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Ctrl-Alt-Destroy Season 1 Episode 1 review

In Ctrl-Alt-Destroy, a video game designer discovers that someone has stolen her game -- and used it to build a virtual world that might prevent the real one from being destroyed. Image credit: Realm
Image credit: Realm

Ctrl-Alt-Destroy
Season 1 Episode 1: “National Security Incident”
Written by Andrea Phillips, Maurice Broaddus, Jacqueline Koyanagi, and E.C. Myers
Art by Chris Koehler
Narrated by Summer Glau

In Ctrl-Alt-Destroy, a video game designer discovers that someone has stolen her game — and used it to build a virtual world that might prevent the real one from being destroyed.

Ctrl-Alt-Destroy is an original audio series from Realm, the awesomeness formerly known as Serial Box. I was never a fan of audiobooks until I discovered Serial Box and was blown away by their exclusive series, Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing with Fire. Realm has seamlessly combined the pleasure of reading the written word with the enjoyment of hearing a dramatization of the work, giving you the option to consume the content as an ebook or an audiobook slash podcast. Add to the excellent production values the talented Summer Glau of “Firefly” fame as narrator, and Ctrl-Alt-Destroy had me hooked from the start. It makes me glad I subscribed to Realm Unlimited. Spoilers ahead.

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4 Min Reading
Geek Culture

Realm: Serial Box rebrands, unveils free podcast strategy

Image credit: Screenshot of Realm iOS app
Image credit: Screenshot of Realm iOS app

If you’re a fan of the premium digital audio and reading platform Serial Box like me, the good news is that it has rebranded itself as Realm. Along with the sleek new look as part of the complete makeover, Realm is expanding its business model to offer original shows as free podcasts.

Realm now describes itself as “part podcast studio, part magical refuge”. With this shift, it has announced that some of its most popular titles will now be available for free as ad-supported podcasts on different platforms, such as Apple and Spotify. This includes “Orphan Black: The Next Chapte‪r‬”, the official continuation of the hit TV series, which is narrated by its Emmy award-winning star Tatiana Maslany herself.

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2 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

‘Godzilla vs. Kong’: Awesome monsters, awful humans

Billed as the long-awaited face-off between two icons, "Godzilla vs. Kong" is an epic clash of titans that you will enjoy. Just ignore the dumb humans and even stupider dialogue. Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures

Billed as the long-awaited face-off between two icons, “Godzilla vs. Kong” is an epic clash of titans that you will enjoy. Just ignore the dumb humans and even stupider dialogue.

Sure, I know some critics hate “Godzilla vs. Kong”, but what I’ve learned in life is that you should watch a movie and decide for yourself. Different people have different tastes, and some critics seem to insist on looking for depth even in movies that don’t need it. It’s Godzilla. It’s Kong. Two titans trying to beat the crap out of each other. Does it really matter what their motivation is? And as par for the course for the US reboot of Godzilla and the MonsterVerse as a whole, the humans are the weakest links. We just have to accept that this shared universe is populated by dumb, annoying people saying and doing cringe-worthy things, and just focus on the real stars of the show: Godzilla and Kong. God help you if you concentrate on Bernie and Jia.

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3 Min Reading
Gaming, Geek Culture

‘DOTA o Ako’ music video sequel released by Netflix

It’s a question that almost every Filipina girlfriend would angrily ask their boyfriend: "DOTA o ako? (DOTA or me?)" Now, ten years later, the "DOTA o Ako" music video sequel is here, starring the couple everyone could relate to: Aikee and Vanessa.
Image credit: Netflix

It’s a question that almost every Filipina girlfriend would angrily ask their boyfriend: “DOTA o ako? (DOTA or me?)” Now, ten years later, the “DOTA o Ako” music video sequel is here, starring the couple everyone could relate to: Aikee and Vanessa.

