As a fan of Les Misérables, I am pleased to present this news. The newest movie adaptation of this prestigious musical will be releasing in theaters this year. I have very high hopes that this star-studded cast will do their best to keep it authentic and pure of Hollywood garbage.
Les Misérables is a tale of much passion. In fact, each song from this stage musical has a story, and within each story there is a different very powerful emotion expressed. Here is the official synopsis from Collider.com:
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
The two characters most intriguing to me are Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. I cannot wait to see what they bring to the characters. I will say this, though… if Hathaway bastardizes ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, I will not rest until her career is halted for eternity. She sounds beautiful in the trailer, but we shall see.
Take a look at the trailer:
Les Misérables will be released on December 14, 2012.
Quentin Tarantino is back again with yet another scrappy yet captivating ode to genre cinema of years past, this time with his love letter to westerns, Django Unchained. After previously tackling the “Macaroni Combat” genre of WW2 films with Inglorious Basterds, he’s gone to the opposite end of old italian cinema and is diving headfirst into bringing his own personal spaghetti western for all of us. The plot is fairly simple and by the numbers: Slave gets freed by bounty hunter, bounty hunter teaches a slave to bounty hunt, slave vows to find his wife who is being held at a sadistic slave ranch, BUT slave ranch holds slave battles ran Thunderdome style by cruel slave owner! Will he get her back? You know, the usual sort of stuff you see in every western.
Great, but how do I get this shot of the gun to be an ‘homage”?
If it wasn’t apparent, the cast is typical Quentin Tarantino “Weird-at-first-but-actually-works.” style casting, with Jamie Foxx as the titular Django, Christoph Waltz as the bounty hunter, and Leonardo DiCaprio as the slave ranch owner, who is named, no kidding, Calvin Candy. That slave ranch? Candyland.
No wives until you escape the chocolate swamp!
Overall I’m excited for the movie, because westerns are great, and spaghetti westerns are always something special. It stands to reason that QT seems intent on trying really really hard to emulate Sergio Leone with his last few movies, and whether or not he’ll be successful is really up to how the whole thing comes together. I’mma homage you so hard… I’mma homage you so hard… Inglorious Basterds, while entertaining, was a movie that was definitely less than the sum of its parts, but its opening scene was classic Leone emulation, right down to the fitting Morricone soundtrack. Granted it’s easy to make anything seem epic and grandiose with that man’s score, but it was one solid, perfect nugget of gold in that movie that absolutely worked perfectly. If Django Unchained can be a whole movie like that scene, it’ll become one of the very best modern westerns of all time, if not though… well we’ll see. Who am I kidding, I know come December 25, I’ll be heading to see it with Christmas cash in tow. I’mma homage you so hard…
This is Button Mashing, Grizzly Bomb’s video game news headquarters. Previews, interviews, rumors and all the latest stories relating to the biggest games, all in one place. Here are the most important things you need to know for the week of May 28, 2012:
‘Diablo III’ Updates Coming This Week – (Battle.net)
It would be an understatement to say that Diablo III had some technical issues upon its release, but Blizzard has certainly been working hard to iron out the kinks and get their game fully operational and optimized. These fixes, patches and tweaks continue with the game’s latest design update, which has been outlined on Blizzard’s own community site, Battle.net. The update plans to balance out all kinds of idiosyncrasies that haven’t quite met Blizzard’s standards, which I imagine means adjusting all kinds of knobs and dials, and turning a large wooden crank in a dusty old room somewhere underground.
Suffice it to say that you may notice some slight changes to the effectiveness of your characters’ attacks, as well as the damage output of NPC’s, particularly on higher difficulties. Blizzard is very clear that they want all classes to feel equally capable, and hope no single attack, rune or character will inevitably trump all others.
‘Far Cry 3’ Gets Trippy
Far Cry 2 certainly didn’t play well with the vast majority of gamers, but there were a few here and there that responded positively to the game’s ambitiously open world. Among them was one of my favorite industry people, Hey Ash Watcha Playin’ co-creator and current Gearbox Software employee, Anthony Burch. And while I didn’t take to the game as easily as he did, I definitely felt it had a lot of potential, and didn’t deserve to be dismissed to the extent it did.
Far Cry 3 looks like it’s trying to find a middle ground between becoming more accessible to the majority of players, and maintaining its unique take on the FPS genre. There clearly appears to be more of a linear story this time around, with a voiced character who seems to interact a lot more, a defined character/narrative arc and seemingly some scripted gameplay moments, but these all look to be interesting enough that it isn’t necessarily turning me away. It certainly helps that the graphics look fantastic. This particular trailer for the game showcases some of Far Cry 3‘s more guided moments, an interaction with the island’s resident doctor:
I’m really looking forward to seeing more at E3.
