The Pick - November 24th

This week, I've decided to do things a little different. I like to change things up, just to keep things interesting. In honor of the Turkeys (because who really gives a flying f*** about Thanksgiving aside from the awesome Turkey and Mashed Potatoes...honestly), I'm going to name three things this week that I'm thankful for.

1. Blackest Night #5

Written by Geoff Johns
Pencils by Ethan Van Sciver

With the rise of Nekron in the last issue, fans were wondering where Johns was going to take this villain. Well, this week, we found out. I opened the issue, a little forlorn and crossing my fingers that Johns wouldn't drag us into another sentimental pep-talk between Green Lantern/The Flash/Other Various Superheroes. I was pleasantly surprised when my jaw dropped towards the end of the issue...and then the shit hit the fan.

I won't go into detail, because if you want to know what's so epic you'll have to read it yourself. But this year, I'm thankful for DC and Geoff Johns...even if he is a little bit of a selfish-douche sometimes.

2. Ninja Assassin

Running time: 99 minutes
Directed by: James McTeigue
Starring: Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles and Sho Kosugi

Ninja Assassin follows Raizo (Rain), a rogue ninja bent on taking revenge on the clan that raised him. Mika (Harris) is a forensic researcher who has stumbled upon bank records linking mysterious transfers to the deaths of numerous political leaders and important figures.

The opening scene is a veritable smorgasbord of blood, guts, gore, and an infinite number of shuriken slashing people apart. As a whole, it's behemoth of action so CGI-packed, it'll make your head spin. The best thing about that, though, is that you're too caught up in it to really care. Between the violence, martial arts, ninja tactis, and flashbacks, the film doesn't slow down enough for you to think straight. Another great thing about it? It's not cheesy.

While the idea of ninjas has been an ongoing joke in comics and movies for years, there has always been a whisper in the back of everyone's mind about whether they exist or not. While this movie doesn't make the idea any more plausible, it does give it a story that leaves you with plenty of questions...and room for a sequel. Unfortunately, as the Curse of Sequels go, that would only ruin things for it. Nevertheless, if you wnat to get as far away from glittering vampires, and manic depressive tweenagers with abandonment issues, this is a movie you need to see!

3. Assassin's Creed II

Yes, if you're wondering, I do love assassin's. And I know this came about a week ago, but I don't care. I'm thankful for it.

Anyways, if you played the first game, you know this doesn't entirely have to do with assassin's running around killing each other. It's about time travel, and the ancestral link. The plot is different, as is the time period (Venice circa the 15th century), but everything about this game is just as fun to play as the first one. With over 16 new types of missions and a number of new weapons and movements (actually being able to swim[!] as well as throwing people and a multitude of new hiding spots), this has a helluva lot more promise than the first game. Not to mention the graphics are frighteningly realistic, and there are a number of new things to do and ways to kill people.

I'm not finished, but I almost don't want to get through it too quickly. I'll end up being sad :P


Well, that's what I'm thankful for :) Now time to enjoy my thanks.
-TCBC