3D...not seeing the benefits

3D has grown at a stupendous rate over the last few years, it's an absolute must for all major blockbusters to offer audiences the chance to see them in 3D; but it's questionable if adding another dimension enhances the viewing experience.

 I truly would like to say so, but it's actually rather odd. 3D has effectively given rise to a new 'genre' of film as it were. We can already see filming techniques being utilized in order to produce some amazing 3D results but I I feel there needs to be an ultimatum of either films being made purely for viewing purposes in 3D, or not at all. A good example is The Hobbit and The Desolation of Smaug of which I have written a short review. There are moments within this film where you think "They have clearly shot it that way for the 3D experience". An arrow point speeding up close to the camera ect. For me however, this spoils the viewing experience of non-3D film. I need to be able to lose myself within the story, I can't do this with a 2D film while there are certain camera shots within it which are obviously for the entertainment of the 3D viewer.

I think what it comes down to is a 'coolness' factor. I am not for one second degrading 3D, far from it. But 3D just offers a 'cool' element to a film. Can you imagine watching a film like A Beautiful Mind and thinking it would have been better in 3D? Probably not. 3D is only appropriate for visually impressive sequences and should remain as such. Not all films being released are available in 3D, many are not simply because like I say there would be no point. I am just hoping that 3D is recognised as an addition to our ever widening choice of viewing experiences...and not becoming the norm.

Making A Hobbit Of It

The Hobbit and Decimation of Smaug is the second instalment Peter Jackson's trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkiens' book. The film from the outset however, has somewhat of an identity crises: it doesn't know if it's a children's adventure story, a rom-com or the great adventure story as promised in all of it's hype. Allow me to elaborate with a few key points.

the film opens with something of a mini prequel, we are taken back to the town of Bree and the Prancing Pony pub. Seeing these familiar settings as experienced in Lord Of The Rings trilogy was somewhat warming and reminiscent: doing well to remind the audience that this in fact all in the same universe as LOTR. However, the first living thing we see on screen is Peter Jackson in his cameo, walking across the street and eating a carrot, and so the audience has reality slapped straight in the face reminding them of who made the film and yes...he likes cameo's. Oddly enough this mixture of light hearted comedy mixed in with serious story elements sets the mood for the entire film. In absolutely every single key scene there is a sprinkling of humour, and there simply no need for it. The film is inconsistent in it's mood and the best example of this is during the main 'chase' sequence.



Bilbo and the Dwarfs find themselfs in wooden barrels in some rapids as they fend off Orcs. At the same time, Elfs in the form of Logalace and a sexy 'she-elf' are also fighting Orcs. Within this pinnacle chase, there are some very graphic and bloody maneuvers, but not 5 seconds later there are elements of humour through some fat ass Dwarf rolling into a group of Orcs like a bowling ball. The humour degrades the seriousness of the story line and the darkness and highly graphic fighting scenes make the humour seem badly placed and often unnecessary. This constant mixture of complicated and violent combat sequences and humour, means it's hard to adjust to a particular frame of mind for the film to make any meaningful or in-depth impact on the audience.



In terms of characters I want to love them individually, but I've been given no opportunity to do so. Non of the characters show any emotion, be it outwardly in general or towards each other. In comparison to Lord Of The Rings, the audience is able to pinpoint each of the characters emotional states within the fellowship and what role they play within it. I think I can distinguish more between Snow White and her seven Dwarfs than I can this group of Dwarfs, even after having already seen them on screen for more than 5 hours. Other factors also hinder the opportunity to connect emotionally with the film, for example Stephen Fry's character as the master of laketown. He seems like a town leader you may come across in a pantomime. His character should of been more of the steward of Gonder in The Return of The King. Instead he is a silly drunken 'village idiot', which again reminds you of the childlike writings of the original book.Which is all well and good, but clashes horribly with other more serious undertones throughout the film.

Besides from acting and group dynamics, another very important feature that a film should utilise in order to influence the way you feel and connect with the film is the soundtrack, or the lack thereof. There is absolutely no rememberable soundtrack to this film, in this regard it is the complete opposite to Lord of The Rings.

