Remembering 2015 - The best things I liked about the year

2015 is drawing to a close, and by the time this post is up, it will certainly be something to remember and honor with so many stuff that's happened throughout the year that I am deeply happy and honored to experience and witness. 

The picture above is my collage of cosplay events and activities that have seen me step up the game and take on new roles, as well as keeping things up as a certain Dark Knight, aiming higher as the Emerald Archer of Star City, weaving the web of destiny with fellow Webheads, and so much more. Along with a new Star Wars film ushering in a new saga for a new generation and getting to cosplay Luke Skywalker, there's a ton to be happy about 2015.

For now, this list will concentrate on some of the things I enjoyed in 2015 - namely TV, Movies, Games, and Comic Books!


I. BEST 2015 TV SHOW - Arrow & The Flash (aka The CW DC TV Universe)

Technically "ONE BIG SHOW" as Arrow star and "Green Arrow" himself Stephen Amell describe, The CW has been hitting it strong by delivering an awesome duo combination of new seasons for "The Flash" and "Arrow", weaving together a cohesive universe where DC fans can witness the Scarlet Speedster and Emerald Archer dish out superheroics and justice... And come 2016, a new spinoff with a unique set of time-travelling heroes joins them in "DC's Legends of Tomorrow"!

II. BEST 2015 MOVIE - CREED

While the return of the Star Wars saga with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" certainly felt awesome and the numbers are raking in each with by the billions, I am certainly a "quality over quantity" kind of film viewer, and "Creed" took my breath away with its ability to show that truly "your legacy is more than a name" and the story of the underdog "going the distance" started by Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa films can continue on with Michael B. Jordan's stellar performance as Adonis Johnson Creed, the son of Rocky's late boxing rival and friend, Apollo Creed.

This movie is just pure gold. It deserves as Oscar just for being that good.

III. BEST 2015 VIDEO GAME - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

A HIDEO KOJIMA GAME.

That's pretty much how much I enjoyed this game, and while I feel cheated that it lacked substance thanks to the pressures and inconsiderate nature of Konami, I still have to tip my hat off to creator Hideo Kojima and his team for giving us what is truly Tactical Espionage Operations redefined. Play this in the PS4 for 60 fps goodness... And "V Has Come To" is just begging to be experience.

IV. BEST COMIC BOOK - Batman (Jim Gordon as Batman saga)

Now I certainly DID NOT EXPECT THIS.

Following the climactic "EndGame" storyline that presumably saw the end of Bruce Wayne's career as Batman and the end of The Joker, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo turn things 180 degrees and introduce a new kind of Dark Knight for a Gotham City that still needs him... And it's none other than the Caped Crusader's old ally in the GCPD, James Gordon. Giving up the commissioner role and training his body to fit the job that only he could understand, this reverse dynamic is probably one of the best twists since Dick Grayson and Damien Wayne became the new Dynamic Duo in Morrison's Batman, and oh Jim has a Bat armor he uses and calls "Rookie".

V. BEST SONG - "Hotline Bling"

Drake's latest is just amusing because it's Meme Worthy.XD


And that about wraps it... THANK YOU 2015!!! Prepare for 2016 everybody!

Timzster VLog: Star Wars: The Force Awakens reactions!

It's a BIG WEEK for Star Wars fans, as Star Wars: The Force Awakens has FINALLY ARRIVED and continues the saga proper with a new sequel set 30 years after Return of The Jedi!

Having already watched it a couple of times in theaters, I needed to get my reactions out on the awesome epic space opera saga's return!


Also, I made a NON-SPOILER review via UnGeek PH, so check it out there!

Go catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens... IN THEATERS NOW!

Timzster V-Logs - BvS, Cap CW, MGS V, FF VII, Star Wars, and more

It's been a while since I've done a video log, but here we are at the last month of 2015 and at the peak of the holiday season where plenty of things are happening!

