Monthly Archives: July 2011

Has Call of Duty Become a New Holiday Tradition?

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As we get closer to the Labor Day holiday thoughts invariably turn to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course the annual tradition that gathers everyone into a frenzy. That of course would be the release of the latest Call of Duty game. While I may be a bit sarcastic here I don’t think I would be understating the fact that since the release of Modern Warfare and the subsequent whirlwind it created, three subsequent Call of Duty games have dominated sales as well as the media’s attention in what is become a fall tradition.

It’s no secret that the game being released right in time for Hanukkah and Christmas certainly powers sales but like it or love it, it’s hard to deny the impact that Call of Duty has had upon the gaming market.

There have been numerous people complaining about issues in the last game and how they wish the franchise would die. Some have cited how lame Modern Warfare 3 is going to be despite playing a single second of the game. Despite this venom, record sales are guaranteed and once again Call of Duty will likely be the top selling game for the year.

While some people like to cite the lack of creativity and state the games have been nothing more than a recycling of the previous games with new maps and skins, with ongoing multiplayer issues. They say the game sells mainly to stupid people who do not know any better and that the brand name is what sells not the content.

I for one find the games to be very enjoyable and very pleasant diversion. Occasional multiplayer issues aside, I love to get through the solo play portion in about two weeks, and then throw my full efforts into leveling to the max on the multi-play. It is still a nice achievement to rank your way to the top as hours of hard work go into it.

The interesting thing about the game is that in many ways it has become a tradition that is very hard to ignore. When people bash the new game I suggest that people wait until they play the final release of the game because basing an opinion only on a few videos and comments made by other people is not enough to fully give the game a proper evaluation. I have seen the game in action at E3 and I was very impressed with what I saw. It was darker and grittier than previous games in the series and will incorporate a few new wrinkles. That being said I will reserve my final review until I played the final game as that is the proper thing to do as I know a slick demo and cut screens is not the same as investing time and money in a finished product.

So getting back to traditions the release of the new Call of Duty game is to me a lot like the holidays. Like it or loathe it you can’t avoid it and if you give it a chance you just might succumb to its charms after all.

The core audience knows what to expect, you do not have to reinvent the wheel every time out just simply provide us an enjoyable and stable gameplay experience. Promptly addressing any issues with a patch is also essential as laggy multi-play is not going to cut it especially when you have a new subscription service that people are going to pay hard earned money for.

The interesting thing people seem to forget is that this is America and many free nations all over the world. If for whatever reason you have a bona fide hatred of the Call of Duty franchise you’re under no obligation to play the game much less by the game. However, you should at least be fair enough not to go spreading poison about the game if you haven’t taken the time to at least experience the game firsthand.

I remember when the first Modern Warfare was released. Killing time before a family holiday gathering had initially seemed like a chore. Waiting for items to finish baking but unable to go anywhere, and not enjoying the options on television, I turned to team death match and found the hours simply vanished.

So what am I looking forward to with Modern Warfare 3? A pleasant single player experience with some decent excitement and an action, and several months of multi-play fun that’ll help pass any free hours between Thanksgiving and New Year, as well as some of the slow times early in the year when people in gaming companies like are still recovering from holiday rush.

Like family gatherings, food, gifts, and an array of holiday specials on TV, Call of Duty for me at least, is a very welcome tradition that I look forward to experiencing for years to come.

Crazy, Stupid Love

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Sure, sometimes love can be many things but “happily ever after.” Love is stupid, crazy and confusing at times and Steve Carrell proves this in Stupid, Crazy, Love. Carrell plays a father named Cal Weaver who has been married to Emily (Julianne Moore) since high school. After what was meant to be a romantic dinner date, he finds out that Emily has been unhappy for some time and she wants a divorce. Cal also learns that Emily has been cheating on him with a co-worker David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon).

Also experiencing crazy, stupid love is 17 year old Jessica (Analeigh Tipton) the family babysitter who is brewing up a major crush on Cal that only grows with his pain. Cal’s son Robbie (Jonah Bobo), who has just turned thirteen, who is developing a major crush on Jessica.

