Episode 60 - Your Mom [Discussion]

[dolson]

Episode 60 is up, and the intro is funny! Good stuff!

Racing galore this week with Speed Racer, maybe the surprise of the Summer, and Mario Kart Wii, which contains no surprises at all. Plus, 300% more Moms!

Watch it here. (http://revision3.com/trs/yourmom/)

[tlazaroff]

Awesome show!

I need to know where in the WORLD did Dan get that stuffed Appa in the intro? I want one so badly now that I know they are out there! I kid you not. Anyone know?

[dhubrich]

Where the heck did Alex get that rad jacket he was wearing in this episode??? I want. It looks H&M.

[tlazaroff]

Yeah, that was a nice jacket.

[fattymatty]

This episode was great. I loved the mom interviews. That element really made the guys feel more like we were watching friends rather then some boring talking heads on a talk show. I think this is a quality that really makes this show so much better then any other out there. Keep it up guys.

[splitfire]

I loved the ice cream man poking his head in lol
Who else had the karate kid head band? I had the whole outfit for Halloween one year.

[z31ftw]

This episode was awesome.

[stranger_danger]

Dan's mom is hot.

[masherscf]

Dan's mom is hot.

Hey now. That's not the way Moms roll!

[mrpopular]

Awesome Episode.. I lurved Speed Racer also.

[stranger_danger]

Hey now. That's not the way Moms roll!
Okay, fine. She's pretty.

Really really pretty.

[geekluv]

Little Alex, Danny, and Jeff pictures = Cuteness Overload! Your mom's were great on the show. It made me miss my mom but cherish her memory. Great episode.

[poltah]

Regarding Mirror's Edge:

I completely disagree with the 3rd person angle. This game looks cool because it's first person. It's the difference between playing a game where you watch somebody do parkour, or a game where you DO parkour yourself.
To me the first person thing is going to make this game much more intense, and much cooler. Instead of being able to see the path way before you reach the different places to jump/go/climb/whatever, you have to actually discover those places in the moment. You jump, and then you see the thing to grab.

That might not have made sense, but I like that this game is 1st person. It's new, and it looks like it's going to be very intense and very cool.

[diane]

Well it is good to know that Anakin is not the only one to repeat scene for scene, word for word, the movie we just saw for at least the next 5 days or until I can't take it anymore, which ever comes first. The kid can't go an hour without quoting a movie or tv show.

Also, I now have new found motivation to organize the pics of the kid. Those were adorable.

[cool8man]

Wow I felt almost exactly the same as Alex hearing them describe Speed Racer. I actually do think the Susan Sarandon scene worked, but not enough to save a movie with some of the worst acting I've ever seen. This Rain guy should never have a speaking role in a movie ever again, ever.

And then you're saying that this movie proved that you can now recreate anything you imagine on screen? This movie convinced me of the opposite. I really felt like any of the scenes of the movie that took place outdoors really didn't work and some of the shots in the movie looked like really bad amateur green screen work. Basically there were tons of shots in this movie where it looked like the actors were badly superimposed over a background some with the edges blownout white around their outline. Most of the interior shots worked for me with the big exception being the Willy Wonka factory sequence that made me want to get up and leave the theater. The racing scenes were a mixed bag. At times it felt like the most beautiful artistry I've ever seen on screen and at other times it was like the worst moments of Episode One's podracing times 10. I could tell when the actors were actually in a car and when they were just in a gimbal being manipulated in front of a green screen. The Washowskis bros. wasted $150M on a movie that would have looked a lot better if they had used a lot more practical shots. The movie didn't need as much CG as they crammed into it. For a movie that took in $18M I think Warner Bros. and the producers of this film just learned an important lesson. You cannot give a director free reign to construct the backgrounds of almost the entire movie in CG. CG should be used to support and enhance a scene not to completely create it.

Like Alex I also went into this movie not expecting it to be a kiddie movie like Spy Kids or Sharkboy and Lavagirl, but I guess if you're the type who thinks those were good movies then I could see how you would love Speed Racer. Sprittle and Chim Chim were annoying on the cartoon, but they could have been toned down for this movie to make it a little more palatable for an older audience. The kid did fine job playing Sprittle, the problem was really the writing/directing. Given critical reviews and box office performance I think it's safe to say that Speed Racer completely missed the mark and deserves to be the first epic bomb of the year. I actually thought the trailers for this movie were very promising, but those trailers were selling a completely different movie than what they actually delivered. I really can't understand any 18-34 year olds enjoying this movie.

Hearing someone say they cried at this movie sounds to me like someone saying they cried during a Paulie Shore movie. No offense but WTF Jeff?

[enragedostrich]

All I have to say is that I loved this episode. Not one bad second in any way.

GO SPEED RACER!! GO!!

I loved it. The Movie that is.

[mysteriousblueliquid]

I'll take Alex's word on Speed Racer. Life's too short.

[glugory]

Where the heck did Alex get that rad jacket he was wearing in this episode??? I want. It looks H&M.

I was actually thinking the exact same thing. I really want to know what kind of jacket that was.

But really, major league gaming? Seriously guys? Gonna go hang with Fatal1ty and watch some bunny hopping? I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I've always found that kind of stuff to be really really lame. I might have to skip that segment.

Edit: Also I'm gonna go ahead and assume Alex was right about Speed Racer given the 35% it has on Rotten Tomatoes at the moment.

[funkjomamma]

Best intro ever.

[ngower]

I tend to disagree with Alex on a lot (Mahalo, diggnation, TRS, etc) and I think Jeff can over-look stuff a lot, so my opinions tend to be shared with Dan. I was holding my breath for his opinion on Speed Racer...I was so ****ing pumped!

I loved this movie and have had to defend it with pretty much all of my friends. I just bought a 1:24 diecast model of the Mach 6 recently and I've been getting into this movie like crazy!

Anyways, just wanted to say I'm glad that 2/3 of the TRS guys agreed with me on the film :)

I'll be back at the end of the episode, only in movies right now.

[royterp]

Such a good episode, guys. As much as I have loved the off-green screen segments in the past, this one takes the cake. Your moms were great interviews, and I really enjoyed the glimpses into childhoods similar to mine (although I only went to private school through kindergarten). Also, Steve's editing of that segment was really top-notch, and it didn't at all look like he was spending all his time doing VAN stuff :p.

