12 hours of flying + 1 hour car drive for a 4 hour meeting.
Then back on the plane for a 12 hour flight back.
I left in such a hurry that my phone charger and DS charger are back at home, along with my power adapters.
Anyway, here’s the summary of the plane flight entertainment. It was the “best” group of movies I’ve seen in a while, but that’s not saying much.
Movies:
- Casino Royale: Back-to-basics 007 as a spy movie. Ironically, feels more like a “Bourne” film. A few transparent predictable plot twists. I really have a hard time seeing high rollers playing Texas Hold ‘Em instead of Baccarat. Just doesn’t feel like Bond playing Hold ‘Em. Far fewer tongue-in-cheek comments than with the Remington Steele films. Good action scenes, not too over the top. (7/10)
- Rocky Balboa: The Rocky equivalent to Star Trek VI. The “we’re not ending the series with that film” sequel. Spent about half of the film recanting Rocky I. Used a lot of heart tugging moments. Paulie looked like he was 103. Antonio Tarver looked really out of shape and didn’t look like the imposing heavyweight that he was made out to be. Nice cameo by Tyson. Boxing production quality was very much in-line with HBO PPV, which felt kinda weird. After watching other boxing events lately, no way do two guys throw that many punches. Very much a product placement spot. I hate Max Kellerman. Predictable finish. Not enough character development for Peter Petrelli… err… Rocky’s son, nor for Marie’s kid. However, there is a great scene where Rocky basically tells his kid to stop pointing the finger when your life doesn’t go the way you want. A definite feel good story for baby boomers. This should have been Rocky V. (7.5/10)
- Man of the Year: Robin Williams as a “Daily Show” type guy who runs for president along with a Silicon Valley startup IPO thrown in. Good mix of Robin Williams comedy wrapped around political social commentary. This is one of those films that you wish would happen in reality, if you’re tired of the current state of middle of the road, two-party politics, this is entertaining. Very much a “West Coast” film. Could be inspiring on one hand (try to change the system) or the opposite (when you realize that special interests, party politics and other parts really run the current political system). The love interest felt added in. At times, just felt like What If Jon Stewart ran for president. (7/10)
Games Played:
- Phoenix Wright: A really fun game. Law and Order folks should play this game over and over to figure out how to do a good courtroom / cop game. A nice combination of the normal adventure games (go around locations and look for stuff and very Zork-esque “give paper to man behind counter” type interactions). Great change of pace from other games. Should be a model for other portable console adventure games. You should be able to skip screens faster tho. Very linear gameplay. (9/10)