The K-Files
03.22.06

Welcome back to another week's installment of The K-Files. Prepare to enter the dangerous world of internet-based paranormal recapping.

This week, the Top Story covers a close-to-home Bigfoot sighting. Next, I present to you some theories regarding the growing 2012 hysteria. Finally, I've got an article showing a possible link between global warming and the mysterious Tunguska Event.

You’d better get ready, ‘cause here come the K-Files…Full Article.

Sci-Fi Showdown - Week 10

Alright, here we go, the final installment of Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown for the Winter Season of Sci Fi Friday. Over the past 9 weeks, I've broken down the 3 Sci Fi Friday shows--Stargate Sg-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica--in an attempt to decided which I found the most entertaining.

Battlestar Galactica, the reigning champion from last season's Sci-Fi Showdown, found competition for its sophomore season in the venerable (and improving) Stargate Sg-1. For Atlantis, on the other hand, it was a difficult struggle to get noticed when nestled in the middle of two fine shows.

But, with all 3 season finales now aired, its time to award my last Showdown point in preparation for the Sci Fi Friday Winter Season Awards Spectacular! Set let's get on with it...

Stargate Sg-1 - Ep. Camelot

This 2nd half to Stargate Sg-1's 9th season has been one of great improvement. When a show goes that long, there's only so much new material that can be added. There was some hit-and-miss success with a season 8 roster change (Browder being the hit, Claudia Black the miss), but the new enemy, the Ori, have managed to breath some fresh air in the series.

In episode 9.20, Camelot, Mitchell (Ben Browder) and team travel to a planet believed to be home to Camelot and a powerful weapon that can be used to negate the Ori's god-like power. However, they are soon recalled and given word that a new 'super' gate--one that would allow an Ori crusade to invade our galaxy--has been constructed. Now Carter (Amanda Tapping) and Teal'c (Christopher Judge) join a joint defense force to destroy the gate, hopeful that Mitchell and Daniel (Michael Shanks) can find and unlock the secrets of Merlin's magic. But will a massive fleet of Earth, Jaffa, Lucian, and Asgard vessels be enough to stop the invasion?

This was kind of a dyslexic finale. It started off slow enough, and felt more like a mid-season show. As Sg-1 ventured into the Camelot village, I was reminded of early exploration episodes, in which Sg-1 would manage to find a new medieval town with a dark secret each week. Then, with about 20 minutes left, its like they put the show into overdrive, perhaps realizing, "Oh wait! We need to make a cliffhanger, stat!"

The action then shifts from the dank, muddy village of Camelot to a massive space battle. This was undoubtedly my favorite part of the episode. Not that the Merlin and Camelot stuff wasn't good (Browder's duel with the Black Night was cool enough), but there's nothing like a full-scale fleet engagement to signal the end of a season. I also found it interesting how the ships facing off against the Ori invasion were all pretty much enemies at one time, but now had to come together to face this new threat. Its not every day that you get to see an Asgard warship team up with a Goa'uld mothership, and the scene proved to be a high-point for Sg-1.

As far as the cliffhanger goes, they've certainly managed to write themselves into a corner. I'm sure we'll see some kind of Merlin time machine to make things right, but basically we got to see the Ori kill most of the main characters. Well, its not like we haven't seen that before on Sg-1, but this particular instance seems even more grim than usual. And the final shot of Claudia Black, caressing her pregnant stomach, watching as the Milky Way defenses burn in space was the perfect anti-climax to leave us with the sense of doom that the Ori have now officially invaded. July, here we come.

Stargate Atlantis - Ep. Allies part 1

In a surprise turn of events, I awarded last week's Showdown point to Stargate Atlantis. Although it may have been overshadowed over the last few weeks, I still felt it deserving that this solid show receive at least some credit. But can it keep the momentum up and manage to knock Battlestar Galactica (the so far king of epic finales) off its perch? Well, no, it can't. But it tried, and I will give credit where credit is due.

In episode 2.20, Allies part 1, Atlantis is visited by a lone Wraith cruiser with knowledge that the city still exists. It is being led by none other than Michael, the Wraith turned-human-turned Wraith from 2 episodes back. He brings Atlantis a request: help them utilize their Wraith-transforming drug into a chemical weapon and the humans will be granted the access code required to bypass Wraith shield technology. Can the Atlantis team trust these Wraith rebels? And more importantly, should they?