“To be honest, I can’t even imagine that my song 10 years ago ay magkakaroon ng sequel at hindi lang basta sequel bagkus sequel ito (would have a sequel and not just any sequel but a sequel) with Netflix. Kaya sobrang saya po ng puso ko dahil nabigyan ulit ng chance ang awiting tumatak sa tao isang dekada na ang nakalipas (That’s why my heart is filled with joy because they have given this song that was popular almost 10 years ago a chance to shine again),” Aikee said.

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3 Min Reading
Entertainment, Gaming, Geek Culture

AnimeJapan 2021: ‘Yasuke’, ‘Eden’ and more from Netflix

The AnimeJapan 2021 Netflix stage event featured voice actors (l-r) Kenjiro Tsuda ('The Way of the Househusband'), Marika Kohno ('Eden'), and Toshiyuki Morikawa ('Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness'). Image credit: Netflix
The AnimeJapan 2021 Netflix stage event featured voice actors (l-r) Kenjiro Tsuda (‘The Way of the Househusband’), Marika Kohno (‘Eden’), and Toshiyuki Morikawa (‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’). Image credit: Netflix

“Yasuke”, “Eden”, “Record of Ragnarok”, “The Way of the Househusband”, and “Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness” were among the Netflix Original Anime Series showcased at this year’s all-virtual AnimeJapan 2021. Netflix announced the upcoming worldwide release of “Record of Ragnarok“, which is premiering in June. The streaming giant also revealed a new trailer and the launch date of “Eden” (premiering on May 27), as well as special artwork by Takeshi Koike, the character designer of “Yasuke” (premiering on April 29).

“We’re streaming about 40 new original anime titles on Netflix this year. This is close to double what we premiered last year; if there are 52 weeks in a year, this means we are streaming a new title almost every week,” Taiki Sakurai, Netflix, Chief Producer, Anime, said at the Netflix stage event at AnimeJapan 2021.

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7 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

‘The Suicide Squad’: Supervillains dying to save the world

Harley Quinn is back in "The Suicide Squad" -- and this time she's part of a bigger crew with some of the worst supervillains that Belle Reve has to offer. Image credit: Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics
Image credit: Jessica Miglio/™ & © DC Comics

Harley Quinn is back in “The Suicide Squad” — and this time she’s part of a bigger crew with some of the worst supervillains that Belle Reve has to offer. And believe it or not, you can see John Cena in this movie.

Belle Reve is hell, and supervillains will anything to get out. Even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin, and of course everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

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3 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

Snyder Cut: Did Cyborg save ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’?

After finishing the nearly four-hour-long “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”, which is streaming on HBO GO in the Philippines, I can say that the Snyder Cut is better than the mishmash that was the original “Justice League” movie that Joss Whedon delivered. Image credit: Screenshot of HBO GO site
Image credit: Screenshot of HBO GO site

After finishing the nearly four-hour-long “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”, which is streaming on HBO GO in the Philippines, I can say that the Snyder Cut is better than the mishmash that was the original “Justice League” movie that Joss Whedon delivered.

It’s still not to my taste, and the running time could definitely have been cut down. But even though I’m not a fan of Snyder, I prefer the Snyder Cut because it’s a singular vision instead of Whedon’s “Josstice League” which was part dark, part Marvel lite. You just have to watch “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” while accepting Snyder’s strengths and weaknesses. Snyder’s strength has always been spectacle instead of storytelling. He thinks in terms of set pieces — of moving from one cool, epic moment to the next. So when it comes to stunning visuals and larger-than-life characters, the Snyder Cut delivers. The story is secondary to him. And I do appreciate how Victor Stone a.k.a. Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher, gets so much more screen time here, because he is the most interesting character who helps humanize this tale of gods at war.

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6 Min Reading
Entertainment, Gaming, Geek Culture

MARVEL Virtual Run: Register via Globe Rewards

Marvel fans, are you planning to join the MARVEL Virtual Run Philippines? Now you can register using your Globe Rewards points.