CGI - this film should be retitled 'Bilbo and his fellow CGI companions'. This film is very CGI heavy and feels over used, even in scenes where a simple stunt double could have been used to perform acrobatic manoeuvres...CGI has been used instead. This constant synthetic look just makes you feel ever more detached from the film and characters. And for those who have seen the film already, I hope you agree that the molten gold looked extremely poor.

There seems to be a lot wrong here, in truth the film was ok, good even. but for saying who made it and it's hype, it should have been better!

I give this film a 7/10

At 90° With Sore Knees

For those of you that are Karl Pilkington fans and more specifically the 'Idiot abroad series', I wish to take you back to when Karl visited India. Although a largely unpleasant visit for our growing national treasure, he did come across some interesting spectacles; One of which being when he visited the Kumbh Mela festival. Here Karl met religious Babas that practised extreme feats of yoga, the reasoning being it is through these forms of yoga that these people feel spiritually enlightened. Because of this, some have dedicated a large proportion of their lives to, for example, holding one arm up in the air for several years.


 And so...Karl is walking around these various different Babas finding out what each one is doing and why they are doing it. Some are extremely flexible, some do some seriously messed up things with their meat and two veg and others, as given in the example, hod certain posses for years on end. At the end Karl makes funny comments and finds the whole visit bewildering ect. Allow me to offer a different version of this trip.

Karl is standing at the start of a long line of Baba's, he slowly strolls past each one. Now and then the Baba's will offer to show more yoga if Karl pays. (of course we all know that extreme poverty won't lead people to do some bizarre things for money). After seeing several of these Baba's Karl comes to the last one. Oddly enough its Miley Cyrus. She is bent over and twerking her ass off! As usual wearing skin tight revealing spandex which squeaks as she jiggles. Karl walks round to her front and lowers into a crouching position so he is now level with Miley. He asks why? Still twerking away with onlookers taking a good long look, she turns her head and says "the more I do this, the more money I get"



After, it cuts to Karl asking the questions we all love Karl asking; the types of questions that your conscience constantly asks, but only Karl voices. "I thought she was a singer?" I thought she use to be a children's entertainer?", I thought she didn't care what people think of her, but whenever she is in public view has to bend over and shake her ass endlessly."

there are despised figures such as Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber because of the things they say and do. This normalisation of famous individuals doing or saying outrageous things has become more of an issue in the 21st century, as instant worldwide communication means that within minutes of it happening, fans half way around the world can here of Justin Beiber spitting on fans.

Point being, the music industry or rather, certain individuals within it, are missing the point. Individuality and self expression is what the industry is all about, but Miley Cyrus is an advert for prostitution. I would say she is in fact just a few so called 'twerks' away from being an actual prostitute.

In short, higher standards are needed. Fortunately though, if you know where to look; real music is still going stronge. It's just a genuine shame that some of  the big players let the image of being a musician suffer.

My Favourite Music Videos. Number 54:

Sigma - Rudeboy (Ft. Doctor)

Have you ever watched a music video and just thought, "Shit, I could have made that". Well I watched this and thought just that. It's such a simple idea for a video but just beautifully shot and cut together. It uses a urban street fight as it's concept and turns it into an epic battle of justice and righteousness. I personally can't get enough of this right now. I'v been inspired by this video. I too need to look at my surroundings; find a scenario and adapt it into an equally simplistic but enjoyable music video. Oh, It's as easy as that is it.



I'm still thinking..

Christmas is coming a week early for Vita users

If you haven't played this game yet, where have you been? I played it earlier this year on my friends Xbox and we were instantly hooked. It's difficulty setting for a rhythm game is perfect. It's challenging but not too difficult to make you want to stop playing. It has all the ingredients to make one hell of an addictive game. I don't know how much Runner 2 we smoked that night, but it was enough to warrant a trip to rehab.

