The Sheer Brilliance of Mario

Hopping along, taking on the bad guys and getting the girl - sounds like a total cliché, I know, but that's the story you get when you load up any game starring the famous plumber that has captured the affections and love of gaming fans for the past 30 years. The game that single-handedly brought video games to the forefront in an over saturated market and provided millions of children around the world the ability to play games at home is something that deserves to be recognized; and that's exactly what I'm here to do. Mario truly deserves to be praised, people.

Now, what many people my age don't realize is that the mega-popular Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario Bros., is actually a sequel to an arcade game, simply called Mario Bros. Less of a platformer than a high-score race, Mario Bros. did modestly in both Japan and America, which you might be surprised to hear knowing now that the famous fat plumber is Nintendo's mascot. But in any case, everyone in the world credits the NES title's success not to the character, but to the brilliant and fun gameplay. What that game did was it expanded on the home game system - where many children had grown up on the Atari 2600 and games that seldom lasted more than five minutes, Nintendo gave children a chance to experience a full-fledged gaming experience. Complete with challenging platforms, a multitude of levels, and even a two-player competitive mode, Super Mario Bros. soon helped in re-defining what gaming was, and lead the charge for a bright future of what video games could be.

Flash forward to today, we can see that Mario still continues to dominate the world with his platforming games, Not only that, but Nintendo has used Mario to begin experiments with other game styles, such as puzzle games in the form of Dr. Mario, or the famous racing series with MarioKart. Even the simpler Mario Party series has had financial success with the massive video game market. Since his arrival in 1985, the Mario series has sold over 262 million units worldwide. The little plumber that bested the beast and saved the princess has worked his way into millions of peoples' hearts and continues to ride strong to this day. Even now, Nintendo utilizes Mario to help other franchises. such as having Mario as a flagship character in the Super Smash Bros. series, or in other party games such as the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games franchise. 

With all this being said, why is Mario so iconic to us still? Many people don't know that when creator Shigeru Miyamoto was designing Mario, his core concept came from the fact that Mr. Miyamoto only had a certain amount of pixels to work with. Doing overalls was easier than seperating shirts and pants from one another, and the mustache was more distinctive than a mouth for the original pixelated form.  This simple design, which was easy to replicate, and even manipulate in order to create Mario's brother, Luigi, alongside the clever and challenging platforming, are all what went into helping create such a lasting impression for gamers around the world.

But, I believe that one more thing went into making Super Mario Bros. such a special thing. While Super Mario Bros. was such a game that anyone could pick up and play, Remember, the NES only utilized two action buttons and an up, down, left, and right button. Unlike many of today's controllers which often use no less than 12 buttons including toggles, the NES controller was much simpler to help arcade gamers transition into a home gaming environment. Anyone could have picked it up and begun to play. Today's games all rely on the fact that they need practice to get good at, which has its own merits in terms of gaining respect in the gaming community. However, they don't have the sense of couch community where everyone could pass around the controller there isn't any serious story in the original game like there would be in many of today's games. Mario brought gaming to the forefront and to the families, and for that he deserves to be remembered every day. Without him, we wouldn't have things like online gaming, multiple gaming systems, and the great variety of gaming genres that millions of people can experiment with and enjoy. Without Mario, the world might be very different today.

Jurassic World Review (No Spoilers)

After 22 years since the original film, audiences are introduced to a fully-functioning dinosaur theme park. Just like Disneyland, this park is home to extravagant exhibits and discovery centers where visitors can discover everything they want to know about some of the most fascinating previously-extinct creatures that the planet has ever seen. However, the film presents audiences with the very true notion that 'new' doesn't stay 'cool' forever, and this leaves the park runners with no other choice but to begin expanding their creativity in order to keep the park financially viable. However, as I'm sure you've seen with the trailers, this final attempt to increase revenue may end up costing the park runners more than a few dollars.

Now, I decided to especially hold no spoilers in this review because Jurassic World is a fantastic movie, filled with all the fun and excitement a summer blockbuster should have. There are Easter-eggs the die-hard fans will enjoy, but the film is a genuine thrill ride for first-timers at the park. This movie isn't asking you to prep on philosophy or history, just to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. That presentation alone is such a pleasure to see.

The acting is also done really well in here. Chris Pratt nails it as raptor-trainer Owen, and it's comforting following him throughout this adventure. I felt as though he'd definitely be the guy to go to when things went south at the park, which is pretty much what every essential character did. But in all seriousness, it's going to be really hard for Pratt to find a villainous or antagonistic role, because he's just so darn likable! His co-star, Bryce Dallas Howard, is also actually quite a pleasant on-screen presence. After Spider-Man 3, I wasn't sure how she would do here, but she plays the role of the serious businesswoman quite believably. Also, I have to give her credit - she ran around the jungle and away from predatory dinosaurs in high heels the entire time. That's quite accomplishment. The kids in the movie are pretty good, too. Albeit their backstory leaves a bit to be desired, but their developing relationship throughout the movie made me think about how I interact with my own siblings, and reminded me that people like me and my brother need to look out for each other.

Now, the next big question is with the special effects. Being born after Jurassic Park first came out, I can't really appreciate how spectacular they were for the time. However, older fans can, which left the studio with the challenge of at least making these special effects believable. Boy, did they deliver. As Chris Pratt interacts with the raptors or the humans get in close proximity to the ultimate predator, the Indominus Rex, you could feel the breath of these dinosaurs, you see the textures of their skin, and you really feel as though you're walking right next to them. Superb job done, really.

All in all, the movie is kind of predictable in terms of its story progression beats, and some of the more supporting characters are actually a bit one-dimensional; be that as it may, that's no reason any one should miss out on this extravagant thrill ride. This movie gives you a time to wind down for two hours with classic popcorn fun, and it brings back a lot of the fun the original Jurassic Park fans. Rest easy, everyone - the park is open, and everyone is invited.

