The latest Starship Troopers movie is an animated feature and is fourth in the series. It however has nothing to do with the awesome animated series but it brings together the main characters from the first movie: Carl Jenkins, Johnny Rico and Carmen Ibanez.

Rico is now a general while Carl is the Minister of Paranormal Warfare. Carmen seems to get the short end of the stick here as she’s still just a captain of a starship, this time it’s the John A. Warden. The starship was assigned to evacuate the folks at Fort Casey along with the ship Alesia, only to have Carl take command of the John A. Warden into parts unknown. Carmen, naturally wants her ship back and along with the crew of the Alesia (under orders from Rico) sets off to find it.

By this point, you’d probably had a good look at the troopers and you’d probably think you’ve seen them somewhere. If you’ve watched Final Fantasy: Spirits Within, Appleseed, Halo Legends, or even played the new Deus Ex game Human Revolution, you’d be forgiven for thinking that characters from those films/games ended up with cameo roles in Starship Troopers: Invasion.

Look-a-like character models aside, this incarnation of Starship Troopers is probably closer in spirit to the Robert A. Heinlein book. This is due to the use of powered armor, and I must say, it’s to great effect as well. The storyline is predictable and like any Japanese animated feature (it’s directed by Shinji Aramaki…guess what, he did Appleseed AND Halo Legends), it’s quite generous with fan-service.

Fans of the series would find this movie a mix bag, there’s a red herring for a main character and the fact that Carl, Johnny and Carmen do not look like Doogie Howser (I’m sorry, Neil Patrick Harris), Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards (this is totally dropping the ball) respectively, just totally sucks. Starship Troopers: Invasion gets a 3 out of 5. Recommended for a lazy Sunday afternoon rental.

Media servers, Smart TVs, Sony PS3s, Xbox 360s, media players, tablets, smartphones. Within the past few years, we’ve seen technologies that have transformed the living room, which has long been the mainstay for socializing between family members and friends, into a high-tech environment capable of even rivaling workplaces. But unlike the humans that share the same space, more often than not these hardware are not connected to each other.

So it’s left to software to help bridge together these devices. Enter Bianor’s award winning iMediaShare app for iOS and Android devices. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together or in the words of Bianor, turn your iOS or Android device into the ultimate remote control for your living room’s entertainment devices. The app takes on multiple roles, firstly you get to display content stored on your device to a connected Smart TV or to a media server such as the PS3 on the same WiFi network. The following list of supported players is not exhaustive:

• Smart TVs from Samsung (with AllShare), LG, Sony BRAVIA, Panasonic Viera, etc.
• Video Game Consoles: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft XBox 360
• Network Media Players: Apple TV, Sony Blu-ray, Popcorn Hour, WD TV Live, etc.
• Audio players: Denon, Sonos, Onkyo, Linn, Philips Streamium, Yamaha, etc.
• PC/Mac media servers: Twonky, Windows Media Player, etc.
• Other DLNA/UPnP compliant media players.

That’s pretty cool especially when you have tonnes of pictures or videos on your iPad or Galaxy Tab to show and you don’t want your friends and family to be limited to just 9.7″ of screen real estate. With iMediaShare, you get to share those media content to that huge Smart TV sitting in the living room or to that PS3 in your bachelor pad.

Secondly, iMediaShare has a number of online video channels available for your viewing pleasure right on your iOS or Android devices. The Full version of the app comes with a number of channels in HD, and the channel library for the Premium version includes: Animal Planet, Audi TV, Bild, Beet TV, Break.com, CNBC, CNN, COIN-OP TV, College Humor, Dailymotion, Deutsche Welle, Driving Sports, Earth Touch, Engadget, Euronews, Facebook, France 24, Funny or Die, G4, Harvard Business Review, HDNet, Les Debiles, MaYoMo, Motorz (HD), NASA TV, NY Times, Picasa, PortalZINE, PR Newswire, PSN, Revision3 (HD), Showtime, Spiegel Online, TED Talks (HD), The Onion, TWiT TV, Victoria’s Secret, VideoBASH, Vimeo, White House, YDN Design, YouTube (HD).

I know that YouTube (HD) alone is worth the price of admission for the Premium version of the app (USD 5), and the best part is, like the local media files on your iOS or Android devices, you get to display these online content onto your TV or media player. Yup, who needs a Mac and an Apple TV when your iPad (or iPhone or Android device) and a high-speed Internet connection would suffice.

