Thursday, 26 December 2019

Top 5 worst movies of 2019


Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to the countdown.

Last time, i've covered the controversial moments of the end of our decade with people pointing out video games with excuses, soo many remakes that we just can't take it so bad and one of our favorite website who faced a consequence and changed the rule that it isn't helping that it might as well be dead in the future.

But when it comes to the movies, its not as crazy as last year, but it was pretty average, with some movies that we loved and also change the world and of course, so much remakes for the money as i said on my previous list.

Last year, i picked eight worst movies that i watched, but this year, i got five of them from disappointment to the worst. So as always, these are my pick that i watched that they made me feel disappointed to feel pissed off in order to get off my chest.

So, this is my "Top 5, worst movies of 2019", lets dive in, shall we?


Number 5: Rocketman

Lets started with the one that lot of people liked this movie, but it didn't work in my opinion.

When it comes to a movie based on the famous British artist, it seems that they wanted to making it a different level unlike "Bohemian Rhapsody". The the good thing about this movie is that it has a nice musical montage what we familiar with, some great acting and the visuals are amazing.

However, my positive died out quickly that even though the songs were great, but i felt that its like an average covers and the singing of Taron Egerton who played Sir Elton John. I mean i know he did a nice work, but its just it doesn't connected well. And some musical moments feels like it plays in Disney style like "Mary Poppins", which i find it to be shameless. And of course, the movie is suffered with inaccurate moments in true stories, like most of songs didn't happened in early days, the concert where Elton plays and few more of them.

Though i will give a credit to have a movie with a very first gay sex scene, which im rather impressed to see, as a supporter of LGBT, but of course, the scene ended up being cut from homophobic censorship outside of US and UK. Especially one country banned the movie for same reason. As always, im so sick of homophobic reaction, this has to change...!

Even though this is the film isn't supposed to be, but il give a credit what they're trying to having a movie based on life of Elton John. And that makes a good reason for why i put this movie in a lower list, though im still sticking to "Bohemian Rhapsody".


Number 4: Dumbo 2019

Tim Burton is always being a filmmaker with his vision something to be impressive since he brought us "A Nightmare before Christmas", "Edward Scissorhand", "Corpse Bride", "Frankenweenie" or even "Ed Wood". But his vision of Dumbo, it isn't work.

For starter, im very impressed that this is a completely different than the original version that you think that this movie will be light-heart, cute and fun for watching, right? Well, probably not.

Though the presentation, the performance of circus and some characters with actors are pretty nice to, it looks bright, colorful and rather entertaining what we see, even we enjoy the reunion between Danny DeVito, Michael Keaton and of course, Tim Burton since "Batman Returns", sadly, Michelle Pfeiffer isn't in this movie.

However, if Burton made something different, it ended feel so bland and heartless to watch. That's the main issue of this movie, its the lack of heart that we wanted to have sympathy for Dumbo, which it only shows in the first act and thats it, the rest of the film is all down from hill for underdeveloped characters and the kids (who're replacing Timothy the mouse) are not only forgettable, but their acting is so emotionless.

Though Burton's Alice in Wonderland is ok (minus the sequel), but his vision just doesn't work for its execution. Otherwise, stick the 1941 version.


Number 3: Star Wars: The rise of Skywalker

*sigh* Poor Star Wars, it feels like everything is fell apart ever since Disney bought Lucasfilms that they wanted to having a new trilogy. While "The Force Awakens" is a welcome return, but everything is going down with "The last Jedi" and then we have this.

Though i know that i heard some people loved this movie, including my dad, since we're a fan of Star Wars, but with this movie, it feels like they wanted to make the last one so hard to having perfect ending like "Avengers Endgame", but ended up badly.

Though some of the characters are welcome return (minus Leia, since they're using a Never-Before-Seen clips of Carrie Fisher in The Force Awakens before her death) and some of new one are not bad, the presentation is impressive with vehicles, weapons, planets (except for some that they're running out of ideas) and of course, the action scenes, because this is Star Wars.

But if they wanted to make a story to have a perfect way to end, why they have so many plotholes to leaving them unanswered? Like, i asked so many question about the force healing, Palpatine's return from the dead, warp speed from planet after planet and few others that im losing my track. It desperately needs to tell us the truth instead of leaving them in the dark., Even though i may like the new characters, but no offense to you all, i felt Rey had a good start from the first of sequel trilogy, but fell apart for underdeveloped a bit, leaving her a semi-Mary Sue, due to her prediction. But of course, don't even give me started with the twists, which again, i won't tell what's happening.

Even though we have a shows that they're good like "The Mandolorian", but "Star Wars: The rise of Skywalker" just comes off as a big pile of disappointment for the execution and so many unanswered questions from plotholes.


Number 2: The Lion King 2019

Welp, Disney has done it again, but even worse than Dumbo 2019...!

This isn't just a bad remake, but this is a Clickbait remake that it has billion dollars at the box office to knocking down Frozen, i mean i was very pissed off when i heard the film so bad that i had to put it higher on the list.

And you wanna know why? Because this film is unoriginal, that why!
Granted, the visual is ok at the time, they wanted to making it as an animated photorealistic with animals to make then look real at the time and the voice acting is good, especially with James Earl Jones, even though its a welcome return to playing as Mufasa, but his voice isn't the same as the original, i mean yeah, i know he's been aged.

But everything is going down of hill very quickly that the story is pretty much the same as we know, but my biggest problem is that copied the same way as the original with the whole "Shot-for-shot", which i was begging myself if they add something new or different, but the answer is like 90% of "No". The songs are ok, but it feels like a cheap cover that we'd rather listening the original, not to mention, during the musical scenes, where are they going, is this Disney remake movie or the opening of Anime??
Not to mention, if we like to feel the characters, but why nearly everyone are emotionless, i mean i know they wanted to focus on realism with being cartoony, but it just makes them like an Animatronics from Five Nights at Freddy's.

This film is the final nail of the coffin (unless you counted the remake of "Lady and the Tramp" in Disney+) for their remake, because as we all agree, they love to milking the nostalgia to making billions of dollars in order to make something unoriginal and no effort for their own remake, and if you though "Beauty and The Beast" is a bad a remake, but this one is the icing on the cake of lack of creativity for making a remake film.

I could've easily pick this one as the number one on this list, but it had to drop on Number 2, because at least it was average for the time. Even though this movie is shameless, but its also feels like a Clickbait for the box office.



And now, the number one Worst film of the final decade goes to...!



Number 1: Playmobil The Movie

You know this coming, don't ya?

Lets face it, making movie based on Toys is a no easy ask for not just buy the rights, but also trying to be original and being acknowledge what is all about in the world. One of them is "The Lego Movie", which is kinda risky how movie ended up with, but we're very surprised and happy how it turns out.

However, since "The Lego Movie" got a lotta inspiration to having an adaptation of movie based on toys, why's Playmobil The Movie just came out as a ripoff?

For starter, the animation looks ok, i like the build of the world, the figures design and the colorful quality, but everything going down so fast that we can tell it feels typical like in Colosseum, fairy tale world, futuristic city and few others. And not to mention, the animation of the Playmobil figures isn't like the way they movie, they just move like human being than being limited like any Lego Minifigures do.

But of course, the story feels like it was written by a group teenagers for no originality, no effort and no knowledge what this film is, that's the major issue about this movie, its the lack of identity what Playmobil is all about, but it also have a very bad joke that it barely make us laugh and the songs are absolutely unnecessary and cliche for how we feel for the characters. Speaking of the characters, they're not nearly a ripoff from either Emmett or Lego's Batman, they're pretty obnoxious and underdeveloped that we feel careless for them, especially the main twins.

By the end of the day, this is not only shameless, but it doesn't feel like a movie, its an advertisement that makes you wanna buy the toys. In The Lego Movie, it has a very good meaning what's all about, building the world whatever we like to, but this movie means "Buy your Shit!". I mean i thought "Arctic Dogs" is a very bad film that im glad i never watching, but made me feel regretful to waste my time or my money to see this,

Not only this film is a complete ripoff, but this film is a good reason why i picked this as a Number One worst movie of 2019 i've ever saw...!

Got any other worst films on my list, let me know in the comment bellow.

So this ends of my countdown, but til next time, il go to the opposite direction to do the best films on my list.

Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out.

Tuesday, 24 December 2019

Top 10 Controversial moments of 2019

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to the countdown.

Well, looks like we're coming to an end of the decade of 2010, it feels like a roller coaster ride from great to downright nightmare right now before we reach to 2020. When it comes to 2019, it feels more like the final nail of the coffin of badness, its almost the whole world hate ourselves and unprepared before we're moving to the next decade.

So, as you already guess the title, im gonna make another list of controversial moments of the final year of the 2010 decade, but as always, these are the pick that what i considered to be downright questionable to stupidity. But there's too much and hard to pick like Brexit and few others out there.

