tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2948574458102140062024-03-13T03:26:13.953-07:00Chernobog's BlogMovies, Music, Entertainment, Comic BooksDave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-521458245818247482021-10-18T11:48:00.034-07:002023-05-11T12:00:26.047-07:00Halloween Kills Movie Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzmWpDaSTq4u0A82HnMyUiaEGUwmRFPfNZNXutfdOK9j23OWeWnJuPAgtPITVXVhgJJRCu4_4JALk_AO2AxfdLNBCg9T3KXbPa2cN-07A-6cU90toxeJf4JceZExdiEtMMR3ZtUScvpLsu8ruzQHEc4anjqwzrDc0QaxqTEJkAhYYHVnY9rJbKcLW/s1200/Halloween_Kills-155251220-large.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzmWpDaSTq4u0A82HnMyUiaEGUwmRFPfNZNXutfdOK9j23OWeWnJuPAgtPITVXVhgJJRCu4_4JALk_AO2AxfdLNBCg9T3KXbPa2cN-07A-6cU90toxeJf4JceZExdiEtMMR3ZtUScvpLsu8ruzQHEc4anjqwzrDc0QaxqTEJkAhYYHVnY9rJbKcLW/s320/Halloween_Kills-155251220-large.jpg" /></a>
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The Halloween horror movie franchise is one of the most loved, albeit confusing
horror franchises. It forever establishes the character of Michael Myers (no,
not that Mike Myers!) into the holiday horror icon. Ever since the first
Halloween film (directed by John Carpenter, and written by him and produced
along with the late Debra Hill) was released on October 25, 1978, the series now
consists of 12 films. There has been 6 sequels (unless you count “Halloween III:
Season of the Witch”), 2 remakes, and 1 reboot. While its subsequent sequels
through the 1980s and 90s tried to contain some semblance of continuity, it
often branched out into bizarre and bewildering directions, which often included
everything from a seemingly-supernaturally-powered and indestructible serial
killer, with apparent ties to an ancient pagan deity and a clandestine
druid-like cult with dubious motivations and goals.<div><br /></div><div> While most horror movie fans
revel in the bloody mayhem and murder of Halloween. There are many who take this
franchise very seriously and ponder both the good and the bad of these films and
their attempts to construct a linear story, despite the efforts of several
directors which have in fact created 3 separate timelines.
Following the slasher’s “demise” in the critical failure that was Halloween: Resurrection
(2002), musician and independent filmmaker Rob Zombie took it upon himself to
remake the movie in 2007, complete with his own unique, sleazy style of extreme
violence and vulgarity. He then followed it up with the highly-stylized and
mind-bending sequel in 2009.</div><div><br /></div><div> But then in 2018, fans got yet another soft reboot
of the series with a more realistic and gritty version of Halloween, directed by
David Gordon Green. The 2018 movie picked up where the original film essentially
left off, but 40 years later, thus eliminating the events that took place during
Halloween II (1981), as well as the continuing story of Lori Strode’s (Jamie Lee
Curtis) offspring Jamie Lloyd (played by the beautiful Danielle Harris) in
Halloween 4 (1988) and 5 (1989), not to mention Michael’s “death” in Halloween:
H20 (1998) and Laurie’s death/suicide in Resurrection. </div><div><br /></div><div>2018’s Halloween ended
