XjokerX's movie Reviews on Newgrounds

[Freddy vs Jason vs Ash]

Been a Long time coming.....

I joined NewGrounds on the basis of artists like INA studios. It has been well over a year and a half (19 months and 29 days to be exact) since the release of your last film, "Vampire Hunter INA."
While that piece was indeed entertaining, I did not feel as if it truly lived up to the character of which INA studios represents. That is, the primal nature in which our community was created: an appreciation for "off-stage" sub-culture (B-movies, pop-culture farce, etc.), gratuitous violence, and blatant sex appeal. While the sheeple applaud IllWill, Waterman, and Legendary Frog, they forget that Tom and Wade Fulp created this website for more than a sounding board for their own oblique opinions/bland humor.

INA has once again brought us back into the very womb of NewGrounds. Thank you and Welcome Home.

Film Critique:
Interesting concept for the rumored sequel to last summer's dream match between two kings of slasher legend. Loved the title. If turned into a long term project, I might suggest fully explicating Freddy's desire for the necronomicon. Like wise, the other story-line tidbit that would be of crucial interest to the discerning viewer would be Jason's presence. I have my own ideas, but will hold my tongue out of respect.
Sound quality was crisp, good blending of sound bytes, Freddy's gonna need his mic peaked a bit though. Had difficulty understanding his rapport with ASH.
Art work was superb! Although a far cry from earlier pieces like DBZ v.s. HP (1-3), this piece more than justifies INA reputation and style. Lip synching was superior to most of the submissions I've seen of late. Good frame rate, excellent use of angles, shading, and grafting.
Again, thank you for submitting this. I for one eagerly anticipate what you have in store for us. My e-mail is in my profile if you'd care for more detailed notes on the film. Thanks.

ImageNation responds:

Thanks we got kind of side tracked with indy film projects for a while but we have some new toons ready to come out. Like a new vampire hunter. We don't pretend to think we're any good at this but it's fun for us and we're glad people still remember us.

[The Takamori Legend]

Breath Taking

I've been watching your "films" since you first began submitting to NG. I've eagerly anticipated "Takamori Legend" since you first announced it some time ago.
The backgrounds are simply breath taking, regardless of how other users feel on the use of photoshop. The shading and depth you used to these scenes are what made the movie. Many artists try to capture feudal Japan or elements there of, but never pay attention to the environment. While they too use the traditional Japanese country house, but never before has someone taken the time to make the world around the combatants so...real.
As to the blood spray, you might want to refer to a Japanese film called, "Ichi the Killer." It's a demented film, but the blood spray is what inspired the wounds in Terentino's Kill Bill films. Even so, it adds to the "suddeness" of the fight and speed with which is finished.
Brilliant work, simply awe inspiring.

[Hellborn pt.1 trailer]

On the merit of Weapons Master

I understand that this is a neww series you're trying to evolve out from the Weapons Master series. However, in that same light there are certain expectations that come from such a shift in focus. While I understand that this is your style, there's a greater range of actions/scenarios that I would like to see in this to separate it as an original series-- rather than simply being a WM redux.

I especially liked the twist to the final WM film. Yet, you said this was linked as a lead in for the HB series. On the merits of that statement, this wasn't everything I'd been hoping for.
Action:
The Devil May Cry gun twirling-- martial arts fighting technique is your chosen style for your films. Gratis. Not everyone on NG who attempts it is as successful with it as you are: don't throw more combat in, use more unique original moves rather than the same combinations.
Music:
Metal is always the stand-by, neo-classical the first runner up. If you're really looking to set a trend with this piece, then focus on using what other people haven't yet.
Story:
I'll have to wait for the "main event."

[Faust - Episode 0 (Prev)]

I hate to lowball you

I seriously hate to lowball your score. the only problem I had despite the wonderful animation and style....was the fact that you blatantly ripped off Hellsing. If you'd been a little more subtle about it (the eye through red shades, eh. The pistol left the realm of good taste) I'd have not been so harsh.

[Bubble Tea]

Excellent dubbing.

Great sound mixing, voice was just the right pitch, music was a tad hot at the start, but evened out quickly. LOVED the l33t crack- Good story, great characters. Your stuff is really coming along, I was at first this was another Halo delight (though don't get me wrong, That ruled) but the genre switch was a complete surprise. Great stuff~all my 5's....

Victor-Orozco responds:

THANKS! Yea that was like WOAH SWITCHY SWITCHY BAM! Yeah haha, I'm not into making music type animations. Found that to be boring. Anyways, thanks for the awesome review :D

[War Of The Worlds Teaser]

Finally some culture!

Awesome! I'm working on my masters thesis based on Wells! Oh wow! I was just discussing the sociological implications of WotW to my department the other day and now I see this.Excellent! NG does have an anti-intellectual streak, but this will definitely have it's appeal amongst the literati here. Brilliant! Looking forward to this, hell! Writing about this book and the time machine is what I do for a living! w00t!!!!

[S.A.M.V. p4: - ...fear...]

Pinnacle...

To say his latest installment has been much anticipated...I remember when SAMV hit the portal for the first time. Hell, I got a protection point and wrote a review. This is a masterpiece! Channel 53 set the stage for the series as being more than a sitcom, we were given background and character development. The animation reached new levels in Mr. 68%, defining the animation as one of the most original and awe-inspiring styles on NG. The lines and coloration matured into a clear, transcendantal technocolor wonderland. A posey for potheads everywhere.
...Fear...is your crown jewel. Adding light diffusion durcing the sacrament. Using Theorum for the trip scene was Brilliant! Giving the protagonist the title "Bruce" adds a classic touch unlike any other. Wonderful use of translucent Leary-esque existentialism. Brilliant, awesome, mind blowing. I kneel before your creative genius sir.

BaconMask responds:

Wow... I'm quite honored that you would take the time out of your day to write such a thoughtful review!

When I started writing this episode, I was afraid that people were going to dismiss it entirely thinking it was a celebration of recreational drug use. On the contrary, I've never taken any drug other than marijuana. I set out to properly humanize the entire experience, from acquisition to comsumption and all points in between. Im especially proud of the scene in Alex's back yard. I really, REALLY tried to put the person watching into the experience. The subtle glow on the blades of grass, the dull lens flare.. the greenish hue of the setting sun on the charecter's faces... nothing was accidental. And that's how I've always done things with the series... I try to picture myself in the charecter's shoes and pick up on things they'd notice. Like the gaudy lamp on the desk in channel 53, or the insipid posters on the walls in Charlie Cheddar's.

I will continue the series as I always have... every one a quantum leap in terms of effort from the last one. Thank you again for the review!!