Rest in Peace....Leonard Nimoy

Today, the beloved Spock actor Leonard Nimoy passed away at the age of 83.

His wife, Mrs. Susan Bay Nimoy, said the cause of death was end-stage chronic obsrtuctive pulmonary disease.

Widely known, not just for the role of Spock in many Star Treks, but also for roles in Mission: Impossible, Fringe, and as the director of Three Men and a Baby.

You prospered in life, Mr. Nimoy, now may you prosper in death. Rest in peace, dear friend.

For new Star Trek fans, here are some great episodes starring Leonard Nimoy as Spock to watch in his honor:
1) "Amok Time" (Star Trek: The Original Series)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/amok-time/id291225622?i=294152609&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
2) "The Enterprise Incident" (Star Trek: The Original Series)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-enterprise-incident/id312248636?i=312260718&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
3) Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (feature film)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/star-trek-ii-the-wrath-of-khan/id208510932?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
4) "Unification Pts. 1& 2" (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/unification-pt.-1/id467935861?i=467964808&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

You can also, purchase his autobiographies here:
1) "I Am Not Spock" (1975)
http://www.amazon.com/Am-Not-Spock-Leonard-Nimoy/dp/1568496915/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425087887&sr=1-1&keywords=i+am+not+spock
2) "I Am Spock" (1995)
http://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Spock-Leonard-Nimoy/dp/0786861827/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425087917&sr=1-2&keywords=i+am+not+spock

QuikReact: Batman: Arkham Knight "Gotham is Mine" Trailer

Hey, what's this, a new Batman: Arkham Knight trailer in my stream. Eh, it's probably just more Batmobile stuff, but hey, I love the Batmobile stuff, so, what the hell?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad6rNuvYCdo

(Thanks to Batman Arkham Videos for the trailer upload)

0:01 

OMG, the M rating is confirmed! Possibly meaning some truly terrifying Scarecrow hallucinations? Please let there be one with the Joker, with Mark Hamill voicing him one last time...

0:07

Wow, the Harley Quinn goons still look practically the same as they did in Harley Quinn's Revenge. But more detailed, I'd expect. Nice continuity!

0:14

OOH, scary Arkham Knight blue glowy eyes in the background. I'd be disappointed if it's someone we know from comic history. I'd like him to be a new character, or a hallucination of Batsy's.

0:21

Hey, it's Firefly! Sick! He pretty much looks exactly like he did in Arkham Origins, but sleeker and with that cool bug-eyed mask. Nice paying tribute to the underrated totes-confirmed-prequel, guys.

0:24-0:27

"Over my dead body." "I believe that was the idea." Simple, but chilling! Nice to see Batman's ready to go all out on these fools. Also, Poison Ivy looks so realistic it's kind of creepy...Intentional?

0:32

Wait, this is a DC Comics game? I had no idea.

0:37

There's no way that isn't John Noble. He sounds just like him. If it's not, then whoever's playing Mr. Crane does a really really good Denethor impression. Really really really good. For real.

0:42

Woah, taking out the heavy artillery are we? One of the new techniques Bats can use in combat is taking his enemies' weapons and slamming them with it. If that works on this, it'll be so satisfying...(secretly evil)...

0:48

Hey, wait, are those the scars Catwoman delt on Two-Face back in Arkham City? Forget great detail, this stuff's amazing!

0:53

Penguin not looking too pretty. Out of all the villains, his design is probably the most similar to those in past games. Not counting Two-Face, of course, who's looks remain exact.

0:57

Speaking of not looking too pretty, Jim aged a lot in those supposed 'eight years.' Still calling bull on that WBM. I may like your game, but that less than a decade crap I will not accept. Also, is that Renee Montoya on Jimbo's left? I hope so!

01:06

Nananananananananananana.....BATMAD!

01:08

WOAH that's a big screen. Where are they supposed to be, like, New York? Heh heh...heh.

01:12

That's freaking awesome. Now, when we dive bomb from real high on something it actually gets damaged? Even without all the other awesome stuff that would be a guaranteed purchase right there.