Last but not least, this is probably the killer feature brought about by the latest update to iMediaShare: the ability to discover and access photos, music and video on local network media servers! Yup, if you have a Windows 7 PC sitting in your living room, you can use iMediaShare to access the movies stored in that PC and display it onto a normal LCD TV in your kitchen which is connected to an Apple TV. There are plenty of possibilities with this app and you get to try it for FREE with the Lite version. As mentioned earlier, the Premium version is available for USD 5 on the iTunes App Store (click here)

For more details, visit http://www.imediashare.tv/

I managed to catch The Dark Knight Rises last night, thanks to a couple of free tickets to the movie premiere, and yes, despite whatever preparations I made (more on that later) and the expectations that I had, the movie came away as an astounding piece of work and a fitting end to the Batman saga started by Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale (as Bruce Wayne).

Both the director and the actor have outdone themselves in the movie, and so did the supporting cast of Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), Anne Hathaway (Selina Kyle), Gary Oldman (Jim Gordon) and Michael Caine (Alfred). Tom Hardy, who previously collaborated with Christopher Nolan in Inception is no Heath Ledger in this movie, but still manages to come across as a powerful foe in Bane, one whose amazing strength is matched with his intelligence and surprisingly, verboseness.

The guy talks like a poet and delivers a beat down so powerful that he breaks Batman the first time around (that’s as much as a spoiler I would let in this review). The movie combines elements from various popular Batman comic book storylines throughout the years, namely “The Dark Knight Returns”, “No Man’s Land”, and the infamous “Knightfall”. But like I said earlier, nothing will prepare you for this movie, which my wife described as being unpredictable (in a very good way). I would say it’s one heck of a brutal ride with plenty of twists here and there.

Comic book fans of Batman will be very, very happy indeed. IMHO.

From the start, we see Gotham City 8 years after the event on The Dark Knight. The city has been cleaned up thanks to the Harvey Dent Act (which is surprisingly somewhat like the ISA act we “used” to have in Malaysia, but Jim Gordon knows that this is built upon a lie. Bruce Wayne is seen living as a recluse and suffering from the physical injuries and the emotional pain from the time he was Batman; having taken the fall for Harvey Dent’s death and suffered the death of what seems to be his last chance to a normal life.

The emergence of cat burglar Selina Kyle brings Bruce Wayne back into the limelight, and Bane brings out Batman out on the streets. The first movie, Batman Begins explored how Bruce Wayne took on the mantle of the Bat, discarding any semblance of a normal life. The second movie explored the consequences of doing so and now, the The Dark Knight Rises puts forth the idea that in all that despair brought upon his city and as his life as Batman, will Bruce Wayne be able to triumph over all that and get back the life he and EVERYONE that are closest to him have been rooting for?

The Dark Knight Rises get a 5 out of 5, and I would venture to say that this is the best superhero movie ever made. The movie is out now on cinemas, so be sure to catch it.

SDCC might be going on now (wished I was there, someone please send a Court of the Owls to my address , but folks, don’t forget that we have an amazing bunch of comic books released this week. Regardless whether is it coming from DC, Marvel, Valiant or Image, there seem to be an overarching theme for this week’s crops…namely beatdowns.

Lets start with DC. Batman #11 brings a satisfying end to the Court of the Owls storyline, with Batman persevering against all odds in the fight against Lincoln March. The Caped Crusader had to put up with a high tech suit and plunging from extreme heights before getting rid of that madman. The issue also puts to rest (somewhat) the whole idea that LM is Bruce’s brother. The dude’s too messed up and has gotten to messing with Bruce’s head. 5 out of 5.

In Batman and Robin #11, the dynamic duo’s latest enemy seems hell bent on striking fear into the citizens of Gotham (as if they don’t have enough in that madhouse of a town already), by using what else but the bat logo! Yup, to branding policemen with the logo (ouch) to blowing up buildings to show the bat insignia (which pisses Batman really really off), Terminus is pretty crazy as Gotham’s villains come by. The issue starts on a funny note though, as Damian Wayne lays it down on Jason Todd and gets his mask as a souvenir (see issue 10 on what sparked this off). 4.5 out of 5

By the way, speaking of Batman, I’m watching the first screening on the 17th next week. What about you guys? Also, I read some SDCC news that the Joker is poised to make his comeback on Batman issue 13, and he’s looking forward to destroying the Bat Family. Question, how does Mr J get his face back? Wouldn’t it be all leathery? Yuck, but welcome back Mr J. We’ve been missing you and that crowbar of yours.

Alright, unto Marvel. As you probably have noticed, we are big fans of X-Force over here at Nine Over Ten 9/10. And guess what, Remender’s Uncanny X-Force #27 is the cream of the crop for Marvel’s releases this week. The trashing of Wolverine’s X-Force by the Brotherhood continues as one of the members bites the dust (but not before mounting a heroic rescue of another member), and the poor chap cannot misdirect his way out of it. You’d probably can guess who is he by now. 5 out of 5.

