Simple Thoughts of a Complex Mind

Video: Dare to Be Stupid

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:57:00 PST

Here is a little geeky pleasure from my favorite decade. Enjoy a little Weird Al.

Movie Review: Underworld: Awakening

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:30:00 PST

I love the first two Underworld movies. The third one (prequel) was good but not at the same level. Would this movie head back to the previous level or would it fall prey to the issue of too many sequels.

About this Movie: (Spoilers Included)
Underworld:Awakenings picks up after the end of the second movie. It has a quick review of the previous movies to catch people up.

The humans discovered the truth about Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves). The humans start an all out war against both other races. The regular humans developed tests to detect if one is either Vampire or Lycan. Selene and Michael (main characters from first two movies) attempt to escape the city but are caught by a cooperation.

Selene wakes up in a freezer chamber. Someone has freed her from her deep sleep and those that have captured her. On her freezer chamber, it states that she is Patient 2. In the process of escaping, she discovers that Patient 1 has also escaped. She hopes this is Michael.

She is on the run from the company that held her captive because they think she will lead them to Patient 1. She has Lycans chasing her and her new allies. Her issues with Vampire elders from the first two movies also comes back to bite her. And this is just the beginning of the movie.

What I liked about this Movie:
This movie is action packed. It is the same level of action from the first two movies. There are plenty of Lycans to kill in this movie.

It has decent plot and good writing. The acting was solid for an action movie. The action was driven by the story and not the opposite way around.

It does not miss a beat from the first two movies. The mythos are built upon and it gives a cohesion to the series.
What I did not Like:
Nothing.

My Review:
Beware that this is not a family friendly movie. It is fully of violence, action, blood, and gore. It is intense from the first scene.

I loved this movie. It was up there with the first Underworld movie. In fact, there a scene in with the elevator that pays full tribute to the first Underworld. If you liked the first two movies, then you will love this movie.

My Grade: B+
Other Reviews
IMDB: 7.2 out of 10
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics 33%
Rotten Tomatoes: Audience 78%

Comic Book Review:The Defenders

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:21:00 PST

Comic Book Review:The Defenders

I remember reading The Defenders back in the 1970s. It was always a fun but often bizarre ride. They were never the “IT” Team like the Avengers or the outcast team like the X-Men. No, they were the strange but fun team that was led by Doctor Strange. When I heard Matt Fraction was bringing them back, I decided to give it a try.

Credits:
The Defenders -Issue # 2 - Marvel Comics
Writer: Matt Fraction
Penciler: Terry Dodson
Inker: Rachel Dodson
Colorist: Sonia Oback
Price: $3.99

Plot:
The Defenders were formed in issue #1 to help the Hulk by tracking down the “Black Hulk” aka Nul the Breaker of the Worlds. Doctor Strange recruited his team: Namor, mutant ruler of the water realm; The Silver Surfer, cosmically power and former herald of Galactus; Iron Fist, Kung Fu master; and the Red She-Hulk, Betty Ross- former wife of Bruce Banner and daughter of General Ross (Hulk Hunter).

Daniel Rand, aka Iron Fist and billionare, had his plane with the Defendes blown out of the sky over Wundagore Mountain or also known as New Avalon. This mountain is home of Prester John, watchman of Avalon, and his mutant animal men. The inevitable fight ensues. Prester John and his mutants won the battle and Prester used a containment field to capture the Silver Suffer.

Meanwhile, Nul is on his way to New Avalon. He brings destruction and chaos with him every step of the way.

The cells of New Avalon have devices to stop each of the Defenders. Dr Strange rambles on about Prester John being around since at least the 12th century. None of the Defenders are able to use their powers to escape. Red She-Hulk, comes up with a plan- when she is scared, it turns her back to her old Betty Ross self. Dr Strange attempts to scare her by whispering something to her and it works but Betty is extremely put off by what the good Doctor had to say. She slips through the bars and frees the rest.

As they are escaping, another fight breaks out. The Defenders go on the offensive. This includes the Red She-Hulk demanding that they “Give me back my Big-Ass Sword” (which is a funny line and humorous that she feels she needs a sword). Another funny moment is when Prester John calls them “Invaders” and Dr. Strange corrects him by telling him, “Defenders.” The fight dies down and Prester John shares his vision. He wants Nul to destroy the “Concordance Engine”, which will rip a whole in time and space so John and his men might escape this world.