with a much older and wounded Laurie Strode, now a grandmother, having seemingly
trapped Michael Myers (although now no longer her brother) beneath her
fortress-like safe house, while on fire, and fleeing the scene with her daughter
and grandmother. As Halloween Kills starts exactly where it ended (although
released 3 years later) with firefighters heading to Laurie’s house while the 3
women head for the hospital in the opposite direction. Sure enough you can bet
that we will find Michael Myers alive and well (sort of). Although the newest
Halloween movies has tried to get rid of any kind of supernatural references
with a more grounded, down-to-earth story, you simply cannot kill Michael Myers,
no matter what timeline after having been shot, stabbed, and burned (multiple
times). And if he didn’t survive as he has the last 10 times, we wouldn’t have a
sequel, let alone a trilogy with the announced release of “Halloween Ends” in
2022. So without even trying to spoil it, I’ve pretty much spoiled all 3 movies.
Fans have come to expect that you just can’t keep a good killer down. Whether
it’s Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, or even little Chucky, the
many slashers from the last few decades will continue to kill, die, and be
reborn (or rebooted) and kill again, over and over until the end of time, or
until these franchises cease to be profitable. Although, I’m not so sure about
Jason’s future… </div><div><br /></div><div>While the main focus of 2018’s movie was an older Laurie Strode
(Curtis is almost a senior citizen at 62-years-old) and her current state as a
“prepper” waiting for the day when her one-time babysitter stalker will
inevitably come back. Although since we’ve skipped Halloween II, Michael hasn’t
earned the reputation of revisiting her on October 31st, because that’s in
another timeline! Now in Halloween Kills Laurie spends much of the film in the
hospital (again) just like in Halloween II alongside her long-time “friend”
Officer (No first name?) Hawkins (Will Patton), who apparently came face-to-face
with Michael Myers (in a flashback, but not in the original movie) and failed to
shoot him or let Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance, who’s also seen in flashbacks)
kill him either, and he now regrets his actions (or inactions) all those years
ago. So now he’s in the hospital with Laurie after being mortally wounded by
Myers, while the town of Haddonfield learns that Michael Myers has returned. And
now Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall, but not played by the original actor
Brian Andrews) and Lyndsey (Kyle Richards, who was the original actress!) are
all grown-up and organize the citizens into an angry mob, without torches and
pitchforks, but with a few guns and baseball bats, to finally put an end to the
Halloween horror. </div><div><br /></div><div>What follows is a wild-goose chase as both the cops and the
townspeople go searching for this elderly serial killer (who must be at least
80-years-old by now!) who is still stalking teenagers on Halloween night. While
his mask does show a lot of wear and tear, it’s not as extensive as the
punishment Rob Zombie gave “The Shape” in his 2nd version, now with a blackened
smirk on his cracked rubber face. The entire pursuit culminates, of course, back
at the hospital, where the crazed townsfolk think Michael is hiding. While it’s
easy to put a willing suspension of disbelief on the immortal slasher villains
like Myers, Halloween Kills relies heavily on Michael Myers’ “reputation” as an
infamous serial killer, both in real life on the screen and in the movie itself.
Which causes a problem since he really isn’t known for returning on Halloween,
or even continuing his killing spree over the years, really there was just the
one night back in 1978, and most people have forgotten it, some willingly. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we
saw in 2018’s movie, he’s been locked up in a mental institution for years,
until some wannabe podcaster wants to meet him and produces his old mask out of
nowhere. But that plotline didn’t go anywhere. Spoiler Alert: they died!
Although many actors and stuntmen have portrayed “The Shape” of Michael Myers
over the years, at least this time, some credit is given to the original actor
Nick Castle (also a director) who also appeared in 2018, but he is also played
by 2 other actors, both in modern times and in flashback. </div><div><br /></div><div>The film portrays the
law in a somewhat negative role (although unfortunate, it is not surprising,
given our current controversies, but let’s not get into that shall we.), but not
as bumbling as they were depicted in Halloween 4 and 5 (clown shoes!), but kind
of blaming them for letting Michael’s killing spree to continue, and the
ineptitude of both the former Sherriff Bracket (played by returning actor
Charles Cyphers) and the current black cowboy hat-wearing Sheriff Barker (Omar
Dorsey). Not to mention their inability to catch Michael again as they did 40
years ago, in a bizarre retcon of the 1978 movie’s ending. While it does seem
popular lately to delve into this retroactive continuity and produce more
reboots and remakes of popular films, especially those of the 1980s, horror
being the number 1 genre with the most remakes. I feel that many fans will be
heavily divided on the reception of Halloween Kills. </div><div><br /></div><div>While there will always be
fans of the original 1978 movie, its sequels have both hits and misses, more
often misses. And there are some who may prefer Rob Zombie’s versions as well.
After we see what writers and producers Danny McBride and David Gordon Green
have in store for us, we may be talking about these endeavors as just another
attempt to catch lightning in a time where Hollywood is bereft of originality
and constantly rely on reinvigorating nostalgia. Maybe we’ll see what happens in
the year 2038?
