Monday, September 6, 2010

Archive for July, 2009

Hard Cast Prime Episode 0

Postedon July - 31 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Deviants Unite!

If there is one of our podcasts that you need to check out first than it is most definitely this one! Get to know the insanely mad-crazy-cool crew and find out what makes us tick. An introduction to The Hard Cast if you will. Our chemistry/humor is so infectious it has to be heard to be believed and this is only a taste of what’s to come! Trust us, you can’t afford to miss this episode.

Look forward to future Hard Cast Primes every week.

 
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Rogue Review

Postedon July - 31 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Crocodile Rock!

An overlooked gem of the survival man-eater genre. Maybe not as much fun as Alligator but definitely better than Primevil (although I do like that title) and Lake Placid. Both Luis and I appreciated the realistic take on the genre and for the SFX. The lack of over-the-top fake CGI really helped sell the killer croc (animatronics kick ass!) and there was just the right amount of gore to keep me satiated. The only negatives I might have had was that almost all of the characters were fairly unmemorable and the overall story was somewhat too simplistic for my tastes but that’s just me being nit picky. You owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Take a listen if you plan on venturing into the crocodile’s lair but be warned this one’s a ROGUE!

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -LUIS

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Rogue – Unrated DVD

My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-eb70c6fa734d8df97ec4a6cd824a4da7}
 
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New Police Story Review

Postedon July - 31 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Lone survivor of a police massacre!

The latest and greatest in the long running line of Police Story films. An ambitious film for Jackie Chan that manages to engross the viewer on several different levels. Unlike most of Jackie’s other movies New Police Story has a very strong emotional core that manages to make you care about the characters more so than you would have otherwise. At times it does get bit too sentimental and overly dramatic for my tastes but I do believe that the payoff is worth it in the end. Typical of a Jackie Chan movie the action scenes are fast, fun, and inventive. Especially watch out for the fight scene in the Lego room.

If you think you’re ready to get drunk, puke, and pass out with Jackie then precede to The Hard Cast and listen to our take on New Police Story.

PS: The Blu-Ray was just recently released and goes for only $11.99 on Amazon right now which is a steal if you ask me.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: New Police Story [Blu-ray]
Amazon: New Police Story DVD
Amazon: Black Mask/New Police Story DVD

 
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Natural City Review

Postedon July - 31 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:You can’t keep a bad cyborg down…

A big budget Korean sci-fi action flick that didn’t really live up to it’s potential but was still fairly entertaining. A solid attempt from a technical and SFX point of view. Story/characters were lacking in some key areas and the obvious attempts at ripping off Bladerunner were a bit too derivative for my tastes. Plot also reminded me a bit of the 80′s cult classic Cherry 2000 but not as much fun. Basically I’d say that it’s worth checking out if you’re a big sci-fi fan who happens to be into Asian Cinema too.

Get jacked into The Hard Cast if you think you’re ready to take on the unrelenting horde of assassin cyborgs. Remember to aim for the head.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Natural City DVD

 
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Failan Review

Postedon July - 31 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)

One of the first titles to introduce me into the world of Korean cinema and what a doozy it was. A film rich with strong emotions and heartfelt sentiment all held together by Cecilia Cheung’s amazing performance. You just can’t help but feel for this girl. Choi Min-sik’s portrayal of Kang-jae’s profound journey of redemption and self-discovery is also noteworthy and memorable.

If you think you’re ready to experience an unrequited  love that reaches from this world into the next then take a listen because she’s waiting.

“Love here on earth
Love beyond the grave
There are no roads
My love for you can’t pave.”
T. Sachs

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
 
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Transformers (1986) Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:BahWeepGranahWeepNinniBong, Bitches!

A blast from the past! The nostalgia factor is through the roof on this title. I’m obviously a bit biased when it comes to this movie but Steven helped keep my fanboyness in check during this discussion but hey what can I say Optimus makes me moist.

If you feel like crackin’ open that autobot matrix of leadership then activate your auditory sensors and take a listen. TILL ALL ARE ONE!

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: The Transformers – The Movie (20th Anniversary Special Edition)
Amazon: Transformers: The Complete First Season (25th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon: Transformers: Season Two, Volume 1 (25th Anniversary Edition)
Amazon: Transformers: The Movie Soundtrack

 
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Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Astral Projection FTW!

Overwhelmingly positive review/discussion of Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s masterwork! Yeah, you could kinda say that we liked this title a bit. Just a bit. Truly top notch production values, great action, memorable characters, and a solid story. A bad-ass anime movie, Vamp D is practically guaranteed to give you a massive goth-gasm of epic proportions!

