Bender's Big Score Review Thread

[on:]

Use this thread to post/discuss links to external reviews (short excerpts in SPOILER tags are OK) and to post your own reviews once you saw the movie. For your own reviews, vote on the poll, too. No voting if you didn't see the movie.

[Reply #1 on:]

Hi everyone. I watched it last night. Fans of the show will love it. I'm working on my review now.
I really don't want to give much away. Email me if you want spoilers.

SPOILER BELOW (well a very very small spoiler anyway)

.
I will say this, keep an eye out for Eric Cartman and Peter Griffin   

EDIT: I forgot to mention I work for the media -- that's how I got a screener for my review.

[Reply #2 on:]

Is this just open early? Because I really wanna watch but being in Britain is very difficult. and as far as I know, it's not released yet.
Don't worry, i'll review the moment i finish watching.

[Reply #3 on:]

*looks up hideing underpants gnomes to get the movie*

[Reply #4 on:]

Ok there is a new review of Bender's Big Score here...
 http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=18018§ionId=25

This review is very positive and reveals a few more things which we didn't know before. The only negative thing in this review is the extra features. I'll also post the review I posted yesterday in the news thread again in here, although this is the rather negative review...
 http://www.dvdcorner.net/html/main/index.php?direct=show_review&index=1314

There is also another positive review which Frida posted yesterday, but I'll let her post that in here. Also just a suggestion to [-mArc-], do you think you could edit your first post and include all of the links to reviews which get posted in here? That would make it a lot easier to look at all the reviews...

edit - Just found another review, very positive and mentions something new again... http://www.craveonline.com/articles/filmtv/04649067/benders_big_score_dvd.html

[Reply #5 on:]

Thanks for posting the reviews!

[Reply #6 on:]

 http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review.php?ID=31358

Thanks for letting me do the honors, but next time you can feel free to go ahead and post it myself. It's not like its my own personal review. But still, that was very polite of you.

[Reply #7 on:]

So 1 negative and 5 positive so far? I like those odds!

[Reply #8 on:]

I'm almost done with my review, but sadly I won't be able to post it (or a link to it) until it runs in the paper. You folks need to email any questions you might have 
I really think most Futurama fans will love it.

[Reply #9 on:]

reading all of those reviews made me even more excited.  Hoorah!

[Reply #10 on:]

the negative review is crap, by the review it seems like the writer never even saw futurama, futurama is suppose to have different side stories, thats what makes futurama great.

[Reply #11 on:]

A new review of Bender's Big Score. This review is average. It also goes into detail with the picture and sound quality, both are very good. We also get exact times to the second for all of the extras...

Warning: There are some heavy plot spoilers in here... http://dvdmg.com/futuramabendersbigscore.shtml

[Reply #12 on:]

How much is spoiled in your new review, Otis? Anything about the end?

EDIT: Err... nevermind. I accidentally read the spoiler. It was a mediocre-sized spoiler, but I think it wouldn't ruin your experience knowing it. It just adds a little bit to the knowledge we already have, but its still some chunk of information.

[Reply #13 on:]

OK.  Just saw the movie.  Talked to a couple of other fans at the scene and I think we agree that

Show spoiler

you all should be getting very, very excited, and won't be disappointed.  It is much better than the trailer would indicate.  It was amazing to see a full-length Futurama movie, and much of the animation was better than the original series.  So much fan material is packed into it that even at 1.5+ hours it almost felt a little rushed, so many characters make cameo appearances.  There are two very clever plots entwined (plus one minor subplot) and a lot of good jokes.  The overall plot flow is a little choppy, but that's clearly because K. Keeler was writing something that could be split into smaller episodes, so I don't blame anyone for the occasionally episodic feel.  Futurama is back and firing on at least five out of six cylinders!

BTW, the new TV banner is 'Futurama: Won't stay dead!' or something to that effect.

