Jump the Gun: The Expendables 3

Jump the Gun is a semi-weekly article where two or more HiddenLevel contributors voice their gut reactions to upcoming movies. Their opinions are based solely on what trailers, press releases, and information is available around the internet, oh, and of course their own personal bias towards the source material. None of the opinions are based on actually having watched the movie. Each reviewer retains the right to change their view after having watched the movie, if they ever bother to do so. After all, who wants to waste their money on a movie that looks like it’s going to suck? Unless you’re into that kind of thing.

The Expendables 3

(August 15, 2014)

Story: Barney and his team, known as "The Expendables", come into conflict with ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables' co-founder, who is determined to destroy the team.

Brunpuppies - I really wanted the first two movies to work for me, but they just didn’t.  I assume the actors had a lot of fun getting together to make these “action packed” films, but their fun didn’t translate over for me.  Just having these big name action stars together in one movie doesn’t get me to buy a ticket especially when many of them are past their prime.  Seeing Sly and Arnold in a movie together just reminds me of how awesome a Contra movie starring the two would have been...25 years ago.  Adding Mad Max, Indiana Jones, and Blade to the mix just reinforces the feeling of this being an Over the Hill Action Vehicle.  Although it is nice to see Snipes out of prison.

Verdict - I’m just going to have to pass on this one.  I might check it out if it ends up on Netflix or FX on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Kevshiro -  Can’t really go by much but his last 2 films were pretty fun to watch.  Yeah, sure it’s a bunch of old men in diapers that used to be action stars but hey, it’s fun to watch them try to jump a moving vehicle and possibly break a femur.  I know, I know, it’s all stunt doubles nowadays.  So let’s play a drinking game of how many times you can spot the doubles!  Ah well, this shit is fun to watch so let’s sit back together, in our home, and see what jail has done to Wesley Snipes.

Verdict - DVD

SolidMike - I’m going to keep this short and sweet, I never seen any of the “Expendables” films and I’m not going to start now.

Verdict - Never

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Deadpoool Movie Test Footage:Update Highres version!

A possible Deadpoool movie has been in the works for a while but it was shelved.  I'm not going to say much else besides make this movie!

Also here's some more screen grabs!

If you're having trouble seeing the video, please click here.

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First Look Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer

Finally!  After do many teaser posters we get our first look into the new world of Mad Max. If any if you are a fan like me of the old Mad Max films, you'll be excited to see this new version of the Max, portrayed by Tom Hardy and also starring Charlize Theron.

The trailer shows the same post-apocalyptic, water deprived world where only the strong survive.  There's no friends in this world, only quid pro quo. I'll be eagerly awaiting this movie's release and definitely be there opening night. 

Can't wait!

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Friday Funnies for July 25th 2014

Hey it's Friday again and here's another episode of funnies.  

Last week's funnies

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Kim Jong Un has Some Amazing Dance Moves

In a pretty well edited video of Kim Jong Un and a cast of other political leaders from around the globe, Kim Jong Un dances, karate chops, and gets his butt kicked in a bunch various viral videos.

According to a NPR article, a "Chinese man surnamed Zhang" is the creator of the video and you can imagine the North Korea is not very happy, but when are they ever?  North Korean authorities believe it could "damage the great leaders authority" and have asked China to stop the spread. Beijing obviously can't do this as once something has gone viral on the internet, it's hard to stop. 

So enjoy it and laugh as I did and get this guy Zhang a job with a post production place.  Great job with various head placement!

If you're having trouble viewing the video, please click here.

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Friday Funnies for July 18th, 2014

In this weeks installment of the funnies we have for you...more random crap from the internet!  At least the funnies are actually on Friday this week.  

Last week's funnies. 

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I Called the Old Nintendo Power Hotline

So I stumbled across the old Nintendo Power Magazine #1 issue and a flood of memories came rushing back.  Memories of me playing Mario Bros/Duck Hunt (I had the combo cartridge), Contra, Zelda and getting stuck in all those games but there was once magazine I could turn to.  NINTENDO POWER!  They had everything.  Maps, hints and yes even a call line dedicated to answering all of your frustrated needs.