If you think you’re ready to suck this title dry then give us a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D – Bloodlust DVD
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D DVD
Amazon: Vampire Hunter D, Vol. 1
 
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Fist of the North Star Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:WaTaTaTaTaTaTa…Jagi was a BITCH!

Once revered as the most violent, action packed animated film of all time! This classic is back with a vengeance and ready to blow away the non-believers in a tidal wave of destructive force!

I’ve been a fan of the anime series for a long time so I was thrilled when Eastern Star released the remastered version. A brutally good time!

If you think you’re ready to venture out into the wastelands then hop into the indestructible buggy that gets bad gas mileage and tune that radio to The Hard Cast. Just be sure to bring some wet-naps because there could be a little bit of blood.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Fist of the North Star: The Movie DVD
Amazon: New Fist of the North Star – The Complete Collection DVD

 
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Below Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Be-low me!

Like a bunch of treasure hunters we dive into the murky depths to unearth this gem of the deep. Ignored by many cherished by the proud few who have gazed through it’s periscope of horrors. Like the unrelenting currents this title will wrap you in it’s cold embrace until you’re gasping for air and can longer fathom which way is up.

If you are ready to submerge your doubts and take the plunge then launch the podcast but be wary of depth charges.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Below DVD

 
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Sword of the Stranger Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Jubei-Lite

Not to be confused with the adult film Sword in the Stranger this was a fun little martial-arts action anime movie that got the job done. Mostly follows the basic action/adventure storyline formula without any real surprises. Some solid fight choreography and likable characters. A fairly positive experience overall by all involved.

If you’re not ready to commit seppuku just yet why not take a listen our podcast. You just might get a few pointers.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR
  • -EDDIE

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Sword of the Stranger [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Sword of the Stranger DVD

 
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Street Fighter: Legend of Chun-Li Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Hadouken Bullets!

This movie was bad on so many levels it’s not even funny. Actually let me take that back it was very funny but for all the wrong reasons. It was like the people involved had never even played a video game let alone heard of Street Fighter.

The crew and I go all MST3K on this putrid pile. For your Street Fighter needs you would be better served checking out the anime movie or even the original Van Damme flick from the 90′s. Yeah that’s correct you read right, even that Raul Julia crap-fest is better than this movie. Not to toot my own horn (I’m really not that flexible) or anything but I bet you’d get more enjoyment out of listening to us rip this sorry excuse for a movie to shreds than actually watching the movie.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li DVD
Amazon: Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie DVD
Amazon: Street Fighter Extreme Edition [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Street Fighter (Widescreen Extreme Edition) DVD

 
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Robocop Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Death by USB!

One of my favorite movies of the 80′s. Robocop is without a doubt a classic of the cyborg-cop-buddy-action-sci-fi genre of which there are only two other movies that I can think of. Yeah you guessed it Robocop 2 & 3 but all kidding aside this truly is a great movie no matter how you slice it. You’ve got the sci-fi elements, the action, solid SFX, fun villains, awesome soundtrack, the human drama, great acting(Weller is a god), and of course Paul Verhoeven’s standard over-the-top violence/gore. I mean what’s not to like. Oh and I can’t forget good ol’ ED-209, I desperately wanted a toy of him when I was a kid actually come to think of it I still do.

If you think you’re ready to find out just how lethal USB can be then hop into that patrol car and let dispatch know that The Hard Cast is on the case. Dead or Alive you’re getting Hard and I’d definitely buy that for a dollar!

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -LUIS

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Robocop [Blu-ray]
Amazon: Robocop (20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) DVD
Amazon: Robocop Trilogy DVD
Amazon: Robocop Soundtrack

 
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Prince of Persia Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Yeah, we talk too much…

Our first actual recorded podcast. Hurray for us! Steven and I feel pretty good about the content of this particular podcast although we would have liked to have had a bit more humor and we went a little long but the passion and spirit was definitely there. What can I say it was a learning experience. Either way I think after listening to this podcast you’ll walk away knowing exactly how we feel about the latest installment in the POP franchise. I’ll go ahead and apologize right now for some of the audio issues like Steven’s lack of volume. Shouldn’t be a problem for future installments. Like I said it was a learning experience.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Prince of Persia X360
Amazon: Prince of Persia PS3

 
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Post E3 Thoughts

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:PS3 Wand looks like a Dildo!

Our longest recording yet clocking in at over 85 minutes. We probably should have split this one up into three different podcasts, one for each of the major players. Some good titles coming out in the near future and for once Nintendo actually had some stuff worth looking at. Anyway if you want to hear us talk about some of the bigger titles on the way such as Halo 3: ODST, Bayonetta, Metroid: The Other M, Alan Wake, Assassin’s Creed II, and of course Natal then give us a listen.