So, lets looking back with my 10 Controversial moments of 2019, lets dive in, shall we?


Number 10: US Government shutdown
Now lets start with the one that it not just a massive backlash for its shut down, but it also declared as the new longest Government shutdown ever from end of 2018 to the beginning of 2019.

The reason why it was shut down, its because captain orange face Donald Trump refused to agreeing the appropriations bill in order to funding at the federal government or perhaps he was begging for the bill in order to tell the Mexicans to F*** off in order to building the border wall with over $5.7 billion.

This is gotta be one of the worst excuse ever that there's no reason to shut down, when thousands of employees are being punished by the so-called "President of America" for shut down partially and various employees barely earning profits while in jobs. which it took over 35 days to wait if Trump needs to be F*** off to let us earning royalties.

Thankfully, Trump does recovered the debacle in January 25th 2019, which despite many employees lived happily ever after, but Trump is still begging for the bills for the wall like an obnoxious rich kid. Lets hope Trump will be defeated by Bernie Sanders in the presidential election in 2020 to bringing peace in America.

Number 9: Projared's fallen from the grace LIED
From several years ago, we had several Youtubers fell from the grace over their controversies like DaddyOfive (though he's got banned by Youtube, thank god) as well with some who's still getting away without punishment like Logan Paul, PrankInvasion and Onision. But, there's one person that we though he deserved to be hated, but proving us that we're wrong, that is my favorite game reviewer Projared.

For several years, Jared Knabenbauer became a new star of game review that we enjoyed to watch his videos, whether his reviews of games, talking about Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon Nuzlocke Challenge and appeared as a special guest of various videos.

However, things went into a boiling point, where Jared announced that he broke up his ex-girlfriend Heldi for changing reason, but Heldi proving him to be a liar that he's one of those celebrities who got cheated to having a fair with another girl named Holly, but thats not all, he was also exposed for the fact that he sends his nude photo of his towards his fans (including two underage between 15 to 16) in order to gain fame, resulting Jared losing his fame, including lose his subscribers 20%. Not to mention, Holly is desperate to defending him, claiming that Heldi assaulted Jared to losing his D&D career, but Heldi denied and calling her a liar too. Its more of a "She said/She said" when it comes to Jared's reputation.

After several months, Jared came back in September 2019 to get off his chest that not only he issued an apology, but it turns out that we hurt him with lies. According to him, he had to talking to the lawyer for investigation about his action since the past. Jared said that he didn't show his private part to his fans (just his torso and thats it) and he wanted to apologizing to the two underage "fans", but not only they refuse to accepting his apology, but they made the evidence in order to make him look like a pedophile, despite Jared didn't noticed that they're not only underage, but they also want to scamming anyone for their work. As for his "cheating" to Heldi, he didn't cheated on her, he was attempt to file a divorce since October 2018 since he talked to the lawyer for breaking up at Heldi, but Heldi still didn't believe his truth.

In the end, it seems that Jared has finally cleaned up to showcase the evidence that we're all wrong for what he's done, in other words, he's proven to be innocent that he's been falsely accused of his action, despite he didn't realizing about the underage and his early plan to break up with his ex. And of course, he's back in positive and he's going back in Youtube to gain his subscribers back.

Thats why i put his "fallen from grace" in the lower list, because at least he did tell the truth, unlike many rich kids on Youtube who're always getting away...

Number 8: UK Parliament of loot boxes
Lets face it, the video game industry is in problem for not just the excuse that il get one later, but its companies greedy decision of Microtransactions since Mobile games, even the big names like SEGA, Nintendo and Ubisoft jump on the bandwagon of mobile games.

But the real deal for their excuses is the use of "Loot Boxes", they're everywhere for their demanding for our wallet. We just can't take it, even the politics agree, by calling those as a gambling for young kids. This is exactly how the Europe took notice and plan to banning them for the video game industry, specially in Belgium.

So, in UK, they went to a parliament with several employees from EA and Epic Games to considering that Loot Boxes are harmful to kids without permission, but for brainless reason, two employees from EA and Epic defending themselves by saying "They're not Loot Boxes, we called "Supruise Mechanic"!!" and "Supwize Mechanic are not harmful, we doing this for money that kids would wuv it! Waahh!!". I mean, who the hell says that?! This is one of the worst excuses i've ever in my life since EA's "Pride and accomplishment".

I think that we can all agree that because of excuses, there's no way to defeating the politics, because they'll take the government to going after some games that including Loot Boxes and Microtransactions by putting a higher rating to make sure that kids will never buy them without parents's permission.

But lets hope the US will also going after the several game companies to outlawing games with Microtransactions that kids will not allowed, or they'll facing consequences from COPPA.

Number 7: So many remakes movies, so bigger time
As far as i know, the whole remake is now becoming a trend in Hollywood. Though im not talking about the TV shows or even the video games, though then show is debatable and the video game has some good one, for the most parts...

But what i am about to complaining, its the whole movies with remake, which it really makes the movie goers (including me) getting frustrated and questioning if Hollywood and studios are running out of ideas for money.

One of them is obviously Disney. Don't give me wrong, Disney has made a lot of films that are fun, entertaining and a magic into them. But its just that Disney are so desperate to make another big movie for making a live action remake of our nostalgia films like Dumbo, Aladdin and The Lion King, which a lot of them are successful for their quick cash. Especially the remake of The Lion King, which it reached over 1 billion dollars, i was pissed off when i heard and Disney keeps planning to make another remakes for not just in theaters, but also in Disney+ as well.

Of course, Disney isn't the only company for milking the old films, like Hellboy (which it was easily flopped that no one was asked for), Pet Sematary, Charlie's Angels (not because of this movie, but the actress/director Elizabeth Banks is acting like a drama queen when her movie failed, Badly...!) and even Black Christmas for the second time...!

 In the end, i am still begging for various studio for when they're gonna stop staying in the bandwagon trend of remakes, we like to see something original or even done in adaptation. Instead of wasting their time and the budget for making the movie remake out there.

Number 6: So many mass shootings in USA and the blaming of video games
Lets face it, US is pretty much in danger with so many shooters for decades, especially that i already mentioned in my last year's list.

But things went further that as im working, there are over 400 mass shootings in US with more than 1,400 people were survived but injured and more than 400 were killed and the most ever occurred of shooting is on August 2019 with over 89 people were killed. and to this day, we're still protesting to stop the mass shooting and the gun controls need to be expanded.

But of course, the final nail of the coffin that ever since the shootings happened, many people (yes, including Donald Trump) are putting the blame over the video games for creating mass shootings. And that really pissing me off that lot of people and i calling "It" as an excuse to get attention on medias and even on the internet. Which resulting that several stores (including Walmart) planned to stop advertising the games with guns, despite that they also have guns on their stock, which not only its just stupid, but also hypocrite as well.

In fact, one of my favorite game reviewer Angry Joe took notice about the excuse by doing the research about the video games popularity and the revenue between USA and Japan, which obviously that its not just we called the statement as inexcusable, but Japan doesn't have a mass shooting to this day (correct me if im wrong in the comment, please) and the mass shooting obviously came from mental problems like racism, homophobic and even hatred.

So lets hope there will be a less shooting once we moving the next decade and if only the surveillance will be quickly alerted if there's another shooter out there to be arrested or perhaps the shooters will get killed (i know that killing without mercy is wrong, but i prefer to hear the bad guys dying, no offense).

Number 5: KyoAni's arson attack
You know, i've talk about the controversies of movies, video games, politics and society, but i've never talking about the controversies of Anime, but this incident needs to be talked about for looking back and i gotta say, it really hurts in the Anime community.

This incident took place in Kyoto, Japan, where an arson who took the accusation to a serious level that he accused the studio as a "plagiarism" of his own novel (when he was in hospital), which he proceeded to attack the studio by set the place on fire for his "revenge". I mean, "revenge" isn't helping very much, when his blaze literally destroyed projects, computers and worst of all, killing some of designers and directors of Anime series, including Yasuhiro Takemoto, who's famously involved with K-On!, Clannad and even The Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya

It is a very devastated moment when this ever happened and it was maybe considered as the most deadliest incident since either Myojo 56 building fire in 2001 or even World War II. With all the damages and injuries, i hope they'll find a better place the fire incident in Japan will never happen again, may wish them a good life.

Number 4: Canadian election and #Wexit
Now this one is really difficult to talk about, but i had to pick this on the list, due to my concern of my homeland Canada.

Before we get to the election, we expected to have a good people out there to make Canada to a new level in positive? Nope!
Instead we have almost all the parties that they're not helping, with Justin Trudeau (in Liberal) wanted to raising taxes to save the environment, despite he's already being exposed for his insensitive racism, Andrew Scheer (in Conservative) is pretty much being denial and delusional for his anti-support of environment, Jagmeet Singh also wanted to raising taxes, Yves-François Blanchet wanted Quebec as separated country and Maxime Bernier is pretty much in hatred level in the country.

