Seb_Murtagh Reviews

Fear the Walking Dead (2015–2023)

So much promise but ultimately disappointed...

[4/10 · 5 October 2015]

The one scene which had always deeply haunted me from TWD was the flashback of Lori and Shane stranded on the freeway and realising how perilously helpless they were as they witnessed the military bombing Atlanta. I instantly wanted to delve deeper into that emotional scenario and explore the origins of the outbreak, seeing how society tore itself apart in the face of such atrocity...

Unfortunately, despite being billed as a prequel that would explore these things, FTWD doesn't provide us with that.

Although the season started off with promise, I was baffled that by the end of episode 3, the 'end-of-the-world' had already happened but all I had seen was a bit of rioting and the demise of the local school, from the viewpoint of one family.

Sure, there were scattered scares and jumps but generally, it all happened too quickly and too easily, with some of the main characters more than happy and able to just start killing! There was no evolution or progression of people's character, instead everyone seemed to emotionally adapt perfectly with the situation. Leading right up to the finale, and with the last scene itself, there were too many predictable moments and plot holes.

It's a shame as I feel that the story could've explored the outbreak on a wider level rather than focusing on a painfully-obvious fictitious family. And considering how deep we are with Rick and the gang in TWD, I have no interest whatsoever in starting to follow a new band of people, especially ones as flawed as these.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Wow...

[9/10 · 26 July 2008]

Many people before me had praised the brilliance of this film and so when I entered, I expected a lot... and I got it.

The opening scene really sets the tone and pace of the rest of the movie, with twists, betrayal and chaos all playing equally huge parts as the actors themselves. It would be an understatement to call Heath Ledger's 'Joker' a marvellous character because in actual fact, the Joker was an amazingly brutal, satirical but most importantly believable person - not just a character.

The rest of the cast also portrayed their counter-parts very well with some fantastic dialogue being injected by the talents of the Nolan brothers, and the sweet action sequences were given an extra dimension of life with the musical score.

Overall, the tone was completely different to the first film, with a very chaotic and often scary set up being used here. The story and acting is simply awesome with Heath Ledger's performance stealing the show deservedly. Best two and a half hours I have spent in a cinema in a long time.

RIP Heath Ledger

The Warriors (2005 Video Game)

Another Smash Hit From Rockstar

[10/10 · 24 February 2006]

Firstly, I have to say that The Warriors film is great. A real cult classic, and I was thrilled when I heard that it was to be made into a game. At first I wondered how they'd get around the fact that the game would be short if they just focused on the film's happenings, but I then heard that alongside Sol Yurick, Rockstar would be creating a Prequel to the film. And I must say they pulled it off well. They managed to introduce new factors and people, but were able to keep the gritty atmosphere of the film. It was cool to see how it all unfolded, having yourself to play as one of the 9 Warriors. The actual game play itself wasn't bad either. We're all used to Rockstar's other major title, GTA and I was expecting something of a similar sort, but it was far from it. The fighting styles and system was fantastic, giving the player dozens of ways to land some lethal moves....and without using a gun! The blood and gore isn't a turnoff either and makes you feel warm inside when you've completed a battle and see your Warrior half dead, but still hanging on! (A little comedy Rockstar addition i think.) It's great at how detailed the game is as well. Not in the sense of graphics or physics system but the options available. Whether it be beating a bum for money, getting arrested, mugging civilians, robbing a shop, smashing things up or stealing car radios frantically by rolling the L3 stick! Another thing is the "Warlord commands." It gives you that touch more power and definitely helps the game progress.....

It's also satisfying to experience such a great thing like The Warriors again. Seeing the gang defending their honour and name on the streets of New York........And it's a superb game, that can easily be played and completed, then played again for fun like other Rockstar releases. However don't expect to be beating it too soon. Crammed full of bonus mini games and missions, you should be playing this title for some time. I personally give it a 9/10