Walking Dead
AMC will have a new show debuting on October 31st, fittingly, and it’s already been picked up for a second season. It will be directed by Frank Darabont, whom you might know from The Green Mile and The Mist. The basic premise of the show has a cop who wakes up in a hospital but he finds out quickly that the world’s been overrun by zombies. This has a good premise, but the trick will be to see if Darabont can’t successfully work off the premise. He does a good job in bringing out characters in his movies; they’re more character driven than plot driven (see Green Mile). He’s never done a show, which means he will have to compromise on both concepts. I think this show will do well. Based on pre previews, and everything I’ve read and seen from it, the show does have promise. It’s also on AMC, not Syfy, whcih means the quality is sure to be better. Be sure to check it out on October 31st. You’ve been warned.
A New Haven
In earlier blogs I trashed Haven, essentially writing it off, but I have to say I’ve been pleasantly surprised as the season continues on. I gave up on it after three episodes, but it’s grown on me in a very quick way. No one wants to write off a show after three seasons. J.J. Abrams once said, “a good show will take episodes to develop. You only cheat yourself if you don’t wait it out.” He was right. I wrote it off too early and it’s bit me in the rear. If you followed what I said back then, I’m sorry. It’s important to note that Haven has been signed on for another season.
Not to defend myself or anything but the role of Eric Balfour’s character really grew on me, which I thought they developed slowly. That was part of what made me shy away from the show. It’s a good show and it’s worth checking out. I had to catch up this weekend on Hulu, but if you have a chance, watch it from the beginning. It will be well worth it. I’m not a fan of Syfy Channel originals or productions, but this one could be the start of a good relationship. We’ll see. There’s still a lot of show left, but I think from what I’ve seen I won’t be disappointed.
WGC Ultimate Gamer Returns
The excitement is mounting and it’s the moment that millions of people have been waiting for. The return of WGC Utlimate Gamer is here. Though one episode has already aired, you will find ample opportunity to see it throughout the season. If you don’t know the premise of the show, it’s simple. A group of extreme gamers square off in competitions to determine who will win a large promotional package deal to represent Sony and a number of other video game-producing companies. It’s a gig that every geek and game player ever wanted. The competition games include virtual simulation, Wii games, stunt-type live action maneuvering–you name it, it’s there. It’s an intense competition, for sure. This is something the Syfy Channel can’t fail at airing. This reality show is pretty intense and it is actually a treat to watch. It’s unlike any other reality show. There’s less drama and the games are actually fun to watch because they’re video game related. Who doesn’t like that? Be warned. If you want to participate in season 3 or at least be considered, be sure to check back at syfy.com shortly after the series is over. They will have all the information you need to submit videos to the casting directors. If you have a chance, don’t miss this show. I’ll be watching from beginning to end. It will air on Thursdays at 11:00 PM ET. There are eight total episodes but you really don’t need that many to determine the winner of this intense competition.
Scott Pilgrim Versus the World: A Review
This was by far the best movie I’ve seen since Inception. I’m rather glad I went to see this instead of testosterone-filled The Expendables. Pilgrim was a great movie that deviated from the graphic novels slightly. It’s still pretty fun. Where it made its mark are the numerous video game references that were made. Intentional or not, it was over the top, hilarious, and well done. It’s hard to really classify what this movie is. It does have a mix of comedy, romance, drama, action, adventure, scifi, and a touch of suspense. Yes, you will more than likely run through the gamut of emotions on this movie. It’s best to have the necessary mindset going into the movie. You know that it’s going to be a fantasy-type movie, but don’t expect a drama-laden movie with deep thought and provocative themes that flood the subconscious. This isn’t that movie and was never intended to be. It is, however, fun and a treat for anybody who wants to spend a night out on town to watch it. It’s almost guaranteed that you won’t be disappointed.
There was a trailer for the new Resident Evil movie at our theater, but that’s not to say it will be showing at yours.
