Some inspirational sports films

Sports Movies Daniel Volitich

Hereunder are some of the most-acclaimed sports movies in the history of modern cinema.

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Rocky (1976)

“Rocky” is always high on some list of greatest sports films, and for good reason. Stallone’s acting is top-notch and the story itself will have your heart soaring by the time the end credits roll out. It also sends a heartfelt message that life is full of opportunities that each of us should make the most out of. Daniel Volitich.

Rudy (1993)

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Probably one the most inspiring movie across all genres, “Rudy” is a must-watch whenever life is getting you down. It reminds us that we can all reach our dreams if we believe and work hard enough on it. “Rudy” also shows all of us that setbacks are a part of our lives and what matters is how we bounce back from them. Daniel Volitich

Replacements (2000)

Not quite as introspective as the first two films on this list, “Replacements” is loads of fun. Based on a true story, this sports-comedy also features underdogs that fate has brought together and who are stronger with each other than apart. Daniel Volitich.

Is 'Black Summer' the must-see zombie series of 2019?

It’s been a while since we’ve had a solid zombie movie, much less a series. "The Walking Dead" went on too long and many are saying that the genre is already, well, dying. But in comes Netflix’s "Black Summer" to bring a new lease on life to the undead, says film buff Daniel Volitich.

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The new zombie apocalypse series is meant to be a prequel to the recently canceled, five-season-long "Z Nation" series in the SYFY channel. The idea is clearly similar to AMC’s "Fear the Walking Dead" spinoff. But it’s in the execution where "Black Summer" truly stands out.

Unlike either deliberately dark or comedic takes on zombies, this series shines because of a variety of conceits, including masterful one-shot takes that bring the audience right smack into the scene. It sustains our attention as well due to its episodic presentation, with often-telling word cues flashing on the screen to signify narrative act transitions.

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The zombies are fast in "Black Summer," reminiscent of the "28 Days" franchise and the "Dawn of the Dead" remake. In fact, certain scenes from the pilot episode come out as unabashed homage to the 2004 take on the George Romero classic.

But what’s most compelling about this series is its campy approach. Though the characters obviously take their roles seriously, the way the scenes are depicted is often over the top and bordering on the ridiculous. It will take a few episodes for the keen viewer to realize this quasi-meta treatment, but when that surrender happens, "Black Summer" becomes a truly fun and refreshing watch, adds Daniel Volitich.

Daniel Volitich is a student at the San Francisco College of the Arts taking up Animation. His interests include comic books, films, technology, and videogames. For related posts, visit this blog.

GoT talk: Who is the Night King’s true enemy?

There have been tons of theories surrounding the Game of Thrones lore, and certainly some of the most popular are those connected to the White Walker boss Night King’s motives. In this blog, pop culture enthusiast Daniel Volitich looks at a few of the most famous theories about the Night King and his intentions, going into the final season of the acclaimed show.

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 One prevailing theory is that the Night King’s real bane is Jamie Lannister. It seems quite outrageous a proposition, until one considers that Jamie is on a path toward redemption, and only he holds the power of Wildfire. His narrative might not involve him actually slaying the ice king, but he is the kingslayer after all; it is highly possible that he would turn the tide of battle by killing most of the wights using wildfire, assuming the white walker horde makes it to King’s Landing.

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Of course, the more logical theory is that the show will end with a showdown between the Night King and the remaining Targaryens Jon and Daenerys, completing the long-running symbolism of fire and ice and realizing the prophecy or Azor Ahai. It’s interesting though that Jon Snow has never wielded a fiery sword. However, anyone familiar with the plot decisions and crazy thinking of George R.R. Martin would think this a too-easy resolution.

Lastly, there’s what Daniel Volitich believes to be the plausible theory: that the night king’s true enemy is Brandon Stark, the new three-eyed raven. It makes perfect sense, as Brandon is easily one of the—if not the actual—most powerful individuals in Westeros. This theory likewise resonates with past episodes of Bran’s time travel, the all-out attack resulting in the killing of Hodor, and persistent theories that Bran may himself transform into the night king if he were to get killed.

Daniel Volitich is currently attending San Francisco College of the Arts to become a video game designer and animator. His interests include video games, animation, films, and comic books. More reads on Daniel’s geeky hobbies and pop culture in general here.

Must-watch anime this 2019

While we eagerly await season 2 of Goblin Slayer to release (hopefully toward the end of the year), hereunder are several ongoing anime series to catch up on for Winter 2019, according to anime fan Daniel Volitich.

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The Rising of the Shield Hero 

This gem of the isekai sub-genre (in which a character gets transported to a parallel universe) is one of the most talked about new anime series everywhere. It’s a refreshing take on the anti-hero narrative, and main characters Naofumi and Raphtalia are destined to be the couple of the year, even as they battle demons on their way to gaining good XP (it’s an RPG-style series) and eventual redemption.

The Promised Neverland

Another series gaining much acclaim is this well-produced, well-voiced futuristic dark fantasy about orphans being bred as demon food. It obviously banks on a harrowing storyline and the slow unraveling of the mysteries and motives surrounding the orphanage’ establishment. The series utilizes an engrossing drip-feed style, too.

