Episode 122: Millionaire Jesus - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince [Discussion] [Archive]

manhunt545

07-21-2009, 05:16 PM

Can the newest Harry Potter film maintain the magic? What is Trine, and why should you be playing it? Gaming classic, The Secret of Monkey Island, is reborn! Plus, Merlin enchants and Hung impresses!

Watch Now! (http://revision3.com/trs/millionaire)

btw: The HD 30 fps link seem to be the same version as the HD Quicktime

kzap

07-21-2009, 05:19 PM

Yea! They used my intro, what do you think? I didn't have much time to do it in so I kept it simple, I think it came out rather well and they linked it in perfectly.
Ironically I had the chance to go an see Harry Potter for free on Saturday and chose not to because I hated the last film and hadn't seen the TRS review of it, I'm sure I'll get the chance again and I know my family will buy the DVD.
I did pronounce Trine right, that's good.
Would it be right to say Fahrenheit (Indego Prophecy in the US) is the new Monkey Island, adventure type game? It's not 30 seconds of action repeated although it's not an adventure game it's closer to that then anything else.
Edit: Jeff just said that! WOW, I should stop posting while watching, it's amazing, great minds really do think a like!

-mk-

07-21-2009, 05:47 PM

Cool intro kzap. Trine looked amazing enough to check out - thanks for the plug. Love the Potter movies...will definitely check this one out as soon as the stars align and someone can watch the kids for a "date night."

For those of you who weren't around during the golden age of PC adventure gaming, I'm sorry you missed it. It was one of the greatest parts about my adolescence. Monkey Island was near the top of that era for me (as was Monkey Island II), so I hope people check it out. As Jeff said, don't go in with any preconceived notions of progress, how the game should play out, etc. Just enjoy the world LucasArts created, and especially the writing. It is hilarity defined.

To mark the release and TRS review, I'm reverting to my old icon, which is one of my favorite scenes in Monkey Island 2. :)

tsmith15

07-21-2009, 05:49 PM

Good episode.

kzap

07-21-2009, 06:06 PM

I'm in the middle of Dan, Alex and Jeff for Merlin, I thought it was pretty good but hated the second episode and did find some of it a little low budget and by the numbers but my brother was I huge fan so I watched it with him and enjoyed it.
I always think stories should never cross medium so if something is written as a book it should stay as a book and if something is written as a game it should stay as a game, I think there can be other stories in that universe made as film but I don't usually like it when they try and directly adapt a book to a film, mainly because when I read a book I think how I would make it as a film and see everything in my head from the camera angles I would use so when someone else directs and it's not what I saw in my head I'm disappointed, even though I'm sure it's exactly what the director saw in his head.

cyberstick05

07-21-2009, 06:19 PM

I imagine I can't be the first to recognise this but, the transcripts of the show are automatically generated...and HILARIOUS!

A must read...

kzap

07-21-2009, 06:25 PM

I imagine I can't be the first to recognise this but, the transcripts of the show are automatically generated...and HILARIOUS!

A must read...
LOL, This apparently what I said:

" Yes -- me -- you directly from my avatar in the form on Kazaa. Anyway on this -- sexist URS to -- did you review -- part of forming. So given up -- Harry Potter franchise at the moment lost room with my good in my opinion. Or say the media game trolling amnesia problem pronouncing that right. And via TV series -- and seven BB CTV series. I thought that was quite good. Anyway I got. My form blocking."

If anyone is wondering (which I no no-one is) my video is based on my old forum avatar because I couldn't find my hat and was in a hurry.

knightofni

07-21-2009, 06:36 PM

I'm a long time watcher of TRS, but first time writing to the forums.
I just downloaded the latest episode and saw something rather odd:

You are reviewing: "... The Secret of Money Island: Special Edition"
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6080/trs.png

Well haven't seen the show yet, maybe it is a bank simulator. Probably about the island where all the money went. ;-)

Just to let you know!

kzap

07-21-2009, 06:39 PM

rmbean

07-21-2009, 07:05 PM

Just saw this week’s show and wanted to point out that a bunch of guys from Lucasarts jumped ship a few years back and started Telltale Games. Their first project was continuing the Sam & Max stories (absolutely awesome) but they just recently started a new Monkey Island story as well. It is similar gameplay to the later Monkey Island games and the writing/acting seems pretty top-notch so far. It is being released in 5 episodic “chapters” with one coming out every month. The first just came out a few weeks ago. Check it out! www.telltalegames.com

bmwt

07-21-2009, 07:56 PM

The HD 30 fps link seem to be the same version as the HD Quicktime

only temporarily :) the 30fps version is now in fact 30fps.