In this Vlog, reactions and stuff on the ff topics:
- New trailers for BvS and Captain America: Civil War
- Batman: The Dark Knight Saga and its sequel Dark Knight III: The Master Race
- The Game Awards controversy with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain and Hideo Kojima getting barred from attending,
-The new Final Fantasy VII Remake trailer that debuted in Playstation Experience
- Unboxing the Star Wars: The Force Awakens package I received from Walt Disney Studios PH
- That awesome Arrow Flash Crossover

Enjoy!

Many Happy Returns 2015

It's another year and another cause for celebration for this Dark Knight... And so here's a collage to show what I mean.

Definitely the kind of collage that describes this Dark Knight's bday celebration greetings.😑🎉🎂👍🏻 #Timzster #BatmanPH #Batman #BatFamilyPH #BatFamily #BatPapa #JusticePH #November2015

A photo posted by Tim V. (Batman Of Justice PH) (@timzster) on Nov 22, 2015 at 7:52am PST

Pretty much how everything went down today.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE GREETINGS!!!

Movie Review: SPECTRE (2015)

It's been quite a while since the last time we saw Daniel Craig wear the tux and woo the girls as James Bond, but all that changed last weekend when the English actor returned to reprise his signature role as 007 in the 24th film in the series entitled "Spectre", which formally reintroduces a familiar terrorist organization from classic Bond lore into the rebooted universe that began with 2006's Casino Royale. Once again directed by Skyfall director Sam Mendes, this new entry in the long running secret agent franchise carries with it a lot of expectation and anticipation, not just in continuing Craig's outstanding tenure as 007 but also planting those familiar themes and tropes that have become so distinguishable in classic Bond films into a modern setting.

Having seen the movie a couple of times now in theaters, it's time to carry on with this review for what is arguably one of the finest Bond films I have seen in my lifetime. SPOILER WARNING naturally, so here we go with the review for "Spectre" and special thanks goes to Columbia Pictures Philippines for bringing this film to our shores!

October 21, 2015 - BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY

Pretty much my own post and tribute of honoring a day that ALL fans of the "Back To The Future" films have been waiting for... The year that Doc Brown and Marty travel to the future in Back To The Future Part 2 (which was actually released on my 6th bday)! It's October 21, 2015 - Back To The Future Day!



While we don't have any flying cars, time machines, or Mr. Fusions yet, there've been a number of coincidences that ACTUALLY happened, and Pepsi Perfects were made after all!

I've honored the day via a blog post and then on IG, with the latter pic shown below!

That being said and before the day ends... GREAT SCOTT, HAPPY BACK TO THE FUTURE DAY!!!!

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain CE Unboxing Video

It's been a while since I've posted... And actually did an "Unboxing Video" for a change!

Arguably Game of the Year material for the year 2015, Hideo Kojima's swan song of a game in "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain" is everything a Metal Gear fan like myself could ask for in a video game combining stealth, action, and open-world gameplay...



Now how about an awesome Collector's Edition of that game to compliment things? Here's an unboxing video of the CE that not only contains a Day One copy of the game and a bonus Blu-Ray disc w/ a steel case... but a half-scale replica of the Bionic Arm of the protagonist himself... Venom Snake!

"Kept You Waiting, Huh?"... And I'm still enjoying The Phantom Pain as of this post! AWESOME HIDEO KOJIMA GAME!

Movie Review: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)

Spy films are a genuine pleasure to watch if done right, and it's rewarding whenever you get a movie that serves a sense of adventure packed together with daring escapes, loads of twists, and of course that chemistry between the hero, his allies, and the girl he gets in the end.

But what happens when you get a smooth operating CIA agent working together with a KGB assassin with a temper? A lot more danger between the two of them that just makes the ride all appealing, as Guy Ritchie adapts one of the most influential television series from the 1960's in "The Man From U.N.CL.E.", and casts two of Hollywood's dashing young actors as the two leads that will make or break the film based on their looks and skills.

After seeing the film in IMAX, it's definitely something to check out. For your consideration and if you're looking for some spy film action, here's a review!

Timzster V-Logs: SDCC 2015, Batman v Superman, Batman: Arkham Knight, Green Arrow, and More!