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Dororo

This is the 2019 remake of one of the most celebrated anime of all time, which originally came out as a manga in the 1960s. The 24-episode series is simply action-packed, breathtaking, and gorgeously rendered, enthused Daniel Volitich. We follow the adventures of Dororo and the enigmatic Hyakkimaru as they fight off demons and the latter start to gain his humanity in the process.

Daniel Volitich is currently attending the San Francisco College of the Arts to become a videogame designer and animator. He is huge fan of videogames, cartoons, comic books, and films. For more of Daniel’s writings, go to this site.

Why 'Psycho Pass' is an animated series you shouldn’t miss

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I’m Daniel Volitich, and I love Japanese anime. I find that watching it stirs up my creative juices for school and work. A few years ago, I managed to catch this series which was recommended by a friend of mine. The title of the show was “Psycho Pass” and it was one of the best animes I’ve seen this side of “Ghost in the Shell.”

“Psycho Pass” tells the story of a young female detective in a futuristic Tokyo. Cliché right? Not so much. While many Japanese animes have this trope, “Psycho Pass” takes a hard turn with the mechanics of law enforcement.

If you remember “Minority Report,” the system by which law enforcers deem people to be guilty is similar. There is in “Psycho Pass” what is called a Sybil System built into the detectives’ guns. When a gun is pointed at a suspect, the system decides what kind of punishment the suspect deserves – even before he commits a crime. This is done by measuring a person’s Crime Coefficient, or potential to commit a crime.

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But what really gives “Psycho Pass” the Daniel Volitich gold seal of approval are the villains. Ruthless, brutal, diabolical, and incomparable, the main bad guy in the story will send shivers down your spine. And yet, he’s only half of the equation.

Give “Psycho Pass” a whirl, and see for yourself.

Daniel Volitich is an animation student from the San Francisco College of the Arts and a pop culture geek who enjoys video games, animation, films, and comic books. For similar reads, visit this page.

The best issues of Gaiman’s 'The Sandman'

Way before he found success with novels and adaptations like "American Gods" and "Neverwhere," British fantasist Neil Gaiman stepped into the limelight in the late ‘80s with "The Sandman," his highly acclaimed comic book series under the DC Vertigo line. In this blog, we’ve listed the top issues in the curious and endearing lore of Morpheus, lord of dreams.

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'A Dream of a Thousand Cats'
This story took place in the 18th issue (part of the Dream Country volume) and saw Gaiman depicting an alternative reality where Morpheus (here in the form of a cat) is visited by a cat who had stumbled into the land of dreams. The cat imagined a world in which humans were pets instead. A form of redemption occurs toward to end of this poignant story of how dreams shape reality.

'Ramadan'
This 50th issue is a remarkable tale in the vein of the "Arabian Nights," a very humane take by Gaiman on the contrast between the glorious city of Baghdad of the past and its crumbling, broken version of today. Morpheus captures and preserves this long-gone glory in a mirror ball in this heartwarming tale that shows how everything is kept immortal and faultless in dreams.

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'The Sound of Her Wings'
Here, we see a very human side of Morpheus as he catches up with her older sister Death. We are given the value of sibling affection among the Endless as well as a glimpse of Dream’s hubris. It’s the issue (eighth) that would further layer and deepen the narrative of the entire series, giving readers a very pragmatic take on mortality from the point of view of gods.

'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'
This, the series’ 19th issue, is probably the most accomplished of Gaiman’s work in comics, winning for him the World Fantasy Award. It’s a novel, alternative take on the story of Shakespeare in all his human frailty. Dream, of course, is the Bard of Avon’s patron in this refreshing take on making sacrifices for art’s sake, and the lifelong pain that often comes with that choice.

Hello, everyone, Daniel Volitich here. I enjoy video games, animation, films, and comic books. To make my dreams of becoming a video game designer come true, I'm currently studying animation at the San Francisco College of the Arts. For related posts of games and comic books, visit this blog.

The greatest Japanime from the 1990s

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For many Japanese anime fans, the ‘90s was a stellar decade with many memorable titles being released in both Japan and the United States. On that note, let’s take a look at some of our favorites.


Rurouni Kenshin

This anime tells the tale of Kenshin Himura, a retired assassin who uses his reverse-edged blade to save lives instead of taking them. Great action sequences and endearing characters make this a fan favorite.


Gundam Wing

This is the one Gundam series that rivals the Universal Century Gundam shows in popularity. Lovable characters and memorable mecha designs make this the gateway mecha anime for many Western anime fans.


The Vision of Escaflowne

Escaflowne is downright amazing and highly underrated. It takes both sci-fi and medieval fantasy genres and turn them on their head. The show also has everything, from romance and action to suspense and comedy.

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Neon Genesis Evangelion

If there’s one anime that defined the era, it would be Evangelion. No other anime since has had such an impact on pop culture. From its complex character treatment to its highly creative designs of their mecha, to many psychological and Biblical references, “Evangelion” paved the way for a new school of thought in anime.


Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a fun sci-fi anime ride of the highest quality. The music is superb. The action is fast and furious. What’s surprising though, is its heart, which it has a lot of. You can find Cowboy Bebop near the top of the lists of many anime fans.


Daniel Volitich is an animation student from the San Francisco College of the Arts and is a pop culture geek who enjoys video games, animation, films, and comic books. Learn more about video games on this page.