Speaking of parkour, though, I don't know if you guys are French and Saunders fans, but here's their freakin' hilarious take on the whole phenomenon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLNwIqSdrI

Dawn French is one of the funniest people on the planet IMO.

-Roy

[cooljammer00]

hey now, it's just the wachowskis, dan. no brothers anymore.

[jadeddeath]

I agree with Alex about speed racer, the racing scenes, in my opinion, were crazy, and really, really well done. But the other CGI scenes were really cheap looking, and looked rushed at the end. The characters weren't well done, there were a lot of really lame lines that were supposed to be dramatic and stuff. The main thing that bugs me is that i took my little brother and sister and they were both freaking out at the part with the piranhas stuff, so I really think that in that way they missed their audience, just with that one scene.

[trsjeff]

This Rain guy should never have a speaking role in a movie ever again, ever.



Stephen Colbert, is that you?

-Jeff

[masherscf]

Best intro ever.

And, not entirely inappropriate.

[sztuka]

The meme going around the internet that Wii buyers don't buy games is a crock.

According to the NPD the Wii has the second highest game attach rate of all game consoles:

http://news.filefront.com/ps3-trails-wii-and-360-in-attach-rate-according-to-npd/

http://www.nintendorevolution.ca/04272008/20/nintendo_wii_us_attach_rate_beats_ps3

[masherscf]

The meme going around the internet that Wii buyers don't buy games is a crock.

Just look at the top selling Wii games (http://kotaku.com/350269/the-onion-charts-the-best+selling-wii-games).

[ashgotti]

Great episode guys. By chance my mom sat down and watched with me and we started reminiscing during the Q&A with the moms and it actually brought her to tears.

Basically thanks for that, and she enjoyed the show.

[sztuka]

Just look at the top selling Wii games (http://kotaku.com/350269/the-onion-charts-the-best+selling-wii-games).

.....

[trsjeff]

The meme going around the internet that Wii buyers don't buy games is a crock.

According to the NPD the Wii has the second highest game attach rate of all game consoles:

http://news.filefront.com/ps3-trails-wii-and-360-in-attach-rate-according-to-npd/

http://www.nintendorevolution.ca/04272008/20/nintendo_wii_us_attach_rate_beats_ps3

Not really fair to include Wii Play as an "attach rate" game, though, is it?

-Jeff

[masherscf]

Not really fair to include Wii Play as an "attach rate" game, though, is it?

-Jeff


Wii play rocks! The cow racing is super-fun.

[sztuka]

Not really fair to include Wii Play as an "attach rate" game, though, is it?

-Jeff

Not fair? I don't know what's fair. Is it not a game?

I think you bring up a valid point but where do you draw the line. Should you not include games most people consider crap?

BTW, do you know what the attach rate would be w/out Wii Play and Wii Sports?

I've read it'd be around 3. So if you completely disregard both of those it's still not that far off from the PS3. But you can argue that people would buy Wii Sports and Wii Play anyway. Wii Sports is not even bundled in Japan and it's been one of the best selling games for the Wii.

And with an install base twice that of the PS3 even a 3 game attach rate means gamers have bought at the very minimum 60 million games to the PS3's 40 million and if you include the sports and play it's 106 million.

[wideawakewesley]

Jeff & Alex,

In reposte to the Nintendo attach rate comments, you should read this thread:

http://www.revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17648

Also, I totally see where you're all coming from on the Mario Kart comments, it is more of the same, but now it appeals to a wider audience. There's definitely things I wish they'd kept (like Double Dash co-op), but I really enjoyed the wheel. I would say that you really need to try the online in Mario Kart. Nintendo has really nailed the online experience with it, even without Voice chat. Friend codes are kind of circumvented with an invite system and the whole experience is just fantastic. You will constantly be saying, "just one more race".

I'd given up on the Speed Racer movie too until I saw this episode and now I'm desperate to see it.

The Wii version of Speed Racer has a decent review from IGN too (7.0/10).

Wes

[themuffinman]

Totally agree w/ Dan and Jeff on Speed Racer, I loved it!

[trsjeff]

Not fair? I don't know what's fair. Is it not a game?

I think you bring up a valid point but where do you draw the line. Should you not include games most people consider crap?


It has nothing to do with any quality judgement on Wii Play. All I'm saying is that I, like most people, I assume, bought Wii Play because I needed a second Wiimote. Why not buy the hardware SKU that comes with another game? I don't think Wii Play's numbers as "attach rate software" are indicative of an average game released on the system.

-Jeff

[damnedeyez]

Not fair? I don't know what's fair. Is it not a game?

I bought Wii Play because it had a WiiMote in it...for cheaper than a WiiMote by itself.

[wideawakewesley]

I bought Wii Play because it had a WiiMote in it...for cheaper than a WiiMote by itself.

I bought Wii Play because the game looked fun and it was a good deal for a game and controller. I definitely got my money's worth out of the game.

Wes

[nobeaner]

The meme going around the internet that Wii buyers don't buy games is a crock.

According to the NPD the Wii has the second highest game attach rate of all game consoles:

http://news.filefront.com/ps3-trails-wii-and-360-in-attach-rate-according-to-npd/

http://www.nintendorevolution.ca/04272008/20/nintendo_wii_us_attach_rate_beats_ps3


It's not a crock for me though. Currently I own 3 Wii titles and 25 Xbox 360. Those 3 titles are Super Mario Galaxy, Resident Evil 4 and Wii Sports. But to my Wii's credit, I know it has directly influenced my Niece and Nephew to buy one for each of their families, but after the first few months, they hardly ever touch them, with the exception of my grand niece who loves dance dance revolution and Karaoke.

[dannyt]

Such a good episode, guys. As much as I have loved the off-green screen segments in the past, this one takes the cake. Your moms were great interviews, and I really enjoyed the glimpses into childhoods similar to mine (although I only went to private school through kindergarten). Also, Steve's editing of that segment was really top-notch, and it didn't at all look like he was spending all his time doing VAN stuff :p.

Speaking of parkour, though, I don't know if you guys are French and Saunders fans, but here's their freakin' hilarious take on the whole phenomenon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLNwIqSdrI

Dawn French is one of the funniest people on the planet IMO.

