Production Begins Again on ABC's LIFE ON MARS - Aug 06, 2008 - 09:32am
Wow. The only good things about the original pilot were Colm Meany as Gene Hunt, and Rachelle Lefevre as Annie. Now they're both gone. Granted, I like Mol and Keitel, too, but I don't think they amongst the many problems of the original pilot.
By and large, the original pilot stuck pretty closely to the script of the first UK episode. However, gone was smoking and drinking, and the more overt sexism that helps to define Gene Hunt. It was like "Life on Mars"-lite.
I think if done honestly, as the UK version was, an American version of the show could be interesting as the UK/US perspectives are different enough to put a new spin on things. It'd also be interesting to compare the two shows. However, I'm skeptical that this show will be allowed to be what it needs to be to faithfully carry the name "Life on Mars."
DVD Review of X-FILES: REVELATIONS - Jul 16, 2008 - 11:39am
"Autoerotic affixation," huh?!
Please don't use a phrase if you can't even get the words in it correct.
And don't tell me that "for all intensive purposes" you got your point across or I'll break your fingers.
TV Wasteland: Alan Ball Still Dealing with Death in His New HBO Series - Jul 14, 2008 - 08:56am
I saw the premiere episode of True Blood, and it's a lot of fun. Paquin is a) hot, b) great, and c) hot. The show has romance, blood, boobs, swearing, and vampires. What's not to love?
Doctor Who only has three episodes left, and wow. They're good. Nothing second string about Who compared to fall TV.
Or Burn Notice for that matter. That's another great show that I really enjoy. I'm glad there's one thing interesting on in the summer since True Love and Entourage are pushed back to the fall.
Mania Manifesto: Top 8 Comic Book Video Games - Jul 08, 2008 - 09:48am
Not a bad list, Damon. Heck, I'm still on City of Heroes/Villains every fricking day. It's the only MMO I play.
The old Sega CD Batman game was great, as well -- it was like a bonus episode of B:TAS!
I'm jazzed for MK vs. DCU, too.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK (Wii Version) - Jun 26, 2008 - 10:26am
Er..FYI, you state that the character renders leave "little to be desired," then that means that they are very good. However, you imply the opposite.
Does ne1 uze poofreraders nemoar?
SPEED RACER - May 15, 2008 - 01:01pm
Saw it opening night (see previous post). The kids loved it. I loved it.
The biggest and most vocal critic of the movie that I know (my wife, a longtime Speed Racer fan), absolutely adored it. She was ready to watch it again. I have never, ever heard her say that about a movie before. Certain character notes, or images on the screen just tracked perfectly with her expectations and took her back to when she was a kid (me, too, for that matter).
The actors all nailed their respective parts, and I think the Wachowskis were very successful in realizing a "live action" cartoon. The world, and the laws of physics can be seen as being lifted right out of the cartoon, and as such, car stunts, or fights don't need to be believable "in the real world." With such bright colors and everything being in focus, how could someone not catch onto this?
The story was actually very good as well. Sure, it is a bit simplistic, but it's also sincere, which is refreshing. It's not cynical like Shrek. If anything, it's closer in tone to Enchanted, where it's the joy, optimism and brightness of Giselle against the cynicism and coldness of New York. And there's the family angle of parents needing to let go and let their children follow their own paths and destinies.
Seriously, I don't know what the people who hated it went in expecting. I went in expecting a family-oriented Speed Racer film full of bright colors and kick-ass effects. I got that and more.
In fact, buying the four tix earned me a free movie pass on my Regal Crown club, and I bought the wife the Target Exclusive Speed Racer promo DVD, which has movie money as well, so maybe the two of us will go see it again.
TV Review: SUPERNATURAL - Time is on My Side - May 13, 2008 - 11:34am
I think the show's been firing on all cylinders for the entire season.
I don't think we needed any more backstory on Bela than we got -- and the whole abusive family thing is certainly motivation enough for her not to trust anyone and, conesequently, to be a heartless bitch to Sam and Dean. Obviously, she did get what she deserved, but I'm bummed she won't be back next season, because she certainly was some tasty eye candy.
DVD Review: THE GOLDEN COMPASS - May 13, 2008 - 11:30am
Oh my damn! It's a review on Mania that I more or less agree with! Good job, Tim (except that the bear's first name is Iorek, not Lorek)!
It's alleged that a number of scenes were cut, and that Disney did the final cut of the movie, not Weitz. As my main gripe withe the movie is its uneven pacing, I would be keen to see what Weitz' final cut would look like. While it I expect that it would be longer with more character bits, I think it would probably feel less like the film was jumping from plot-point to plot-point and more like the story flowed cohesively.
SPEED RACER - May 09, 2008 - 10:53am
Excepting the first teaser, I've dug all of the trailers, and the first 7 minutes are online. I'm going in expecting a cartoon, with all of the wacky goofiness that comes with it. This will be the boy's first movie (he's 2), but I think he'll do fine. Popcorn, fruit punch, race cars, and visual crack. The daughter's a bit more sophisticated, but she likes the original 'toon just fine. The biggest challenge will be da spousal unit. She's a huge fan of the original (has a Mach 5 model), and doesn't seem to like the uber Lite-Brite colour pallate. On vas voix.