01:15

Ooof, that looks painful. Oh, and, so does that. The M rating...it's clearer to me now.

01:24

That looks like the worst, though. Talk about a concussion. Batslammed and then a rubber bullet to the head? Batman's stepping real close to the line on his no kiling rule. And I love it....(not so secretly evil)....

01:33

Possible tallest building leap off yet? Also, is that Wayne Manor way off in the background? I hope that's the hub for this game. That, and, y'know, the Batcave.

01:34

I'm singing in the Wayne...I'm singing in the--oh, wait, not technically correct. I'm singing just outside the Wayne...I'm singing just outside the Wayne...

01:38

I like Harley's redesign. In terms of her face, she looks closer to how she did in Batman: The Animated Series. Of course, considering how many times she got pasted in the past two Rocksteady games, I'm sure it won't stay that way for long...

01:43

Scarecrow's gotten buffer. What, was he working out during his free time whilst reassembling his face and body? Supervillains these days, man...

01:46

Speaking of his face. Holy Terror, Batman! Isn't that a graphic novel? Is it good? Somebody? Anybody? Please?

That was amazing! Best trailer for the game yet. I can't think of a single bit that disappointed. And learning about Poison Ivy? Firefly? Seeing more of the city? Breaking cars when you swoop down from like a bajillion feet in the air? I want this game, man. I WANT IT.

Anticipating recieving my limited edition on release date. Personally I find the Limited Edition to be a much better deal than the Batmobile one. Not only do you have to pay an extra hundred bucks for that Batmobile but you lose the Batman statue too?! Nuh-uh, I don't think so.

S01: Top Ten Best: Disneyland Resort Attractions

Hello, and welcome to my first Special Top Ten!

Special Top Tens are a new mini-series of mine that give a top ten list of things veering away from my normal subject of entertainment or a list of ten things that are not in a ranked order. The mini bit before the series bit earlier is why I'm not giving this a full New Series treatment.

And what is our first entry about?

The universally beloved, magical world of wonder that is...Walt Disney World! Wait, wrong one. Disneyland Paris! Wait, no. Hong Kong Disneyland! No, beloved's in the picture. It's uh...um...ahh, that's it. Disneyland!

The original of the Disney parks, Disneyland was formed in 1959 as a signal of Disney's immense popularity, and it recieved the warm reaction that was customary to anything under good 'ol Walt's name. Many of its attractions, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, are about as well known as any around the planet, and the Anaheim location has since expanded to include more and more classics, including the now refurbished and now quite good fellow park opposite it, Disney's California Adventure.

And I love everything about it. Everything from the major E-Ticket rides, to the Corn Dog stands, to the hotels, to the little bus you ride to get to it from the airport. I'm a fairly big fan. And I'm going there in a couple of weeks! To help try and quel the excite, I've decided to do a Special Top Ten! And what else could it be on but the rides?

Today we journey into a world of wonder, magic, and Monté Cristo sandwiches. A world of excite beyond excitement. Are you ready? 5...4...3...2...1...SCREAM!

10) Radiator Springs Racers

Land: Cars Land (Disney's California Adventure)

Ride type: Thrill ride/animatronic showcase

Disney property of origin: Cars franchise

And Because?: While I find that this ride is a tad overrated, I still think it is quite amazing and quite easily the best thing the franchise it's based on has done since the original Cars. As I am a thrill-ride fanatic, my favorite thing is the "race" at the end that brings the speed that Lightning McQueen always dreams of, but I can't deny the magic of the rest of the ride too. The animatronics are absolutely spectacular, and while the pirates are more nostalgiac and lovable, the Cars characters feel as if they've been truly brought to life. 

9) The Enchanted Tiki Room

Land: Adventureland (Disneyland)

Ride type: Show

Disney property of origin: None

And Because?: Sooo unbelievably classic, from the personality-filled birds to the excellent songs, there shouldn't be a single part of The Enchanted Tiki Room you shouldn't recognize/love. While other people love the excitement of Fantasmic!, and other enjoy the spectacle of World of Color, my favorite Disneyland show is definitely this one. Not a single bit falters, especially considering when it was built. The rain effects are superb. The show gets even better if you buy a pineapple Dole Whip on the way in.