We are also introduced to Hannah (Emma Stone) and her friend Liz (Liza Lapira) at a popular bar that Cal starts to frequent. Hannah is getting ready to take the bar exam and believes that once she’s passed the exams, her boyfriend will propose to her. Enter man-about-town Jacob (Ryan Gosling). When Jacob’s efforts to pick up Hannah are met with disinterest, he’s even more intrigued.

Jacob befriends Cal and soon becomes his stylist and wing-man. After a lot of hard work and determination, Cal becomes a ladies’ man in a futile attempt to mend his broken heart. But after a succession of different women, including his first successful seduction, a teacher named Kate (Marisa Tomei), he realizes that the only woman who is right for him is his wife. Meanwhile, Hannah finds out her boyfriend would rather offer her a job at his firm rather than pop the question. Not surprisingly, the boyfriend’s dumped and Hannah finds a convenient rebound in Jacob.

Will Carl and Emily get back together? Will Robbie tell Jessica what she means to him? Will Jacob end up with Hannah? All these questions will be answered once you go see this movie.

Crazy, Stupid Love is absolutely hilarious. I am a huge fan of Steve Carell but after his last movie Dinner for Schmucks I was a little nervous that this movie would be a disappointment as well, but I was completely wrong. The casting is perfect, although Kevin Bacon seems to be a little lost or out of place and it is hard to tell if that is just his character or if it is the actor. With lots of twists this movie is a must-see. The music and the witty lines adds to the comedic structure. You will leave the theater with a different take on that sometimes really crazy, sometimes very stupid, always uncontrollable love.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Attack the Block

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Remember, remember the fifth of November…because that’s when the film Attack the Block (from the producers of “Shaun of the Dead”) begins – on Guy Fawkes Night. If you want to know what that is, use a search engine like I did (there’s even a catchy poem for this British holiday, too).

Anyway, back to the film. It’s Guy Fawkes Night in London, with fireworks exploding throughout the city, a small gang of teens are looking to have a little fun. The gang has 5 people; the leader Moses (John Boyega), Jerome (Leeon Jones), Dennis (Franz Drameh), Biggz (Simon Howard) and Pest (Alex Esmail). During this “fun time” they mug Sam (Jodie Whitaker) a nurse returning home from work. During the course of the mugging an object falls from the sky striking a nearby car. While the gang is distracted, Sam runs off and calls the police. As Moses investigates what hit the car and what he can steal, something scratches his arm and escapes into the night. Moses is so furious, he and the rest of the gang give chase, eventually cornering and killing the creature.

They aren’t sure what the creature is but they know they can probably make money off of it, so they take it to Ron (Nick Frost), the friendly neighborhood drug dealer who lives in their apartment complex, for safe keeping. As the gang enjoys a “relaxing” smoke (don’t worry anti-tobacco people, they aren’t smoking cigarettes), Moses is approached by Hi-Hatz (Jumayn Hunter) the local drug kingpin that Ron works for. Hi-Hatz likes the tough, street-smart Moses and wants him to be one of his dealers, a job Moses considers an honor to be offered.

As Moses’ gang gaze out the apartment’s window at the fireworks exploding over South London they see more aliens landing. They soon discover that these aliens are bigger, stronger, tougher and way more violent than the first one they encountered and, even worse than that, these aliens are coming after them. The gang decides that they have to fight back and protect their block. During one encounter with the aliens, Pest becomes seriously injured and they end up tracking down Sam (the nurse they mugged at the beginning of the movie) for help. Once Sam is convinced that they are telling the truth about the invasion she joins them and eventually a sort of mutual respect forms between her and the members of the gang. Unfortunately while they are fighting off the invasion, Moses’s gang has a falling out with Hi-Hatz. So just to be clear, at a point in the film, Moses and his gang have the police, Hi-Hatz with his crew and aliens chasing after them. Will Moses and his merry men be victorious or will they fall prey to ‘those clamorous harbingers of blood and death’? Sorry, felt the need to quote Shakespeare.