After that LONG WEEKEND OF AWESOME that was the San Diego Comic-Con, I decide to come back to VLogging and record again - Giving some recaps and insights of the exciting stuff I read and followed online with all that glorious SDCC news! The new Batman v Superman trailer! Comic Book Movies! Stephen Amell debuting as the "Green Arrow" for Arrow Season 4! Comic Book thoughts from this month's Batman and Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows! All that... Plus finishing and giving some thoughts on the FINALE of Rocksteady Studios Batman Arkham video game series with Batman: Arkham Knight for PS4!


Timzster VLogs - SDCC 2015, Batman v Superman, Batman: Arkham Knight, Green Arrow, and More!
Literally, there's so much to talk about and express! Enjoy the video!XD

Batman: Arkham Knight, ToyCon 2015, and ending June 2015 right...

So... June ends and I return to this blog as Batman fever goes on strong once more...

It's been a LONG TIME since I've written something in this personal blog of mine (but you can still follow my daily posts at PopCultureCrusader), but I've been preoccupied... ESPECIALLY with a certain game that came out one week ago and literally convinced me to pick up a Playstation 4 FINALLY.

Naturally, I just had to get the Limited Edition "Batman: Arkham Knight" bundle edition, with a nice and sweet Batman "Steel Gray" custom decal look for the console. I'm currently busy playing the game and there's PLENTY of ground to explore and cover!

Thanks to the awesome "Share" feature of the PS4, I can now share pics and videos of my gameplay, such as this one where I test out the new "Fear Takedown" maneuver for Batman in the game!



Also, a brief recap of the month's activities is in order.

TOYCON 2015 - Literally the BIGGEST and FUNNEST con I've attended and had this year so far besides Nexcon! Attending all three days, it saw the debut of my "Kung Fury" cosplay (WATCH THE MOVIE HERE), as well as reprisals of Arrow and Batman! In fact, Justice PH celebrates its 5th anniversary this year, and the team was well represented!

And now as we enter July... What else can happen? We'll just have to wait and see! I'll be delivering more justice via Arkham Knight! See you around, peeps!

The Timzster V-Logs Episode 1 - Welcome to the V-Log!

Since I haven't updated for a LONG TIME, I've decided to try something different...

Hi Guys! Welcome to this Writer, Multimedia Artist, Collector, and Cosplayer's new Vlog Series!

After much consideration and deliberation, I decided to go and make it. Welcome to the first episode - where I pretty much just talk about anything that floats my boat about popculturedom and hobbies... And oh of course, Batman!XD

Seriously though, this episode tackles more of getting some new sweet New 52 Batman wear, as well as some comic hauls from this month of March that include Batman: Arkham Knight #1 from DC Comics and the new Spider-Gwen ongoing series from Marvel!

Then, it's plugging the new "World of DC PH" events hitting this coming April 18 to celebrate the worldwide celebration of DC Comics' 80th Anniversary, the Philippines included!

And here's my very first V-Log Entry Episode:


Enjoy the watch! More to come soon! ;)

Movie Review: American Sniper

My second entry to 2015 comes with much enthusiasm for the year's slate of Hollywood films - There's SO MUCH GOOD MOVIES to look forward to later this year, and we're getting a sampling of them already in just the first month alone. That's pretty much a good indicator of just how much positive vibes I have for sure hit blockbuster flicks like Avengers: Age of Ultron, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and plenty more... But we also have to take in the serious pieces, comedies, and biographical pictures that will certainly be coming our way as well as the year rolls onward.

However, I'd be hard-pressed to find something that's as awe-inspiring, bold, and captivating as "American Sniper" - the brand new film directed by Clint Eastwood that serves as the official biographical war drama pic that tells the life of Chris Kyle - United States Navy SEALS soldier, father, husband, and the MOST LETHAL SNIPER IN US MILITARY HISTORY to date.

Here's a review for the film just before the month ends, and just on its second week in cinemas to date. Special thanks goes to Warner Bros. PH for the screening earlier this January!

First Entry for 2015: Happy New Year! Updates and a Movie Review: Taken 3!