In Captain America #14, Cap is pitted against a stronger, faster foe and has his girlfriend save his ass by shooting the bad-guy (who turned out to be a friend) in the back. Poor Cap, next issue Hydra is gonna get it. 4 out of 5.

I read somewhere that someone asked Robert Kirkman at SDCC on why can’t some of the happier characters in The Walking Dead seem to have short shelf lives. He must be referring to The Walking Dead issue #100 as the crew has made enemies with a really sadistic fella and his own, much larger gang. Seeing one of the members bludgeoned with a baseball bat should set them off for a pensive issue #101, and everything should explode in #102. 4 out of 5!

Valiant’s Bloodshot #1 is as bloody as a comic book title can get. Here’s a hero that needs to be shot up in order to make  him relevant, and the book doesn’t disappoint with all the hyperviolence going on. 4 out of 5.

I just finished reading Geoff Johns’ Batman: Earth One and I must say, it is fantastic. The storyline is an unexpected take on Batman’s origins, it feels fresh as almost every notable character gets a fresh take and I’m really appreciative of what Mr Johns has done here. As an origin story, Batman: Earth One never fails to remind people that Gotham is a crazy place and it changes the people living within it.

Here we get to see an all too human side to everyone. For the first time, Batman’s cowl doesn’t come with the white covers that shield the eye slits. This time you get to see Bruce Wayne’s eyes and it turns the whole idea of “Batman as the bogeyman” on its head, and instead, you have a mortal being, fallible, capable of feeling fear, pain and despair…and stunningly, equipment failure. LOL.

Another key character that gets an amazing transformation is Harvey Bullock. In Batman Earth One, he is a hot shot Hollywood detective reassigned to Gotham City. Like Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, the madness that is Gotham and his first major case transforms him from boy wonder/white knight to the alcoholic detective who has seen too much. The characterization is just so spot on.

The coolest part of the book has to be the art by Gary Frank. This book is a joy to behold. There are plenty of details, especially on outdoor panels and the characters look really expressive (just take a look at Batman’s eyes through the slits). Batman: Earth One gets a 5 out of 5! With DC having such a gem of a Batman story, will they be able to make it two for two with the release of The Dark Knight Rises later this month?

I really hope so, if there’s any character that can pull it off, it would be Batman. Judging by how Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale has performed in the past, the movie should be a fitting end to the trilogy. I can’t wait for July 17th to come (having gotten tickets to the premiere, since a client of mine is sponsoring the screening). Stay tuned to Nineoverten.com for the review of The Dark Knight Rises!

Grab the hardcover Batman: Earth One over here on Amazon.com

I managed to catch The Amazing Spider-Man at the movies earlier this evening, and I must say, it’s first and foremost a love story, with a superhero element tacked on to it. This I feel, helped the movie distinguish itself and avoid being typecast as simply a rehash of the origin story we found in the original Sam Raimi directed Spider-Man movie (2002). For those who don’t realise it yet, The Amazing Spider-Man IS a reboot.

Emma Stone is simply awesome as Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s love interest while Andrew Garfield (who plays the titular hero) makes for a pretty good teenage superhero. The adversary this time is the Lizard and I like his portrayal in this movie, very powerful and more than a match for Spider-man. Do watch out for the Stan Lee cameo (always a delight to see him in any Marvel comic movie adaptation).

I would give the movie a four out of 5!

OK, back to comic books. This week’s highlight would be Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1. Put against the backdrop of the final climatic moments of the original Watchmen graphic novel, issue #1 of Ozymandias explores his origins, his obsession with Egyptian pharaohs (he originally was obsessed with Alexander the Great first) and how he became such a martial-arts badass. Easily the best DC book out there on the stands this week.

On the Marvel front, Sabertooth is back in Wolverine #310! Before you go huh, isn’t that guy dead, let me tell you that the whole thing involves clones. Age of Apocalypse #5 explores an AOA version of Quentin Quire, sad to say, he doesn’t survived the issue. Avengers vs X-Men reaches issue 7 and Namor is out for war!

Apparently Disney’s new movie Brave is available only in 3D. Anyways, Disney has just put up two new apps in conjunction with the movie’s release. The “Brave Storybook Deluxe” and “Brave Interactive Comic” Apps, available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, incorporate dynamic animation and interactive content as readers follow the story of Princess Merida, who defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom and must rely on her bravery to undo a beastly curse.