The movie is highly enjoyable with its unique twist on the sci-fi genre blended with a healthy dose of humor, believable action and great anti-heroes. While the movie is a low budget film, the cast put on a big budget performance. The special effects were well done and not over the top like so many other sci-fi action movies I’ve seen. While the movie is a bit on the campy side (which I do enjoy) I do want to point out that with the exception of the alien-thing the film keeps things quite realistic. One negative thing about the film is that because of the British accent and slang I did not understand some of the dialogue (I’m sure the British say the same thing about our movies).

I will be honest, Nick Frost was the driving force behind me wanting to see this movie and I thoroughly enjoyed his scenes but he only has a few scenes. Jodie Whitaker did a very nice job of taking the audience on a journey of a character who, at the beginning is both mad at and afraid of those who had mugged her, but as the movie progresses those feelings are slowly replaced with mutual respect, understanding and friendship. Jumayn Hunter portrayed such a unique drug kingpin I was actually rooting for him (don’t worry law enforcement officials, I will still “Say ‘No’ to Drugs”). The rest of the supporting cast all did wonderful jobs as well but I want to talk about the actors that made up Moses’s Gang.

You wouldn’t know it by watching the movie but this is the first film for John Boyega, Leeon Jones, Simon Howard and Alex Esmail; the second movie for Franz Drameh. Even before knowing that, I already thought these five actors did an incredible job in the film but after finding that out I was really blown away. Their five characters are the core of the movie that takes us on this great adventure. However I do want to single out the lead John Boyega, as his character goes through a sort of rite of passage in the film. He does an amazing job with the range of emotion that is needed all the while keeping the character as real as a sci-fi film will allow. I will definitely keep an eye out for future films with these actors.

4 out of 5 Probs & Mayhem (in movie reference)

“OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL” BEGINS PRODUCTION

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Interested to see how this comes out. Great looking cast so we will see.

“OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL” BEGINS PRODUCTION IN MICHIGAN

James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams
Topline Sam Raimi’s New Fantasy Adventure

Pontiac, MI., July 25, 2011—Walt Disney Pictures’ fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, went in front of the cameras at the brand-new Raleigh Studios in Pontiac, Michigan, on Monday, July 25, 2011, boasting a stellar cast that includes Academy Award® nominee James Franco (“127 Hours”) as the young wizard, Golden Globe® nominee Mila Kunis (“Black Swan”) as the witch Theodora, Academy Award® winner Rachel Weisz (“The Constant Gardener”) as Kunis’ sister Evanora and two-time Oscar®-nominated actress Michelle Williams (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Blue Valentine”) as Glinda, the Good Witch.

The cast also includes Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Zach Braff (“Scrubs,” “Garden State”), who will play Franco’s circus assistant as well as lend his vocal talents to one of the CGI creatures in the story — Finley, the winged monkey who accompanies the magician on his journey to Oz; and 12-year-old actress Joey King (“Ramona and Beezus”), who will voice another CGI character in the story, China Girl, who also joins the future Wizard on his excursion through Oz.

“Oz The Great and Powerful” imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

The film will be produced by industry veteran Joe Roth, along with executive producers Grant Curtis (the “Spider-Man” trilogy, “Drag Me to Hell”), Philip Steuer (“The Chronicles of Narnia” series) and Palak Patel. The screenplay was written by Mitchell Kapner, (“The Whole Nine Yards”) and David Lindsay-Abaire (“Rabbit Hole,” “Robots”).