Rating: 9/10

Ex Machina Review (SPOILERS)

 

 

Let me pitch you a rather bizarre idea: have a sci-fi film focusing on three actors whilst trying to get your audience to question their ideas on how they interact with not only people, but the world around them. That's the kind of story Ex Machina tries to deliver, and indeed it does. While the movie doesn't always resonate in the way you might want it to, or even expect, there's no doubt that the world it places you in is invigorating and exciting.

 

The story tells us of a professional search engine programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a company prize to go work with the CEO of his corporation, Nathan (Oscar Isaac), to work on something truly revolutionary: the development of artificial intelligence. Caleb is being used in the 'Turing Test' portion of the development, which is essentially assessing whether or not a computer brain has the capability to think outside of it's programming, to be able to change its functions based on a new situation given to it. The test subject is named Ava (Alicia Vikander), an inquisitive AI who yearns to learn of the world outside of her test chamber. Caleb soon grows fond of Ava, while being uncomfortable with Nathan's strange quirks and alcoholic habits. Caleb's world gets turned upside down when he begins to grow affectionate towards Ava, and finds himself dreaming of her as if she was a real girl. As their work facility begins to malfunction and Nathan becomes more of an intense personality, Caleb begins to devise what his own existence means. It's an AI think-tank film for the next generation, and it definitely paint a picture for the audience.

 

Before I get to the good stuff (which there is a lot of in this movie), I want to talk about the things that were kind of a let-down by the end of the film. Firstly, I find the plot's efforts to make you second-guess yourself as the characters are a bit forced. Not once while watching the movie did I ever feel like I didn't know who was on protagonist Caleb's side. Sure, Nathan was an oddball drunk, but I never got the impression, as Caleb did, that he was against Caleb's interest whilst staying in the facility. The fact that this movie tries so hard to trip you up kind of took me out of the experience, which was a shame because the story is actually very good.

 

The other thing I found disappointing, but not a knock on the film, was the presence of Ava. Seeing here centrefold in practically every photo and poster gave me the impression that she would break out to be the true star, rather than the Macguffin of the story. Not only that, but actress Alicia Vikander was limited in this role, as we only really communicate and experience who Ava is in the 'Turing Test' sessions that Caleb leads. Now, let me clarify that this is in no way a knock on Vikander's actual acting - she did a really good job with what she was given. It's only that, at the end of the day, the true fleshing out of the character was left to discussion with Caleb and Nathan, with a dash of excellent cinematography. Vikander was definitely more of a cog in the motor rather than the engine.

 

But now, let's discuss the good. Going into this film, my only true exposure to Domhnall Gleeson was with his portrayal of Bill Weasley in both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts, as well as his brief appearances in Unbroken. While he did both of those roles well, he was only briefly present. I was also intrigued to watch this movie because I knew both him and Oscar Isaac were going to star in the new Star Wars movie coming out soon, so that definitely made me want to see what these guys could do. And oh my God, does Domhnall Gleeson absolutely nail this role? You bet he does! Playing the socially awkward Caleb, both smart and shy, you immediately take his side against the upfront and a bit antagonistic Caleb. Gleeson is the real reason the atmosphere of unease and distrust exists at all, and he spreads it wherever he pleases amazingly. His conversations with Ava is where we find out how much of a sad and lonely guy he is, and it's ultimately believable to understand how easily he is ultimately manipulated.

 

While Domhnall is the star, Isaac more than gets his fill. This charismatic, narcissistic, drunk makes even the audience feel uncomfortable to be in the same room as him. He carries himself as if he's a god who has created a new form of life, and you immediately get the wrong feeling from interacting with him. He definitely does try to be a nice guy, his dialogue suggests as much; however, he doesn't always deliver on that, and Isaac plays with this beautifully. Props to both stars, and I can't wait to see more of them in the future.

 

The production value itself is great, too. Clearly set in the future but remaining believably achievable, the facility itself is quite a marvel. The different rooms reflect the tone of the scenes that you're about to see, and there's quite a few interesting conversations on the moral standpoints of life, freedom, creation, death, and more. To go into full detail would be robbing you of the fantastic dialogue that is delivered, where Oscar Isaac particularly shines. The social commentary reflects all that you've heard from the likes of Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking. The special effects for Ava are actually quite spectacular as well, and most of all, believable. You might not be able to understand the intricacy or specifications of her design, but you don't begin to question it.

 

However, there is one more thing that brings this movie down. While explained in the film itself, which, again, I won't rob you of the experience, Ava eventually escapes and makes her way into the human world, ready to experience life as best she can. She kills her creator who, in all honesty, was a bit of an ass to her, but she also leaves behind Caleb. I didn't buy that; Caleb didn't knowingly trap her, keep her there, he even went so far as to help her escape. Then, she just up and leaves him. Not only that, but she takes the only helicopter trip out of the area back to civilization. And the helicopter pilot didn't question that? He didn't think to himself, "Hmm...I haven't brought you here, I don't know who you are, you aren't the intended passenger...nope, you're obviously trouble. I'm not going to let you on". There wasn't even a scene of her overpowering the pilot, which I would've bought more. The ending, I felt, just tried to be too anti-AI in its overall message, and in doing so lost some of the momentum it had.

 

Now, with all that being said, I still believe Ex Machina is not a movie to miss. You've got some great performances to watch, a stellar story to hear, and a unique commentary on what the capability of humans and our own natures are, let alone that of the machines. The movie is quiet and intense, so those looking for another Robocop should look elsewhere; however, you'll be missing out one of the most unique movies I've seen in a long time.

 

Rating: 8.5/10