I thought I saw where this episode was going. I had pictured a Wraith-human alliance that would form the backbone of some huge story arc that would dominate the 3rd and successive seasons. Its not a new concept for an 'enemy of my enemy is my friend'-style alliance, but I feel that it would have ended up working out for Atlantis.

But then, that's not what they ended up doing...

The whole episode was dedicated to building up the relationships between the various cast members and a group a personality-gifted Wraith. There were multiple instances in which doubt was raised about the feasibility of the alliance, but each were negated due to several good-faith signs by the Wraith. But then, in the last moments of the episode, they just threw it all away.

It was like, "Hey, you know that Wraith alliance we've been working towards, well guess what? Oh snap! It was all a trick. Haha. Fooled you."

They took great strides towards making the main enemy in the show more than just this all-encompassing, pure evil force. Suddenly we were shown variety within their ranks, personality among their numbers, insight into their technology, and a new plot line of a Wraith civil war. And I was all starting to look forward to it, I honestly was. But then they managed to bring it all back to square 1, reverting the Wraith back to their hunger-induced quest to find Earth.

As far as a finale cliffhanger goes, it was adequate. I am quite anxious to see where this new direction in plot will go, and how they will deal with the large inconsistency of the Wraith not possessing the technology to make it to Earth without the Atlantis Stargate. But, when compared to the depressing Sg-1 finale and the soon to be mentioned Battlestar shocker, it was a highly forgettable end to Atlantis' 2nd season.

Battlestar Galactica - Ep. Lay Down Your Burdens part 2

There's not much else to say about the close to Battlstar's second season but, "No way!"

In episode 2.20, Lay Down Your Burdens part 2, the heated presidential election is now underway. With Gaius Baltar (James Callis) taking the lead in the polls, the future doesn't look bright for President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) and her chief supporter, Admiral Adama (Edward James Olmos). But after a rigged vote, Roslin finds herself retaining the office. But when confronted by Adama, the 2 must make a choice: admit to the faulty election and give Baltar, a man they know in their hearts to be a bad choice, or stay quiet and live with the guilt of tricking the remnants of humanity out of a democratic election. She settles on the former, leading to the biggest shocker in Sci Fi Friday history...

...One year later.

Yep, that's right. The show we have all fallen in love with has now been drastically altered. Starbuck has her Anders back, there's no more nuke hiding in the fleet, and most importantly, the Cylon's chase of the rag-tag fleet is now over. Well, for a little while at least...

Battlestar Galactica has always managed to blow me away when it comes to finales. And I'm proud to say that the pure shock of the One Year Later Bombshell has managed to top the near fatal shooting of Adama in season 1. And I mean that in the truest, and most positive sense. There's a reason Battlestar Galactica is so rare and edgy, and Lay Down Your Burdens part 2 is the reason why.

Like Stargate Atlantis, that I mentioned above, I thought I knew where the plot was going. I was ready for a big human-cylon alliance, Baltar leaving the fleet to join the Cylons, and the possible destruction of the Pegasus by the rogue nuke. Well, all that was pretty much thrown out the window. But, unlike Atlantis where they brought the show back a year to a place I'm not quite sure was necessary, Battlestar Galactica has a way of doing something I had in no way expected, but I love it even better than would I anticipated.

I haven't but a great deal of emphasis on acting in this final Winter Showdown, but not mentioning James Callis' performance would be a crime against nature. I bow to James Callis, pure and simple. He not only made this episode with his deep, fascinating portrayal of Gaius Baltar, but he simply makes the show in my book. A Battlestar Galactica without James Callis just wouldn't be Battlestar Galactica.

I'd say the hardest thing now is the wait. I have no idea where the writers will take this show next season, but am so completely anxious for it that the next few months will be total hell. You took a risk, Mr. Moore--a big one. One that will be surely talked about a great deal in the near future. For that I say bravo, and I give you my full trust in taking Battlestar Galactica to a new level.

Kudos.

Winner: Battlestar Galactica (Lay Down Your Burdens part 2)

Memorable Scene: President Baltar (that will never get old) learning of the death of Gina and the last physical embodiment of his love, put his head down on his desk, only to awaken in a totally different world--a world one year since colonization of New Caprica. When those words appeared at the bottom of the screen, I was once again reminded why Battlestar Galactica is the best show on television.

Standings: (FINAL)

Stargate Sg-1: 3
Stargate Atlantis: 1
Battlestar Galactica: 6

Ok, thus concludes the showdown portion of Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown. Stay tuned next week for the Awards Spectacular!