Some Honorable Mentions that I’m excited about that didn’t…well..get mentioned:

Space Marines (looks seriously bad-ass and I luv me sum Warhammer 40,000)
Singularity
Borderlands (I may have mentioned this one but it really does look good)
Dante’s Inferno (Not looking too shabby for a God of War rip-off)

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by pre-ordering through our referral links:

Amazon: Halo 3: ODST X360
Amazon: Bayonetta X360
Amazon: Bayonetta PS3
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum X360
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum PS3
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector’s Edition X360
Amazon: Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector’s Edition PS3
Amazon: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves PS3

 
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Mutant Chronicles

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:THEY PAY ME TO FUCK SHIT UP!

A movie that has been long time coming. While not quite up to my expectations Mutant Chronicles is still a fun little romp through B-Movie land. An infectious cheese-fest with lots of gore, over-the-top characters, a unique steampunk vibe/visuals, and visceral action sequences.

If you think you’re ready to volunteer for that suicide mission just remember that the crew of The Hard Cast have got your back!

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Mutant Chronicles 2-Disc Collector’s Edition DVD
Amazon: Mutant Chronicles [Blu-ray]

 
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Gears of War 2 Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:REVIVE ME!!!

One of the many reasons to own a 360, GOW 2 is the very definition of a triple A title. Cliffy B wasn’t kidding when he said it was bigger, better, and more bad-ass! The crew and I reminisce about all the Epic moments we’ve literally shared playing both the campaign and the multiplayer (HORDE!!!) modes.

If you think you’re ready to tunnel to the core of unreality and bust some locust heads then catch a ride on the Cole Train. Just don’t forget to invite your buddies over here at The Hard Cast.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Gears of War 2 X360
Amazon: Gears of War 2: Strategy Guide
Amazon: Gears of War Aspho Fields (Novel)
 
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Colorful Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:I can see the pink!!!

Damn there are some really sick, demented, sexually repressed, perverted, maniacs in Japan. It’s insane the lengths these pervs will go to just to snatch a peek at a woman’s blossoming fruit. I mean come on, seriously… I can’t believe how much I have in common with these guys!

Despite the repetitive nature of these vignettes there’s still a lot of laughs to be had. Overall though I think Colorful is best viewed in short bursts.

When you’re ready to look up that skirt and you think you need a wing man give The Hard Cast a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Colorful DVD

 
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Chronicles of Riddick Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:The dark is where I shine!

Riddick is the bad ass of the cosmos, the interstella gangsta, the smoothest criminal in the galaxy, the original martian mofo, the…well you get the idea. This dude is as slick as they come. If you love the character of Riddick half as much as I do then do yourself a favor and check out his latest game. If you haven’t played Escape from Butcher Bay then you’re in for real treat since it’s included with Assault on Dark Athena in all its remastered HD glory.

When you think you’re ready to face the dark give us a listen.

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena X360
Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena PS3
Amazon: The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena PC

 
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Casshern Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Shiny Things Go Boom!

Much more ambitious than your typical Kamen Rider/Power Ranger movie. Casshern yearns to be so many things at once bouncing back and forth between action, sci-fi, and drama. Sometimes it succeeds and is quite mesmerizing when it does but even when it doesn’t it’s still a beautiful mess to behold. The massive budget (by Japanese standards) ensures that the visuals are always memorable, exciting, and epic. Overall a positive experience. Let’s hope that the director’s second movie Goemon is even better.

There’s no time to waste! Slide into your armored suit of justice and unleash the righteous fury of The Hard Cast!

“We cloak ourselves in cold indifference to the unnecessary suffering of others–even when we cause it.” – James Carroll

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -LUIS

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:

Amazon: Casshern: Director’s Cut DVD

 
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Bastard! Review

Postedon July - 23 - 2009

Alternate Episode Title:Hands Off My Woman!

Lots of history for me on this title. This OVA was one of the big reasons why I started collecting anime titles back in the day. Bastard! really has it all: cool story, bad-ass characters, lots of humor, fan service, fantasy elements, and decent animation quality for the time. Definitely lots of fun to be had with this title. They just don’t come much cooler than Dark Schneider!

If you think you’re ready to stop Abigail from resurrecting the dark god of destrution, Anthrasax, then cast a spell to summon forth the awesome might of The Hard Cast! We’ll be more than happy to deal with that son of a bitch for ya!

PARTICIPANTS:

  • -CHRIS
  • -STEVEN
  • -VICTOR
  • -EDDIE

Support The Hard Cast by purchasing through our referral links:
Amazon: Bastard – Complete Collection DVD
Amazon: Bastard!!, Vol. 1 Manga
 
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