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‘Return To Monkey Island’ – the beloved franchise is back!

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Devolver Digital / Lucasfilm Games

It’s been 13 years since the last Monkey Island instalment was released in 2009. Going back even further, it’s 32 years since the original game ‘The Secret Of Monkey Island’ was released on the Amiga in 1990. Created by game designers Ron Gilbert and Dave Grossman, it helped launch the point and click genre of adventure games onto a global scale, and introduced young and old gamers to a fun, family-friendly interactive adventure to capture the imagination.

You take control of a young wannabe pirate, Guybrush Threepwood, who arrives on a small island in the Caribbean with aspirations of becoming a – well – a real pirate! A whole host of colourful characters await him on his journey, including the Ghost Pirate LeChuck and Governor Elaine Marley. When the Governor is kidnapped by LeChuck who terrorises the entire Caribbean with his un-dead crew, it falls to you to help Guybrush assemble a crew, get a ship, set sail for the fabled Monkey Island, save Elaine and defeat LeChuck!

‘The Secret Of Monkey Island’ (1990)

This was followed by a hugely successful sequel in 1991; ‘The Secret Of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge’ that expanded and improved on everything we had seen before. Years later in 1997 and under new management after Gilbert and his team parted ways, the third entry – ‘The Curse Of Monkey Island’ – helped introduce new blood to the franchise. New styles of graphics, interactive heads-up display and a full voice cast brought the series to life like never before.

In 2000, the fourth entry – ‘Escape From Monkey Island’ – was released that divided fans and critics. The heart was there, but the inclusion of 3D graphics and removal of the familiar mouse controls for PC was a big shift that didn’t win everyone over. It would be in 2009 when Telltale Games developed an episodic entry called ‘Tales Of Monkey Island’, returning some familiar point and click elements, the full voice cast and a very imaginative fantastical story.

2009 also signalled the revival of both original games with new special editions being released for PC and console. This breathed new life into the classics, bringing the established voice cast to record dialogue, new composition of the score and improved graphics and HUD. It also allowed players to switch between classic and special editions whilst playing for a truly immersive experience of old and new.

‘The Secret Of Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge’ Special Edition (2009)

 And then…all was quiet.

Fans cried out for more Monkey Island, but when Disney acquired LucasFilm Games in 2012 and the entire back catalogue of George Lucas, it seemed the adventures were well and truly over. However, in 2021 when Disney brought Lucasfilm Games back, a glimmer of hope was sparked. And then on April 1st 2022, Ron Gilbert announced the development of a brand new Monkey Island game. Being this was April Fool’s Day and Gilbert was known for his tongue-in-cheek jokes, there was a huge pinch of salt taken with the announcement. But just three days later, Devolver Development released the teaser trailer for ‘Return To Monkey Island’

 After two years of secret conversations with Disney and the old team including Gilbert, Grossman, original composer Clint Bajakian and voice actor Dominic Armato, a new story had been written for the 5th entry into the series. Described as both a direct continuation from LeChuck’s Revenge but with new elements that honour the previous games not under Gilbert’s design, it seems this is the game fans have been waiting years for.

A striking difference noted by many was the art style. While hardcore fans longed for a return to the classic pixel design of the original games, something of a nostalgic comfort blanket, artist Rex Crowle (of ‘Tearaway’ fame) brought the look into 2022 and then some. Taking a 2D style but with a cartoonish, almost paperfolded style, this entry looks nothing but unique and unlike anything that has come before. In order to keep the game fresh and appealing to new gamers and old, Gilbert couldn’t simply harken back to a game design that kept the series in the 90s. He had to take new, bold risks to be innovative and fresh. This looks just that.

‘Return To Monkey Island’ (2022)

With Gilbert and the team releasing mini teasers each Monday in a self-proclaimed Monkey Island Monday, critics and fans worldwide have lapped up everything the game has offered. It holds nods and winks the franchise as a whole (especially the originals) whilst giving us glimpses of new characters, islands and puzzles. The HUD retains the point and click charm but in a modern way. And with a full voice cast back to bring new and old characters to life, it seems this is the perfect time to hoist the main sails and set sail once more as we return to Monkey Island…

‘Return To Monkey Island’ will be available on PC via Steam, macOS and Nintendo Switch from Monday 19th September 2022.

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Rick and Morty Season 7 Trailer Debuts New Voice Actors

Rick and Morty Season 7 trailer debuts a new voice actor for the characters.

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Rick and Morty Season 7 trailer debuts a new voice actors for the characters.

“We want the show to speak for itself,” explained an Adult Swim insider. “We believe in the strength of the season and our new voices and we want to preserve the viewing experience for fans.”

The network is keeping the names of the actors confidential until the season premier. And yes, there will be two different voice actors, one for Rick and one for Morty.

The Hollywood Reporter

Plot:

After having been missing for nearly 20 years, Rick Sanchez suddenly arrives at daughter Beth’s doorstep to move in with her and her family. Although Beth welcomes Rick into her home, her husband, Jerry, isn’t as happy about the family reunion. Jerry is concerned about Rick, a sociopathic scientist, using the garage as his personal laboratory. In the lab, Rick works on a number of sci-fi gadgets, some of which could be considered dangerous. But that’s not all Rick does that concerns Jerry. He also goes on adventures across the universe that often involve his grandchildren, Morty and Summer.

