Score: 5

"Freedom of speech is hardly the issue"

submission: V-tech Rampage

date: May 17, 2007

Immediately following the massacre at V-Tech, I knew it was only a matter of time before some self-loving "freedom musketeer" made a game in an attempt to prove some sort of point. Sure enough, you stepped in and delivered a bland and tasteless game riddled with spelling mistakes and racial slurs.

Now, the game itself wasn't entertaining, as if the simplistic controls of "S = talk, A = shoot" weren't a big enough clue to its shallow gameplay. Perhaps the only decent aspect of the game was that you had to follow the storyline, and the combination of "stealth" with the rampage made it a tad more challenging. The sound was one-dimensional, and the choice of music seemed completely puzzling. As for the violence, well, there certainly was some. Yet somehow you managed to make a violent massacre look and feel boring.

As for your message of "freedom of speech", I really don't think that is what you're concerned about. Clearly, the only purpose of this game was for you to get news coverage so you could pretend to be some sort of "super-hero" for freedom. Obviously I don't feel that the game should be taken down, but it certainly shouldn't receive any press coverage, nor should you think of yourself as anything more than an attention whore. I'm quite sure any remotely talented author on Newgrounds could make a movie about car bombings or Muhammed, yet I always figured that these movies weren't created because the authors had a little more self-respect. I'm certainly not saying that these issues should never be discussed, nor am I saying that tragedies should be off-limts for this sort of thing. Yet you managed to camouflage a pathetic ploy for attention it to some sort of "freedom of speech" issue. I do hope you realize that not everybody fell for your shallow excuse, and many do see that underlying immaturity behind it all. One could argue that this isn't the first time a sensitive issue has been glorified in this way, as the Columbine massacre game garnered a dick-load of controversy after it was created. But I imagine that it was your intention to do exactly the same, and perhaps a few well-known constitution-spinning douchebags would come to your defense on the news, thus labeling you as some sort of freedom fighter.

Unfortunately, it seems your fifteen minutes of fame have passed, and by the end of the day you won't be know as "Ryan Lambourn, the 21-year-old activist", rather "that douchebag kid who made the game about V-Tech just to get on the news".

Score: 9

"Good show, Jeremy"

submission: The Ugly Duck

date: August 7, 2006

Your work is almost invariably entertaining, and you don't fail to disappoint with this piece. I am usually quite picky with the movies I review, but I felt compelled to write one for this particular movie.

As far as aesthetics go, the graphics were quite well drawn. Although there seemed to be a few frame-rate issues, most of it was probably due to my lackluster computer. The faces of the characters were visually haunting, and the feeling of utter dismay was conveyed through the art.

The sound seemed to be a page right out of Firth's book, which is certainly something you've been compared to quite often if my memory serves me. The dull sound effect made when the "father" is punching the baby was accurate enough to make me cringe, or at least that's what I could imagine the sound to be like. The violence, although it was a short flick, was certainly graphic and somewhat disturbing. And unlike a vast majority of your films, there seemed to be a complete lack of humor. But the lack was well suited to the atmosphere of the film, I must admit.

As for the movie as a whole, it was done quite well. The sound and imagery tied in perfectly to create a dreary and hopeless ambience within my mind. The message of the film seemed to put the moral of the old children's book to rest, as the "ugly" duckling did not grow in to a beautiful swan, rather a tormented and depressed hollow shell of a being. The idea that somebody could emerge from a terrible childhood into a blissful adulthood, although an inspiring tale, would certainly only be believable by children. And as frightening as it may be, this was a much more accurate account of what life may turn out to be for someone as unfortunate as the main character. Such a story has been told countless times on the more disturbing Oprah shows, and A&E murder documentaries.

The film kept me captivated and mystified for the few moments that it lasted, and I certainly regret that most movies that pass through the portal are not as... engaging. It's always a refreshing change to watch a film that actually motivates one to continue contemplating and wondering, even after the movie has ended. And I am glad to say that this is one of the few movies I've viewed this month that actually made me do so. I always look forward to your work Jeremy, and I can't wait for another one of your films. Although next time, i'd prefer it be a more humorous story, rather than this dark tale of anguish and sorrow.

-Canas-

Score: 10

"Brilliantly done"

submission: The White, The Black

date: July 20, 2006

First off, let me say that i've always been a fan of your work. Your flash movies are one of the few reasons I still remain even bothering to go to the portal. This flash, was certainly no exception to your past brilliance.