Raimi has assembled his own band of technical wizards and movie magicians on the project, which includes cinematographer Peter Deming (“Mulholland Dr.,” “Drag Me to Hell”), two-time Academy Award®–winning production designer Robert Stromberg (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Avatar”), Oscar®-winning film editor Bob Murawski (“The Hurt Locker,” the “Spider-Man” trilogy), veteran Oscar®-nominated costume designer Gary Jones (“Spider-Man 2,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), visual effects Oscar® winner Scott Stokdyk (“Spider-Man 2,” “Spider-Man”) and Academy Award®–winning special makeup artist Howard Berger (“The Chronicles of Narnia” series), who will create the looks of several of the unique denizens of Oz, including creatures such as the Whimsies, the Tinkers and the Winkies, as well as the ghastly look of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Production on “Oz The Great and Powerful” will take place entirely on site at the new Raleigh Michigan Studios, the 200,000 square foot sound stage facility in Pontiac, Michigan, once the location of General Motors’ Centerpoint business campus and truck manufacturing plant.

“Oz The Great and Powerful” will be released through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on March 8, 2013.

Matthew J. Evans Talks Bad Teacher

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What interested you the most about working on this project and how did you become involved with it?

When I first got the call to audition for the role of Garrett in Bad Teacher I was really excited to be trying out for a project that was going to star Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. Then I got a callback and got to spend some time with director Jake Kasdan and we really hit it off. I respected him so much and I could tell he believed in me. We both worked well together, and I had a good understanding of what it was he was looking for After our session, Jake invited me to the table read at Sony studios which was an awesome experience. When I was told I had booked the role I was thrilled and felt very honored.

Where did you draw inspiration from for the character you are portraying?

My character, Garrett, is actually kind of similar to me in some ways. I don’t write poetry, or wear the same sweatshirt everyday, but sometimes I feel that awkward, and a nervous side of me comes out, especially around girls.

What can you tell us about any secrets or behind the scenes stories that you can share with us?

One day on set, Cameron and I were filming a scene together, and at the end of a take, Cameron stood up and said “Ok guys, see you later!” and just walked off set. We were shocked because we were still in the middle of shooting! The whole crew and cast just stood there for a while wondering what we were supposed to do, then all of a sudden, Cameron jumped back in the room and said “APPRIL FOOLS!”" we all laughed a lot, and were really relieved. Everyone forgot it was April 1st.

Another thing, Cameron is quite an athlete and took the time to give me some good pointers on boxing – she was really a good teacher

Justin was also alot of fun to be with. He played basketball with us on several occasions – he’s really a great player.

When you consider a script or a potential TV or film project, what elements tend to draw you in and make you want to work on that film?

When it’s a comedy, I love to work with a character where I can really just go 100% into it. Like with Garrett, my hair was totally gelled down flat, and I had the same blue sweatshirt, and alot of the comedy was in his general appearance. I love those kind of characters. I love the idea of playing someone that others can relate to and learn from.

What inspired you to choose a career in film/TV; do you have any advice for people who are looking to get into the television and or film industry and what was your big break?

I was inspired to become an actor mainly because I had been doing theater since the age of 4. I always loved acting, and when I had an opportunity to take a workshop on film and TV acting, it was really exiting for me. If I had any advice for people, I guess it would be never stop learning the craft, and never give up on yourself! The more you keep going, and the more you learn, the better you’re going to get.

Who is your favorite actor or actress who inspires you the most and why?

I think Im most inspired by Robert Redford. I love the fact that not only is he an amazing actor, but also a great director and environmentalist. I had an opportunity to be an actor for the Sundance Directors Lab, and it was incredible to be able to work with, and learn from so many well known actors and directors like Stanley Tucci, Harold Ramis, and of course Robert Redford.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am a documentary filmmaker and have fortunate to win awards at film festivals, so I’m always busy working on my next project, and I also play bass guitar, guitar, and I sing and dance.

What do you have upcoming that we can look forward to seeing you in?

I’m making a documentary about a very good friend of mine named Woody Duffy, who has a rare disease called MPS1, and the film will tell the story of his diagnosis, and the work that he and his mom did to help raise money to hire doctors and researchers to find a cure for Woody’s disease. I’m producing and directing that, and will also narrate the film.

Where Have All The Event Movies Gone?