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Entertainment

10 Cozy Films For This Fall Season

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Fall has officially arrived, which only means one thing….the start of my favorite season! Time for you to bring out your sweaters and jumpers grab a hot drink and a snuggly blanket this weekend to settle down and watch some all-time classics which make you feel immersed in the moment of this Autumn/Fall season.

Autumn in New York [credit: MGM]

10. Autumn in New York (2000)
Well, you cannot get any more of an Autumn feel than this film as it is literally in the title itself! While the film will have you baffled with its plot line and complexities. The atmosphere of New York in the fall accompanied by the score of the music may have those who are criers like myself burst out into tears.

9. Legends of The Fall (1994)
Anthony Hopkins playing Brad Pitt’s father will surely draw many viewers to watch this film. However, the rural countryside of Montana is notable with regard to the film even though the overall movie might be leaving you feeling a bit low afterwards.

8. A Tale of Autumn (1998)
A french rom-com set in Autumn with the idea of how you would basically be forming your friend’s dating profile in this day in age so they have a fall boyfriend. Regardless of the scenery, I do love how this displayed a beautiful portrayal of friendship.

7. Far From Heaven (2002)
Personally Julianne Moore Oscar worthy performance! Todd Haynes strikes this film from the get-go with its colour palette with the various shades of red, yellow and orange displaying the depths of Autumn. However, that is not the only depth this film has with its themes and plot line making you realise it was truly ahead of its time.



6. Hero (2002)
Everyone who has seen this film knows your mind instantly goes to the fight scene between Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi). What makes this completely impactful for a fight scene is the rustling sound of the leaves against the sound of the blades of their swords. The entire scene will guarantee to make you feel like you are in a snow globe that is based in Autumn as the leaves are swooshing with the movement of the fight.

5. All That Heaven Allows (1955)
Sometimes you need to really not listen to your kids and go with your heart. What a beautiful melodrama set in fall and winter with the theme of social collision. The performance by Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman is noteworthy to bring the moments of feelings at certain points.

4. Dead Poets Society (1989)
“O Captain, My Captain” this film is one of my favourite Robin Williams performances to date he is known for playing carefree characters like this one, and here you truly see his compassion and passion from the character translate into the boys. The importance of poetry is not only displayed by the storyline but how poetry is translated into the scenery behind the characters making you feel the crisp fall air.

3. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
It is officially time to bring out that white sweater! Yes, this movie is note worthy of a fall tradition each year questioning can two people really be friends after a nightstand. This romcom alongside my favourite season is the reason why it’s so high on the list. Oh to have someone declare their love to me realising they want to spend the rest of their life with me.

2. Good Will Hunting (1997)
A notable performance by Robin Williams as always. How with the complexity of the character themes still hold out to be beautifully written by Matt Damon during his time at Harvard. This has to be considered a fall movie not only because of the setting of the premise during the film but even its poster! Especially getting emotional after Robin Williams passed away the fans would write quotes from the film around the famous wooden bench at the Boston Public Garden as a tribute.

1. Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
“We’re all different. Especially him, but there’s something really kind of fantastic about that, isn’t there?” As someone who has grown up by Roald Dahl this adapted screenplay by Wes Anderson does not fall short (see what I did there!). This stop-motion animation will hold a close place in my heart with the vivid imagery of autumnal tones to bring out the beautiful works of characters.

photo credit: Good Will Hunting [credit: Miramax], Hero 2002 [credit: Miramax]

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Batman

Why Michael Keaton is the Best Batman

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I know that it’s been a little while since “The Flash” came out in theaters, but I got to say that after seeing the movie again on Max, I think that it’s clear to say that Michael Keatonis the best actor that has played the Caped Crusader.

Keaton played the hero in the Tim Burton-directed superhero flick way back in 1989. Many fans were skeptical of the controversial casting but were happy to have him in the film after it was released and welcomed him back for the sequel in 1992.

Here is why Keaton reigns supreme as the comic-book hero.

HE LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR “DARK” BATMAN

Batman 1989 [credit: Warner Bros.]

 

Before Michael Keaton, the only thing that fans had for Batman was Adam West on the 1960s tv series and while the series had its moments, they seemed more campy than actually dark. West had a more comical take on the character which might have been fine for the 1960s but it doesn’t really honor the source material.

Keaton brought the character into darker territory and allowed Batmen after him to run, but only after he had to walk in the batsuit and it was a breath of fresh air to see it.

 

HIS ORIGIN STORY IS MORE TRAGIC

Batman 1989 [credit: Warner Bros.]

 

In the original comics, Bruce Wayne’s parents are killed by the criminal Joe Chill. And the tragic event is what made him the caped crusader. That is a great origin story, however, the 1989 film changes a few things.

In the Tim Burton movie, Jack Napier a.k.a., the Joker kills Wayne’s parents. Albeit, this is before Napier becomes the Joker  but it makes for a great connection as to why Batman has such a true and deep disdain for the Joker, thus making their hero-villain dynamic more palpable to watch.

 

HE TOOK ON A KRYPTONIAN WITHOUT KRYPTONITE

The Flash 2023 [credit: Warner Bros.]

 

If you haven’t seen The Flash, spoiler alert because Keaton’s Batman takes down the kryptonian Nam-ek in the coolest and briefest showdown in the DCEU, where Batman grapples the Kryptonian by the neck attaching bombs to him and finally knocking the alien to the ground with a final explosion.

Keaton can rest easy knowing that he was the only Batman to knock down a Kryptonian without Kryptonite. Not even Affleck could attest to that.

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