The Amazing Race App

I have grown tired of hearing the previous generation going on about how games from their childhood were better than sitting in front of a screen and pushing buttons. I have to admit that video games have their limitations, but their awesomeness cannot be ignored. With the inception of the Wii and the Kinect, video games nowadays involve more physical exhertion, these still require you to be present in front of a TV screen. But why don't we have games that involve venturing out into the real world? Unfortunately wearing augmented reality specs and shooting virtual creatures that spawn in the real world is still too futuristic.

Apart from games, the other big pastime for kids is television. One of my favorite shows was “the amazing race” on AXN. The thrill of watching people racing against someone (or time) to overcome obstacles was entertaining. I think it was these same elements that made Dan Brown's books so exhilarating to read. If watching/reading it is fun, playing it is twice so. One of the most fun times I ever had was playing treasure hunt with Kushal and Arun at Mood Indigo. But why cant we do it more often? Because you need a big team of organizers to set up these games, but that was before the age of mobile phones. You can probably see where I am going with this. :-)

Let us consider the hypothetical game in my mind. One phone represents a team. The teams meet up at a single point. (Use GPS to trigger this). Once the game starts they will get different clues that will lead to their next pit-stop. Here they will be given a certain question regarding the location/monument which refers to a specific part of it. Solving this will point towards a certain part of the monument. Maybe a  statue/painting/fountain. (Use your imagination ;-p ) The team has to take a picture of this item and send it to he server where it checks whether the answer is right or wrong and awards them the next clue and so on. First one to the final pit-stop wins.

Of course you can add many things to this.  Using GPS, the teams can keep track of how far the other teams have progressed. Add a scavenger list and budget restrictions. We can have time-outs where teams can choose a time penalty to get the location of the next pit-stop. The teams in front will be getting harder questions. etc etc. The tough part will be collecting enough data to generate maps or clues to play at different locations. Also to make the content large and dynamic enough so that its enjoyable for frequent players. 

This is yet another silly idea that came into my head. A quick Google check shows that no such app currently exists. I think this would be a fun way to spend a day with your friends and to explore your city. What do you think? Please leave your comments below.

Unique, Unconventional and Unceasing Entertainment - The Artist

As I entered the theater last Monday, I didn't have an inking of what to expect. The Artist, I knew had won five Oscars. I also knew that it was a black and white silent film, but what I didn't know was that I'd be completely mesmerized for a hundred minutes barring the ten minute interval in-between. After the first ten minutes of the movie, I knew I was watching something special. The fact that it has won 5 Oscars should rouse enough curiosity in people to make them watch this movie at a theater. But for the odd sceptic, who might dismiss this movie thinking it's black and white and silent, you will be missing out on a delightful experience.

The storyline is more or less cliched in it's essence. It's about the downward spiral of an actor, George Valentin, who is simply adored by audiences across the world. Along comes Peppy Miller, who is the next big star in Hollywood. George and Peppy work together on a film as George not only takes her under his wing, but also realizes that an undeniable spark develops between them. Over the course of the next few years, silent movies fade into obscurity as "talkies" burst onto the scene. Peppy is the new fan favourite and George finds himself struggling for not only work, but also a purpose to live.

Everything about this film is remarkable. The acting is top-notch and the film is visually appealing despite being black and white. The attention to detail in each and every scene is outstanding. There are a few scenes from the movie that are unforgettable. They will remain etched in my memory for as long as I can remember the movie. There's a scene where George is sitting at a mirror table drinking whiskey. You see nothing but George, his reflection, and the alcohol. He pours the contents of the glass on the tabletop as the look of disgust on his brow intensifies. This scene is stunning and words wont do justice to how you feel when you watch it. The brilliant soundtrack in the film takes you back to the early 1920s. The chemistry between all the actors is sizzling, the comedy is absolutely hilarious, the storyline is gripping and you feel emotionally connected with the characters and the story.

I entered the theater with a hint of cynicism. I haven't always liked all award winning movies but the artist most certainly isn't one of them. Now, I would brave the sun, rain, hail, snow and tortuous queues to watch the movie once more. Kudos to Michel Hazanavicius for this exceptional movie. I will be on the look-out for his next movie. To the entire cast, producers and everyone else involved, BRAVO! The Artist obviously is unique and unconventional in the age we live in and it unquestionably is entertainment galore.

P.S.  The dog in the movie deserves a special mention. To me, personally, the dog stole the show. Shouldn't there be a category for the Best Animal Actor Award?