XavierInVanCity Reviews

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

A good action adventure film for our time

[9/10 · 22 July 2011]

Marvel has finally managed to once again reach the pedigree they established with the first Iron Man, and bring us another great action adventure film. Whereas Iron Man was a modern, glib and slick take on the genre (matching the character), Cap is a far more traditional flick.

1940s Setting: Check Nazis (kind of): Check Ernest hero with an awesome group of people having his back: Check Dame: Check Badass Villain: Check

These elements are all you need for the perfect summer blockbuster. And for the most part, The First Avenger delivers. Aside from a lackluster midsection and some rushed delivery on the plot, this is definitely the Superhero movie we have been waiting all summer for!

Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009 Video Game)

An amazing achievement

[9/10 · 26 August 2009]

This is the single most powerful video game I have ever played.

Let us start with gameplay. The stealth, action and gadget aspects are all top notch. The only flaw here is that the combat is somewhat repetitive. This is the only mark against this otherwise perfect game.

Every villain in this game has been realized and used to the utmost effect. In particular Mark Hamill's Joker is a terrifying beast, who's constant chatter over the megaphones is at the same time disturbing and hilarious.

The single most powerful moment in the game, however, is during one of the confrontations with scarecrow. The reliving of the murder of Bruce's parents genuinely affected me, and made Scarecrow's presence more than another another villain spot.

The points above, combined with beautiful graphics and animation and an engaging, dark storyline, make Batman: Arkham Asylym game of the year material for sure. A must play for anyone.