The Order: 1886... More Like Odor

The Order: 1886 was one of this year’s most anticipated games of 2015 but unfortunately just like the trailer of a movie, it looks good but delivers poorly. This game should be considered a real heart breaker because visually, this game was breath taking with the incredible attention to detail and from the sound in the backgrounds such as rain and voices to the bang in the weapons. The gameplay is very complicated starting and it’s due to the beauty of the cut scenes because the gameplay looks almost exactly like you’re watching a cut scene. You have to keep your eyes open because once it goes into 3^rd person view, it’s time to rock and roll.

That leads to another problem in the form of not rock and rolling enough. There are 15 chapters in this game and it only feels like you actually play in ten of them but in those ten chapters, there’s a lot of time with cut scenes. Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with that as long as the story was captivating and that just wasn’t the case in this game. In the story you follow Sir Galahad, a knight of The Order which in fact dates back to the time of King Arthur with the Supreme Leader being an original knight of the round table. Already this sounds far-fetched but the game rebounds by explaining why the knight has been around for hundreds of years and the explanation is, the Holy Grail.

Each knight carries a vial around their neck while in the course of the game if you’re injured and near death, you drink from the vial and are healed. Now why exactly was this order fighting against? Pretty much the classic monsters, Lycans or werewolves but vampires are thrown in for some reason and it sucks because you don’t fight them. This is mostly a game about fighting Lycans and Jack the Ripper is thrown in there like the vampires. Mostly for name’s sake more than actually having anything to do with the story.

One good name that was thrown in the game was Nikola Tesla, the famous scientist that is in actuality working and creating weapons for the order. The arrangement of weapons was good with guns ranging from shotguns to automated rifles and various handguns. For the time you actually get to use these weapons, the action is fluent and so are the kill shots when you’re fighting Lycans or regular people. Why would you be fighting regular people? You’ll have to play the game and find out but I would wait till it’s on sale at GameStop or offered for free on the PlayStation Network. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t have to wait long because I don’t see this game being worth $60 for long.

This game is visually phenomenal but like the old saying goes, if you polish a turd it’s still a turd. This game is a 5 out of 10 because the story went in too many directions and it felt like watching a movie on Netflix. You’re watching more of the game instead of actually participating in it so already my attention is gone and for those who wonder if there will be a sequel. This game ends in such a way that it almost has to because even though the game was horrible, it left too many elements unchecked. Hopefully with the sequel they’ll actually let you play the game more than watch it.

Between Myth and History: Florida Renaissance Festival

Between Myth and History: Florida Renaissance Festival, that’s the name of the documentary that I’ve been involved with as the narrative writer. After a long process endured by Humaya Films production crew, the premiere happened on Wednesday February 25th at Cinema Paradiso in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Since I was involved with the film, I can’t give a fair critique so what I will do is explain why this film is worth everyone’s attention. The reason this film was created in the first place is to show the patrons that come every year exactly what goes on behind the scenes. To shine the light on the people that live multiple lives, endure harsh struggles and yet somehow find a way to make magic happen by bringing the past into the present.

I was approached by the director of the film, Vivian Orozco whom is also very involved in the Florida Renaissance Festival and had previously read my work. Realizing the unique opportunity offered to me, I jumped into untested waters as I’ve never worked in Non-Fiction. It was a challenge for a short time but thankfully I worked with a director that knew what she wanted and worked with a crew that knew how to support each other. At the end of it all, the film came together beautifully as it received a standing ovation by the crowd that came to see it at the premiere. A crowd that was grateful to see a film that showed what makes the Florida Renaissance Festival so special.

It shows the importance of Quiet Waters Park which is where the Florida Renaissance Festival occurs in Deerfield, Florida. An area of the park that may just seem like dirt and trees but is in actuality the most important site in Deerfield. A site where people come to at the beginning of the year to forget about the problems of modern times and enjoy a time that was more simplistic and inspiring. It’s brought together by a group of hard working individuals that build sets that performers need to entertain the patrons. The performers, who are the backbone of the festival and deserve much appreciation for the sacrifices they make to be involved.

These are wonderful people who show tremendous dedication to their craft in order to make the patrons feel as though they are back in time. Dedication in the form of attending every rehearsal, practicing in their spare time and building props accurate to the time period. From getting every detail in the jewels of the crown to the beads and threads of the outfits, nothing is left unchecked. These are people who have families, other jobs, and the same struggles that we all have in modern times and yet they still find the time to put on some of the most entertaining shows of the year. Shows that leave you laughing, smiling and making you want to come back for more because this is entertainment you can only receive at this event.