TV Review of SUPERNATURAL: Long Distance Call - May 05, 2008 - 09:11am
Dude, I had some issues with Dean buying, part and parcel, into the voice on the phone being his Dad, but it doesn't deserve a "D" for it. It was still a solid, of average, episode of [i]Supernatural[/i]. Even an average eppie is still good TV. I, for one, am not bored by the "demon of the week" installments, either.
Katee Sackhoff at WW Philly! - Apr 15, 2008 - 04:01am
Philly's in the Central US? Man, I must have my geography all kids of confused.
If it were closer to the Baltimore/DC area, I might pop up and check her out.
Cartoon Network Upfronts Look Promising - Apr 07, 2008 - 07:11am
Stevie, As Torchwood is skewed towards the older segment of Who fandom, Sarah Jane is skewed towards the younger set.
The first episode is fun, but in retrospect, makes me think of Slusho.
Torchwood is amazing, btw.
DARK SECTOR - Apr 04, 2008 - 04:54am
I ain't got me no new-fnagled 360, but I do love me some Pat reviews, so welcome back, Pat!
Is gamerflicks sticking around?
Toshiba Officially Drops HD DVD Format - Feb 19, 2008 - 09:43am
Spider, you're obviously misinformed. Part of the Blu-Ray spec (and the HD-DVD spec, for that matter) is full backward compatibility with standard DVD.
I think Blu-Ray is the better format (despite my issues with Sony; and they don't run the BDA, so that makes it a little less painful); but it still has its issues.
The latest Blu-Ray profile is 1.1 and 2.0 is coming soon. If you get a Blu-Ray player, ensure that it either a) already has the 1.1 profile, or is firmware upgradeable to 1.1/2.0. A firmware upgrade is easy, too. You just burn a CD or DVD on your PC and pop it in the BD player.
Also, most, if not all, Blu-Ray players will upconvert your standard DVDs to near-HD, just like lots of standard DVD players do.
Finally, I know that many HD-DVD players only supported up to 1080i resolution and not 1080p. I do not know if the same can be said for the Blu-Ray players (all the ones I've seen do 1080p), but it would bear checking on the box before you made your purchase.
Update: AMPTP & WGA Reach Tentative Agreement! - Feb 10, 2008 - 01:46pm
Reading other people's lame and pedantic comments is boring and tiresome. Why would I bother?!
So...you were being witty and amusing. I get jokes.
Update: AMPTP & WGA Reach Tentative Agreement! - Feb 10, 2008 - 07:36am
Jarrod, not to be a fuckwit pedant, but I'm going to be one, anyway. It's not "for all 'intensive purposes'," bur rather "for all 'intents and purposes.'"
Seyfried Protects Town from JENNIFER'S BODY - Feb 08, 2008 - 09:00am
I really dug Seyfried in VM, as well as Big Love, but, really, part of that is she has a *very* nice rack. Now there are at least four good reasons to go see this movie.
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 07, 2008 - 03:39pm
You've lost interest? But...but...I've been hanging on your every word, and what will I do if you're not here to back me up?! I'm so scared!
Hey...could you scratch behind my ears?
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 05, 2008 - 10:21am
OMG!!!!!111!!!111 LOLZ0RZ!!!!!11 WTF!11!!!!1!!!1
YA U GOT M3 F1GRD 0WT! I CANT' W8 FOR TEH BIOSHOK 2!!!!111!!!
You may think you have me all figured out, Bucko, but the fact is you know nothing about me, and clearly you've never met Mr. Sarcasm before. Maybe one day, I'll introduce you. In the meantime, I'll share something about me with you, so that you may be better informed in the future. I have an enormous penis.
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 05, 2008 - 06:00am
Does Slammy throw me a bone? Um...that's getting personal. But sometimes I roll over and let him scratch my tummy.
To which kind of gnome are you comparing me? Harry Potter gnomes, garden gnomes, or the more traditional mythological gnomes? I'm unclear, and need to know before I can tell whether or not I should feel insulted.
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 04, 2008 - 05:46pm
And it's Mike Hunt with the witty repartee! Wow, Chennai, I'm speechless, truly. That's fine, though, because I'm typing this.
HANNAH MONTANA Tunes Up Record Debut - Feb 04, 2008 - 06:57am
Everyone's acting like Cloverfield should have performed as well as a summer blockbuster, but hey, guess what?! It ain't fucking summer!
Metal, I'm sorry you seem to have an issue with fact v. opinion. I felt that Rocky Balboa was a very good movie and a nice end to the franchis (I didn't like Rocky V very much). Rambo was also a very nice way to either end or restart that franchise. It was a good ride, and it was refreshing to see that the bad guys were truly bad, not "bad, but you can understand why they do what they do" and that the good guys weren't necessarily all that good, but they were doing the "right" thing.
As far as Hannah....when you inflate the per-ticket costs and squeeze in a full weekend's worth of showings, of course it can do big business. I'm just wondering if we're going to get a Miley countdown clock in a year or so...
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 03, 2008 - 05:59pm
Hey, fucktard. Just because someone gets paid to do or to make something does not mean what they do, or make is worthwhile. If you've read "The Da Vinci Code" or watched "House of the Dead," you know what I mean. If you thought either of those pieces of dreck were actually *good*, then say 'bye' to Mommy for me when the short bus comes by to pick you up for special school.