At the end of the election, Trudeau remains his role as a Prime Minister which despite he has lesser vote from Scheer, he has more seats than Scheer, leaving the Conservative look like a punching bag for the voters, it was bad that everyone in Alberta are jumping on bandwagon with #Wexit in order unionizing as a independent country/nation, but it was made with internet bots and probably disinformation in order to get attention and more hate at Trudeau on the internet like Twitter.

For right now, even though i may or may not cared about the Canadian politics, its just that im concerned for my country's fate based on the future plan and other stuff...

Number 3: Blizzard's banning over politics
Lets face it, Blizzard in 2019 is rather... Abysmal for say the least, especially since they're with Activision.

There had been plenty of bad moments like over 800 employees been layoff for the lack of pay, despite Activision Blizzard still own their profits. But none can compare for what happened during the end of Hearthstone Grandmasters streaming event.

In October 2019, a Hong Kong played named "Blitzchung" won the match with $10K and during the interview, he came with a mask to proclaim that he support the protesters during the "Hong Kong Protest 2019" (which the protest is about the problem with the fugitive bills since March 2019, but thats a different story). So, you think Blizzard will accept his support based on the protest, right? Nope!

Blizzard just give him a one-year ban and stripped his reward, because of this, it received a huge backlash that not only its unfair to DQ'd the winner, but also abusing the free-speech when we like to talking about politic whatever we want, but Blizzard banned the winner, because they're too scared to hearing this! Witht he backlash, everyone are jumping on the bandwagon with "#BoycottBlizzard" to telling them never abusing the free speech and they need to support the protesters from Hong Kong, but Blizzard refused to take our criticism by banning more people on website for abusing the free-speech again and again.

After the madness, during Blizzcon, the CEO of the company J. Allen Brack came to respond about the incident to issue with apology with reducing Blitzchung's ban to six months, but his apology is so vague and not helping that it might as well be translated to "Sorry, but not sorry!". Because of this, the U.S. Congress are going after Blizzard for what they've done for their action (with the aforementioned reducing suspension and even Nintendo of America are canceling Overwatch launch on Switch in New York because of Bizzard.

In the end, we can all agree that the way where Blizzard's did to the winner's suspension is downright disrespectful and as always, abusing the free speech.

And speaking of abusing free speech...

Number 2: Article 13 passed
If you though the repeal of Net Neutrality is bad, well this one is gonna be ever worse for European users on the internet. Though the whole "Save Net Neutrality" is still going since two years ago, the senators are supportive of Net Neutrality and we'll keep spreading for peace.

Meanwhile, the European Union has made even worse what we heard, by making a new law for censoring memes!

As i said from last year's list of controversies, EU made a law of Article 13 and 15 that according to their law is to going full force of copyright infringement against all the posts from movies and music from our freedom. Which is nothing but a plan of censorship.

With our words spreading to save the memes in Europe, you think that EU will accept our issue? Nope!
The vote has already passed that Article 13 and 15 are approved that it will affect around in 2021, at least its what they said. It was so bad that it resulting into a protest from many European users, as well with criticisms with Youtube and Twitch.

Plus, one woman named Julia Reda believed that Article 13 might be considered to be violated from CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), which is not secret that it might ruining the Fair Use, which that will made me scared if this will affecting my homeland Canada too. We can all agree that EU just doesn't know how the internet work that we like to posting every memes with jokes and Dankest. But based on EU's decision, that will easily ruined my fellow friends from Europe, which is not only unfair, but also a blatant censorship.

I could've easily picked this as a number one spot, but i dropped on number 2, because at least the internet is still open in Europe and we have to keep spreading to cancel the law for Fair Use, except the one that makes on top spot...!


And now... My number one the most Controversial of the year goes to...!



Number 1: Youtube's fallen from grace and carelessness
You know this coming, don't you?

For nearly 15 years, Youtube is no secret to be most visited and detestably the best site we always like going in there, watching videos and joking with. But sadly, everyone about Youtube is nothing but fell apart from its punishment.

Which in 2018, many groups filed multiple complaints at Federal Trade Commission about Youtube collecting data of children, which it was confirmed in September 2019 that Youtube had to fine the damage with over $170 million dollars. Because of this, Youtube had to make a new rule, but not the good kind.

For example from their new rule, if you upload a video as "For kids", you get NOTHING! No comments, no rating, no recommendation, no looking back on your history, no notification about the video and no monetization (which means you get no profit on your account). But if you make a video as "Not for kids", Youtube will automatically took notice on your video that it looks like a kid content that you get fined $42,000 per video. Otherwise if you have over million videos, thats about more than $4 Million! Im not exaggerating for the creators's while doing my own calculation for the future.

Because of this, the new rule (before it'll starts in early 2020) received a major criticisms that it'll easily ruins Youtubers's career that they'll either losing their home, their job or even going in jail. Because of this not only makes Youtubers concerned, but so does FTC as well. Which to be clarified, FTC are not involved of Youtube's changing rule, it was Youtube themselves for changing the rule that it hurts us. In fact, FTC opened a comment reception (to be positive of course) about the COPPA for changing after 20 years and even tell Youtube to including "General audience" rating. In fact Youtube sent their comment to verify at FTC if their new rule is helping (which i say otherwise, meaning that this "New Rule" isn't helping for the future).

Unfortunately, it seems that Youtube will never learn their lesson about our videos and criticisms, which we can all agree that Youtube is dying before 2020. They uploaded "Youtube Rewind 2020", which they're too desperate to stay positive, but the damage was already done, because we're pissed and concerned over Youtube's future plan and probably the final nail of the coffin is that Youtube was so desperate to stay positive by upgrading their guideline in order to automatically flag down the videos that are deemed "Harassment", one of them is one of my favorite Youtuber IdubbbzTV's video "Content Deputy", where he criticized over at Youtuber named "Leafyishere", who's infamous for bullying at innocent users with mental issues like Autism, eating addiction, retardation and few others. Which instead of punishing Leafy, Youtube just straight up punishing innocent user like Idubbbz for quote-on-quote "Harassment". This is just nothing but a blatant Censorship in their desperation to stay positive in the community, its like Youtube treats you like Shit!

In the end, its safe to say that Youtube has no respect at all of you, with auto-flagging videos for censorship, they barely know about FTC and COPPA, they'll punishing your for your future video that you'll upload and worst of all, i think they're too desperate to get their money back after being fined, which means that again, if you upload a mature content that we really need a General content, you'll get fined by Youtube themselves.

Which is a good reason that i pick Youtube's poor reputation as a Number 1 of the most controversial moment in final decade of 2010.

And most importantly to give before going back to the movie lists, il give a similar reference from WWE is:
I did not screw Youtube, Youtube Screws Youtube.

End of story and til next time...

Wednesday, 2 January 2019

Top random video games in 2018

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to the countdown.

For many times for my hobby, i always like watching recent films, cause im just a movie guy, movies are like my second or third hobby along with drawings and even writing reviews.

Though i like movies, but i also like to spent my time to play video games.

So like last year, i decided to pick random games, whether its good or bad what i've seen. But im not not gonna split between good or bad, just random in my mind.


Lego The Incredibles
For the potential of "Incredibles 2", which is easily my number favorite film of 2018, Traveler Tales decided to making a Lego video game with The Incredibles. Released for the launch of the movie sequel, the game is...   Well, pretty much like any Lego games.

For starter, the gameplay is pretty much like before that i said, you playing as the main heroes whether its Mr. Incredible or Elastigirl, it let you play on open world in Municiberg, to just do your own business, destroy something in order raise more studs as currencies, which its might be obvious that you need those to unlock more characters from random package, the power brick or even vehicles in open world hub. 

For the story, it let you start to play in "Incredibles 2" then finishes to first film, which its nice, but it would've been better that we have to start in the first movie, rather than the sequel, i know that they want to start with the sequel, because it was new. Not to mention, they tone down from PG element in order to be kid friendly, i understand that, but its probably overshadowed for a bit childish. But sometimes, they change some elements that unlike in the movie "Incredibles 2" where Elastigirl stops the train by herself, instead she and He-Lectrix are working together, which is too soon to introducing the gimmicky heroes. Or even in the first one, unlike Mr. Incredibles is on the island by himself to facing against Omnidroid, he's teaming up with Frozone in the island in the game. But thats not all, they even keep Gazerbeam alive than the movie that he was a body count.

Even though the story mode wasn't that great, but in the hub is in my opinion the best part, which it like you do not only your grinding, but also facing against the super villains, aside from Syndrome, The Underminer or even Bomb Voyage, they have a woman who's mutated from ice cream named "Brainfreezer" or even a man who's like turning into a zombie when he's probably drowned in the sea named "Anchor-Man". Pretty cool, but kinda disturbing concept for them. And for added bonus, they even let you customizing your own character, located on Edna Mode's house. And the graphic is feels like they took the same engine from the previous game, which i feel like its something straight out of PS3 or Xbox 360.