An event brought to Deerfield every year by Bobby Rodriguez Productions that started the Florida Renaissance Festival over twenty years ago. Now it’s one of the biggest attractions every February and March. The success of the event is only possible because of everything that has to happen behind the scenes and the only way for you to see that is by watching this film. Patrons who go to the festival every year can have a greater appreciation for those who build, perform, and produce one of the greatest events you can attend in the year. It was a pleasure being part of this film and if you’re a lover of the Florida Renaissance Festival, this film is as much for you as the people that make history a reality.

How to say "I Love You."

Don't say "I love you"
with a serpent's tongue.
Spreading your false energy
through my veins -- that's worse than
any venom and murders the heart the quickest.

Don't say "I love you"
like a child does a toy,
something that is to be enjoyed
for a short period time and then discarded
without a care for the one who is used
and will be left alone in dark misery.

Don't say "I love you"
at all.

Give that person a gift
at an unexpected time,
and give it for no reason.

Kiss that person,
not with lustful intentions
but with meaningful ones.

Do something for that person,
not because they asked
but because you want to for them.

Be there for that person
no matter what the reason,
even when they don't want you to.

Look each other in the eyes
and enjoy that moment of silence,
that moment where words have no purpose.

Finally, hold that hand.
That is always the first step
and will always be the most important one.

If you want to say "I love you"
and actually mean it.
Then don't say it at all.


Excerpt from Madness in a Recession, available in print and on Amazon.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

When it comes to the world of superheroes and comics, I’m more on the DC side rather than the popular Marvel. There’s nothing wrong with Marvel but we all have our preferences and to me, nobody beats the man of steel. Each side has its successes and it’s complications that gives one an advantage over the other in certain aspects. When it comes to DC, it’s got the financial backing of cinema giant Warner Bros. Studios which hasn’t produced a lot of desired results until recently. Compared to Marvel which is supported by Disney’s limitless revenue stream and dominant reputation.

It’s no secret that Marvel is destroying DC on the big screen with a movie releasing practically every year and most of them getting rave reviews most of the time. Only recently has DC started to pick up the pace with the mega success of The Dark Knight saga and recently released Man of Steel. Then there’s the success DC has in television with the popular hit Arrow and The Flash unlike Marvel with their show Marvel: Agents of Shield which has been moderate at best. But the biggest advantage DC has in this never ending geek feud is it’s made for television animated movies. That brings us to the topic of this article with the released film, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.

Following the success of the last film Justice League: War, this film follows the famous superheroes as they stumble on the famous legend of Atlantis. Now this justice league is based off the New 52 version of the 

Justice League which means simply different costumes, more violent and more attitude. The main protagonist in this film centers around Arthur Curry who we can all tell is destined to become King and known to the world as Aquaman. There’s just one problem being his half-brother Orm and his partner Manta who want nothing more than to start a war with the “land-dwellers.” Upon learning of Arthur’s claim to the throne, Orm commits the ultimate betrayal in order to put his plans to fruition and have the war he’s been craving since he was a boy.

The film started out strong with a great opening sequence but slows down by spending time to show what’s been going on since the events of the previous film. Superman and Wonder Woman are becoming closer, Cyborg is coming to grips with who he is, Cyborg is working for the government, and everyone else is going on with their lives. While the world knows them as a group, it appears that the title Justice League is more of a show than an actual group. A way of making the public feel safe because they believe the league is actually working together when in fact they couldn’t be more apart.

Then an attack on Cyborg occurs which unites the team once more and it’s discovered that his attackers are warriors of Atlantis. This starts the sequence of events that will eventually introduce the league to Arthur Curry who will soon find that he’s not just a normal human being. Just like in the last film, the action was spectacular as too was the story itself but there were flaws. There are two that I speak of and one being that for some reason, certain members of the league are able to breathe underwater without an oxygen mask. The second being a mistake in a scene where Arthur learns an unfortunate fate and in that scene, Superman’s uniform is incomplete.