And the Desert Shall Bloom - Feb 03, 2008 - 12:41pm
It ain't quite as good as "Dick in a Box," but I'm going for Dick in a Bagel, too.
The 23.5 degree crowd never actaully provides any evidence for their "facts." I tried asking questions about a topic once, and got my posts deleted because the information was "too dangerous" or something.
Slammy's spot on. Mock him at your peril. He will take you out to the woodshed and school you. He might even find out where you live and do it for real. He's that kind of guy. Apologies may be made by sending him whiskey or a case of beer.
Alexander Updates on PUNISHER:WAR ZONE - Jan 29, 2008 - 01:55pm
I give props to Lexi for keeping the fans in the loop. I enjoy Punisher, but never regularly red any comics. I really didn't like the reboot movie very much (although I liked Tom Jane), but I really liked Stevenson from his role in Rome, and it looks like everyone's really dedicated to making this a great Punisher flick, so I'm more than happy to plunk down my $8 to see it.
The Pranksters of Sion - Jan 20, 2008 - 06:18pm
Blah blah blah....
whenever anyone actually posts questions about this frigging subject, their posts are deleted and they're told "you're wrong, but I can't prove it because it's too dangerous for me to tell you," blah blah blah. Why even bring it up on the main page?
Update: Oil Platform destroyed by CLOVERFIELD Monster - Jan 08, 2008 - 11:51am
Guyley, why would I laugh at myself? It's much more fun to laugh at other people. Besides, I hate admitting to everyone that I have a small penis and secretly have sex with Barbie dolls because it's as close as I'll ever get to feeling the touch of a human being, let alone a woman now that the authorities have taken my dog away and barred me from buying any more peanut butter.
Update: Oil Platform destroyed by CLOVERFIELD Monster - Jan 08, 2008 - 08:35am
Oh, my concept of fun simply "includes" insulting trolls, but that's not exclusively in my definition of fun. Fun also consists of eating of the beef and looking at the bosoms.
Update: Oil Platform destroyed by CLOVERFIELD Monster - Jan 08, 2008 - 07:43am
I have been invited by someone to enjoin PopularGirl (who has a schlong) in a dialogue, in my usual, friendly style. I thought I had already done this, but apparently, I was being too restrained, so if Popular-I've-Got-a-Cock-Girl chooses to continue the discussion, I will be all too happy to do so as well, in my happy, friendly, and civil manner.
Three Clips from DUNGEON SIEGE - Jan 07, 2008 - 05:09pm
Jarrod, I now officially hate you.
Why would you post this crap? Seriously. WHY?!
Blah blah don't shoot the messenger...blah blah...fuck that. That's just evil posting that crap. EVIL, I TELL YOU!
Update: Oil Platform destroyed by CLOVERFIELD Monster - Jan 07, 2008 - 11:58am
Hey jizz felching, pig fucking, pre-operative transsexual douchebag cumrag (yes, you, PG), go practice for the next 2girl1cup video, okay?
And before you tell me I need to get laid...of course I do. I'm married. Still, even though I'm sure you're willing, I doubt you've had your shots, so I wouldn't fuck you with a stolen dick. Besides, the fact that you look *exactly* like Britney Spears doesn't make you hot. It makes you skanky.
Incidentally, why is your gender "Male," in your profile if you claim to have boobs and a snatch?
Now...on to the movie. I love the fact that they've given very little away about the movie. They've told us all we need to know -- monster attacks NYC. People try to survive. It's a *monster movie* with little to no backstory on the monster. These new viral videos and the other sites are providing those who care some backstory relating to the origin of the monster, and the main characters get some backstory provided courtesy of Myspace.
This thing is not pretending to be something it's not. It's claiming to be a monster/disaster movie. It looks like that's what we'll get. They're just trying very hard to keep the monster and actual plot details under wraps.
A look ahead... - Jan 01, 2008 - 05:31pm
Smiley, I'm going to have to pretty much disagree with you on RE. The first one was actually okay. I did enjoy it, but it seemed like it could have been better. Still, nice gore, Millia kicking ass, plus her, as she puts it "twat shot" was welcome.
The second one was horrible beyond words for me. I mean, like...totaly, gag me with a severed limb. It was about as bad as the second Mortal Kombat movie.
The third one was better than the second, but still not, for my money, as good as the first, although, admittedly, I haven't played ANY of the games, so I'm just looking at them as a zombie franchise.
I dug the first MK a whole lot (which, scariy enough was another Paul WS Anderson flick).
SUPERNATURAL: A Very Supernatural Christmas - Dec 16, 2007 - 08:34pm
And it's Daffy with the smackdown!
I agree. This was a terrific episode of Supernatural in general, and a great Holiday episode as well.
This show continues to present the gold all the time. The standalone episodes still contribute to the mythos of the show and the character development of Sam and Dean, and are just damn fine episodes of TV all around.
Seriously, I cannot recall an episode of this show that has sucked. Can you say that about any other show? Buffy had that "Beer Bad" episode, Lost, great though it is, has a lot of ultimately pointless episodes. Sopranos had the first part of S6...(but if you'd say Angel or Dexter, I'd have to give you those).