Overall, the game is not bad, i like the hub, i like they including extra Pixar characters like Wall-E, Flick from "The Bug's life" or even Dory from "Finding Nemo/Dory". But its just that the gameplay feels like the game, the changing story aren't as good and the graphic is waay to old for the current system like Xbox One S that i played.

Agony
Well, this is gonna a lot worse than "Mighty Number 9".

This game was made in Kickstarter campaign where you play as Nimrod who's been sent to hell from the creator Red Goddess, mainly because your character is a devil worshiper. Its up to him to find the way to get the hell out. Honestly, this game tried really hard to be like Doom where you play in hell, but it is so bad that its boring.

Though the graphic is not bad, but it has an overdose of violent and disturbing image, but it doesn't mean that its good, the gameplay goes where you play in stealth to hold your breath, but its messy and it gets boring all the way through. Also, the voice acting is pretty bad, which im convincing that they're voiced by the developers themselves.

Though im glad i never played, this game is so bad that the title suggested, its a complete Agony.

Soulcalibur VI
I love Soul Calibur series, this game introduced me from my friend while visiting to his home which it got a lot of attention that i wanna play. The first one that i remembered play for the first time is "Soul Calibur IV".

Several years after the disappointed "Soul Calibur V" as with some bad spin off for the cash in, Namco Bandai made "Soul Calibur VI", saying that its a reboot from the second game "Soul Calibur" (no relation of the first one called "Soul Edge"). But they said that if this game was success, they're gonna make another one, if not, than the series will be dead. When it came out, its a welcoming return.

For starter, the gameplay is what you expected, its a fighting tournament with swords, nun-chucks, axes and even powerful weapons like Soul Edge or Soul Calibur, your attack is either horizontal, vertical or even kicking. You fight your opponent, from various styles what you played as random characters, like Sophitia using her sword and shield, Ivy Valentine has a sword that turning into a whip, Nightmare uses an aggressive moves with Soul Edge, or even Yoshimitsu using his sword to standing into it while crouching or even using as a helicopter for...  Weird reason for this demonic warrior. I personally like to play as Nightmare, Sophitia, Mistsurugi, Taki, as well some new character/guest like Aswel or recently 2B from Nier Automata.

One part they adding something new in the gameplay is "Reversal Edge" where you have to use the attack or block when your fighter automatically run towards your opponent, but i find it to be unnecessary for using it, i prefer doing my combo or mashing buttons.

For the story, i expected that we can play as Sophitia for seeking revenge from the infection from Soul Edge. But instead, it focused to Kilik going on his journey to dealing about Nightmare with Soul Edge, as well with teaming up with Xianghua and a pirate captain Maxi. Its pretty cool for the explanation and the secret truth about the new sword Soul Calibur. However, you can even play as other characters for the story, like where a new character Groh was wounded from Soul Edge it causing him in berserk and confronting against historian Aswel, Kilik's training before he's prepared or even the guest Geralt was transported to different world.

And like any Soul Calibur games, you can even create your own characters. Though its nice to bring it back, but your character has to do the same fighting style from the roster, which im fine with it, along with different weapons. The good news is that you can not only play as a human, but also a different race, whether you play as an angel, a demon, a skeleton, a shapeshifter or even malfested forms. But the bad news is that the outfits are limited that they're less than before, ouch. There's another single player mode that you play as a customize character for your own journey with some RPG like for leveling your experience for your attack and defense points, and it also let you play whether you're good or evil.

This game is a welcome return that i highly recommend to play, if you're a fan of fighting games or even the series like SoulCalibur.

The Culling 2
Let me star off by saying that im not considering myself as a fan of battle royale genre, they're like a new trend of the video game genre. Especially with the over popular Fortnite. Like im trying to playing it on Switch, but didn't get my interest.

In fact, Fortnite or even "PlayerUnkown Battleground" are so popular, its no secret that many indie devs made their own battle royale, but some are either cheap or unplayable. But the biggest victim is "The Culling 2".

This game sequel came out after the first one from last year that nobody cared, they trying to make a big deal for the newcomer of battle royale, but its so bad that you can't even play anymore, because the graphic looks cheap, the game is buggy and its an obvious ripoff.

But the best part is that the game was so bad, that the company "Xaviant"  had decide to pulled the game out of library and they issue an apology to us for how bad it is. Like no S***, guys. It definitely deserves to be removed for how ripoff it was made. If you wanted to play battle royale, stick to Fortnite.

Forza Horizon 4
I always love to playing driving/racing sims, whether its my childhood like "Midtown Madness 2" or even currently like Gran Turismo. But the one franchise im a fanboy is "Forza" series.

After the release of "Forza Motorsport 7" that although its a good game, but not for god awful lootboxes (But thankfully it was removed for good reason). The company Playground Games went to make a sequel of "Forza Horizon" and oh man, i still love it and its predictably good.

In this game, it takes place in fictional land of United Kingdom, instead going around locations to creating Horizon Festival in four places, here you only have one and you can buy various house for your own home. I guess they wanted to be realistic that you want to be homeless when you live in Festival that you owned.

for the gameplay, there's not much else to say, you just driving around, winning the race in various form from street racing, off road or even cross-country. And not matter how many times you leveling up you get a slot machone that your get either extra currencies, your clothes (which yes, you can customize your character, but probably the lamest one) or even free cars. But hey, at least the slot machine doesn't let you pay with real money.

Though the graphic aren't much else to say, like its simply nice, especially for the car's detail. But other times, some graphic could be messy with poor quality, keep in mind, i played on Xbox One S, which its not as advanced like Xbox One X. But what it makes it so special is the transition of seasons, which i really like what they give, but it lasted every week til Thursday for changing seasons non stop.

And you're probably wondering the recent expansion DLC called "Fortune Island"? Well, its basically a fictional island that it was too dangerous that one one will ever come in from risky tracks or thunderstorm. And it also adding treasure hunting with riddles, some are obviously easy, but other times its unfairly hard like the one where you do the "Speed Zone" with Willy's Jeep. (Which i think there's Willys in the Jeep section, but it was on "Willy's" section, thanks for confusing me.) Overall, "Fortune Island" is pretty average, it doesn't have a "Wow!" factor like Hot Wheels.

Overall, this the game that i love to going back and play Forza Horizon, so hope for the better with the second expansion DLC and possibly another installment of Forza series in 2019.

Metal Gear Survive
Back in 2015, Hideo Kojima left Konami (due to backstage politic at poor Kojima when it comes to the development of Metal Gear Solid 5 and cancelled Silent Hills) in order to collaborating with Sony for the upcoming game that we like to see "Death Stranding".

With Kojima's leaving, you'll think that Konami is gonna focus with other franchise, right? Nope. Because they decided to make another Metal Gear game without Kojima, instead og good'ol fashion stealth mission, the game let you played as an unnamed soldier who got sucked into a portal from the sky for some reason, then you stranded into a different dimension that your mission is go killing zombies.

This is the idea what you don't have to if the creator of the series isn't here from debacle. But nope, Konami is all like "F*** this guy, lets make our own Metal Gear game in order to make money like Pachinko machines that we did!".

For the dumb name suggested, its about you live in survival from zombies and gathering foods and drinks, but the problem is you're forced to learn how to do those, because your main character is an idiot for didn't know what to do. And there's also where you gathering a crystal called "Kuban" energy for...  Science??

But you know what's the scariest part of this game aside of making Pachinko? This game is also including Microtransation. This time, if you wanna open a second file, you have to pay 10 dollars before you access. Wow... Not even Konami wasn't bad enough that they want more money like EA.

Way to go, Konami, way to go...!

Spider-Man PS4
2018 is easily a best year with our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, there was "Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" and even dealing with Thanos in "Avengers Infinity War". Well.... Not sure if thats good for the last one... And of course there's Venom that despite it wasn't the best, but i like this movie.

But in the video game, it surprised us that instead of cashing in based on movies, this one is actually original and i loved it!

When this game was announced, i wasn't sure if its good, mainly because i always believe its game for capitalizing with Marvel license, but surprisingly, it never disappoints us. In this game, you playing as 23 year old Peter Parker who works with Otto Octavius as an research assistant on his laboratory. Despite the identity exposed in front of Octavius, he gave him a backup by upgrading the suit to give him special abilities. As he's fighting bad guys like Wilson Fisk (aka Kingpin), he heard's about the Devil's Breath from Demon that it spreads in New York, its up to you as Spider-Man to stop the Demon once and for all. The story is basically Spider-Man has to stop the virus that it causes an evil threat.

Even though the story is kinda odd, but it also has a subplot about the struggle relation between Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, despite he may have a relation with NYPD captain name Yuri Watanabe, whether it was build for development with Ms. Watson or probably a plan with Yuri, especially Peter likes to have fun as Spider-Man for his nickname "Spider-Cop".