In the new 52 version, Superman’s upper shirt goes all the way up to his skull, covering his neck and his cape hangs onto his shoulders. In the scene his neck is exposed and his cape is hanging where it traditionally is, so I’m guess whomever the artist is that drew that scene mistakenly put the classic version instead of the new 52 version. Other than that, there were no technical issues. So as far as the rating goes, I have to give this film a 7 out of 10 because of those issues and slowing down the action. This film wasn’t as good as its predecessor but it was good for introducing the newest version of Aquaman which is both attractive and intriguing.

With the future release of the Justice League movies and solo movies of The Flash, Wonder Woman and others, its good DC is still committed to these films. Because of their popularity, fans are getting introduced to different elements that inspire the demand for a movie such as the recently announced Suicide Squad and Justice League Dark. These films generate huge revenue for DC but as good as these films are, DC needs to get on the ball with bringing these characters to the big screen. Until then, I will be looking forward to the next release of the DC animated films with the next one titled Batman vs. Robin. This sequel to Son of Batman is something I have been waiting for and it will get me in the mood for the release of Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. 

Another Valentine's Day Poem

The Woman by the Bay

It’s one thing to be left behind by someone

that you once loved more than life.

It’s another to have gotten that love

after so much of your life alone.

That’s the tale of the woman by the bay.

She sits on the beach with a scarred heart

and a tear dragging the ink from her eyes.

Her silence is speaking for her.

She is saying: I loved him

and I will not find another like him.

I go and sit by her, put my arm around her,

and tell her it’s going to be alright.

She says how she has been alone,

and how men aren’t attracted to her

as if it’s a curse.

I can sympathize with her on that one.

I tell her of my curse.

That how I’ve learned from women,

how I know what it is that they want,

and how I know that I’m not part of that list.

She says how she will be alone again

because she is not as beautiful as the posers

on the magazines and in the movies.

Bullshit.

We are in the land of the blind,

And, while I am no king, I can say

only one true thing about this

woman by the bay

As I look at her watching the ocean,

hoping to see the dolphins,

and rubbing her feet with red sox

in the warm sand.

I see that she is one of the most

                                                          beautiful women I’ve ever seen.





Excerpt from my book Madness in a Recession available now on print or Amazon Kindle. 

The Fantastic Four... Or Flop

The Fantastic Four! A name of a team that is so renowned in the world of comics that when you hear the name, your ears flinch and a chill goes up your spine. One of the original teams of superheroes that broke out and captured the imaginations of kids who either read the comics, watch the television series or played the games. The trailer for the remake of the famous franchise was released recently and all directions seem to point to this movie being a flop more than fantastic. Unfortunately when it comes to live action movies like most marvel properties owned by different movie companies, they just can’t get it right.

For those that don’t have a clue, The Fantastic Four is a group of superheroes that were scientists who went up into space and got caught in a cosmic storm that gave them powers. Reed Richards became Mr. Fantastic who can expand his body parts to certain limits, Sue Storm who plays the invisible woman and I guess you have an idea what she can do, Johnny Storm plays the human torch who is Sue’s brother and can set himself on fire by saying the famous phrase, “Flame on!” Then there’s my favorite, The Thing who goes by Ben Grimm. Together they face off against famous marvel villains but none so deadly then Dr. Doom. Arguably the most dangerous villain in the Marvel Universe because unlike most villains, he’s a king in his country and can’t be imprisoned for his crimes against others.

This allows for an endless feud between the team and Dr. Doom but sometimes it involves others but mostly Doom is involved with the Fantast Four. It’s Dr. Doom who again is the main antagonist in the reboot and while this trailer reveals a more serious direction for the superheroes, something is just off. As I looked at it, I thought I was watching a preview of a sequel to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar but only when you see a glimpse of the four in their new look do you think, “Oh the Fantastic Four.” Honestly I didn’t feel anything at the end of the trailer and while I like to keep an open mind, this movie is looking more and more like a disaster.

The word disaster fits well when it comes to the history of the Fantastic Four in the movies. The first try came in 1994 The Fantastic Four and it was done so poorly with cheap special effects and a terrible story that it went into obscurity immediately. The second try came in 2005 and that one was decent enough that 20^th Century Fox was able to make a sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer but it was the final nail in the coffin. This time the four are a young cast and the origin is going to be completely rebooted in order to draw in a new audience and a fresher look to the team. The problem with new is that purists will have a problem with it and this reboot has left a trail of plenty complaints.

