Forces of Geek: pop culture is our bitch

Contest! Win 21 & OVER Blu-ray Plus A Closer Look at Famous Writing Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:00:00 PDT

From the writers of The Hangover comes a movie 21 years in the making. Straight-A college student Jeff Chang (JUSTIN CHON of the Twilight Saga) has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey (SKYLAR ASTIN of Pitch Perfect, Wreck-It Ralph) and Miller (MILES TELLER of The Spectacular Now, Project X, Rabbit Hole) surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do what’s unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this outrageous comedy.

21 & Over marks the directorial debut of Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. You may not have heard of their names, but as the writers of The Hangover, they can name claim to having written the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time. And so, in celebration of the release of 21 & Over on DVD and Blu-ray June 18 we take a look at some of the other top partnerships in film-writing.

Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman

What better way to kick off the list that with the Kings of Recent blockbusters. This power-duo, who have scribed this summer’s box office hit Star Trek: Into Darkness are currently working on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 due to be released next summer which sees Spider-Man face-off against two villains – Electro and Rhino.

Previously, Orci and Kurtzman worked on the first Star Trek movie (2009), The Legend of Zorro, Mission: Impossible III, Transformers, and Cowboys & Aliens. Alongside J. J. Abrams, they are also the creators of the Fox science-fiction series Fringe, on which they also served as consulting producer. The Hollywood Reporter listed Orci as one of the 50 most powerful Latinos in Hollywood of 2007. In 2011, Forbes magazine described Orci and Kurtzman as "Hollywood's Secret Weapons" as over the course of the previous six years, their films grossed a combined total of over $3 billion at the box office. The partnership also wrote People like Us, originally known as Welcome to People, which was Kurtzman's directorial debut

Christopher Nolan and David S Goyer.

Batman Begins, The Dark Knight Rises and Man of Steel. Need we say anymore?

Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio

Although you may not have heard of these screenwriters, no doubt you have seen their films. Writing partners Elliott and Rossio are responsible for films such as Aladdin, Shrek, Antz, Treasure Planet, Little Monsters, The Road to El Dorado and The Mask of Zorro. However, Elliott and Rossio are not only animation giants, but are responsible for penning the hit Pirates of the Caribbean. The pair went on to write the rest of the Pirates films, and Rossio even signed on with Disney to write a 5th installment (currently set for 2015) of the franchise. It is no doubt that this writing team has helped create some of the most memorable and influential film characters of all time... whether it be an eye-liner wearing pirate or a big, green ogre. Impressive.

Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson

Owen Wilson who is more famous for his acting than for his screenwriting skills, has said in the past that he never wanted to be an actor, but a writer. Anderson and Wilson met at the University of Texas in Austin. Soon the two penned Bottle Rocket. In 1996 the film was released and despite critical acclaim, only earned one million dollars. After getting a foot into Hollywood, Anderson and Wilson went on to write two of Anderson’s most famous flicks: Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums. The films defined Anderson’s style and launched his career as a prominent director. While the two have yet to rekindle their screenwriting bromance, their writing relationship proved to be the foundation for two very prosperous careers.

Farrelly Brothers

Peter and Bobby Farrelly are responsible for writing the classic film Dumb and Dumber. Not only that, but the brother team wrote such hits as Kingpin, There’s Something About Mary, Shallow Hal, and most recently Hall Pass. These brothers are both praised and criticized for their slapstick style of humor. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Farrelly Brothers have made their mark on cinematic culture... I mean can you sing “Mockingbird” without doing an impression of Lloyd and Harry?

Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor

As roommates Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor wrote Citizen Ruth. Then with some money Taylor won on Wheel of Fortune and entered Tisch School of the Arts. During his third year there, Citizen Ruth was picked up and the duos career took off. From 1999-2007 Taylor and Payne wrote five more films: Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. (yes seriously!). They also wrote Jurassic Park III!. Regardless of blockbusters or not, this duo has earned their spot... not to mention an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film Sideways. Potentially their best piece of work.

