Jack Red's Hell
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Nutcracker Massacre (2022) review
Let's discuss Chucky
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Microsoft doesn't want Postal series rant
Warning this will be a lengthy blog post, please take as many breaks as needed thank you.
Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I kept noticing posts from Running with Scissors. The indie game company responsible for Postal series confirming several times. Microsoft doesn't want Postal series on Xbox consoles. I been thinking about this particular rant for months. Honestly, that by itself bags a lot of questions with not enough answers!!!
For starters what exactly is Postal series? Especially you may heard of em or never had before. Postal series is over the top, offensive, comical, multi genre games. I could name a lot of games on Xbox consoles that's similar to Postal series in some way. Maybe by the end of this rant you start seeing why the hell not put em on those consoles?
1. Conker's Bad Fur Day (both versions)
One of my first examples on this topic. Conker's Bad Fur Day has a lot of the same stuff going for it. Conker has some similarities with the Postal Dude. Some jokes can be seen as offensive as well. There's plenty of over the top comical moments including disgusting stuff. This is as close to Rare ever came to possibly making an Running with Scissors game.
It's even crazier both versions are on most Xbox consoles now. Conker's Bad Fur Day also had some ties to Playboy. The same also is true for Postal series. There's also a brief period being a different species. I know they allowed both versions since Microsoft owned Rare. Conker's Bad Fur Day and Postal 2 dramatically changed the course of their franchises into the direction their fans wanted.
A small section in Conker's Bad Fur Day a parody of a particular movie The Matrix. Postal 4 has a particular chore with beta testing a game while wearing an VR headset. They also face zombies later on their respective games. Not to mention, a hub world connects most of the locations together in presented as well.
A lot of the humor came from the main characters. They also had a famous terrorist group as enemies. Not only that both helped a lot of people through out their games doing some terrible stuff. I never said any of this was going to be pretty quite the opposite actually. I really would love some form of a crossover to happen too.
2. Saints Row series
Another great example is Saints Row series. The first two entries has a few jokes. From Saints Row: The Third to up ended up being more over the top, offensive, comical multi genre games. Some Postal game has a particular bow weapon not for the kids. Saints Row turned that concept into a bat that people won't shut up about.
Imagine Postal 2 or Postal 4 on a bigger scale. You basically would actually get Saints Row series. You do stuff for a lot of people similar to the Postal Dude does in Postal series. Not to mention Playa or The Boss are somewhat like the character too. At one point some of the Saints as well as the Postal Dude goes to Hell.
In most Saints Row games, you take everything over. In two Postal games with one being a secret ending has a similar concept. They also have a huge world to explore with mostly freedom to do whatever they want. You also have wanted levels you have a few ways to get rid of. There's also racing to a degree in em as well.
Despite Volition got buried, the franchise could eventually return. Which is indirectly similar to many attempts to follow up on Conker's Bad Fur Day that never fully materialized. The closest one being an dlc in another game Project Spark called Conker's Big Reunion. Also both had a famous bad game being Postal III and Young Conker respectively.
3. South Park series
Of course, I had to talk about South Park series. South Park is one of the longest running animated sitcoms ever. Which has majority of the check list Postal series had going for it. Despite being a vastly different game series from those of the Postal series. Everything else virtually identical in every other way. South Park has it's own long list of controversiality over the years.
In all honestly, these recent South Park games been successful. I am not sure about South Park: Snow Day! that recently came out. It's mind blowing some of the stuff they actually allowed in them. Yes they are on Xbox consoles further making me question why the hell not? South Park Funny enough predates Postal 1 by roughly an month.
It's true several game companies made South Park games. The original South Park game was a FPS game. Which is somewhat similar to Postal 2: Apocalypse Weekend. Also included in the more recently added mode, Two Weeks in Paradise. There's also South Park Rally a bad Mario Kart rip off. Postal 4 did had a chore where you race in scooters.
Postal series parodies many game franchises to a degree with Pac-Man being the most parodied among em. South Park: Chef's Luv Shack has mini game parodies of several Arcade classics. I'm sure they parodied more game franchises with the more recent entries. The closest South Park character to the Postal Dude is Eric Cartman yeah no fricking surprise there lol.