8) Star Tours — The Adventure Continues

Land: Tomorrowland (Disneyland)

Ride type: Simulation/thrill ride

Disney property of origin: Star Wars franchise

And Because?: I am far from a fan of the Star Wars franchise. To me, too many of the alien races and planets are annoying and gimmicky. I actually cringe when people refer to Star Wars as the best science-fiction film of all time. Meh. That makes it extra impressive that Disney managed to have it's ride based on the series land in the eighth spot on my top ten list.

7) Toy Story Midway Mania!

Land: Paradise Pier (Disney's California Adventure)

Ride type: Simulation ride

Disney property of origin: Toy Story franchise

And Because?: Following The Incredibles and Finding Nemo, the Toy Story series is easily Pixar's finest creation. And Toy Story Midway Mania! is about as good a ride as you can get with the basis of toys coming to life, without doing the obvious and cliche you "become the size of the toys" (Curse you, bug's land). It's a fantastic shooting game with wonderful theming, one which is capped off nicely with a slice of competition and the addition of the voice actors from the film reprising their roles. If you visit California and ride this attraction, look out for the Woody themed suction-cup shooter. It's my personal favorite mini-game.

6) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Land: Frontierland (Disneyland)

Ride type: Thrill ride

Disney property of origin: None

And Because?: The first of a multitude of rollercoasters that make up most of the rest of this list. Big Thunder is one I haven't ridden in a while, considering it's been closed the last few times I've went, but its grandness has still managed to bleed through. The attraction's atmosphere, like so many Disney fellows, is perfect for the ride itself, and the coaster manages to still provide some cheers and whoops while also being accessible to young ones.

5) California Screamin'

Land: Paradise Pier (Disney's California Adventure)

Ride type: Thrill ride

Disney property of origin: None

And Because?: The most absolutely basic ride in the entire resort. And that's not a bad thing. I love the Disneyland theming in the parks. They're often fantastic and make the best use they can of the ride or land's main idea. That's why this one is in-fact correctly and expertly themed. It's in Paradise Pier, one of California Adventure's larger lands, which is a loving representation of classic beach boardwalks. And what's a boardwalk without a roller coaster? This is this boardwalk's roller coaster, and it's a great one. Fast-paced, not too short, not too long. Also, one million bonus points for Neil Patrick Harris counting from five downwards before takeoff.

4) Space Mountain

Land: Tomorrowland (Disneyland)

Ride type: Thrill ride

Disney property of origin: None

And Because?: The highlight of an overall very quality land. Located conviently in the corner of Tomorrowland, every living being on the planet should know what Space Mountain is. A classic if there ever was one, the ride is the epitomy of space trips. It's a thrilling ride without any unecessary loop-de-loops or corkscrew, with an atmosphere that's simple but fun. I don't know if there's much more to say about this one. Definitely recommended.

3) Soarin' Over California

Land: Condor Flats (Disney's California Adventure)

Ride type: Simulation ride

Disney property of origin: None

And Because?: A virtual simulation ride like no other. What use is spending thousands upon thousands of dollars travelling around California, when you can just spend a few thousand travelling to Soarin'? Extremely impressive in its effects and its realism, Soarin' Over California remains this park's best ride, especially when you're in the front-row and the somewhat fantasy-shattering ankles hanging in front of your face are not present. Plus, similarly to Neil Patrick Harris' voice over before California Screamin', Patrick Warburton provides an introduction here. It's indeed superior though, having visuals, being far longer, and also giving far more chance for comedy.

2) Pirates of the Carribean

Land: New Orleans Square (Disneyland)

Ride type: Water ride/animatronic showcase

Disney property of origin: None (inspired the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise)

And Because?: Any theme park ride that's had an entire franchise created because of it is bound to be spectacular. But this is no ordinary theme park ride. This is Pirates of the Carribean. The sets and the audio-animatronics are designed with love and delicacy. The voices, smells, and sounds fit the design perfectly. And the music is the best music to ever grace theme park music. Arrrrgh, a pirate's life for me indeed.

