In lieu of a helpful post, although I'm cooking one up with writing tips and whatnot, I wanted to comment on a few entertainments I've encountered the last week or so.
Monday, Boyfriend and I watched Black Swan. I've been raving about it on Twitter, and even though I've seen all of Darren Aronofsky's movies, I have to say that this one still managed to surprise me. Aronofsky's portfolio is so deliciously diverse that it's amazing to think he can direct something as beautifully tragic as The Fountain, as sentimental as The Wrestler, and yet manage to direct the traumatizing Pi and Requiem for a Dream. One of the most amazing aspects of Aronofsky's work is that he leaves his audience both mystified and emotionally exhausted. I can only imagine that the actors feel the same way. Portman as Nina Sayers is incredible. Easily the best performance of her career. Watching Nina's descent into madness is...just...wow. Honestly. Portman approaches her role with such ferocity and meekness that it made me wonder a little if she's really a little insane ;) Also, watching her dance the Black Swan gave me chills. I'm not a big ballet fan by any means, but I have a new appreciation for Swan Lake. Also, I got loads of inspiration, like I usually do from Aronofsky's movies. So that was an added bonus.
In video game news, Boyfriend got me Fable 3 AND Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. *Insert giddy fangirl squee here.* I played a little bit of both, and OHMIGAWD I'M IN LOVE. I really like how Fable 3's upgrade system has been revamped into the Road to Rule. Not having to worry about orbs and power-ups and whatnot is a relief. Also, I like that the Hero(ine) is more involved and actually TALKS. I can already tell that this is going to be a phenomenal game.
As far as ACB goes, I can only say one thing: ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After climbing around in Florence, Venice, Forli, and all the other fun places in AC2, I was soooooooooooo disappointed that all you did in Rome was storm the Vatican. I wanted to climb around on the Colosseum and have fun! And now I can!!!!!!!!! Also, I get minions. You guys know how much I want minions. Seriously.
The game picks up exactly where AC2 ends, with Ezio (who I'm starting to like a LOT more, though he's still no Altair by any means) talking to Minerva. After escaping the Vatican with Mario, you head back to Monteriggioni and let everyone know how you totally DIDN'T kill Rodrigo Borgia, which does come back to bite you in the behind. But you have cannons. And horses. And Caterina Sforza to welcome you home ;)
And, did I mention you get to go to ROME?
Also, you get some really cool sequences with Desmond in the 21st century. I'm starting to like him more, too. He's coming into his own as a real character instead of the poor sod whose memories Abstergo is messing with. I like the interplay between him and Lucy. Makes me wonder if she'll make it to the end, or if the Templars will have her "dealt with." I guess we'll have to stay tuned.
When I get farther into the games, I'll offer up actual reviews (Call of Duty: Black Ops will also be included; so far it's AWESOME FUN). And this, well, this probably won't be my last blog of 2011. But this will be the last one before Christmas.
So, Merry Christmas! Hope everyone has, or had, a wonderful holiday with family and friends!
1 comment:
I also watched "Black Swan" recently. It was quite possibly the most beautiful movies I've ever seen. I have yet to put into words just how magnificent Natalie Portman's portrayal of a victim of multiple abuse and her steady decline of mental health... There are no words. She was magnificent.
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