4. AVGN 1 & 2 Deluxe
Some of you may already seen this coming. AVGN 1 & 2 Deluxe is a great example of what would be an Postal game done in 2D that's also an unique platformer game. Just like South Park, most of the check list marked. In nearly every possible way this game vastly similar to the Postal series. Both the main characters are similar enough.
Yes this game can be quite over the top, offensive, comical itself. It is based on a famous video game review web show after all. I could easily connect the dots how similar the two are. This also one of my absolute favorite indie games ever made!!! It's virtually mind blowing all of these are on Xbox consoles but none of Postal series is why?
The main characters are strikingly similar in a lot of ways. There's plenty of violent moments with some truly disgusting ones. You also have a particular boss made out of feces I'm not making up that. They also have several different theme locations to play through as well. To some degree both reference other video games, AVGN heavily does from start to finish.
To a degree both has some self aware moments. They heavily involve beer being some form of a health item. I strongly felt out of all my choices, this one actually the closest to Postal series. Yes even more than South Park series, mind blowing I know. You virtually had nearly everything Postal series within it imaginable plus more to boot, there's no excuse for this!!!
Conclusion
Running with Scissors tried several times to make it happen. It's not clear why Microsoft turned them down every single time. Especially when most of these had somewhat notable successes. It's almost like they really didn't wanna take a chance on em. Maybe it's because Nintendo and Sony beating them so badly.
By allowing Postal series may hurt their chances. Not to mention, some Postal games are on some of their consoles too. Therefore, it could've struggled because of that too. Regardless what the actual reasons are. Postal series deserves to eventually get on Xbox consoles one day. It's almost like they looked at these games.
Then they felt Postal series wouldn't differ itself enough from them. Which there's some truth in that no doubt. There's people that really joy stuff like this. Postal are some truly amazing stuff if you could look pass the offensive stuff they have. Obviously people already doing that with Saints Row, South Park, AVGN and Conker prior to turning Running with Scissors attempts down.
Postal series is much more than it appears to be. In the end, they are making parody of the world in an entertaining matter. Most comedians brings out the offensive jokes. Why because if they kept playing it safe people stop coming to their shows. Personally Postal 2 has some of my favorite jokes ever in a video game.
Yes there's some truly violent moments as well as some disgusting ones. Then again most of these games are more meant for young adults. Deep down, parts of us is like The Postal Dude. I don't think Microsoft would lose much money either way of the situation. Maybe more indie developers would support em by allowing such an franchise onto their consoles.
Postal isn't for everyone there's no sugar coating that. But the same also is true about South Park or AVGN too. Also if you need to laugh these games would help to a degree. Majority of them are very replayable games. It's a real shame Microsoft won't allow such an controversial franchise. But they recently allow some of their games onto PlayStation's service?
Postal does deserve more respect than what Microsoft shown to it. Personally when I originally heard Running with Scissors pitched one of the Postal games to them, it would be a slam dunk. Well it was a dunk alright not a good one either. Microsoft been supporting indie developers for years. Which further bags the question why they kept turning Running with Scissors down like this is beyond me.
Monday, March 25, 2024
Covering Fourteen Killer Clown movies
Special thanks to Tubi.
The period I watched all these movies was March 24 and 25, 2024 alone.
Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, over a few months. A part of me really wanted to do an killer clown movie marathon. Probably because I'm so hype up for Killer Klowns from Outer Space: The Game. I figured to throw caution to the wind to allow my curiosity guide me. The amount of killer clown movies did differ a few times.
Ultimately stopping at four killer clown movies. I put a lot of hours worth watching all of them with ads just for fun. I got to be honest I surprisingly had a great time doing such an marathon. Considering more people becoming afraid of clowns is growing. It really shouldn't be a surprise covering this many of them still isn't scratching the surface.
Stuff like zombies and sharks has so many movies it's ridiculous. I felt I was due for writing such a blog entry in a long time. I will be discussing all of them just not doing a full ranking. Which would be a little time consuming as well as full reviews of every single movie. Therefore, I figured a more quick review style would fitting here.
