Darn it Man...........

Well, guys I fudged up......

All our older shows that came before the 1.1's and such can not be downloaded anymore. My fault (sam) entirely. About a month or so ago I deleted our account and page on mypodcast.net because we were now using achieve.com for storing all our content. I forgot I had uploaded the old episodes to mypodcast.net and not archieve yet before deleting it. My bad it will be corrected and resolved soon enough. New episodes will be recorded this Thursday night on New Years Eve so look forward to it!

So far so good....

(This originally was a post by Sam aka Sorrow on the Real Man Club blog but I thought I would post it up for him and clarify he (Sam) is a Kamen Rider fan and I'm (Matt) not.)
Since I am an avid watcher of Kamen Rider and Tokusatsu series in general I was looking for a new show to start. That show was the one and only Kamen Rider Blade. It ran from January 2004 to January 2005 and was proceeded by Kamen Rider 555. It's only been seven episodes so far and I'm already on the edge of my seat in every single episode. Before I go on I want to thank TV-Nihon for all their fan subbing over the years and making this review possible.

Ten thousand years ago, a massive battle known as the Battle Royal was fought by fifty-two Undead, each representing a species fighting for dominance over all others. The winner was the Human Undead, known as Category Two of Hearts, giving dominion of the Earth to humanity. In the present day, archaeologists discover the sealed Undead, and accidentally set them free. Thus, a new Battle Royal begins. Having developed the Rider System, based on the Joker's ability to copy sealed Undead, the organization BOARD equips two young men, who become Kamen Riders: Kazuma Kenzaki and Sakuya Tachibana fight together as Kamen Rider Blade and Kamen Rider Garren to protect humans from Undead and seal them. Also fighting Undead is the mysterious Chalice, a Kamen Rider whose purpose is unknown. In addition, a young man struggles to free himself from the control of the sealed Undead powering his own Undead-made Rider System, fighting as Kamen Rider Leangle. (Taken from Wikipedia)

This series is just plain fun. Kenzaki has one of the coolest henshins I've ever seen. Yet he seems so weak in the first two episodes and you start to have your doubts. Also, sealing the monsters in cards was kind of lame for me at first, yet it grew on me really quick.

Like always you have your henshin heroes that ride their badass motorcycles and OF COURSE transform (henshin) when they are riding. The beginning isn't as cool as the first couple episodes of Kabuto with Souji Tendou aka the motherfucking man, but it will get you to keep watching. It's good to start watching all these series since I watched all Decade and probably missed something when Tsukasa went to all the different worlds.

Now let me move onto the cons of this fun to watch series. You have to understand that Kamen Rider is usually made for younger audiences so sometimes you just have to ignore the cheesy lines or guys becoming friends but sound really homo when they are talking about it. Then again TV-Nihon's subs make up for it all by having the characters curse. I'm pretty sure their favorite phrase has got to be, "Don't fuck with me!!!"

If you have never seen Kamen Rider then I wouldn't start with this series because even though it's a great watch so far it doesn't capture that true Kamen Rider sense at first like W, Decade, or Kabuto will. I mean you can start with this series, don't get me wrong but I would recommend Kabuto because of its epicness. Just remember kids if you're ever in trouble yell HENSHIN and something cool might happen!

'I told you he couldn't tell she was made of plastic...' (Buried Treasure)

Yeah, that's pretty much the opener for the extremely hard to classify into a genre film called Love Object. I guess if I had to call it something, I'd call it a dark drama/horror/romance/dark comedy. Sounds kind of strange doesn't it? Well, try and keep up with me.

It's the story about a regular working stiff named Kenneth who works for a company that publishes those little instruction manuals that you always throw away as soon as you purchase whatever. He's sexually awkward and almost ludicrously awkward around women at the start of the film, which is when he learns about a company which sells extremely lifelike sex dolls named Nikkis. He purchases one, for 10 grand, and morphs it to look like his new co-worker Lisa.

As you can probably guess he has a good amount of not school appropriate fun with his new lifeless companion but he also has some sweet moments with the thing, like when they watch the English Patient together or when he teaches himself how to waltz by using the love doll. (And some kinky equipment...) But as he's doing all this, his love life begins to blossom with Lisa and he begins to notice that Nikki is getting jealous, that's right kiddos, Nikki is not as lifeless as she appears.

