Futuretronics Mini Remote for the PS3 Review

At my house, all media centre duties have been delegated to the PS3. Sure, it's not as flexible as a dedicated media centre/PVR, but you just can't go past something that puts network shared videos, music and photos on your TV, plays Blu-rays and DVDs, and plays PS3 games all for under $500.

Until now, I've been using the wireless PS3 controller as a remote when watching movies and such, but this has its drawbacks. In order to minimize the number of recharges and therefore prolong the life of my controller, I have it setup to turn off after a short period of non-use. So, say the phone rings and I have to pause the movie I'm watching, I'll have to hold the PS button for a few seconds to turn the controller on, wait for it to sync with the PS3, and then press pause. Annoying. Also, one hand operation can be awkward.⁺That's not a joke. 
"Sony makes genuine PS3 remotes. Just go buy one." Yes they do, and no I won't. See, the PS3 remote Sony offers - for around $39 - uses Bluetooth like the PS3 controller and must be "always on" as opposed to a standard infrared remote which only uses power while a button is being pressed. This means Sony's PS3 remote chews through its AA batteries much faster than your average TV remote. On the up side, you do get a full featured remote that, thanks to Bluetooth, works without being pointed at the PS3.
But all I want is something cheap to pause and rewind videos without needing its batteries changed every other week.

Enter Futuretronics' Mini Remote.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first instalment in a series of books known as The Millennium Trilogy written by the Swedish, and now quite dead, author Stieg Larsson. The original title of the book (and also the film) is Män som hatar kvinnor, which translates to: Men Who Hate Women. And How! I haven’t seen this much non-consensual sex in the one sitting since I had jury duty.⁺I mean, I’d just gotten broadband at the time. 

The story begins with investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist(Michael Nyqvist ) being found guilty of defamation against Hans-Erik Wennerström. Mikael had printed some rather accusatory statements in his magazine, Millenium, and earned himself three months in prison. But before his sentence begins, he is summoned by Henrik Vanger(Sven-Bertil Taube ), retired CEO and head of the Vanger family dynasty who beseeches Mikael to use his journalistic powers to investigate the disappearance of his great niece some thirty-five years prior.

Iron Man 2 Review

Ever since the huge success of "Iron Man 1", enthralled moviegoers have been eagerly anticipating its sequel. While I enjoyed Iron Man's first big screen outing, I wasn't particularly excited about the prospect of a follow up. I've always been a little wary of sequels, and the disappointment of The Dark Knight proved a bitter pill to swallow. I mean, they didn't exactly kill themselves making that story all it could be. So I didn't hold out much hope for this latest big-budget boasting, all-star cast wielding, summer release with something to prove. Was I right to be sceptical or was I pleasantly surprised with how good Iron Man 2 proved to be? You'd better read the review and find out.

Hot Tub Time Machine Mini Review

Adam(John Cusack  ), Nick(Craig Robinson  ) and Lou(Rob Corddry  ) are three out of touch friends, whose lives are in varying states of disarray. The trio is brought back together when Lou has a suspiciously suicidal near-death experience. Hoping to reconnect and rejuvenate, Adam and Nick take Lou for a weekend away at the Kodiak Valley Ski Resort, just as they did back in their heyday. Adam's adolescent, live-in nephew Jacob(Clark Duke  ) also comes along for the trip, much to Lou's chagrin. Upon their arrival, they discover that "K-Val" isn't the party paradise it once was. Oh, well. At least their room has a hot tub they can rock out in. I don't want to give too much more away, but the hot tub may or may not send them back in time. To the year 1986. Maybe.

Kick-Ass Review

I know it's been a while since the last write up, but allow me to make it up to you with this kick-ass review which, as it turns out, is not that great; the movie, that is. The review is great. So read along, won't you, as I narrow-mindedly condemn the film for not being exactly like the graphic novel which I just so happen to be giving away to one lucky reader.

How To Train Your Dragon 3D Review

How I Met Your Dragon is the latest offering from our friends at Dreamworks Animation, the folks responsible for such computer animate hits as Shrek and Madegascar, among many others. "They did Ice Age too, right?" No. You're thinking of Blue Sky Studios. If you're going to butt in, try not to make a fool of yourself. No, I don't have children. Yes, I went to see this movie by myself. No, I didn't regret it.

Cop Out Review

Cop Out is Kevin smith's first film since the funny and decidedly adult Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Alas, this time he is only the director, the writers being Mark & Robb Cullen.^{+Don't worry. This time it's ok if you haven't heard of them.} Bruce Willis plays a cop? I'm listening. Tracy Jordan is his wacky partner? Sounds like it could be fun. Seann William Scott plays an annoying petty criminal? No deal! Just kidding; you had me at "Bruce Willis".

Jimmy Monroe and Paul Hodges are a pair of streetwise NYPD detectives and partners of 9 years. When we meet them, they are about to interrogate a small time drug offender in the hopes that he'll turn snitch and help them nab someone higher up the food chain. You may not have heard, but New York has been having a bit of trouble with organised crime lately and the cops are keen to put a stop to it before NY becomes an unsafe place to live.