However, some die-hard fans might find certain aspects controversial because

Show spoiler

ymj uqty jkkjhynajqd wjyhtsx ymj junxtijx ozwfxxnh gfwp qzhp tk ymj kwdnxm fsi ijanqx mfsix gzy ymjwj fwj xjajwfq qttxj jsix fy ymj jsi tk ymj rtanj xt rfdgj ymnx nx sty ymj knsfq btwi

There are some BIG spoilers here, so don't get mad at me if you can't help yourself and solve this simple substitution code.

And I'll leave it at that.

[Reply #14 on:]

Cos I can be smart too! Also I'm a sucker for things that people tell me not to read.

Show spoiler

maxkx bl t ikxvxwxgm yhk mabl tekxtwr lbgvx par hy ykr kxmvhggxw max oxkr ybklm xiblhwx xoxk lh lebzamer

Won't stop me watching, that's for sure, but now I see what you were talking about in other places.

[Reply #15 on:]

if anyone figures out the codes tell me or e-mail me or something - i can't work them out cause i'm stupid at codes 'n' stuff.

[Reply #16 on:]

I am so bad at those... I want to see the spoiler! D:

[Reply #17 on:]

Ask Julius.

[Reply #18 on:]

This will probably sound incredibly stupid, but who's Julius?

[Reply #19 on:]

 

Originally posted by JustNibblin':

However, some die-hard fans might find certain aspects controversial because

Show spoiler

ymj uqty jkkjhynajqd wjyhtsx ymj junxtijx ozwfxxnh gfwp qzhp tk ymj kwdnxm fsi ijanqx mfsix gzy ymjwj fwj xjajwfq qttxj jsix fy ymj jsi tk ymj rtanj xt rfdgj ymnx nx sty ymj knsfq btwi

There are some BIG spoilers here, so don't get mad at me if you can't help yourself and solve this simple substitution code.

And I'll leave it at that.

...

Show spoiler

FUCK!  Not qtyk!  To be honest, I was suspecting as much based on previous spoilers, but still....  D8

Gawd, there's so much I want to ask you now, but I'll make myself wait for the movie to come out so I can see it for myself.  Thank you for the tidbit!

[Reply #20 on:]

Will somebody please post the decoded message for the sake of the stupid and lazy (such as myself)? 

[Reply #21 on:]

 

Originally posted by SonicPanther:
Will somebody please post the decoded message for the sake of the stupid and lazy (such as myself)?   

Or perhaps some instructions?

[Reply #22 on:]

no!  Please don't post the decoded version.  I'm too weak to resist looking at it!  maybe someone could email it to you instead, sonicPanther?

[Reply #23 on:]

I haven't toched my e-mail in ages as far as mailfrom actual people (and not machines) goes... :P  Could someone please e-mail it to me at firstmatewiggles@neomail.com (NOT the e-mail in my profile)? Thanks 

[Reply #24 on:]

You know what, I think I should just wait. I think it will ruin the surprise for me.

I'm shaking in anticipation. How can I last ten more days? I guess that's why I have all Futurama episodes on my computer (except for "A Lesser of Two Evils", which always loads up in widescreen for some odd reason) plus the trailer for "Bender's Big Score".

For this wait, does anybody know of some good games? You know, something that will kill 240 hours?

[Reply #25 on:]

240 hours? There are actually plenty of RPG games out there that last that long if you're desperate...

[Reply #26 on:]

Hey Sonic,

Sorry but if I say OK to you then I'm going to have to send it to a lot of people aren't I?  I'll post the translations the day of the official release.  I mean, won't you feel better seeing the thing with unspoiled, innocent eyes?  I'm not trying to be mean, honestly.

Geez, I don't think Family Guy fans ever have these kind of problems   

[Reply #27 on:]

 

Originally posted by SonicPanther:
240 hours? There are actually plenty of RPG games out there that last that long if you're desperate...