The graphics, although not the best on the site, were done flawlessly in accordance with your style. The atmosphere generated from the cartoonish feel was palpable, and I can't imagine having it being any more perfect. The style, as I stated before, was unique to you. And for some reason it triggered a nostalgia of older flash movies, a feeling I haven't felt in a long while.

As for the sound, it was absolutely perfect. The music accented the entire movie, and high-low pitches were used to a brilliant extent, as the sounds really seemed to fit the movie. The violence gave it a darker feel, as it certainly wasn't a movie for children. And once again it fit in perfectly with the rest of the movie. There were slight tidbits of humor, yet most of it was dark. Overall, you really made managed to blow me away by uniting all my sense possible in perfect harmony with eachother.

The political undertones of the movie are most certainly notable. The chess players, who could represent government, could really care less whether or not their pawns (soldiers) die, as it is only a game to them. Eventually, as a result of one act (black soldier beheading the white soldier), the entire kingdoms break out in war, including the chess players themselves. Although the movie is more artistic as opposed to preachy, there certainly are a few little messages within the film that can be interpreted in many different ways. One of the things that makes this movie so good, is that everybody will view it differently, and gauge their own reaction as a result of what they are seeing and hearing.

Overall, this was one of the greatest and most brilliant flash movies I have ever viewed. The animation and audio worked together flawlessly, and the violence contributed to the dark atmosphere and the true message of the film. Many play little metaphorical games of chess throughout their lives, oblivious to the effects they are having on others. Governments fool around with pawns when simple negotiation would be more effective, and less fatal. And many do not realize who the true enemy is, as stated in your author's message. My words can hardly describe how well-done this flash was in whole, but obviously i've tried to make an attempt at doing so. All in all, you did a fantastic job, and you managed to capture my thoughts and imagination for far longer than anything else has in the past few months.

Score: 10

"Sire,"

submission: WadeFulp: Internet Badass

date: November 5, 2005

I am here to congratulate you, you see. You got mixed up in your fair share of Star Syndicate shit, and i'm sure you faced a lot of persucution. From a person who has been asked to join the Star Syndicate by several users, I am glad that you managed to... arise.. from the mess of last month. The accusations of proxies was something that was bad, but nobody thought that the SS would actually consider ways of actually causing people's computers to crash, or whatnot. Hell, I knew you since your days before the SS, and at the time, I would always vote 10's on every flash they made. You were a good BBS'er, and I hope you at least attempt to make regular visits back there. I'd like to consider most of the Star Syndicate my friends still, although some of the shit they were talking about doing was a little extreme. Just make sure you continue to KEEP IT REAL, MAYUN.

About the movie, the graphics were actually somewhat impressive. I didn't know you could draw this well, and I obviously didn't see it from any of the daily2oons you made. It was pretty clean and crisp to watch, and there were no flashing .gifs of penises anywhere to be found. I loved the style. Any flash about Wade is usually quite humorous... usually... and this one was no exception. Everything in flash fit together beautifully, and caused me to go into convulsions of orgasms.

The sound was simply marvelous. I found the voice acting to be somewhat convincing, despite the fact that it sounded nothing like Wade. The music somehow fit so perfectly, that it felt as if a fucking studio was working on this flash, as opposed to your sexy ass. This movie didn't real suit any sort of violence, unless you decided to like, make Wade fly across America and attempt to assassinate all the Star Syndicate members.

Anyways, it was a swell flash, by a swell user. You've probably be getting a whole lot of flak getting mixed up with this sort of business, but it appears that your work will prevail regardless. Daily Feature is no easy feat, and I am quite impressed you managed to pull it off with such a short flash. You've got a lot of talent, my friend, just make sure you continue to use it in the future.

Love;
-Canas-

Score: 10

"Quite metaphorical"

submission: Sinister Plan

date: October 31, 2005

I wasn't expecting a movie that had a bit of... "brains" put into to it, to be honest. It's not that often that I come across something that isn't mindless violence, or pointless porno. This was another one of those little gems that I was lucky enough to find, and I will be posting it in my topic about these sort of films. As it started, I wasn't sure what to think. I knew it was a metaphor for something, but it could be interpreted in so many ways. When he finally loaded into the van, I figured it had something to do with gaining a new identity. But I found out that I was incorrect almost immediately.