The Top 10 Worst Genre Films of All Time - Dec 10, 2007 - 08:47pm
Oh for fuck's sake, Lag, suck my balls!
Doom wasn't god awful. I mean, it wasn't great, but it was no Xtro or Yor.
Alien 3 was doomed by the time Fincher took over, and it's a testament to his abilities that it didn't suck more.
EH had promise, but sucked. Some people really love that movie, though. I'd put it somewhere in the top 10 worst list, though.
Blade Runner...ah. I'd say you're a moronic cumrag for putting it on the list, but one of my buddies absolutely despises Scott and BR in particular. He has a laundry list of why he hates Scott's direction, so yeah, I understand that there are a few of you "weirdos" out there. Maybe one day you'll come out of your coma and see the truth.
ENCHANTED Dances into Top Spot - Nov 26, 2007 - 09:40am
The Mist is a well made movie. It is compelling and harrowing. It is disturbing and uncomfortable in the kind of way that you will be thinking about it for days afterwards. I can't think of another movie, excepting Saving Private Ryan's opening that has disturbed me as much.
Enchanted is a LOT OF FUN! Best Disney movie that is not a Pixar release that I have seen in a very long time.
BIONIC WOMAN: The List - Nov 09, 2007 - 10:47am
While the sister may be annoying, she's HOT Parts of me enjoy her time on screen.
This episode was pretty lame, except for the sister/Jonas interaction. I honestly don't know why I'm still watching this show except that Sackhoff's character is great (Sackhoff is great!) and I'd really like to see Ryan make it over here. But the writing really needs to improve. Guess that won't be happening for some time, though, huh?
THE REAPING - Nov 08, 2007 - 11:24am
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. In retrospect, one can see the ending coming, but I missed it and thought it was pretty good.
OF course, there is a simple solution to the "issue" presented at the end of the movie, which sort of cheapened it for me. I'm attempting to stay out of spoiler territory, so I'll leave it at that for now.
Statham Ready For CRANK 2 & GAME - Oct 30, 2007 - 09:58am
If Crank 2 has more Amy Smart getting banged in public, I'm there, dic...er...money in hand.
BIONIC WOMAN: The Education of Jamie Sommers - Oct 26, 2007 - 06:27pm
I liked her accent. It was different than her Eastenders accent. Frankly it was sexy as all hell.
I liked this episode better than the other ones as well. it's clear, though, that this show is in trouble, and it's from some sort of behind-the-scenes issues. This seris is going through showrunners faster than Spinal Tap goes through drummers. It's as though the writers want to go in one direction, but the studio/network is pushing them in another, and no one is winning.
Jaime's character needs to be tweaked a bit, but I do like Ryan a lot. I think Sackhoff is awesome as Corvus, and I'd like to see more focus on her as well.
I'd also like to have "the Company" be unambiguously the good guys -- we have too many "shades of grey" organizations on TV, so it would be refreshing to have it be a throwback to the old Six-Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman days when the government actually were the good guys. I admit that this may be hard to swallow with the current administration, but I think it'd be cool.
I also would really like a Michelle Ryan sex tape.
(was that out loud?)
Neil Gaiman's DEATH Adaptation Update - Oct 26, 2007 - 11:12am
Neil is one of those creative geniuses that rarely comes around. I have no clue how he will fare as a director, but if he approaches it in the same manner that he approaches his writing, he'll do just fine. I do think it's natural for del Toro to want him surrounded by a good team -- they're friends, the material is fantastic, and why wouldn't you want to do everything you can to help ensure that both succeed?
Death (what, with her floppy hat collection and goldfish) is one of the coolest characters ever created, and I've been keen to see her on the big screen since this movie was optioned way back in the '90s and Fairuza Balk's name was bandied about for the titular role.
BSG Season 4 Likely Split 2008-2009 - Oct 21, 2007 - 08:04am
Season 3 is slated for DVD release sometime around April, according to The Digital Bits. Part of the delay *may* be due to the attempt to include the webisodes on the set, which are not on any of the international releases. The hold up with the webisodes is that the WGA wants writers to get paid for web content, but NBC/Universal contends that they are "promo only" content, and, as such, don't merit writer compensation.
Most people who work in Hollywood don't make six-figure salaries. Look at all those people who worked to design the LoTR costumes, sets, and miniatures/bigatures. They worked INSANE hours to meet deadlines, to repair things, or whatever, and you can bet that they don't make the kind of money that the actors saw -- they do that sort of thing because they love it.
The same sort of thing can be said of writers -- sure, there are some who get six or seven figures for a script, but not most of them; and once they sell their script, they tend to get completely shut of out the creative process. How many DVDs have writer's commentaries compared to how many have actor/director commentaries?
HELLGATE:LONDON Goes Live - Oct 20, 2007 - 07:59am
Did anyone read the EULA:
Originally Posted by Hellgate: London demo EULA
3. Consent to Use of Data. You agree that EA, its affiliates, and each Related Party may collect, use, store and transmit technical and related information that identifies your computer, including without limitation your Internet Protocol address, operating system, application software and peripheral hardware, that may be gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, dynamically served content, product support and other services to you, including online play. EA and/or the Related Parties may also use this information in the aggregate and, in a form which does not personally identify you, to improve our products and services and we may share that aggregate data with our third party service providers.