Some guide lines I had while doing my recent killer clown movie marathon on Tubi as they follow down below...
1. Every killer clown movie must be labeled in category wise as horror
2. The titles must have either the word clown or alternation takes of it
Clownado (2019)
Despite the title being similar to Sharknado series. It's more of it's own thing with a small group of clowns using tornadoes to travel around. Maybe this is just me, the boss clown was sorta ripping off Killjoy from Killjoy series. I knew about the film from Facebook for years. All the weirdness helps make it truly stand out among killer clown movies.
The Clown Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
Not only it's a rip off of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It's also technically ripping off Halloween series due to taking place on Halloween. The actual killer clown was essentially an altered Leatherface costume. Parts of this movie got reused in a horror anthology movie released the same year.
Clown Doll (2019)
This is heavily a knock off of Chucky series. Both involve dolls possessed by serial killers. The story ends up being somewhat similar to Curse of Chucky. Which came out six years prior, the actual clown doll comes off being a little creepy. They ripped off a particular Chucky kill from Bride of Chucky too that involved an woman getting electrocuted in a bath tub.
Clowntergeist (2017)
Despite the title sorta referencing Poltergeist series. I kinda have to say this is more of a supernatural clown stalking victims with time limits. The actual clown does come off being creepy. This was another movie I knew about from Facebook for years. Honestly, you aren't missing much by not watching this.
Clowns in the Woods (2021)
This has a more tragedy story reminding me of Slaughter High. Both involve the main character got pranked that ended horribly. Which led to the people responsible getting slaughtered. You won't feel sorry for them either. I'm not used to seeing ghost clown movies myself. Parts of it are a little better than expected just not a home run.
Tickles the Clown (2021)
I'm not going to sugar coat this. Easily among the bottom of the barrel I watched recently. This was the only animated movie in this lineup that's not exactly horror. But it got labeled that with science fiction with the later being very presented in comparison. Around 80 to 85% of the movie is two characters talking to each other no joke.
Amityville Clownhouse (2017)
This is playing of the usual Amityville murders concept. But this involves the spirit of a killer clown with a monkey toy. This movie has some terrible pacing it's difficult to describe. Very ballsy to kill an family off early in a movie like that!!! This is also among the bottom of the barrel. It's more of a possession movie that quickly over stays it's welcome.
Clownery (2020)
Despite it's rating on IMDB's website I say it's roughly actually 5.0 movie. This involved a tragedy that occurred during a little girl's birthday party. I think at a point you start noticing the ending before it actually happens. It kinda reminds me of Secret Window with Johnny Depp but not nearly as interesting or well made.
Gags the Clown (2018)
This was actually inspired by several clown sightings in real life. It also sorta rips some things from Pennywise. Such as instead of having a lot of red balloons, their black balloons. This movie tried to follow multiple points of view that ends abruptly. Don't expect a lot of deaths when watching this. This is more heavily found footage style movie, not something I'm a huge fan of.
House of Clowns (2022)
This is similar to a much better horror movie that also had clowns called The Funhouse Massacre. Where a small group of people gets to explore an haunted house. Unknown to them is a lot of people trying to kill em lurks inside. You won't like the ending it leaves a mixed taste in your mouth.
Clown Nightmare (2019)
This heavily felt like a home made horror movie. Some rather cheesy special effects with no decent actors among em. I'm fine with movies not having a decent cast for B movies. It just doesn't quite work with what they were going for. Even the story itself doesn't make sense. I'm not trying to say this got rushed but sure looks like it.
Beware of the Klowns (2015)
Somehow they made being a clown come off being racist. The sheriff made a new law against clowns. It's as silly as some of the laws Burgermeister Meisterburger in Santa Claus Is Coming' to Town special. This movie surprisingly works way better than expected. One weird positive is it's a better movie than The Mean One with a similar plot.
Clown Kill (2014)
A woman gets stalked at work by a psychotic clown. Honestly cutting a little more than half the movie. Easily would've made this somewhat better than it actually is. This movie is strangely boring for a little too long. By the time, people start getting murdered you likely already stopped watching it.