Joel and Ethan Coen

The Coen Brothers. The creme de la creme of sibling teams. They may have started with Kissinger, but since they have written cinematic achievements including but not limited to: Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Though, No Country for Old Men, and most recently True Grit. Let that sink in for a while. Yes, it is an abnormality that a writing team can create so many films that carry such cinematic weight. The brothers seep a sort of eccentricity that makes them kind of fascinating. Known for finishing each other’s sentences, the pair is often called the “two-headed director.”

And we're giving away a copy to a Forces of Geek reader!

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The Venture Bros.: “Sphinx Rising” SE05E03 (review)

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:00:00 PDT

By Charles Knauf

Howdy everyone in Forces of Geek land!

It’s your old pal Charlie, ready to give you another heaping helping of Venture Brothers goodness.

Tonight’s episode was a real treat in particular for anyone who’s ever watched G.I. Joe as a kid (which, admittedly, is probably 99% of our readership – the last 1% being an accidental redirect for the “Forces of Greek” webpage; a fantastic yogurt spot in Hollywood that John Stamos highly recommends).

*WARNING – SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Pull List: SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, WALKING DEAD #111, SAVAGE WOLVERINE #6 & More!

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:02 PDT

Back with a vengeance after a move (I know you missed me, but you try lugging all those long boxes. It's exhausting!), check out what I checked out this week.

Whether the comics are inspiring or disappointing, I read them all.

Welcome to The Pull List.

And, as always...Spoilers ahead!

Thumbprint #1 (Pick of the Week)
Writer: Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramelia
Art: Vic Malhotra
Colors: Vic Malhotra
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99

Whenever Joe Hill’s name is on the cover of a comic book, I’m automatically intrigued.

When the name Jason Ciaramelia appears next to Hill’s, it automatically goes in my buy pile, even if I have no idea what the story is about. They are just that good at developing flawed characters that are captivating to readers.

Thumbprint follows an ex-soldier named Mallory Grennan who participated in the tortuous interrogations at Abu Ghraib but avoided being prosecuted. Grennan is haunted by those events, but you wouldn’t be able to tell if you got together with her for a drink.

Of course, things begin to spiral into the physiological thriller which the title of the book comes into play.

Vic Malhotra’s artwork is not my cup of tea in the general sense, but it works for a story of this degree. The grandeur of elaborate character work is absent and in its place are detailed depictions that chillingly convey the horror and suspense that Grennan finds herself in. She put herself in these tough spots, so you don’t feel bad for her. At the same time, you can’t look away because you find yourself vested in her plight.

Thumbprint is off to a fantastic start, and gets my vote for that different book you want to try when the superhero thing is running you kind of dry.

Grade: A-

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EMBRACE YOUR SLOPPINESS With The Rib Stain Camo Shirt...Eating the Rib Cage of An Animal Has Never Been More Fashionable

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:00:04 PDT

Personally, I don't eat ribs. Not that I think they aren't tasty or anything, it's just that the visual of sucking off meat from the rib cage of an animal re-traumatizes me via a reoccurring nightmare that began when I was a kid concerning a bunch aliens coming to earth and farming humans for food (there was a particularly horrifying scene where a globular alien with fangs sunk his entire face into my chest cavity and began slurping the meat from my bones).

Needless to say, seeing someone snack on a plateful of ribs sends me into the comforting embrace of Oxycontin and Hard Cider.

But I'm sure that those of you who enjoy downing meat-caked bones will appreciate a t-shirt that will camoflage the bloody, saucy leavings that inevitably find their way onto your clothes and ruin them.

Well, I'm kina freaked out now so here's a commercial for the Rib Stain Camo Shirt.

If you need me I'll be in the closet, trembling and dry heaving.

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BOB PEAK: American Illustrator Superstar

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Jaz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:26:03 PDT

There are times here at Mystery Box H.Q. when I set out to write about a subject that I feel is so undeniably a legend, so incredibly talented beyond mere words, and such a large influential part of the fabric of popular culture, that I start to feel...to say it in two words—humbly intimidated.

Bob Peak is one of those subjects.

Part One: Beginnings

Born May 30, 1927 in Colorado, Bob Peak was the oldest of five children. These were financially difficult times for most working households and raising a family meant a struggle what with the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression starting.

His father Robert Sr. was in sales, and his mother, Helen Marie, worked with Hallmark, the famed greeting card company out of Kansas City, Missouri. Using her exceptional skills at calligraphy, her beautiful work would surely become a handed down influence on Bob.