Review:
Art:
I really enjoyed the art in this book. The main heroes are drawn in as current Marvel characters. Prester John and his mutant animal men look as if they jumped off a Jack Kirby page. I love this contrast and of the styles in the same book but with the different character sets.

The backgrounds are full of activity and color. There is a ton of details in many of the panels.

The art really flowed and helped deliver the action/adventure story. The fight scenes were beautiful.
Story/Plot:
There is not a ton of depth to this story. This is an old fashioned Marvel 70s rock’em-sock’em story. It appears the tone of the series will be of a fun ride.

My REVIEW:
I really enjoyed the first two issues of The Defenders. It is a fun and pretty book. There is a ton of humor in it. If you like the old fashioned fight in every book and the story is secondary, you will really have fun with this book.

Grade: B+

Movie Trailer: Amazing Spider-Man

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:28:00 PST

Here is the trailer for the Amazing Spider-Man. I am excited about it. It is relaunch of the series (not Spidey 4). I like that he has Web shooters. His love interest in this one will be Gwen Stacey. I hope this movie lives up to Spiderman 1 and 2.

Geeky Cool: DC Comics New Logo

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:33:00 PST

Geeky Cool: DC Comics New Logo

Last September, DC Comics did something controversial. They relaunched their whole universe (well sort of- not completely but mostly). Just after the hardcore DC fans began to settle down and some of them enjoying the new universe,DC has stirred up more controversy. Today they officially unveiled a new logo or actually logos.

Normally a new logo would not stir up too much trouble. But when you have just messed with the emotions and beloved characters of your readers, something that should be minor as logo change can cause fans to get upset. The new logo (and the various versions of it) is extremely different from what comic fans are used to. DC has had several various logos over the years but this one is a bit drastic of a change. Most of the previous changes have been slight. See the below image to compare previous logo.

I am more of a Marvel Comics guy. The Marvel logo has changed some over the year but very little. The logo has changed colors and has had the word Comics in it at times and not at others. But it is more consistent than DC’s logo over the years. I would like to think that I would not care one little bit if Marvel revealed a new radical logo but I would probably have my shorts in a bunch just as some DC fans do currently.

TV Review: Lost Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:05:00 PST

I saw the preview for this show on SyFy and thought it looked very cool. I love shows based around unique but attractive female leads. Would I dig this show like Dark Angel and Alias or would this be another hum-drum SyFy want to be?
Plot:
Bo is a young woman who knows she is different than other people. She sucks their lives out when kissing them. She discovers that she is a supernatural being, Succubus. Most Succubus are raised and trained to develop their abilities. They are usually in clans that are broken up into the Light and the Dark side. Bo picks neither side and becomes a rouge.

What I liked about this Show:
Bo was an intriguing character. She was complex and unsure how to control her some of her special abilities. She knows how to manipulate people with some sort of pheromone. She appears to have heighten senses and reflexes. But she cannot control her life draining from others and needs to drain others to maintain herself and maybe other abilities.

The story built for a much larger scale adventure. They introduced characters that will be allies and some will be opponents and some maybe a little of both. It made me want more.

What I did not Like:
The writing is not the highest level (at least on this first episode). It is a common issue with sci fi/ fantasy shows. It wasn't bad enough for me to give up on this series.Review:
I enjoyed this first episode. I am excited to the see the next. It was not the greatest show ever. It didn’t grab me at the level of Dark Angel or Alias but still I really enjoyed it. It will be set on my DVR for at least the first season.
After some research, I found that this series is a Canadian series that has finished season 2 and has been been approved for season 3.
My Grade:B

Other Reviews
IMDB: 7.7

Simple Thoughts Strikes on Jan 18, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:19:00 PST

Simple Thoughts of a Complex Mind supports the Internet Black Out on January 18, 2012 to stop SOPA and PIPA. We @ Simple Thoughts will be on Strike along with many othe websites. There will be no new content on January 18th but we will be back on January 19, 2012 for your geeky pleasure.

