Tag: Adventure

Too Fast and Not As Furious? On Jiang Ziya: Legend of Deification

The book Investiture of the Gods where the idea of Jiang Ziya: Legend of Deification takes inspiration from is not in verbatim.

Jiang Ziya Legend of Deification Original Movie PosterAlthough American studios aren’t giving Jiang Ziya: Legend of Deification (姜子牙) the fanfare it needs for an Autumn 2020 release, word of mouth is barely enough to announce to the world that the sequel to Ne Zha is as colourful and visually spectacular. (2023 Update: Well GO USA has this film available across various streaming channels, like Amazon Prime).

Eventually, fans of this shared universe will see the heroes we are being introduced to embark on a combined adventure. Here, this former general of the celestial army was banished from Kunlan, a city in the clouds which represents one of several heavens, because he disobeyed his lord’s order to kill Su Dajin, who is possessed by Nine-Tailed (Ji Guanlin), a fox demon. But before he could execute her, she showed how her supernatural life connects to a mortal, Xiao Jiu (Yang Ning), a young girl. He can’t destroy a soul at the cost of another. Continue reading “Too Fast and Not As Furious? On Jiang Ziya: Legend of Deification”

Catching a Costume for Nicolas, A Movie Review

As long as Nicolas believes in the fantasy, that’s all we need to know. When he puts on a costume made by his grandma (pirate, spaceman, a dragon or whatever), he feels empowered and can take on anything!

NicolasBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Playing at Fantasia Digital Film Festival 2020 On Demand till Sept 2. Buy your virtual ticket here.

North American Premiere

A Costume For Nicholas is a wild and fancy free animation for all to enjoy. It’s not only a delightful and heartfelt adaptation of the children’s book Pablo y El Baúl by Jaime Mijares but also no prior knowledge is needed! The titular protagonist has Down’s syndrome. He lost his mother just minutes into the film (it’s easy to surmise because his grandparents take him in). Thankfully, adapting to life in an unfamiliar environment is hardly difficult at all.

David is his cousin, older by a couple of years, and though the two initially struggle to get along, it will take a magical adventure to see them bond. The tween has nightmares and they manifest strongly enough for Nick to see and he offers to help. However, before he involves David, he chases after the beast by himself and finds himself in another world via an old clothes trunk. Thankfully, the dangers he faces alone are not as dangerous as The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Continue reading “Catching a Costume for Nicolas, A Movie Review”

More Than Just a Breakdown of Wizards: Tales of Arcadia

To see Tales of Arcadia come full circle is a nice touch. We get to the beginnings of the Trollhunter mythos and see history in the making in Wizards.

Wizards PosterBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Netflix
Available Now

The third chapter to the Tales of Arcadia saga is finally here! Sadly, Wizards is the shortest of the three series. We see our heroes from Trollhunters return and shifts the focus to Douxie (voiced by Colin o’Donoghue). He has big shoes to fill as a wizard-in-training. Merlin is his teacher. The Arcane Order is the big bad in this world, and not everyone can deal with these elemental masters! But they are more than just that. They watched over magic since the stars were young, and one of the members said, “Since man destroyed their palace.”

The first episode functions more like a catch-up reel, following after the events of 3Below. The next episode reveals the Arthurian connection and establishes the true villains–Nari of the eternal forest, Skrael of the North Wind and Bellroc, Keeper of the Flame–serving a different purpose. They are guardians who (like in Avatar: Last Airbender) work together to keep a balance between the elements. Strangely missing is air. In this world’s case, they talk about the imbalance between the world of magic and the rise of mankind. The mortals of Earth are fearful of the supernatural and seek to suppress it.

Continue reading “More Than Just a Breakdown of Wizards: Tales of Arcadia”

Prepare for Max Reload and the Nether Blasters!

Max Reload and the Nether Blasters Movie Poster
Order it on Amazon USAMax Reload and the Nether Blasters

By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Playing at select theatres & VOD
August 7

DVD/ Blu-Ray Release:
August 11

I never knew the retro Colecovision console could pump out 90’s RPG style games like the one featured in Max Reload and the Nether Blasters. This movie unloads a fair bit of nerd culture–especially in the history of video games–while Max Jenkins (Tom Plumley) attempts to save the world! The backstory is cool enough to hook me: every century or so, a pawn gets selected to play a very cosmic game with a mysterious figure only known as The Harbinger to determine the fate of the world. The first time this happened, destiny was determined at the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Just why the Sumerian culture was said later is beyond me; I know their ziggurats are shaped differently. I can dismiss this oops in a movie written and directed by Scott Conditt and Jeremy Tremp. The film they made together is a hilarious adventure, filled with easter eggs to keep me wanting to rewatch to find them all.

Continue reading “Prepare for Max Reload and the Nether Blasters!”

Unboxing Shout! Factory’s Rerelease: Promare The Collector’s Edition

Promare [Collector's Edition] - - Blu-ray/CD | Shout! FactoryBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Release Date
August 4th, 2020

Shout! Factory

Just when fans of Studio Trigger’s Promare didn’t think they can get enough, Shout! Factory has three different versions to choose from when buying this title for the home video collection. The Limited Steelbook edition doesn’t offer a lot over the regular, but the Collector’s Edition comes with plenty of swag to enjoy.

I got my copy early enough and made this unboxing video to show you what to expect and go into the contents of the booklet which comes with:

 

The Complete List of Bonus Features included with the Collector’s Edition:

  • CD Soundtrack
  • 52-Page Booklet
  • English Souvenir Script
  • Mini-Poster
  • Decal Sticker
  • Interview with Director Hiroyuki Imaishi
  • Studio TRIGGER Roundtable
  • Side: Galo and Side: Lio Short Films with Original Versions and English Dub
  • English Dub Cast Featurette
  • Trailers

For a review of this movie, please click here.

Ahoy Comics Shows Ash & Thorn vs Old Age

Ash and Thorn by Ahoy ComicsRelease Date:
July 8, 2020

Ahoy Comics

Two old ladies versus the apocalypse–what can go wrong? Very little if you’re like Lotte Thorn in the comic book, Ash and Thorn by Mariah McCourt. She’s crafted a unique type of master and apprentice narrative which sees this elderly warrior mage take on the undead! Her trainer is Lady Peruvia Ashlington-Voss. As the title suggests, these characters can be rather prickly.

The fact our heroine is recruited much later in life to deal with a supernatural threat says something. You’re never too old to save the world!

Continue reading “Ahoy Comics Shows Ash & Thorn vs Old Age”