"AM² Week" Highlights - BUNRAKU and Gaming!
June 30th to July 6th.
That was the best week that i've had in a really, really long time. AM² was that week - July 1st through July 3rd.
Staffing fan-driven conventions is a hobby of mine - and it was great to be back in action again, particularly since I was back in my rightful position. I don't get nearly the amount of fulfillment in working the end-of-the-year one as I do in the summer one, which, until the year before last was AX.
Moving along.
Now usually I don't engage in any of the convention events (that aren't part of my department, that is); this is actually the first time that there was something I actually, honestly and truly, wanted to participate in - and that was the Bunraku screening. This was the biggest highlight of the convention for me.
This movie is really, really creative. Its not truly a hollywood movie (it is, in fact, independently produced), and you can feel it in the way the story is presented. It definately has an "art movie" feel to it. Yet, it's not too artsy so that only "those in the know" will understand it. Artsy without the 'flim snob' shit to it - as it's a fun, enjoyable movie to watch, with a really creative and imaginative visual style. I did actually get a tad lost in the story - but it's all good. It's not a hugly deep story, but it doesn't need to be either; there's some ambiguity (as all artfilms have) but its just enough so that it doesn't get in the way. There's also some stand out one liners and moments - which is a huge bonus in my book as I love little 'quirks' and things like that. It's a great collection of characters that populate the story and the movie's universe.
My favorite character was "The Bartender" - played by Woody Harrelson; I love dry and ironic humor, which is what his character provided - and most of the one-liners that I loved came from this character. I also loved Yoshi, who was Gackt's character. I find it kinda hard to describe his caracter, and what, in particular stood out about him. I suppose it was the modern-flavored/warped interpertation of the classic Bushido/Zen ideal. Ah, I forgot exactly what it was that his character stated was the type of mastery he was trying to achieve - but it was interesting how that played out for his character. Ah, I've also got to mention the action - there is some very interesting fighting scenes. Yoshi is at the center of the bulk of the fighting scenes. However, 'Killer #2', played by Kevin McKidd - had a really interesting fighting presentation - which was awesomely done.
If only I could see this movie again. The one huge draw back about seeing this movie at the convention was that there was a lot of unnecessary and annoying "cat calls" and other such idiotic fan girl reactions throughout the film.
Now, I understand the cheers at Gackt's first appearance - I expected that and I'm ok with that - but my god - anytime he did something cool people would get all crazy about it - when it wasn't exactly warranted. On the same token - anytime he got bested in any given situation people would freak out "oh my god why did he do that to him! or oh how sad! or "you can't do that to him he's hot" - completely out of context of the film's story. And you could tell it was out of context of the story because say, a similarly bad hit happened to 'The Drifter' - Josh Hartnett's character, and it wouldn't get the same responce. Same the other way around. I'd have to watch the flim a few more times to point out direct examples (or just wait for DvD). It was fucking annoying. I have a huge pet peeve about people talking and doing unnessary comentary through a flim - unless its a movie iv'e seen a million times over again. (and even then sometimes it's annoying). Ah, but it was fuckin awesome to get to see.
Now then, about the whole 'Gackt not shwoing up thing' - The closer it got to the convention the more I knew it wasn't going to happen. I can understand why people are/were upset about it - it was built up as a huge 'maybe', but again, it was a 'maybe' - which people have been conveently forgetting. Plus, Gackt fans should know - the showing was the day before his birthday - why would he come out here the day before his birthday - he always has something planned for that - and then consitering what he's doing right now - preparing for the YFC tour, recording, ect...... The whole situation though, could had been better handeled. That was just way too big of a tease. Another thing dissapointing about it was that there were actually people from the flim at the screening - and no one knew about it. Director, Producer, I heard even Ron Pearlman was there as well - yet no one at all in attendance knew about it. I would had liked to know that the Director and co was there - and then one of the actors as well? What a missed opportunity. However, that fault for that apparently was on JrockRevolution, and not the convention's itself, as it was an event hosted by JrockRevolution (they did that costume contest thing during it). Hm.
There was one more convention event that I attended - which was Reuben Langdon's Panel. He was also at the screening - he is connected with the film as he did pre-visual stunt coordination for the film - I was able to talk to the guy for a bit. He knew Gackt's stunt double (who was also at the screening) and actually performed some of the fight moves that Gackt would later replicate for the film (during the pre-visual stuff, not at the panel). I completely forgot; didn't even think about, bringing my copy of DMC3 - which I could had easily got signed - and I would had been able to talk to him a bit more. Damn. What a missed opportunity. Surprisingly, yet not surprisingly, there was only one mention of the insulting reboot project from Ninja Theory, of which he gave a simple 'no comment' to - he was asked if he was in any way related to the project - it was hard to tell what he thought about the ninja theory shit but..... i'd say there's an inkling of him probably being on the 'no too happy about it' side of things. I wanted to ask him about the fan fall out and what he thought of it. Didn't get the chance to, however. :/
Another awesome highlight was Sadie. These are some fun, fun guys. They definitely live the whole 'party like a rock star' thing. One of them even hit on me! lol that was fun times. They were so incredibly awesome at their autograph sesssions; interacting with the fans is something they really got a kick out of. And their panel was a fuckin riot! I didn't get to actually see the entire thing, but I know it was non-stop hilarity (I was standing right outside of the room so I heard a lot of it). Their type of music is a style that, while I like to a degree, it isn't quite a huge part of my musical tastes, but the live was really good - they put on a great show and have great stage presence. (It also ran longer than it was supposed to!)