Metro: Last Light Points the FPS in the Right Direction – (IGN)
I never played Metro 2033. I hear it was very intriguing, but fundamentally, too flawed to garner huge praise. With this article by IGN, I can certainly believe that first part; Metro: Last Light looks like it might, along with Far Cry 3 above, convince me not to abandon the FPS genre for good.
“Moscow […] is bleak and surrounded by collapsed buildings, but it’s not the type of setting you might find in Fallout 3 or Rage. Metro’s world is one of horror, where psychic visions drive the few people still alive completely insane. And air isn’t the only thing that’s scarce. In addition to looking for new air filters, you’ll always be searching for light, bullets, battery chargers and even other people as you explore what’s left of Moscow.“
“Exploration is Metro’s greatest strength. Moving through the tunnels of Moscow’s underground subway system, you’ll use a lighter to see where you’re going (or a flashlight if you’re fortunate enough to find a charge). There’s a real sense of terror moving through the dark, never knowing what you’ll find around each corner. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across some supplies, maybe a shotgun. If you’re not, you’ll find mutant spiders bursting out of a corpse.“
I can do without the ‘psychic visions’ and mutated enemies. Those are tropes that I’m not particularly fond of (as I mentioned in my ‘Last of Us’ article the other day), but the environment described and showcased in the above clip looks promising. This might be the first time I’ve ever cared about an FPS setting.
‘Heavy Rain’ Developer Might Unveil Next Project at E3 – (Side Mission)
A “trusted” source claims that Quantic Dream have two new projects under way, and one or both might be revealed at E3 2012. Quantic Dream’s debut title Heavy Rain was one of Sony’s biggest stories when it was released in 2010, and though I found it to be a fundamentally flawed experience, it was an ambitious and interesting direction to take interactive storytelling.
The team released a tech demo earlier this year that showcased the gorgeous visuals and emotional range they’re able to create in studio:
There’s no telling what direction Quantic Dream will take with their impressive development tools, but if they can create an experience more conducive to the interactive medium of a video game, it may well be the next step in the industry’s evolution.
‘Dead Space 3’ Unofficially Announced – (IGN)
Sources indicate that Dead Space 3 is on the horizon, though it’s not exactly a shock considering this is an industry that hands trilogies out like beads at Mardi Gras. There are however some interesting tidbits to note regarding the supposed new chapter:
Isaac Clarke, Unlucky Space Engineer Extraordinaire, reportedly crash lands onto Tau Volantis, a frozen planet which serves as the game’s new setting:
“Isaac believes he’s the only survivor and begins heading to an abandoned waystation. He soon finds that others are still alive, including Ellie from Dead Space 2 and a new character named Jennifer. The report adds that the enemies will be known as The Hive Mind. ”
Additionally IGN has heard rumors that Dead Space 3 will feature drop in/drop out co-op, a feature that I imagine must work against the horror game’s atmosphere of isolation and helplessness, but nonetheless:
“Isaac Clarke will, if players choose, fight alongside a man with a gnarly scar on his face, an engineering RIG of his own, and glowing red eyes peering from his helmet. During single-player, this character acts as Isaac’s guide.
The cooperative mode mirrors the single-player campaign, but Isaac’s story changes to accommodate it. At one point in Dead Space 3, Isaac and his counterpart stumble, wounded, bloody, and missing chunks of armor, out of burnt wreckage together. In single-player, the same scene happens without the other character. While Isaac may have a psychological breakdown and experience hallucinations on his own, certain traumatic events don’t occur with someone by his side.
Players will also work together (using telekinesis, for instance) to interact with pieces of the environment. In addition, you’ll be able to share ammo with and heal your co-op partner, although there is no revive system — once someone’s down and dead, both players reload the last checkpoint.”
I can’t imagine how this will change the game but co-operative campaigns are always more satisfying and entertaining than competitive multiplayer. From what I understand, Dead Space‘s foray into PvP didn’t exactly pan out, so hopefully players take more to the new feature.
That’s it for this week’s Button Mashing! E3 is fast approaching so stay tuned – we’ll be keeping on top of all the major stories.
As we mentioned in our 5 Spins Around the Record Shop article a couple of weeks ago, Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000 from Outkast) will be starring as Jimi Hendrix in an upcoming biopic. The film is called All Is By My Side. According to Geek Tyrant, the Darko Entertainment film will be written and directed by John Ridley. The woman who discovered Hendrix, Linda Keith, will be played by Hayley Atwell (Captain America).
So far my predictions have not been so great. I had neither the Kings or the Devils in the Finals, although that’s partially due to the fact that I’m a closet Coyotes fan and had to pick them against the Kings. This column will end with a prediction, but first lets examine the top 5 reasons why each team will win the Cup.
Los Angeles Kings
1) The Underdog Factor.
The Kings, who came into the playoffs as the 8 seed, have dispatched the first, second and third seeds in the West in short order playing only 14 of a possible 21 games to get the job done. New Jersey was a six seed in the East so once again Los Angeles has the underdog card in their favor, a mentality that has done well to motivate them so far.