Well, I have both Kingdom Hearts Games... but, I think they're both too long. I remember playing Kingdom Hearts II and it took me five hours just to get to the title screen. Though that could be because I kept playing all the money-earning mini games until I finally got a high rating on all.

Hmm... I could play the first and classic Spyro game again.

[Reply #28 on:]

I AM SHAKING FROM NOT KNOWING WHAT THAT SAYS.

Can I at least have a hint?

[Reply #29 on:]

 

Originally posted by Frida Waterfall:
For this wait, does anybody know of some good games? You know, something that will kill 240 hours?

If you have a DS, this would be a good opportunity to play one or all of the Phoenix Wright games.  Each took me a few days/a week to get through, and I can't recommend this series enough to people.

ETA: This post is so horribly off-topic.   

[Reply #30 on:]

Sonic, face it, Just Nibblin' won't spill. We need to team up together against Officer 1BDI. We'll pin her up to a wall. I'll get the arms, you get the legs. Don't forget to bring a knife. Or a gun. But no ammo, we don't want to kill her. First, I'll ask if it the message will put a steak through my heart. Then, while I hold my ears, you demand that she tells what the message translates to.

EDIT: Oh, Officer, you're here?!? Uh, yeah, I do have a Nintendo DS. A coral pink one, to be specific. That reminds me, I still got to finish up my Harvest Moon game.

[Reply #31 on:]

Yes, I'm here staring at those elaborately detailed plans of yours and naively wondering why my screenname's written all over them. =P

(Seriously, Archonix solved it hours before I even cracked the first word; he's the one you should all go after!)

[Reply #32 on:]

   

Originally posted by Officer 1BDI:
(Seriously, Archonix solved it hours before I even cracked the first word; he's the one you should all go after!)

Okay.

We'll strike at dawn.

EDIT: Screw that. I already decoded it. Didn't hurt me much.

[Reply #33 on:]

This is a review my husband has been trying to post but because he just registered today he has not been "approved" to post yet.
***************************************


In order to not spoil the film for any of the excited masses out there, this review has been broken up into two components: the first dealing with the experience of going to the Futurama Movie Premiere (plus a special non-spoiler review!!) and the second with a critical review of the film proper (I will specifically remark when the spoilers will begin). Let me first however say howdies to everyone who was in the "fan" section near my wife and me as you guys were awesome to be around. In case you were there, I was the guy with the black-gray sweater who asked the question about ""Everybody Loves Hypnotoad". Now that I have seen the Hypnotoad episode, I absolutely appreciate David's comment that much more. Also, a big shout out to that guy sitting in front of my wife for keeping away tall people from sitting in front of me!!  Thanks for watching out.
 
I thought the whole event was first-class. The "fans" were allowed to take their seats about an hour before the show actually begun and we just kind of waited there while people floated in.  We did see a giant Bender walking around but most of this time was spent talking to my wife and listening to the funny things others were saying around us. I am not sure how many of the contest winners made it to the show, it seemed to me that there were a few seats in our area that were empty until right before it was set to start. Once they were content with the amount of people in the room, several speakers came up and talked to the crowd (David X, Matt G., John DiMaggio) about their happiness with the fan support and with the return of the series. John DiMaggio is such a loud guy, even yelling “lean in” style comments in the darkened theater (“everyone shut up!!!”). With the audience energized and with our eyes opened wide like children on Christmas morning, the film started. Then it had to be restarted. Only to be restarted yet again. Yes, the sound system went all screwy! When I met David X. later that night, he told me that the theater people had some difficulty with the software that they used to present the film (a digital film I guess). In order to fill the gaps between the restarting, the voice actors all went up on stage and did a question and answer section. It was very funny and a good use of the time (including Billy’s dark, dark humor). After a while the film went back up and we all cried in delight. My wife and I did not stay that long at the after party because it was not really our scene (too many Hollywood types and clubbin' hynas for our taste, no offense or anything) and we do not drink. We just wanted to meet David and Matt anyways, which we did, and take some photos with them. At the exit they gave out favors: the Bender's Big Score DVD (my wife and I got one each) and a Bender paper weight tied together with a bow!!). Yes, we plan to watch everything on the DVD this weekend. It was the best Thursday night ever.
 