-Roy

I never saw that, thanks for sharing dude!

[shinigami052]

where's Steve's mom? You should have had her on the show but cover her face up like Steve always does his...

[glugory]

where's Steve's mom? You should have had her on the show but cover her face up like Steve always does his...

That would have be hilarious.

[cooljammer00]

I actually thought Steve would be your fourth gamer guy. But a ringer is better. Of course, now they know your plans...

Did you guys get any free Dr. Pepper, along the lines of SoCo sponsoring Diggnation?

Also, TRS guys, the Wachowskis are no longer the Wachowski Bros. Maybe they were still the Wachowski Bros. when the movie was being made, but uh, yeah. Just to clarify.

[trsjeff]

I actually thought Steve would be your fourth gamer guy.

Actually, he'd probably kick more ass than the three of us put together, but... somebody has to man the camera.



Oh, and Steve's Mom lives in Holland, so she was unable to attend.

-Jeff

[stranger_danger]

It has nothing to do with any quality judgement on Wii Play. All I'm saying is that I, like most people, I assume, bought Wii Play because I needed a second Wiimote. Why not buy the hardware SKU that comes with another game? I don't think Wii Play's numbers as "attach rate software" are indicative of an average game released on the system.

-Jeff

If Wii Play hadn't been packed with a remote, it probably would've been sold for a bargain price. It may not have sold as well as the game/remote combo, but it still would've sold well. Don't all Nintendo published games?

[sztuka]

It has nothing to do with any quality judgement on Wii Play. All I'm saying is that I, like most people, I assume, bought Wii Play because I needed a second Wiimote. Why not buy the hardware SKU that comes with another game? I don't think Wii Play's numbers as "attach rate software" are indicative of an average game released on the system.

-Jeff

I see where you're coming from but you seem to assume that all purchasers of Wii Play bought it only because of the remote and that if the game was sold as a stand alone it would not have sold the same numbers. Probably true that it wouldn't have sold as many, but nobody can know for sure without surveying every Wii Play buyer.

I for one have not bought Wii Play because I had multiple controllers before it was released. However I probably would have gotten the game were it a stand alone game at a reasonable price. I don't think they would have ever sold at $50 but probably $30. At that price I think it would have sold quite well. As I mentioned before Wii Sports has sold well in Japan by itself; around 2.3 million units.

[geneocide]

I believe the educational typing game you were trying to remember towards the end, Jeff, was Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. I will never forget that name, for some reason.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mavis_Beacon_Teaches_Typing

[s1lentslayer]

I thought Speed Racer was 30 minutes too long. I got bored a lot in it but there were a couple of neat moments with the racing. It appears the public had no interest in it with it bombing at the box office.

[cooljammer00]

I believe the educational typing game you were trying to remember towards the end, Jeff, was Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. I will never forget that name, for some reason.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mavis_Beacon_Teaches_Typing

if you listen close, his mom, or someone's mom (pfft, YOUR mom!) calls out "Mavis Beacon?" from off the screen.

[owlboy]

Were you guys trying not to curse cause your moms were there?

[heyseuss]

Awesome show!

I need to know where in the WORLD did Dan get that stuffed Appa in the intro? I want one so badly now that I know they are out there! I kid you not. Anyone know?

It's Steve's, but I bet if you go to the Avatar site, there will surely be a link to a place that accepts your money.

[owlboy]

Awesome show!

I need to know where in the WORLD did Dan get that stuffed Appa in the intro? I want one so badly now that I know they are out there! I kid you not. Anyone know?

http://shop.nickjr.com/sm-avatar-appa-24-inch-plush-nick-shop-exclusive--pi-2671668.html

[tlazaroff]

http://shop.nickjr.com/sm-avatar-appa-24-inch-plush-nick-shop-exclusive--pi-2671668.html

Dude, you rock.

[gummo]

Awesome show.

Bringing me back to Mavis Beacon, and Math Blasters.

[owlboy]

Dude, you rock.

More people should say this to me.

[johninberkeley]

Guys, seriously, your episode brought a tear to my eye almost as bad as this (http://animalcrossingtragedy.ytmnd.com/). Not a day goes by that i wish i could relive moments like the ones you shared with your mothers; thank you for sharing them with us.

Truly a epic episode, and a epic mothers day gift: great memories that will be cherished forever. Cause the most important things in life are not things.

Hey, wait, i came here to laugh, how dare you tug at my heart strings!
*shakes fist while reaching for tissue*
John

[frankiethewaffle]

Stephen Colbert, is that you?

-Jeff

Nice reference. Rains' #2 to Colberts' #3 is a crime against comedy. Of course that is all I care about, the laugh. I have my "Wrist Strong" bracelet on my desk. I will pay for a good joke. I am glad someone else on this board watches the good comedy these days. I may be the only one to get it on this post though.

Otherwise, loved this show for many reasons. The intro I had referenced to co-workers recently, just out of boredom. Never saw the movie, but I know the scene for some reason. Needless to say, all I work with were freaked out.

Having your Moms on as part of the opening, then the segment. What can I say. It made me miss my Mom more than ever. (Kinda like The 6th Sense made me less scared than ghosts ever. I just appreciated my Mother and her potential current presence more.) Only thing I could do was visit her final place on Sunday. Almost ten years now, since I have lost my Mom. But it brought a kind of happiness that those like me, also had Moms like myself. You have great Moms. Give them another hug, always.

I have little hopes for SpeedRacer as I would likely agree with Alex. How Dan and Jeff sold it, I am terribly curious. They should pay you for that much interest by people, your viewers, that are like me.

Mario Kart I love the history. If there is not much more for the Wii, They lost me. I liked the Super and 64 version, passed by Double Dash, don't think it will sell a Wii to me.

I am 2 and a half years late but I just got a 360. I got COD4, a week later The Orange Box (Because of the TRS opinions), then a week after that my friends convinced me to buy GTA4 as I was not much excited about that. I am thrilled all around. I will say that 360 is not worth buying without XBox Live. Microsoft just has everything figured out. Everything is done for me. I now watch TRS and all Rev 3 Podcasts on my TV. How can you go wrong.