-b

cucumberboy

07-21-2009, 09:33 PM

As for the email question, how come no one mentioned Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy? The most wonderful book in the world, but a terrible, terrible movie.

bjkrautk

07-21-2009, 09:36 PM

Yea! They used my intro, what do you think? I didn't have much time to do it in so I kept it simple, I think it came out rather well and they linked it in perfectly.

Visually it looked good, it showed off a level of creativity, and it set up the show well. Although I'd rather see the guys start a show by riffing off the Harry Potter movies (original intro-style), your intro seems to be exactly the type of idea they were looking for. Well done.

I like Merlin, but I don't love it. As a procedural, magician-of-the-week show, it is light and fun; it's the Arthurian legend side which leaves me lacking. Knowing the source material ("The Once and Future King" being my favorite treatment), and knowing where the characters are supposed to go....it is hard for me to see the dots connecting, particularly with regard to Guenivere and Morgana.

kzap

07-21-2009, 09:43 PM

As for the email question, how come no one mentioned Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy? The most wonderful book in the world, but a terrible, terrible movie.
Agreed

Visually it looked good, it showed off a level of creativity, and it set up the show well. Although I'd rather see the guys start a show by riffing off the Harry Potter movies (original intro-style), your intro seems to be exactly the type of idea they were looking for. Well done.
Thanks I wanted to keep it simple and not go too geeky, also advertising the forums is no bad thing (it was originally going to be my twitter but I thought that was too far).
I think the worst intros are when the people try to do too much.
And I too really want the old intro back but I thought any intro is better than no fan intro at all and I got to be on an episode of TRS!!!! More people should do intros, it doesn't have to be super creative you could make it more personal, just saying you are a fan of the show.

I like Merlin, but I don't love it. As a procedural, magician-of-the-week show, it is light and fun; it's the Arthurian legend side which leaves me lacking. Knowing the source material ("The Once and Future King" being my favorite treatment), and knowing where the characters are supposed to go....it is hard for me to see the dots connecting, particularly with regard to Guenivere and Morgana.
Yea, it's just a fun, rainy Sunday afternoon type show.

jestempies

07-21-2009, 10:07 PM

I'm in the middle of Dan, Alex and Jeff for Merlin, I thought it was pretty good but hated the second episode and did find some of it a little low budget and by the numbers but my brother was I huge fan so I watched it with him and enjoyed it.

The second episode is awful. It's almost entirely predictable, except for the things that make no sense. I can stand low budget, but it doesn't explain logical errors.

For example, when Merlin goes to Valiant's room to cut off a snake's head to make the antidote, he uses magic to open the bolt on the door. What we don't find out, however, is how exactly did Valiant close the bolt from the outside...

Fortunately the show does get better later in the season, especially the writing. I even got a few laughs from episode 7.

hectos

07-21-2009, 11:33 PM

Is it me or has Co-Op and TRS covered the same game for the past 2 episodes...hmmmm

trsjeff

07-21-2009, 11:50 PM

Is it me or has Co-Op and TRS covered the same game for the past 2 episodes...hmmmm

It's you.

-Jeff

gm_wil

07-22-2009, 01:56 AM

Watching it now . . .

http://homepage.mac.com/wilknoble/wall.jpg

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bboysno

07-22-2009, 02:04 AM

Awesome! They used my open mailbag question for the intro discussion (albeit changed a little by Dan). But it was a nice surprise, so thanks guys :-). I was thinking about it after watching Arrested Development and imagining Ron Howard's voice in my head narrating the inane ventures I was undertaking in my life. I wonder what the business-savvy millionaire Jesus would sound like.

Nice job kzap with the intro video too. Now I'm wondering what other "Harry Potter magic on the internet" there would be besides talking avatars. Probably a lot of annoying ones like giant forum trolls that eat posts, caps lock howlers...

cybersuchus

07-22-2009, 02:08 AM

Epic intro Kzap.

masherscf

07-22-2009, 04:05 AM

Yep, nicely done kzap.

cwilkey

07-22-2009, 04:21 AM

I tried to use the code at Jinx and it isn't working! It's TRSComicCon right? Did I miss out?