So they can take WHATEVER THEY WANT (your browser cache, for example) of of your computer and GIVE/SELL it to WHOEVER THE WANT. Notice how "online play" is the LAST thing they may use this data for. Do you know what dynamically served content is? It's IN-GAME ADS. You can bet your ass they'll be looking at ALL of your installed software and your browser cache to market ads to you. If you do online banking, they will know what bank you use. Does that make you all warm and fuzzy inside?
If you couple this with online activations like you have with Bioshock, they can look at your installed software and see if you're licensed to play the OTHER games on your machine.
Do you really want to give a GAME COMPANY that much power over your PC and personal information? Is your privacy worth not only playing a game, but you are PAYING them to take your personal information.
Don't be a sheep.
BIONIC WOMAN: Faceoff - Oct 19, 2007 - 11:48am
The sister's annoying, but she's hot (IRL, she's 18), and I think naughty thoughs when I see that hot little mouth...
Aaaanyway, I REALLY dislike Pope. I didn't like his fight scene last week, and this week, he's just a tool.
It seems to me that they're trying to tweak already filmed episodes because the showrunner(s) didn't like where things were headed. I know Jason Katmis is now the showrunner (which is fine by me), but no one has any idea when we'll see his influence in the show.
It's pretty sad that the show needs a complete reboot 5 episodes in...but it does. The only storyline that seems to be really interesting is Starbu---er...Sarah Corvus'. Again, I like Ryan just fine in the role, but the writing and the plotlines are generally mediocre. It would also be refreshing if they could actually let the audience trust the Company and that they're *really* the Good Guys.
Let’s Talk TORCHWOOD #1 - 9 - Oct 08, 2007 - 04:04pm
I liked Torchwood, but BBCA is editing it, which is really irritating. I conveniently saw the UK versions, so they were edit-free.
I really enjoyed the first series and am looking forward to the second. It was fun, but there some things that bothered me (like the gun-weilding), such as Capt. Jack's pronunciation of "estrogen" in the pilot with the long 'e' sound. If he's American, he'd pronounce it with a short 'e'. Additionally, for a really specialized team of 'experts,' they sure seemed mighty petty sometimes.
I'd suggest, Stevey, that you give the new Who (starting w/ Eccleston) another shot. I really, *really* didn't like Who up until I decided to see what the revival was about, which was sometime into Series 2. While it's not necessary to watch Who to appreciate Torchwood, there is a lot of good Capt.' Jack stuff that happens on Who, and with the appearance of Martha Jones in Cardiff for S2 of Torchwood, we're bound to get even more soon.
Premiere Week - Sep 24, 2007 - 10:17am
I *really* liked the Bionic Woman pilot, but that was when she had a deaf sister, not the younger hacker sister. The hacker sister is annoying.
Again....Reaper played like an Askewniverse show, and I could see the jokes coming from way off, and it just wasn't funny. It sounds like I'm in the minority (a don't like Reaper, and I DO like Bionic Woman), though.
Sarah Connor Chronicles was also pretty damn good. Lots of fun.
But the best show has got to be Pushing Daisies. Totally cool concept and it's just a lot of very quirky good fun.
Premiere Week - Sep 24, 2007 - 06:46am
Reaper was painful to watch. Really painful
I'm not sure about Moonlight. Didn't we do this premise with Forever Knight (which I barely watched) and Angel? And with it's gone through two showrunners in a few months before it even aired. It's not encouraging.
Meany, O'Mara Join LIFE ON MARS - Sep 12, 2007 - 02:17pm
I haven't seen the original series yet (too many time constraints have kept me from watching it), but I know that it's very well liked.
I'm hesitant to condone a US remake of a contemporary BBC show because they so rarely work. I can only think of two that have worked: "Queer as Folk" and "The Office" and that was because both shows spun off into their own. They took the groundwork from the ir respective original series and departed from it and made them very much a new show in their own right.
When you look at "Men Behaving Badly," "Coupling" or the horribly failed "Red Dwarf," you can see just how easy it is to get it wrong, and also how difficult it can be to get it right.
JOHN FROM CINCINNATI: His Visit: Day Nine - Aug 14, 2007 - 10:27am
But we did get some answers. And you missed it -- Linc *did* understand (at least more than anyone else) what John was saying, hence his speech.
Additionally, the sequence with the car dealer -- I'm pretty sure that the words were that of John's father. Listen to what he says.
The show as a whole, left a lot of things unanswered and yet more open to interpretation, but on the JFC page of HBO's site, there's an essay that will probably help you understand the show, or at least the finale, a bit more.
STARDUST - Aug 10, 2007 - 02:41pm
I love the book. Hell, I love Gaiman's work, so an adaptation of one of his novels that he's behind is enough for me to plunk down my money. Hell, the trailer for Beowulf didn't inspire me, but the fact that it's a Gaiman screenplay means I'll see it. Add to that a great cast, and I'm happily there.
Seven Videos of 1-18-08 - Aug 04, 2007 - 01:07pm
Spooky's right about the Haas stuff. It's "AlphaOmega," a real, honest-to-goodness non-computer RPG.
The myspace pages for the characters is a pretty cool idea, and they're extremely well done.