That's all I'm going to tell you about the plot, any more would spoil it, but I will tell you this, the first hour is absolutely wonderful. It's a sweet offbeat, and oddly touching, romance about an awkward man, his sexy co-worker, and his love doll. (I know that sounds anti-touching but stay with me) I've always been a fan of strange romance movies from Edward Scissorhands to The Dead Girl. (Yes, I liked that movie) However this movie resembles neither, it's more of a Makeout with Violence type romance, bittersweet and yet misunderstood. (And for any of you who have had the privelage of seeing that terrific movie, props goes to you, I'm still awaiting the DVD release, if it gets one.) Just watching the first hour of the movie made me say 'Awwww...' a couple of times, I mean it just has some parts that are really the sweet.

But I also have to add that the movie is an hour and a half long, so what about the last half an hour? That's the part that, although it didn't ruin the movie, it made me drop my rating of it. The movie transforms itself, very abruptly and somewhat unrealisticly, from a disturbing romance into an almost Saw-like horror/torture film. So if you're queasy you might just want to watch the first hour and then stop, it's a wonderful first hour, and the ending isn't bad but it somehow doesn't feel right to me. I'm sure some will like it, and I know I got a bit of a chuckle out of it, but I also think a lot of people will be turned off, like I almost was.

All in all though, it's a terrific movie that's well-above average and well-worth checking out. It's kind of hard to find, hence the buried treasure status, but if you do manage to find it, it's relatively cheap since it's now over 5 years old. (My copy was less that $10 new) But if you like strange romances or watching movies about fetishes, like The Dead Girl, check this one out. If nothing else, it's something good to have your girlfriend watch. 'Honey, you will not believe the great romance movie I got, you'll love it. Just love it...'

Truer words were never spoken.

Although I think your girlfriend might be a little creeped out ... unless she's cool.

Anyway 7.5 out of 10 (It was on the road to getting a 10 out of 10 but the ending really knocked it off track, like I said though, the ending doesn't ruin it but it certainly doesn't make it better or even stay at the same level.)

A New Type of Holiday

Alright, a friend and I officially decided that it was about time for a brand new holiday because all the old ones we know and love are beginning to get a bit stale. And don't pretend that you haven't noticed it either, I mean Colombus Day, seriously? So our new holiday is going to take place annually on January 6th and you know what it's for?

It's National Celebrate Anne Hathaway Day!

That's right, we're dedicating our holiday to one of the greatest up and coming actresses of our generation. (And besides that I think she's the most beautiful woman in the world ... but Sam disagrees so screw him.) But yeah, mark it on your calenders, reserve January 6th for Anne Hathaway.

What do you do on this day in celebration you ask, well there is a plethora of fun things you can do such as:

-Have a private festival of all her movies. (I recommend Rachel Getting Married and Get Smart)

-Make a love shrine to her. (Unless you're like me and already have one)

-Buy an Anne Hathaway Tree (Similar to a Christmas Tree but not the same.)

-Send her a letter (Could be fanmail or a love letter or whatever)

-Look for her autograph on eBay

-Look for her autograph on Amazon

-Look for her autograph on Overstock (We should be getting paid for advertising all this.)

-Begin merchandising Anne Hathaway's likeness (That's what we're trying to do, at least make t-shirts.)

-Ask for her autograph in the letter you send her

-Try to meet her in person (Not recommended)

-Try to meet her publicist in person (More recommended)

-Try to meet her hair stylist in person (Even more recommended)

-Write a sonnet about your love for Anne Hathaway

-Write a poem about your love for Anne Hathaway

-Write a song about your love for Anne Hathaway (I already did this one.)

-Try to kidnap Anne Hathaway and keep her as your sex slave (Not recommended at all)

-Dress up in an Anne Hathaway costume and go around door to door begging for candy (I doubt you'll get any)

-Go on an Anne Hathaway doll hunt (Similar to an Easter Egg Hung)

-Stay up until midnight and cheer when they announce her next movie

-Drink champagne and pretend that you're drinking it with Anne Hathaway

-Buy a lifesize cardboard cut out of Anne Hathaway to display in your front room

-Kill all the people who don't like Anne Hathaway (Not recommended but I applaud you for doing it.)

