Angie and I picked up the revamped PunchOut!! for Wii on Tuesday, and I’ve finally had an opportunity to try it out.  It’s fun, but after playing the Wii Sports Boxing for so long I think the controls leave a lot to be desired.  Punches require button presses, and there’s a turn based component to the timing that I don’t care for.  Granted, this makes the gameplay more like the original, but it seems like a real limitation to me. One extra that might help keep my interest is the fact that the Wii Fit balance board can be added to the mix for dodging and ducking (as well as dipping, diving and dodging).  This has proven very difficult to effectively utilize so far, but that has everything to do with my ineptness.

I’m sure I’ll be saying “sayonara” to Piston Hondo soon enough.  That’s Japanese for goodbye.

I liked it a lot better when it was called Dude, Where’s My Car?

Actually that’s not really true, but for me I couldn’t get that thought out of my head while watching the Hangover, except it lacks Dude’s weird Sci-Fi twist. A lot of the jokes recall other comedies beyond Dude including the Chris Farley classic Tommy Boy but it is still a funny movie with a fun cast. I think it’s worth seeing if you have a high tolerance for male nudity.

It’s also weird seeing Heather Graham in a movie in a theater. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve done that…

Got to see an early screening of Terminator: Salvation tonight, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I went in with a lot of concerns and trepidation, but I think this is a solid chapter in Terminator mythology.

Nothing contradicted or detracted from the previous film installments, and even the cancelled Sarah Connor Chronicles weren’t completely rejected (nor were they embraced on any level). Kevin had read/heard a rumor months ago about a possible ending to the film that would ruin the franchise, and I can thankfully say that it did not prove true.  Not knowing the details of that rumor until our post-game wrap-up, I did have a fun time speculating on what it might be as I watched everything unfold. Thankfully, none of my wild Terminator Baby scenarios came to pass either.

It was a real treat to see the post-Judgement Day world after the glimpses given in the first three movies. I have to say though, having a story set entirely in that world makes for a far different experience compared to the previous chapters.   That’s not to say it’s necessarily worse (or better), just different.  It’s hard to say whether a casual viewer will dig it, but I’d easily see this again and I think fans will enjoy.

Last week we were lucky enough that one of our friends was unable to attend a screening of UP! I grew up as a Disney junkie, and then immediately fell in love with all things Pixar. I’m not sure about Pete’s love of Disney, but the humor of Pixar movies has always seemed to draw him in.  Last year there was Wall●E.  Sad.  But Awesome.  This year, UP!.  Holy Tearjerker, Batman!  I’m not sure if it is just because I am at a different point in my life than when I was first introduced to Pixar movies, but each one I see seems more geared towards adults than the previous.   I may have to rewatch all my Pixar movies and see the adult side of them.  There were issues in this movie that I don’t think have ever been so forwardly addressed.  But we will see – I will update after the rewatch 🙂

While I still think a child could be greatly entertained by this movie, I think it is meant for adults.  If you are in love, or have ever been in love, you will love it.  You will hate it for tearing you to pieces, but you will love it.  I was crying just thinking about the movie after.  I am not a crier.  I don’t think.  I don’t want to give anything away – so go and see it.  And enjoy.

Went out to see the X-Men Origins: Wolverine on Friday, and while nearly everyone in the group seemed to think it was a bad movie, I was able to enjoy it.  Did it take liberties with the interpretation of the characters?  Yes.  Did it focus more on the action than a story?  Yes.  Did it have shortcomings with its appearance and computer generated images? Yes.  Despite all of this, I don’t know that it was bad.  It wasn’t great, but I really don’t think it was bad.

Granted, I will fully admit that I’m happy to see any comic book property made into a film.  Add the fact that I’ve been reading X-Men since I was 10 years old, and it’s pretty clear that I cannot be fully objective in this.  Regardless, I think the movie is OK.  Also, Shoeverine!