Anyway, hug your Moms again. Never forget to tell them you love them. Always give them flowers. It can mean more than when you can invite them to your job. Believe me.

[gojira]

Good episode.

Speed Racer: I think I'm really going to like it. I was a bit worried after Alex's review, but after Jeff's and Dan's I'm pretty confident that I'll enjoy the film. Oh, and I'm a big fan of all three Matrix movies. I thought I was the only one until Jeff spoke about it.

Games: I'm still waiting to buy Mario Kart. It has never been a franchise I've been in love with. I've enjoyed the games, but I'm not dieing to play the game or anything. And I'm sure I'll use the wheel thing once just to see how it is and never use it again.

Attach rate? Who really cares? Nintendo started selling more systems than Microsoft, then it became all about the attach rate. Sure it's important for Nintendo and 3rd parties to have as high of one as possible. But you can manipulate numbers to say whatever you want. For one, the 360 has been out a year longer than both the ps3 and Wii. Also who knows what games these companies are including. Are they including games that come with the system? Are they including games downloadable games? It's all PR speak to make your system appeal to 3rd parties.

[cooljammer00]

really? is Mommie Dearest a rad movie? really? :-P

[siraim]

Loved the episode.. and couldn't agree more with Alex on Speed Racer. As I said in the thread about Speed Racer on the IMAX, this film bored me to tears. I will revise a bit of my commentary on the movie after hearing the boys talk about it. Initially, I singled out the final two races as being the only really enjoyable parts of the movie but I now realize that 2 hours of bad made me forget the inventive way they showed Speed competing against Rex's time on the opening track. That was cool I suppose.

oh.. and I guess since it's internet tradition.. I obviously don't agree with Jeff or Dan on Speed Racer and therefore.... I now hold all of their movies reviews in contempt as they obviously have no taste and cannot objectively review movies as they are clearly insane.

[dulamae]

Great show, the Mom segment was priceless. Dan in the Karate Kid gear was amazing.

[tink2112]

i really felt jeff channeling faye dunaway as joan collins... chilling, seriously i have goosebumps

[soldoutmatinee]

Jeff, you should audition for the role of Sir Francis Drake.

[velvetonefusion]

Nice product placement, Alex
Real Coke Taste, Zero Calories!

[menikmati]

Hm, did I hear someone passing gas at 24:15?

[rvissers]

What about the graphic guys (Stephen?) mom? I thought he was a huge part of the show...you should have had his mom (with the hidden face) on the show.

[icapants]

Guys, seriously, your episode brought a tear to my eye almost as bad as this (http://animalcrossingtragedy.ytmnd.com/)

Oh good grief, you've just killed me! That link was so sad. :(



This was a great episode though, seriously. I loved seeing the moms talk about what the guys were like when they were growing up. Dan's very early storyboard kills me. I kinda love the fact that his mom took dictation for it because he was too young to write it out. I honestly would've liked to see that segment be a little longer.

[filmcub]

What about the graphic guys (Stephen?) mom? I thought he was a huge part of the show...you should have had his mom (with the hidden face) on the show.

As Jeff stated, unfortunately my mom now lives in the Netherlands and couldn't make it out here. And yes, I am a huge part of the show :D

[MaxTheSilent]

I think it's cool that their mothers seem to perfectly mirror them.

Jeff's mother: Tall and athletic

Alex's mother: Blonde, all-American

Danny's mother: Small and dark

That's pretty rad. Especially since I don't look a thing like anyone in my family.

[nolanryan81]

Yes awesome episode as always guys, didnt really see where the intro fit in until i realized it was the moms day episode ofcourse, classic.

Now about the wii, I understand all the arguments about how much it is selling and the justifications of games sales. But I have to agree with Alex in that I think so many people here in the U.S. are just buying it and playing wii sports. And some say "well that is good for gaming, it makes it more mainstream. More people will play games." The flaw in that argument for me is that I feel this might push a far more casual game market over the more serious gaming market that I enjoy. Don't get me wrong I appreciate what the wii is trying to do, I just feel by lacking serious next generation features (high definition, seemless online gaming, better graphics) the wii is almost dumbing down gaming for the public. Why cant they still do the wii sports, and wii play thing but also do the more mature titles like COD4 and Bioshock. Im starting to feel more and more like gaming is closing in on the storytelling and emotion evoking medium that movies are that I dont want to lose that because developers start making a bunch of Bejeweled clones for alpha mom's with wii's. This is such and exciting time for gaming with games like BioShock, COD4, GTA IV, and Mass Effect trying to tell better stories or atleast having thought or emotion provoking scenes in them. I was so surprised after playing the first couple of hours of GTA IV and realizing I really wanted to finish the game this time not only because the achievement points but I truly was interested in Niko's story. And just randomly running over pedestrians and shooting hookers actually made me wonder a bit if this was really something Niko would do. Here's just to hopes that videogames as an art doesnt die out with the wii fit.

[wideawakewesley]

Yes awesome episode as always guys, didnt really see where the intro fit in until i realized it was the moms day episode ofcourse, classic.

Now about the wii, I understand all the arguments about how much it is selling and the justifications of games sales. But I have to agree with Alex in that I think so many people here in the U.S. are just buying it and playing wii sports. And some say "well that is good for gaming, it makes it more mainstream. More people will play games." The flaw in that argument for me is that I feel this might push a far more casual game market over the more serious gaming market that I enjoy. Don't get me wrong I appreciate what the wii is trying to do, I just feel by lacking serious next generation features (high definition, seemless online gaming, better graphics) the wii is almost dumbing down gaming for the public. Why cant they still do the wii sports, and wii play thing but also do the more mature titles like COD4 and Bioshock. Im starting to feel more and more like gaming is closing in on the storytelling and emotion evoking medium that movies are that I dont want to lose that because developers start making a bunch of Bejeweled clones for alpha mom's with wii's. This is such and exciting time for gaming with games like BioShock, COD4, GTA IV, and Mass Effect trying to tell better stories or atleast having thought or emotion provoking scenes in them. I was so surprised after playing the first couple of hours of GTA IV and realizing I really wanted to finish the game this time not only because the achievement points but I truly was interested in Niko's story. And just randomly running over pedestrians and shooting hookers actually made me wonder a bit if this was really something Niko would do. Here's just to hopes that videogames as an art doesnt die out with the wii fit.