The K-Files
03.15.06

Welcome back to another week's installment of this all-things-strange round-up known only as The K-Files. I hope my absence last week wasn't too painful, but fear not, Khyron's back and bringing the goods.

This week, the Top Story covers the anniversary of the infamous Phoenix Lights UFO case. Next, I present to you new evidence that is supposed to prove the validity of the Billy Meier pictures. Finally, I give my $0.02 on Google's latest mapping endeavor: Google Mars.
You’d better get ready, ‘cause here come the K-Files…Full Article.

Check out the full K-Files archive at BinnallofAmerica.com.

Well, its a bit late, and although you may have a hard time even finding this...movie in theatres now, here's my review for Kurt Wimmer's latest gun-kata flick:

Review: Ultraviolet (2006) - Directed by Kurt Wimmer
Rated Pg-13 for sequences of violent action throughout, partial nudity and language.

Alright, so let's say you're a promising director that's coming off making an acclaimed cult film. The pressure's on now to try and top yourself. Here are some tips on what not to do:

• Use the same one-man-army fighting in a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian future plot.
  
• Ride the coattails of the comic book craze without actually basing your film on a real comic.
• Cast Milla Jovovich in a role that requires emotions other than fear and anger.
• Write a script with dialogue that caters to a younger audience.
• Make something grand and elaborate, disregarding available funds.

In Ultraviolet, Kurt Wimmer's latest attempt since the fan-favorite Equilibrium, the talented director ignores every one of these above tips. What we're left with is Equilibrium 1.5 with an added vampire-like story line, less intelligence, and far less entertainment.

In Ultraviolet, Violet (Milla Jovovich), who is apparently some kind of enhanced vampire 'super' soldier called a hemophage, finds herself infiltrating a high-tech building to steal some powerful new weapon. After her successful escape, however, she opens the case she stole to find not a new bomb or gun, but instead a human boy. Now she must fight the humans that are trying to reclaim him, as well as her fellow hemophages that are angry with her betrayal.

For me, this movie fails in three very pivotal areas: plot, effects, and acting.

First off, the plot. This can probably be partly blamed on the horrible PG-13 cut provided by the studio, but there is such a lack of character motivation in this film its laughable. The biggest example being Violet's opening of a case to a weapon that she was told several times contains the ultimate weapon that will destroy her race. In the first moment of down-time after escaping with it, the first thing Violet (who was built up to be quite disciplined) does is betray her orders. From there, the character flip-flops between being motherly, bad-ass, and cowardly for little to no reason.

Secondly, the effects. Although some scenes are acceptable (and even quite imaginative), there are several that are just far too grand for what the budget allowed. But that's not much of an excuse. If you don't have a massive budget, perhaps you should think about toning down the scale? And it's not like Wimmer doesn't have experience in this area. Equilibrium was equally low budget, but he adapted the story to fit the constraints. And the soft yet bold color scheme emulating a comic book feel was all well and good...that is if Ultraviolet was actually a comic. It seemed to me calling it a comic-like movie was just an excuse for poor dialogue. Which brings me to my last big gripe: acting.

Milla Jovovich is a good actress, to a point. She is skilled in expressing only 2 emotions: fear and anger. And that's only when she doesn't have to actually talk. She was fine in The 5th Element, for instance, because her few lines of dialogue were usually in a gibberish alien language. But in Ultraviolet, which required her to talk much more than she should be allowed, her scenes are nothing short of cringe-inducing. Likewise, the supporting cast featuring the likes of William Fitchtner and child star Cameron Bright (who Sci-Fi fans may recognize as Orlin from Stargate Sg-1), is equally uninspired and fatally underdeveloped.

Ultraviolet is a prime example of too many ideas and not enough self-control (or funding) to translate them to the screen. If you find enjoyment in mindless (and very repetitive) action and can stand some of the worst, prepubescent dialogue imaginable, then by all means try and find a theatre still playing Ultraviolet. If, however, you're looking for a smart follow-up to Equilibrium, expect disappointment.

Rating: 2/5

Sci-Fi Showdown - Week 9

Welcome to week 9 of Khyron's Sci-Fi Showdown. It's the final leg of the Winter season, with only 2 episodes of each show remaining. If this season is anything like last, that means all three shows are primed to explode with entertainment.

