XjokerX's movie Reviews on Newgrounds

[TmsT's "Up Skit Creek"]

True adult comedy at its best!

I've yet to see a film in any medium be it silver, small, CGI or flash that has ever come so near perfection in humor. This is truly a submission worthy of the moniker, "film." It speaks on so many levels of not just the artist, but the human dialogue as a whole.
Let's break this down-
first, animation.
While you showcase your styles in the political bit, you've already shown us of of atleast a half different schools of art under your belt. Animation was clear-crisp and well defined. Use of subdued coloring made the scene picturesque and staged the action well.
Timing/genre/theme-
Excellently composed! Jokes were delivered with precise punctuation and proper build up. In the mummy pun- you allow just enough drag for the audience the percieve the intended joke right before the delivery.
Above all else are the two spot light moments: micropope and the political parody. I've never seen a film come so close to Woody allen's "A Mid-Summer's Sex Comedy." In the classified spectrum of "randoms" I felt that the material was well compiled and in increasing incremements of humor. Many times such ieces conclude with a longer, heavy toned piece. This finished nicely with the right amount of interplay to keep the audience interested. Drumstick would do well to learn abou timing punchlines from you. Excellent work.

TmsT responds:

Thanks for the in-depth review! I put a lot of thought into the range of material in this, and the order in which they were shown was changed several times for several reasons. Micropope is my favourite... but I've always had a thing for Thus Spake Zarathustra (see more than one of my other movies on my website). The 9/11 skit was the first one that I started making, and would have been released on its own had I not decided to throw a few other shorts in there too.

[Lambi 4]

Good to see another Lambi

Ah our affiable friend Lambi is back with another winner. As always your soft edged "nerf" caricatures and subdued "lullaby music" makes for a peaceful, yet innovative story.
Speaking of, however, you stepped away from your original theme. The chance encounter resulting in a blessing by the Alien king for some new upgrade. While I'll admit the "upgrading" has always kept in tune with the Megaman type feel for this series, it's good to see you step away from it and try and give your characters some depth. A truly interesting note is that something seems to be missing from the equation- if nothing more than a slight bit of exageration to an otherwise enjoyable fable.
I will admit though my favorite piece to this latest episode were the books Pinky and Penguin were reading. Oddly (as opposed to irnoy, no such thing exists in the artist's imagination) Part Two was my favorite in the series and a smash hit on NG in it's own right. Kudos on another excellent addition to the series.

Lambi responds:

Thaks. I took away the alien King (Kingii) because he might of confused people as to who he was (for people who havent seen the others. If you pause the movie and zoom in on the books, you can see little reviews written on the backs.
Oh, and the girls name is Vicki

[The Abyss : Komjo]

A thought-

Antithinker's commentary usually is in tone with my own. In this instance I could not agree more. It's obvious influence by Firth's Salad Finger's series is more than self evident. However, I'm willing to add that it's a unique voice that you're giving us. This is a postmodern tribute if anything to Salad Fingers and Firth- a "fan-fic" of the universe he's created. This is just yet one more piece in the growing films inspired by that original series and I dare say it sparks a new genre for NG.
Use of of sound was excellent, though the arm on a meat hook I felt was a tad cheesy as was the "octopi" in the parrots cage.
A recalcitrant note would be the irony in having an exit sign in Komjo's den. Sartre's No Exit is about people refusing to look into how other people see them much less break their internal, idealized view. Thus the line, "Hell is other people." In this instance, you've created a plausible counter view- the terrible beast which hides it's true nature beneath imagined camo- the equivalent ot the modern sociopathic serial killer...idealized in literature by Hannible Lecter and Q_P (see: Joyce Carol Oates, Zombie).
Et Al, congrats on a successful film, well done. The animation was clear, solid and smooth- pacing was perfect. Excellent use of subdued tones and sharp contrasting lines- a greater definition to the animation style, a note worthy difference between your work and that of Firth. Komjo Kudus.