Clown Fear (2020)
A small group of women came to Clown City. There's a lot of horror movies where almost everyone you see is in on the horrific acts. A lot of the clowns looks more interesting. Some brutal kill scenes especially late into it. Also a rather unexpected ending as well. Honestly, it's difficult to say check it out or don't watch it.
I will confirm my two favorites as well as my two least favorites in this lineup. I hope this isn't too much clowning around haha. I will start with my least favorites since I already gave both of them away. Easily two of the absolute worst horror movies I ever seen. Surprisingly not quite Attack of the Killer Donuts bad though.
Amityville Clownhouse is a terrible take on the concept. Now I actually recommend checking out Amityville Dollhouse it's way better than this!!! Virtually doesn't do enough to differ itself from the usual Amityville horror movies. When the monkey toy started showing up I actually got confused. In nearly every possible way it's so bad!!!
Tickles the Clown is surprisingly even worst than Amityville Clownhouse. This felt more like an animated video while someone reading an audio book level quality. The CGI animation was dinosaur being not much better than the 90s CGI shows like ReBoot. Characters can't seem to stop their movements especially Tickles that constantly moving almost like he's ready to attack.
Kicking off my favorites with the lineup itself not being that solid to begin with. Clownado was vastly different from what I expected. They don't hold back on the gore despite how ugly the actual gore looks. It kinda had the most interesting stuff going on within the story out of all the movies. Clownado is borderline recommend if you want more killer clown movies.
Hands down the one killer clown movie I actually would watch again. Gags the Clown being a lost footage killer clown movie, it still had some positives. The story is kinda mixed with some interesting moments on the way. We had a famous streamer attempting to go after the clown. Not only that, each major points of view brought something different to the table to spice things up
I figured to throw out other killer clown movies I highly recommend checking out. Way more worth doing a killer clown marathon out of these movies instead. A lot of them actually on Tubi making that a great way to get into those great killer clown movies. Keep in mind, this is my opinion alone.
1. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
This always been my favorite killer clown movie to date. This movie is so unique even with a low budget that ended up being very great. It's a fun time especially when you really need something different horror wise, go watch this!!!
2. IT series
Yes I'm going to include the 90s mini series despite Part 2 got rushed out. Come on all of these are must watch for killer clown fans out there.
3. Stitches (2012 film)
This is one of those must watch killer clown movies. The world actually needs more comedy horror films like this.
4. Clown (2014 film)
Here's a possession movie I actually enjoyed. I usually don't enjoy em very much. Clown was such an unexpected concept that works insanely well.
5. Clownhouse (1989)
Despite the controversial what the director done during production. I still enjoy the movie itself for what it is.
6. The Funhouse Massacre
I highly recommend such a blood fest of a great time. This movie really doesn't hold back at all. It's like the greatest roller coast ride with screaming so loud a few cities could hear you.
7. Terrifier series
Terrifier series is very nightmare fuel stuff. Art is still among the creepiest slasher villains I have ever seen!!!
8. Slaughter High
A spiritual successor to Friday the 13th series that I surprisingly like more than the best of them. This movie kinda goes under the radar for a lot of people, it's quite a great movie indeed.
Friday, March 22, 2024
Hell's Kitchen (2005-present) review
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
What If...? show Season 2 review
Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I previously reviewed Season 1 of Marvel's What If...? show. Now I'm back to review Season 2 of this show. The same amount of episodes for another crazy season filled with some rather interesting possibilities. How does it stack up to Season 1 only one way to find out.
Season 2 (2023)
A few alternate universe counterpart characters from Season 1 returns. I will try to not spoil much to help prevent ruining it for people. I can say parts of it was a little more ambitious this time around. Some of these stories turned out to be very interesting. Unlike Season 1, there is no stories I disliked. Already heading into the right direction.
I also loved they help give us more of an idea how the multiverse works. I seen similar events in The Flash show on The CW before. Somehow it actually lived up to the hype. Honestly I love they took risks with many concepts. Some supporting characters got more time than they previously did in the main canon universe.