So I picked up my cell phone and I decided to give it a call.  Why not?   When I dialed though, all I got was a busy signal.  I had envisioned some old Nintendo Power magazine employee still connected to his rotary phone, just waiting for that next call on how to get to the hidden warp zone or get around the giant maze of Metroid and get the special version of the Metroid armor.  I called again later on, and the same.  So the number has since either gone off line or there is still someone on the line, trying to beat the impossible Battletoads jetski level.  It could also be that my high tech cell phone just can't connect to an old rotary phone.

Either way, I still miss this magazine and remember back to when I would wait in the mail for the next issue to arrive.  Good times Nintendo Power, good times.

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New Mortal Kombat X Character Will Be Revealed Today (Update)

Update: Well I kind of got my wish answered somewhat, Raiden was announced as the new character that will be joining the Mortal Kombat X roster. Check out the trailer below.

Ed Boon and the team over at Netherrealm Studios will reveal it's next character today at EVO 2014. This all according to tweet Ed Boon sent out yesterday stating the following:

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Tekken 7 Officially Announced At EVO 2014

Well this came out of left field, after an accidental leak this past weekend, Tekken 7 has been officially confirmed by producer Katsuhiro Harada. The more exciting news is that game is being built on the Unreal Engine 4 and its safe to assume that the game will be coming to the PS4 and Xbox One. I don't want to spoil the video for you, but at the end of it, we're expected to see more of the game at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. Check out the trailer below:

If you're having trouble viewing this video click this link

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Fist of The North Star (Hokuto No Ken)

SolidMike and I decided to put together a beginners guide to Anime for all those newbies who are just getting into it.  I figured to best start of this series would be to interview one of my personal favorites, "Fist of the North Star".

Why this anime has become my favorite is not just merely the fact that the main hero, Kenshiro (from where I get my name), can destroy enemies with a single blow, it's also a love story and family feud mixed in.  It's also where I learned that we could severely mess up our world by nuclear wars if we're not too careful.

There's been many versions of this anime created, sequels made, video games, and a horribly done live action version which has an interesting cast of characters like Malcolm McDowell, Downtown Julie Brown, Chris Penn and wrestling great Big Van Vader (watch it here while it lasts).  The one that I'm particularly fond of though is the 80's anime version.  It's such a classic with it's over the top violence, crappy dialog, and awesome 80's cartoon styling.

It's starts out with a quick lesson of Yin and Yang, Creation and Oblivion, Light and Dark.  "When the pendulum of life swings towards one, it must swing back towards it's opposite and thus balance of the universe is maintained."

A nuclear war breaks out, destroying the world and sending everyone back into the stone age of existence.  It's a dog eat dog world where only the strong survive.  Well, the strong and the guys who know how to make your head explode with one hit.  Enter
our hero, Kenshiro who is out on a lovely post-nuclear war stroll with his girl, Julia, when the Fist of the South, Shin, appears.  He tells Kenshiro aka Ken that Julia is his now because only the strong can survive and he is the strongest.  They fight, obviously, and Ken loses as he wasn't prepared to fight his ex-best friend.  Julia says she won't go willingly with Shin and Shin decides to change he mind by POKING HIS FINGERS into Ken's chest and by doing so makes a star pattern that looks like the big dipper!  Ken gets tossed into a ditch by his own brother Jagi, who has his own hidden evil plot, and left for dead.

Years later, I think, or maybe just a few days later I'm not sure.  Ken awakes when he hears a young girl crying out for help.  Now all of a sudden, Ken is like a mindless Golem destroying everything in his path and quickly disperses the evil gang that was hurting the young girl.  Ken vows revenge and to find his woman, Julia.

The story just keeps getting better by Ken fighting huge HUGE men that I'm guessing somehow have become mutated by the nuclear war.  He fights his own older brother Rao who has a huge army of his own and his own quest of world domination to complete.  SPOLIER ALERT, KINDA: They get into an awesome one on one fight at the end which is just a must see for all.

This anime started it all for me and I hope it does the same for you.  When you have about an hour and a half to kill, watch Kenshiro kill hundreds of men with his super 100 fist punch which I know is unnecessary if you can just punch a guy once and make his head explode.  "You're already dead!"

You are already dead.

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Friday Funnies for July 11th, 2014

I hope everyone survived last weekend.  This weekend I will be doing THIS.  Yes, I know you're totally jelly, but here's some funnies that might help cheer you up.

Last week's Funnies. 