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:53:00 PST

Geeky Cool- 2012 Movies I am Hyped About

Geeky Cool is Larry Litle’s weekly column about his geektastic thoughts.

I love movies. I never can get enough of movie trailers. In fact I often state that the previews are my favorite part of the movie in the theatre. in January I typically get psyched about the year's upcoming geeky and cool movies. This year is no different and I want to share some of the movies I am anticipating this year.

Underworld: Awakening: This is the 4th movie of the Vampires versus Werewolves series called Underworld. The 3rd movie was a prequel and did not have the stars of the first two movies. Awakening comes back to the modern day with both Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman. I am hopeful that Awakening returns to the greatness of the first two movies. This movie premieres on January 20th.

Haywire: Another early cool movie that opens on January 20th. Gina Carano, Crush from American Gladiators, stars as Mallory in this action, kick butt movie. Mallory is a black ops soldier who is betrayed by her group and she seeks payback. Yes this movie has been done before I am up for this interpretation.

Red Tails: The third movie coming out later this week (Jan 20th) that I am eagerly anticipating. The Tuskegee airmen, African American World War II fighter pilots had to fight for the right to fight the enemy. It is too bad this story came out after Martin Luther King Jr day.

Chronicle: This is X-Men gone all wrong. Three teens develop superpowers and have fun with them. They start losing control and embrace their dark sides. If only they had Professor X to guide them. I am excited to see how this movie plays out.

Star Wars: Episode I - VI in 3-D. I love the original trilogy. The prequels were tolerable. My ten year old daughter is very excited to see these movies in the theatre. This makes me a proud geeky cool father.

John Carter: I have always wanted to read the John Carter of Mars series by Edgar Rice Burroughs but have yet to follow through. This movie looks like a fun sci-fi/fantasy mix up. This could be a ton of fun or it could blow chunks. Either way, it looks like a real fun movie.

The Hunger Games: Here is another movie based on a set of books I desire to read. I have heard tons of great things about this book series. A 16 year old fights as a gladiator in a televised reality show for her district. This could be the best movie series for the next few years to come.
Iron Sky: I have been pumped for this movie for two years now. I love the concept. The Nazis had a secret base in Antarctica. At the end of World War II, they went to the dark side of the moon. In 2018, they are back and invading the earth. Awesomeness of this movie: Nazis, moon bases, invasion forces in flying saucers. I barely can wait. This looks like a geeky cool ride of killing Nazi invaders in space ships.

These are the movies I am geeked out about just in the first four months of the 2012. Part 2 will come out shortly to deal with the uber awesome comic book summer movies.

Nichelle Nichols on her meeting with Dr. King

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:26:00 PST

Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols talks about her encounter with a fan- Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Listen to her explanation of what happened and how it changed her life.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Nichelle Nichols on her meeting with Dr. King

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:18:00 PST

Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols talks about her encounter with a fan- Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Listen to her explanation of what happened and how it changed her life.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Movie Trailer: Red Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:58:00 PST

This movie looks really awesome. I love World War II movies and this will be a top notch one. The Tuskegee Airmen is a great bit of American History where African Americans overcome bias and discrimination to be real American History. I am glad George Lucas is telling it. Too bad it is not out in time for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It does premiere next weekend.

New D&D Ruleset: One Edition to Rule Them All

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:15:00 PST

When I was a teenager, I was introduced into the imaginary world of Role Playing games. I actually had a copy of the Red Box set (above picture) when I was a pre-teen but did not have anyone to play it with. As a teen, some of my friends played various games and it was right up my geeky alley. We played a spy game, a super hero game that we create, a futuristic-sci fi game, and many others. The father of all of these games was Dungeons and Dragons.

D&D was the first role playing game and the most developed of all the role playing games. In the 80s, D&D had all sorts of compendiums and adventures when most of the others just had a basic set of books of rules. Most people, who are not gaming geeks, have never heard of games like Top Secret, Car Wars, Star Frontiers. Yet most people have at least heard of Dungeons and Dragons.

Through the years, the rules and some of the methods of playing this game have changed and been adapted. Some of the changes were improvements and some of them have not been seen as helpful. Those who are into D&D gaming usually have a strong preference on what version of the rules they like best. Sometimes, they will refuse to play a different version. Dungeon Masters (DMs) are often the most entrenched and opinionated on what are the correct rules and why the other versions are sub-par.