About the gameplay, the control is pretty nice and smooth, with pulling the trigger non-stop for web-swinging, doing the combo for beating up bad guys (especially using "Spider-Sense" to avoiding enemy's fight or even bullets) and probably some overused quicktime events. Not mention, you can even upgrade your skills, the powerups and my favorite part is the collectible suits of Spider-Man, with "Iron-Spider", "Spider-Man Noir", "Scarlet Spider", "Spider-Neon", the old "Spider-Man armor" and my favorite recently is the suit of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. The suits gives you some specials for the abilities, like camouflage, agility and more.

The graphic looks great that they give a realistic look of humans, the city of New York (as well with Avengers's tower), the action moments and so much more what they presenting, it is outstanding for Insomniac Games. You can take pictures in "Photo mode", even though i like taking pics in Smash Bros, but in Spider-Man, he likes to taking selfie. Even though that im not sure if i wanna do that as a gamer, but kids these days, they always like to taking pictures for all for fun and probably wrong reasons.

But i have a problem of this game is that aside the overuse of QTE, it also let you play as either Mary Jane and Miles Morales, but they're only use for "stealth" gameplay, which i don't like that they give us. And a third problem is that this game is exclusive on PS4, like we had some Spider-Man games on multi platforms, such as Spider-Man 2 the video game, which is great game, even though i haven't try it.

Despite some of flaws, but it is no wonder why we love this PS4 game of Spider-Man, it was considered as the best licensed superhero game and it also sold very good with over 3.3 million units of sales. Its easily a must-have game that you definitely try it for PS4.

Fallout 76
Let me start off by saying that im not a huge fan of Fallout, when i first looked it up, i always wanna give a try like Fallout 4, but my interest didn't get it, so i basically moving on.

Anyway, when Bethesda was announcing about Fallout 76, it was rather skeptical when the Todd Howard (the led developer of the series like Fallout and Elder Scrolls.) talked about the game Fallout 76, saying its gonna be a big deal with better graphic, better gameplay, playing in single player mode and playing multiplayer without online server. Which i wasn't sure if this will be better than Fallout 4.

And when the game came out, this game is nothing but fake news from Todd's announcement, with low detail, the glare is rising from the ground, boring gameplay, no single player mood, no NPC and it has online sever. Like everything is a lie for the potential, its nothing but poor excuse for showing that it will be "good", but it feels like it was rushed for making a game like this. Not to mention, you can even throw the nuke, but the nuke is way too sensitive that if you throw more than one, it crashed the game's server.

But it gets worse that the biggest final nail of the coffin, is that they even including Microtransactions to buying skins. What?! You're telling us that we have to buy a skin with real money?! God F***ing dammit! The "Evolve" all over again!

This is the game that it was done by an unprofessional developer who wants to finishing project quickly for full price in the market and even Microtransaction for quick bucks. Like stay away, that will make a lot of concerns for Bethesda's future. Except for Doom Eternal, its the once i considered my anticipation.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate
We're closing the list to talk about the number 1 must-have and favorite game of the year, Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

From before, Masihiro Sakurai and Nintendo made the fourth Smash Bros on the Wii U and 3DS, which it was rather above average, i like they brought the Mii Fighters, the new fighters is well deserved like Little Mac and Pac-Man. After the game's release, we though that its all over that Sakurai wanted to moving on.

But thanks for the support from the fans and employees of Nintendo, he brought us back to the world of Smash Bros on Switch and it really amazed us when it was announced. And when it came out, it never disappoints us for how awesome it is.

Its simple for the gameplay, its a platform fighting game, A is a simple attack, along with Smash with Joycon analogue, B is special attack and activating Final Smash and using trigger buttons is for blocking (for limit) and grappling your opponent. The control is satisfy to play with either Joycon, pro-controller or even GameCube controller. You can play in "Classic mode", events and of course adventure mode known as "World of Light".

The presentation of this game looks pretty nice for Nintendo Switch, its bright, colorful and it is fun for a crossover fighting game with Nintendo characters and third party characters like Snake, Sonic, Pac-Man and Megaman. Speaking of characters, the roster is huge with over 74 fighters you can playing as, unless you counted two more with Piranha Plant from Mario and Joker from Persona 5, even these guys are the one i requested, but im still hoping for good DLC like Shantae, Protoman (the echo fighter of Megaman, or perhaps more third party like Sans from Undertale/Deltarune or maybe Doom Marine from Doom.

The story mod "World of Light" is pretty cool one and probably helpful to unlock the fighters in your roster. Aside from the very surprising opening sequence that it looks like something straight out of Infinity War, you start playing as Kirby in order to not only gathering spirits and even freeing fighters from Galeem and Dharkon. But i won't spoil it, which it has ending choice. For me, i bought the game when it came out in the first day, its like a modern Holy Grail for video game. Then at first, i though its gonna be hard for it, but it was kinda easy to beat, due to the fact that you beat evil clones to gathering spirits and even save the fighters, especially the world is huge for any directions for where you supposed to go and what to do. It took me about one week in order to beat the adventure, it is quiet stressful for all of reasons like fighting harder clone or even bosses like Galeem and Dharkon.

However, the game has some flaws, with as we all know, they remove the trophies (not counted the "assist trophy") to replacing with spirits of offense, defense and grapple. Though its kinda disappointed that il missed them, but the spirits might be useful for depending for what you like in your collection, like in Smash, you can fight anyone with your spirits. And there's the lockable characters (aside from Adventure mode), which at first, its started easy when i unlock one character easily, but as it goes, it gets harder for unfair reason, likely the aggressive AI that it pissed me off, but thankfully, for the effort and picking some easy character to beat,  i manage to completing them all and the roster is done, or does it?

Overall, Super Smash Bros Ultimate is easily one of the best game 2018 that it deserves a potential and worth of waiting with Switch. This is definitely a must have that we can all agree.

Got any good or bad games that i missed? Let me know in the comments bellow

So this is my final top list of the year 2018. So 2019 is already here and im looking forward to be better.

And, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Top 13 movies of 2018


Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my countdown.

Last time, i covered my list of worst movies that i wanted to get off my chest, wither is a poorly cash-in based on arcade game, a mecha vs Kaiju with a poor joke and one of the worst animated movie since "The Emoji Movie".

But i won't stay longer in negative, i wanna go to the positive way to looking back of some good films that i watched.

I wanted to be a simple 10 movies, but i decided to narrowing to 13, because 10 isn't good enough with some films that i liked. And not to mention, its the year with so many superhero films, which most of them will easily be on my list.

For this list, its only my pick that i watched and talked about, so some films like "Isle of Dogs" won't be on my list, because i wanted to see it, but pulled the plug that i wasn't ready. Also some films like "Mary Poppins Returns" and "Bumblebee" won't be here too, which although Mary Poppins Return is nice to see her again, while Bumblebee that i was not happy that i expected the worst, but it was surprisingly good.

Oh well, lets get started with the goodies, shall we?

But, il start with one Honorable mentions.

Honorable Mention: Dr. Seuss's The Grinch

This Illumination's version of The Grinch had a potential, despite people (like me) are questioning for why another one since Ron Howard's version. But in fairness, its probably better than Ron Howard's version.

The animation looks pretty cool and colorful, since this movie came out for preparing Christmas, a very cool decoration and colorful in the Whoville. And the climatic stealing decoration with The Grinch is nice see it again since before, but more creative with his gadgets, its a pretty good execution sequence what we like to see in the third act.

But the reason why i didn't put on the list, is that sometimes the character designs feels like a similar designs of other Illumination films, which i maybe understand why people noticed, but its not worst character designs i've ever seen, they're rather alright, some are nice design, some are cute or some that its limited.

Speaking of limited, most of the characters aren't have anything special and rather remain the same from the book. Like Max is a loyal dog, Cindy Lou is a cute and curious girl and some new characters are rather limited for their appearance like Fred is just a generic fat reindeer. But as far as i know, the movie mainly focus about The Grinch, though me may not as iconic like Chuck Jones's version nor even over-the-top like Jim Carrey. Grinch is more loner, grouch and sometimes pulling humiliations at the Whos. But of course, i think Benedict Cumberbatch's role of The Grinch is actually not bad that i can say for his role.

However, the story is pretty much the same as the book, but like expending where Grinch wondering around for his shopping and pulling humiliations as i mentioned before, and even setting up his plan to stealing Christmas decorations. And having an origin about The Grinch is although its nice to have it, but its pretty vague that i was questioning for why he's all alone in the orphanage. The music is pretty bellow average that i forgot to point out in my review, the narration of Pharrell is "meh".

This Christmas isn't the worst, but its rather an ok film, even if the kids will like this movie for Christmas.


Honorable mention: First Man

We always fascinated of going in space since our childhood, but sometimes going in space could be dangerous. In the 90's a failed mission movie called "Apollo 13" was big deal with great reviews and box office success.

And the, the one that some people like to see (like myself in curiosity) is "First Man". This is the true story was a big deal of a first man of the moon, namely Neil Armstrong.

