Pool FX - for about 8 years lol)

>  PSN: PS Plus this month is as follows:

PS4 has:
the Walking Dead: Season 2
Magicka 2
Dragon Fin Soup

PS3 gets:

Mass Effect 2
Beyond Good and Evil

Dragon Fin Soup

Vita receives:
Invizimals

Dragon Fin Soup

After last months rather lacklustre list, this list really got my appetite whetted! I can't believe Mass Effect 2 is in this list, wow! Well done Sony, well done!

Of course usual rules apply in that if you stop your subscription those games'll stop workin'.

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

...AND Marvel Collector Corps in December.

It's time to go now but - have a new November and I'll see you soon.

Keep being awesome!

Until next time

Paul