REVIEWS
16 Blocks
MOVIE
16 Blocks begins as an unoriginal "good cop-bad cop" drama. Surprisingly and satisfyingly, it evolves into a poignant story of redemption with well-rounded and empathetic characters. Despite the cardboard beginning, it was refreshing to see minimal bloodshed in a film that is filled with bullets and handguns.
Bruce Willis plays Jack Mosely, a passionless and alcoholic New York cop. Rapper Mos Def plays Eddie Bunker, a petty criminal who is a key witness in an ongoing trial. Mosely has to get Bunker to the courthouse (16 blocks away) on time while being trailed by Mosely's shady partner, who wants Bunker dead. The film shifts from Mosely and his ex-partner's individual vendetta to a game of cat and mouse and then finally to a hostage situation. Willis delivers a dependable performance, giving Mosely a believable weathered
and jaded mindset. But from the beginning, Mos Def steals the show. He emits a refreshing charisma, comedic timing and believable sympathy; easily proving he can do it all. David Morse is also convincing as Mosely's lawless ex-partner.
South Wind 12
Rated: PG-13, 115
minutes
Due to touching and authentic performances and a plot that keeps you guessing, 16 Blocks proves that it can go the distance.
★★★
Sarah Tucker
GAME
SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG
It looks like a sonic the Hedgehog game. It feels like a Sonic the Hedgehog game. But why does the main character have a gun? I had high hopes for Shadow in his first starring role, but Shadow the Hedgehog doesn't stack up to what I thought it would be.
The idea of the game is good. You assume the role of Shadow and try to uncover the secrets to his past. You are equipped with the familiar
mechanics that made other Sonic the Hedgehog, games great, but the added features make it annoying at times. Trying to complete certain paths becomes a chore, such as trying to destroy a certain type of enemy or collecting items. These options for the missions are always open and become irritating when you have to listen to characters telling you what to do.
The weapon and vehicle option is perhaps the most confusing. For one, Shadow's body should be the only weapon at the player's disposal, but trying to use weapons like a-9 mm and a sword to destroy enemies is awkward. Never should Shadow or any other Sonic character have to pick up a weapon. Also, the purpose of a Sonic game is to blast through the level at breakneck speed. The characters always boast that they are
super-fast creatures, so why must they jump in a Jeep and roll through a stage? Also, it seems this game doesn't want players to move as fast, because they will end up missing things that are crucial for completing missions and have to backtrack (which should NEVER happen in a Sonic game).
Shadow the Hedgehog does not play like a standard Sonic game, and it's a shame. I hope that they don't scrap Shadow as a character just because this game doesn't play as well as other titles. He's a great character and hopefully hell get his act together in the future.
Sytem: Gamecube,
PlayStation 2, XBox
Chris Moore
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22 JAYPLAY 03.09.2006
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