Reviews by jibsen

jibsen says "A cinematic tapestry of larger-than-life history." about 300

jibsen — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:07:19 GMT

This movie is a great adaptation of the 300 Comic book, but has much deeper roots than that. Based on historical events and the legend of Sparta warriors, this story breathes life into an much-overlooked battle between 300 of history's finest freedom fighters and a heathenistic conquerer. Packed with action from the very beginning, the viewer is plunged into the dire situation Sparta (and the rest of Greece) face from Xerxes' incoming horde of soldiers, assassins, slaves, and monstrosities.

Faced with the option to give in to this self-proclaimed god or fight for freedom, Spart's warrior king, Leonidas, chooses to lead (without the council's approval) a band of 300 of his finest soldiers to stand against thousands. With vivid scenery, graphic battles, and colorful sets, this movie is a treat from the very beginning until the goosebump-evoking end.

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jibsen says "A Lot of Build Up for a Disappointing Finish" about Hasbro Mousetrap Game

jibsen — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:12:11 GMT

Much like the ending to the second movie in the trilogies, Matrix and Pirates of the Caribbean, Mouse Trap has loads of build up just to disappoint in the end. For one, my kids wanted to put the contraption together before we even begin playing (instead of piece by piece as you cross the board). Not only does it take forever to get your icon through the board, but the pieces of the trap are ackward, cheap and not easily assembled.

When the trap (FINALLY) gets sprung, it's not a guarantee that it even works. Several times, the marble would catch or not trip the next part of the trap. One time the trap got all the way through its inner workings and the cage wouldn't drop. It's just not reliable by any means. In addition to all that, these are small pieces. Small pieces + small children does not equal a good combination. My daughter always seemed to stick some piece or another in her mouth. My son ended up losing half the pieces later on.

For it's money (the game has become fairly cheap...

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jibsen says "A Cut Above the X-Box" about Sony PlayStation - 3 (60 GB) Console

jibsen — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:13:27 GMT

Heads above the competition. Great graphics and sound. I'd gladly pay more for this than get another X-Box!!! The sleek body styling of the PS3 makes it an attractive addition to the entertainment center and also allows for good air circulation in the hard drive (preventing the overheating issue that has become a common occurrence in the X-Box). I love the fact that the controller can be plugged in or wireless and you simply plug it back in to charge the battery. This is very convenient. The six gyroscopes inside the controller also make for interesting game play. For example, in Heavenly Sword you guide assassin arrows and cannonballs in first person view to their targets by the tilt of the controller.

I also enjoy the quality of it's DVD player, which can also play Blu Ray. It can store photos, music and update online. I haven't seen anything the X-Box can do that this platform can not match or beat. Guitar Hero 3 is also now available with wireless guitar for PS3, and it further shows...

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jibsen says "Another Microsoft Problem.....I mean Product" about Microsoft - Xbox 360 Premium Console

jibsen — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:57:53 GMT

Sure the graphics rock, sure there's lots of games to choose from, sure it's the "next big thing".....but it has issues. I've gone through two X-Box's and both had the same overheating problem. The design of the tower itself doesn't allow for enough air circulation around the hardware. As a result, it overheats and melts the board, causing critical errors and hard drive failure. This is a problem X-Box has yet to solve.

I suggest the PS3 because it's graphics and sound are equal to if not better than the X-Box and it has a very strong fan built in to solve the overheating issue. I also found that even small blemishes on the surface of games made them sometimes unreadable. Another issue would be load time and the need to update/upgrade in order to play old X-Box games. Given the choice, I'd say the original XB is better than the 360, but I'll stick with my PS3 after going through the frustration of two 360's overheating on me, even though I do not play often.

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jibsen says "A great read" about The Gunslinger

jibsen — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:50:49 GMT

This is the first of Stephen King's Dark Tower series and a great dive into the plot of the Gunslinger, Roland's, quest for the Dark Tower. It reads a bit rough, but then again King started this book when he was much younger and less seasoned in his writing style. It features characters that are mysterious at first, but as the series goes on you grow with the character and King's writing style and really get attached to the main people in the book.

This book has a "western" feel to it. I get an image of a cowboy with Roland, yet King throws in some very interesting twists to familiarize the reader to this world as being not our world, but yet not something completely foreign. The world in the story has "moved on". Mutation and life has slowed or changed through some great event we're not privy to and life has changed drastically for the main character. He enters our story chasing a wizard through a desert. The reason and identity is a mystery, but pulls us into the story if for nothing...

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jibsen says "The Taurus is not a car for the mechanically-uninclined." about Ford Taurus - 1998

jibsen — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:46:57 GMT

While the Taurus may have a nice sleek appearance and a roomy interior, much is left to be desired under the skin. The factory Ford parts are less than dependable and I've literally spent twice what I paid for the car in maintenance. The caliber brackets, alternator, suspension, struts, and engine block have all needed work. The thing leaks oil (a common Ford problem) no matter how many time and places get repaired. The engine itself threw a rod and cracked the cast iron block, resulting in an entire engine replacement.

I can say that, if you're a grease-monkey it's a great car, but if your a typical middle income family it is not the best choice if you're limited on budget for car maintenance.

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