People generally walk before they run. The Wii is a starter to your main course, it's the cannabis to your cocaine etc. It's the gateway drug Nintendo is using to expand the market, to convert more non-gamers into gamers. As long as there's always other companies competing with Nintendo there'll always be more advanced games, but those games will always be a niche market compared to more accessible titles. Just pray the competition never goes away.

:)

Wes

[arcticfox]

Wow that episode was easily one of the best ive seen, loved it.

[forbizzle]

I was waiting for Alex's review of Mario Kart, but was blindsided that he's only played the DS version. What the guys didn't say (possibly because of the blow back from Smash Bro's), is this is just another Nintendo staple flop.

First of all, the give and take that Jeff mentions is mostly take. The game looks almost exactly the same as the GC version, which is highlighted by the fact they've included maps from it. The game's not that old, and it's backwards compatible with the Wii, I don't think anybody was looking forward to this game for the nostalgia of playing the exact same maps again. And when they did remake the classic maps, they were absolutely terrible. There was no imagination or effort put into the art work, it was almost a straight copy paste with straight edges and flat artwork.

And the online play was only touched on. Maybe this isn't news, but Wii networking is terrible. I remember having an easier time handshaking games of Warcraft 2 using modem to modem or IP connections. It may be old news, but completely relevant given that this is the only new feature of the game.

The controls of this game compound the criticisms people have had with other Wii games. First of all the wheel is a gimick, you could honestly just hold the controller sideways and it'd be the same. Like smash brothers, your best bet is to just pick up a GC controller, though this may highlight that you have less things to do than you did in previous versions. And like Mario Galaxy, they have you flicking your wrist for stupid reasons.

Maybe they're a bit gun shy because of the fanboy army after smash brothers, but this game is a disappointment. Play Double Dash instead, you're going to be using a GC controller anyways.

[masherscf]

I think it's cool that their mothers seem to perfectly mirror them.

Jeff's mother: Tall and athletic

Alex's mother: Blonde, all-American

Danny's mother: Small and dark

That's pretty rad. Especially since I don't look a thing like anyone in my family.

Funny how those genetics work.

[roguepirate]

Funny how Jeff wanted a Speed Racer game after he saw the movie because I remember playing a Speed Racer game on DOS when I was a kid which is how I even knew who Speed Racer was.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_Racer_in_The_Challenge_of_Racer_X
It was a pretty fun game, all i remember was jumping over canyons in the track and shooting missiles at other racers. I'm sure you can find it somewhere on the net.

[metalpres]

Dans mother MILF? Yes i think so...
umm.. what? oh uh... HI DAN!

[cybogoblin]

Loved the episode, just the right amount of sentimentality.

If you three are looking for something Speed Racery to tide you over while waiting for the game - try some Speed Racer LEGO (http://racers.lego.com/en-US/default.aspx). Or maybe some Indiana Jones LEGO from Crystal Skull.

Oh, and what's the chance of Dan dressing up as the Karate Kid for this years Halloween Special?

[smartypants]

Great episode, guys.

I don't think I will bother with watching Speed Racer. I'm pretty sure I will agree with Alex, for some reason. Probably because it has gotten bad reviews, completely flopped at the box office, and the Wachowski's are hacks.

Which reminds me... I was very disappointed to hear that Jeff and Dan liked the matrix sequels. I usually agree with you two, but my god. The Matrix is one of the greatest movies ever made, and they followed it up with two of the worst movies ever (especially the third one). I have had this argument with so many of my friends, so many times. They usually fall back on the old "you just didn't get it" argument, which is ridiculous. I got it... it just sucked. Really, really, REALLY sucked. Beating me over the head for an hour and a half with philosophy I learned in my freshman intro to philosophy course, does not a good movie make. I could go on, literally, for hours about why the matrix sequels were terrible, but I'll end my rant now. I'm very disappointed in you, Jeff and Dan. *shakes head in disgust*

[wideawakewesley]

And the online play was only touched on. Maybe this isn't news, but Wii networking is terrible. I remember having an easier time handshaking games of Warcraft 2 using modem to modem or IP connections. It may be old news, but completely relevant given that this is the only new feature of the game.

The controls of this game compound the criticisms people have had with other Wii games. First of all the wheel is a gimick, you could honestly just hold the controller sideways and it'd be the same. Like smash brothers, your best bet is to just pick up a GC controller, though this may highlight that you have less things to do than you did in previous versions. And like Mario Galaxy, they have you flicking your wrist for stupid reasons.
.

Couldn't disagree more, Nintendo have nailed online play with Mario Kart, it's flawless. As for the wheel, I loved it. It's not as precise as a controller, but its more fun, more inclusive and more challenging. As for the graphics, there's a reason it runs at 60fps in four player split-screen. All I know is that it looks pretty on my HDTV and that's good enough for me. It's frickin Mario Kart, not BioShock.

Wes

[dannyt]

Great episode, guys.

I don't think I will bother with watching Speed Racer. I'm pretty sure I will agree with Alex, for some reason. Probably because it has gotten bad reviews, completely flopped at the box office, and the Wachowski's are hacks.

Which reminds me... I was very disappointed to hear that Jeff and Dan liked the matrix sequels. I usually agree with you two, but my god. The Matrix is one of the greatest movies ever made, and they followed it up with two of the worst movies ever (especially the third one). I have had this argument with so many of my friends, so many times. They usually fall back on the old "you just didn't get it" argument, which is ridiculous. I got it... it just sucked. Really, really, REALLY sucked. Beating me over the head for an hour and a half with philosophy I learned in my freshman intro to philosophy course, does not a good movie make. I could go on, literally, for hours about why the matrix sequels were terrible, but I'll end my rant now. I'm very disappointed in you, Jeff and Dan. *shakes head in disgust*

Hey Mr. Smartypants,

1. I did not like reloaded, but I did like Revolutions, I disagree with you, I don't think it sucked.

2. Given the success the matrix sequels had at the box office I don't understand why you would conisder Speed Racer's poor box office equalling it being a bad movie.

I really don't like when people think good box office equals a good movie and bad box office equals a bad movie...

[nextgenxbox]

Such an awesome episode. Loved the TRS moms and the Raised on Rad segment.