EDIT: I'm an idiot and it worked fine!

joni_delft

07-22-2009, 06:04 AM

Millionaire Jesus = my new band name. I'm with you Jeff- shows like Merlin are simply of no interest to me whatsoever. Wish I could make it down to Comic Con this year but it just wasn't meant to be. I'll have to live vicariously through next week's episode...

ojimaru

07-22-2009, 08:44 AM

By the looks of it, TRS should limit their game reviews to thoughtless, twitch-action games. That way Alex won't have to file for mental abuse.

"Must--get--out of---Flame Wreath!!!"

Nah, I kid. Really.

Did enjoy Trine's review on TRS and Co-Op, although I'm a little surprised no mention of The Lost Vikings was made. I agreed with Dan on the stiff grapple-swing mechanics, and was equally annoyed with the ultra-sensitive objects that would do somersaults in mid-air after the slightest bumps. I just hope it gets to the XBLA with adjustable sensitivity for aiming.

wideawakewesley

07-22-2009, 09:19 AM

Intro = WIN!

Well done kzap!

I'm very much in the Alex camp when it comes to games like Monkey Island. I can appreciate them as classics, but they frustrate the heck out of me. Where are the point and click adventures that rely on logic and genuine detective work rather than obscure bullsh*t! Also, as a man with little time to game, I'm not going to waste it sitting in front of my TV scratching my head.

Quite surprised there's a reasonable amount of love for Merlin. Can't say I'm that impressed with the show. Although it does get marginally better. If there was an easy listening genre for TV Merlin would be in it. Still it's a step up from the BBCs Robin Hood (ugh) and miles better than the turd that is ITVs Primeval, but it's nowhere near as good as the BBCs Dr. Who, Torchwood or Being Human (25th July BBCA).

jestempies

07-22-2009, 10:15 AM

Where are the point and click adventures that rely on logic and genuine detective work rather than obscure bullsh*t!

I have the same problem with p&c adventure games, they seem to require one to patiently try all possible actions all the time and are frustratingly linear.

They were great for their time, since back then most games were very simple, and Sierra games had a lot of high quality content as compared to your average platformer. But like with any other genre, you either like it or not. I don't.

I've leveled all classes to 70 in WoW, and last time I've checked I've played over 3500 games in Spider Solitaire since last Windows reinstall. I think all gaming comes down to choosing the kind of mindless, repetitive grind you personally enjoy :)

cucumberboy

07-22-2009, 11:24 AM

Watching it now . . .

http://homepage.mac.com/wilknoble/wall.jpg

-

Glorious. I frickin' love seeing my backgrounds in different cool places. Thanks for that.

Where are the point and click adventures that rely on logic and genuine detective work rather than obscure bullsh*t!

I totally agree. There are hardly any games like the one you described, but I can recommend a game which technically isn't that great, but which have puzzles that you can totally figure out, but that aren't to easy either. The game is called Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, and I had a lot of fun with it.

knightofni

07-22-2009, 04:58 PM

I totally agree. There are hardly any games like the one you described, but I can recommend a game which technically isn't that great, but which have puzzles that you can totally figure out, but that aren't to easy either. The game is called Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, and I had a lot of fun with it.

I still think that the original Sam & Max was the best point'n'click game ever. Haven't played the episodes yet.

I remember playing "Still life" which was nice too, but way darker.

The most logic point'n'click would be minesweepers right? ;-)

p2a1x7

07-22-2009, 06:34 PM

As for the email question, how come no one mentioned Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy? The most wonderful book in the world, but a terrible, terrible movie.

Anything with Zooey Deschanel in it does not warrant two terribles. To me even one terrible is not acceptable. I'll watch anything with her no matter how bad other people say it is :)

And just gotta repeat everyone else and say good job kzap since it will probably be the best fan intro we'll see :)

heyseuss

07-22-2009, 09:31 PM

gm_wil

07-22-2009, 09:57 PM

To those that say they love Ryan Reynolds as much as Dan says he doe, please check out his smaller films (hint hint Alex, he's done stuff other than VanWilder and Blade).