Wizards of the Coast, company who owns D&D, wants to develop a new version of the Rules - only known as Version 5 at the moment. They want the help of gamers and DMs to help work the new set of rules so they might bring all the fans back to one set of rules- like the One Ring to Rule them all. They are asking for the gamers and DMs to test out the new rules. You can help shape the new set of rules by giving them your feedback. Here is where you can sign up for the Testing of D&D 5th Edition by clicking the sign up at the bottom of the page.

You can also check out an interesting article from the NY Times on this.

Marvel Comics gives away digital comics to Vets

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:48:00 PST

Marvel Comics are giving away free digital comic books to Veterans. Marvel Comics is teaming up with the IAVA.org with free annual subscriptions to the Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited service.

Way to go Marvel Comics. This is a classy move from my favorite comic book company. It makes me proud to be a comic fan and an American.

Here is a section from the announcement.

As we enter a New Year, Marvel encourages you to remember and acknowledge the thousands of U.S. veterans who have served in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. To honor these extraorindary men and women and say thank you, Marvel has teamed with IAVA.org to provide its member veterans with free annual subscriptions to the Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited service.

Veterans can visit the IAVA Benefits Page, where they can access special offers including this MDCU subscription by joining IAVA.

IAVA is a 21st Century veterans’ organization dedicated to standing with the 2.3 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives. Their mission is improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. They strive to build an empowered generation of veterans who provide sustainable leadership for our country and their communities.

Marvel is proud to partner with IAVA.org and say thank you to the real heroes, the men and women who safeguard our liberty.

If you know a veteran, say thanks yourself by directing them to the IAVA Benefits Page and getting them a free subscription to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited today.

Star Wars in 3-D: Eager Anticipation or a Great Waste of Money?

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:53:00 PST

Geeky Cool- Star Wars in 3-D: Eager Anticipation or a Great Waste of Money?

Geeky Cool is Larry Litle’s weekly column about his geektastic thoughts.

Some time ago, George Lucas announced that he would be re-releasing all 6 Star Wars movies in glorious 3-D. My reactions to this announced greatly surprised even myself. Star Wars dominated my imagination, play time, and even my world view as a child. Heck, it continued to be a focal point through much of my young adulthood. Instead of screaming with joy about the privilege to watch 3 of my all time favorite movies once again on the big screen and now in 3-D, I found myself complaining that George Lucas is trying to pry a few more bucks from the Star Wars fandom.

What had made me become a cynic? Part of it is attributed to the over abundance of 3-D movies. I swear they are putting out every movie in 3-D including chick flicks and extremely boring movies that only the critics can stand.

There is also the extra cost. The movie theatres are soaking us by charging more money for those cheap 3-D glasses and the privilege to see a movie made in 2-D but “enhanced” as 3-D. 2-D movies prices continue to skyrocket and the extra cost of 3-D usually is not worth it.

Those things are all true but it mostly can be attributed to my lack of faith in George Lucas. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the original Star Wars Trilogy. I am always happy to sit down and watch this awesomeness. I even enjoy parts of the Prequels and have never been a hater.

No, my lack of faith in Mr. Lucas has been building slowing over the last 15 years. It started with the last re-release of the Trilogy. Before the Prequels came out, George re-imaged, added new material, and cleaned up the original Trilogy. I loved the idea but was disappointed when he started changing parts of the story along with new special effects. Did he really expect the fans to buy into Greedo, a bounty hunter for the powerful crime boss-Jabba the Hutt, firing his blaster first and some how missing Han, who was 2 foot from him? Many of the changes seemed to cheapen the experience for me and made me wonder why I was purchasing first run tickets for movies that I owned at home. I ended up watching Return at the Dollar movie.

When the Prequels were released, I was there on opening day for each movie. A taste of Star Wars was better than no Star Wars. But there was something missing. The characters were not as engrossing as the were Luke, Han, Leia, Chewy, R2, C3PO, and Darth Vader in the originals. The writing never captured my imagination. Maybe I had outgrown much of the Star Wars universe or just maybe these movies had become like the cheap knock off Star Wars-like movies of the 80s. The prequels really lessened my faith Mr. Lucas.