The other highly awesome and memorable highlight was the gaming. My department had a PS3 and a XBOX360. Most of the time the PS3 was in use; Street Fighter and Marvel vs Capcom 3 were the primary games played for most of the duration of the convention. There was much (friendly) competition and good times to be had - really awesome fights played out - and winner/looser reactions! The ruckus provided some great entertainment to anyone around - i know that Sadie and Heidi got a great kick out of it all. I think I upped my MvC3 ability throughout that week, too. Since I'm used to playing it on the Xbox, it took me a little bit to re-acquaint to the PS3 controller (I have always preferred the PS3 to the 360, but the 360 is what's available so....) which was interesting.... I also got to play a bit through Bayonetta - ha, that was another source of entertainment - that's kind of a two-in-one deal - Bayonetta is a game that is campy fun (not unexpectedly, given who is behind the team for it), so there's that aspect, and then apparently I'm rather entertaining to watch while playing it. What can I say, I can get pretty into the games I play, haha. There's nothing like good spirited game play!
It was nice to get back into the groove again - and see all of the staffers that I really only see during the duration of the convention and/or the duration of the convention commitment (like staff in my department). Amidst all the busyness and craziness that is my department, and since I work with some awesome people ..... . I really hope that the convention comes back next year - although I would greatly appreciate it if the dates were moved and the venue modified. I think it would work in a hotel - but if not, at least consolidate the actual space used within the convention center so its not so spread out and 'stretched' feeling.
I still haven't unpacked - I should probably do that tomorrow (or today, rather, as it's been a week now). I've just been lazy - and there's always a 'crash' afterwards - returning back to 'real life' - especially as it is right now - just really, really sucks. Also haven't really bothered to catch up on info either - although I did scan info for SB and Gackt immediately before sitting to make this entry. I did look a bit over 'post con talk' - still not sure what the overall view of the convention really is just yet - that will probably come rather slowly as well, knowing how lazy I am these days.
Well, time to go get fully updated on Gackt activities, on Sengoku Basara news, gaming news in general, and other such things.....
That was the best week that i've had in a really, really long time. AM² was that week - July 1st through July 3rd.
Staffing fan-driven conventions is a hobby of mine - and it was great to be back in action again, particularly since I was back in my rightful position. I don't get nearly the amount of fulfillment in working the end-of-the-year one as I do in the summer one, which, until the year before last was AX.
Moving along.
Now usually I don't engage in any of the convention events (that aren't part of my department, that is); this is actually the first time that there was something I actually, honestly and truly, wanted to participate in - and that was the Bunraku screening. This was the biggest highlight of the convention for me.
This movie is really, really creative. Its not truly a hollywood movie (it is, in fact, independently produced), and you can feel it in the way the story is presented. It definately has an "art movie" feel to it. Yet, it's not too artsy so that only "those in the know" will understand it. Artsy without the 'flim snob' shit to it - as it's a fun, enjoyable movie to watch, with a really creative and imaginative visual style. I did actually get a tad lost in the story - but it's all good. It's not a hugly deep story, but it doesn't need to be either; there's some ambiguity (as all artfilms have) but its just enough so that it doesn't get in the way. There's also some stand out one liners and moments - which is a huge bonus in my book as I love little 'quirks' and things like that. It's a great collection of characters that populate the story and the movie's universe.
My favorite character was "The Bartender" - played by Woody Harrelson; I love dry and ironic humor, which is what his character provided - and most of the one-liners that I loved came from this character. I also loved Yoshi, who was Gackt's character. I find it kinda hard to describe his caracter, and what, in particular stood out about him. I suppose it was the modern-flavored/warped interpertation of the classic Bushido/Zen ideal. Ah, I forgot exactly what it was that his character stated was the type of mastery he was trying to achieve - but it was interesting how that played out for his character. Ah, I've also got to mention the action - there is some very interesting fighting scenes. Yoshi is at the center of the bulk of the fighting scenes. However, 'Killer #2', played by Kevin McKidd - had a really interesting fighting presentation - which was awesomely done.
If only I could see this movie again. The one huge draw back about seeing this movie at the convention was that there was a lot of unnecessary and annoying "cat calls" and other such idiotic fan girl reactions throughout the film.