So, the film. In summary, it was hilarious and completely within the tradition of the show. It contained a ton of fanfare (they care about us) and a lot of references to other science fiction programs. It managed to invoke emotions in a way that the best "poignant" pieces of Futurama has done. Yes, that is the best non-spoiler review I could come up with! Stop reading now if you do not want spoilers! Stop!!!!!!!
 

Show spoiler

First, the positive: The film did that wonderful balancing of touching and comic material that has made the show so enjoyable. Fry is such a strange individual in how he can be so loveable, beyond stupid ("Bonder? Is that really you?", “a tar shark!!”) and yet so emotionally moving all within the context of his character. The other characters all performed brilliantly as well and that is at least half of the reason the film was so awesome. These are people (the Futurama characters) that can be connected with, that you feel you know and can predict, and that feel almost like friends. The film truly did feel like a visit from a friend who I have not heard from in a long while. The humor was all pretty much faultless in the film and the plot worked well most of the time. They brought back the technique of moving back and forth between the present and the past and I loved it. I am glad they focused on time-travel; it is a thorny subject that deserved to be given the treatment in film fashion. I am sure the writers had a great time figuring stuff out and it showed on the screen. Seeing a new eyebrow on the Hypnotoad was great too (anger!). Also, the musical numbers rocked!!

Show spoiler

Now, the negative: The plot seemed to move quickly. I actually prefer a slow, lazy plot where people spend a lot of time on the couch just chit-chatting more than I do a rapid-fire one. There were scenes that had time to development but some just went back really quickly. The whole scammers' thing was a little silly too; it was not believable enough. It was sad to see the weak response by the Nibblonians against those ugly naked aliens; I thought they were like a super-race of ancients and yet they were defeated by mere steel chairs. Boo! The "Everybody Loves Hypnotoad" feature was fun but kind of a waste of time. Well, it was ok but you need to fast forward a lot. Plus, I did not like Lars' design.

It was a great film and everyone needs to go out and buy it when it comes out this month. I wish the other DVDs were already out; it is such a wonderful show. If you like people in various state of undress (mostly naked), you’ll like this movie. We would like to thank those involved for this once-in-lifetime (unless you have additional tickets for next film *wink*) experience: David X, FOX, [-mArc-]. With that…you've read it, you can't un-read it!

[Reply #34 on:]

I think I've got it! Hooray for me! Now to decode the entire thing...

[Reply #35 on:]

Interview with producer Claudia Katz about Bender's Big Score. Ignore the date at the bottom, it's wrong... http://www.movieweb.com/dvd/news/03/23203.php

Article about last nights screening... http://www.dailystar.co.uk/gossip/view/21311/Futurama-to-return-Matt-Groening/

@Frida, sorry I never got back to you, by the time I saw your post in here you'd already edited it and read the review. I didn't came back in here after I posted that review for quite a few hours...

[Reply #36 on:]

 

Originally posted by Otis P Jivefunk:
@Frida, sorry I never got back to you, by the time I saw your post in here you'd already edited it and read the review. I didn't came back in here after I posted that review for quite a few hours...

It wasn't such a big spoiler. I think the ones that are swimming around now are MUCH bigger.

[Reply #37 on:]

JustNibblin': bmfy it dtz rjas gs "knsfq btwi"? :/

[Reply #38 on:]

SP: One word:  hqnkkmfsljw

EDIT: sorry, screwup earlier.  This is right.

[Reply #39 on:]

Unless that word is actually ibcpphanfer, did you change the code again? If it really is ibcpphanfer, you've lost me.