I already knew with such a concept the possibilities are insanely high. It is very difficult to predict which stories we're going to get. I don't think any story over stayed it's welcome either. This includes how most the episodes ends. Not only that they didn't hold back on epic moments. This is full blown fan service.
I would support this over Super Dragon Ball Heroes any day of the week. They nailed it out the park once again. I don't have much actual criticism either. I would say the closest issue I had is trying to imagine how these events differ from those of the main canon universe's events. Although the Watcher does help things a bit by explaining it.
This show really lives up to it's name in every sense of the word. I'm not saying this is the best MCU show. It would deserve being labeled as the most unpredictable MCU show hands down. Some of these stories seemed bigger than some of the events in the actual movies. Which is rather impressive how they went about the most ambitious story to end an season on.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
My thoughts on The Crow (2024) trailer
Hello everyone I'm XboxClown89, I knew about the trouble development of The Crow (2024 movie) for years. It had been in development hell a long time. At one point we almost gotten a movie with Jason Momoa. The actor that played Aquaman in DC Extended Universe movies. I actually got a lot to say about The Crow (2024) trailer.
I'm a huge fan of the concept The Crow centers around. Most these characters suffered horrific ends to life with someone that loved. Enough pain in fact, their spirits can't rest. Crows would bring em back to life to get revenge on the people responsible. It almost comes off like The Punisher style but more justified as well as even the playing field.
Bill Skarsgard that previously played Pennywise in two movies going to play Eric Draven in the upcoming movie. Which is going directly against the one thing I really didn't want em to do. I strongly felt they should've made an entire original story with characters. So many people felt at it's current state, it's leaving a horrible taste on the late Brandon Lee.
The original film is easily one of the absolute finest 90s comic book movies ever made!!! I personally dislike the actual Crow look of the character. People are getting rather tired about Woke stuff. Which already another red flag for the movie. Just going by the trailer itself I say it's way better than The Crow: Wicked Prayer.
Let's be honest it isn't hard to be better than that. Right now it's currently going head to head with The Crow: City of Angels. I highly doubt it would be good enough to take on The Crow: Salvation. Now that was a surprisingly great movie despite it's obstacles. I don't think Skarsgard was a good pick for the film either.
Don't get me wrong he is a good actor. It just one of those roles unless you have the right person casted. Whatever it is doomed to fail, a very true reality for the film itself. I also wished some moments weren't revealed in the trailer. Like how the couple died or how one of his targets gets killed off. I felt removing both of those would've made the trailer slightly better.
Not a big enough change to make me wanna go see the film. I'm just as funny about Edward Furlong being casted in The Crow: Wicked Prayer too. At least, he was a little more fitting of the role. Neither compares to Brandon Lee or Eric Mabius though. Even parts of Vincent Perez's performance in The Crow: City of Angels is somewhat rememberable.
I know a lot of people dislike that film. I kinda liked it despite many things. Still way better than the game so there's that. Not to mention, the new Crow character looks just like The Joker in Suicide Squad movie. I will be brutally honest pathetic!!! I don't think the punk look fits well with the actual concept. It would be difficult to feel sorry for someone like that in comparison to a regular person.
At least Jimmy in The Crow: Wicked Prayer looked more like the character. Even Perez made his Crow look worked surprisingly well. Personally Mabius had my favorite Crow look with Lee having my second favorite. In comparison, the character comes more off like an poser. Kinda like the Jokerz gang not led by The Joker in Batman Beyond show.
Therefore, I already felt quite rip off. Even the 90s Spawn movie was better than this. Especially considering John Leguizamo's performance. He spent a lot of the movie in a suit while laying on his back. What's this film's excuse for anything? Words can't properly describe the insane level of disappointment I felt from the trailer.
I also felt hiding the main antagonist could've helped the trailer as well. Just having that removed could easily led to those interested in the movie. Start throwing out guesses who they think is rememberable? Which is way better than this old man got revealed within the trailer. The actor was previously in 30 Days of Night, likely much better film than this.