When Bob was seven years old, Helen Marie would give a Christmas present of a set of beginner art supplies, complete with a cardboard desk. For Bob, even if it was unknown to him, a passion for the arts was set in motion and he lovingly began to craft drawings and paintings.

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INSIDE JAWS: An Epic Look At the Original Summer Blockbuster From A Fan's Point of View

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:00 PDT

Jamie Benning is a movie lover of the highest caliber. Not content to simply mine through the epic amount of information on the movies he's obviously developed a passion for like a normal film buff, Benning decided to make his very own documentaries on his favorite films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and now Jaws instead (which leads me to believe that fans of these movies should bow down before him in reverence).

And because Benning is almost too glorious of a human being to share this blue-green sphere with the rest of us, he has given the world access to these documentaries FOR FREE (with the caveat that you share them with others, although, in my opinion, if you don't want to be a complete dick you should donate to his project Filmumentaries so he can continue to make more of these things).

After the break are all three of the docs he has created (and at over two hours each, you're going to have to make some some time to view them) and I suggest watching them on company time.

It will just be a lot more pleasurable for you, I guarantee.

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FOG! Chats With EXHUMED Director Richard Griffin and Screenwriter Guy Benoit!

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:04 PDT

Guy Benoit and Richard Griffin, the creative force behind Exhumed

For over a decade, Richard Griffin has been an extremely busy filmmaker, directing features and short films as well as being involved in virtually every single aspect of the moviemaking process. Meanwhile, Guy Benoit's talents have led him to concentrate on directing shorts and music videos as well as writing for both himself and others.

Now, like chocolate and peanut butter, the Griffin/Benoit pairing has led to something equally delicious, their new film, Exhumed, which arrives on DVD tomorrow from Wild Eye Releasing.

I spoke with the two renaissance men about their friendship, their work and their collaboration.

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GAME OF THRONES' Jon Snow Proves That the Only Way to Impress the Men of the Night's Watch is to Go All 80's-Style Training Montage On Their Ass

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:00:01 PDT

The Eye of the Tiger Will Never Lead You Astray Jon Snow

Back when day-glow colors and shoulder pads were awesome, there lurked a particular movie moment that every person who paid their five dollars (AT NIGHT!) came to expect in a film involving getting ready for a showdown of some kind.

The Training Montage.

It usually involved a rousing song that made your insides yearn to do push-ups (my personal favorites are Win in the End by Mark Safan from Teen Wolf, One Foot in Front of the Other by Bone Symphony from Revenge of the Nerds and, of course, the pinnacle of montage songs, You're the Best by Joe Esposito from The Karate Kid) and a series of scenes that showed the evolution of the lead character from dork to fighting dragon.

It was a glorious time my friends.

And now, our beloved Jon Snow from The Game of Thrones gets his very own training montage with a little appreciated anthem of his very own (Break the Ice by John Farnham from the BMX bike movie Rad).

I won't lie to you, I felt a very strong need to kill someone with a sword after watching it.

Video after the break.

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American Werewolf Erotica in Prison, Orwell Returns, Worst Dads in Print & More

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:00:07 PDT

A Victory Cry for Werewolf Erotica
A judge rules it's okay for prisoners to read werewolf erotica.

No More Nook
Barnes & Noble has removed the Nook app for PCs and Macs.

Remembering Iain Banks
Tor.com on Iain Banks's passing.

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MUSIC VIDEO MONDAY: Children Medieval Band- Rammstein Ich Will (Cover)...'Cause When You're In the Mood for Angry Rock Covers, You Go With the Kids' Version

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:00:02 PDT

Children Medieval Band was formed in 2011 by 11 year-old Stefan (voice, guitar, violin, recorder, keyboard, etc...) his 9 year-old sister Olga (keyboard, voice, violin, recorder) and his 7 year-old sister Cornelia (drum, harp, voice) in order to become the GREATEST MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE MUSIC BAND- fronted by kids -EVER!

I only mention this because if you happen to be heading to a Renaissance Faire this summer, you might want to blare this in the car on the way there so as to psych yourself up for turkey legs, mead and juggling acts.

