Blacklist: Not Everything Is As It Seems

Greetings cadets! Today I would like to do a quick update and review of the Blacklist. I have been going to several prescreenings for movies and TV shows so there will be a lot of early reviews on here. Enjoy!

The Blacklist is a new TV show that turns crime dramas on their head. It follows James Spader as Raymond "Red" Reddington, a brilliant criminal who, until now, has evaded all law enforcement. He suddenly allows the FBI to catch him but for a price. He draws their attention to a criminal who they had no idea was a threat. Of the conditions he sets for his help and cooperation is that he only speak to one agent, Rookie Agent Elizabeth Keen played by Megan Boone.

Overall this show is very well written and executed, there are twists and turns throughout the episode that leave you guessing. There are two arcs, the episodic arc and the series arc, both of which are thoroughly explained by the end of the episode. The episodic arc is the current criminal for the episode. The series arc, which is a little predictable but not overly so. There are shocking moments that leave you stunned and very few lulls in the story, the slow periods are just long enough for you to catch your breath before taking off into the action again.

Overall I think this series has a lot of potential and the first episode definitely leaves you wanting more. James Spader expertly pulls off the sly conman persona and each smirk makes you think he's up to something. Megan Boone brings an intensity rarely seen and holds her own as a tough yet damaged FBI profiler. The majority of the main cast is relatively unknown but effectively pull their weight consistently to create what is sure to be a great show. Overall I feel it is a must see this season. Blacklist premieres tonight on NBC at 9:00 p.m central time after the Voice.

Did you like this review? Please let me know in the comments below or on twitter @WarKittenRevue. There are also new videos up on YouTube on my channel War Kitten TV. Until next time, this is War Kitten signing off!

Breaking News from Marvel!

Hello Cadets, this is a short report on some awesome news from Marvel. Starting today and continuing until Tuesday, March 12th, 2013 Marvel is releasing over 700 first issues for free of old and new publication to promote their digital store. There are all types from Avengers to Hawkeye to Sigil and everything in between. Here are my recommendations from the ones released today:

• Hawkeye by Matt Fraction
• Ultimates by Jeph Loeb
• Any of the Noir series (various writers)
• A-Babies Vs X-Babies by Skottie Young
• Deadpool Killistrated by Cullen Bunn

Here is a link for the article from Marvel with the full details.

www.marvel.com/news

Until next time this is War Kitten signing off and reminding you that you can break the fourth wall if you try hard enough then you, too, can hit someone with your life bar.

Yippee Ki-Yay

Hello, Cadets! I am back with a new movie review for you all! This time around it's everyone's favorite modern cowboy in "A Good Day to Die Hard." Where do I begin?

I suppose let's start with the writing. In the beginning I will admit it felt a little rushed, there was a bit of story overload as they tried to establish a new existing character in John McClane's son, Jack. Unlike his daughter this introduction required a little more set-up beyond the same "absentee father" premise. Despite the lack of screen time for Bruce Willis in the beginning the rest of the movie makes up for it. The story was a roller coaster ride of one liners, quips, and a slight twist ending that'll keep you guessing.

The action was a bit inconsistent, there were some well choreographed fights that were impressive but a few fell victim to the same thing a lot of action films have been utilizing. You can tell when a fight didn't look right in practice or if the actors couldn't execute it in a believable manner when there are many cutaways in a short sequence. It is unfortunate as the last film did not suffer from this as much but despite the lackluster cinematography during these sequences there were a lot of scenes that were brilliant including when the CGI took over the effects. They didn't utilize computer graphics nearly as much this time around but what little was used looked incredible and wasn't too overdone (especially for a shoot 'em up film).

Overall I liked the movie for what it was, a fun action film complete with witty one liners and lots of shooting. If you go into this movie looking for an Oscar-worthy story that will give you the meaning of life then you are definitely going to be disappointed. I would definitely recommend it for a night at the movies for mindless fun!

If you would like to hear some awesome local gamers talk about the latest gaming news please tune in to Rushdown Radio on iTunes or visit their facebook page for the latest news and contests. They are a hilarious group of local Chicagoans that will make you laugh, cry, and like the Devil May Cry reboot. This is War Kitten signing off and reminding you that ignorance is not an excuse, but it's a pretty good diversion.