The Flickcast

Google Adds Games to Google+

Posted on August 12, 2011

It was only a matter of time I guess as Google has followed in the footsteps of Facebook and announced that it will be adding games to its Google+ social network. According to the search (and social) giant’s company blog:

“We want to bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to the web. “That means giving you control over when you see games, how you play them and with whom you share your experiences.”

Don’t worry, though, the addition of games to Google+ won’t mean constant invitations from your friends to play FarmVille or join their family in Mob Wars. “Games in Google+ are there when you want them and gone when you don’t,” the company said at the blog post. Wel, thank the gods for that.

In the near future you’ll see a new ‘Games’ button added to the top of your Google+ stream. This will allow you to go to the gaming page and add some fun games that you can play. Or, if you’re not interested in games, you never, ever have to click the button. It’s that simple. Seems like a much betteer way to go than the way Facebook is doing it.

Film Score Friday: ‘Spy Kids: All the Time in the World’ by Carl Thiel & Robert Rodriquez

Posted on August 12, 2011

I am a fan of the Spy Kids franchise, there is no shame in admitting that. Even that crazy CGI orgy of mangled ideas that was Spy Kids 3(D) had a certain amount of enjoyment during its run time. One of the trademark elements of the Spy Kids films, and honestly any Robert Rodriquez film, is the music.

Rodriquez usually plays a very active role in the sound of his films, and the newest adventure of the extended Cortez family is no different. Written with Carl Thiel, the score for the fourth Spy Kids feature retains much of the same sound of the franchise predecessors. The music is a fun mix of sexy spy action, trademark Rodriquez guitars and a bubbly sheen that works perfect for this brand of kid movie.

Evoking many of the same tones as the previous Rodriquez kiddie films, this score generally works a collection of themes and action beats for general children consumption.

There is a lot to like about the music on this album, and sight unseen from the context of the film the music has wonderful pace. I find myself going to listen to one track and looking up a little later three or four tracks down the list. There is an infectious quality to the music in this movie, it has all of the bubble gum charm one comes to expect from one of these films.

I particularly appreciate a strong appreciation for specific themes that this soundtrack seems to have. There are themes for almost everyone in this release, and that is exactly how to appeal to younger kids. Broad strokes that are easily identifiable, yet strong on their own.

‘Call of Duty: Black Ops’ Gets a Trailer for the Rezurrection Map Pack

Posted on August 12, 2011

A few days ago, we brought you a peek at the first screen shots for the Rezurrection map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops. As we discussed last time, the Rezurrection pack is an all Zombie mode map pack featuring the brand new Moon level alongside four remastered classic zombie mode maps which were featured in the Hardened and Prestige Editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops. Players who purchased these special editions will receive the Moon map for free while new purchasers will be paying the standard $15 (1200 Microsoft Points) price.

When looking at the trailer below, players will ask themselves what Treyarch can do to add something new and special to the Zombie world of Call of Duty and the answer isn’t some special weapon or trap. It’s Zero G. Players have become so accustomed to games always feeling and moving the same way for years, but now they have a whole new environment that not only looks different but controls and reacts differently as well.

Not only do zombies run slower and players have the ability to jump throughout levels but, conversely, players will be running away slower while zombies will be bounding at players from across the level as well. The map pack brings an entirely new dynamic and play style not possible in previous levels ever in the series.

Check out the full trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection zombie Map Pack below. Stick tight for the pack’s August 23rd release date on the XBox 360 before headed to PlayStation 3 after.

Working Out With Spider-Man, New Jay-Z/Kanye Music Video, & Muppet Homosexuality are all On The Radar

Posted on August 12, 2011

Welcome to another edition of On the Radar where we delve into all corners of the entertainment, tech and geek Internets for news, views and whatnot that may have escaped our regular coverage during the week. Let is know if we missed something interesting.

Let’s get started!

• Want to learn how to have the body of Spider-Man and the creepiness of a grown man in tights hanging out with kids? This instructional workout video hosted by Spider-Man himself should help!

• Homemade puppets aren’t usually a collection that one brags about, but this homemade Wheatley puppet from Portal 2 is definitely one to show all of your friends as they drool with envy.