If you're not into that scene, you should consider putting the following video on at work and letting the music annoy your fellow co-workers who only seem to listen to top 40 music and regale you with gossip off the Yahoo OMG gossip site.

It'll give you a particularly warm feeling of smug satisfaction.

Video after the break.

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TRUE BLOOD: "Who Are You, Really?" S6E1 (review)

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:03 PDT

By Caitlyn Thompson

Welcome back to Bon Temps my lovelies!

After five seasons that gave us sexy suckers, shifters, witches, werewolves, Russell Edgington (RIP ), fairies, vampire fundamentalists (sanguinistas), and a creepy ghost vampire from the Stackhouse past, there are no bars set for how crazy this show can get.

My feelings of shock and ridiculousness were obliterated last season and I’ve been bracing myself for Season 6, the first without series creator, Alan Ball. Bring it on!

Here’s where we left off:

Bill drank all of Lillith’s blood. Did anyone else really hope he’d stay a gory mess on the floor? Well he didn’t. And when Eric says run. F*&%ing RUN.

Pam (and Jessica) were rescued by Tara (and Sookie and friends). Pam and Tara made out and are hopefully on their way to maker-progeny love. Jessica made the moment with a large grin and blurted, “I knew it!”

Jessica finally admitted she loves Jason but he’s been chatting with his dead mama and daddy too much and they’re making him crazy hate vampires. Boo!

Luna and Sam let the world know humans are being held as vampire food in the Authority HQ.

Andy has four fairy babies. As Lafayette and Arlene looked on with fabulous margaritas, Holly concluded the scene brilliantly, “You’re a dick.”

Alcide is a packmaster and snoooorree… Sorry. His storyline has bored me from the beginning.
There’s always a lot going on so we’ll flashback and deal with the silliness as it comes.

But for now, here we go.

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Contest! Win JACK THE GIANT SLAYER on Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:00:00 PDT

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer and starring: Nicholas Hoult, Ewan McGregor, and Stanley Tucci.

And you can celebrate this classic story with NEW content exclusive to the Jack The Giant Slayer Blog App!

You have the power! Control the moving GIFs and power the action in the movie with a swipe of your mouse! The Giant Soundboard lets you compose your own mashup of sounds from Jack The Giant Slayer, which your kids will enjoy for hours! Test your bravery and take the How Brave Are You? QUIZ to see if you are as brave as our hero Jack.

Control the Action! - Move your mouse across the GIFS and take control of action-packed scenes from Jack the Giant Slayer. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THE ACTION!

How Brave Are You? QUIZ - Are you brave like Jack? Do beanstalks and "giant" challenges make you afraid or courageous? Take the quiz to find out!

Giant Soundboard - Jack the Giant Slayer is filled with epic giant stomps, sword slashes and thunderous sounds! Play with official sound effects from the movie and compose your own "giant hit song"!

After the jump find out how you can win a copy of the Combo Pack for your home video library!

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Contest! Win JOYLAND By Stephen King!

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:00:03 PDT

College student Devin Jones took the summer job at Joyland hoping to forget the girl who broke his heart. But he wound up facing something far more terrible: the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and dark truths about life—and what comes after—that would change his world forever.

A riveting story about love and loss, about growing up and growing old—and about those who don’t get to do either because death comes for them before their time—JOYLAND is Stephen King at the peak of his storytelling powers. With all the emotional impact of King masterpieces such as The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption, JOYLAND is at once a mystery, a horror story, and a bittersweet coming-of-age novel, one that will leave even the most hard-boiled reader profoundly moved.

And thanks to our friends at Titan Books, we're giving away a copy!

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WTF FRIDAY: The Conspiracy Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:05 PDT

As conspiracies go, the following one (perpetuated by conspiracy theorist Ed Chiarini) is probably one of the loonier ones that I have seen.

Here's a little bit about what you're going to encounter: NSA whistle blower, Edward Snowden, is not only Mark Zuckerberg's cousin (?), he is also an ACTOR who portrayed the "character" of Tyler Clementi (the young Rutgers student who killed himself after his roommate decided to use Climenti's web cam to spy on him kissing another man)...because that is a totally reasonable assumption right?