Another Comic Con If You Missed San Diego
If you missed the San Diego Comic Convention, don’t worry. There’s another comic convention in New York (some argue it’s the biggest comic convention in America, but it does grow each year). From October 8-10, there will be thousands of panels, illustrations, discussions, and previews. Unlike San Diego there is no preview night. One of the highlights of New York Comic Con will be Stan Lee, and Adult Swim will be there to offer plenty of exhibits. Stay tuned for more updates, but there will be plenty of things to do and see. New York and San Diego have been at odds with each other for years trying to outduel each other, but it may not be very long before New York becomes the biggest. There are still tickets available for this Comic Con. Even though it is four months away, tickets go very quickly. The Convention is held in the Jacob Javits Center and there are hotels nearby that are cosponsors where you can stay. Even if you did go to the San Diego Comic Con, you can still go to this. Either way you go, you’re not going to be disappointed.
Hall Brothers Entertainment
I normally wouldn’t do this, but I felt that it was too important to pass up. A good friend of mine is launching a new website that is unlike any other website known today. It’s essentially a site you can go to that will service anyone’s scifi fix in regards to literature and essays. You can also have a chance to be published in a wider audience by submitting your essays and novels to them. There is cash involved so if yours gets accepted, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. It’s set to launch in October and you can find their original episodic series, Black Badge on it. If you love science fiction, then you’ll love Hall Brothers Entertainment. Check them out at http://www.hallbrosentertainment.com/index.html.
Recap of the Highlights of Comic Con
While it was frustrating not having Internet connection at Comic Con (or at the hotel I was staying in–different story) I am finally able to provide recaps, albeit a little bit late. I did go old school and use pen and paper to do my writing of notes.
Day 1–Some good views coming out from the TV front. Comic Con does have a reputation for focusing on movies more than shows, but shows like Dexter and Glee, amongst many others, made a showing at the Con. It was the highest turnout of shows ever.
Other amazing moments from Day 1 was that seven minutes of Tron: Legacy were shown and holy crap, it was awesome. Then the full trailer was shown. This is probably going to be the most highly anticipated movie this Christmas, next to Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Tron made the biggest splash on Day 1, but Megamind tried to have a respectful showing. (Brad Pitt was not there–reason unknown.)
Day 2–Much to my surprise, I was able to catch a small portion of the Hawaii Five-O panel. The new series will star Daniel Dae-Kim and Grace Park so it should be interesting, maybe. The show plans to debut in November.
A not-so-scifi-but has promise show is NBC’s The Cape. It has Vinnie Jones and the terminator female from the Sarah Conner Chronicles. The panel drug on rather boringly, but the show has promise. A brief clip was shown and it does seem dark and well developed, but November will tell us one way or the other.
Day 3–Some weird things went down between two fans. Apparently one got stabbed and the other arrested, but I don’t know the details beyond that.
Resident Evil: Afterlife had a panel and brief clip and this one looks 100 times better than the previous installments. The addition of Chris Redfield will instantly enhance the story. Redfield is played by Wentworth Miller.
I got to meet Maggie Q, and she’s actually quite shy in person, but she was pretty nice.
Day 4–Didn’t attend.
Overall, the convention was a huge success and there new trailers and posters galore. The Green Lantern has official artwork posted and a new trailer for Drive Angry, Nicolas Cage’s new movie where he plays a dad hell bent on revenge. And of course, the new and updated trailer for Tron, which can be seen here.
