BuzzSugar

Box Office: The Game Plan Lands No. 1 Place

BuzzSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:30:00 -0700

In a surprising turn of events - even for people behind the movie itself - The Game Plan, a PG-rated family-friendly flick starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, came in at No. 1 at the box office this weekend. The Disney movie far outpaced the action-war film The Kingdom, which took in $17.7 million and the No. 2 spot. Variety speculates whether The Kingdom's weak opening is an indication of audiences' reluctance "to see films addressing the consequences of the war on terror."

Favorites from last weekend held over: Resident Evil 3: Extinction came in third place with Good Luck Chuck following it at No. 4. 3:10 to Yuma continued to hold its own in its fourth weekend, coming in at No. 5. Feast of Love didn't even make it into the top ten and brought home a slim $1.7 million.

This weekend we'll see if Ben Stiller and Co. will be breaking any hearts at the box office with The Heartbreak Kid.

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Resident Evil Takes Up Residence as No. 1 at Box Office

BuzzSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:30:45 -0700

In a slightly surprising turn of events, the third Resident Evil movie, Resident Evil: Extinction, took the No. 1 spot at the box office this weekend, beating out Good Luck Chuck by quite a bit. Still, Chuck did manage to make $14 million over its first weekend and came in second place. The Brave One continues to do well, holding steady at No. 3, followed by 3:10 to Yuma in fourth place and Eastern Promises rounding out the top five movies of the weekend.

Sydney White, bringing in the younger crowds, came in at No. 6 with just over $5 million. Mr. Woodcock followed behind with Superbad, The Bourne Ultimatum and Dragon Wars completing the top ten. This coming weekend we'll see if love beats evil when Feast of Love opens nationwide.

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Resident Evil 5 Review: Bottom Line? It's Really Fun

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:03:52 -0700

After partying it up at the SF Resident Evil 5 launch event, I was more than excited to really dig my teeth into the game over the weekend. Although it comes onto the scene after the massive popularity of Resident Evil 4, RE5 really takes over where the original left off - with Chris Redfield large, in charge, and out to track down the source of the Umbrella Corps bioweapons, which have been used to turn an entire African country of Kijuju into "Majini" or evil spirits if you speak Swahili.

If you aren't good at third person shooters, or just don't play horror titles in general, I encourage you to pick up this game and give it a try anyway. Not only is it really fun, but it sucks you right in. And even if you aren't familiar with the RE franchise, it's totally OK - you can pick up the plot right away, plus, you get a history lesson throughout the game via facts that are splashed across your screen while scenes are loading.

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Obviously, not all is well in this fictional African country, so to find out what I love (and kinda hate) about this game, just read more.

Forget all the criticisms you've heard about the plot not being good enough, or not being up to par with other recent games like Metal Gear Solid 4. The bottom line is, this game is really fun. I turn this game off at the end of the day being totally satisfied. Mostly because I love my shotgun (it does some pretty good damage), but also because the graphics are great, the controls are easy to pick up, and the sounds of far-off evil spirits really get me in the mood to take them down and save the country. Woah. I'm turning into G.I. Jane or something over here.

Another great feature in RE5 is the co-op play. For the first time, you and a friend can battle the Majini together. Better yet, if your partner gets tired of blowing through humans possessed by evil spirits, they can leave then come back any time they want. That's right folks, you don't have to go at it alone - a friend can jump in whenever she feels like it. Which is a really good thing since one of the more irritating points in the game is your AI partner, Sheva Alomar. Be warned - this chick has some issues. She's supposed to be there to have your back, but sometimes when you're in the middle of a serious battle, she may disappear to look for ammo, herbs, or hey, even some gold coins. There was one time when she was supposed to "cover me" in a dark tunnel since I picked up a lantern to light the way, but when it came time to give said cover, she was no where to be found. I swear, if you want something done right . . .