And if you think, "Surely this guy can't be serious?" you should probably know that Chiarini also made the claim that The Fonz (Henry Winkler) is actually Iran’s President Ahmadinejad.

So watch the video and then wonder just how crazy is the world in a conspiracy theorist's head.

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HANNIBAL: "Releves" S1E12 (recap)

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:00:03 PDT

By Kate McKendry

In the hospital, Will (Hugh Dancy) goes to visit Georgia in her oxygen tank. Georgia tells Will that she knows what she did but doesn’t remember – that it’s more of a bad dream.

She tells him that she dreamed that Will was the one that killed the doctor.

Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) visits Will. Will asks if the fever could have caused his sleep walking and hallucinations – Hannibal tells him it could have, or that it could be other things going on in his head.

Georgia combs her hair. Something in her hair causes a static spark, turning the whole tank into a fire pit.

ARTIFICIAL SELECTION: A Rap Guide to Evolution...Yeah, You Can Pretty Much Rap About Anything These Days

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:00:01 PDT

Had I known that it was feasible for a white person to rap about topics like evolution or the Canterbury Tales (like Canadian rap artist Baba Brinkman) then perhaps I would have found myself in a very different career. But alas, I grew up thinking that rap was the poetry of the streets and since I happened to grow up in probably one of the whitest enclaves in Oregon, the only issue I ever had with authority was my epic truancy...and you pretty much can't write a gangsta rap about skipping to school to watch cable (I know, I tried).

But this particular ode Charles Darwin is a bit different than say the Fear of a Black Planet album by Public Enemy, since it was commissioned by micro-biologist Mark Pallen and fucking Peer-Reviewed (yeah, I know, crazy right?)

So, if you happen to like intense intellectual rap or, just like science, take a listen and then ponder how awesome it is to live in a world where shit like this exists.

I know I do.

Video after the break.

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Paramount Celebrates The Danny Kaye Centennial With Four Premieres Via iTunes

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:01 PDT

Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) announced today that four beloved films starring the incomparable Danny Kaye are available on iTunes for the first time ever in celebration of The Danny Kaye Centennial. Fans can now download the Oscar-nominated biopic The Five Pennies (1959), the musical comedy On the Double (1961), the period comedy The Court Jester (1955) and the hilarious caper Knock on Wood (1954), all quintessential family-friendly films that everyone can enjoy for Father’s Day. This year marks the 60th anniversary for Kaye as a UNICEF ambassador as well as the 60th anniversary of both the Knock on Wood and White Christmas releases.

In The Five Pennies Kaye cuts loose with his trademark dramatic and comedic talents in this success-tempered-with-tears biopic of jazz great Red Nichols, which features legendary performances by Louis Armstrong, along with big band icons Bob Crosby, Ray Anthony and Shelly Manne. In On the Double Kaye stars as Ernie Williams, a G.I. with weak eyes, a weak stomach and weak nerves but an uncanny resemblance to British Colonel MacKenzie. Williams is asked to impersonate the Colonel, allowing him to make a secret trip East – but what Williams is not told is that the Colonel has recently been a target of Nazi assassins. The Court Jester showcases Kaye’s variety of talents as he plays kind-hearted entertainer Hawkins who disguises himself as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. Hawkins infiltrates the court of the evil villain Basil Rathbone, but when a sorceress hypnotizes him, royal chaos ensues. In Knock on Wood Kaye is a ventriloquist who becomes the target of a spy ring when secret plans are hidden in his dummies’ heads.

The Danny Kaye Centennial, which began in late 2012 and continues into early 2014, is a celebration of events and activities honoring a legendary entertainer and trail blazing humanitarian’s amazing contributions to the arts. The event highlights this uniquely talented man who brought laughter and joy to generations and served as UNICEF’S first Goodwill Ambassador. Kaye received countless accolades during his lifetime including Oscars®, Emmys®, Golden Globes®, The French Legion of Honor, The Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Beginning in October of 2012 events around the country invited the public to experience the talents that made Danny Kaye one of a kind. These included programs with UNICEF, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, the Paley Center for Media, Sirius XM Radio, Museum of the Moving Image and The New York Pops. The Danny Kaye Centennial will culminate with UNICEF presenting the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award in January 2014.