Really cool. -- You guys should do the same for father's day... unless one of them is no longer with us... for which I apologize for bringing up.

[slaverynin]

Great episode, guys.

I don't think I will bother with watching Speed Racer. I'm pretty sure I will agree with Alex, for some reason. Probably because it has gotten bad reviews, completely flopped at the box office, and the Wachowski's are hacks.

Which reminds me... I was very disappointed to hear that Jeff and Dan liked the matrix sequels. I usually agree with you two, but my god. The Matrix is one of the greatest movies ever made, and they followed it up with two of the worst movies ever (especially the third one). I have had this argument with so many of my friends, so many times. They usually fall back on the old "you just didn't get it" argument, which is ridiculous. I got it... it just sucked. Really, really, REALLY sucked. Beating me over the head for an hour and a half with philosophy I learned in my freshman intro to philosophy course, does not a good movie make. I could go on, literally, for hours about why the matrix sequels were terrible, but I'll end my rant now. I'm very disappointed in you, Jeff and Dan. *shakes head in disgust*

There are far too many people that go by what the Box Office numbers say. The Matrix sequels did not rival the original but that doesn't make them bad, just not as good. To call the Matrix sequels bad movies instead of just average or saying that "they were not for me" is to say that Reloaded and Revolutions are on par with say BloodRayne

[forbizzle]

Couldn't disagree more, Nintendo have nailed online play with Mario Kart, it's flawless. As for the wheel, I loved it. It's not as precise as a controller, but its more fun, more inclusive and more challenging. As for the graphics, there's a reason it runs at 60fps in four player split-screen. All I know is that it looks pretty on my HDTV and that's good enough for me. It's frickin Mario Kart, not BioShock.

Wes
Nobody can claim that they nailed the online play. This is possibly the least convenient match making system we've seen in the last 10 years.

For those curious about the migrated maps:
http://www.videogamer.com/videos/player.html?vid=1824
see related videos as well.

They did the bare minimum in converting these levels over to Wii. The lack of a graphical update, and the reduction of features to support a more rudimentary control scheme highlight the weakness in general of the Wii. I could go further, but Yahtzee explained it best:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/zeropunctuation/4845-Zero-Punctuation-Super-Smash-Bros-Brawl

The bottom line for me, is that this game is less fun than a previous version. Which can be said about a lot of games later iterations, but usually there's some sort of visual advancement that makes up for it. And when Wii is supposed to be focused on fun games to play with other people, why on earth would they cut out the 2 player carts?

[smartypants]

There are far too many people that go by what the Box Office numbers say. The Matrix sequels did not rival the original but that doesn't make them bad, just not as good. To call the Matrix sequels bad movies instead of just average or saying that "they were not for me" is to say that Reloaded and Revolutions are on par with say BloodRayne

I definitely don't think that Box Office numbers always (or even generally) correspond to how good a movie is, and I usually don't pay any attention to them. I just meant that because I didn't really have much interest in seeing Speed Racer in the first place, the combination of flopping at the box office and lackluster reviews did nothing to make me want to go see it.

Also, it is not just that the matrix sequels weren't as good as the original, I think they are genuinely bad movies. I've never seen Bloodrayne, so I don't know if they are THAT bad, but they're pretty bad. I also think they don't even fit with the first movie. That's what probably bugged me the most. They felt completely taped-on.

[wideawakewesley]

Nobody can claim that they nailed the online play. This is possibly the least convenient match making system we've seen in the last 10 years.

Please explain that one to me in more detail, because I had a blast with it and everything was simple and easy to use and most of all addictive as hell. Therefore I think it's perfectly acceptable for me to claim they nailed online play.

;)


They did the bare minimum in converting these levels over to Wii. The lack of a graphical update, and the reduction of features to support a more rudimentary control scheme highlight the weakness in general of the Wii.

Ok, I can't speak for Nintendo, but it seems obvious to me that they've removed some features and added others for the same reason they released a simple piece of plastic to play the game. It makes the game more accessible and more appealing to the majority of the current Wii user base, which is in turn reflected in the record sales. You may not like it, hardcore and old school kart fans may not like it either, but if the product appeals to more people, can it be considered worse than it predecessor?

I had a blast with the copy I borrowed and sure there's things I miss, but I'll gladly trade all those because I saw my 20 month old son pick up that wheel and instantly fall in love, even if he didn't have the first clue what he was doing. The prospect of me teaching him to play and racing with him (which will be much much easier on the Wii version) and my wife totally negates anything they've removed. In fact, it makes the whole experience three times more fun. Now I just wish I could find a copy because it's been sold out everywhere since launch.

Wes

[dannyt]

I also think they don't even fit with the first movie. That's what probably bugged me the most. They felt completely taped-on.

I don't entirely disagree

[santanagirl]

Ohh. Luuuved this episode!!
You guys were sooo freaking cute when you were little! :p

[forbizzle]

Please explain that one to me in more detail, because I had a blast with it and everything was simple and easy to use and most of all addictive as hell. Therefore I think it's perfectly acceptable for me to claim they nailed online play.I don't want this to be a back and forth, because you're clearly not a fan boy. Just because you enjoyed the online play, doesn't mean they nailed it. For some reason they satisfied you, maybe you don't play much online and it's a new experience. When you say they nailed it, it implies greatness, maybe even perfection. That's a far stretch for a game that requires you to enter a 12 digit code to find your friend, then have them return yours in confirmation. Especially when it's unclear how to join a game together, and you can only communicate through a series of pre-written phrases. Players haven't had to exchange direct 12 digit codes since Doom, and even then it was only one way. Usability isn't for the hardcore.

I'm not going to say you can't have fun with this game, to each his own, and you sound like the exact target audience for this game. But it's impossible to say they nailed anything when you look at how games have been played over the past decade.

[varfy]

I apologize for the shameless self-promotion (or begging) to follow. I am a big fan of the show, I like the discussions, and not ratings, of the games and movies. In particular, Jeff was the only critic I know that got the review of Mass Effect right.
In any case, I have been playing games for over 25 years now, cutting my teeth on the Intellivision (the greatest Christmas gift I ever received, unfortunately all subsequent Christmases leave me feeling a little hollow inside). I play first person shooters regularly, with my current drug of choice being COD4 (level 40, second time through). Also I live in the San Diego area (Oceanside) and would have no problem making it to the Tourney.
Would I be the ringer that would carry you to a win against these four professional fraggers?....Highly unlikely, but I would enjoy the experience. In any case, thanks for the consideration and I will continue to watch the show.