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Jump the Gun: Lucy

Lucy

(July 25, 2014)

Story: A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

Brunpuppies - The trailer looked interesting.  It hasn’t really sold me on seeing it yet, but it was at least a good first impression.  It kind of seems like ScarJo is a little jealous that she didn’t get superpowers in the Avengers and now she gets to go all out.  I do have to say that the whole “using more than 10% of your brain” card is totally getting played out, not to mention completely inaccurate.

Verdict - I’ll see how I feel when it comes out.  Most likely a watch on TV movie

Kevshiro - Scarlet, you have my attention.  Although the whole human mind achieving 100% is not really what I’m looking at here.  I’m pretty sure you don’t get super powers when you get to explore your mind further but whatever.  Seeing Scarlet kicking ass is what I like and I’m curious to see what happens to her, although I’m not sure if I’m that curious to see it in theaters.  I think this will be a DVD, beer and pizza kinda night.

Verdict - DVD

SolidMike - Hollywood must think the average consumer is a complete moron. After seeing the trailer I realized that this is the same exact story from the movie “Limitless” that starred Bradley Cooper. The only difference is that sexy Scarlett Johansson is in it, but is that enough for me to go see this movie? No it’s not.

Verdict - Netflix

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October Is Going To Be A Very Expensive Month For Gamers

My wallet is cringing right now on how much damage it's going to take this October, but I'm doing everything in my power to prepare myself for the Gamemageddon but there may be no hope.

Check out the list of games that are schedule to be release this October:

 Driveclub: (PS4) October 7th, 2014 

Sunset OverDrive: (XBO) October 28th, 2014

Bayonetta 2: (Wii U) October 2014

Dragon Age: Inquisition: (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, XBO) October 7th, 2014

Alien Isolation: (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, XBO) October 7th, 2014

Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor: (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, XBO) October 7th, 2014

The Evil Within: (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, XBO) October 21st, 2014

Lords of the Fallen: (PC, PS4, XBO) October 31st, 2014 (just announced today by Bandai-Namco)

Assassin's Creed: Unity: (PC, PS4, XBO) October 28th, 2014

More games are expected to be announce for this month (if you can believe that) which absolutely ridiculous! I wonder do game publishers and developers realize that there are several months before October that exist?

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PS4 DriveClub Bundle will be released on October 7th

All right all you racing fans the countdown is officially on, DriveClub will be releasing exclusively for the PS4 on October 7th. Sony has just recently revealed the official game's bundle along with the pricing. All the details can be found over at the PS Blog.

The bundle will of course include; The PS4 system, a DualShock 4 controller and a copy of DriveClub. The bundle as of now is only confirm for Europe, no word as of yet was given for a Western release. But keep your finger's cross, there may be light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully it's not a car.

In any case, if you're not a racing fan, maybe this video will change your mind, it sure did for me. The dynamic weather in DriveClub is absolutely breathtaking, check out the video below:

If you're having trouble viewing this video click this link

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Transmorphers, No I didn't Spell it Incorrectly.

Yes, it's finally here.  The movie you've all been waiting for Transmorphers (see trailer here).  No, I didn't spell that wrong.  Somebody had some extra cash lying around and decided, let's make a movie that sounds like Transformers but just giant Robots that transform, oh wait sorry, transmorph into other things.  It's a direct to DVD film so you kinda know what you're getting into.  I'm not going to bother too much with it as I've seen my fair share of crappy movies and been in them too while living in LA for a year.  If you're brave enough, go check out Transmorphers and let me know how it is.  Also, if you're really brave, you'll watch the second one right after it Transmorphers 2 Trailer here.

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Gaiking the Live action movie?

I'm pretty sure this is a fan made film but it'd be great if it was real.  I've been scouring the internet to see if it's an actual thing but no luck especially since it was uploaded in 2010.  Anyone have any ideas?

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Midna and Her Trusty Wolf Causes Havoc In This New Hyrule Warriors Trailer

Nintendo has just released a brand new trailer for its upcoming title; Hyrule Warriors. The trailer features Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess's very own Midna and her trusty wolf, who happened to be (spoiler alert) Link in the game.

Whether the developers bother to explain who the wolf is in this game is mystery to us all; seeing how Link is one of the main the characters in game that is going to be fully playable in Hyrule Warriors. It's probably safe to assume that they're not going to be explain at all, but we will have to wait and see. In any case, Midna's attacks in this game looks very devastating more devastating than Link himself. Check out the trailer below:

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Robotech Academy Kickstarter needs your help!