The plot is more about Neil's life and his training of going in space, which its nice to see how he went, but it takes a while before we reach to the third act where Neil and his partner going to the moon for the first time.

The writing is maybe interesting, since like i said, it mainly focuses on Neil's life, his mission and his truth to his wife and kid, which its nice, but i still care about the mission in space with NASA.

Though the rest of characters aren't as anything to say, but the presentation looks pretty impressive what it looks like what i was wondering from our main hero's mission, from space mission then to the moon, they did a pretty good job for the production.

Simple and kinda flawed, this is the film that you'll like to see if you ever familiar of "First man of the moon".


Number 13: Halloween 2018

Lets start with the one that it maybe disappointed, but i kinda like it more than "The Happytime Murders".

The horror genre pretty much mixed in nowadays, some has cool idea and a good adaptations, but others are a basically a cash-in or even made a stupid story.

And the slasher genre feels like its dying after the 70's and 80's. But one series came back for 40 years is Halloween. I enjoyed watching the first Halloween from 1978, and its no wonder why it became a horror classic and it was debatable for a first Slasher film that brought a new genre.

With this one, its a sequel from the first Halloween, ignoring all previous installments and even the remake by Rob Zombie, which it makes a lot more sense. Anyway, 40 years after the first Halloween, Michael Myers is been sanitarium from many years for murdering people and escaped from Dr. Loomis, but then he was escaped from the bus. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode is suffered a PTSD, living herself in isolation house to be safe, but with Michael is on the loose, Laurie had enough that not only she buys weapons, but also warning to his daughters and granddaughters from the masked killer.

Even though its nice to bring back the old root, the presentation looks pretty cool that even though its peaceful, but went into the horror in the Halloween night with Michael Myers's killing, the killing scene are impressive, but also brutal and kinda gruesome. And Michael Myers's appearance is welcome return too with his old dirty mask and his boiler suit.

The only reason why its on lower list, its because although it has some good characters like Michael Myers, Laurie Strode and Dr. Ranbir Sartain, but the rest of the characters are rather forgettable for the cliche tokens like many horror films. Not to mention, its more of a vengeful story for Laurie, we all know the vengeful plots is always done before.

Even though its a nice return, but i don't call a perfect horror film, thats why its only number 13.


Number 12: Aquaman

DCEU are always having bad shape for a lot of disappointed films for what they tried so hard to competing MCU. But like i said, did have a good one, such as Wonder Woman.

After "Justice League", i've been begging to have something good, the result is half right for Aquaman.

To give a credit, they did a nice work for how Atlantis look like in a big budget film and the filming in Morocco and Canada are pretty cool location choices. Even though some CG are pretty nice for the sea creatures and the lighting of Atlantis and colorful. And the action scenes are pretty cool with the powers and fighting skills, even though it could be a bit violent with stabbing and Atlanteans bleeding out from a battle armor for losing the breath.

Though story is basically a typical adventure with Aquaman and his love interest Mera, but movie just goes whatever it wants by switching the main plot to an origin back and forth about Arthur Curry's training and learning the truth about his lost mother, which it droves us confusion from the messy transition.

And the characters, while we like our main hero Aquaman and Mera, but the rest are ok, but others ended up in waste of potential, most notable is Black Manta, which we expected to see Black Manta as a main villain for seeking revenge over his dead father? But no, he's basically a throw away villain that the real main villain is Orm (aka Ocean Master), an arrogant douchebag king who wants bring war of Atlantis by killing all the kingdoms. Black Manta is pretty much like The Joker in Suicide Squad.

Even though this film is not bad, but its not as great as Wonder Woman.

Number 11: Ant-Man and The Wasp

Marvel films in 2018 was a big year that they made some great films. Well, most of them.

The First Ant-Man is rather ok, despite its a similar story from the first MCU film, Iron Man. But when they made "Ant-Man and The Wasp", it had a potential and it was not only better than the first one, but i don't think i called an epic one.

Picking up after "Ant-Man" where Hope is gonna be the next generation of The Wasp, Scott Lang was free from the prison, but lives in arrest house because of "Civil War". However, he was called up from Hank Pym and Hope van Dyne, which they heard that Hank's wife Janet van Dyne isn't dead, but probably still alive in the quantum realm. But Scott didn't heard about, its up to him to reunite with Hank and teaming up with Hope in order to not only saving Hank Pym's headquarter, but also defending from Ghost.

Even though the story is rather interesting for a whereabouts of Janet, but it went into confusion for directions, especially that Ghost needs HQ in order to save her life from the affection of molecular instability.

Despite of confusion story, but the characters are rather interesting like Ant-Man, Hank, Janet and The Wasp, but the main villain like Ghost is rather forgettable, she tries to have a sympathy from the molecular instability, but execution is confused from the story.

But at least the presentation looks pretty cool, along with action scenes with shrinking, which i find it impressive and kinda funny for how it goes with shrinking gadgets. And its also colorful when we went into quantum realm. And the suits is outstanding with Ant-Man, The Wasp and even Ghost.

Ant-Man and The Wasp is rather better than the first one, but ended up with some flaws with some forgettable and possibly a semi confusion.

Number 10: Solo: a Star Wars story

After "The Last Jedi", its no wonder the new era of Star Wars started to be concerned following a "pissed off" killing some characters what we expected like Luke Skywalker, even Mark Hamill admitted that killing his character might ruined his reputation.

Anyway, following the success of "Rogue One" (aside of awkward CG edited to old characters like Grand Tarkin and Princess Leia), they made the second anthology series with the origin of Han Solo, but the development was in trouble, which it was originally to be directed by the duo Phil Lord Christopher Miller in order to have a comedy, but they got fired from creative differences which they're replaced by Ron Howard in order to change writing and finishing the project.

As a result, its actually better than Rogue One, the plot is basically the origin of Han Solo that he wants to leave his home planet Corellia with his Wookie best friend Chewbacca and other members to teaming up together for crime adventure for money. Its rather an interesting story for the early space adventure with young smuggler, especially for not only how we see the first meet with Chewie and Lando. But even if the story could be predictable.

The production is impressive for the action scenes with gun shooting in western style, space shooting and a speeder chase on Corellia, which its impressive for some highlights. And of course, im very surprised for the designs of the Millennium Falcon for how it introduced in the early time, which it looks rather nice and clean, before it turned into the design that we all know and love in the original trilogy. Even the acting is pretty good for Alden as Han Solo and Donald Glover as Lando. Not only them, but they did have some likable characters not just Han, Chewie or Lando, but also L3-37.

Despite the effort that they made this movie with a positive review, but the movie aren't safe for box-office bomb. Which the budget was estimated 275–300 million dollars, while the box office is over 392.9 million dollars, even though its a nice way to reaching over at the end, but the damage was already done for the poor commercial, especially the first trailer was pretty dull. And because of that, Disney lost the range of 50 to 80 million dollars, resulting a cancellation of an anthology film with Boba Fett and change the project to the show in Disney+ called "The Mandalorian".

Solo, a good movie with a bad reputation of box-office.

Number 9: Bohemian Rhapsody

As a fan of Queen since my childhood, i was very surprise and curious to hearing about a movie based on the true story of the band Queen and the life of Freddie Mercury. And this exactly what we have.

The movie actually nice to see where did Freddie begin to meet his fellow members from the club that Brian May and Roger Taylor after having a hard time with former member Tim Staffell who left the group "Smile" to a formation of Queen with inclusion of John Deacon. Even though they started with a mixed reaction, especially with the title song "Bohemian Rhapsody" due to the questionable lyric, but became a smash hit. Not to mention, it also goes with a love triangle for our main lead of Queen, because as we all know, he was gay that he's making out with Paul Prenter, causing a difficulty relation with Mary Austin.

What i like this movie is aside the story that i like to see how it goes in origin, but also the montage with our familiar songs, colorful stages and more, it is quiet of fun ride. And of course, the concert of Live Aid is easily the best part of the movie that we all know and love.

Unfortunately, it doesn't mean it had a perfect story, because some moment are inaccurate to follow, including the lack of appearance of Jim Hutton, the first meet of Mary Austin in the same night of the formation band, when in reality, she was first meet in 1969 when she worked as receptionist in the clothing store called Biba, or the infamous of all Freddie was diagnose of AIDS took place before Live Aid, when in true story, he had AIDS in 1986, one year after Live Aid.

Despite the botchy history, but its the presentation, a development and the focus of Freddie is always enjoy to see this adaptation of the origin of Queen.

Number 8: Ready Player One

Oh man, this one had a lot of potential of a crossover in the VR world of internet.

With a movie directed by Steven Spielberg caught a lot of attention from me, VR users and crossover fans as well and it definitely shows.