Then George would not release the movies on DVD. He held out and when he released them at inflated prices, he acted like he did us a favor. Then there was the fact, you could not get a copy of the Original format of the movies- no they had to be in his latest re-image.

Now, I realize these movies are George Lucas’ movies and he can do whatever he wants with them. If he wants to remove all the blasters from the Storm Troopers and put in Occupy Empire banners, then that is his right. But as a fan, I can also chose not to join in and give Mr. Lucas anymore of my hard earned cash.

I was set to reveal to my wife that I would not be partaking in this money grab of movie releases. But something unexpected occurred. My daughter bounced into the room and told me that she was extremely excited about the re-release of the movies. She had never seen any of the movies in the theatre and now she could view them not only on the big screen but also in 3-D. She exhibited excited about the opportunity to see these movies as I had at her age. Her enthusiasm won me over.

I am now excited about going to these movies once again. I am hopeful that I will come out with a sparkle in my eye because of the awesome experience as I did in 77, 80, and 83.. But even if I don’t, I know it will be worth every dime to share this experience with my daughter. After all, we do have a responsibility to raise our children in the ways of the force and geekiness.

Rest In Peace- Richard Alf

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:11:00 PST

Richard Alf, a co-founder of the San Diego Comic Con, passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 59. He was just diagnosis last month. He help innovate the whole Con phenomena. He fronted thousands of dollars to get the first and the next two conventions going. He was the owner of the Comic Kingdom shop in San Diego. (MSN)

As a guy who has wanted to attend the San Diego Comic Con since I first saw the advertisements in the back of comics in the late 70s, I am greatly saddened by this news. I hope to be able to attend the SDCC in the next few years. But I will be unable to meet Mr. Alf and tell him my appreciation for this vision.

Could Liberalism be hurting comic sales?

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:17:00 PST

I just read a really interesting article over @ Bleeding Cool. It is How Liberalism May be Hurting Comic Book Sales by Darin Wagner. The premise of the article is that way too many comic books are merging liberal talking points into comics. The comic creators take characters who have been historically a-political and uses them to espouse their personal political views. Wagner argues in a time where comic sales are way down, it is not smart to isolate readers who do not agree with your political views.

I suggest all comic fans read this article to view what Mr. Wagner has to say because I believe he has several valid views. Below are a few excerpts but please check out the whole article.

Sure these little jabs and nods are individually nothing that can’t be dismissed… but they have a cumulative effect. They wear us down and eventually the excitement and magic of comic book superheroes becomes outweighed by our being annoyed. It’s happening more and more over the last dozen years: The people behind the scenes allowing their personal politics to bleed through into the stories of otherwise apolitical superheroes whose adventures are meant for everyone to enjoy. This in-and-of-itself wouldn’t be quite so bad if it weren’t always the same political views repeated over-and-over ad nauseum...

One thing that those who disagree (most of whom are typically self-described liberals) will say is that there is conservatism in comic books because superheroes are inherently conservative. In saying this, they are implying that they are in fact balancing the scales by having these characters occasionally-to-frequently quip liberal adages. I have to disagree with that. The first comic book superhero, Superman, fought a liberal/social agenda in his first stories. The character only became a symbol of lawful authority later. Most superheroes, it can be argued, are apolitical by virtue of the reader’s ability to insert their own politics into the character when the writer has not already done so. Even Green Arrow could be a conservative character, rather than the liberal one we’ve had since Hard Traveling Heroes.

Now, you might say, “Darin, you’re obviously unaware that Green Arrow is based on Robin Hood and as EVERYBODY ELSE KNOWS, Robin Hood stole from the rich and gave to the poor. He’d be an Occupier today.” Well, yeah, that’s how those on the left view Robin Hood… but if you look more closely at Robin Hood you will find that the character more accurately stole from the state and gave back to the people… so one could just as easily say that Robin Hood would be a Tea Partier today and, therefore, Green Arrow could be too.

After you have check out this article, then please check out a couple of articles on this site. They have a balancing article How Conservatism May Be Hurting Comic Book Sales by Rich Johnston. There is a also a more humorous follow up article How The English May Be Hurting Comic Book Sales by Cameron Hatheway.