-Quote random lines from Anne Hathaway movies

-Quote lines that were never said by Anne Hathaway ever but pretend like they were

-Make your Facebook profile picture that of Anne Hathaway

-Make your Myspace profile picture that of Anne Hathaway

-Join the I <3>

-Become a fan of Anne Hathaway on Facebook (Like me)

-Add Anne Hathaway as a friend on Facebook (Like me)

-Dream about Anne Hathaway when you go to sleep that night

As you can see, there are several things you can do on Anne Hathaway Day this year so please do celebrate, and do tell your friends. Trust me people, we could have the next Christmas on our hands if we do it right. So January 6th be ready.

I love you Anne Hathaway!!! ... in a totally fan-related, non-stalker, sort of way....

The Ani-Dictators Ep1.3: Great Ideas for that Special Someone on Christmas!

Matt gladly awards MICHAEL LINDSEY Hero of The Year Award!!! Congrats Mike!!! LMAO

Hello people and welcome to episode 1.3! Yet again it's another episode of with just Matt and Sam. Sam jumped right into his review of Gangster High a Korean movie from 2006 as Matt went over Kaze no Yojimbo an anime that aired from 2001-2002. Our group review was one of our buried treasures from a couple of episodes ago, Arm of Kannon. As you listen to this episode you will hear various sounds in the background such as mouse clicks. Mainly, because Matt and I aren't pro at editing and we like browsing the internet and having random rants while we make fun of the looks of voice actors lol.

Opening Theme: "Dogfight" by M.O.V.E. (Inital D Fourth Stage opening song)

Ending Theme: "Alones" by Aqua Timez (6th Bleach opening song)

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Remember to email us at: ani.dictators@gmail.com

The Ani-Dictators Ep1.2: Delinquents, Bricks, and Badasses.

FINALLY, a new episode has arrived! Hot damn in this episode we talk about the most hot blooded movie ever, Crows Zero. Matt talks about his most recent detective movie he came across and Sam gives an update on Darker Than Black II. Unfortunately, Zach couldn't be with us for this episode so there isn't a detailed video game section. Just to let you know this episode we reviewed more live-action media than anime this time around. Matt is not sure what he will review next time but FOR SURE Sam will review Gangster High, a Korean movie from 2006.

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Reviews:
Sam - Darker than Black II (first 2-3 episodes)
Matt - Brick
Sam and Matt - Crows Zero 1 and 2

Happy Late Halloween!

Buried Masterpiece: Versus

Well, we've mentioned earlier that we would throw up buried treasures on the site or on our podcast whenever they came up and since it looks like it will be a little while before we actually get another podcast recorded and posted, I figured I'd go ahead and toss this one up there. And yes, not only is it a buried treasure, it's a buried freaking masterpiece.

Alright, let me give you just a little bit of background on this find: last week yours truly and the other hosts of the Ani-Dictators ran over to a used entertainment shop (CDs, books, games, movies, the works) and I stumbled across the kickass cover that you see as the picture for this post, without the director's cut and all that mess, so I asked Sam, our big foreign film guy, if he'd ever heard of it. He said that he hadn't but I was like, 'It's only three bucks for a VHS, why not?' and picked it up.

So for the rest of the week I was too busy with work and other things that are much less important and just now got around to dusting off and hooking up the old VCR. I tossed the movie in and after a little bit of fanagling with the cords I got it to work. All I can say is, 'Wow.'

The movie opens with a scene of a person getting cleaved in half and then a samurai fighting a score of zombies before he gets sliced in half as well. After seeing the cover of the tape, it was a little unexpected that it would start off in the 1500s, but I wasn't too worried. I mean if an opening like that doesn't draw you in, you clearly are not a man. Anyway, I sat down and got comfortable with a little grin on my face, knowing that this would be a great film.

Well, it's the story of two prisoners who escape from a prison compound and wind up in the middle of a demonic portal to the netherealm or somesuch, what really matters is that whoever dies in this forest comes back as a zombie, and not just any zombie, an uberstrong and kickass zombie that can use guns and knives and such. Looks like a handful doesn't it?

That's not even the start.

Not only is our hero, the escapee, facing the many zombies that are running amok in the forest, but he also has to face a gang of total badasses that he just happened to really piss off at the beginning of the movie because he killed one of their members and ran off with a girl the kidnapped. Confusing, yeah I know, but it gets better, I promise.