JOHN FROM CINCINNATI: His Visit: Day Seven - Aug 01, 2007 - 01:26pm
The show is definitely quirky, but it's certainly also interesting enough to keep me watching. I don't know if it's "genius," but I find myself thinking about what I watched and am eager to see the next episode.
A Look at the BIONIC WOMAN CC Panel - Jul 28, 2007 - 09:22pm
I really liked deaf sister. In fact, I *really* liked the pilot, in a rather sharp contrast to what the geeks over on fatboy's site (not Fatboy Roberts, mind) are saying.
I thought it was smart, well acted (Ryan is not only even hotter than she was on EastEnders, she pulls off an American accent really well), and the action scenes are well executed, well shot, and well choreographed.
And really, I can't say enough good things about Sackhoff. I also really enjoyed The Sarah Connor Chronicles, but *this* is the new show I'm most excited about after seeing the pilot. I really hope the reshoots don't lose anything.
JJ Abrams Talks 1-18-08 "Cloverfield" - Jul 10, 2007 - 10:18am
The trailer is now up at http://www.apple.com/trailers so you can check it out in HD.
To me, it sounds even more like the guy says "It's a lion--it's HUGE!"
On the crappy cam versions, I'd have gone either with "it's alive" or "it's a lion," but now, I'm leaning more towards "lion."
Let's Talk CLOVERFIELD, Maniacs - Jul 07, 2007 - 09:05am
Blair Witch delivered exactly what it said it would. I loved it. Plus, I live a few miles from Burkittsville, so it was hysterical watching kids on opening night thinking that it was real. I also saw it on business in Tennessee, and had a blast convincing people there that it *was* real. "Oh, it was all over then news years ago..."
EWS has grown on me quite a bit, but I was like "WTF" at first.
The marketing for this thing is pretty good -- just like NIN's "Year Zero" campaign. I got the puzzles sorted and it asks for your email and gives you a code word to be entered on 8/1/07.
Haven't checked out the myspace page yet, but I expect we'll see an update or two a week on the various sites (or the addition of new sites) that may or may not relate directly to the plot of the movie.
Babylon 5 Finally - Jun 18, 2007 - 02:12pm
I saw the BBC presentation of Hex, and after the first season, the only thing that really kept me coming back was the nudity. I liked the first series (season) well enough, but the second was pretty subpar.
The fact that BBCAmerica is editing out the boobs and some of the language gives me absolutely no incentive to watch it again.
New Dream Theater CD announced for June - Apr 20, 2007 - 05:05pm
Okay, Karl, if you're gonna report on DT, howzabout showing some love to the new NIN disc (and the amazingly cool ARG) or the new Marillion CD which came out in the UK on the 9th and hits North America on 4/24?
C'mon -- Laughing Boy and I have been doing all the work on the NIN front. It's disappointing.
Videogame Movies: The Good, The Bad and The Worse. - Apr 16, 2007 - 07:34pm
300 fucking rocked!
Sin City was pretty damned cool, and Kill Bill was fun.
I know not of this DOA. Sounds like I'm not really missing anything. Was it as good as "Love Me, Love my Ass"?
Oh, and Jess...all this talk of things sucking...well...a guy's got needs...
And I'll leave you all with something that does not suck -- TOMORROW IS MUTHAFUCKING TRENTDAY! Go out and buy Year Zero -- it's fucking awesome. Don't believe me http://yearzero.nin.com; and if you still don't like it, then you should shoot yourself in the head.
Videogame Movies: The Good, The Bad and The Worse. - Apr 16, 2007 - 08:30am
You're spot on, but Hollywood is like this with ever y "in-genre." They milk it for all it's worth and then it implodes. Look at the alien invasion TV series glut we had a season or two ago. Now I really miss "Invasion" which suffered because of the other crap shows (If you liked "the other crap shows," I don't care).
You also see the same thing in chain restaurants. I'll use Macaroni Grill as an example -- my wife and I used to love the place: really good food, reasonable prices, great service. But now that they're popular, the portion size has decreased while the price has increased, and the food quality has diminished (the penne rustica should be described as having bits of pruscutto, some chicken and A shrimp), and the wait staff is more interested in turning the tables as opposed to ensuring that the guests leave happy.
So too with Hollywood and the game makers. And in fact, releasing crap games to make a quick buck is nothing new if you recall 2600 Pac-Man and E.T. Hell, my Dad bought me Pac-Man because I was so rabid for it, but he knew it sucked, and even though I played it until I mastered it, I knew it sucked, too.
And while the first MK movie was actually pretty good, the second one and that TV series...yeah...they sucked too.
I liked Silent Hill overall, but it was clear that it wasn't written/directed by anyone from the US. When the cop watches the little girl lay down in the front seat at the gas station, I was surprised that she didn't arrest the Mom. It's illegal for kids to sit in the front seat until they're like 13, and I think they need a booster seat until they're like 8 or 9 (or reach a certain height/weight). That's something any cop would know -- even a West Virginia cop.
Long Live The New Flesh! - Mar 30, 2007 - 10:12am
Keep some mystique in your arsenal? That's why you save the anal sex for marriage.
Waitwaitwait....did you just say you were going to get all body painted like Mystique for Halloween?