This was the biggest Comic-Con and it will be even bigger next year. If you’re a sci fi fan of any kind, it is worth going to, even it’s only for a day. Meet some lively characters and talk to your favorite actors and actresses. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Inception: Best. Movie. Ev–Not Quite, But Close
Though I was skeptical at first, I ventured into the unknown that is Inception. Not being a fan of Leo DiCaprio, I already formulated an opinion on the movie. He did, however, change my mind and change it fast. Inception’s trailers are purposefully vague…and so are all the synopsises you’ve read. However, those summaries are pretty accurate. The movie does take place in the mind (mostly at least) but not to give it away, Leo’s team steals secrets by infiltrating the mind, or dreams. The movie then takes you into Leo’s character as the main thrust and it gets pretty awesome after that. Christopher Nolan knows how to concoct a movie out of a simple concept, and best of all, he captures all the details through film. You do have to pay close attention to the movie from beginning to end to pick up on all aspects of it. Even then, you’re still not going to believe how it ends up. The direction is steady, enabling you to actually get into the film without feeling like you’re on a roller coaster. Characters are hateable, but in a good way, and the only one you’re feeling sorry for is Ellen Page (You’ll know what I mean when you watch it). If you missed the first few minutes of the movie, because that’s your M.O. don’t bother finishing it. Nolan is as detailed as any director, even more so than Quentin Tarantino. This movie doesn’t quite get a perfect 10 rating, but it’s close. I gave Pulp Fiction a 10, but this is about a 9.8. The only flaw in it, is that you do want that clear resolutions at the end. You sort of expect it, but then when “it” happens, you’re wondering how you want to feel about it. Think of this movie like a mix between the Matrix and the Usual Suspects. I know, it’s weird to think about the two extremes, but bear with me and use a little imagination. If you haven’t seen it, you need to. Nolan is sheer genius.
Predators: A Review
Surprisingly this movie is good. It starts with action and ends with a lot more action. There isn’t much development in terms of the characters but the story itself and being in the Predator mythos made it okay. Predators is a fitting sequel to the original Predator series (not AVP). It also leads room for another one. For those who thought Adrian Brody wouldn’t be a good lead role, think again. I was one of them. Skepticism was at its worst and to be honest I didn’t expect much. His role and anti-hero was surprisingly played well and for the concept, it worked well. The beginning of the movie shows groups of people being plummeted down on parachutes and the action starts. Predators get revealed along the way, and an all out battle ensues amongst human and predator. Sadly Laurence Fishburne does have a small role in it (8-10 minutes of total screen time). Nimrod Antal does fit the environment of the first Predator to this one very well. We are essentially misdirected, but in a good way. I highly recommend it and if you’re looking for a well contrived plot that transcends character development and story development, you won’t find it. If you’re looking for a good sequel to the Predator franchise, then you’ll find it within the first five minutes onward.
Also, just a reminder that San Diego Comic Con 2010 will happen in three days and will last through the weekend. I will send updates as I get them throughout the conference.
Movie Reviews of the Past Weekend
I had the privilege to watch three movies this weekend and two of the three were excellent while one disappointed (though it was expected).
Eclipse–This movie was the worst of the bunch. There was no direction and the acting was by far the worst of the trilogy. Clearly they were emotionally stunted from the previous works. Eclipse should be avoided at all costs. It’s more romance and not much anything else. The war between vampires and werewolves is more like a dispute and the story arc was plain appalling. I give this movie a three.
Last Airbender–This movie was pretty solid and it does follow parts of the important storylines of Avatar (the anime). If you haven’t seen the anime, now is a good time to do so. The basic story of the movie goes like this: the fire king declares war on the other elements so he can essentially control the world. Aanh, the lead, is the last of his kind and protects everyone from the fire king. Sounds cliche, right? Yes, but not really. Shymalan might have salvaged part of his career by doing this movie. And no, there is no “twist” at the end of it. The characters do take a while to fit into their roles, but on the whole, it was well directed and well done on many fronts from the direction, story and the acting. It almost seemed at times you were watching a rated R movie with all the action going on. This movie is deserving on an 8.
Toy Story 3–This is probably the best of the three Toy Stories. The toy’s owner gets older and he’s about to go off to college but is deciding on what to do with the toys. They all eventually end of at Sunnyside, a day care, and things aren’t what they seem. It was fun and there are some tear jerking moments. I had a great time and this is a movie for people of all ages. It’s definitely worth the price of admission. I’ve never given a ten to any movie, but this one breaks the mold.