My Favourite TV Series

Having listed my top 10 xbox 360 games, I thought it would be worth doing the same with my favourite TV series.  2012 has been an incredible year for television. In fact, up until this year, this list would have consisted of just 2 titles. Likewise, if I was to limit my list to just those produced domestically (UK) then the first line after this paragraph would be “Thanks for reading.” I haven’t ordered the list, partly because I didn’t want to set myself that challenge, though mostly because I’d rather this was more of a recommendations list rather than a  ‘Top 6’. That said, these are my top six TV series of all TV series thus far. Unlike feature films, tv shows can offer an extended narrative which gives writers the chance to fully develop characters, include both a large story arc and smaller contained stories, and provide something that a viewer can become immersed in and committed to. Here are the TV series that, in my opinion, more than justify the invention of the television alone…

My Top 10 Xbox 360 Games! (#5 – #1)

Read entries 10 to 6 here!

In comparison, and predictably, my countdown from 10 to 6 was far easier to compile than the following. I feel its worth prefacing my top 5 with how closely these games rub shoulders. Firstly, understand that I very much adore all of these games. They have each provided countless hours of enjoyment and have each, in their own ways, enriched the world of gaming- this goes for all of my top 10. Nevertheless, bulletpointing a top 5 would be the easy way out, thus I have tried my best to assign a ranking, though the differences from place to place are almost, if not entirely, negligible. The following 5 games have, in my opinion, transcended what it has traditionally meant to be a video game. All of these are an example of the unbound potential in gaming, in a time where technical limitations needn’t impede an idea.

My Top 10 Xbox 360 Games! (#10 – #6)

My gamerscore has just rocketed past the 25,000 mark and I thought it may be worth spending a moment talking about the amass of games that got me here. Now, 25,000 may not seem like a considerable amount to some and those not familiar with the 360’s achievement system may have no particular frame of reference. So, for the uninitiated, here’s a short introduction to the wonderous world of achievements. Each game, upon release, is designated 1000 gamerscore points. This number is usually increased through extra downloadable content. It is generally limited to around 1750 gamerscore (or ‘g’ for sake of abbreviation) with a few exceptions. Now, achievements are effectively mini-objectives unique to a particular game and earning such will impart a certain amount of gamerscore towards your overall total.

3-Score Reviews: Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig portrays a distinctly unique Bond. He remains true to the mainstays of Fleming’s creation, though gives the spy a more gritty edge. The story does require a little concentration but there is no shortage of the action sequences we’ve come to expect. There is a slight rollback to the usual gadgetry, but this doesn’t detract from the experience.

**

DM

3-Score Reviews: Repo Men

A story of irony and perspective. Jude Law plays a ‘Repo Man’ who finds himself in the shoes of someone he’d typically be assigned to repossess. The first person narration works well to aid the tracking of Law’s disposition. The concept is quite a sinister one, and Law’s initial point of view’s aptly cold. There is an abundance of blood.

**

DM

3-Score Reviews: Yes Man

Quite a good film. Jim Carrey is up to his usual antics with appropriate restraint when necessary. The film’s main idea, a man who says yes to everything, is suitably explored. It has the typical Carrey formula- comedy infused with a serious edge. The film carries a poignant message: if you say yes to everything, Zooey Deschanel may kiss you!

**

DM

3-Score Reviews: Band Of Brothers

An incredibly moving retelling of World War II through the eyes of Easy Company. The journey from training to the invasion of Germany is very well paced and complimented by a haunting soundtrack. Damien Lewis’ performance is flawless, as is most of the cast’s. The series helps you to understand that you can never truly appreciate what they went though.

***

DM

3-Score Reviews: Tron-Legacy

A fun outing into the world Disney had made famous. Some references are lost on me having not watched the previous, plus there’s a lack of the extension of computer metaphors at which point the world feels more like a setting than an actual plot device. Although the story is good enough to keep you occupied. Clue’s face is jarring.

**

DM

3-Score Reviews: Moneyball

Your typical inspirational baseball film about the underdog, except instead of being about a particular player or the team itself, it is about the think box behind the team. This is an accessible mix between sports and statistics, neither of which you need to be clued up on to enjoy the true essence of the film. I recommend a watch.

**

DM

3-Score Reviews: The King’s Speech

This film boasts great actors who bring great performances. The story itself isn’t particularly interesting though, and no amount of great acting can really fix this. The film does however have a good character development and is notably inspirational. Yet the slow pacing and uninteresting twists drag it down. But it’s a good watch. The title spoils the ending though.

**

DM