So anyway, you've got about a half dozen badasses running around in a forest, chasing down another badass who's protecting a girl, with uberzombies trying to kill them all off. Yeah, so if you can't tell, you're in for one hell of a great action movie. Not only is this the basic premise for the first hour, but you also get to watch it shot with a guerilla cam that slides from doubletime to slow motion more than 300, and what's better is it's all filmed on what I believe to be an old Super8, giving it a very 80s independent film look.

All of this is a plus for me, but if you're still not convinced let me add this: I believe that this movie was filmed as just an experiment in sheer badassness. Seriously, everyone in this movie, and I mean everyone, is a total badass capable of giving even Chuck Norris a run for his money. And when these guys start trying to kill each other, it's amazing. Blood everywhere, splattered all over everyone's face that no one bothers to wipe off, massively oversized guns, insane gore, psycho characters, and a whole lot of screaming. There isn't much that this film could've done better, and on the cheap budget that I'm sure it was on, it's was amazing.

The biggest problem I had with this movie was trying to decide whether or not it's trying to be serious, I figured out a little past midway through that it really wasn't trying all that hard to be serious and at that point, the movie got a whole hell of a lot better. There are several moments when you're sort of like, 'Did that guy seriously just do that?' And the answer is yes, the answer is always yes.

Take for example, 'Did that guy just pull that dead guy who was barbed wired to a tree down just so he could take his leather jacket?' The answer, 'Yes, because every badass main character needs a leather jacket and there's only so many ways a person in a forest could obtain one. So yes, he did just pull that dead guy from the tree just for the jacket.'

If that doesn't make you want to see this, I don't know what will.

I will tell you this though, about midway through the plot takes a major change that you sort of don't see coming, not that it's a bad thing or anything like that, you just don't really see it coming. And the ending is rather open but apparently they're in the process of making the sequel as we speak so all I've got to say is, 'Rock on and keep 'em coming.'

Fans of the super gory and manly will fall in love with this film twenty minutes in, fans of Go Nagai will fall in love with this film fifteen minutes in, fans of Japanese cult cinema will have already fallen in love with this film when it first came out. So yes you hotblooded Go Nagai fans and you people who preordered Machine Girl, you need to check this one out.

Basically, I'm saying that no matter who you are, espiecially if you agree with our opinions on the podcast, you need to see this film, or at least put it on your list so that when you walk into an FYE and see the Director's Cut of it on the shelf you'll be able to say, 'Hey, that movie's supposedly totally badass, I think I'll pick it up.'

You won't be disappointed.

9.5 out of 10.

The Ani-Dictators Ep:1.1.5: FYI

Some of you may be sitting at your desktop wondering, 'Why in God's name is the new episode called episode 1.1? Why not episode 14?' Well, I figured I'd go ahead and answer those questions here because I don't think we really did that in the episode, and we should have. Too much outside stimuli for us to cope with I guess.

We are calling the new episode 1.1 because, although it is the same hosts and setup you have grown accustomed to, it is by no means the same podcast. No, we've added so many things and we're changing things continuously, from the addition of the blog, to a new section entitled 'Buried Treasures', to the semi-regular appearance of vidcasts, and most importantly the varying of what we review.

Like I said, the layout of the show will really not change all that much; we'll still have our same order of operations, the same random facts and rants, and our focus will still be anime. However we are diversifying ourselves at the same time in order to give you a better, more fleshed out, podcast. That's why we decided to call it 1.1, because although it's not technically our first episode, it's our first episode in this new format.

Also, from now on the episodes will be 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 ... and keep going up until the episode after 1.9, then we'll bounce up to 2.0 and so on. We apologize if any of you were confused, it truly was not our intention. Anyway, looking forward to the new season of shows, more later.

Stay classy people.

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The Ani-Dictators Ep1.1: Code Gayass

We are back bitches, and I mean officially. We plan to come out with new episodes every two weeks, which we plan to stick to. This episode is really long but our quality is much better with a brand new mic which captures us much more evenly. We have added a new section called Buried Treasures, make sure to check it out homies. Our mypodcast site is now our secondary site which will act as our server and our blogger is our primary site. I will post all the episodes on mypodcast.com and then direct link them on a post on blogger. Our blogger will have written reviews as well so make sure to check that out. A new feature on our blogger site is if you click on the anime, manga, other, or buried treasure section it will take you to that information page on MAL (Myanimelist).