SCI-FI SERIALS: RETRO CLASSICS

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:00:04 PDT

If you really want to appreciate classic sci-fi films, you can't just watch the feature films; you need to watch the serials. The episodic rhythm of a sci-fi serial is a little like that of a TV show or a comic book, but there's something larger and more urgent about it, something from knowing that it would be complete in 12 or 15 episodes, something from watching it with friends and companions in a theater on a big screen.

For us fans living in the 21st century, watching classic serials is a highly unusual experience.

Below, I'd like to offer very brief history of science fiction serials, then some suggestions for how to watch them, then a list of seven greats for your viewing pleasure. Watching serials isn't easy for us, but it can be fantastic fun - if you know how to do it.

First, some history.

Not counting some adventure serials with brief sci-fi elements, the first real sci-fi serial was THE PHANTOM EMPIRE (1935). Half of it was a Western, but the sci-fi half inspired FLASH GORDON: SPACE SOLDIERS (1936) which in turn initiated the Golden Age of Serials, 1936-1945.

After 1945, serials of decreasing quality continued to appear through 1953, when television finally took over. Adventure serials, Western serials, spy/police serials, and even comic superhero serials were all more numerous than sci-fi serials.

But several sci-fi serials rank among the best serials ever made.

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SEINFELD Quote Posters...Make A Statement About Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:00:05 PDT

Seeing that I still regularly quote various dialog from Seinfeld, these retro-type posters (from Etsy shop Sign-Feld) are seemingly up my alley.

Of course, it can't only be me who yearns to have one of these lovely prints hanging in her kitchen:

LUNCHABLES Commercial Goes Hardcore

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:00:04 PDT

Now With More Gangsta Rap

Everybody knows junior high school is fraught with Shakespearean-like backstabbing, political maneuvering and enough peer pressure that would sink the most noble of men.

And apparently, at this particular school of middle learning (in the mash-up commercial below), doing the lunch announcements is akin to Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address and, if done improperly, will cause one will live in shame, thus not making it "Prime Time" (to use the vernacular that the advertisers believe kids quote on a regular basis).

Of course, in my opinion, it doesn't get more Prime Time than a white kid blaring NWA's Fuck the Police while impressionable young people are snacking on the food offerings of their parents.

But perhaps I'm out of loop.

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Contest! Win THE BEST OF BABAR on DVD!

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:07 PDT

Discover the wonder of Babar, the Elephant King, in this adventure-packed 3-disc collection. Based on the beloved children's books by Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff, this set offers three times the fun as Babar and his jungle pals have adventures galore and non-stop fun, all while learning important lessons of cooperation, teamwork, honesty and patience! Included are the following DVDs:

BABAR: THE MOVIE - It's high comedy and non-stop fun with Babar and his jungle friends in this spectacular feature-length animated motion picture adventure. Also included is a bonus episode from the classic Babar series.

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER - This DVD features four classic Babar episodes from the popular HBO series: "Between Friends", "Friendly Agreement", "An Elephant's Best Friend", and "City Ways".

SCHOOL DAYS - Episodes include "School Days', "Peer Pressure", Every Basket Has a Silver Lining" and "Kings of the Castle"

And we're giving away three copies!

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MAN OF STEEL (review)

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:22:40 PDT

Review by Clay N Ferno

Produced by Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven,

Emma Thomas, Deborah Snyder

Screenplay by David S. Goyer

Story by Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer

Based on Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Directed by Zack Snyder

Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon,

Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Laurence Fishburne,

Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Russell Crowe

Warner Bros. / PG-13

Superman, though not in the title, and only spoken once in the movie has returned in Man of Steel.

Starring Henry Cavill as Clark/Kal/Superman, Amy Adams as a smart and engaging Lois Lane and Michael Shannon as our villain, last seen in the comics or Superman II, General Zod of Krypton.

Kevin Costner is an earnest, sensitive and sensible Jonathan Kent, Kal’s adoptive father with Diane Lane as Martha Kent by his side. Laurence Fishburne stars as the Daily Planet’s Chief, Perry White.

The film opens on doomed planet Krypton, Russell Crowe as Jor-El helps deliver his son to Lara Lor-Van played by Ayelet Zurer.