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Summertime is long been the tent pole for the epic action film. Ever since I first saw “Star Wars ” I associated one or two summer films as event films, or simply put films that dominate the pop culture landscape with the constant barrage of media coverage and merchandising. The films also did dominant box office thanks in part to viewers who would see the film multiple times in theaters and often would bring their friends.

Films such as “Star Wars” and “Jurassic Park” series, the first “Batman” movie, and “Independence Day” are just a few examples of m and ovies that did tremendous box office on the strength of repeat business from viewers, and the phenomenon’s that they became.

For the last two summers while I’ve enjoyed some of the films that have been released I found myself being for the most part underwhelmed by what the box office as presented.

Yes there’ve been some fun and entertaining movies but I have yet to see a must see event movie. The last such films that came to mind were “Avatar” and “The Dark Knight”. Both films have tremendous buzz to go with strong word-of-mouth which in turn caused both films to become pop-culture and box office phenomenons.

While I look forward to the holiday and summer films I honestly don’t see anything on the near horizon that jumps out at me as this epic must-see film.

With the NFL labor situation resolved it will be interesting to see which movies will be promoted during the Super Bowl which often is a fantastic tool for getting the hype machine started. A easily remember the iconic imagery from the “Independence Day” trailer during the big game which led to months of hype and anticipation for the film.

Hype can be a dual edged sword as there can be dangers and overhyping a film to the point for the audience either ignores it or has such high expectations that they cannot be reasonably met. The Star Wars prequel trilogy is an excellent example of this as after 17 years expectations were through the roof and I believe that there was No Possible Way, George Lucas could have come close to the expectations that were out there.

One way I define an event movie is a film that after I screen it, that I would be willing to pay again to see in the theater. This year, none of the releases come to mind, though I can understand Potter fans citing the film as an event film. While the opening was a big event movie faded a week later and did not grab the media domination for several months as past event films have.

While the economy and home video market may be partially to blame, I believe much of it has to do with a declining quality films and a savvier consumer base for research films more. There is also much more information available on films at of time thanks to social networking and the Internet which despite what some studios want to believe, does heavily influence people who were on the fence about seeing a film.

Another issue is that filmgoers have become very jaded. Thanks to the crappy post filming converted 3-D that has dominated the landscape of late as well as a continued emphasis on effects over story, many viewers may simply believe that they’ve seen it before and it doesn’t have the hook that films of the past once had.

While I look ahead to the films of 2012, I do see several potential blockbusters but I am unsure if any of them will become event films as they are likely to come out, make lots of money, and then fade from the scene quickly.

“The Amazing Spiderman”, “Prometheus”, and “The Avengers” are just three of the anticipated films due in theaters next year. And while I think solid box office returns are likely for all of them their subject matter may be too limiting to capture the interest the more casual film goers.

I’m happy to see that to with the three films listed, are being shot in 3-D which will create a much better visual experience for audiences and hopefully stories and effects will combine for an amazing theatrical experience.

However, I’m when keep my hype meter reserved as it’s been far too long since I’ve had a truly unique and amazing summer or holiday movie experience.

Captain America: The First Avenger

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Captain America: The First Avenger is a return to form for the Marvel comic-book film universe, and a solid final lead-up to the multi-hero film The Avengers, coming next year.

Chris Evans does a fantastic job of introducing us to the wiry little guy with guts who eventually becomes Captain America. Such unashamed, honest virtue is different from the typical superhero movie we’ve come to see over the last few years, and for good reason: internal conflicts often make for dramatic films. However, I don’t think such unwavering idealism would have worked with any other comic-book character than Captain America. Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones add heart to the movie, but the soul of this movie really is the Captain. Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull plays a satisfying villain here, but his motives aren’t clarified enough to warrant his fervor for evil. Hayley Atwell, playing love interest and British agent Peggy Carter does a more convincing job in her role than Hugo Weaving does in his.

The plot of the film was pretty standard fare. Hero battles villain. The ending was more climactic and earnest than I had expected walking into the theater, and it gracefully sets up the Avengers movie. Like many of the other Marvel movies of recent note, there is a decent amount of self-deprecating comic book humor that helps break up the slower parts between action scenes.