Josh Trank, the director of the popular film Chronicle was burdened with this reboot and decided to make a move that would send shockwaves through the Marvel Universe. Michael B. Jordan, a breakout star due to the success of the film Chronicle is African American and when it was decided he would play the Human Torch, fans went on the most enormous rant I’ve seen since Ben Affleck was announced as Batman. Now if you’re going to ignore this film because of the race issue then that’s pathetic, Jordan is a great actor and I know he could pull it off but changing the story around is where I can understand the pain that the purists feel. Johnny Storm, who is Sue Storm’s brother is now adopted and the synopsis reads that this film takes the scientists to an alternate universe where they gained their powers so clearly this film is completely taking things off the comics.

Again, I like to keep an open mind about everything but unfortunately I don’t see much to be excited about and it’s sad because this film will be the third strike for 20 Century Fox. For some reason they can get X-Men right but that’s mostly because of Bryan Singer and his direction for the team but that same magic can’t happen for the classic team. Hopefully things will look a little better as time goes on but as of right now, The Fantastic Four doesn’t look so… good. We’ll know more as the film comes closer to its August release date and more previews will be released. Until then, for all the fans of the Fantastic Four, I keep your fingers crossed and keep praying because it’s looks like we have another fantastic flop on the way. 

The Pitiful Patriots

The NFL recently concluded an investigation it began since the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. The accusation came when a player from the Colts intercepted a ball from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and felt something wrong with the ball. That player went to the sideline to inform the Colts General Manager, Ryan Grigson who then requested the league to investigate. The results found that the balls used by the patriots were in fact deflated so in short, the Patriots cheated. Now the game was a virtual blowout so some are skeptical as whether or not this was a factor in their victory over the Colts.

Would it have mattered or not isn’t the question, the question now is what exactly does this mean for the Patriots now they have been caught again. Back in 2007, the Patriots were caught video-taping on the Jets which permanently stained the team and labeled them cheaters to the rest of the league. Since then the Patriots have always had a watchful eye on them and the rest of the league has taken measures to ensure a fair chance against the once powerful team. Under Belichick, the Patriots have won three Super Bowls, numerous AFC titles, and broken several records that will probably never be touched in my lifetime. But ever since they were caught in 2007, some have questioned whether or not those records should be respected.

Some throw out the claim that the Patriots aren’t the only team that cheat in the NFL so I say to them, does that make it right? Now you may be asking yourself is deflating the ball that big of a deal? In a way because if you think about it, the softer the ball it then the easier it would be to grip or catch. Even if it wasn’t easy, the fact is that the Patriots were using balls that were against the NFL’s rules and regulations. So the next question is what will happen now and that is a very complicated debate considering that this is a team that dominated the early 2000s. Should that matter?

Not really but the fact is America loves winners and they pay top dollar to see winners win so the Patriots generate a lot of revenue for the NFL. Not to mention there is Rodger Goodell whose decisions on punishments as of late have been lackadaisical at best. Let’s not all forget about the infamous Ray Rice incident, the former Baltimore Raven who knocked out his wife in an elevator and at first was only suspended for two games at first. Only until the video emerged of Ray Rice punching his wife out did Goodell initiate a real form of punishment which was Ray Rice’s immediate termination with the Baltimore Ravens. Unlike Ray Rice, this is out in the open and the results are in so a decision has to be made but what kind should there be?

USA Today and other media outlets have already voice their opinions as well as several celebrity and public polls, the Patriots should be disqualified. As children we’re taught that cheaters never prosper so if the Patriots were to go and possibly win the 2015 Super Bowl on February 1^st, it would be a travesty. In every other sport, when an athlete is caught cheating they’re disqualified from competition and that’s what should happen out of principal. I’m pretty sure it won’t with the Super Bowl only two weeks away but hopefully Rodger Goodell will listen and do what should be done. If not then most likely what will happen is what happened last time, the Patriots will be fined money they can afford to lose and lose draft picks they don’t need anyway.

It’s a real shame when you think about it, when you have incredible talent on your team and a coach that can get you to the championship but you still turn to cheating. Now do I believe the Patriots are the only team that does, absolutely not. Let us not forget the infamous bounty program which was an incentive for New Orleans Saints players to cause intentional injury to opposing players. The coach was suspended for a season and the team was punished severely, for the first time that I’ve seen, the NFL took appropriate measures. It’s time to make an example out of the Patriots and take appropriate measures again to deter other teams from cheating. It’s called Sportsmanship and it’s time we remember what that word means.