Marvel fans, are you planning to join the MARVEL Virtual Run Philippines? Now you can register using your Globe Rewards points. This virtual run lets individuals participate in races that can be completed anytime, anywhere until April 30. On March 10, an individual 5km Race Slot priced at Php925 can be redeemed for only 50 rewards points.

“Globe Rewards is here to give our customers access to the latest in entertainment, their favorite games, and new experiences. We continue to look for opportunities to make sure that we remain one of their entertainment and gaming enablers,” said Globe Rewards Head Joey Kilayko in a press statement.

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2 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

Liza Soberano to voice Alexandra Trese in Netflix series

The Darna we never got, Filipina actress Liza Soberano ("My Ex and Whys", "Alone/Together"), will voice Alexandra Trese in the Filipino language version of the Netflix Original Anime Series "TRESE".
Liza Soberano (left) and Shay Mitchell will voice the lead character in the ‘TRESE’ anime series. Image credit: Netflix

The Darna we never got, Filipina actress Liza Soberano (“My Ex and Whys”, “Alone/Together”), will voice Alexandra Trese in the Filipino language version of the Netflix Original Anime Series “TRESE“. The highly anticipated anime series is based on the Philippine graphic novel created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Filipino-Canadian actress Shay Mitchell (“YOU”, “Pretty Little Liars”) will voice the lead character in the English version. 

“It’s an honor to be the voice of an iconic character such as Alexandra Trese. I’m a huge fan of Budjette and Kajo’s award-winning ‘TRESE’ comics. Maraming salamat! Excited na ako (Thank you very much. I’m already excited)!” Soberano said in a press statement.

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2 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

‘WandaVision’ series finale: I got the magic in me

I just finished watching the "WandaVision" series finale on Disney+, and I'm still crying. It's hard to believe this brilliant series is over. Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+
Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+

I just finished watching the “WandaVision” series finale on Disney+ and I’m still crying. It’s hard to believe this brilliant series is over.

Nine episodes. Just nine episodes. Most of which have a running time of barely more than 30 minutes — and that includes the lengthy credits. But with so much brilliance packed into each episode. And while the “WandaVision” series finale has the longest running time at 49 minutes, it’s still mindboggling how much happened in this final episode, which, by the way, includes not one, but two mid-credits scenes. Spoilers ahead, if you haven’t seen the “WandaVision” series finale yet.

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4 Min Reading
Entertainment, Geek Culture

‘The Way of the Househusband’: Is this yakuza takusa?

Launching on April 8, the Netflix Original Anime Series "The Way of the Househusband" is an adaptation of the cozy gangster comedy manga. Image credit: Netflix
‘The Immortal Dragon’. Image credit: Netflix

Launching on April 8, the Netflix Original Anime Series “The Way of the Househusband” is an adaptation of the cozy gangster comedy manga.

Feared among the yakuza as “The Immortal Dragon”, Tatsu is a legend of the underworld with an impressive number of defeated rival gangs under his belt. However, hoping to wash his hands of his past, Tatsu gets married and devotes himself fully to “The Way of the Househusband”.

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2 Min Reading
Entertainment, Gaming, Geek Culture

‘DOTA: Dragon’s Blood’ anime premieres March 25

Fans of the online game Dota 2 rejoice, because the highly anticipated anime series "DOTA: Dragon’s Blood" is coming to Netflix on March 25. Image credit: Netflix
Image credit: Netflix

Fans of the online game Dota 2 rejoice, because the highly anticipated anime series “DOTA: Dragon’s Blood” is coming to Netflix on March 25.

“DOTA: Dragon’s Blood” is a Netflix Original Anime Series based on the popular multiplayer online battle arena video game Dota 2 developed and published by Valve Corporation. Dota 2 is one of the leading online games in the world. It hosts millions of players daily and holds multiple records for top esports tournament prize earnings. Launched in 2011 by Valve, the annual The International (Dota 2 Championships) has paid over US$150 million to its winning teams.

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2 Min Reading
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