Attention Robotech fans!  A Kickstarter event has been made to create a pilot episode on the continuing Robotech series called "Robotech Academy".  In "Robotech Academy", the story focuses on the main characters children and fighting a new enemy alien race.

So what does this mean for you.  New episodes of your favorite show.  A whole new story line.  And best of all, new toy figures!!!  Also, since this is a Kickstarter event, you can get some really cool benefits for helping out like a $25 donation gets you a digital copy of the finishes product.  For $300 or more, you get to go to the premier in LA, and for a $5000 donation you get to be drawn in the actual episode as a background character!!

So go ahead, help the late great Carl Macek's story come true and check out the donation site here and if anyone has a space $5000 they can donate to me, I'd love to be in the show as I've been a huge fan since I first watched it on TV when I was 8. - Kevshiro

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Sailor Moon's New Transformation Compared to Old

Sailor Moon

Now let me show you with this video how good the first transformation was of Sailor Moon (see video below).  

You can see how she uses the magic of the Silver Crystal and the movements of her body are smooth and natural.  As for the second one, everything goes fine until her arm looks like it is made of elastic, slaps you in the face and then 3D till the end.  

As I mentioned in a previous post the white pins in her hair are from Sailor Moon Super S and her neckless has the same pendant than her ribbon, that is too much for me.  I'm not saying "Oh my god what have you done to her!!"  I just want to show you the differences that are not huge but makes a difference.  I hope they don't make any other added changes as try to keep it close to the anime.

Check the video and let me know what you think! :D

Please Click here if the video doesn't show below

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New Sailor Moon Crystal Episode 1 Review

Story: "Based on Naoko Takeuchi’s legendary manga series, Sailor Moon Crystal retells the story of Sailor Moon as she searches for her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Legendary Silver Crystal to stop the dark forces of Queen Beryl."

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X-Mini: X-Men Illustrations by Marcio Hum

Brazilian artist, Marcio Hum, has been making wonderful illustrations of some of his favorite characters for years. Marvel Comics superheroes are some of his most common subjects, specifically the X-Men. His style typically looks like the X-Babies versions of the characters, or as he calls them the X-Mini. One of his best and most complete series involves showing the X-Men comic characters side by side with their movie counterparts.

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LEGO Ideas #007 - Exo Suit Revealed

LEGO ideas has just released the 7th fan selected offering, the Exo Suit, originally submitted by Peter Reid. A video was included along with the reveal. There is also press image that can be found that shows what is assumed to be the box art for the set.

This mechsuit is very cool and looks to have quite a few moving parts. Included are two classes space minifigures, one male and one female. There s also what appears to be a robot turtle.

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LEGO Green Arrow by Nicolas “icare” Picot

French LEGO builder, Nicolas “icare” Picot, has constructed one the the coolest LEGO "action figures" I have ever see. I think it's the sheer size and ambition of the articulation that really impresses me. The subject of the build is DC Comics superhero, Green Arrow and he stands at a height of 50cm (just under 20") and has a a whopping 44 points of articulation! His bow and arrow also look stellar. This makes me want to make one of my own. 

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First Look at Superman from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Warner Bros., via USA Today, has released the first official photo of Superman from the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie. The costume looks to be much the same as the one used in Man of Steel (still no undies on the outside) with a few very minor tweaks. He does seem to be sporting a new, shorter haircut. I would also assume the setting for this picture is possibly Gotham rather than Metropolis.

Check out the image below and let us know what you think.  Where you hoping for something a little different or are you happy with this?

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Friday Funnies for July 4th, 2014

This edition of the funnies is dedicated to America.  So while you're out drinking beers, and shooting guns, and lighting off fireworks, and generally being free, remember exactly what it is we're celebrating.  

Check out the Freedom Funnies HERE for more American pride.

Here's last week's funnies if you missed them.

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Freedom Funnies for the 4th of July

Tomorrow is the 4th of July and that means it's time to celebrate the birthday of the greatest country in the history of the world! There is no country as ass-kickingly awesome as the good ol' U.S. of A. If you've got a problem with it, why don't you go live in Korea, you know, the one with the goofy dictator that look like the the kid from the Pixar movie, UP.

