Author: Maurice Mitchell
We present this week’s Sci-Fi news and opinions. True or False? A movie based on the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line is finally being developed. This new explosion of toy-to-movie franchises from the 80s will finally help justify the hours we spent playing with dolls. The popular sci-fi movie “District 9” portrays Nigerians almost exclusively as lower-class gangsters with a penchant for cannibalism. Add this to their already poor reputation as email scammers and they have a major image problem. The new tourist campaign “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation” probably won’t change anyone’s mind on the…
The season premiere of Smallville is this week and, frankly, I’d be more interested in a giant festering pimple on Rush Limbaugh’s butt. Not only did it jump way over the shark when they brought Lois Lane to Smallville, but they consistently and desperately introduce new characters and plotlines that are way outside of the Superman continuity. The Legion of Superheroes was OK, but Doomsday?! I won’t even go into how they got rid of the token black guy in the whole town of Smallville. That said, two things give me hope: First, in the season finale they kill off…
We present this week’s Sci-Fi news and opinions. True or False? Now that Disney has bought Marvel Entertainment, the company is going to ruin the comic book characters we know and love. OVERUNDER: The word “Spider-Mouse” will be used 4025 times in articles describing this merger. If Futurama didn’t include the original voice actors, as was feared, the show would have been doomed or not aired at all. The Movie “Teen Wolf” is getting a reboot into a new film television series. This film show is guaranteed to be better than “Teen Wolf 2” as long as they don’t recast…
In yet another sign that “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” will be a cultural masterpiece, Paramount studios has officially decided not to show the film to critics. “After the chasm we experienced with Transformers 2 between the response of audiences and critics, we chose to forgo opening-day print and broadcast reviews as a strategy to promote G.I. Joe,” said Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount. “We want audiences to define this film.” While this strategy has produced some success with smaller films, it almost invariably shows that the studio hopes to hide the poor quality of the film from…
My favorite mutant cameo in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was Deadpool. Not because of his bizarre transformation into Mutant XI (where did he fit those Katanas anyway?), but his smarmy, grinning alter-ego. The idea that he would come back to play the character didn’t thrill me unless they were going to do a reboot. But the news that he’ll be playing Hal Jordan, the Green Lantern is good news. He’s got a classic hero face, a self-depricating style of humor and obviously can get in shape for any costume changes. Thank goodness they didn’t go with Justin Timberlake.
Variety reports that “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH”, a novel about a mother rat turning to a group of hyper-intelligent rats to save her home from a farmers’ plow, is being made into a movie again. The 1982 version was an animated film by fledgling animation company Don Bluth studios and is considered a masterpiece. However, I was personally disappointed by some major departures from the original novel. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of magic into the story. The original relied on the rats’ intelligence and scientific knowledge and not some mystical amulet. Some have…
“Shut up baby, I know it!”EW reports that Comedy Central is bringing Futurama back with 26 new episodes in mid-2010. The studio cites the success of the DVDs and reruns as the reason for bringing it back.”When we brought back Family Guy several years ago, everyone said that it was a once in a lifetime thing — that canceled series stay canceled and cannot be revived,” 20th Century Fox TV Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden said in a joint statement. “But Futurama was another series that fans simply demanded we bring back, and we couldn’t have been happier when…
10. AVP: Alien versus Predator (2004): While it’s true that the Alien and Predator properties were movies first, the battle royale between the two appeared in the comics first long before it hit the big screen. The movie was radically different from the original comic, but just as satisfying. Set in the desolate wastes of Antarctica, we were treated to everything we wanted; Aliens tearing into humans, Predators tearing into humans, and both alien races tearing into each other (especially in one epic scene), and humans caught in the middle. Word is that James Cameron, director of “Aliens,” was opposed…