Overall, Resident Evil 5 is worth the pricey $60 sticker. Although you might find some frustrations, mostly with your AI partner, the fact that you can't organize or switch your weapons in a paused menu environment (which proves tricky when you run out of bullets in your shotgun and need to switch to your magnum with a bunch of possessed tribal guys coming after you), and the restricted movements while shooting (you can't even shoot and run at the same time), I think you'll be able to overlook all that and enjoy the ride.

Resident Evil 5 is out now for $60 on your Xbox 360 and PS3 systems.

geeksugar Goes Inside SF's Resident Evil 5 Launch Party

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:16:31 -0700

How appropriate that Resident Evil 5 would launch today, Friday the 13th, since it's one of the creepiest games ever. And if you needed proof that the series is a true crowd-pleaser, try this fact on for size: Resident Evil 4 sold 5.2 million copies since its 2005 release, and the entire series has sold more than 36 million copies since it first appeared on the scene in 1996. And speaking of crowds, the one that gathered outside the launch tent in San Francisco's Union Square last night was packed with gamers who were not only waiting to get an early peek at the game, but also anxiously watching the clock until midnight arrived so they could head home with a copy of their own.

The thumping music coming from inside the tent was just the beginning - there were games, giveaways, cell phone engravings, and energy drinks (a geeks' drink of choice) being passed around to keep the party going until the clock struck 12.

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To hear more about the event, and to find out what my favorite part of the night was, just read more.

Not only were there free "health" vials filled with M&M's (I'm always down for free candy), but the creators and developers of the RE series, as well as the actors that lended their voices to the game were on hand to mingle with the crowd. And although it was exciting to meet the voice of Chris Redfield live and in person, my favorite part of the evening was the screaming contest that had you letting loose in a sound booth to see who could scream the loudest. I almost won . . . so close.

You can get your hands on a copy of Resident Evil 5 today for your Xbox and PS3 systems ($60), but be sure to check back on Monday for my full review of the game!

Fall Movie Preview: Sci-Fi Throwdown

BuzzSugar — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

We may not be getting the crisp fall weather just yet, but we are getting previews for tons of movies opening in the fall. In preparation for this autumn and winter at the theaters, I've broken up the lengthy list of upcoming movies into many small themes for my Fall Movie Preview series. This way, you'll be in the know when the chillier months roll around, bringing a whole new crop of new films. Today's roundup features three of the sci-fi flicks we can expect to see in the coming months.

I Am Legend
In I Am Legend, Will Smith plays Robert Neville, who is "the last man alive. He busies himself with preparing for a nightly attack from the rest of the world - all of which have transformed into blood-thirsty vampires." Well, at least he has his dog. Check out the trailer for the movie before I Am Legend hits theaters December 14.

Two more other-worldly films if you read more

Resident Evil 3: Extinction
This third film in the Resident Evil trilogy picks up five years after the second one ended, when about 98% of the world's population was infected with the T-Virus. According to the plot description: "The movie setting takes place primarily in a now barren, deserted Las Vegas wasteland and Alice (Milla Jovovich), the movie’s main protagonist, leads the caravan of human survivors through the Nevada desert on a long trek to Alaska, where it was discovered that there are no infections. Along the way, it is determined that the heinous Umbrella Corporation is continuing its evil work and must be destroyed once and for all. Sought after by the evil underlings of the diabolical Dr. Isaacs, Alice has Undeads hungry for her flesh, and lab rats hungry for her blood - whilst Alice hungers for only one thing: revenge!" Check out Jovovich and Ali Larter in this third Resident Evil film when it opens September 21.

Alien vs. Predator Requiem (AVP2)
Okay, this image just makes me laugh (is that the laser equivalent of spitting in someone's eye?), but I know that this film is a big deal for some sci-fi fans who are really into the Alien and Predator movies and video games. This movie finds, well, Alien and Predator pitted against one another, waging "their most brutal battle yet in an unsuspecting Colorado town." The fight begins December 25.