Both Stargate Sg-1 and Battlestar Galactica aired part 1 of their season finales. Meanwhile, Stargate Atlantis is squeaking in one more one-off story before its big windup. Will Battlestar, known for its quality finales, take the cake? Or will the return of Claudia Black score a win for Sg-1? Lets find out...

Stargate Sg-1 - Ep. Crusade

Oh goody. Claudia Black is coming back to Sg-1. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that last year was a low point for Stargate. But now Sg-1 has really turned that around and salvaged a quality 9th season. So will Claudia muck up it all up?

In episode 9.19, Crusade, Vala (Claudia Black) finds herself in Jackson's (Michael Shanks) body. With vital intelligence from the Ori's galaxy, she recites her tale of where she's been for the last few months. She brings disturbing news: the Ori have finished their crusading army, and a new 'super' gate has already been established to bring it to our galaxy.

With all due respect to Farscape, Claudia Black just doesn't do anything for in Sg-1. I'm sure she's a great actress and everything, but the Vala character just doesn't feel like Stargate material.

Though this episode wasn't total rubbish. Much of that is because of the unexpected guest appearance by noted actor, Michael Ironside. Didn't much see that coming, but I like the man, and his performance gave the episode a sense of quality that set it apart as a season finale. Likewise, despite Claudia and her shenanigans, the comedy was pretty good at times.

Basically, and the same goes for Battlestar Galactica (*more on that later), Crusade Part 1 serves only as a setup for the big climax. Acceptable episode, yes. But ultimately worthless without its second half.

Stargate Atlantis - Ep. Inferno

Well, there's not much time left for Atlantis to make its mark on the Showdown scoreboard. It's been tough for the 'monkey in the middle' this season, because each time Atlantis has an exceptional episode, it seemed like Battlestar would find a way to one-up it. Could this finally be Atlantis' week?

In episode 2.19, Inferno, the Atlantis team ventures to a planet in the midst of powerful seismic activity. As Rodney (David Hewlett) investigates the cause of the increasingly powerful tremors, Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) discovers the indigenous people's most cherished item: a fully intact Ancient warship. But when they discover the Stargate is located in the center of a powerful super volcano, and that its about to erupt, will they be able to get everyone out in time?

I liked this episode. I really did. In fact, it was probably one of my favorite Atlantis eps. of the series. It just had a mixture of action, comedy, and suspense that reminded me of what made Stargate a successful show to begin with. The cast was in top form, the story was interesting, and the effects were top notch for a television show.

Yup, not much else to say about Inferno. Just a fine one-off episode that was a good change of pace from the build-up episodes of Sg-1 and BSG.

Battlestar Galactica - Ep. Lay Down Your Burdens Part 1

I've said this a number of times already, but the season 1 finale to Battlestar Galactica is my favorite of all time. The state of shock it left me in has yet to be matched by any other TV show. Hype has been big for season two's big sendoff. In part 1 of Lay Down Your Burdens, I can see something major building, but for now I need more.

In episode 2.19, Lay Down Your Burdens, Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) leads a daring mission back to Cylon Occupied Caprica. Aided by Cylon Sharon (Grace Park), the team will jump under the Cylon's detection and rescue the resistance group surviving there. Meanwhile, Gaius Baltar (James Callis) and President Roslin (Mary McDonnell) duke it out in the debate arena as the presidential election nears. But after a wayward Raptor finds a secluded and habitable planet, Baltar finds the issue that can get him elected. And, as if that wasn't enough plot lines, Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) seriously injures Cally in an accidental bout of post-traumatic stress. Wow.

As with Stargate Sg-1, Lay Down Your Burdens part 1 was pretty much just a set-up episode. But a good one, at that.

The presidential debates were quality, with James Callis doing what James Callis does best. But I think my favorite part of the episode was the discussion between Aaron Douglas and the venerable Dean Stockwell. Playing a no-nonsense priest, Stockwell was the perfect choice for a Galactica guest-star.

I have two gripes with this episode, however. The first is how they found the habitable planet. It just seemed so sudden. I assume (hope) that the freak accident that allowed them to stumble across it wasn't so random, because as is, it just doesn't feel right. Secondly, the last scene leading up to the cliffhanger didn't have nearly the effect that it should have. Where I should have been on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens, I was instead a bit surprised that the episode ended when it did. It was just too sudden.

Oh well, I'll leave the mind-blowing cliffhanger until next Friday.

Not a bad spring-board episode, but I will wait to judge this current story line until the 1.5 hour finale.