• The very first episode of Adult Swim’s Black Dynamite animated series has made it online before it hits TV. Bring on the animated exploitation!

• The folks at Sesame Street feel like enough is enough and have decided to come forward with an official statement about whether Bert & Ernie are actually gay or not.

• What do Kanye West, Jay-Z, Aziz Ansari and Spike Jonze all have in common? They all came together to bring us the official music video for “Otis” and it’s pretty awesome.

• Hot off of his Oscar win for the Social Network score, get your first taste of what Trent Reznor is bringing to the table in the score for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Three New Characters and Story Revealed for SEGA’s ‘Anarchy Reigns’

Posted on August 12, 2011

Up until now, we have seen some pretty outrageous characters, insane levels and some astounding levels of violence associated with Anarchy Reigns. But there was really no context behind it. Now, SEGA reveals to us, along with three new characters, just why this group of horrific mercenary psychopaths have come to clash.

In a futuristic city, a group of bounty hunters is on a man hunt. The trailer is however pretty confusing though since it is hard to tell really who are the good guys and bad guys. It seems like assuming Jack would be the hero of the game since he was revealed first both as a playable character and in the story trailer.

At the same time, Leonhardt looks to be a good guy as well even though he is seen standing aside the villainous Nikolai. It will be interesting to see how everything players out once Anarchy Reigns is actually released.

Check out the full story trailer after the jump.

HBO Renews ‘True Blood’ For a Fifth Season

Posted on August 12, 2011

Loving the amnesia, ghost dad, and were-panther rape storylines happening in this season of True Blood? HBO thinks so, as they have officially OK’d a fifth season of the vampire-loving series based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

This season we have seen some pretty impressive story devices, from villification of our favorite characters to new love triangles to a few dead characters, the hits keep coming in the fourth season of this popular HBO series. Here’s what HBO has to say about bringing it back for another 12 episodes.

“I am thrilled that True Blood continues to enjoy a phenomenal reception from both subscribers and critics,” says HBO Programming President Michael Lombardo. “Alan Ball and his gifted team have devised the greatest thrill ride on TV.”

Ball adds, “I remain amazed and delighted by the enthusiasm of our viewers. I can’t imagine having more fun than this.”

Apple Passes Exxon to Become World’s Most Valuable Company

Posted on August 11, 2011

Even though most of the country is going through some tough economic times at the moment, the fine folks at Apple (and its shareholders) are literally laughing all the way to the bank. Why? Well, as of market close on Wednesday, Apple’s market capitalization is $337.17 Billion. Yes, you read that right.

That market cap is $6 Billion higher than Exxon Mobile, which ended the day at $330.77 Billion. This development currently makes Apple the most valuable company in the world. Although, with the nature of the market these days, both companies will likely trade the number one spot in the days to come.

This news is pretty impressive considering Apple was on the verge of bankruptcy less than 20 years ago. The company, thanks in large part to the return of Stave Jobs and some truly innovative and amazing products, has surely rebounded and come out on top in spite of the naysayers who predicted its demise back then.

Apple is expected to launch new iPhone and iPad models this fall which will undoubtedly only help the company continue to dominiate. I, for one, can’t to see what happens over the next 20 years.

Check Out the Trailer for Axel Braun’s Latest: A ‘Star Wars’ Porn Parody

Posted on August 11, 2011

As much as we love Star Wars here at The Flickcast it isn’t such a sacred series of films that it can’t be parodied. In fact, it’s got a long history of people making a bit of fun out of it, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Just like there’s nothing wrong with a good porn parody. In fact, that’s just what filmmkaer Axel Braun has done with his latest film. He’s combined these two things and made a porn parody of Star Wars. To help illustrate just how these two things can go together, we’ve got a teaser for his latest opus for you today.

Although it doesn’t show any sex, it does still manages to be pretty amusing. In fact, some of the visual effects and sets are not even that bad. It’s obvious Braun is a fan and took the time to do things right (or as right as needed), even if he’s actually making an adult film.

Check it out after the break. No, it isn’t NSFW — at least not yet. The next trailer? Who knows.

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