I just discovered Bleeding Cool and it is a fun site that is worth checking out no matter your political perspective.

Happy 100th Birthday Charles Addams!

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:33:00 PST

Happy Birthday Charles Addams! Today would have have been his 100th Birthday. Addams was a writer and cartoonist.

Charles Addams was most known for his Addams Family cartoons. These were reoccurring characters in his comic strip. Addams created family that was "creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky". His Addams family was a satirical inversion of the ideal American family.

He passed away in 1988 from a Heart Attack. His twisted sense of humor will be missed but it does live on with the various incarnations of the Addams Family in print, on TV, and the movies.

With this being his 100th birthday, let us celebrate the unique, quirky, geekiness of Charles Addams.

Latest Trailers for "Underworld Awakening"

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:47:00 PST

I loved the first two Underworld movies. The third one (Prequel) was good but not as good as the first two. I am hopeful with the return of Kate Beckinsale, this movie will return to the awesomeness of the first two. I plan on seeing this movie on opening weekend in January and posting a review of it.

Until then, enjoy the trailers.

TV Review: Hell On Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:11:00 PST

I am not usually a fan of Westerns. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Would a Western about the Rail Road industry be one of those exceptions?

Plot:
Hell on Wheels is the settlement surrounding the construction area for the Union Pacific Railroad as they attempted to help create the First Transcontinental Railroad.

Cullen Bohannon is former slave owner who freed his slaves before the war after his asked him to free them. He served in the Confederate Army. His wife was murdered by members of the Union army at the end of the war. He has been on a quest to hunt down and kill those that killed his wife (and quite successfully). This led him to Hell On Wheels where he finds one of the men that killed his wife and guns him down. Through a process of events to keep him from being hung, Bohannon takes a job with the Union Pacific as a foreman.
What I liked about this Show:
This show is character driven. It has a ton of great characters that continue to develop in front of our eyes. As I mentioned above, Bohannon is a great character but he is not the only one.

Common is a freed slave who is trying to find his place in this world. He is intense and passionate. He believes he should be aas an equal and have the same rights as his Caucasian counter parts but this is not looked upon highly by many of his co-workers. At one point, he fights Bohannon, his foreman, to prove a point.

Who can question the awesome character of Thomas Durant. As the owner of Union Pacific Rail Road, he had money problems, labor problems, and an ego the size of Texas. It is pure pleasure to watch him scheme and manipulate the situations and for us viewers to see how he can come out on top in the end.

What I did not Like:
About the only bad thing I can say about this series is that it is not family friendly. There is cursing, blood, action, and intensity. One of the characters is a prostitute and deals with her job in Hell on Wheels.

My Review:
This show is smart and fun. I enjoy every moment of watching this show. I can not say enough good things about this show.

My Grade:A-

Other Reviews
IMDB: 8.2

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:10:00 PST

The Chronicle comes out on February 3rd. It looks like an interesting movie. I don't normally like "Tape" movies but this one looks interesting. Check it out and let me know what you think.

What the Frak? Origins of the Sci Fi curse word

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:53:00 PST

What the Frak? Origins of the Sci Fi curse word

This morning, two of my friends, Ray and Jeff, showed up in my cube at work. Ray is my friend and former boss. Jeff is a life long friend and was the best man in my wedding.

They had been involved in an in depth discussion about Battlestar Galactica. They were debating if the term Frak was used in the Original series. Ray believed that Frak was used in the Original series but Jeff did not think it was.  I did not remember the term being used in the original series. All three of us started investigating the origins of the curse word Frak!

After intense research called the "Internet" and "Wikipedia" and battlestarwiki””, We soon discovered the original series did use a replacement curse word. The original series used the term Frack instead of Frak.

According to battlestarwiki.org, "Frack is a Colonial expletive, roughly analagous to ‘shit’ or even the milder ‘rats’ or ‘darn’ of the Original Series.” The new re-imaged word of Frak is a pure replacement term for another “F” word and is used to describe sexual relationships and used as an Expletive.

This meant that both of my friends were correct on one level. Ray was spot on stating that Starbuck in the Original series did use the replacement curse word. It sounds just like the continually used malediction in the new BSG.  But it is not quite the same word so my friend Jeff was also correct. 