The effects of the film were solid. They were pulpy enough to feel like a Marvel universe, rather than our own, but they still carried the action to an exciting level. The art department and cinematographer did a good job recreating the 40’s asthetic throughout the film, though there was enough exotic comic book elements to bring you back into a world where superheroes really do exist.

Despite its own flaws, this is one of the better Marvel films to come out since Iron Man, and count me in to watch The Avengers next year.

Four stars out of five

Friends With Benefits

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You have all thought about it; that one friend you might want to sleep with, but you know it would ruin your friendship. Friends with Benefits explores the idea of no-strings-attached sex with a good friend. Justin Timberlake (Dylan) and Mila Kunis (Jamie) play relationship train wrecks who live on opposite coasts. The movie opens hilariously with both of their break ups with lines that I wish I could have thought of at times.

The one-liners keep coming when Dylan moves to New York after Jamie headhunts him for a job at GQ magazine. They strike up a friendship and soon come to the realization that neither of them are meeting that special someone. They spend quite a bit of time together and after watching a movie one evening they have a conversation about how sex could really be like a tennis match between friends. Once an agreement of non-attachment is reached they begin having sex a lot.

Don’t get me wrong its not like the scenes are gratuitous or anywhere approaching lewd in nature, but there are a lot of them in a short period of time. There is plenty of humor during these scenes that flows naturally. When their clothes are on Dylan seems more uncomfortable, and very aware of Jamie. He always seems to worry about her turning into a “girl” on him.

I laughed many times during the first quarter of the film, but it does even out; Patricia Clarkson as Jamie’s mother, and Wood Harrelson help round out the hilarity. The humor is irreverent and based on easily relatable situations we have all been through. I really enjoyed this movie, but was a bit disappointed by Timberlake’s comedic ability. I remember him in other roles that the humor seemed to come more naturally. While it does explore the whole “friends with benefits” concept and shows some of the pitfalls; it really only shows the best possible result of that situation.

Spy Kids 4D and Piranha 3DD are Converted 3D After All.

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Just got this Comic-Con press release which confirms that piranha 3DD and Spy Kids 4D will be converted to 3D rather than filmed in 3D as had been reported earlier. Previous reports had the films as shot with the Fusion 3D system for a true 3D experience. As many readers and listeners known. I am very against 3D conversion as it produces an inferior products. I challange anyone to show me a modern converted 3D film that produced a superior 3D experience to anything shot in 3D.

Hollywood and their greed will kill this technology if they keep passing of lab converted films as 3D.

Anyway, the release is as follows…

New York, NY, July 18, 2011 – Speedshape, a 3D visual effects company with an impressive commercial background is adding feature films to its repertoire. Speedshape’s first foray into the theatrical realm begins with Robert Rodriquez’s upcoming project, “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D,” with Speedshape 3D solely responsible for converting the entire film from 2D into high-quality 3D.

The move into features began when Frank Rainone, the newly appointed President of Speedshape’s 3D Film & Entertainment Division, was impressed with Speedshape’s ability to convert 2D into the highest quality 3D with efficiency and value. Equally valuable was the company’s unique pipeline design and conversion execution. With all of the company’s assets combined, it was obvious to both Frank and the co-founders of Speedshape, Tom Stone and Oivind Magnussen, that the next natural move for the company would be into the movie business.

“These are very exciting times,” said Rainone. “The 3D tool is just the beginning of amazing visual treats to come and Speedshape has all the talent and ingredients to flourish in this arena.”

Bob Weinstein, Co-Chairman of the Weinstein Company & Head of Dimension Films is very pleased with the work being produced. “We’re very happy and think Speedshape is at the forefront of the 3D field and look forward to working with them in the future,” said Weinstein.

Dimension Films is scheduled to release “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D” on August 19th. Speedshape is currently completing all of the visual effects on Dimension’s “Piranha 3DD,” the sequel to last summer’s cult classic “Piranha 3D.” Following Piranha, Speedshape will embark on converting The Weinstein Company’s animated feature film “Escape From Planet Earth.”