“Well…I got better…” Shocking to no one, and a surprise to few, Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) is back alive and well. Marvel announced in the Daily News the return of the First Avenger two-and-a-half years after his assassination in an upcoming five-issue series titled “Captain America: Reborn.” He was originally supposed to be “dead” for six months, but the series popularity actually increased with his untimely death. Ed Brubaker, the writer of Captain America said, “…The story kept growing and growing and becoming more popular. We didn’t originally have a plan for anyone else to become the new Captain…
U2 On The ‘Spider-Man’ Musical: Peter Parker’s Story Is ‘Like Every Rock-And-Roll Star’s Story’ – Bono and company explain why they decided to write the music and lyrics for the upcoming musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark”. I’m still dying to see how they do the web-slinging, but that’s about all I’m looking forward to. Exit stage left. Life-Size Gundam Built In Japan – One more reason to go to Japan. If the sight of a 60 foot giant robot isn’t enough, it also has lights, steam and a moving head. It’s the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam…which I…
We now present the review of Star Trek XI (2009). Please be aware that the more obvious spoilers have been partially obscured, but there may be some minor plot reveals. Enjoy. Q: What’d you think of the new “Star Trek” movie? Hotshot:I will say that I thought it was excellent and also very provocative for the hardcore fans. Geek #2:In a word: Awesome. It jumped into my top ten list and is the best star trek movie since “Wrath of Khan”. While some of hardcore fans lament that change in tone of the characters (Spock more emotional, Kirk more rebellious)…
As much as I love Mythbusters for being funny, irreverent and just good science, every now and then they take their Mythbusting too far. I like when they take on common movie myths like shooting a lock off, jumping in water to slow down a bullet or climbing a wall with suction cups I do have my limits. While I didn’t mind when they tried to prove if a Ninja can catch a sword (no), cut a sword with another sword (uh…no), or walk on water (uhh…no again). When they take on movie myths that are flat out impossible in…
Long time fans of the Star Trek franchise say JJ Abrams’ enjoyable, engaging prequel betrays what Star Trek is all about. YouTube – Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As ‘Fun, Watchable’
Very well-written and succinct article about Land of the Lost. Favorite quote: The most important thing I learned? That nostalgia is a blinding force and this show, which I watched avidly during my formative years, was awful in just about every way. The special effects were beyond bad, the acting was worse and the plots were both boring and incomprehensible. But when you were a kid in the early 1970s, before DVDs of JURASSIC PARK and WALKING WITH DINOSAURS were sitting next to every TV in America, you took your dinosaur-themed entertainment where you could get it.Five things I learned…
New Talk of a Tennant Doctor Who Feature- BBC is talking about a big screen Doctor Who movie featuring David Tennant which is odd on two points: One, a Doctor Who movie would be a gamble considering how well known the character actually is outside of Britain. Two, David Tennant has already said he’s leaving the show, so this would be a slap in the face for the new twelfth Doctor, Matt Smith to me. Star Trek is now 2009’s top-grossing film – No surprise there, but I wonder how high it will go in “All-time” status? Will Summer Glau…
I thought I’d caught all of the Star Trek references until someone mentioned Scotty had accidentally lost “Admiral Archer’s prized beagle” a reference to Enterprise’s Captain Archer. It made me wonder what else I missed and it turns out A LOT. ComicMix compiled what I imagine is a partial list: http://www.comicmix.com/news/2009/05/12/star-trek-movie-annotations/
Saw the new trailer for V and it looks pretty good. Instead of the Nazi allegory they’re taking more of a religious allegory. The trailer sets up the show and the main characters, starting with a sequence right out of Independence Day. V is slated to debut in midseason in early 2010.
As the networks release their list of shows being renewed most fans gave up hope that Dollhouse, which premiered at horrible ratings before sinking to even worse ratings by the finale would be renewed. So, imagine their surprise when Fox picked it up for a second season and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” was canceled. In explaining why, it seems like it came down to two things: money and creativity. Kevin Reilly, Fox’s president of entertainment, described Terminator as “not an inexpensive show” and felt that it was given ample support and scheduling following a huge launch. “We tried, and…
World’s Sexiest Mutant Delivers the Goods Apparently, the promise of a near-naked Hugh Jackman was enough to pull in a large group of women to see the testosterone-filled “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” film. According to the Los Angeles Times 47% of the $160 million dollars worth of tickets this past weekend were bought by women. I’m OK with that since it just brings in more money for the Marvel franchise to play with. Plus, it gives guys an excuse to get “dragged reluctantly” (*wink wink*) to see Wolverine by their womenfolk.