I love these geeky discussions with friends.  These kinds of conversations pop up more than most people would imagine.

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:13:00 PST

Comic Book Review:Avenging Spider-Man

Avenging Spider-Man is a Spidey team up book with different members of the Avengers. The old Marvel Team-Up comic with Spider-Man and another hero was one of my favorite comics of the 80s. Can Avenging Spider-Man live up to the past fun of Marvel Team-Up?

Credits:
Avenging Spider-Man -Issue # 2 - Marvel Comics
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Joe Madureira
Colorist: Ferran Daniel
Price: $3.99

Plot:
Spidey and Red Hulk attempt to save J.J. Jameson from Ra’Ktar, a warrior king of the Subterranea that over threw the Mole Man. Last issue, Spidey and Red Hulk were eaten by a Giant Ground Worm. This issue has the Moloids causing the Giant Ground Worm to vomit up Spider-Man and the Red Hulk. They drag them to the underground. Meanwhile, Jameson refuses to bow before Ra’Ktar. Ra’Ktar believes that J.J. is challenging him. J.J. is outfitted in armor to fight the monsterous Ra’Ktar when Red Hulk and Spidey shows up. Red Hulk goes after Ra’Ktar but easily defeated by Ra’Ktar and it appears Red Hulk is killed.

Review:
Art:
The art is good and clean. It was a fun look at the underworld of Mole Man and the Moloids. The backgrounds are fairly plain and lacks details but the whole issue takes place in the underground.

Story/Plot:
This story has been told before but this issue did it fairly well. Red Hulk is an interesting character to team up Spidey with for the first story arc. Most of the old Marvel Team-Up comics were one shot comics but the story arc enables more character development and interaction. The interaction with Red Hulk (formerly General Ross- who hunted Hulk for all of those years) is enjoyable when they put a by the book, uptight Red Hulk with a joking Web Crawler.

The story is a fun story and the addition of J.J. Jameson and Mole Man to the mix brings a lot of humor to the book.

My REVIEW:
I am enjoying this book but not loving this book the way I hoped I would. I am still in for reading this story arc and probably several more (after all it is Spidey). I realize that the old Marvel Team-Up was not the best written comic of that time but I still loved it.

I give this book a firm thumbs up and it is a solid read. It is in the top third of the read pile.

Grade: B

My Favorites of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:33:00 PST

Happy New Year to all of my readers. To celebrate the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, I decided it would be fun to look back and make a list of my favorite shows, comics, and movies from 2011.

Favorite New Television Series- Ringer

This selection may surprise some people but my wife and I really love this show. It is a twisted intrigue laden television series that has grabbed our imagination. A show about a twin sister who fakes her death while the other one assumes the first sister's identity. This show has layers upon layers. It had characters that are complex and most are likable. The hour flashes by and my wife and I are always disappointed that it is over.

Runner Up- Once Upon A Time
This was a difficult selection. The 2011 Summer and Fall new shows had several winners. Once Upon A Time is one of the best. It has overcome numerous assumptions of what a fairy-tale show could be. This show is smart, geeky, and fun. I am perfectly happy to let my 10 year old daughter watch it with me while I don't feel it written for kids only. I had a difficult time not selecting this show as the best.

Honorable Mentions: Falling Skies, Hell on Wheels, and Grimm

Favorite New Comic Book Series- The Legend of OZ: Wicked West

Yes there was only one issue out of this new series but I really dug it. It was a fun re-telling of the Wizard of Oz in a Wild West setting. It has a ton of potential. This is the most excited I have been for a comic from not from the Big 2 since the start of "Project: Superpowers".

Runner Up: Bionic Man
I did flip flop on the order of these two books more than once. The Bionic Man is 5 issues in and has not disappointed yet. I am loving Kevin Smith's vision of Steve Austin. This is a fun ride for any fan of the old TV show and anyone who loves a good cyborg or spy story. The Bionic Man is already a favorite of mine that goes straight to the top of the comic pile.

Honorable Mention: Avengers 1959- hard to beat Nick Fury, a bunch of future villains and anti-heroes forming a group to stop Nazis in the 50s.

