Month: April 2005

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Maybe your favorite movie doesn’t suck.

Rather than being a numbing morass of brainless candy, pop culture (video games, TV, etc.) is instead a stimulating experience that requires active participation on the part of the audience.

Your favorite movie sucks.

Don’t mind me, just whining about class. No, not “class,” “class.” Eh, you know what I mean.

Arrested Development and Absolutely Fabulous.

It’s a neat trick, taking characters who can only be described as “unsympathetic jerks” and making them not only objects of fun, but of affection.

The Bleacher Bums.

I had totally forgotten that today was to be the “official” launch date for the site until I heard a plug for it on the radio.

A slow crash, like an iceberg.

It’s terrible, being relieved that your favorite team’s season is over.

Dope Farmer. (PopMatters)

My review of Dope Farmer is now up at PopMatters.

Selling virtual assets.

The competitive argument against selling virtual assets seems to be that it puts players who aren’t willing to spend extra cash at a disadvantage against players that are; the only way to make up for this disadvantage is to spend hours and hours grinding your way to the top. Personally, I think that any game in which competition and success can be boiled down to a “time = money” equation is not a fun game.

Metroid Prime 2.

My poor, tendinitis-riddled hands just cannot deal with this constant strain.

Adobe buys Macromedia; GameStop buys Electronics Boutique.

Josh reads way too much into simple business transactions.

Alias, Season 2.

I didn’t think it was possible, but Season 2 of Alias actually makes Season 1 look straightforward and sensible.

Come on, who doesn’t own a corkscrew?!

A few things I plan on keeping in mind the next time I invite people into my home.

Tekken 5.

Mashing never did a thing for me when pinned up against a wall, or when floating in the air during one of those long juggling combos that Tekken is famous (infamous?) for.

Beck: Gameboy Variations.

Hearing Beck’s spacey voice swaddled in the SID’s sound isn’t a nostalgia trip, it’s what pop music should sound like.

Doctor Who.

It’s profoundly weird to watch a revival of a show that went off the air fifteen years ago, and was more than a quarter of a century old when that happened.

The Arcade Fire: Funeral.

I’ve never been to a funeral. I don’t have a car. These facts don’t prevent me from enjoying The Arcade Fire’s first LP, Funeral.

Sin City.

This movie may mark the first time in years that Bruce Willis has played a character that’s anywhere near his actual age.

The Postal Service: Give Up.

I’m still trying to figure out whether it’s a good or bad thing that one of their main influences seems to be The Human League.

Oseam.

There’s nothing like an overdose of saccharine kitsch to knock a guy out of a too-good mood.

Mates of State: All Day.

Mates of State makes joyous, full-throated, big-hearted music, and it’s a wonderful thing to hear.

Bloc Party: Silent Alarm.

The propulsive rhythms and laminated production are no longer at odds, but combine to create a sense of clarity and urgency, of an understanding of what’s wanted and a desperate desire to pursue it.

Spring has sprung! Or at least is currently springing!

It’s spring, people, and I am giddy. Giddy!

Del.icio.us!

Its lack of features is a strength rather than a drawback.

The New (York Times) Games Journalism.

The New York Times has a brief blurb on the New Games Journalism.

NBA Street V3. (PopMatters)

My review of NBA Street V3 is up at PopMatters.