The idea that the army "steals heads" is quite the deep thought. Although many share the same sort of mentality, you managed to put it into an art form, or something that most will be able to understand. I noticed that the recruits never had smiles on their faces, meaning that they knew things were wrong, and they weren't going to pretend like the world was fine. When the army man issued them a new head, he also issued them new thoughts. Taking away any doubts about what he is to be doing in a far away land. All of his political views and feelings have been made to be the same as everybody elses, made to be what the government wants them to be, and I thought that this message was one of thought-provoking brilliance.

The graphics weren't bad. Obviously, i've seen a lot better on this website. But I couldn't draw as good as you, therefore I should give you some credit there. Your style was... brilliant. The metaphorical meaning was one that could only be figured out at the end, and it kept the viewer guessing and thinking throughout the whole movie.

Using "mainstream" music is usually a bad sign among newgrounds movies. Although I wouldn't consider R.E.M. THAT "mainstream" the fact that people know who they are can sometimes hurt the movie. But I personally have never heard the song before, therefore the next time I hear it I will immediately be reminded of this movie, as opposed to those who have heard it being reminded of something else. Their was a tad bit of violence, but it was merely a literally device used in the form of a moving picture.

All in all, this is one of the better movies i've viewed in a long while. You managed to give meaning to your flash, which is something most authors don't really care about. Thank you.

-Canas-

Score: 8

"Much stranger"

submission: Lost in shadows

date: October 31, 2005

I have already left a review for the movie previous to this one, if you haven't read it yet. And I found this one to be slightly better. Although they were... very similar. Almost, too similar, to be honest. But the changes made were enough to pass it off as a seperate movie, and if you contrast both of them it is easy to see that they are most certainly not the same.

The graphics were once again, quite eye-catching. I really enjoyed your animations, for the most part, and I found that they graphics were done well enough to actually make me feel a little bit creeped out. The "demons" could have been drawn better to look a little bit scarier, but I found that they were at least a little freaky looking. Just in time for halloween, I suppose. The style was great, as I mentioned in my other review. I really like how you combined a bit of David Firth-esque graphics and music to your own style to make a very unique flash. The walls changing colors and too look as if they were almost bleeding added a wonderful touch, and the black and white flashes were also done very well. The flickering in the characters eyes was something I have never seen before, and I really thought that added a lot to the flash.

The sound was a lot better than the previous one. I found that it fit the flash quite well, and really gave it a sort of ominous feel. It is always good to see a flash coincide well with it's music, and this one is a near perfect example of that. The violence wasn't much different from the other flash, but the idea of cutting an arm in half and eating one half of it in a corner still comes across as a liiiittle strange. Despite the fact that I already saw it in the other one.

You've got some talent, kid. It's not often that I ever see a half decent movie series come out of anybody below the age of 17 or 18, nevermind a pretty damned good one. Just make sure that all your ideas remain as original as they are, and you might just end up becoming a big success on this site. You have a lot of competition, but I think you've got what it takes. Great flash, perfect style, unique sound, and overall just plain awesome. Fantastic work, I look foward to seeing your next bit.

Score: 7

"Unexpected"

submission: Lost in the darkness

date: October 31, 2005

I was forced to watch this movie for the sole reason that you just submitted the "sequel" to it today. And to be honest, I was plesently surprised by the result. This is not the kind of work I was expecting from one so young, and I suppose stereotypes are meant to be broken.

The graphics were quite... unique. Although the weren't particularily amazing, I found that the were relatively pleasing to the eyes. There was a tad bit of laziness animating the characters movements, since his legs were really... just stumps. But that could be just your style. (or course, David Firth doesn't have the best drawings either, anyways). The style was breathtaking. The way you used the sharp and scratchy backround was pretty cool, and the painting was also quite interesting.

The sound fit almost perfectly. Although i'm sure there is a better song out there for this flash movie, I found that the one you used did quite well. The music suited the mood, to an extent. The violence in your film was also unexpected, yet very unique. When the character ate the hand, I was quite disturbed. But also somewhat amused, in an evil manical way.

You did a good job on this flash, and i'm a little bummed out that it may not get the attention it deserves. After your sequel falls off the Top 50, you may get a review every week. It's quite depressing, really. But know that those who managed to view your work were quite impressed. I look foward to viewing and reviewing your other movie, which i'll get to right now.