Long Live The New Flesh! - Mar 26, 2007 - 08:54pm
Hmm...lest I lose my rep...Jess, any chance of your vagina making an appearance in a videogame or...better yet...a movie?
Long Live The New Flesh! - Mar 26, 2007 - 04:49pm
No, not Stephenson! I can't even finish Cyrptonomicon it's so dry, and uh...oh yeah...DULL! Every once in a while, I try and go back and finish it, and quickly remember that the story's so boring that I don't care.
Long Live The New Flesh! - Mar 26, 2007 - 08:42am
I'm not sure I even know how to follow-up on Laughing Boy's masturbations.
Yeah...Cronenberg's all weird about the coot (Dead Ringers, too, what with the twince being gynecologists).
Good take on Videodrome, Jess. I haven't seen it in a very long time (like when it first hit video or cable in the 80s).
DVD Secret revealed! - Mar 21, 2007 - 08:59pm
Didn't that used to be called "Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place"?
DVD Secret revealed! - Mar 20, 2007 - 09:11am
It's bullshit. Claudia Schiffer still has not had sex with me.
What the hell were they thinking? - Mar 17, 2007 - 07:46am
Lindsay is still a skank. Her dad is a drunk.
Viacom is mega greedy.
Bodyguards don't turn the other cheek.
Jolie and Pitt are both hot.
Sinbad is apparently Jesus.
What the hell were they thinking? - Mar 17, 2007 - 07:45am
Lindsay is still a skank. Her dad is a drunk.
Viacom is mega greedy.
Bodyguards don't turn the other cheek.
Jolie and Pitt are both hot.
Sinbad is apparently Jesus.
Nanobots, Cybernetics and Androids-Oh My! - Mar 16, 2007 - 06:51pm
The human vanity comment reminded me of the recurring character of "last human" on Dr. Who. "Moisturize! Moisturize!"
Nanobots, Cybernetics and Androids-Oh My! - Mar 13, 2007 - 08:32am
Ma'am, I am a police officer, and I think you've been drinking. I'd like to give you a breathalyzer test.
"Battlestar Galactica: Maelstrom" - Mar 06, 2007 - 12:40pm
Since I can still swear on the main site...
No ship of light....Kara's fate isn't pointless...but you will be shocked by the season finale.
The show has not jumped the shark. I think this has been planned from the get-go. Just because we had a few "filler" episodes in the past several weeks doesn't mean that the show is on its last legs.
I expect that part of the problem is that the "filler" came so soon after the hiatus, but they were interesting stories and helped to further develop the characters.
What the hell is this?! - Mar 03, 2007 - 08:15am
The first I head about the Bobby Brown radio thing was when our DC-area Radio and TV website, http://www.dcrtv.com, reported that Brown bailed on the radio deal after 99.5 paid him the money. Check out DCRTV or the hot99.5 website for more info.
And c'mon...a link to the Aniston boobie pics would be nice. Yeah, sure, they're all over the place, but make it easier...sheesh!
Highlander - Mar 02, 2007 - 11:21pm
Oh come on...this is going to suck worse than the ending of the new movie, "Highlander: The Source."
"Jericho: The Day Before" - Feb 24, 2007 - 08:22am
I'd been waiting for the return of Jericho, but not as eagerly as I was with BSG after their much shorter hiatus.
This episode reminded me of how good this show can be, and sucked me right back in. I'm not too ken on some of the storylines in the show (I'd like it to be less soap opera-esque), but overall, it's still damn good. I'm glad it's back.
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 22, 2007 - 08:20am
Yeah Laughing Boy, I know you can feel me. You do quite often. It turns me on.
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 21, 2007 - 08:29pm
No, DJ. I'm just a dick. I've given up being nice for Lent. If Jesus died for our sins, I'm going to make it worth his time. Plus I've stopped taking the perapin.
Killer, if you've got a hot and sexy chick, I recommend you post her picture in your images section. At the very least, you should send them to me via PM. BTW, I'm glad I've amused you in the past. You should then understand the context in which 99% of my posts should be taken.
Download movies to your PS3 - Feb 21, 2007 - 02:16pm
Karl, you should send me your PS3, then. You know...hold a contest for a high end PS3 (if slightly used).
"Battlestar Galactica: A Day on the Life" - Feb 21, 2007 - 10:01am
I think that in a few weeks, you'll find that this was NOT a filler episode at all. (Calhoun nailed it). One of the producers (Eick, I think) said that we're probably going to have to re-evaluate what it means to be a Cylon. Moore said that what they're going to do will probably really piss people off or they'll love it.
What was Baltar told about projection? The Cylons do it and it's almost real. We know Baltar does it. We just saw Adama do it. I think Adama and Baltar are two of the Final Five.
None of the regular skinjobs knows anything about the Final Five, and they knew Baltar wasn't a regular skinjob, so they'd dismiss his theory that he was a Cylon. Baltar projects, just like the Cylons. Why make a point of telling us that it is something the Cylons do and then have Baltar be able to do it as well and NOT be a Cylon? Then after seeing the Final Five, D'eanna tells Baltar that he was right.
Adama: He projects. It's enough. But...he had children. Maybe. Maybe they're not biologically his. Maybe the Final Five *can* have children. Again, we're told that we may have to rethink our definition of a Cylon.