There's no question he's also a good actor. It just felt like parts of what they're going for doesn't line up. It's almost like trying to find an jigsaw puzzle but you're missing pieces. You obviously incapable of finishing the puzzle. The Crow itself had a lot to live up to. Even the short lived show that's also based on Eric Draven's story better than this.
Again they easily could've made original versions rather than recycling old ones like this. At one point, The Crow was going to be a woman. A concept partly done in the show to a degree. It's more fully done within the comics. It felt like everyone has their own take on the same concept. This felt more like rushing it out with the worst possible direction imaginable.
I won't be surprise if this bombs in theaters. I'm kinda hoping for it honestly. It doesn't deserve the name on such a film. I'm actually more less sold on the film just going by that trailer. I highly doubt another trailer or two going to change my mind. Sometimes a film is doomed but they just won't let it die. Perfectly describes the film in a nut shell.
The Crow is meant to be dark. You may get some light moments as well. Ultimately, you felt bad for those it happened to. When they come back alive, you root for them to get even with the same people responsible. I can't honestly felt the same way towards this movie. Even Ghostbusters with a female cast was more of it's own thing than this.
To clarify, I'm well aware people hated the gender swapped. Personally it never bothered me much. What actually did get under my skin is the film itself simply a retelling of the original Ghostbusters. Not a great one at that either. It's sad it took this long for another movie in the franchise to happen. I can't even say they took their time with it because the truth is it's the opposite.
I would even say the entire history leading up to the actual film going to be ten times more interesting. All the confirmed major changes alone you quickly see why this is going to fail. They were so desperate to bring the franchise back. They already stopped caring about what they should've done. Which was simply let the film die!!!
Eventually we may gotten another movie in the franchise. But continuing something that's in a notable development hell period usually doesn't end well long term. The Crow deserves way more respect than that. I hate to say it, fan films could better justify many things than Hollywood ones fail at. There's a good Spawn fan film that's widely popular on the internet.
I felt a fan film in the right hands would be virtually thirty times better than this. I have seen some rather impressive fan films over the years. The possibility is quite real indeed. I would rather watch a well made The Crow fan film over this. I'm aware Crow (2022 fan film) exists. The comics went through several comic book companies over the years.
Based on what I heard about them more constant than this. The Crow shouldn't be a one time wonder. I would welcome a female Crow character or a small group of them working together. Both of those way more interesting than what we're actually getting. The Crow is something truly special to the right people.
I can't even say I liked anything about the trailer at all. Sometimes trailers can be much better than the actual film. This is a time I may prefer the trailer due to not being long at all. I'm also sure the other Crow movie trailers are better than this. I just went out of my way to watch em for this blog entry. Even The Crow: Wicked Prayer trailer worked a little better than this kinda pathetic in all honestly.
I have no reason to support such a film. This is as much of The Crow movie than Leprechaun: Origins was a Leprechaun movie. Again that really isn't a Leprechaun movie!!! Sure you have several characters from the comics that previously taken from two other adaptations. Sadly none of the soul that made those stand out in their own right.
The Crow is doomed to sink the franchise once again. I never understood why kept a sinking ship floating much longer than it should. You can't simply do quick fix ups then call it a day. Virtually the movie version of the same concept. They chose to go the easy route that they knew Crow fans really didn't want in the first place.
I actually would have a reason to laugh if The Crow: City of Angels made more money than this. Very likely in the same matter as Perez in that film. This felt like a major missed opportunity. This could've been a surprise hit in so many ways. But instead they chosen to do the controversial safe option. People wondered why Dead Rising 4 failed?
People want something different. For starters, there's so many stuff within the concept alone. They easily could've done if they were more willing to go the distance. Sadly, the only distance I'm seeing is Crow fans not going to see this!!! Honestly I am truthfully deeply disappointed in this. Then again my expectations hearing about this development hell over the years kept things small.
Therefore, I can quickly write it off as no sir I rather watch several other movies over this. It's truly amazing how this movie franchise started so great to fall overtime. The Crow: Salvation being second best in many ways. I am not even sure if the comics still going on or not. I felt those would be way more worth your time than this!!!