Taking place in future in a slum city, where our main hero Wade Watts was not only enjoy video games, but also fascinated about the secrets in the online of OASIS, that it was originally created by James Halliday, but the online digital world was ruled by douchebag CEO name Nolan Sorrento is keeping his eyes in the digital world in peace, its up to Wade Watts as Parzival along with his members of "High Five" to find the secret keys in order to find the Easter Egg.

Its an interesting story where we like to finding an Easter Egg in various video games, but in a fictional game hub in OASIS, that will be like a big deal, aside to chasing away from the authority. Even though the story is rather simple, just an adventure to finding a secret treasure in the world of video game.

But what it makes this film so unique, its the presentation how it takes place in OASIS, it has a lot of cool moments of racing, battles, going to the museum about the history of James Halliday, the party club, the war against the authority and even a noticable characters and other stuff from various series and cultures, like Tracer from Overwatch, a Mobile suit Gundam, Iron Giant, a time machine Delorean, a monster truck Bigfoot and so much more others.

With an impressive setting and awesome presentation, but the characters is a different story, mainly because most of them are pretty much under developed, like Wade Watts is a user who's fascinated about Easter Eggs, Nolan Sorento is an A-Hole CEO, Samantha Cook is an ally user and possibly Wade's love interest and James Halliday is a visionary of virtual reality. Despite the flaws of development, the acting are actually good in honesty.

Despite the lack of character developments what we want likability, but its the story, the setting and the presentation is the best part of the film, even though it would've been better to be higher in the list.

Number 7: Venom

Alright, i know that this is the film that the critics didn't like the movie for the reasons of questionable tones and other stuff.

But personally, i don't its not a bad movie, i mean its rather a good film, i mean its like my wish is come true that i like to see a standalone movie with an anti-hero name Venom. Ok, maybe not a perfect film, but again, its not the worst movie ever.

As i said before, Venom on the big screen started in Spider-Man 3 and it has one of the worst depiction ever for making Peter Parker look emo and having a worst casting ever for Eddie Brock.

Thankfully, Sony decided to changing during the development of Venom that Eddie will be played by Tom Hardy and i think it suited nicely for him.

The story is where Brock was used to work as a reported on the TV news, but got fired for crossing the line during the interview with the CEO of Life Foundation name Carlton Drake and having a break up from Anne Weying, leaving him all alone and put the blame about losing his job and Life Foundation. That is until when he broke in from the employee of Life, he was bonded by the Symbiote that he's gonna be the host of Venom, that is when there's another Symbiote broke out called "Riot".

Although its an interesting story, but the tone is questionable that it doesn't know what its gonna be, is it dark tone, light tone, comedy tone or... Whatever the heck the other tone genre it goes. It just plain random and confusion where it goes. Don't give me wrong, i did laugh at some moments, especially when Eddie doesn't want to jump off, but decided to use the elevator for "safety". (Pussy...!)

Though Tom's Eddie Brock/Venom is easily the likable character in the movie, while the rest aren't as interesting what we expected to be likable, especially with Carlton, he's easily the most forgettable villain ever, he's just a big boss who wants to change the world and thats it.

Another problem of this movie is that although the presentation and the action scenes are pretty cool with the bike chase and fighting sequences, but rating wasn't supposed to be like that. Because it was originally to be R rated movie like we had such as Logan or Deadpool, but it was downgraded to PG-13 in order to toning down the violent, which it doesn't suited for this movie, mainly because Venom is an anti-hero for killing people and hungry for flesh.

Despite the flaws that it concerns the potential, but at least its nice to see my favorite human in an alien being on the big screen, better than the one in Spider-Man 3.

Number 6: Deadpool 2

Speaking of Deadpool, here's another one of another favorite anti-hero of mine, the merc with the mouth himself.

After the success of the first Deadpool (despite its pretty average, due to the generic story), its no secret that we like to have another movie with Deadpool, as a result, its easily better than before.

Picking two years after the first movie, Deadpool lost his girlfriend, Vanessa, he's left alone and probably put the blame for losing his girlfriend (what's the matter? She's pretty much useless that we don't care about her), he was being called by X-Men members like Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead in order to dealing at an orphan mutant with fire power name Russell Collins (though he's Firefist, but he's still referred as Russell) that he's trying to stop him, but went too further that Russ and Deadpool are taken to the isolation prison for mutants. Just then we meet the cybernetic soldier from the future name Cable, where's targeting at Russell before becoming a mutant murderer.

Even though the story is pretty much an escort like before, but instead of typical damsel in distress, its a mutant boy in distress for get away from the future soldier, when in reality, Russell is gone mad that he killed the staff members when he was abused. Which its rather a nice twist. They also including the element for the birth of X-Force, but didn't last long, even though its kinda funny. Though X-Force will never happen, until we get the third one in the future.

The characters are enjoyable to see in the movie, like Deadpool himself, Cable, Domino (despite the questionable mutant what she has that i don't get it), Colossus and probably Juggernaut, Beeyatch! And the acting is also impressive as well, its almost like they like to have a fun time, including Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, like Ryan. Though some are rather forgettable for me, like Russell.

With some not so interesting character and having a X-Force too soon, this is the film that we can all agree that its better than the first one.

Number 5: Ralph breaks the internet

Wreck-It Ralph is easily a good film with video games, because, its rather original and it has a feel like "Who frame with Roger Rabbit?", but in video game elements, likely the arcades.

Since it was so successful, we've never expected to have a sequel , which Disney did, rather than in similar fashion im arcade world, we're going to the internet. Yup, picking up after the first movie from six years later, Vanellope is left homeless, due to broken down glitch that it destroyed a steering wheel, which Ralph though it will be a good idea to make a shortcut. Due to the malfunction, Ralph though it will be a good idea to going into the digital world known as "Internet", in order to buy an expensive steering wheel on eBay.

Even though its about where she's going whether she 'll going back to Sugar Rush or even change her life to "Slaughter Race", what it does work for the story is the relation between Ralph and Vanellope, they always want to deal the decision about the plan, since they're in the internet.

But what it makes soo impressive is the presentation of the digital world of Internet, its so imaginative what we've expected, i like how they made, its looks creative, colorful and fun in the same time, The characters are also enjoyable like Ralph, Vanellope, Shank, Yesss, Knowsmore and even some cameos in "Oh My Disney!", including the Disney Princesses, i love what they included.

Though the downside is that some characters like Felix and Calhoun appeared small, but they're easily forgettable that il easily skip ahead and it have a lack of villain. Well, debatable if its really Ralph or not.

"Ralph breaks the Internet", despite the lack of villain, but it is a fun ride to visiting to the Internet.

Number 4: Black Panther

With the first film of 2018, i was predicting that its gonna be a good film, but since this is MCU, its pretty obvious that its a great start.

Picking up after Civil War where T'Chaka died, T'Challa returns to Wakanda that he come the king of the land, not before he was aware about his sovereignty was picked up by Erik Stevens (aka Killmonger) in order not only become a king, but also providing a global revolution.

The story is pretty cool and what is Wakanda about, which its actually pretty cool for a fictional land in Africa and what the African representing in Wakanda, its pretty impressive and its also significant for MCU.

The characters are always likable in the movie, with T'Challa being an aware for his responsible as the king of the land, Okoye is an extremely proud of Border Tribe and T'Challa's bodyguard, which she's easily a badass sidekick, Killmonger is thoughtful, patient and strategist villain, Shuri is the brain of Wakanda for the technology and M'Baku as a ruthless leader of mountain tribe, even though he was never referred ad "Man-Ape, which it doesn't fit as the leader of the mountain. Even though some who's pretty much useless for comic relief like the CIA member name Everett K. Ross.

And of course, lets not forget about the presentation, the setting of Wakanda is pretty huge as a city, especially it created barrier to keep the land safe, which is pretty impressive what they created of the land, the action scene is also pretty cool with car chases, fight scenes and the battle between Black Panther and Killmonger. Even the Black Panther and Gold Panther are pretty cool for their suits

But the reason why i never pick it up on the podium, its because some moments has a problem, aside of CIA member, but some CG effect that although its a nice looking, but others has some issue of the quality that ended up look like video game, but some background got frozen when i noticed.

Even though it had a tiny flaws, but its a pretty nice to have an African-American hero on the big screen, aside when first appeared in Civil War two years ago.

Number 3: Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse

As a fan of Spider-Man, im surprised that i've never heard when Marvel invented "Spider-Verse", which im overly curious if there's a movie about it, well Sony Pictures Animation did for their adaption, which im kinda concerned at first, since they made a lot of stupid comedy movies, but with this one, im glad they've done better what they changed.

With this, its about where Miles Morales lives with his family, but he was rather fascinated about Spider-Man, despite his parents doesn't believe about Spidey hero, but as a vigilant much like Jonah Jameson's statement in Daily Bugle. But once Miles was bitten by a radio-active Spider and the news where Spider-Man was tragically died, he was trying to figure out for how and what Spider-Man is about, not to mention, he meets the different versions of Spider-Man, such as Peter B. Parker (aka the downward version of Peter), Gwen Stacy (aka Spider-Gwen), Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker and Spider-Ham from the sake of the main villain Kingpin.