Foolproof. Buying The Cow. Chaos Theory. Finders Fee. Definitely, Maybe. School Of Life. Waiting. Just Friends. Smokin Aces

Slowly making it through that list 'cause I've been a huge fan of his since 2 guys, girl, pizza place (same with fillion.) Chaos Theory, School of Life, and Definately Maybe are really good.

Anything with Zooey Deschanel in it does not warrant two terribles. To me even one terrible is not acceptable. I'll watch anything with her no matter how bad other people say it is :)

Agree 100%

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heyseuss

07-22-2009, 10:11 PM

Slowly making it through that list 'cause I've been a huge fan of his since 2 guys, girl, pizza place (same with fillion.) Chaos Theory, School of Life, and Definately Maybe are really good.

I've not seen The Nines or Amityville Horror. To some degree, Waiting is fairly well known and Smokin Aces and Just Friends were fairly big movies. His role isn't great in Smokin Aces, not exactly exploiting his talent, but Just Friends is utterly heelarryus.

Of all the other things he's done that I've seen, they are too small to reccommend.

I do recommend Chaos Theory but with the warning regarding the terrible soundtrack.

Definately Maybe

http://d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.com/ ;)

tsmith15

07-22-2009, 10:20 PM

Just Friends was very good, and I also loved parts of Waiting.

He also has a good role in Adventureland.

Ryan Reynolds is pretty much my #1 hunk in hollywood.

cucumberboy

07-22-2009, 10:42 PM

To those that say they love Ryan Reynolds as much as Dan says he doe, please check out his smaller films (hint hint Alex, he's done stuff other than VanWilder and Blade).

Foolproof. Buying The Cow. Chaos Theory. Finders Fee. Definitely, Maybe. School Of Life. Waiting. Just Friends. Smokin Aces

Seen Foolproof, Chaos Theory, School of Life and Finder's Fee. All except School of Life I found to be really solid. School of Life was pretty good but a bit too cheesy for my taste. If you had to recommend one of the others, which would it be?

heyseuss

07-22-2009, 10:52 PM

Seen Foolproof, Chaos Theory, School of Life and Finder's Fee. All except School of Life I found to be really solid. School of Life was pretty good but a bit too cheesy for my taste. If you had to recommend one of the others, which would it be?

School Of Life was very 'daytime TV-ish'. It appeals to the 13 year old in me (insert pedo jokes here....not there, HERE ), but it's overall pretty damn good.

Just Friends is great comedy due to everything about it and everyone in it. Buying The Cow is comedy, he's in his prime comedic styling in it. Definitely Maybe is a romcom with a thick story, but overall good for a romcom, but it Definitely plays within the romcom tropes to the rule. See them all, is what I'd recommend. The styles and genres vary, so, go for the ride.

gm_wil

07-23-2009, 01:15 AM

Just Friends is great comedy due to everything about it and everyone in it.

His costar is friggin adorable and charming in every way . . . the bloopers are hilarious - espeically the "I'm baking cookies!" with a face full of batter had me rolling (i think ive said that before too)

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gabeja

07-23-2009, 01:59 AM

I think that silence of the lambs answers the question pretty well.

farside0013

07-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Good episode guys, looking forward to seeing you at the Con on Friday.

Just wanted to say for all you adventure game fans out, there are still good games being released since the genre lost out to FPS back in the 90s, they're just hard to come by sometimes. Of course, Telltale is out there continuing the old LucasArts classics with Sam and Max and Tales of Monkey Island, both of which have been great games so far. Haven't played Bone or Wallace and Gromit, but I've played a bit of the Homestar Runner game and it's good if your a fan of those cartoons.

The Adventure Company still publishes adventure games, though they tend to be more serious games than the funnier LucasArts.

Sierra a few years back released sets of Police, Kings and Space Quest that were Windows XP compatible.

And I also recommend the Game of the Year edition of Dreamfall if you can find it. Dreamfall itself was pretty mediocre, but it comes with a copy of The Longest Journey, which in my opinion ranks right up there with Grim Fandango as the best combination of story and design. Great game.

kinglewie2152uk

07-23-2009, 03:58 PM

I've got to admit to not being much of a "Potter" fan....I've never read the books, but I've still watched all the movies, generally for the special effects. But I do agree with Alex that the actors have improved since the first film, tenfold! I think it's the only story that covers that genre though....there's no real competition. Seems like more of a money spinner to me!