“Brave is a story with courage at its core – it’s about a young girl determined to create her own life path. Our aim was to retell this inspiring story in a variety of formats so that kids of all ages can enjoy it long after they watch the film in its full, 3D glory,” said Lyle Underkoffler, vice president, Digital Media. “Disney Publishing has introduced a level of interactivity into the storybook that gives children a chance to re-live Merida’s adventures through visually breathtaking and immersive storytelling experience.”

“Brave Storybook Deluxe” is a complete retelling of the film for children ages 5 and up, following Merida through a courageous voyage to defy an age-old tradition and forge her own destiny. The app features beautiful art, character voices, dynamic animation, and surprising interactive elements. Readers can also play an engaging archery game where Merida and Angus discover the true meaning of bravery as they gallop through the woods shooting makeshift targets with a bow and arrows.

“Brave Interactive Comic” is a more advanced interactive graphic novel for kids ages 7 to 12 that turns this retelling into an enriched animated comic with special effects, enticing music and sounds, as well as engaging content that can be discovered with a single tap. Readers can watch as Merida discovers the mystery that lies within the Scottish Highlands through clips, sketches, and participate in step-by-step drawing lessons.

“The Brave Storybook Deluxe” and “Brave Interactive Comic” Apps are available for $6.99 and $1.99 respectively from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

Two of my favourite video game publications, both of them UK-based, Edge and Retro Gamer has always offered interesting perspective on the past and present of UK’s video-games industry. Now, a couple of filmmakers have announced that they are about to come up with a documentary about the same subject matter, and I say it’s about damn time.

Filmmakers Anthony Caulfield & Nicola Caulfield have announced they have launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund the production of their new 90 minute documentary feature film titled ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’. The film tells the remarkable, true story of the British Video Games Industry between 1979 – 1996 and how the creativity and vision of a relatively small number of individuals allowed the UK to play a key, pioneering role in the shaping of the billion dollar video games industry which today, dominates the modern world’s entertainment landscape.

Featuring interviews with key contributors to the UK story in video game development, publishing and journalism from over the last 40 years, combined with compelling archive, ‘From Bedrooms to Billions’ is the first to attempt to bring this fascinating story together starting in the late 70′s, spanning ‘Thatcher’s Britain’ of the 80′s and culminating in the dramatic shift of fortunes for the UK Video Games Industry by the late 90′s. The film celebrates the importance of this era and why it has become such a landmark period in the history of British invention, creativity and industry.

Producer, Anthony Caulfield said “From Bedrooms to Billions has been a very personal project for us since June 2008. Having completed many documentaries we have always wanted to document the rise of the British video games industry and the incredible story that went with it. What’s so fascinating is how the UK computer scene was originally nothing more than a scientific curiosity which snowballed into something so vast. As we started putting this film together we uncovered so many incredible stories, these people had to literally make up an industry as they went, some were very successful, but others were not so, however collectively we felt it a strong story that’s long overdue and should make a wonderful movie”.

Fellow Producer Nicola Caulfield said “This film will be a great piece of nostalgic entertainment that documents an important part of UK history. This era is so often overlooked and not known by young British talent looking to enter the games industry, as the vast majority of UK children, school leavers and even students believe that gaming originated mainly from the US and Japan and have little to no knowledge that a British games industry even once existed”.

Check out the official site over here: http://www.frombedroomstobillions.com/

I managed to catch the late evening screening of The Avengers with my wife just now, and I must say, being a comic book fan boy for as long as I can remember, it was an awesome experience. I’m glad that I am part of history, that the Avengers made the leap to the silver screen in my lifetime in stunning fashion.

The movie features familiar heroes, whose roles have been gestating in their own movies, or have been a part of those movies, namely Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and not forgetting Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

The character interplay was very well done, with director and co-writer Joss Whedon doing an excellent job in bringing out each individual character and I must say, the actors in this ensemble cast are in top form. While the genesis of most of the main characters have been put out of the way thanks to their individual movies, The Avengers focuses on a common threat that brings the team together, and it takes the death of a fan-favourite character to get the team to gel.

No more spoilers here. Most people would find the start of the movie to be a little slow, but trust me, this builds up to a crescendo towards the end, and it’s a overall very satisfying romp. There were so many “moments” that comic book fans and non-fans would appreciate and talk over at the end of the show.

Notable standouts are Mark Ruffalo’s rendition of Bruce Banner/The Hulk…the character has finally come good in his third trip to the movies, as well as Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark/Iron Man…he never gets old in this role.

Nine Over Ten 9/10 rates The Avengers at a 5/5. What are you waiting for, get queuing or get online to get your cinema tickets for the next showing. This one will go down in history as one of the best superhero movies out there, second only to The Dark Knight, IMHO.

Wooo hooo… the sequel to the original Starship Troopers movie is coming and it’s animated! Check out the trailer below: