stormseye's Recent Comments
"Blockbuster Total Access" - Feb 09, 2007 - 04:17pm
Jimjum made some interesting points about whether Blockbuster is losing money in the long run with this deal, and I wonder the same. It is however a good deal that is availabe now, so I take advantage of it while I can. I do think that the review is too generous though considering the poor availablility of movies that are not mainstream. There are plenty of movies that I cannot find in a video store at the top of my Que that I have been waiting months to become available and sent. They are generally quick at sending the available movies on my list, except for maybe 2 to 3 times when I waited about 4 days for movies to be sent. The design of their website needs some serious tuning, it is way too difficult to get the list of movies releasing that week. If you go to manage/edit myQ, it takes way too long to move movies up or down on the list or even just to delete it from the list. Btw, returning the DVDs in store is only good for in-store DVD rentals, not game rentals. The Ecoupons you print out is good for one game rental per month.
Jimjum made some interesting points about whether Blockbuster is losing money in the long run with this deal, and I wonder the same. It is however a good deal that is availabe now, so I take advantage of it while I can. I do think that the review is too generous though considering the poor availablility of movies that are not mainstream. There are plenty of movies that I cannot find in a video store at the top of my Que that I have been waiting months to become available and sent. They are generally quick at sending the available movies on my list, except for maybe 2 to 3 times when I waited about 4 days for movies to be sent. The design of their website needs some serious tuning, it is way too difficult to get the list of movies releasing that week. If you go to manage/edit myQ, it takes way too long to move movies up or down on the list or even just to delete it from the list. Btw, returning the DVDs in store is only good for in-store DVD rentals, not game rentals. The Ecoupons you print out is good for one game rental per month.
Jeff Bridges joins "Iron Man" - Feb 08, 2007 - 05:45pm
Road to Perdition was based on a comic and that was a pretty decent movie. The Crow was an entertaining movie and the comic it was based on is brilliant by the way. From Hell was an OK movie based on Alan Moore's comics. Actually based on this track record, I have to agree that there have been no comic book movie that has matched the quality of its source at its best (except probably Sin City which was such a literal adaptation of the comic). Batman Begins was great, but no where near as good as Dark Knight Returns or Batman Year One.
Road to Perdition was based on a comic and that was a pretty decent movie. The Crow was an entertaining movie and the comic it was based on is brilliant by the way. From Hell was an OK movie based on Alan Moore's comics. Actually based on this track record, I have to agree that there have been no comic book movie that has matched the quality of its source at its best (except probably Sin City which was such a literal adaptation of the comic). Batman Begins was great, but no where near as good as Dark Knight Returns or Batman Year One.
Warner Bros. acquires another "Wonder Woman" script - Feb 08, 2007 - 05:16pm
Yeah, man that really sucks, and hey Mania, you guys did not even report that yet! I wonder what was the direction Whedon was going in for the movie that the studio could not agree with. I wonder if the studio wanted a kinder, fun, PG-rated Wonder Woman and Whedon would not go that way. Well this is bad news right up there with Peter Jackson being off the Hobbit as director and writer. Saaayyy.
Yeah, man that really sucks, and hey Mania, you guys did not even report that yet! I wonder what was the direction Whedon was going in for the movie that the studio could not agree with. I wonder if the studio wanted a kinder, fun, PG-rated Wonder Woman and Whedon would not go that way. Well this is bad news right up there with Peter Jackson being off the Hobbit as director and writer. Saaayyy.
Shawn Levy to direct "The Flash" - Feb 05, 2007 - 06:45pm
When Hollywood talks about having a lighter spirited comic book character in a movie I think of what Joel Shumacher did to the Batman movies. I hope the studio remembers those horrible movies as they re-tool the Flash. I agree that the Flash has always been a lighter character compared to the Batman, but if the studio wants to market the movie for younger audiences, I fear what it may mean for the movie. True Blade Trinity was not a great movie, but I trust Goyer as a competent writer for comic book. Fantastic Four was NOT a good movie and it scares me to think that the Flash movie might become something like it. Superman Returns was not re-hash of Superman, perse. It was a devoted sequel to Donner's Superman movies; it included Luthor's land scam because that was true to his character. It was badly paced, and included unnecessary subplots when it should have amped up the action, but it was a decent enough superhero movie.
When Hollywood talks about having a lighter spirited comic book character in a movie I think of what Joel Shumacher did to the Batman movies. I hope the studio remembers those horrible movies as they re-tool the Flash. I agree that the Flash has always been a lighter character compared to the Batman, but if the studio wants to market the movie for younger audiences, I fear what it may mean for the movie. True Blade Trinity was not a great movie, but I trust Goyer as a competent writer for comic book. Fantastic Four was NOT a good movie and it scares me to think that the Flash movie might become something like it. Superman Returns was not re-hash of Superman, perse. It was a devoted sequel to Donner's Superman movies; it included Luthor's land scam because that was true to his character. It was badly paced, and included unnecessary subplots when it should have amped up the action, but it was a decent enough superhero movie.
What To Do If You Are Kidnapped By An Evil Scientist Out To Harvest Your Dreams - Feb 05, 2007 - 05:19pm
Yeah, I've completely forgotten about City of Lost Children; it really earned its reputation for an amazing visual style. I remember that the richness of details was on par with Ridley Scott at his best. This same French director ended up directing Alien Ressurection from a Joss Whedon script. I've always thought that both Alien3 and Alien Ressurection got the short end of the stick because everyone keeps comparing them to the extraordinarily effective Alien and Aliens; taken on their own, they were very competent movies by their own right. Being a resident of California for so long, you'd think that I've gotten used to the shame of having the star of Jingle All the Way as our governor, but, you know what Jessica? Lemon juice on a re-opened wound.
Yeah, I've completely forgotten about City of Lost Children; it really earned its reputation for an amazing visual style. I remember that the richness of details was on par with Ridley Scott at his best. This same French director ended up directing Alien Ressurection from a Joss Whedon script. I've always thought that both Alien3 and Alien Ressurection got the short end of the stick because everyone keeps comparing them to the extraordinarily effective Alien and Aliens; taken on their own, they were very competent movies by their own right. Being a resident of California for so long, you'd think that I've gotten used to the shame of having the star of Jingle All the Way as our governor, but, you know what Jessica? Lemon juice on a re-opened wound.
Warner Bros. acquires another "Wonder Woman" script - Feb 01, 2007 - 05:04pm
The Wonder Woman I know is from George Perez's run after the Crisis on Infinite Earths reboot. That version was heavily drenched in Greek mythology and was a great read. I like that many writers have recently emphasized the complex irony of WW being an Amazon warrior and someone who wants to bring peace. I can see how any writer could have a problem properly dramatizing such a theme. As for Joel Silver, I don't think he is afraid to let his writer/directors get complex in their stories. Some might argue that was the problem with the Matrix sequels
The Wonder Woman I know is from George Perez's run after the Crisis on Infinite Earths reboot. That version was heavily drenched in Greek mythology and was a great read. I like that many writers have recently emphasized the complex irony of WW being an Amazon warrior and someone who wants to bring peace. I can see how any writer could have a problem properly dramatizing such a theme. As for Joel Silver, I don't think he is afraid to let his writer/directors get complex in their stories. Some might argue that was the problem with the Matrix sequels
How to Become All-Powerful Witch and Save the World from Nazis - Jan 30, 2007 - 06:04pm
Jchobot, I always appreciate it when I see the article writers taking part in the comments; it shows that they do care what their readers think. I just think that Bedknobs and broomsticks is a bit chick flicky for this genre crowd. Keep the articles about scifi/action/mystery movies and TV shows and I know I will be more interested. More careful editing should also be done to make the articles more articulate and clear. I thought that first article about Dark City was great, but I don't think the subsequent articles have been quite as good.
Jchobot, I always appreciate it when I see the article writers taking part in the comments; it shows that they do care what their readers think. I just think that Bedknobs and broomsticks is a bit chick flicky for this genre crowd. Keep the articles about scifi/action/mystery movies and TV shows and I know I will be more interested. More careful editing should also be done to make the articles more articulate and clear. I thought that first article about Dark City was great, but I don't think the subsequent articles have been quite as good.
Creeping into the Mainstream - Jan 26, 2007 - 05:56pm
I brought it up as it relates to the topic of the article. Kurt had implied that anything mainstream was essentially a waste of time. The plot of Forrest Gump was ludicrous to establish that the story is meant to be taken almost like a fairytale, fanciful, fantastic, absurd. The story of Forrest Gump is not meant to seem true on a literal level but on a metaphorical one. Agreed, that smiley face thing was such a cheap laugh that I remember being taken out of the moment; but I laughed. Heck I laughed at Scary Movie 4, the Kentucky Fried Theater alumni are still awesome!
I brought it up as it relates to the topic of the article. Kurt had implied that anything mainstream was essentially a waste of time. The plot of Forrest Gump was ludicrous to establish that the story is meant to be taken almost like a fairytale, fanciful, fantastic, absurd. The story of Forrest Gump is not meant to seem true on a literal level but on a metaphorical one. Agreed, that smiley face thing was such a cheap laugh that I remember being taken out of the moment; but I laughed. Heck I laughed at Scary Movie 4, the Kentucky Fried Theater alumni are still awesome!
Creeping into the Mainstream - Jan 26, 2007 - 02:13pm
Quite frankly, I think some people hate a movie or a work simply because it is loved by the mainstream. I cannot say if this is true for Lister and Kurt, but I have known people who want so much to be cool and on the edge, that they have to disagree with what most people like. Bill Mahr comes to mind as a celebrity example of this. Mainstream does not have to be a waste of time. I can like "edgy" movies like High Tension or Oldboy and still like The Incredibles or Beauty and the Beast. If a work is well thought-out and well executed, it does not matter if it can be mainstream or can only be appreciated by a few people.
Quite frankly, I think some people hate a movie or a work simply because it is loved by the mainstream. I cannot say if this is true for Lister and Kurt, but I have known people who want so much to be cool and on the edge, that they have to disagree with what most people like. Bill Mahr comes to mind as a celebrity example of this. Mainstream does not have to be a waste of time. I can like "edgy" movies like High Tension or Oldboy and still like The Incredibles or Beauty and the Beast. If a work is well thought-out and well executed, it does not matter if it can be mainstream or can only be appreciated by a few people.
Creeping into the Mainstream - Jan 25, 2007 - 07:06pm
Um who is Harry Knowles? Yeah, and what is wrong with Forrest Gump? Besides being entertaining, it was also a wonderful allegory about the importance of being pure, innocent. People like to attack the movie for supposedly glorifying stupidity, but they miss the point if they do. Absolutely, the world is a complex place and we often have to make decisions that are not black and white; but too often we get lost in the complexity and forget or are afraid to accept what is simple and obviously right.
Um who is Harry Knowles? Yeah, and what is wrong with Forrest Gump? Besides being entertaining, it was also a wonderful allegory about the importance of being pure, innocent. People like to attack the movie for supposedly glorifying stupidity, but they miss the point if they do. Absolutely, the world is a complex place and we often have to make decisions that are not black and white; but too often we get lost in the complexity and forget or are afraid to accept what is simple and obviously right.
Gwyneth Paltrow joins "Iron Man" - Jan 18, 2007 - 06:01pm
I don't love or hate the casting of Paltrow, but I still cannot believe so many people are down with Downey as Iron Man. Downey is a great actor, no doubt about it; but they need a suave James Bond type actor to pull off the eccentric millionaire playboy thing for Stark; they should really go after that Howard Hughes angle. Aw heck, the decision has been made, no point complaining about it now. I will still see the movie with an open mind.
I don't love or hate the casting of Paltrow, but I still cannot believe so many people are down with Downey as Iron Man. Downey is a great actor, no doubt about it; but they need a suave James Bond type actor to pull off the eccentric millionaire playboy thing for Stark; they should really go after that Howard Hughes angle. Aw heck, the decision has been made, no point complaining about it now. I will still see the movie with an open mind.
Timothy Olyphant officially joins "Hitman" - Jan 18, 2007 - 05:24pm
I think the draw of the game was the elaborate ways to have 47 kill his target; if they can capture that, perhaps even copy several of the good ideas from the game, they can have an entertaining movie. I still remember the first level of Hitman I ever played, where I had to off a dirty cop and a mob boss at a restraunt, but of course you get frisked at the door. You had to find a window to the bathroom at the back, and hide your weapons there. Then can enter the restaurant for the meeting, go to the restroom and come out blasting. Actually, that was not the most creative one, but it just comes to mind since that is the first level of the game I played. Anyone else have a favorite elaborate kill from the games?
I think the draw of the game was the elaborate ways to have 47 kill his target; if they can capture that, perhaps even copy several of the good ideas from the game, they can have an entertaining movie. I still remember the first level of Hitman I ever played, where I had to off a dirty cop and a mob boss at a restraunt, but of course you get frisked at the door. You had to find a window to the bathroom at the back, and hide your weapons there. Then can enter the restaurant for the meeting, go to the restroom and come out blasting. Actually, that was not the most creative one, but it just comes to mind since that is the first level of the game I played. Anyone else have a favorite elaborate kill from the games?
Objection! - Jan 16, 2007 - 04:05pm
I haven't been on WoW now for about a year, but I am sorely tempted to get back on with the expansion pack now out. Actually I never hit lvl 60 so I suppose there is no rush for me to get the expansion pack other than the empty desire to be up to date. The whole thing really is too expensive though, 15 a month? Agreed, 40 is way too much to pay for an expansion pack, but then Blizzard charged 60 when Warcraft 3 came out. They can get away with it cuz they got the popularity and the quality though.
I haven't been on WoW now for about a year, but I am sorely tempted to get back on with the expansion pack now out. Actually I never hit lvl 60 so I suppose there is no rush for me to get the expansion pack other than the empty desire to be up to date. The whole thing really is too expensive though, 15 a month? Agreed, 40 is way too much to pay for an expansion pack, but then Blizzard charged 60 when Warcraft 3 came out. They can get away with it cuz they got the popularity and the quality though.
"Aqua Teen" to the Big Screen in March - Jan 03, 2007 - 06:58pm
I for one love ATHF. It really is incredibly funny if you can get past the lousy animation, gross-out humor,childish rediculousness, and campiness; actually, somehow those are its selling points. Ninjavvitch, no one would disagree with you that the animation on the show is horrible. I can't imagaine anyone who watches the show, watches it for how cool the animation is. However, I cannot imagine watching 90 minutes of the stuff straight; I'll give it a rental, probably.
I for one love ATHF. It really is incredibly funny if you can get past the lousy animation, gross-out humor,childish rediculousness, and campiness; actually, somehow those are its selling points. Ninjavvitch, no one would disagree with you that the animation on the show is horrible. I can't imagaine anyone who watches the show, watches it for how cool the animation is. However, I cannot imagine watching 90 minutes of the stuff straight; I'll give it a rental, probably.
Lefties better at gaming? - Dec 13, 2006 - 06:49pm
Bah, all left-handed people are just mutants; we gotta start a campaign to have them all registered. Man, I gotta lay off the X-men. Lefties are still just using the wrong hand, you know, cuz it aint the right one.
Bah, all left-handed people are just mutants; we gotta start a campaign to have them all registered. Man, I gotta lay off the X-men. Lefties are still just using the wrong hand, you know, cuz it aint the right one.
BIG BARDA Bust - Why Yes It Is. - Dec 13, 2006 - 06:41pm
I'd buy it if it were really cheap, but I'd be too embaressed to display it. But you have to hand it to Adam Hughes, he is so great at giving these women so much sass and personality. Check out the other figures of the Women of the DC universe line and you will see.
I'd buy it if it were really cheap, but I'd be too embaressed to display it. But you have to hand it to Adam Hughes, he is so great at giving these women so much sass and personality. Check out the other figures of the Women of the DC universe line and you will see.
Intrepid Pictures acquires "The Prince" - Dec 13, 2006 - 06:00pm
If that was the premise then the movie would have to be changed to "The artist formerly known as".
If that was the premise then the movie would have to be changed to "The artist formerly known as".
"Gears of War" has fans rushing to XBL - Dec 08, 2006 - 04:14pm
I know by the time I can rent the game, I will likely end up signing up for Xbox live gold. I have not played a shooter in co-op mode for such a long time, it can be quite fun if done right.
I know by the time I can rent the game, I will likely end up signing up for Xbox live gold. I have not played a shooter in co-op mode for such a long time, it can be quite fun if done right.
Thomas Dekker joins "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" - Dec 08, 2006 - 04:10pm
O yeah, thanks Snallygaster and lister. Man, there really have been a lot of movie to TV shows. And in a while there will also be the 2 Star Wars TV series.
O yeah, thanks Snallygaster and lister. Man, there really have been a lot of movie to TV shows. And in a while there will also be the 2 Star Wars TV series.
How to Absolve Yourself of Murders and Destroy Evil Aliens. - Dec 08, 2006 - 01:05pm
O and Jakester, breathalyzer? lol You seem like the kind of guy that would be fun to hang out with but I would never introduce you to my wife.
O and Jakester, breathalyzer? lol You seem like the kind of guy that would be fun to hang out with but I would never introduce you to my wife.
How to Absolve Yourself of Murders and Destroy Evil Aliens. - Dec 08, 2006 - 01:02pm
Quit it you guys, you'll scare her away. It really is a good article by its own right and I hope it can be an ongoing feature. Mania needs more creative, fun writers like her and the comicscape guys (I for one miss their your mom jokes). Great choice of movies for the article; I also enjoyed Roger Ebert's take on the movie. If she does another WWJCD article I think it should be on another somewhat obscure but great genre film like Near Dark or the tv series Max Headroom.
Quit it you guys, you'll scare her away. It really is a good article by its own right and I hope it can be an ongoing feature. Mania needs more creative, fun writers like her and the comicscape guys (I for one miss their your mom jokes). Great choice of movies for the article; I also enjoyed Roger Ebert's take on the movie. If she does another WWJCD article I think it should be on another somewhat obscure but great genre film like Near Dark or the tv series Max Headroom.
Thomas Dekker joins "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" - Dec 08, 2006 - 12:25pm
I really hope that they can make a good show out of this premise. The Terminator universe is certainly rich enough in themes and ideas to serve as a good launchpad for a TV show, but if it is done badly it will just dishonor the movies in many people's eyes. I do not know what to expect - the track record for TV shows from movies is really inconsistent in quality. The Robocop TV show was not great, neither were the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th TV shows. Yet Stargate is a huge hit (I've got to look into that show someday) and so was Buffy. Yet, Buffy does not really count in that the TV show is far better and more popular than the movie it followed. Were there other movie to TV shows I missed?
I really hope that they can make a good show out of this premise. The Terminator universe is certainly rich enough in themes and ideas to serve as a good launchpad for a TV show, but if it is done badly it will just dishonor the movies in many people's eyes. I do not know what to expect - the track record for TV shows from movies is really inconsistent in quality. The Robocop TV show was not great, neither were the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th TV shows. Yet Stargate is a huge hit (I've got to look into that show someday) and so was Buffy. Yet, Buffy does not really count in that the TV show is far better and more popular than the movie it followed. Were there other movie to TV shows I missed?
"Alien" Skull Baffles Scientists on National Geographic TV - Dec 08, 2006 - 12:15pm
This really does sound pretty cool; I wish I noticed this article in time to Tivo the show. Actually, even if they get 3000 scientists to agree that this is an alien skull, there will always be plenty more scientists who will disagree. I doubt we will ever know if that skull is really an alien skull. Agreed, even if it were possible to prove that the skull is alien, it would not change the world, few things do. Heck even major political upheavals will often fail to affect most people's lives.
This really does sound pretty cool; I wish I noticed this article in time to Tivo the show. Actually, even if they get 3000 scientists to agree that this is an alien skull, there will always be plenty more scientists who will disagree. I doubt we will ever know if that skull is really an alien skull. Agreed, even if it were possible to prove that the skull is alien, it would not change the world, few things do. Heck even major political upheavals will often fail to affect most people's lives.
Jackie Chan injures chest filming "Rush Hour 3" - Dec 07, 2006 - 07:00pm
They're called "stunts", Muchdrama; I wonder if you would have called it "choppychop" for Tom Cruise.
They're called "stunts", Muchdrama; I wonder if you would have called it "choppychop" for Tom Cruise.
Metal and Meat - Dec 07, 2006 - 06:43pm
An excellent list of sci-fi anime. I would easily recommend most of them (there are some I have not seen). If you liked complex, political action/dramas like Jin Roh or Ghost in the Shell, also check out "Gasaraki", drama/thriller with mechs and intelligence. "Venus Wars" was also quite good in its days. "Final Fantasy: Advent Children" is considered anime by many and is definitely worth checking out; although I do wonder if there are any anime fans who have not already seen it. "Cyber City Oedo" only has a decent story, but the beautiful animation is what will really blow you away; it is directed by the same guy who did "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" and the samurai on horseback short in "Animatrix".
An excellent list of sci-fi anime. I would easily recommend most of them (there are some I have not seen). If you liked complex, political action/dramas like Jin Roh or Ghost in the Shell, also check out "Gasaraki", drama/thriller with mechs and intelligence. "Venus Wars" was also quite good in its days. "Final Fantasy: Advent Children" is considered anime by many and is definitely worth checking out; although I do wonder if there are any anime fans who have not already seen it. "Cyber City Oedo" only has a decent story, but the beautiful animation is what will really blow you away; it is directed by the same guy who did "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" and the samurai on horseback short in "Animatrix".
Politics in Comics or The Follies of Didacticism - Dec 07, 2006 - 06:22pm
Al, I am glad to read that there are athiests who disagree with the way that Richard Dawkins presents himself. I was beginning to think that all athiests were as rude and narrow-minded as what people constantly accuse Christians of being. Kgatchel, I think there is way too much debating going on on the internet, flame wars pop up anywhere, case in point. I agree that the art of debate seems to be lost to many on the net; the problem with forum "debates" is that many just make provocative statements that incite anger rather than serious thought. To be completely honest, I come to mania for entertainment, I should not have to read about others calling my beliefs as wrong. How would you like it if I wrote, with no sign of irony, that the idea of your mother being a decent person is just wrong?
Al, I am glad to read that there are athiests who disagree with the way that Richard Dawkins presents himself. I was beginning to think that all athiests were as rude and narrow-minded as what people constantly accuse Christians of being. Kgatchel, I think there is way too much debating going on on the internet, flame wars pop up anywhere, case in point. I agree that the art of debate seems to be lost to many on the net; the problem with forum "debates" is that many just make provocative statements that incite anger rather than serious thought. To be completely honest, I come to mania for entertainment, I should not have to read about others calling my beliefs as wrong. How would you like it if I wrote, with no sign of irony, that the idea of your mother being a decent person is just wrong?
"The Buffy Files: Chapter 6" - Nov 21, 2006 - 05:58pm
I thought season six was among the weaker seasons. It started badly with the artificially padded season opener. They had enough story for one episode, but they were suddenly tasked to create a two episode opener and the result was a whole lot of filler. I thought the magic/drug addiction storyline was too heavy-handed, it felt like an after-school special at times. Agreed, Mbeckham, I also thought the evil trio was a nice change and it did allow the viewers to focus on the inner turmoil of the characters. The Buffy Musical is my favorite Buffy episode because it is so much fun. The songs were catchy, the lyrics were deep, funny, sarcastic and told the story well. The time and effort everyone put into that episode paid off in a thoroughly entertaining show that lead to several important plot development.
I thought season six was among the weaker seasons. It started badly with the artificially padded season opener. They had enough story for one episode, but they were suddenly tasked to create a two episode opener and the result was a whole lot of filler. I thought the magic/drug addiction storyline was too heavy-handed, it felt like an after-school special at times. Agreed, Mbeckham, I also thought the evil trio was a nice change and it did allow the viewers to focus on the inner turmoil of the characters. The Buffy Musical is my favorite Buffy episode because it is so much fun. The songs were catchy, the lyrics were deep, funny, sarcastic and told the story well. The time and effort everyone put into that episode paid off in a thoroughly entertaining show that lead to several important plot development.
"The Buffy Files: Chapter 5" - Nov 21, 2006 - 04:37pm
The episode, "The Body", was by far the most powerful portrayal about the effect death has on the living I have seen on TV or in the movies. MBeckham is right, the theme of loss and sacrifice is pervasive through out the season and especially in "the body". I also really liked how Willow broke down because she could not find her blue sweater to wear to meet Buffy at the hospital. The misplaced anger, confusion, awkward silence and unbearable grief were all right on the mark. It was important that Buffy's mom was not killed by some monster, then the team could focus their emotions into anger at an enemy. In the absence of such a "scapegoat", as it would be with many people, death seems to lose its meaning, its moral; and people are left lost.
The episode, "The Body", was by far the most powerful portrayal about the effect death has on the living I have seen on TV or in the movies. MBeckham is right, the theme of loss and sacrifice is pervasive through out the season and especially in "the body". I also really liked how Willow broke down because she could not find her blue sweater to wear to meet Buffy at the hospital. The misplaced anger, confusion, awkward silence and unbearable grief were all right on the mark. It was important that Buffy's mom was not killed by some monster, then the team could focus their emotions into anger at an enemy. In the absence of such a "scapegoat", as it would be with many people, death seems to lose its meaning, its moral; and people are left lost.
Marvel and "Guiding Light" team up - Nov 17, 2006 - 04:15pm
Though I am certainly not a fan of soap operas and do think that the best example of a comic would easily beat a soap opera at its best, I do see that the two mediums have similarities. The first being episodic storytelling; both mediums can tell stories about the same characters for years and years. Both mediums often tend towards over the top storytelling: important characters die and keep re-appearing all the time. Both mediums are often light, easy to watch or read entertainment. Anyways, I certainly do not intend to start watching soaps just because of this though.
Though I am certainly not a fan of soap operas and do think that the best example of a comic would easily beat a soap opera at its best, I do see that the two mediums have similarities. The first being episodic storytelling; both mediums can tell stories about the same characters for years and years. Both mediums often tend towards over the top storytelling: important characters die and keep re-appearing all the time. Both mediums are often light, easy to watch or read entertainment. Anyways, I certainly do not intend to start watching soaps just because of this though.
Action Comics - Oct 27, 2006 - 11:40am
Wow, it has been a long, long time since I picked up a Superman comic. I got a few issues of that Jim Lee run that were quite good; I'll probably buy the trade paperback for it sometime. Before that, the last Superman I picked up was when he returned from the dead; that whole storyline with Superman's death was so overblown and hyped up, I'm actually ashamed to own any of those issues. The John Byrne run was really good, but so was the Jerry Ordway run, around the time Gangbuster was introduced. The characterization and plots were quite good. Actually, the reboot of these flagship DC characters since Infinite Crisis has lured me back. I've become a steady reader of the new Justice League and Wonder Woman. Justice was a must read of course. I also bought several issue of Batman/Superman in the last half year or so. If only my wallet could afford my going deeper back into this old addiction. Actually, I think DC and Marvel needs to create a low cost monthly subscription to all their comics in an online format.
Wow, it has been a long, long time since I picked up a Superman comic. I got a few issues of that Jim Lee run that were quite good; I'll probably buy the trade paperback for it sometime. Before that, the last Superman I picked up was when he returned from the dead; that whole storyline with Superman's death was so overblown and hyped up, I'm actually ashamed to own any of those issues. The John Byrne run was really good, but so was the Jerry Ordway run, around the time Gangbuster was introduced. The characterization and plots were quite good. Actually, the reboot of these flagship DC characters since Infinite Crisis has lured me back. I've become a steady reader of the new Justice League and Wonder Woman. Justice was a must read of course. I also bought several issue of Batman/Superman in the last half year or so. If only my wallet could afford my going deeper back into this old addiction. Actually, I think DC and Marvel needs to create a low cost monthly subscription to all their comics in an online format.
The Buffy Files: Chapter 1 - Oct 13, 2006 - 05:33pm
Wow, it has been a while since someone discussed this wonderful series. I am a bit surprised that Steve was able to "love the original Buffy"; I have not read Whedon's original script, but the movie seemed so watered-down and silly that I did not want to give the TV series much of a try originally. It has been a while since I've seen the episodes and, though I agree that season 1 was not the best of the series, I think as a whole it was better than "B-". I thought the witty dialogue, the personality of the characters, and the charisma of the cast (no pun intended, ok a little bit) more than made up for the low-budget feel of the series. I think you will enjoy seeing the characters grow in the succeeding seasons; in fact, the actors do get better at their craft and bringing their characters to life as the series progresses. Also, lister is right the later seasons are more cohesive and have less of that "monster of the week" feel.
Wow, it has been a while since someone discussed this wonderful series. I am a bit surprised that Steve was able to "love the original Buffy"; I have not read Whedon's original script, but the movie seemed so watered-down and silly that I did not want to give the TV series much of a try originally. It has been a while since I've seen the episodes and, though I agree that season 1 was not the best of the series, I think as a whole it was better than "B-". I thought the witty dialogue, the personality of the characters, and the charisma of the cast (no pun intended, ok a little bit) more than made up for the low-budget feel of the series. I think you will enjoy seeing the characters grow in the succeeding seasons; in fact, the actors do get better at their craft and bringing their characters to life as the series progresses. Also, lister is right the later seasons are more cohesive and have less of that "monster of the week" feel.
RAMBO IV is a go - Oct 10, 2006 - 01:10pm
lister, it is possible to interpret diversity as chaos, however my original point is that there is order despite the universes' tendency towards chaos; look up the Third law of thermodynamics AKA the Law of Entropy. There is an extreme amount of order that keeps the universe going when by all rights it should never have fit together in the first place. You are right there is nothing magical about the logical order of organism, it is logical because someone with logic put it together. My point about faith is that many define faith as believing in what they cannot see; thus it does take faith to believe that life spontaneously happened without a creator in that no one has proven this, this idea is held by people through their "faith".
lister, it is possible to interpret diversity as chaos, however my original point is that there is order despite the universes' tendency towards chaos; look up the Third law of thermodynamics AKA the Law of Entropy. There is an extreme amount of order that keeps the universe going when by all rights it should never have fit together in the first place. You are right there is nothing magical about the logical order of organism, it is logical because someone with logic put it together. My point about faith is that many define faith as believing in what they cannot see; thus it does take faith to believe that life spontaneously happened without a creator in that no one has proven this, this idea is held by people through their "faith".
RAMBO IV is a go - Oct 10, 2006 - 12:19pm
Lister, diversity and chaos are not the same thing. You are right, there is a diverse variety of immensely ordered organisms. The function and purpose in each organ, in each part of the cell is miraculously orderly. How does this much sophistication just happen in a universe that tends towards chaos? To believe that life just happened accidentally without a creator truly takes faith.
Lister, diversity and chaos are not the same thing. You are right, there is a diverse variety of immensely ordered organisms. The function and purpose in each organ, in each part of the cell is miraculously orderly. How does this much sophistication just happen in a universe that tends towards chaos? To believe that life just happened accidentally without a creator truly takes faith.
RAMBO IV is a go - Oct 10, 2006 - 12:11pm
Poneyboy, you said "..some dude about 1,000 years ago, could, walk on water, raise the dead..and..not believe that we evolved from something less than what we are now. People are THAT, ignorant and arrogant I guess." If you were not intentionally calling people who believe in Jesus ignorant and arrogant, it sure was easy for people to interpret it that way. I was offended by the implication that people who believe in Jesus' miracles must be "ignorant and arrogant." If you are a Christian that does not believe Jesus actually performed miracles, why must you insult those who actually do? Actually, why must people believe in Evolution in order to avoid being "ignorant and arrogant"? No one was there to see it happen, it certainly has not been proven as a scientific "Law", I say it takes as much faith to believe in Evolution as to believe in God. When I see the fanaticism raised in people when Evolution is questioned, it certainly seems like a holy religion to them. Why then must you insult them for not believing in what you believe in?
Poneyboy, you said "..some dude about 1,000 years ago, could, walk on water, raise the dead..and..not believe that we evolved from something less than what we are now. People are THAT, ignorant and arrogant I guess." If you were not intentionally calling people who believe in Jesus ignorant and arrogant, it sure was easy for people to interpret it that way. I was offended by the implication that people who believe in Jesus' miracles must be "ignorant and arrogant." If you are a Christian that does not believe Jesus actually performed miracles, why must you insult those who actually do? Actually, why must people believe in Evolution in order to avoid being "ignorant and arrogant"? No one was there to see it happen, it certainly has not been proven as a scientific "Law", I say it takes as much faith to believe in Evolution as to believe in God. When I see the fanaticism raised in people when Evolution is questioned, it certainly seems like a holy religion to them. Why then must you insult them for not believing in what you believe in?
RAMBO IV is a go - Oct 09, 2006 - 05:31pm
I really should not be entering into this conversation, but Ponyboy76s narrow-minded Christian bashing is really offensive to me. Thank you wolf for speaking out for the many people of faith that read this site. I still cannot believe that a simple movie premise from what will likely be a fairly mindless Stallone action movie can inspire so much hatred against what Christians believe in. Now I also believe that it is possible that God created life by using evolution. The Big Bang implies that there was a point of creation long ago; the Theory of Evolution goes against the Law of Entropy: that everything in the universe tends towards chaos. Now if you hold this law true, as every scientist does, how does the universe continually evovle into something more organized and ordered? There has to be an intelligent designer, God. Anyways, people, please stop pre-judging people who believe in God as ignorant idiots, if not on the basis of the truth, then at least of civility sake. Also Poneyboy, I am not sure why you are so quick to defend Islam against supposed attacks from Christians when the opposite is so much more serious. Islamic violence against Christians is not a fairy tale made up by the right, do a little research and you will see that. 2 Christian missionaries were beheaded by Saudia Arabia in 1993 simply because they were trying to preach what they believed in.