-Canas-

Score: 6

"Ah, Ryan"

submission: Chronicles of Chaos4

date: October 31, 2005

Just a warning; As one of the top reviewers on this site, (currently ranked 69th :o) i'll just have to warn you that this review may be quite... lengthy. Although some of the other people who have more reviews than me don't leave even a THIRD as much in their reviews, I chose to actually make an attempt at putting as much effort into my reviews as I can, so that the author can appreciate the fact that their movie served a purpose to somebody. Instead of the usual "dude dat sucked yo" review or "kool dude", etc.

The graphics were an improvement on your usual graphics. Obviously you are getting better, and I thought your attempts at characters that aren't sticks weren't in vain. The style, obviously, was quite cool. I loved the added touch with Wade, and the whole deal about Tom crying. I'll be sure to email Wade with a link to this movie, so he may watch it himself.

The sound was good, but you could've obviously used some sound effects, (and maybe a voice or to, :o). Listening to music is fine, but it would make the flash a lot better if I could hear the cracking of a few skulls. The violence was, expected. As all of your flashes contain a fair amount of psychotic killing and shooting, I wasn't at all surprised. Of course, a little gore couldn't hurt your flash either.

Well, you're getting better. I've said it several times, and it's still true. I don't know what you're working on now, but I look foward to seeing it. A lot of people like to see Halo flashes, and if you made another one you might get a better score. Although, with the Halo fanboys comes the Halo haters, and it will get voted down upon by a few select douchebags. Anyways, keep submitting stuff. I need to boost my author reponse rate, :)

-Canas-

Score: 6

"Could've improved"

submission: FR - Halloween Special

date: October 29, 2005

The flash wasn't too bad, but it wasn't that great either. I was actually very impressed by the graphics at first. They were drawn quite flawlessly. But other aspects of the movie just didn't quite live up to the rest.

The graphics, as I mentioned before, were pretty fucking good. It had a clean, and crisp look to it. And I loved the cartoon style. Despite the cartoon feel, there was a bit of realism incorperated into the character design, and I felt that your animation is really your strong point. The style of the flash was good. Nothing gets me in the mood for candy more than a good Halloween flash, plus it makes newgrounds a lot more interesting to view seasonal stuff as opposed to the usual blood and gore.

The sound was very poor. I could hardly hear what the voice actors were saying half the time, and if I tried to turn up the volume, the scratchiness killed my ears. Most of the dialogue was very poorly written, and the acting didn't really have enough flair to make me believe it was something more than a mediocre flash movie as opposed to a satirical representation of the late teen lifestyle. The music fit well, and I felt that the sound effects were also pretty good. But that was probably the only good thing about the audio. Violence, on the other hand, was there. Although not plentiful, it was enough to appeal to my sadistic nature. But I couldn't help but feel that it was only including for the sole purpose of having violence in the film.

It was a good effort, and it really had it's ups and downs. The graphics were great, plus some of the humor was alright. But the sound was this flashes main weakness, and I felt that with a little more effort you probably could've made an improvement on the audio. Anyways, solid job. Just not executed extremely well.

-Canas-

Score: 8

"Gangster shit"

submission: Left Behind

date: October 29, 2005

Haha, that was pretty cool. I've seen several flashes focusing on music videos, but this one may end up standing out in my memory. It was a very interesting song, and I can't say that i'd actually heard of it before. But i'm sure you weren't counting on it. It's obvious that you chose a song that you really like, because it shows in the effort put into this.

The graphics were good, but i've seen a lot better. The drawings were done quite well, but sometimes it felt as if the backround was moving rather jerkily. Plus the animation was decent, and it didn't really have a whole lot of realism to it. Your style is pretty unique, and I always find myself saying so about the flashes I watch. You picked one gangster ass song, and you did a brilliant job of encorperating the lyrics with the flash. The combination actually made it feel as if it were the actual music video, assuming you didn't just steal the ideas from what was their actual music video.

The sound, as I said before, was gangster. I mean, two guys rapping about random shit, it was pretty cool. I don't know if you got a bunch of reviews saying how "gay" rap is or not, but these people have got to appreciate the rhyme scheme the artists made. There was a bit of violence, but I didn't see any heads flying. It wouldn't have suited the flash anyways.

All in all, great work. You managed to make a music video for a very abstract song, and the flash worked perfectly. It added great humor with the lyrics, and to see the words carried out into pictures was cool. Fantastic work.

-Canas-