Winner: Stargate Atlantis (Inferno)

Holy crap! Before everyone starts screaming, let me explain my choice.

Sg-1 and Battlestar both had filler episodes. They were spring-boards for the big finale. And that's all well and good, but their semi-powerful cliff-hangers are more frustrating than suspenseful. If their seasons were to end now, I would be pretty perturbed.

No, I think this week was finally Atlantis' time to shine. Sg-1 and Battlestar are sure to overpower it in terms of a finale, and I think its only fair that Atlantis get some credit this season.

Memorable Scene: It was good to see the Asgard Hermoid back. There is near limitless comical material to be had from this feisty little alien. Here's hoping we see more of him.

Standings:

Stargate Sg-1: 3
Stargate Atlantis: 1
Battlestar Galactica: 5

Fight Night Round 3 (Xbox 360)
Published by Electronic Arts
Rated Teen for Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

A few weeks back at a Microsoft keynote speech, Bill Gates challenged Steve Ballmer to a friendly boxing match. No, the two super-executives weren't really going to duke it out on stage; rather they would do it virtually--showcasing the graphical power of the Xbox 360 gaming console with EA Game's Fight Night Round 3. The third in a series of realistic boxing games, Fight Night Round 3 delivers new gameplay and a very next-generation appearance.

I'll start with the graphics on this one, as ultimately they are the game's main selling point. In a word, they're phenomenal. Every part of the game has received a good deal of treatment, down to the audience which, in my opinion, is the best looking I've seen in any sports game to date. Likewise, the arenas are picture perfect. A very well done replica of Madison Square Garden, being the most impressive of them.

The boxers are very life-like, as well. All of the greats are here--from Ali to Robinson--rendered in perfect form. The high-definition shimmer of glistening sweat on the backs of ripped boxers is indeed an impressive sight, and a testament to what the Xbox 360, even this early in development, is capable of. And for those with good enough televisions, Fight Night outputs in glorious 1080i--perfect for showing off your new HD-TV. When the game goes slow-mo after you deliver a devastating haymaker and you watch as shockwaves travel across your opponent's blood and sweat covered face, you're suddenly reminded as to why you spent so much money on the 360.

On the control side of things, Fight Night Round 3 adds what is called 'Total Punch Control.' Although the scheme is customizable, the default mode uses the 360 controller's right analog stick for executing the various punches. Swinging the stick upwards to the right, for instance, will make your boxer swing a devastating right hook. This is also combined with the right trigger that, when held down, allows you to block incoming hits. Learning this new control method takes a bit of time (and like I said, you have the option to go back to A,B,X,Y buttons), but once you get the hang of it, I found that I could more accurately land punches with greater frequency. Though I did find my thumb slipping from the analog stick on occasion, causing the skin to grow raw after a few hours of gameplay.

The game modes for Fight Night Round 3 include a quick-start, arcade style fight, career mode (in which you create and train a boxer of your choosing), and what's called ESPN Classic. In this last mode, you can play out the greatest boxing match-ups in history. From Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Carmen Basillio to Ali vs. Frazier, for a non-boxing fan like myself, it made for a nice history lesson of sorts. And like all good 360 games, Fight Night offers Xbox Live multiplayer, as well.

On the downside, the in-game announcer gets terribly repetitive. Even more so than in other EA Sports games. He has a very limited set of phrases, almost no range in voice, and many times will say something that doesn't fit with the situation. Also, the hip-hop intensive soundtrack, although OK in moderation, gets tiresome as well. We have yet to see any integration of custom soundtracks in a Xbox 360 game, and I think it would have worked well here in Fight Night.

In all, for boxing and non-boxing fans alike, Fight Night Round 3 will provide plenty of high-def entertainment. The mere shock value of the slow-motion punching effects will alone warrant plenty of replayability. If you're bored with World War II combat and car racing on your 360, EA Game's Fight Night Round 3 is just what you're looking for.

Rating:

The K-Files
03.01.06

Welcome back to another week's installment of The K-Files. It's the first day of March already, and what better way to kick off a new month than with everyone's favorite paranormal re-cap?

This week, the Top Story covers a new video of America's version of the Loch Ness Monster. Next, I present to you a mysterious face of Elvis that has appeared on a receipt. Finally, I give my $0.02 on the healer they call John of God.

You’d better get ready, ‘cause here come the K-Files… Full Article.

Check out the full K-Files archive at BinnallofAmerica.com.