Top 5 Honorable Mentions:

1) Jungle Cruise

Venture into a dangerous jungle full of animals of all shapes and sizes. (Adventureland)

2) Peter Pan's Flight

Zoom across bright landscapes as you journey your way to Neverland. (Fantasyland)

3) The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Tower above all of California Adventure as your sceams echo through the park. (Hollywoodland)

4) Grizzly River Run

Rock through roaring rapids as you scale the Grizzly Peak. Prepare to get soaked. (Grizzly Peak)

5) Disneyland Railroad

An undeniable classic that takes you not only through Disneyland but time as well. (Assorted)

1) Indiana Jones Adventure

Land: Adventureland (Disneyland)

Ride type: Thrill ride

Disney property of origin: Indiana Jones franchise

And Because?: The cream of the crop. The tip of the top. It is indeed wonderful and now I will stop. Just kidding. Indiana Jones Adventure is my favorite ride of all time. 'Tis more than a roller coaster. 'Tis a journey. A journey that will throw you against poisonous darts. Rockety caves. Lava. A boulder. Snakes....why'd there have to be snakes? The ride never lets loose of its wonder. Every scene is elegantly designed. They even got John Rhys Davies to reprise his role as Sallah in the, you guessed it, opening intro that gives you background on the story. There are no flaws. I've promised myself that someday I will spot that skeleton wearing a Mickey hat. Some day.

And there you have it!

Thanks for reading, folks. Disneyland is one of my favorite places on Earth, and if you're against it, I respect your opinion, even if it's wrong. If you've never been, then what're you doing? Soar on over to California and check it out! If you're unsure of what rides to try, then you've got fifteen recommendations right here!

See you soon, Dimensionals.

Shameless advertisement:
If you haven't, make sure to check out my review of the recently released The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water feature film. It's a ride of its own without even leaving your state.

F10: Fortune Cookie Sunday!

"The sun may have set, but the moon is rising."
Your lucky numbers: 10 8 6 4 2 0

QuikReact: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

Nautical nonsense indeed.

Hi guys! I just got back from the theatres to see The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. And believe me, it didn't disappoint. It feels so nice to see a story set in Bikini Bottom that feels so much like the good 'ol days. In fact, it basically felt like an extended Season 3 episode.

Okay, so, the original film, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie differentiated itself from the show in that it followed a narrative. Y'know, there was a plot that could actually warrant a feature film. By all means, it's sequel warrants a movie too, but instead of a narrative, there's all wacky craziness everywhere. 

The "narrative" is basically gag nuttiness gag nuttiness gag with a few hints of story to back it up. Don't get me wrong though, this is great. Most of the jokes worked well, and the trippier it got, the more I loved it. The time travel bit was my favorite SpongeBob scene since 2004.

Plus, they got most of the small details right. Everything was perfectly casted (as it has been since 1999), Pharell and his N.E.R.D. gang were great as always, and the animation was a clever blend between the styles of modern SpongeBob and those of the first movie. And, something this movie has over the first, it was chock-full of references to the series. Quotes, characters, even dances that will evoke the memories of the most dedicated SquarePants fan.

To round it off, the show may pretty much suck now, but hell if this isn't a step into the sunshine of the golden days. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water was a great movie that managed to keep me quite entertained throughout and is easily the best movie of the year so far, and is most likely to stay that away, at least until Summer begins. And that was my QuikReact.

QUIKQUOTES!:

"Alright, all secondary characters come with me."

"Welcome to the apocalypse. I hope you like leather."

"Te-am work?"

"Yeah, loyalty. SpongeBob's over here!"

"Rock-hard abs!"

"I want a new team. This one's broken."

and, my personal favorite:

"Finland!"

Expect something a little different next time around. 

See you later, guys.