But...how did Leoben know that Adama was a Cylon? Maybe he didn't. Maybe he was just fucking with Starbuck. If he did know, the bigger question is why didn't he tell the other skinjobs? Withholding information like that seems to be a transgression that will get your line boxed.
Maybe I'm wrong, but the spec is consistent with what we've been shown, and why show Adama projecting? If he's not a Cylon, then it's cheap storytelling to introduce it. And the BSG crew aren't cheap storytellers.
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 20, 2007 - 10:24pm
I mean...correct me if I'm wrong, but here we have...a hot chick....a smart and hot chick...telling you fuckwits HOW TO LAND A HOT CHICK, and you're going to argue with her?!
Newsflash -- she's the one with the boobs.
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 20, 2007 - 07:33pm
Fringe? Fuck me naked with a spoon! Is that some sort of new ultra-insult? I must be getting old, 'cuz if that's the best you've got then...wow. I'm just speechless.
Oh wait, no I'm not, fucktard. Being witty is always good, but you need to have CONFIDENCE to be fucking witty. Zest for life? Dude, if life's a fucking orange, you don't fucking zest it. You SQUEEZE ALL OF THE GODDAMNED JUICE OUT OF IT and get all you can.
And yes, there's negative feedback and then there's bitchy and whiny feedback.
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 20, 2007 - 05:52pm
Killerville's got the douchebag thing all sewn up. I'm just going for asshole. My God, killer, grow a pair and stop ragging on a girl!
Frankly, some of what she says is, of course, just a joke, but there are some real bits of advice in there if you would like a girl (other than your mom, killer) to notice you -- you know, put some effort into your appearance, don't be a wuss, and have some confidence when you talk to a girl. God, what's so fucking wrong with that?
I mean, seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you people?
How to Land Yourself a Great Broad - Feb 20, 2007 - 09:02am
Jess, top notch column right there, but you left out one important tidbit:
Guys, if you can lick your eyebrows, you can get dates!
What To Do If You Are Kidnapped By An Evil Scientist Out To Harvest Your Dreams - Feb 15, 2007 - 09:35pm
[stepping out of character for a minute]
Jess, the best writing comes from writing about what interests you. When you start worrying too much about what others might want to read, you'll keep second guessing and the whole column (or story, or whatever you're writing) will suffer.
That said, I'm not sure that the WWJCD works for every idea you may have. The Dark City and Beauty Queen ones were really good, and the horror one was amusing, but at least one of the others sort of fizzled when we got to the Q&A bit; it seemed a bit forced. If you're married to the format, that's cool -- just be aware of the 'ol square peg, round hole.
Write about what you know and what you like and people will read.
Oh...by the way, is "big beef burrito" a euphemism?
HEATHERS - Feb 15, 2007 - 06:56am
What's your damage, Pam?! The quote is "Fuck me GENTLY with a chainsaw!"
What To Do If You Are Kidnapped By An Evil Scientist Out To Harvest Your Dreams - Feb 06, 2007 - 10:24am
Maybe you should try reading the article and commenting on it before you start hitting on her.
She's hot, but she's smart. So be smart and go read my comment in one of her previous articles on why smart and hot chicks are less desirable than dumb and hot chicks.
What To Do If You Are Kidnapped By An Evil Scientist Out To Harvest Your Dreams - Feb 05, 2007 - 12:06pm
I admit it. I am a worthless piece of crap because I've not seen this movie.
I'm down with the weird dreams, though, and the weird dream movies reminded me of the awesome "Dreamscape" and the not-so-awesome "Cell," which had really cool visuals, but would've benefited by having a directory who cared about the story as much as the visuals.
Aaron Eckhart is Harvey Dent in "The Dark Knight"? - Feb 04, 2007 - 04:08pm
Very true, O Holy One. Quinn would be a great addition, and I'd like to see one of the actresses named get totally unhinged to compliment Ledger's Joker.
How to Become All-Powerful Witch and Save the World from Nazis - Jan 31, 2007 - 12:10pm
Oh, don't think I'm so forward because of who you are. I'll be that way to anything with most of their limbs and a pulse; excepting Roseanne and Christina Aguilera. I wouldn't fuck them with a stolen dick.
I probably also wouldn't bang noblenonesense, except he's such a tightass....
How to Become All-Powerful Witch and Save the World from Nazis - Jan 30, 2007 - 11:22am
I'm comment #3!
What's wrong with a hot chick writing for Mania? You fucking fanboys just can't be pleased. Seriously, what's it take to make you pole jerkers happy?
If you want to critique her writing, or whatever, fine, but stop ragging on her because she's a hot chick who happens to dig gamer culture. If you don't like her, then don't frigging read. More Jess for me!
How to Become All-Powerful Witch and Save the World from Nazis - Jan 29, 2007 - 10:38am
I'd love to hear more about your little black furred pussy, but I'd prefer that you shave it.
You know...do you stroke it when it wants attention? Do other people pet it? How often? Does your little black furred pussy like gentle strokes, or does it like it fast and vigorous? I could go on and on...
Oh...we know you'll like a PSP, but can we get a picture of you licking your pussy?
Ashes to Ashes is a follow-up series to Life on Mars. It aired earlier in the year in the UK.