Is the Vampire Genre Overdone?
The genre within the Science Fiction and Horror has evolved from its inception to what? Who know? It’s so convoluted now that you can use any backdrop and add in vampires to it and the public eats it up. The first literary account of vampires can be traced back to the 1700’s when vampires were referred to soldiers that fed on humans and drank their blood to stay alive. Then you had Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula, which helped propel the genre a step further, many of the characters from his book taking on forms today such as the Harkers. What has happened since? Well for starters, over 30 countries have their own accounts of vampires. Some are immune to garlic and crosses, while some get hurt eating a certain type of food. The genre’s boomed. However, how far is too far? Anne Rice once said, “The vampire classic should be put to rest.” I think she’s right. Today, not only do you have vampire love stories (Twilight) and vampire action flicks (Underworld), but you also have vampires who want to live normally amongst the populace and you have those that want to destroy humankind (Blade). What’s common about all the scenarios above? You can use the same plot without the vampires and can do just as well if you didn’t add the supernatural element to it. Everywhere you turn there’s one form of vampire culture in society be it in film, books, or clubs that are devoted to it. IS it overdone? From this observor’s point of view, it is. Today, there are over 121,000 books devoted to vampires. On the film side, since 1923 (Nosferatu), there have been 19,002 films about vampires. Can we give these guys a rest? Sure I like the vampire genre, but it’s like an annoying salesman in today’s society. They get thrown in your face and never let go.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans Review
Some questions from the first movie were answered in this movie, but as far as rounding out a trilogy, the movie didn’t do much. Underworld follows Sonja, the daughter to Viktor in the first movie. Sonja is found to have an affair with the Lucian and thus started the war between the Lycans and the vampires. As far as story arc is concerned the movie wasn’t done that badly. Inconsistencies (despite the scientific aspect) were kept to a minimum and the development of the Lycans revolt was done quite well and better than expected. With this prequel, it is likely the Underworld franchise has come to its end. Tying in the missing questions that were unanswered from the first movie has essentially rounded out the movie franchise. From a literary standpoint, there isn’t much. A movie of this caliber is complete with action and depends highly on intense action sequences to make its mark. With that, it does well. There’s no use in attempting to analyze the film on a deeper level. On a scale from 1-10, I give it an 8 based heavily on its development of the war between the two races.
Battlestar Galactica follow-up
So I wasn’t exactly on with a few of my predictions, but there are a couple more that can come true. Battlestar fans are now planning for the future now that Ellen Tigh was revealed as the fifth cylon. Surprising? Kind of, but not really. Just when you thought she was going to be the fifth cylon other things shied away from it. Of course the big giveaway was the fact that she was related to Colonel Saul Tigh who is also a cylon. Of course the reveal of it blows many (including mine) theories in relation to what’s going to happen in the rest of the show. Now that we know who the fifth cylon is, here’s a new prediction on how the show will finish:
Roslin will be revealed as a Cylon that was not mentioned before. I know, I had her down as being the fifth cylon, but she could be plant. She is too mysteriously involved in the affairs of Adama. We’ll see. Happy viewing the rest of the way. I promise you I will not write any more posts about Battlestar Galactica….especially if I’m wrong on my new prediction.
My Five Predictions for the Final Episodes of Battlestar Galactica
With the final episodes of Battlestar Galactica upon us, here are my five predictions of what will happen:
1) Admiral Adama gets assassinated. By who else, the fifth Cylon, which is;
2) President Roslyn. Don’t put too much stock in this. I say this because when you think you know who it is, the character dies or shows you something that disproves them being a cylon. As close as Roslyn and Adama have been, one of the two has to be not who they say they are. Adama is the shining hope for the survivors.
3) Sharon Agathon is not as she appears to be. Her actions may seem pure, but her ability to smooth talk will have a purpose. What purpose? Conspiring to assassinate Admiral Adama.
4) The Cylon/Human war never ends and will lead into a final movie to tie up all the loose ends, much like Stargate SG-1.
5) Finally, more humans will be found. The writing isn’t as obvious at this point in the series, but we know the Cylons supposedly rid the planets of human life and the survivors are where the writers have us believe they are; however, it has never been mentioned that the entire galaxy has been searched. I’m probably stretching, but as a writer myself, the propensity to leave out, albeit as small detail like that, is intentional for a blockbuster ending.
There you have it. Like I said, it’s just conjecture. As a fan of the show, I can only hope it ends on a great note and out of the thousands of theories out there, don’t be surprised if mine don’t happen. We’ll find out soon enough. Happy viewing.
My review of Resident Evil: Degeneration
If you’re a Resident Evil fan, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for a good horror flick, you may be sorely disappointed. The movie was designed to run off the RE games so if you’re not at least somewhat familiar with the series, the movie may be confusing. It does fit in the RE timeline seven years after the events of RE 2.
The movie follows Leon and Claire as they live the nightmare again only in a different place. A new creature is introduced and the way they come to that section follow very well in line with the continuity of the RE series. If you’re a fan of the game, you would probably agree the creature would have been a great addition to the game series. The story ark and theme of the game is basic in regards to the theme of the book, but it does tie up some of the story together. The flow and structure of the movie is fluid, which makes the movie structured. It is your typical action/adventure film with Zombies thrown in (what else can you expect from Resident Evil). The characters are at least believable in the video game sense. They’re relatable (there are instances where if you didn’t play at least RE 2, you won’t understand the comments) and they’re not overbearing.
This movies does not, in any shape or fashion, follow the movies directed by Paul Anderson. In fact, the director has stated, he thought the Resident Evil trilogy in film was terribly done. I agree. Resident Evil: Degeneration is must-see. I give it an 8 out of 10.
2009 San Diego Comic-Con Tickets on Sale, Act Now
The San Diego Comic Convention will continues its annual showing from July 23rd-July 26th. A special Wednesday night preview is setup for professionals and prescreeners. The list of guest speakers has grown significantly and growing by the month. Many current artists and writers for current comic books will be in attendance as will your typical fare of television and movie producers and directors. Daily admittance for the convention range from $25-$35 per day, or a four-day pass for $75. The 2008 San Diego Comic Convention sold out by May 1 so don’t hesitate to get your tickets now. Gavin Hood, director of Wolverine appeared last year to promote his movie, as did Frank Miller. Eva Mendes also made an appearance. Space is limited.
If you can’t make the San Diego Comic Convention there is also the APE, or Alternate Press Expo held in San Francisco. It is much like the San Diego Comic Convention except it highlights indie comics and indie filmmakers. Those dates are October 17th and 18th. Price is $10 per day, or $15 for both.
These conventions can tell you plenty about what’s coming out on the horizon. It is an eye-opening experience that is sure to leave you breathless. Over 126,000 people attended the convention last year. That number is expected to exceed last year’s total. Act now for tickets. I’ve been two years in a row and it is by far the best place to network and show off your work. If nothing else, it’s a great place to meet some of today’s pioneers in the comic and movie industry.