This Independence Day we fire-up our grills to burn some burgers, drink our watered-down beers, and risk blowing our fingers off with fireworks as a thank you to our forefathers for creating a nation were we can do what ever the damn hell we want. And be sure that ever morning, while you're eating you bacon with a side of bacon and drinking your coffee, that you give thanks that we're not stuck having tea and crumpets under the rule of some goofy sounding Brits.

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Vin Diesel Loves Guardians Of The Galaxy

Last night on his Facebook profile, Vin Diesel gave his thoughts on Guardians of the Galaxy after seeing the first screening of it. He really seems to like it.

Even though all who were invited to the screening were under a strict embargo not to say anything about the movie, Mr. Diesel felt compelled to write about it anyway.  Here is what he had to say:

OMG!!!

I have to share this... My youngest who is 3 yrs old, has never been to a movie theater before in his life. Today, I was invited by Disney and Marvel to see the latest cut of Guardians of the Galaxy and I was able to take the angels. WOW!!!!!

To Marvel, Disney, the incredible cast and team and especially James Gunn... Thank you for making a GREAT MOVIE! It was amazing and will always be special, for it was the first film I was able to take my family to see and oh how they loved it. 

I AM GROOT!!!

I, for one, really hope he's right and this movie turns out to be excellent.

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Knockoff Nation: Superman (Supermen) Minifigures

Welcome to another installment of Knockoff Nation. This is a (semi)regular article on HiddenLevel where I (OgelBlockHead) will review toys that come from the Far East, typically China, that are off-brand versions of more popular brands. In the past this usually indicated poorly made toys; cheap plastic, castings from lousy molds, sloppy paint, mismatched parts, etc., this is no longer always the case. If you know where to look, you can find some really nice toys at a great price.

Today's review is of Lego MiniFigure knock-offs of the various Superman and Superman related characters. There are a few Lego sets that currently include some of these characters, but some have never received the Lego minifigure treatment.  The prices that I have found for this set are fairly reasonable.  I bought them together on Ebay for about $10.  If you look around, you should be able to find it for about the same.  At that price it's less than $1.25 each which is more than reasonable for a minifigure considering the blind packs go for $2.99 to $3.99.  As always, you can usually save by bundling with other figures.

You'll notice some differences between these figures and true Lego MiniFigures. The most obvious deviation is the legs. The feet are beveled on the sides at a 45 degree angle rather than coming to a sharp 90 degree angle. In general, the edges of the the figure are also a little rounder and softer than Lego. Another notable difference is that the capes are made from a different kind of material than Lego's typically stiffer material.

The best thing about this set (other than the low price) is that assortment of characters you can get. Here are the figures typically available in this set: 

Classic Superman

Clark Kent

Cyborg Superman

Bizarro

Man of Steel Movie Superman

Man of Steel Movie Black Suit Superman / Kal-El

Man of Steel Movie Jor-El

Man of Steel Movie Kryptonian

The most exciting of these are Bizarro and Cyborg Superman, who are not availble as Lego at all, and Jor-El, who is a hard to come by exclusive.

The printing on all of the figures is crisp and well applied. On many of the figures it even extends to the legs and the backs which isn't always common on minifigures.

Along with the figures, you also get a variety of accessory pieces. Each figure comes with a studded black base with "LELE BLOCK" printed printed on them. They also have two to three green or blue "kryptonite" pieces and some even come with gray cone pieces.

To be perfectly honest, I don't quite like the "feel" of these as much as real Lego or even some of the other knock-offs I've gotten. I think maybe it's a combination of the plastic being a little different  and departure in appearance for the legs. That's not to say I regret getting this set, I'm very happy to have some of these characters in my collection, I just wish they were a little better.

Check out these links for other HiddenLevel toy reviews:
Hulk(s) MiniFigures

Fantastic Four MiniFigures

The opinions expressed by the HiddenLevel Bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of HiddenLevel.org or anyone involved in the running of this site. HiddenLevel is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the Bloggers of this site.

The HiddenLevel Blog was founded as site for contributors to be able to express their opinions and share news about the interest they enjoy.  The main purpose is to have fun.

Other sites are welcome to use the information found on this sit as long as credit and a link are provided.  For and questions you may have or for further information about the site, please contact hiddenlevel.team@gmail.com

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