DNR responds:

U my fellow animator saw it like it was...
dave firth surely inspired me and will inspire a new wave of movies here, i experimented and i liked it, but gave it my view, and what about the Hannibal Lecter, it was also inspired on that and its great to know that someone could point it out, thanks for the comment.
sincerely Hortals

[HOTM 3 Part B]

Well done

While you fear that this series may go unrecognized on the Newgrounds community, you should not let that discourage you. A lot of very talent authors here are subverted by whatever trendy bits hit the scene at any given time. Never mind the fact that the Fulps must protect their financial interests within this site and have to promote the subsequent series accordingly. Trust me- I've yet to see S.A.M.V. hit front page when it's deserved and earned more recognition that some other more popular series. Episode 4: Fear scored higher and recieved better reviews than the last Waterman, and they were submitted within a weeks span. While SAMV took portal awards, Waterman scored front page. Never fear- if your art, talent, and story progress succintly, then you'll surely gain the noteriety you so richly deserve. That said- let's move onto the movie review.
Graphics- improved greatly. Color seperation and definition far superior to previous works, as is the writing itself. Dialogue was a step above previous epsiodes/examples in structure and wit. Much more congruent to the action. Very well tied together.
Art work is improving on an exponential scale- figures were much more defined, right amount of shading, and good color scheme. Pacing was well done and punclines were delivered on time and in the right context. The crown jewel in the series thus far. I'm still wanting a Jesus T-shirt though.

Bobert-Rob responds:

Yeah, I won't really be expecting a front page or anything anytime soon, though sometimes I wonder... in any case, thanks for the great review! I really enjoy a good review... and expect things to get even better in part C!

[DBZ - Stick Saga 4 (OLD)]

Pity

While I can only fathom your reasons for leaving the "stick" genre- I will say that it's a transition mourned. In the 5 plus years of visiting NG, I've watched everything from the introduction of Xiao-Xiao to the Brutality seriess to this brilliant rendering of the DBZ universe.
You've more than "filled" in this world- your art work has subtly becomed more detailed and I only hope to see further submissions by you in different films- I hope you find greener pastures. God knows stick art work, especially FBF treats such as this, does not always find a willing audience. And yet this is so much more than the average DBZ or Stick tribute/parody. Everything you did for this submission was incredible. The high definition menu to the detailing on character expression.
The timing here was near flawless- you've hit upon the right combination of elements and chronoligical/delivery timing that is bar none. No, Par none. As always I feel cheated for a story I enjoyed being cut short- yet this is what builds a legacy. Look at Iron Claw's Kung Fu series... Indeed, I hope that though this story goes unfinished that it is not the end of your submissons to this website. Best of luck, a most heartfelt so long.
~Ed

darkiceweb responds:

Thank you ever so much....this is a good review not cos its positive..but becuase he explained why he voted....

[Banned Down South]

very well done

However I wonder about Carnage's wallpaper on his computer being a picture of my friend and his two kids from... "Urban Paintball."

PureCarnage responds:

Yeah, I wondered the same damn thing... that's still my current wall paper... lol, too funny. Thanks for the review.

[Gamer Elite: Episode 3]

The Bobblehead master returns!

Well not that many other NG artists use the bobblehead style, but whatever. Again, excellent animation friend, but you need to pick up your pacing a bit more.
I'm not saing to ditch dialogue in favor of action, quite the contrary, but work on your delivery. Speed up the exchanges and time your jokes better-- the scene with X relating to a 3D environment could have been done a lot quicker-- hanging us on for a longer delivery makes the joke old by the time you get to your punchline.
You've developed some interesting villians for this series, don't deny them equal character development--push your thesis/conflict! Allow all your characters the freedom to move and develop-- don't restrict them to their alloted roles.
By your responses to my reviews in the past, you've always lent a kind ear to my comments. I, as fan of the style, do not want to see this become another Waterman or John's Arm. Take a look at Jason Dix's series S.A.M.V. for some good examples of rapid fire, natural dialogue. But I'm biased, I'm now co-writing for that series. Even so, look up my aim or e-mail in my profile. It's been a pleasure seeing this latest installment and hope to see Part Four in the near future.
~xJokerx

MetalMaverick responds:

Thanks for the review Joker. I always appreciate the critisizm and do intend to continue to make improvements to the series as time rolls on.

[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.

[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

[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!!