With a cast like this, we can’t go wrong, right?

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Symbolism and Biology of the MUTTATIONS from THE HUNGER GAMES

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:00:03 PDT

With all the children killing each other, it’s hard to remember that Panem actually had quite a few genetically engineered abominations running around their world, in part thanks to their rank stupidity.

They failed to learn the lessons of Australia’s feral species and released genetically engineered animals into the world again and again.

Most of them just did as they pleased without regard for the plans of the Capitol, or otherwise went out of control. They release birds to relay the rebel’s secrets and end up with a constant reminder of their failures in the Mockingjay, they release enhanced Japanese Hornets into North America called “Tracker Jackers” and they promptly lost any control of them.

It’s a fun bit of foreshadowing of how Panem really is run by idiots.

Inventively cruel, but idiots.

The general populace of Panem calls these creatures “Muttations”, a corruption of Mutation and Mutt, neither of which really applies to genetically engineered abominations. The proper name itself can really apply to the ‘unnamed’ Muttations used in the final part of the Hunger Games Katniss first finds herself in. Dog-like creatures released to hunt the remaining competitors down and in the film they end up looking like bulldogs on steroids. In the book, they were much worse.

WE CAN STOP Making Robots Now: Man Creates A Penis-Drawing Robot...Although It's A Bit Shaky With the Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Young) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:00:03 PDT

Well, It's been a long time coming but I think we have finally reached the zenith of Man-Creating-Robots now that some huge-brained human has created a robot that draws dicks with semen/pee drips.

I wasn't really sure where this whole robot-crazed era was heading (what with all the sex bots and the Roombas out there) but lo and behold, we end, not on a Robot Apocalypse, but on a dick-making machine that takes to paper the way drunk frat guys take to their passed-out brother's face.

I'm a bit relieved really. For a while there I thought I was going to have to fortify my home against a mechanical army and live off of the gross of Candwiches that are stacked in my basement, but I should have had more faith in science.

For, every robot that become sentient and is hell bent on tearing my face off, there are loads more flooding the world with drawings of engorged man meat.

Way to go robots.

Video of penis-drawing robot after the break.

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Triple Shot: BATMAN #21, THE BLACK BEETLE: NO WAY OUT #4, ARTIFACTS #28

noreply@blogger.com (Stefan Blitz) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:00:00 PDT

Can Scott Snyder retell the origin of Batman all the while respecting the past? Has Black Beetle put together the pieces of Labyrinto’s dangerous puzzle? What is the fate of The Glacier Stone?

We just barely answer any of these questions in this week’s Triple Shot! Light week!

BATMAN #21
WRITER: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Danny Miki
Publication Date: June 13, 2013
Price: $3.99
Publisher: DC Comics
UPC: 6194130640702111
Buy it HERE

Sure, it is Superman week with Man of Steel opening in theaters, and also this Snyder (Scott) writing the new Superman title, Superman: Unchained.

There’s no reason for us not to go back to Wayne Manor for the origin of The Batman in Batman #21. This embossed cover comic is the first in the ‘Zero Year’ storyline—one meant to replace Batman: Year One in The New 52 parlance.

Fans of the Batman Begins will recognize a beat or two, from Bruce Wayne being away from Alfred for a period of time, but this story is all new, all different.

We’re introduced to Bruce’s Uncle Philip (Martha’s Brother) who is running Wayne Enterprises. Also, we get an origin of the giant penny, shining in copper glory in front of Wayne Tower. We get introduced to the Batcave, Riddler, and The Red Hood Gang as well.

Intriguing story here so far but something is missing. I love seeing tales of Bruce Wayne training to become Batman, and let there be a million of them, please! Denny O’Neil and Edward Hannigan’s Shaman delivers an awesome origin of the Batcave from Legends of the Dark Knight, set just before Miller’s Year One.

We’ll see how this susses out, Snyder sneaks in tropes of the Batman lore in interesting ways, but he only has one shot at telling the origin of Batman in The New 52. Trying to top the 26 year old Year One could be daunting, Batman fans have held on to that story very tightly. Snyder’s modernizations and imaginings of the Lucius Fox tech are already super cool here in issue #21.

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