From Pixels to Polys Hall of Fame - Week 3

Once again this week we will try to bring you our Hall of Fame selections, that is, if superposter/coach Dan M. W. will allow us to do it without his hateful tirades--words hurt man. The way we tend to look at the hallowed PtP Hall is finding the different media that has left an impression on us over the years. This week Matt puts on his cowboy hat, Pat has a sing-along with a bunch of dudes, and I reveal the family gaming treasure.

The Movie: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Dan M. W. felt the need to criticize last weeks inductees… felt the need to cry about our picks and tell us how to do our jobs…well infant, here’s your pacifier, I give you the quintessential spaghetti western, one that transcends the genre and can legitimately stand on its own two legs as a truly great movie. The Good the Bad and the Ugly is one of those films that survives on rock solid acting and impeccable direction, as the plot is somewhat simple: three criminals searching for a gold shipment buried by a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. Clint Eastwood reprises his role as Blondie, the man with no name, whose signature glare and lightning fast quick shot have become iconic. Acting opposite of him is Lee Van Cleef, a ruthless mercenary named Angel Eyes whose penchant for brutality is seen throughout the film. Although this is widely known as one of Eastwood's best westerns, it would be a crime to not mention Eli Wallach’s portrayal of the half-witted murderer Tuco, who in my opinion steals the show. But this film isn’t about acting so much as it is about atmosphere. What’s important about this film is not what is said, but what left to the camera vocalize; Sergio Leone loves his gritty close-ups, and more importantly, loves to draw out a scene to create suspense (the shootouts are brilliant). Sure the films a tad too long and dubbing is a little off, but in the end, any Hall of Fame that omits this film is a sham, a hack job, and a joke; here’s to influential and deserving inductees…can baby coo for Daddy, that’s a good boy…

-Matt

The Album: Hootie & the Blowfish: Cracked Rear View

Say what you might about Hootie, but watch your words carefully my friend. There is something strangely heterosexual about 5 guys crammed into a blue 1992 GMC Jimmy singing… make that yelling the lyrics to “Hold My Hand”. You can’t deny that if there is one album that if you get a bunch of white men together with either copious amounts of alcohol in their system or the vague security that no one can hear them or at least know what they are singing as they go flying by at 60 miles an hour singing out “I only wanna be with you…”

The amazing thing about this album was just the fact that almost all the greatest songs were just stuffed into it. It is the album that defined the band; that unfortunately floundered after producing such a masterpiece of masculine freedom.

There may be many detractors who will out of their own shame try to deny that they once sang these songs not only because they knew the words but because they just had to give into the Hootie. To those who would deny that they enjoyed this album, to you I say shame on you; and I’ll see you at the bar next week to practice “Time”.

-Pat

The Game: Super Mario Bros. 3

It’s so difficult to write a paragraph about a game comprised of sheer joy. Like seriously, game-maker Shigeru Miyamoto took the legendary original Super Mario Bros game and improved upon it. Play through it today and the level design still impresses. The controls are perfect. The suits are still cool, and the graphics and worlds are varied and excellent. I remember saving up the $50 dollars for this game on my $2 dollar-a-week allowance. Quick math tells me it must’ve taken 37 weeks, but it was the best purchase of my young adolescent life. My father recently admitted to me that he and my mother were strictly enforcing my bedtime after I bought the game because they couldn’t wait to play it after I went to my room. So I no longer am on speaking terms with my family. Thanks Super Mario Bros. 3!

-Anthony