It's coming out on Playstation Vita on the 17th of December 2013. That's tomorrow! I can't wait to play this again. For anyone who enjoys pick-up and play games with gameplay that will test your reflexes, you serious need to consider downloading this game now and calling in sick for the next few days. Or if you have the vita version, play it at work. Forget about christmas.. Ages away. for the time being I'm content in knowing that I've got one of my favourite indy games of the year to play after work tomorrow. Happy days.

NO! It's not about a fucking butcher shop.

At the start of University I was told that in order to obtain my degree I was going to need to study, and I mean A LOT. I remember the lecture where me and my fellow students were told how university was going to be for us. They basically went into elaborate detail of what I might experience, who I might encounter and what I'm likely to gain out of my experience. It was an in-depth description of a life that I hadn't yet lived, and it sounded realistic. At the time I remember thinking, "Yeah, that's likely to happen". What they failed to mention however, was that over my three year existence as a student, I was going to be watching a shit load of box sets and catch up on near enough everything that came out on television. I used all that time that was 'necessary' to obtain my degree and instead of studying, watched Breaking Bad, among others.

One day, I happened to see that there was a new comedy coming out called Fresh Meat, written by the same people that wrote peep show and which starred Joe Thomas. Being a massive fan of peep show and enjoying Inbetweeners I thought i'd give the show a go. It certainly had promise. Oh boy was I happy I tuned in that day; I've never looked back since. The characters were colourful and engaging. They were totally different from former teen characters in past shows. It focuses more on personalities where as a show like skins tended to focus more on teenage tendencies and social issues. I think that's why the characters are so recognisable and more likeable. I happen to think that unlike the norm, Fresh Meat has actually improved as the series had progressed. Season 3 for me has been the best and funniest season so far. The writing has just been on another standard. The episode with the play and the drug test was probably the funniest thing I've seen on television this year. 

 

I think now is an appropriate time to get to the point. I could continue singing the shows praises but instead I'll move on. I wanted to see how other people felt about the show a few episodes into season 3. I went onto a forum and the majority of comments were negative. People saying the shows not funny and that the title is misleading. Firstly, it's very funny. And as for the title, no it isn't. I couldn't believe I was reading comments were people thought it was a comedy about people working at a butcher shop. Honestly? You've never heard the term 'Fresh Meat'. It isn't misleading at all. Fresh Meat literally means New People. It's also a college term for people who are easy targets and vulnerable. Which ever definition you pick, it still circles around teenagers screwing around and partying. I genuinely feel sorry for the guy that tuned in thinking it was about a fucking butchers. I wonder how long he watched before he changed channel and probably started the letter of complaint to channel 4? To be fair in the first episode Howard has dead pheasants hanging in the kitchen. Very misleading scene if you think your watching a show about a butcher shop. 

I can't even imagine a comedy about a butchers shop. Even if there was a script floating about I can almost guarantee it wouldn't be called Fresh Meat. It's too obvious for a start and because it's also a term to describe fucking vulnerable girls it wouldn't make for an appropriate title either. Teenage sex and raw meat doesn't create pleasant imagery. Until I saw that post the other week the idea of relating it to a butcher shop hadn't even occurred to me. Some people. I mean it won best new comedy at the 2011 British Comedy Awards and won Best Scripted Comedy and Best Writer at the 2012 RTS Television Awards. I think the creators know what they're doing. So next time you want to be negative about Fresh Meat and criticise it because it's nothing like Hollyoaks, think again. I hope the final of season 3 premiering on 4OD tonight blows me away. That better not be the end though. More seasons to come please! And YOU! You think my love for this show makes me crazy; I wasn't the knob who thought it was about a butchers.  

Welcome To Reel Tape Cartridge

Hello, and don't worry I know what your thinking. Your thinking oh dear, what a tragically obvious title for your first post. Well you'd be right. Truth is I just spent way too long just on the title. This blog would never get done if I went along at that speed.

So what exactly is Reel Tape Cartridge? Well not only is it a really good name, it's also a collective archive of all things Film, Music and Game related. When I say all things, I don't literally mean all things, there's a lot of shit out there. Instead I'm simply going to talk about things that impress me; Things that anger me and things that just happen to grab my attention.

Okay so the name sucks, but I hope you enjoy the blog.

James.
Out.