Memorial Day Movie Weekend On SciFi Channel
Memorial day weekend will be full of movies and specials. While it is the norm to showcase the Twilight Zone marathon on holiday weekends, the SciFi Channel is doing something different. Starting Friday, May 22, the SciFi Channel will be airing a movie marathon. It will be mixed with SciFi originals with more popular movies like John Carpenter’s The Thing or Judge Dredd. Then on Monday, May 25th, they will air a Land of the Lost marathon in preparation to air the movie that stars Will Ferrell. The schedule will resume to normal after the long weekend, but it is nice to get a good break once in a while.
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.
Stargate Atlantis nearing end, expect surprises
Stargate: Atlantis nears its end with the final two episodes. It has been rumored that characters who were in the show in the past or characters from SG-1 will make appearances, minus Samanthat Carter and Teal’c. My suspicions are Jack O’Neill will return. It wouldn’t be beyond Stargate producers to bring him back because he was the one who revolutionized the show. To go with the SG-1 vain, I suspect Colonel Mitchell and Vala will make a cameo, if not a minor role. Stargate SG-1 finished its show after 10 seasons and over 200 episodes. It also concluded the series with the movie Stargate: Continuum. Do not be surprised if Stargate: Atlantis ends with a movie or two to tie up loose ends (which Atlantis didn’t have many of) as a way to help promote the show for a comeback or just to tie everything together. Though a movie isn’t in production as of yet, Stargate: Continuum didn’t get produced or written until a few months after the series ended. Fans of the show and the franchise will be sad that the show is coming to its end, but Stargate SG-1 and subsequently Stargate: Atlantis wasn’t expected to last as long as it did. Savor the time it was on air and certainly enjoy the final two episodes. The chance for another great show comes few and far between.
December 12 is The Day the Earth Stood Still
The remake of the 1951 classic, The Day the Earth Stood Still comes to theaters this Friday, December 12th. The movie is based on a short story by Harry Bates entitled Farewell to the Master in which an alien visitor comes to earth to warn the inhabitants that they must live in peace or be destroyed. Essentially, it is a story of the human condition and its flaws. Those themes are prevalent in Bates’ writings, but comes out in a prophetic manner in his story. It was written in the same vein as I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison. Keanu Reeves will play the role of Klaatu, the computer who warns the earthlings. A cult classic from the 50’s the remake holds true to the classic, directed by Robert Wise. With a new age of visual effects, the remake provides an aesthetically pleasing movie all the while holding true to its roots. If you were a fan of the original, you’ll be a fan of the remake. For access to the short story, visit http://thenostalgialeague.com/olmag/bates.html
Two new reality shows air on SciFi channel
The new SciFi reality show Chase has proven to be a hit amongst the masses. The host of the show, Trey Farley, releases personnel called the Hunters one by one to tag out runners. The runners are chosen like any reality show. As the time runs out on the runners the challenge gets more and more difficult as more and more hunters are released, new rules are applied, gadgets that keep the Hunters at bay are released, and the quadrants of the playing board are cut in half to make it interesting for the unsuspecting runners. Chase closely resembles an action-based video game where it mixes reality show concepts with an antagonist and protagonist. The producers of Chase created a new environment of the reality show genre adding in an aspect of paranoia and fear. Only time will tell how long the show will last. There are three completed episodes in lineup. The show airs on Tuesdays 10/9 C.
Another new show that’s come out for the SciFi channel in recent days is Estate of Panic. In this claustrophobic reality show, a group of contestants enter a house full of booby traps and strange happenings. The contestants are forced to play in three challenges where two get eliminated. The final player left standing faces a challenge in the Vault Room. Scott Valentine hosts this show that also puts a new spin to reality shows. While Chase and Estate of Panic air on the SciFi channel and not on the big four networks, the chance of competition to stay afloat is slim, however, its uniqueness should stand on its own. Survivor, Amazing Race, and Big Brother maintains their popularity, but the same premise stands season after season in those shows and the many that are in syndicated television. At least Chase and Estate of Panic brings something new to the table. The SciFi channel attempted a reality show three years ago with Mad House in 2005. The show lasted one season, but many of the aspects of the show emulated those of Survivor, Amazing Race, etc. Perhaps Chase and Estate of Panic can exceed the expectations, but it’s up to the public to understand it. Estate of Panic airs Wednesdays 10/9 C.