Zero Dark Thirty


Based on true events, Zero Dark Thirty is one film you won't want to miss. Directed by Katheryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker), Zero Dark Thirty chronicles the decade long manhunt for the world's most dangerous man, Osama bin Ladin.

Zero Dark Thirty has received many accolades and has been nominated for a few Golden Globes. It has also been met with criticism as it features a couple torture scenes that the CIA say are an inaccurate portrail of how information related to the whereabouts of Osama bin Ladin were obtained. Some critics say the film takes a pro torture stance on the war against terror. On a side note, some politicians have claimed the producers of the film obtained improper access to classified materials during the making of the movie.

Taking place after the September 11th attacks, Zero Dark Thirty takes the viewer through many sub plots and side stories on its way to the utlimate end result we all know is coming if you've read the news (no spoilers here). If you've seen Bigelow's previous film, The Hurt Locker, this movie will come as no surprise. The pacing and feel of the movie is very similar; however, Zero Dark Thirty is a more intense thriller of the two. The fierceness of the action and dialogue give a realism to the film that very few directors know how to deliver.

That realism does come with some caution. There are a few torture scenes that are difficult to watch. Whether these events actually happened is debatable, but regardless they will make you squirm in your seat. The CIA claims those events didn't take place exactly as depicted in the film and the producers insist their research supports the accuracy of the torture scenes.

Zero Dark Thirty is not entertainment but a history lesson about the dark and dangerous world of America's military and intelligence agency. For the most part Zero Dark Thirty is a realistic, accurate depiction of the hunt for Osama bin Ladin; although, there are few times the Hollywood factor leaks out. Some scenes and dialogue feel a bit over dramatic, as if the producers were just trying to make the film as intense as possible. Fluffing up the facts so to speak. Moviegoers should not treat Zero Dark Thirty solely as their source of information but as a visualization to the information they've read or heard about the search for Osama bin Ladin.

Grade: B+
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Based on the novel by J.R.R Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was released on December 14, 2012. The film tells the story of Bilbo Baggins as he is swept into an unexpected journey across Middle Earth. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo joins the company of 13 dwarves. As the group escapes into the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo discovers an underground lake and its sole resident, a creature named Gollum. His encounter with Gollum will change his life forever and set the course for the story of The Hobbit as well as the Lord of the Rings to which the The Hobbit is a prequel to.
The dwarves Bilbo will travel with

 While in the presence of Gollum, Bilbo learns about the existence of a powerful golden ring that not only makes one invisible while wearing it but possess a darker, more powerful secret.

Directed by Peter Jackson, the film can be seen in theaters in a variety of formats. You can view the film in the traditional 24fps (frames per second) that most movies are shown in or the 3D version boasts a whopping 48fps. This supposedly helps with the clarity of the images you are seeing and allows for more realistic colors and depth. Many critics of the new frame rate say that the high frame rate along with the 3D can causes seizures or dizziness with some people. If you go see the 3D version, close your eyes for a period of a time if you start to feel faint or dizzy.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a positive revisit to Middle Earth. The beginning of the film is slow since they spend a large amount of time setting up the story. There is action later in the movie but it just didn't seem to quite satisfy the way the fighting in the Lord of the Rings did. Unfortunately, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey falls short of achieving the greatness of the Lord of the Rings films. Portions of the film feel drawn out and some scenes would be more at home in the Special Features on the DVD. Part of this problem is because the studio wanted Jackson to make The Hobbit into a trilogy rather than one movie; therefore, there is a lot of content that normally would be excluded but was left in to generate more films and thus more revenue.

 Grade: A-
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Far Cry 3
Far Cry 3 is a tropical paradise holding dark secrets. You and your friends venture to a remote island for a vacation. Your only focus is having a good time with your friends, but soon that will all change. Suddenly your friends and two brothers are kidnapped by a band of slave trading pirates on the island. After escaping from a prison camp deep in the jungle, you will meet up with some local natives that will help you rescue your friends and family.

Jason Brody
The gamer is placed in the hands of Jason Brody, the main character. This game is a First Person Shooter so you never see Brody running around, only the jungle from his point of view. Exploring is a must in Far Cry 3. One by one you must find and save your friends before they are sold or killed. You will travel across the island killing pirates, hunting animals, gathering plants for medicine, and rescuing your friends. Slowly take back control of the island by destroying enemy outposts and activating radio towers to reveal more of the map. You can learn more about the island to help you defeat the bad guys or simply enjoy the scenery and have some fun hang gliding, driving jet skis or participating in a variety of other activities.

Hang Gliding is a quick way to get across the island
You dictate how the story unfolds. There are many different strategies to approaching missions. When raiding a camp, you can run in and start shooting or take the stealthy approach by staying on the outskirts of camp and taking the bad guys out one by one. This immediately adds a high replay value to the game. It's fun to replay certain moments in the game and try a different approach. My favorite way to take out enemies is from above. Use a zip line or hang glider to come flying into camp, eject at just the right moment and attack before the pirates have a chance to react.

  
(Above) The intro to the story mode

 Single player mode takes place over two islands. One of the islands is ruled by a psychotic slave trader that you meet at the beginning of the story mode and the other is run by a ruthless drug lord. There is also Co-Op mode where 2-4 players can take on a series of challenges together as well as Multiplayer mode where you can battle against other gamers online. Co-Op mode is fun for a bit but most of the challenges are simply taking out wave after wave of enemies or blowing up bridges etc. Multiplayer adds nothing new to the gaming front. It's fun if you love Far Cry 3 and are into online gaming, but it's nothing special. All the online modes will feel pretty familiar if you've ever played Call of Duty or any other shooter.

 Far Cry 3 is a great game. It doesn't take long to finish the campaign but there is a major downside to breezing through it. The developers have designed the game in a way that encourages and almost forces you to explore the world they've created, and why wouldn't you. The landscape is beautiful and there are miles of jungle to explore. Spend more time exploring the jungle and developing skills to help you defeat the enemy. It will keep you busy and entertained for hours. The more time you spend with Far Cry 3, the more you'll fall in love with the island and the craziness it holds in store for you.

Rating: 9 out of 10 (Excellent)
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