Here's a funny take on Harry Potter from a comedy show called "Mock the Week" in the UK. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7838Z0EhXFc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7838Z0EhXFc)

Has anyone read, and seen the film "Primal Fear"....with Edward Norton and Richard Gere....now that was a flick that really lived up to the book!

bobafettjm

07-23-2009, 09:08 PM

I think Just Friends is a hilarious movie. I ended up watching it with a group of people who wanted to watch it and I didn't, but I ended up loving it.

I just finished the first two parts of Monkey Island. I have to say I still have just as much fun as I ever did playing it, if not more. As an adult I "get" a lot more of the jokes and for that matter the subtle hints as what to do next. I noticed a lot of small things in the dialog that if thought about enough tell what to do next. I am really hoping they continue with this trend of putting these on XBLA.

cucumberboy

07-24-2009, 09:20 AM

His costar is friggin adorable and charming in every way . . . the bloopers are hilarious - espeically the "I'm baking cookies!" with a face full of batter had me rolling (i think ive said that before too)

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She's everything Megan Fox is not.

gm_wil

07-24-2009, 01:35 PM

She's everything Megan Fox is not.

awesome - so friggin true - no contest

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tapar

07-25-2009, 02:41 AM

I am a TRS newbie, but I have loved the 8-9 episodes I have watched so far. I am starting to work my way backwards and can't get the damn theme song out of my head. lol. I like how the guys all seem to have their own opinions and they don't always have to agree.

I was really excited to hear about the monkey island re-release! I saw it get really popular when it came out originally but never managed to get on board. I always felt like I missed a classic with that one. I wasn't sure if the re-release was a sequel or not and watching the guys talk about it not only educated me, but it ended up convincing me that I need to check it out.

I was VERY surprised that Jeff has not seen Buffy and am glad Alex and Dan are pressuring him to see the show. He mentioned being at the start of season 2 and that is where things started to pick up for me. I didn't like the 1st season when I watched it live but it ended up being one of my favorite shows so I really hope he updates us on his thoughts after he finishes that season, I am really interested to hear his take on it. The only show that I am more nostalgic for would be the Starblazers cartoon from the late 70's.

Anyway, just thought this episode was great and it is the one that hooked me on the TRS show. Thanks, and I am glad I can work my way back through the older shows...gotta love the internet!!

jgmcgowan

07-25-2009, 06:42 AM

(Posting this before watching)

Really liking Merlin so far. Didn't even pick up on the fact that it was a British Import until a few weeks ago when I noticed the cinematography was exactly like Robin Hood. I was afraid after a few episodes NBC was going to cancel it, but I know the BBC wouldn't be so ill-guided so I can at least continue watching it no matter what.

I was a big fan of Robin Hood (BBC) and in general any BBC show (Doctor Who, Torchwood, Top Gear, Gordon Ramsay's shows), I just wish Hulu could get access to BBC America.

rsone

07-25-2009, 12:33 PM

Dan needs to learn some french, the "ie" in Amélie is pronounced like the "ea" in easy.

cucumberboy

07-25-2009, 10:32 PM

Dan needs to learn some french, the "ie" in Amélie is pronounced like the "ea" in easy.

Yup. That pronounctiation was pretty off, but most french speakers have a terrible pronounciation of english words so...

trunolimit

07-26-2009, 09:41 AM

doesn't Merlin live backward in time?

masherscf

07-26-2009, 12:43 PM

doesn't Merlin live backward in time?

Not in the original telling. The Arthurian legend has been retold many times.

gabrie11e

07-26-2009, 05:43 PM

What a suprise - "King Bumi" is the voice of the shopkeeper and the old man on the lookout. I couldn't find the list of voice actors for the Special Edition. Did anyone recognize anyone else?

lik

07-27-2009, 06:00 PM

What a suprise - "King Bumi" is the voice of the shopkeeper and the old man on the lookout. I couldn't find the list of voice actors for the Special Edition. Did anyone recognize anyone else?

that shopkeeper's voice actor added so much to the character. i thought he was funny without a voice n the original but the added voice had me crackin' up. one of my fave voices in the SE version. :D