2.) Jonathan Quick.
Quick didn’t exactly come out of nowhere but the 26-year-old, 2005 third-round pick by the Kings has been taking it a whole new level this year and has exceeded all expectations in the playoffs. He only has two shutouts so far, but has still done a good job of limiting opposing scorers with a .946 save percentage, and a 1.54 GAA both good enough to lead all postseason goaltenders if you throw out Corey Schneider’s three-game performance.
3) Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar.
Brown and Kopitar are both averaging above a point a game, and a matching +13 in the plus/minus column. They will have to continue that sort of production for the Kings to be successful. Brown has really improved his game this postseason and has at times looked like a man among boys. If they can get continued solid performance out of Penner and Richards as well as the guys on the top line they will continue their playoff dominance.
4) The “Old Guy” and the “Franchise First”.
The perennial feel good story about the veteran who has never won a cup is Willie Mitchell of the L.A. Kings. He is 35 and has played 14 NHL seasons, ironically enough starting with the Devils, and has been a solid, journeyman defenseman throughout his career, and alongside Drew Doughty has been logging the most ice time for the Kings during the playoffs. This would also be the first Stanley Cup for the Kings Franchise and it seems long droughts always seem to kindle some extra fire… see 2011 Bruins, 1997 Red Wings, and 1994 Rangers.
Long Time Coming
5.) The L.A. Factor.
After the Clippers and the Lakers both made early Playoff exits, the people of L.A. should be rallying around this plucky NHL team. The Dodgers are also in first place, but it’s still too early in the Baseball season to really get excited about that kind of thing. The Kings are undefeated on the road so far this playoffs so having the extra support at home should give the Kings a home and road ice advantage, that and the throwback silver and black jerseys are some of the best in NHL history.
New Jersey Devils
1) Martin Brodeur.
Brodeur hasn’t been phenomenal this season, but he has been very good and a .923 save percentage coupled with a 2.04 GAA is nothing to shake a stick at. Brodeur is 40 years old, but has already said that he would like to come back next season which would make it an even 20 years as a Devil. This guy has tons of experience and is unshakable. Brodeur piloted the 2002-03 New Jersey Devils to a Stanley Cup Championship amid a messy divorce, in which it was revealed that he was sleeping with his sister-in-law. That doesn’t say much about Martin as a stand-up guy, but it does show the type of focus he brings to the ice rink which makes it hard to bet against this guy. Getting another Stanley Cup ring would also tie Brodeur with Patrick Roy his greatest contemporary goaltending foe.
2) Ilya Kovalchuk.
Kovalchuk is the leading scorer among all skaters in the playoff st the moment and along with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac leads the Devils with 7 goals apiece. Unlike the Kings top scorers these three Devils are in the negative when it comes to plus/minus so they will have to do a better job of protecting in their own end as well as lighting the lamp. It’s good to see the scorers scoring as that means that New Jersey’s game plan is working effectively. If any of these three guys drop off however they could be in trouble. Remember also that this is Ilya Kovalchuk’s first opportunity to shine in the postseason, so it will be interesting to see which way he goes in the Finals.
3) Momentum.
The Devils struggled a bit out of the gate and just barely got by the Florida Panthers in a seven game series that included the last two games being won by New Jersey in overtime. Since then the Devils have been much better though and once they have smelt blood in the water they have done a good job on closing down their opponents. After losing game one to Philly they won four straight and won three straight against the Rangers after going down 2-1 in the series. The first game of the Finals is starting late so both teams have been sitting but for the Kings it has been over a week since they have played real hockey so that gives NJ the edge in game one as far as rust is concerned.
4) Experience.
The Kings have the “Feel Good” old guy, but the Devils have the “Old Guy” old guys. Beyond Broduer they also have Petr Sykora, 35 and Patrick Elias, 36 as the grizzled veteran presence who have been there and done that. New Jersey also has experience on the backline with 35-year old Marek Zidlicky and Danius Zubrus checking in at 33. It’s clear that the Devils have the dominant edge here in age and experience but the question is whether or not this is too many old legs to keep up with the young and speedy Kings.
5) The New Jersey Factor.
New Jersey has the “Soprano” tough guys, the “Jersey Shore” greaseballs and the New York’s little brother complex to motivate its players. New Jersey has a storied and fervent fan base but unfortunately the team is in financial trouble and a Stanley Cup win might still not be enough to get the ship righted. That being said the Devils have nothing to lose and a lot to prove so I wouldn’t put it past them ton once again surprise everyone by toughing it out and intimidating their way to another championship as they find their way to another 16W.
My prediction: Los Angeles Kings in 6. This is probably the kiss of death as I have picked against the Kings in every previous round but I think they look too good and their goaltender is playing too well to lose it now.
Grizzly Bomb 