[wideawakewesley]

That's a far stretch for a game that requires you to enter a 12 digit code to find your friend, then have them return yours in confirmation. Especially when it's unclear how to join a game together, and you can only communicate through a series of pre-written phrases. Players haven't had to exchange direct 12 digit codes since Doom, and even then it was only one way. Usability isn't for the hardcore.


As long as the person I want to play Kart against is already on my Wii Friend's contact list, I can send them an invite to play directly from within the game. I think this is the first Wii game to do that and it effectively negates some of the need for the game specific friend code (although that can be given out to people you don't want on your Wii friend contact list). I'll gladly concede that the original design decision to have codes rather than usernames etc was a bad one, but I can see why Nintendo did it (e.g. http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/290526881/thegayergamer-gets-xbox-live-ban-microsoft-explains). However, tell me another game console that can alert you that someone wants to play you in a game without having to turn your TV on and fire up the console? That's what Mario Kart does through the blue glow messaging system.

;)

Wes

p.s. And you're right, I'm not a fanboy (I hope). I do love my Wii though.

[rotkiv]

Great show! the guy's moms look like awesome... moms. especially dan's, what a frickin g, keeping all his old stuff, that's lookin' forward.
props to jeff for being a logo maniac, legos are the BOMB!

my view on mario(business)kart for Wii: pretty disappointing.
right, it's fun with friends and you will have a good time, but it just seems like the devs put zero effort into it. first thing i noticed is that the menu was as bland as a bowl of corn flakes with fat free milk. If they had put a menu like mario striker w/ it (which was possibly the best part of that game), the experience would have been a little better. next item, the box art is worthy to be included in the next installment of hey covers, you suck (http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3167717).
well, that stuff doesn't matter much, but to me it shows how little effort was put into the game.
can't say much more than that because i don't own the game, but frankly i'm quite content w/ playing mk on the n64 emu. l8r biatches. DK ftw!

[jackocat]

I think the Wheel is great for Mario Kart. It just takes a little practice to get the hang of. I'm moving through 150cc with it right now no problem and am competitive when playing online.

It is a much more satisfying experience than moving your thumb on an analog stick.

[joeleeriepa]

Ignore Speed Racer at your own peril.

The opening race sequence has more story and heart then most films have in their entire runtime. If you are jaded, or not prepared to experience this kind of movie then it will just pass you by. Almost every review for this movie has been negative, and in reading them it's painfully obvious the critics just don't get it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but with Speed Racer it's either you get it, or you don't, and unfortunately those who don't seem to have the loudest voices in this case. I've found myself on the other side of the fence many times about movies like this, but the Wachowski's have injected Speed Racer with so many layers, so much heart, and inventive ways of telling a visual story that I couldn't help but fall in love.

It's a gem of a movie, don't miss it.

[tsmith15]

The consensus I've heard is that it's very good for it's sub-genre, but doesn't cross any barriers. I have never been into anything remotely similar to it.

That being said, I will see it if there's nothing else running, just on Dan & Jeff's recommendations.

[lik]

loved the mom intro. that was funny. too bad Steve's mom wasn't there.

btw, i'm shocked at Jeff and Dan's review for Speed Racer. they make me wanna go see it but i'm not gonna go. Poor Alex was all alone. :)

i fear for the Bioshock movie cuz it might just end up as a big action flick with the main character's Plasmid powers...

btw Jeff, Mario Kart for the DS was the FIRST game in the series to have online play. and the DS version has voice chat (the Wii version doesn't) ^_^

[hapkido-ka]

I just finished watching Speed Racer and I gotta' say, +1 for Jeff and Dan. :D

I enjoyed it very much and think that the W Bros did a great job adapting it... I was afraid that it would suck because Alex was sporting the hater pants, but it turned out to be exactly what it was supposed to be.

I used to watch Speed Racer back in the day, but it was by no means my favorite anime... still, when Speed wins the rally and jumps out of the car and lands in that victory pose it was an exact replication of the old anime footage, only better. I would suggest that people at least give it a chance, you may enjoy it as much as me.

[phoenixp3k]

I just wanted to say how much I loved this week episode, the raised on Rad was very interesting. Getting some back story and told by their moms!

Despite the fact you guys seemed to like Speed Racer, I will probably see it when it comes out on DVD or something, it does look good enought on it's own from the trailers. It's like something I don't feel drawn to.

[cooljammer00]

last time, peeps. It's Wachowskis, not Wachowski Bros.

maybe they were Bros when the movie was being made, but uh, yeah. It's a faux pas you should redact.

Also, the thing with the DS version of Mario Kart having online first.

[cool8man]

For anyone who hasn't seen Speed Racer yet a good way to explain how you will feel about it is to think about Star Wars Episode One. While on the one hand the movie has some really cool action sequences, beautiful visual effects and takes place in a universe you may love the whole movie is brought down by terrible acting/writing and Jar Jar Binks (Sprittle & ChimChim) juvenile comedy. Basically this is the type of movie you watch on DVD with your finger hovering above the fast forward button. Like Episode One you leave the theater wondering why they tried to cater the movie so much to young children instead of making it appeal more to adults like the trailers seemed to.
last time, peeps. It's Wachowskis, not Wachowski Bros.

maybe they were Bros when the movie was being made, but uh, yeah. It's a faux pas you should redact.

Also, the thing with the DS version of Mario Kart having online first.The sex change thing was an internet joke. They are still brothers.
.
.
Say what you want about the Matrix sequels, they are horrible movies, but I could watch that Matrix Reloaded fight/highway chase/fight sequence that culminates in the truck explosion a million times. That is one of the best and longest action sequences I've ever seen in a movie.

I feel similarly about the last 40 minutes of the Transformers movie, you know when the Transformers actually start fighting each other. Pretty much everything that happens after Megatron is thawed is win and I could watch that part of the movie endlessly.