The new movie had a whole slew of continuity problems that are introduced, however let’s just stick with the ones from the movies and ignore the comics: In X1, Sabretooth’s eyes are black in X1 and normal in XOW. Sabretooth had two sets of fangs in X1 and one set in XOW. While we can assume that he made massive physical changes between XOW and X1, why would they happen over a span of a few years when he’s lived for over one hundred years without changing? Sabretooth shrank in height and changed hair color from brown to blonde. Sabretooth…
Wesley Snipes has announced that he, artist Mshindo I and Gregory Walker (Brother G) are launching an animated science-fiction project called Zulu Mech 1. The basic premise of the series is that our world is a near-utopia with Africa being a prosperous united superpower when it is invaded by a race of strange highly intelligent creatures from deep within the Earth. They wreak havoc in their quest to return the Earth to it’s state before the dawn of humanity until a South African family, named Mthunzi, develop a hero called Zulu Mech 1. “Its Africa based scifi,” said co-creator and…
The Ghost Who Walks…In Leather SyFy (The network formerly known as Sci-Fi) has released concept images from the new two-hour two-night mini-series. It looks like they’re trying to give it a more modern science-fiction feel rather than staying true to it’s comic book roots. The movies have Chris Walker taking on the purple mask to fight an experimental mind-control program. I haven’t read the strip much so I can’t say much about that, but I think The Phantom (1996) is one of the most underrated supermovies ever made. Billy Zane was perfect and the costume, while different from the comic…
Up till now I haven’t been too excited about the new Transformers movie “Revenge of the Fallen”, mainly because the first one is literally one of my favorite movies of all time. However, they released their list of characters and while some are bewildering (“The Doctor”?) one caught my eye: Devastator (aka Scavenger, Scrapper, Hightower, Longhaul, Rampage, Overload and Mixmaster). Yes, the Constructicons are going to be in the movie, which is insanely cool if done right. Here’s the full list: Autobots Optimus PrimeIronhideRatchetBumblebeeSideswipeArceeJetfireJoltSkids & Mudflaps (The Twins)Decepticons StarscreamSidewaysThe FallenScorponoxSoundwaveRavageThe DoctorDemolishorDevastator (aka Scavenger, Scrapper, Hightower, Longhaul, Rampage, Overload and Mixmaster)Next…
Since it’s predicted that Watchmen costumes will be the rage this year, Easterntoys is making a line of costumes based on the Watchmen movie characters and they’re pretty lame. But, I guess if you have the money and can’t figure out how to put on a bald head wig and blue face paint you could spend $46.99 on a stuffy, hot latex rubber mask to be Dr. Manhattan. You’re on your own with the thong. If you don’t have time to work out to get into the Comedian costume, you could always buy they’re GT costume with fake, bizarrely square…
I would sell my house, car and kidney just for a chance to drive the 1989 Batmobile much less own it. Now it’s possible for someone to own the next best thing. Kruse International is selling “exact recreation of the 1989 batmobile”. The car is true to the movie in every way from its flame throwing afterburner to the 50 cal machine guns, alumn side intakes, grills, steel front turbine, alumn afterburner and real side mechanics… it has a canopy that moves under its own actuator to the correct wheels and Mickey Thompson tires. The Batmobile will be up for…
Vin Diesel is returning to the well not just for Fast & Furious (extremely confusing title BTW) but for xXx and the next “Chronicles of Riddick” movie. While I love the fact that we may see these characters come to life again I think this signals the death knell of the actor’s career. At one time Vin was only looking forward, refusing to do sequels in favor of new and exciting projects. In 2002 he rejected a $20 million dollar paycheck to appear in “The Fast and the Furious 2” saying “The reality is that I have enough money (and…
Since everyone in Hollywood still don’t understand what makes a good comic book movie they figure “Dark Knight” was successful because “it’s dark” instead of “it’s complex and has a strong narrative”. So, the studios are going to do a darker reboot of “Fantastic Four” along with other properties like “Daredevil” and. I’m not really sure why since I thought the tone worked quite well. Plus, I’ve gotten kind of attached to the actors and portrayals as they stand now so I’ll be sorry to see them go. Splash Page » Darker ‘Fantastic Four’ Reboot In The Works?
This is fairly old news, but Ridley Scott is working on a big screen version of the popular boardgame Monopoly. They already have a writer lined up (Pamela Pettler from Corpse Bride) and he’s looking to give it a “Blade Runner” futuristic feel. This is actually one of several projects in the works by Hasbro to bring classic games to the movies including Candy Land, Ouija, Battleship, Magic: The Gathering and Stretch Armstrong (a comedy by Steve Odenkirk). They may also be working on a remake of the 1985 comedy Clue. “He’s built these great big worlds of imagination,” Goldner…
“Emergency. Emergency. There’s an emergency going on. It’s still going on. It’s still an emergency. This is an emergency announcement” Red Dawrf, the cult science-fiction comedy from BBC is returning after almost ten years off the air. The show, which ran on BBC Two from 1988 and 1999 was a hit with eight million viewers in more than 25 countries. The show, set three million years in the future, followed the slovenly slacker Dave Lister (Craig Charles) as the last man in the universe trying to get back to Earth along with his annoying holographic roommate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie),…
Movie “The Incredible Hulk” DVD review. Will the sequel demand another recast of Bruce Banner if Edward Norton, unhappy with the final cut, walks from the role? LinkTelevision Apparently Kirk Benedict (Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica) isn’t as happy with the new series as his former co-star. Is this sour grapes or does he have a point about the new series being “un-imagining”? Plan to watch this season? LinkJoss Whedon’s new science-fiction series Dollhouse about an a group of assassins who have their minds wiped and new personalities inserted for every mission. Plagued by rewrites, reshoots and bad press, will this…