Monthly ArchiveDecember 2008
Games Paul on 31 Dec 2008
Games of 2008
Beyond the cut are a few sentences worth of my thoughts on mostly all the games of 2008 I’ve played. Listed in no particular order or preference. There’s already plenty of top X lists and games o’ the year out there.
Movies Paul on 01 Dec 2008
Quantum of Solace
I saw the latest James Bond 007 movie last night and I loved it. Some of the best television in the last 10 years was unafraid to tell a larger story (see Babylon 5, X-Files, Farscape, Lost, 24, etc.) through the episodes. Movie series should be no different, willing to provide continuity across instances and show bigger ideas than what can be crammed into 90-120 minutes.
Quantum of Solace picks up right after Casino Royale ends much like Kill Bill was split into two movies. Like Kill Bill, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace tells one story which is the introduction of the 21st century Bond, support staff, and the 21st century evil mastermind organization. All are done very well. Gone are the cheezy secret locations and gadgets played for comedic relief.
Why meet in a Skull Island Volcano Lair when there’s international opera debuts, high stakes casinos, and exclusive conference resorts with all the amenities? Why have pens that shoot grenades when all you need is a cell phone, Jason Bourne’s martial arts training, and parkour abilities to be the ultimate super-spy.
(I also have to give big amounts of praise for Judy Dench’s “M”. Deftly playing the high stakes game of balancing espionage and politics, but showing humanity, falability, and fear when appropriate.)
Don’t be put off by the reviews stating Quantum of Solace as more of the same from Casino Royale. Those reviews have it exactly right because after the first two movies the first story is complete and the new franchise is launched. I can’t wait for the next one.