I find the story is actually well written that our main hero Miles has to know for what makes him to become as the next Spider-Man, and of course, the movie also gives a heart for what we care or rooting for Miles or the other versions of Spider-Man, especially with some moment with a father and son relation, it makes it reasonable and emotional if Miles is about to lose. Even though the could could be a little bit fast paste.

But what it makes it spectacular, its the animation, which its easily the biggest development what Sony Animation have ever done for a collaboration with Sony Pictures Imageworks, in order to make a different styles of animation, whether its the monochrome appearance of Spider-Man Noir, an anime style for Peni Parker or even Looney Tunes style of Spider-Ham. While the normal characters designs are also pretty good looking, kinda like a comic book comes to life. Though sometimes some movements are kinda like in stop-motion thingy.

The characters are enjoyable what we like to see like Miles, Peter Parker, Gwen, with some side characters like Jefferson Davis, May Parker or even Aaron Davis, as well with some villain cool looking villains like Prowler, Scorpion, Tombstone or even Olivia Octavius. Though Kingpin may have a potential, but not as best villain, which his goal is bringing back his own family like his wife and his son.

A very surprisingly great film by Sony Pictures animation, "Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" is easily a better film than "Hotel Transylvania 3".

Number 2: Avengers Infinity War

Let me start off by saying that, yes, i know this film would've been a number one spot of my list of 2018. But don't give me wrong, i love this movie, its just that its a great, but would've been considered to be 100% perfect some teeny tiny problems.

This is the film what many MCU fans considered as one of the best installment of the series, and i probably agree with them, it is a very impressive film what we like to see. But i wanted to put a spoiler alert, because its the one that everyone are talking about in the end.

Sometimes picking up after Thor Ragnarok, Thanos and his four lieutenants invade the ship of Asgards to killing (including Loki, sadly) and knocking down Thor and Hulk when Thanos retrieve a cosmic cube that happens to be Space Stone into his gauntlet. Its up the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy team up together to stop Thanos before he destroys the living in half.

The story of this film is easily the big deal that we like to see a battle with the group of heroes and Thanos's lieutenants, its easily the best story of the movie from the comic. But my problem is that if they called "Infinity War", it has nothing to do with the comic with a same name, instead it was an MCU version of the comic "The Infinity Gauntlet". Despite the identical confusion, but at least its a well-written the story.

The action scenes if once again the highlights of the film with all the cool fight scenes, like the epic war in Wakanda, the new weapon of Thor, the battle in Titan and the presentations is a popcorn entertainment. What i like is the setting place of the planet Titan, Nidavellir where Thor is making a new weapon to replacing Mjolnir, which i really like the changing weapon with an ax called "Stormbreaker".

Though we always like some characters that we're familiar with like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Black Widow, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther, Bucky Barns and few others. Despite some would've been better like Bruce Banner (aka The Hulk) and the lieutenants.

But easily the most talked about is Thanos himself, he's easily the big deal and probably nearly a main focus to know for how he wants to capturing Infinity Stones, which not only he's a pose a threat, but he's also has a sympathy figure for what he care for changing the universe with his own gauntlet, which we think ourselves "Maybe Thanos isn't really a bad guy, but more either a good guy or maybe neutral". Which it makes no wonder why we cared so much about Thanos, especially some moments not only it was shocking, but also heart broken, like one point where he literally kill his adopted daughter Gamora in order to get a Soul Stone from the keeper Red Skull.

And of course, the final act is another most talked about of the film, when after Thanos completed his goal to collecting Infinity Stones, we though that our heroes is lost, but then out of nowhere, Thor reappeared with Rocket Racoon and pre-mature Groot, where he uses his Stormbreaker to wounding Thanos that we though he finally win, but it was too soo that Thanos uses his gauntlet for a snap, which it was even more shocking moments, after all that, half of livings of the universe are all disintegrated like almost every members of Guardians of the Galaxy (minus Rocket and Nebula), Dr. Strange, Black Panther and even more sadly, Spider-Man.

When i saw it the ending, i was shocked and feared that half of livings of the universe are killed off, which we ask our questions, what happened now after a huge disaster from Thanos's snap? The answer, is we're in Endgame, meaning our original heroes have to find the way to back to do a rematch against Thanos in the hardest way as possible, but we have to wait, with Captain Marvel (aka Carol Denver).

But in fairness, as i stated from previous list, i don't call "The movie of the year 2018", i specifically called "The live-action film of the year 2018", without causing a chaotic debate, just to clarify. With so much potential, so successful, so impact and yet shocking, this is the film that its easily the biggest installment of MCU.

And now, my number one film of the year 2018 goes to...



Number 1: Incredibles 2

Out of all the sequels, superheroes or even Pixar's film, this is easily the best animated film of the year 2018 and of course, my new favorite film by Pixar.

So whats it make so special to put this on top of the list, its because we always like to see what happened next after the first movie with a cliffhanger, even Brad Bird really wanted going back to Pixar to make sequel after 14 years, with the result, it was pure success.

Picking up after the cliffhanger, the family of Incredibles failed to catch The Underminer when he ran away with a loads cash from the bank and the drill damages the city hall (despite Frozone's effort to protect the hall), the government is forced to shut down "Superhero Relocation Program" from the damage and believe the superheroes are illegal, causing our main heroes sent back to hotel and no longer having financial assistance from Rick Dicker (and risky reveal where Tony's unnoticed of Violet's identity for erasing his memory), causing them for what to do without profit. Thankfully, Bob and Helen noticed the offer where Frozone found is to going to DevTech, a corporation for not just telecommunications, but also planning to bringing back the superheroes in peace from the owner Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn. Elastigirl was chosen from Winston, saying that she never cause damages than Mr. Incredible and also help to providing home. Not only that, she also have to looking for the main antagonist name "Screenslaver".

Though the story feels like the same element from the first movie, but rather focus on island to dealing with Syndrome, but more focus in the city for the whereabouts of Screenslaver for his hypnotic hack. Not to mention, it also have a plot element for family, which not only Elastigirl will be the main role, but Bob has to take his kids for any reasons, where Dash has a hard time for the math, Violet has a complicated feeling about Tony from before, and Jack-Jack has a full of surprise of multiple powers what we like to see, in a hilarious way. Which not only it execute for some funny moment, but also the heart for how Bob have a hard time to take care and probably the truth for why he wanted to go back as a hero than being stuck in home. It understandable, but i guess its no wonder that i like the role reverse after the first movie.

Like usual for Pixar, the animation is outstanding, especially to the upgrade of the details, the designs, the action scenes and so much more, which i really what they've done for a movie taking place in vintage era of superheroes, which its like having a nostalgia feel if you're a fan of old school comics. I mean, i really like what they give for the update of our main heroes.

And the characters are likable and nice to see them again after nearly 15 years, with Helen Parr (aka Elastigirl) being the main focus, but also being feisty and well respect mother, Bob (aka Mr. Incredible) is although he could be any risk, but also caring about his kids and superheroes, even he might losing himself after spending days for the math, difficulty relation (despite his accidental exposure truth to Violet) and Jack-Jack's multiple powers.

Speaking of kids, while some of them remain the same like Dash is a troublemaker and Jack-Jack is a comic relief for his powers, but Violet is also likable for her new development, she was trying to be with Tony for the date, bit again, due to her accidental revealing her identity, that might cause to losing her hope of relationship and being a superhero. But thankfully, she does to get better for understanding for her father's mistake and become leader to her brothers to working together as a heroes.

While the new casts are nice to see, even some have flaws. For Winston, i find him to be a very fascinated new character, which he wanted to bring back the old roots of superheroes for peace and legal again, which i find him to be a well written character, Evelyn is also interesting, being the technological genius and sometimes a nice friend with Elastigirl, but i think we all know what happen next for her (which once again, il give a Spoiler Alert). While the other superheroes are although rather cool like Voyd while others, despite they have some interesting powers, but they're probably gimmicky.

As for the villain, Screenslaver, though he may have a potential for his dark appearance and manipulative monologue for why he's hacking any screens for hypnotism, but he's probably shot-lived and reveal to be controlled by Evelyn for the whole thing. its rather a cliche unexpected twist like Disney did, but despite Screenslaver may have potential, but he's not as good than Syndrome.

Even though it has flaws for short-lived villain and gimmicky other heroes, but the animation thats nicely updated, the likable old and new casts and the good role-reverse story makes it so good that im very happy them again after the first movie, it will always holding to my heart that it makes a good reason what i considered as my number one movie of the year 2018.

Got any other good films that i missed? Let me know in the comments bellow.

 If you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Tune it next time, il go with the video games with good and bad that i like to share my opinion what i've seen or even played, but il taking about it next year after the celebration.

Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out and Happy New Year (even though its early, but this will be my final post in 2018).