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Fallen101 - Matt
Sorrow667 - Sam
Ninjashrub - Zach

Reviews:

Zach - Code Geass R2
Matt - Master Mosquiton
Sam - Metal Armor Dragonar
Group - Darker than Black

The Ani-Dictators Ep13: Shit Happens

Reviews:

Sam - Love Hina
Matt - Voltron
Zach - Transformers
Group - Beast Wars

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace, just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep12: Afros, Skulls, Metals, and Fights.....Sounds like Woodstock All Over Again.

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep11: A Little Late, Like a Little Pregnant

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep10: Epic Anime for the Future

We name off our top ten anime and discuss them. Also, we mention our favorite anime as a group.

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep9: Shu Shafts Myspace with his Big, Magical Stick

Reviews:

Sam - Blue Gender
Matt - Project Arms
Zach - Now and Then. Here and There
Group - Myspace

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep8: Sex, Pizza, and Golgo 13

Reviews:

Sam - Great Dangaioh
Matt - Golgo 13: The Professional
Zach - Sin The Movie
Group - Wicked City

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder. Email us at ani.dictators@gmail.com

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he Ani-Dictators Ep7: Piss Poor ... Well, Everything

Reviews:

Sam - Detonator Orgun
Matt - Darkstalkers
Zach - X (TV Series)
Group - X (Movie)

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Email: ani.dictators@gmail.com

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The Ani-Dictators Ep4: Hands in Inappropriate Places

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

This week we are late a few days because Sam was out of town and Matt was grounded....(hahahha loser!) Anyway, Sam puts his aviators on and reviews Macross Zero, but Zach talks about the hands of god aka Black Jack!!! Finally, Matt has his obsessive review of Elfen Lied and we all talk about the Vampire Hunter D movies. The Gainax special is almost here. Look forward to it and get ready to be amazed. Feel free to comment on our site, comment us on myspace, or email us!

ani.dictators@gmail.com

Don't forget about our Question of the day- What is your favorite Sci-Fi Anime?!

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Opening Theme: "Be Your Girl" by Chieko Kawabe
Ending Theme: "Lilium" by Kumiko Noma

The Ani-Dictators Ep3: The Sunrise Special

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

NOTE: This episode might sound different than the others due to editing mistakes. We apologize for the poor audio in this stand alone episode.

Yes, that's right just about everything we talk about today is by Sunrise!!! We get into some news and mention Otaku Center. Matt begins with his review of Tenchi Univerise, Zach gets funky while reviewing Cowboy Bebop, and finally Sam has his long review of Gundam 0083. Thanks to you all who have been listening to our show. Email us, we want to hear what you think of us and your anime interests.

Question: What's your favorite SCi-fi Anime, manga, or live-action movie! Email us your answer and give a brief description.

http://www.otakucenter.com/

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The Ani-Dictators Ep2: Blood, Samurai, and Tits.

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

Nothing but reviews of samurai anime. Including Samurai Gun, Samurai X, and Sword for Truth. Group review of Samurai Champloo. Email us at ani-dictators@hotmail.com. We will read any emails on the show!!

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The Ani-Dictators Ep1: Welcome to the Jungle

NOTE: These episodes are re-releases so expect to hear old news about how we are so excited about the Iron Man movie coming out. I think we record these back in 07-08. Hope you like our comeback! Make sure to check out episode 1.1, its our NEWEST show. Our email has changed and we no longer have a myspace just as a reminder.

The Ani-Dictators are here to bring you the best in Anime reviews, talk, rantings, and of course action. We are a set of teenagers speaking our minds to get you to watch our shows. In our first thrilling episode we review Texhnolyze, Gantz, and Infinite Ryvius.
E-mail us at ani.dictators@gmail.com

Enjoy!

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Public Enemies is Certainly Not Number 1.

I went to see Public Enemies last night and in order to branch out and try reviewing things other than anime, I decided to review it. Let's just say it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

What were my expectations? Good question, I figured it would be a powerful gangster drama reminiscent of Goodfellas and the Godfather with good action, an allstar cast of Christian Bale and Johnny Depp, and a wonderful plot that delved into the character of John Dilinger, who in case you did not know is the main character of this movie. Sadly, this movie lacked much of this.