Now, I understand the cheers at Gackt's first appearance - I expected that and I'm ok with that - but my god - anytime he did something cool people would get all crazy about it - when it wasn't exactly warranted. On the same token - anytime he got bested in any given situation people would freak out "oh my god why did he do that to him! or oh how sad! or "you can't do that to him he's hot" - completely out of context of the film's story. And you could tell it was out of context of the story because say, a similarly bad hit happened to 'The Drifter' - Josh Hartnett's character, and it wouldn't get the same responce. Same the other way around. I'd have to watch the flim a few more times to point out direct examples (or just wait for DvD). It was fucking annoying. I have a huge pet peeve about people talking and doing unnessary comentary through a flim - unless its a movie iv'e seen a million times over again. (and even then sometimes it's annoying). Ah, but it was fuckin awesome to get to see.
Now then, about the whole 'Gackt not shwoing up thing' - The closer it got to the convention the more I knew it wasn't going to happen. I can understand why people are/were upset about it - it was built up as a huge 'maybe', but again, it was a 'maybe' - which people have been conveently forgetting. Plus, Gackt fans should know - the showing was the day before his birthday - why would he come out here the day before his birthday - he always has something planned for that - and then consitering what he's doing right now - preparing for the YFC tour, recording, ect...... The whole situation though, could had been better handeled. That was just way too big of a tease. Another thing dissapointing about it was that there were actually people from the flim at the screening - and no one knew about it. Director, Producer, I heard even Ron Pearlman was there as well - yet no one at all in attendance knew about it. I would had liked to know that the Director and co was there - and then one of the actors as well? What a missed opportunity. However, that fault for that apparently was on JrockRevolution, and not the convention's itself, as it was an event hosted by JrockRevolution (they did that costume contest thing during it). Hm.
There was one more convention event that I attended - which was Reuben Langdon's Panel. He was also at the screening - he is connected with the film as he did pre-visual stunt coordination for the film - I was able to talk to the guy for a bit. He knew Gackt's stunt double (who was also at the screening) and actually performed some of the fight moves that Gackt would later replicate for the film (during the pre-visual stuff, not at the panel). I completely forgot; didn't even think about, bringing my copy of DMC3 - which I could had easily got signed - and I would had been able to talk to him a bit more. Damn. What a missed opportunity. Surprisingly, yet not surprisingly, there was only one mention of the insulting reboot project from Ninja Theory, of which he gave a simple 'no comment' to - he was asked if he was in any way related to the project - it was hard to tell what he thought about the ninja theory shit but..... i'd say there's an inkling of him probably being on the 'no too happy about it' side of things. I wanted to ask him about the fan fall out and what he thought of it. Didn't get the chance to, however. :/
Another awesome highlight was Sadie. These are some fun, fun guys. They definitely live the whole 'party like a rock star' thing. One of them even hit on me! lol that was fun times. They were so incredibly awesome at their autograph sesssions; interacting with the fans is something they really got a kick out of. And their panel was a fuckin riot! I didn't get to actually see the entire thing, but I know it was non-stop hilarity (I was standing right outside of the room so I heard a lot of it). Their type of music is a style that, while I like to a degree, it isn't quite a huge part of my musical tastes, but the live was really good - they put on a great show and have great stage presence. (It also ran longer than it was supposed to!)
The other highly awesome and memorable highlight was the gaming. My department had a PS3 and a XBOX360. Most of the time the PS3 was in use; Street Fighter and Marvel vs Capcom 3 were the primary games played for most of the duration of the convention. There was much (friendly) competition and good times to be had - really awesome fights played out - and winner/looser reactions! The ruckus provided some great entertainment to anyone around - i know that Sadie and Heidi got a great kick out of it all. I think I upped my MvC3 ability throughout that week, too. Since I'm used to playing it on the Xbox, it took me a little bit to re-acquaint to the PS3 controller (I have always preferred the PS3 to the 360, but the 360 is what's available so....) which was interesting.... I also got to play a bit through Bayonetta - ha, that was another source of entertainment - that's kind of a two-in-one deal - Bayonetta is a game that is campy fun (not unexpectedly, given who is behind the team for it), so there's that aspect, and then apparently I'm rather entertaining to watch while playing it. What can I say, I can get pretty into the games I play, haha. There's nothing like good spirited game play!
It was nice to get back into the groove again - and see all of the staffers that I really only see during the duration of the convention and/or the duration of the convention commitment (like staff in my department). Amidst all the busyness and craziness that is my department, and since I work with some awesome people ..... . I really hope that the convention comes back next year - although I would greatly appreciate it if the dates were moved and the venue modified. I think it would work in a hotel - but if not, at least consolidate the actual space used within the convention center so its not so spread out and 'stretched' feeling.
I still haven't unpacked - I should probably do that tomorrow (or today, rather, as it's been a week now). I've just been lazy - and there's always a 'crash' afterwards - returning back to 'real life' - especially as it is right now - just really, really sucks. Also haven't really bothered to catch up on info either - although I did scan info for SB and Gackt immediately before sitting to make this entry. I did look a bit over 'post con talk' - still not sure what the overall view of the convention really is just yet - that will probably come rather slowly as well, knowing how lazy I am these days.
Well, time to go get fully updated on Gackt activities, on Sengoku Basara news, gaming news in general, and other such things.....