With 3D technology moving fast and steady along with consumer demand for 3D content, Speedshape is perfectly positioned to move into all areas of the entertainment industry, including sporting events, streaming content, mobile devices, gaming and beyond.

What The Big Three Need to do To Win The Next Generation Console War

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There’s been a lot of talk recently about the three major console manufacturers announcing their next generations of consoles in 2012. Nintendo has already beaten their competition to the punch by announcing Wii U at this year’s E3 convention.

Rather than speculate on what the consoles will and will not have I decided to look at what each console needs to have in order to provide the next generation of gaming and meet the expectations of the gaming community.

Wii U off the bat has been mired in controversy. With already announced no support for DVDs or Blu-ray’s Nintendo has essentially made this console the gaming only system. While they say you may be able to stream movies and there will be some social interaction features, many believe that this counsel may be too little too late to compete with the early established systems and will be left in the dust once Sony and Microsoft unveil their next-generation systems.

While I enjoyed the Wii it quickly became my least favorite of the three systems mainly due to the fact that the graphics are not up to standard and it has extremely limited multi-play abilities.
Furthermore, the vaunted motion control system quickly became more of a gimmick to me that a feature as many titles did not utilize the technology properly which in turn drove me to play the games on other systems.

Nintendo needs to stop telling gamers what they want and listen to what they are saying. Gamers want high-end graphics, and exciting and diverse range of titles, multi-play options, and social networking.

Gamers will not be content to take essentially the Wii with better graphics they want and deserve the complete package.

Microsoft on the other hand is in a unique situation. They have a very popular and strong console but are still plagued by questions of reliability as it is rare to find an Xbox owner who’s not experienced the dreaded red ring of death. While newer models of the system have provided more stability counsel failure is still a concern for many owners.

The Kinect has proven to be a nice addition to the system but truly needs more titles to fully validate its future.

The rumored Xbox 720 of course will have better graphics with one recent announcement that it would be able to produce “Avatar” style graphics.

While this is all well and good, various things need to be included. Currently the system will not have the ability to use a Blu-ray and this will limit their ability to offer high definition movies by anything other than a HD stream. I think the system will also need some unique exclusives as what Halo did for the original Xbox may be needed to help the console upon launch.

I think Microsoft really needs to take a look at offering free online gaming and not charge their customers for the service which is provided free by their competition. This is not to say they cannot have subscription models that offer more features, but the basic ability to play a title online should not require an additional monthly fee no matter how small when you’re already paying $59.99 for a title.

Microsoft also needs to ensure that the Kinect will work with the new system as requiring potential owners to buy a new console and motion control system might put off the more casual consumer.

Microsoft also needs to not à la carte accessories as they did with the initial launch and ensure things like Wi-Fi and a hard drive are included in the base unit price.

Sony on the other hand is a bit of a mystery. Naturally the new console will have enhanced graphics and sound, but with the current system already offering so many features for social networking, watching movies, as well as other music and media options they must be careful not to simply give gamers a souped-up version of the PS3.

I think first and foremost Sony needs to continue to develop exclusive titles and examine just how deep their commitment to The Move motion control system really it’s.
Like Microsoft, Sony must decide if they want to make their current control compatible with the new system, create a new one, or scrap it altogether.

Sony must also provide a strong and secure network environment with a greater ease of interaction between gamers.

Cutting-edge graphics are one thing and the 3-D ability of the system is good, but gamers should have a 3-D title that will make them not only want the system but will want to buy a 3-D monitor or television to experience the game in.

Well I am curious to see what the new consoles will offer, with the case of Microsoft and Sony I still think what they have is pretty good and I question whether or not the new console is really needed at this point. While this is probably moot since both companies are already well underway with research and development, they need to remember not to rush as being first to market as what led to many faulty systems for Microsoft.

In the end the new systems will only be as good as the games that are created for them but by creating more options for developers the new systems should usher in an absolutely new and amazing era in gaming.