I really should not be entering into this conversation, but Ponyboy76s narrow-minded Christian bashing is really offensive to me. Thank you wolf for speaking out for the many people of faith that read this site. I still cannot believe that a simple movie premise from what will likely be a fairly mindless Stallone action movie can inspire so much hatred against what Christians believe in. Now I also believe that it is possible that God created life by using evolution. The Big Bang implies that there was a point of creation long ago; the Theory of Evolution goes against the Law of Entropy: that everything in the universe tends towards chaos. Now if you hold this law true, as every scientist does, how does the universe continually evovle into something more organized and ordered? There has to be an intelligent designer, God. Anyways, people, please stop pre-judging people who believe in God as ignorant idiots, if not on the basis of the truth, then at least of civility sake. Also Poneyboy, I am not sure why you are so quick to defend Islam against supposed attacks from Christians when the opposite is so much more serious. Islamic violence against Christians is not a fairy tale made up by the right, do a little research and you will see that. 2 Christian missionaries were beheaded by Saudia Arabia in 1993 simply because they were trying to preach what they believed in.
Jeffrey Wright to play villain in LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD? - Oct 04, 2006 - 06:47pm
Agreed bigsxc2000, Hans was among the greatest of villains in action movie history; it is doubtful anyone could upstage such a charasmatic and despicable character. I'm surprised no one has started that same old complaint about Hollywood running out of ideas in giving us another Die Hard movie. Which, btw, I do not think was ever the problem; Hollywood producers just get lazy and more willing to play it safe than to give fresh, dangerous ideas a chance. Yet having happily attended so many genre sequels in the last several years, I suppose I am not giving Hollywood any reason to believe we do not want sequels to beloved franchises. Perhaps, then we ought to have a moment of silence for the myriad original ideas that never had a chance to hit the screen because of our viewing habits.
Agreed bigsxc2000, Hans was among the greatest of villains in action movie history; it is doubtful anyone could upstage such a charasmatic and despicable character. I'm surprised no one has started that same old complaint about Hollywood running out of ideas in giving us another Die Hard movie. Which, btw, I do not think was ever the problem; Hollywood producers just get lazy and more willing to play it safe than to give fresh, dangerous ideas a chance. Yet having happily attended so many genre sequels in the last several years, I suppose I am not giving Hollywood any reason to believe we do not want sequels to beloved franchises. Perhaps, then we ought to have a moment of silence for the myriad original ideas that never had a chance to hit the screen because of our viewing habits.
Robert Downey Jr. is IRON MAN - Oct 03, 2006 - 12:40pm
I agree with everyone that Robert Downey is a fine actor; I've enjoyed his work since I first noticed him in "Less Than Zero". Yet because of the comic mini-series "Marvels" when Alex Ross painted Tony Stark with a more than passing similarity to Timothy Dalton, I cannot see any other actor doing it. I hope Fauvre plays up the Howard Hughes similarities in Tony Stark. Nonetheless, I suppose this is all crying over spilled milk. Speaking of bad casting in a comic book movie, I still can't get over Keanu as Constantine. I recently realized how kick ass it would have been to have James Marsters, "Spike", as Constantine.
I agree with everyone that Robert Downey is a fine actor; I've enjoyed his work since I first noticed him in "Less Than Zero". Yet because of the comic mini-series "Marvels" when Alex Ross painted Tony Stark with a more than passing similarity to Timothy Dalton, I cannot see any other actor doing it. I hope Fauvre plays up the Howard Hughes similarities in Tony Stark. Nonetheless, I suppose this is all crying over spilled milk. Speaking of bad casting in a comic book movie, I still can't get over Keanu as Constantine. I recently realized how kick ass it would have been to have James Marsters, "Spike", as Constantine.
Julie Walters talks HARRY POTTER 5 - Oct 03, 2006 - 12:17pm
Bjjdenver, how did you not notice that jamesdalton was being sarcastic when he said he liked Roadhouse? I think this is one of those rare occasions when he is being sincere. Ach, it's too wierd jamesdalton, revert back.
Bjjdenver, how did you not notice that jamesdalton was being sarcastic when he said he liked Roadhouse? I think this is one of those rare occasions when he is being sincere. Ach, it's too wierd jamesdalton, revert back.
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Yup Wondercon was in San Francisco this past weekend and it really was fun; it was great being able to walk from Wondercon to Chinatown and see the Chinese New Years parade. Snyder said that the studio had problems understanding why there should be a R-rated superhero movie. Granted Watchman should not be a horror movie, but it definitely has enough violence and adult themes to necessitate a R-rating for a even semi-faithful adaptation. I wonder what was cut out of the script being considered this time around? I've got a feeling most of the subplot with the Minutemen and that crazy pirate comic will never get to screen. I should hope that 300 will be a big enough success that the studios will want to greenlight Snyder's Watchmen without hesitation. I think Butler could make an interesting Dr. Manhattan; he has that idealized look that Manhattan should have. Paul Giamatti for Rorscharch; Giamatti is great at playing wierd, angry characters.