It's a new year and the third week of 2015, and here's a belated Happy New Year greeting to you all! It's been a while since I've posted any reviews, updates, or news in this personal blog of mine, and I'm hoping to change all that as time goes on this year. With so much other things keeping me preoccupied and busy, I find myself hard pressed to do so given several other things to do in my list. Still, there's always the usual channels and avenues you can follow me and my adventures- such as my Facebook page, and my Twitter and Instagram accounts!

One of those things is handling other sites, such as my daily news blog with Pop Culture Crusader, and my brand new writing duties in UnGeek PH! You'll see plenty of what I have to say or share about just about everything and anything hobby related in those two sites, and news that comes along for movies, comics, games, etc.

And of course, there's the fact that I still cosplay! While I haven't gone to any event yet for this year, me and my fellow cosplay teams of Justice PH and Enchantment PH welcomed 2015 with a bang by joining the festivities of the grand "2015 Philippine Countdown Celebration" held at the Philippine Arena at Bulacan! As you can see right above, there's a greeting for the new year I made on behalf of my heroic cosplay group, and you can check out pics of that 2014 ender of an event in each of the team's respective Facebook pages, which are linked above!

And of course, The CW's DC Comics' programs with Arrow and the Flash are coming back this week! I myself have cosplayed the Emerald Archer of TV as portrayed by the talented Stephen Amell, and I can't wait to get back in the hood and wield the bow soon enough.

Anyway, it's time to restart the blog with some thoughts on the very first movie I've seen this year - Liam Neeson's KICKASS RETURN as ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills in the third installment of the action-packed Taken film series with "Taken 3"!

Now for those who are new to this and the franchise altogether, I'm going to be real honest and direct - This mini-review WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS, and I got to see this flick a few days before it opened courtesy of 20th Century Fox Philippines. I'd highly recommend you go watch Taken and Taken 2 first before stepping into this one-man-do-whatever-it-takes movie that just shows that even in his age, Mr. Neeson is a force to be reckoned with... And you certainly don't want to piss off a man with "A very particular set of skills" that he can use to get the job done.

TAKEN 3 | Exclusive Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX
In this third installment of the Taken Trilogy, Neeson reprises his role as Bryan Mills, a ex-covert operative who has saved his family twice from forces who would seek to kidnap and use them in their own sinister desires and vendettas. Some years after those two incidents, Bryan has kept close ties with his own daughter Kim (Maggie Grace), and is slowly rekindling his relationship and romance with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen). Unfortunately for Bryan, he goes home to his apartment one day and finds Lenny dead on his own bed. Framed for her murder and hunted down by the combined forces of the police, CIA, and FBI, Mills is determined to find out who killed his ex-wife and protect his daughter from suffering the same fate. To do this, he evades the law and takes it upon himself to track down those responsible... Using his "particular set of skills" to get the job done and end the madness once and for all.

As with any action movie sequel that follows up from a highly successful first film, Taken 3 is pretty much loyal to its fanbase (including yours truly), and will impress those looking to see Liam Neeson kick butt and take names. Critics may not be so forgiving, but that's beside the point of seeing this movie - you're here to see someone take out the bad guys with extreme measures, and that's something that's both the definition of entertainment and a popcorn flick you can take your family, friends, or dates to if they're in the mood for it. Luc Besson and Olivier Megaton return as producer and director respectively to give another challenge to the life of Mr. Mills that seeks more out of him than ever before, and it becomes very personal after he loses his ex-wife. Also, Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker joins this film as the head inspector sent to chase Mills named Franck Dotzler, and you know his presence adds more encouragement for action buffs to see this film.

So without any doubts on the matter, if you're a Taken fan, do go and see this film for the assurance that you will be entertained. The film is now on its second week as of this writing, so do yourself a favor... And get some nice action from a guy who doesn't like him or his family to be messed around with.

And that about wraps it for my first blog entry return for 2015! More improvements and updates to come with the site... And here's me sporting a brand new Playstation Vita! Time for some portable gaming goodness!Xd