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2008 Video Game Preview: Part I

GeekSugar — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:15:12 -0800

As awesome as 2007 was for gaming, with the release of some of the most advanced games yet, 2008 seems to have a few tricks up its sleeve for us, too. Although Super Mario Galaxy, Halo and Guitar Hero will be on heavy rotation for months to come, I have a feeling that we'll need to make room in our closets for some new faves.

In the first of this three part series, we'll look at four of the twelve coolest games to hit the shelves in the next twelve months. Kicking it off will be the newest title in an uber-creepy series, a fast paced racer that encourages destruction, a revolutionary newcomer and a little something to help you work on your fitness. Game On!

Resident Evil 5
If you're a fan of Resident Evil, you will most likely dig the newest installment of zombified Haitians, eerie sounds, and guns, lots of guns, which you'll want to keep fully loaded. Although it might be hard to top the scare factor of RE4 that left me wanting to leave a light on before bed! Sure to scare you this year on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Now for three more games if you read more

Spore
This evolutionary game created by The Sims' mastermind Will Wright starts us off in the first of five "phases" as a single cell organism. Once you've gathered enough DNA points, you'll then have the ability to evolve, customize your creatures, mate, populate and travel to different worlds.
Evolving on your PC this summer.

Burnout Paradise
The awesomeness of Burnout continues with destruction based challenges and all out pedal-to-the-metal-timed races, this time covering the world with online play and incorporating your consoles' camera abilities to take your license photo! Sweet! Cruising onto your PS3 and Xbox 360 this winter.

Wii Fit
The Wii can do no wrong. Totally Fit approved, the Wii Fit balance board will help you perform up to 40 different exercises and even calculates your BMI. Perfect for all those who over indulged this winter and might need a little bit of intervention. It's not exercise - It's a game! Sculpt your way to being fit this winter.

Stay tuned for the remainder of our preview series to scope out the rest of the best for 2008!

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What Is the Best Video Game of the Decade?

GeekSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:30:51 -0800

It was pretty hard to narrow down the top games of the year, so imagine how painful it was to pick just a choice few games of the decade! It's almost impossible to cast one game aside for another, but ruthless decisions must be made. So out of these fine titles here, tell me what is the best video game of the decade?

And don't stop here - check the rest of my Best of 2009 polls, too!

The Sims (2000)

24%(108)

Halo (2001)

9%(40)

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

5%(24)

World of Warcraft (2004)

19%(84)

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

2%(10)

Wii Sports (2006)

8%(38)

Rock Band (2007)

10%(46)

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

7%(30)

BioShock (2008)

4%(17)

Mass Effect (2008)

4%(18)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Rise of the Patriots (2008)

4%(17)

Uncharted 2: Among Thives

5%(22)

Total votes: 454

Which Is Your Favorite New Video Game of 2009?

GeekSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:45:32 -0800

Now that you've cast your vote in some of my other Best of 2009 polls, we can focus on the games we played this year. There were a ton of shooters and multiplayer titles that hit the shelves in 2009, but that doesn't mean there was a shortage of brain busters and fun musical games for you to rock out with. It was a tough job to narrow down the field down to 10, so check them out and tell me - which is your favorite new video game of 2009?

And don't stop voting there - check the rest of my Best of 2009 polls, too!

Assassins Creed 2

7%(20)

DJ Hero

4%(13)

Resident Evil 5

4%(12)

Super Mario Bros. Wii

26%(76)

Uncharted 2

4%(13)

The Beatles: Rock Band

11%(31)

Batman: Arkham Asylum

9%(26)

The Sims 3

27%(78)

Scribblenauts

6%(18)

EA Sports Active

2%(5)

Total votes: 292

Resident Evil 5 Screenshots

GeekSugar — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:30:13 -0700

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Resident Evil 5 Launch Party

GeekSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:12:54 -0700

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