The cast was good but unfortunately Depp really wasn't cast right, Depp always excels when he plays quirky characters, (Case and point: Edward Scissorhands, Jack Sparrow, and Sweeny Todd) but unfortunately Dilinger isn't all that quirky, a badass yes, but quirky no. Depp played him well but the character himself just wasn't all that interesting, and the movie never really went into what caused him to be a bank robber other than he "...liked whiskey, nice clothes, fast cars..." and that his "...father beat the hell out of (him) because he didn't know a better way to raise (him)." Depressing really, because I was sincerely hoping that it would go into his past and show what made him want to become a bank robber, but alas it did not. Christian Bale did a nice job as Agent Purvis of the FBI, another strong silent type which seems to be what Bale is becoming typecast in, but besides that no one's performance was of great interest. And there was certainly no one I would be willing to nominate for an Oscar.

The camera work was, how shall I say ... sloppy, to say the least. With this movie they tried to do the whole guerilla/action camera that's been seeing quite a bit of screen time in movies like the Bourne series, the Crank series, and Taken. Personally, I like it for the most part but there are certain instances when it's not a good fit, take for instance a period piece on bank robbers in the 1930s. Sorry, but I think that if I had been directing this I would've picked a much steadier camera throughout and have this movie be more of a homage to the ganster films from the 50s and earlier, because the action camera just didn't work with the setting. Also, the camera had a tendency to 'pulse' that's the best I can describe it, it would zoom in and out very quickly and it made me feel sort of seasick. Like I said, in another setting I might've enjoyed this camera work but with this movie it just didn't feel right.

The plot was rather good, it was showing Dilinger from his heyday to his inevitable downfall, and it made you cheer for him even though deep down, you knew he wasn't going to come out of it alive. Like I've said earlier though, it would've been nice to have seen his childhood and his first bank job but unfortunately we saw nothing of the sort, and the dialogue only alluded to it once. The biggest problem is the pacing of the film which is rather slow, I know that several people who I saw it with and I thought that it was a 2 1/2 hour movie, which isn't good when the actual film time is clocking in at just over 2 hours. The action and gunfights were quite good for how few there were, realistic and enjoyable to watch all at once, and the blood was realistic and welldone as well, it wasn't like a slasher flick where each person had enough blood pumping from their stab wound for 300 people.

If you can't tell I wanted to love this film, I truly did, but it let me down. It's kind of sad too because this movie will probably end up becoming a DVD that you see in the $5 bargain bins at Wal-Mart because it's not good enough for the average consumer to buy it and it didn't have the certain flair it takes to become a cult classic. A real shame too, because it had the potential to be great.

All in all, it's a decent film, worth a rental at least and maybe you'll like it and I'm just jaded. I really did want to love this film and I truly do hope that it finds an audience of some kind and doesn't collect dust on store shelves, but I have my doubts.

Anyway, it gets 6.5 out of 10 from me.

Manhole, manga series by Tetsuya Tsutsui

As I mature in life I dig deeper into psychological, horror, and seinen manga series. Ichi the Killer, MW, and Goth are all stories that make you quiver, yet Manhole just widened my horizons.

Ken Mizoguchi and Nao Inoue are detective partners just like Martin Lawrence and Will Smith.....wrong. Ken is the short, unkempt fellow while Inoue is young and innocent. Odd as the pair is they work extremly well together. The first chapter begins with a man walking through town after emerging from the sewer looking for his mother.

He is naked, covered in blood, has a runny nose, and one exploding eye is not a site to come upon. The monster runs into an innocent college student who yells, "Wha da FUCK?!," which made me laugh out loud.

Anyway, the student pushes the man back and kills him him by accident. He just falls on his head but no big deal....right?! No, sorry he has a parasite aka worm in his eye that has taken over his brain. This disease takes away your social skills and basic needs such as your appeatite.

In conclusion, this series is not for everyone. If you are under sixteen I would pass it by and wait until you are older. Just to fuel the fire there are occurences of naked persons, rape, and profanity. Tsutsui does a fantastic job with his art and detail. Pages that are shady and have this simple yet attractive look to it.

Download Manhole at www.mangatraders.com