Ditto for the Darth Maul fight at the end of Episode One. Even a crappy movie like SW: Episode One has an amazing action sequence maybe two if you count podracing. But honestly it's not a movie I could ever sit through from beginning to end ever again.

I think I might feel the same way about Speed Racer when it is finally on DVD. I can't tolerate the acting in this movie (Richard Roundtree "Ben Burns" was horrendous and deserves a Razzie for his performance) but some of the race sequences are worth watching over and over again. This movie really frustrates me because from the trailers I saw the potential for something that could have been a really cool movie that adults could have enjoyed. Instead the studio sold out and tried to just position the movie as nothing more than something for little boys; something that they could brand and put on lunch boxes and pillows and pajamas and trapper keepers. They sold the franchise down the river cause it turns out kids didn't care at all about Speed Racer.

[planecdr]

Mom episode was great! Nice job including them....

Regarding Speed Racer. I had no intention of seeing it till this episode. However, this movie is shaping up to be a HUGE box office failure. The movie was also splat on Rotten Tomatoes.

[tsmith15]

Matthew Fox pretty much saved Speed Racer for me because he did what seemed to be a pretty serious acting job, as well as being one of the more serious and more dark characters. I hated the youngest child and the monkey bits though.

[lavahot]

where's Steve's mom? You should have had her on the show but cover her face up like Steve always does his...

Yeah, what about Steve's Mom? Just because He's an extraterrestrial doesn't mean he doesn't have a mom...

[dannyt]

For anyone who hasn't seen Speed Racer yet a good way to explain how you will feel about it is to think about Star Wars Episode One. While on the one hand the movie has some really cool action sequences, beautiful visual effects and takes place in a universe you may love the whole movie is brought down by terrible acting/writing and Jar Jar Binks (Sprittle & ChimChim) juvenile comedy.

Except one was a prequel to STAR WARS and the other was an adaptation of a kids cartoon...

And I'd debate anyone who says the acting in Speed Racer was any worse than Mark Hamil's in A New Hope...

[r3co]

Speed Racer looks visually amazing but I'll wait for it on Blu-Ray.

Hopefully Indiana Jones doesnt blow.

[ferneaux]

Dude, you rock.

You may want to be careful with which one you get. I saw that Appa and thought the same thing as you, so I scoured the net for them... and found more info behind the plushie that I ever needed to know.

According to this forum (Link (http://forums.avatarspirit.net/index.php?topic=770.275)), the plush Appa was originally only sold through Paramount Theme Parks (now called Cedar Fair (http://www.cedarfair.com)). On that other forum, if you scroll down the page about halfway, you'll see the picture of the original Appa, and the Nickelodeon one...

...imho, the Nick one looks like a cheap knock-off from the original.

From that forum, I found that the "Mall of America" actually sells the 18" Appa plush online for $21.95 here: LINK (https://www.theparkatmoastore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=7342761) (along with the other characters)

Now.... there was another website, AirbenderNation.com (http://www.airbendernation.com) that appears to sell the old Appa (21")... but for almost $50.

I ordered the Mall of America one last night.... so we'll see how it looks when it gets here.

Hope that info helps!


Cheers,
Mark

[nikole]

Hopefully Indiana Jones doesnt blow.

Inconceivable!

[gm_wil]

one of my fav episodes thus far...loved the stories

-

[MaxTheSilent]

Appa plushies may go down as one of the most prized pieces of memorabilia of recent times.

Nick has been staggeringly short-sighted when it comes to AVATAR merchandise. In fact, in the superb fan-made short THE LAST PUPPERBENDER (http://youtube.com/watch?v=d8urXdyee7g) they put in a sly reference to the lack of Katara or Toph merch.

[blacksymbiote]

I almost always tend to agree with Alex when it comes to movies, so I think i'll just avoid Speed Racer and save my money for something else.

[summx]

dan's mom is kinda milfish, i say that with all due respect

[gm_wil]

And I'd debate anyone who says the acting in Speed Racer was any worse than Mark Hamil's in A New Hope...

"But I was going to tosche station to pick up some power converters!"

I guess I always saw his performance as his character being so completely sheltered and incredibly naive to everything...I've known a couple people who were like that and they walked around in life with behaviors that could be mistaken for them trying to act but failing, but actually they were just awkward...

-

[moeez]

I'd go so far to say that the acting in Speed Racer is better than Iron Man (except for the awesome Robert Downey Jr.)! ;)

Totally agree with both Dan and Jeff, I saw the film with my sister, and we loved it from start to finish. You've never seen a movie quite like this before, this movie has raised the bar for visuals in a film. Even did a podcast on it (http://odeo.com/show/19214113/view) :D

[heyseuss]

dan's mom is kinda milfish, i say that with all due respect

Ahhh yes Milfish, the language hot moms speak in Rivendell, right ?

[hepcat]

ok, so I'm super far behind here thanks to my complete and total obsession with my other life in Liberty City, but now that I have finally beaten that, I am catching back up on the rad-ness and pledge to be caught up for next Tuesday.


the open for this episode: BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT.


also loved the moms segment.

[joeyrock]

I've just seen Speed Racer and revisited episode 60... frankly I am shocked with Dan and Jeff, my movie tastes are usually inline with Dan's (somewhere between Jeff and Alex). But this is a really boring movie.. bad acting all over the place, messy plot and Loooonnng superfluous scenes. When "Royalton" cracked up laughing at "Speed" for being naive I cracked up as well, that sums up this movie for me. I couldn't care less about any of these characters.

The design of the visuals were kind of cool, I can see what they were aiming at, but I don't think the quality of CG was very good at all. The colour palette, constant whip panning and sheer 'in your face' nature of it masks some shoddy work. Bad physics really piss me off as well and this all bad physics... it would have been a lot more impressive if they added some 'weight' to the cars.

Plus it goes on and on and on (like this post :p ). It needs a big smack around the chops with an edit stick. After the last two Matrix movies and now this, it pretty much confirms the Wachowski's do not care/have no concept of pacing. Certain not when they are given a big budget. They might be able to do the odd 'action' sequence, but they can't keep a full film rolling and maintain an attention span. Speed Racer should have been 90 minutes. I actually didn't dislike the Matrix sequels, they weren't good, but they weren't bad either. However Speed Racer is a bad.