Favorite Movie of the Year- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

I do love the Harry Potter series. This movie put the cap stone on the end of this series. I am in process of reading these books so I am judging this movie on the series of movies and not on the books. This by far is mine and my daughter's favorite movie of 2011.

Runner Up- Thor
I discuss Thor a little further down but I loved this adaption of the Norse Thunder god from Marvel. It was a fun ride that was kid appropriate while continuing to be smart and full of great effects. It has me psyched up for the Avengers in 2012.

Favorite Ongoing Comic Book Series - Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive

I have been loving this comic ever since the Black Panther took over for Daredevil. I gave it a chance but never expected to collect it beyond a couple of issues. I am glad I continued to read it. I love this run and the character building. The art is great and the stories have this on the top of my read list every issue. Too bad others have not given this a chance because it has been canceled.

Runner Up- Here Comes Daredevil
I was sucked into reading Shadowland and very disappointed how it sold out at the end. But out of the ashes of Shadowland, we have a Black Panther series spring up and then a fun Daredevil miniseries dealing with Matt attempting to atone for his bad behavior, and finally a new Daredevil series that is pure fun. As long as I remember, Daredevil has been dark, tragic, and driven character that reminds me of a brooding Batman. Matt and his alter ego have taken a lighter mood but without giving up good story telling. I am loving this new Daredevil series significantly more than the previous series.

Honorable Mention: Amazing Spiderman- It was extremely difficult for me not to pick Amazing Spiderman in one of these two spots. I am a huge Spidey fan and the stories have been really good over all in Amazing but it did not make my top two in 2011.

Favorite Super Hero movie - Thor

This was a tight race for me. I loved both Thor and Captain America for different reasons. Both were a blast to watch. The mythos of Thor and the magical realms won out in my mind. This not only was a fun movie that stuck close enough to the comics but was visually beautiful. My Ten year old daughter also loved this movie.

Runner Up- Captain America:The First Avenger
This was a great combination of Super Hero/WWII movie. I was very happy how they set the movie during World War II rather than attempting to adapt it to today's day and age. They stuck fairly close to the comics and made it very easy to transition Cap to Avengers movie coming out later this summer (now it is 2012).

Honorable Mention: X-Men First Class was fun but was not kid appropriate and ventured too far away from the comics and Green Lantern was decent but not great.

Favorite On Going TV series - The Walking Dead

I am completely engrossed in this series. I love the characters and how they deal with the world being flipped upside down. Many people disdained the Missing Girl- Sophia story line. I don't feel that way at all. It gave them a chance to build characters and show us what the various members of the group are made of. It reinforced my distaste for Shane while making me realize that he is not completely wrong. These episodes had a slow burn with a great payout for the mid-season finally. It has caused me to think what I would do if facing a zombie take over.

Since I don't have pay channels like HBOC, Starz, and Showtime, I have not seen series like True Blood, Game of Thrones, and Boardwalk Empire so I could not take them into account with this selection.

Runner Up - Nikita

It was a huge challenge selecting my second favorite show. I went back and forth with several shows including some new ones. I selected Nikita because this show has grabbed me and I can't wait for the next episode after viewing one. Season two has been even better than season one. This show has grabbed the rich history and Lore of the Nikita and Point of No Return movies and the previous series but makes it this shows own. I love Nikita's protege, Alex, her back story and new focus for this season.

Honorable Mention: There are so many: Here are my lists. Action/Suspense/Spy shows like Covert Affairs, Ringer, Hell On Wheels, and Castle were in contention. I also had Comedies like Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother and Hot In Cleveland on my list. Of course I had a bunch Geeky Sci Fi shows on the list like Once Upon A Time, Grimm, Falling Skies, Haven, and (last but not least) Dr Who.

Conclusion:
The year of 2011had many challenges for many of us but finding good entertainment was not one of them. This is the list of my favorites but what are yours? Comment and let me know what you the readers think of my list and what makes your list.

The Prometheus- Movie Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:04:00 PST

The Prometheus preview is very cool. Ridley Scott is back to make space horror movies like Alien. If it is half as good, then I will like this movie.

All I want for Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Larry LItle) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:40:00 PST

Reminds me of the Christmas morning when I unwrapped my Millennium Falcon from Santa. Back in those days, Star Wars toys were the best toys ever. I still have mine.