kakashisan

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  • WoW Moviewatch: Samuro

    by 
    Michael Gray
    Michael Gray
    03.30.2010

    Samuro was an entry into the Rise to Power contest from Alienware. It's a tough video to say much about without giving away the plot, so this review is going to be very brief. It was created by Kakashisan, who is the same machinimator who created the Surfing With The Alien movie some time ago. Samuro is a great machinima. The music is obviously appropriate. More importantly, the way Kakashisan framed the shots and set up each element was done with a skillful eye. The narrative flow of the trailer was quick and effective, and managed to setup the audience's anticipations without giving away the "twist" at the end. The best thing about the twist, though, is that as soon as one sees it -- you'll wonder how you missed it all along. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an e-mail at machinima AT wow DOT com.

  • WoW Moviewatch: SI:7 Episode 1

    by 
    Michael Gray
    Michael Gray
    09.21.2009

    Before you read on, please note that there are spoilers in this review.Tipster Thomas hooked me up to SI:7 Episode 1, the first installment in a story-based series by Kakashisan. The basic plot is a pretty good idea. After the Wrathgate debacle, a group of Forsaken rebels must plan another method for removing Horde influence over Undercity. Meanwhile, SI:7 has learned of danger to the Alliance. Matthias Shaw turns to a prisoner in the Stormwind Stockades for help.I think the animation was fine for the story it's supporting. The zooming scenery shots were strong, and the script moved along okay. I think where SI:7 Episode 1 struggled was scripting and voice acting. This is a fairly common problem with first-time-out story shows, because the author and actors are all working on "finding their mark." The script had a little more exposition than was strictly necessary, and it sounds like the voice actors are still growing into performing their roles naturally and smoothly. I don't want to be too critical, though, because I think they can get to a great place. I was impressed by the effort and novelty of SI:7 Episode I, and I look forward to seeing how it will grow. Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an e-mail at machinima AT wow DOT com.