</div>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-52206384712926951752021-05-04T10:00:00.000-07:002021-05-04T10:00:00.186-07:00Star Wars: A Retrospective<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZnfyDvQreJxgF35KljStEm2C-lKxMLhGyfJEWkLyQhYl_WmVDRDubJjo82IqwOLOQjVXk7ZEP5EG8sqsR7mdgVIfrriAnrnOv1XKEfNrSP4RJZFmqSU0JZAgSIOwb9MgnTFDXzXl2dg/s2048/2016_Celebration_KEY_ART.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZnfyDvQreJxgF35KljStEm2C-lKxMLhGyfJEWkLyQhYl_WmVDRDubJjo82IqwOLOQjVXk7ZEP5EG8sqsR7mdgVIfrriAnrnOv1XKEfNrSP4RJZFmqSU0JZAgSIOwb9MgnTFDXzXl2dg/s320/2016_Celebration_KEY_ART.jpg" /></a></div>I consider myself to be a second generation Star Wars fan,
whereas I was born after the original movie (aka Episode IV: "A New
Hope") was released in 1977, but before the original trilogy ended in 1983
with Episode VI: "Return of the Jedi". Born in 1979, I now find
myself in the unusual position of being caught in-between Generation X and the
Millennial (Gen Y) generations, having reached the age of 40. I tend to
identify more with the "Xennial" demographic, but it all depends on
your P.O.V. I grew up with Star Wars. I played with the vintage action figures
when they were still new, I wore (and still do wear) Star Wars T-shirts,
costumes, etc.! When I was 5, I took cardboard wrapping paper rolls and
pretended they were lightsabers. And I have been a life-long fan of Chewbacca,
my favorite character, since I was 3-years-old, and the pleasure of meeting
Peter Mayhew.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It could be said that Star Wars came into the world at the
perfect time, but that it also sparked the merchandising craze with its toys,
even before the toys ever came out with its infamous empty box “Early Bird
Certificate Package.” My teenage years were spent without any new “Star Wars”
movies, besides watching all the VHS copies until they were worn out. However,
with the 1990’s came a new wave of Star Wars novels, comic books and video
games, in what would become the non-canon “Expanded Universe” or “Legends”
after Disney acquired the franchise. While many of these added a much needed
backstory and between stories to the already expansive canon of the movies, it
added more variety to the Star Wars story. Han Solo and Leia Skywalker-Organa
married and had twins, Jaina and Jacen Solo, and later Anakin Solo. Luke
Skywalker would later meet Mara Jade and they would have a son, named Ben
Skywalker. Not to mention the stories that would follow their descendant Cade
Skywalker.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, while some of these stories weren’t great, they weren’t
equal to the movies, but at least it gave many writers and artists a chance to
play in the Star Wars Universe and bring to the fans a plethora of content.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Star wars is not perfect, it never was. And with this
resurgence and the excitement over the infamous "Special Editions",
it was time for the return of the franchise in 1999 with the highly contested
and debated over prequels, beginning with “Episode I – The Phantom Menace”.
Even then, Star Wars fans were as divided as they’ve ever been, with half of
them regaling in the return with open arms, while half of the fans felt that
their childhood memories had been stomped on like Jar Jar Binks stepping in
“Icky, icky goo!” And with episodes II and III, the supposed “Star Wars” saga
supposedly came to an end, with George Lucas saying in 2005 that there would
never be an episode VII.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the prequels were over, the Expanded Universe thrived
and would continue on into the 2000's in both comic book and novel form, until
the Lucasfilm franchise was purchased by Disney in 2012 for $4 Billion and
having already bought Marvel Comics in 2009, it seemed as though Disney now
owned everything! When “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” was
released in 2015, I like many millions of Star Wars fans were overjoyed. I saw
it opening day and I came out feeling great and happy. It wasn’t until later
that I realized why that was… nostalgia!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nostalgia was a big part of my life, and I find that as I
get older, nostalgia has started to fade away. I think that’s called “Growing
Up!” I have been a Star Wars fan as long as I can remember. I’ve spent
countless hours watching, reading, playing and waiting for Star Wars. The
biggest revelation came when I and my family attended Star Wars Celebration
2017 on April 13–16, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. It was the biggest and most
exhausting experience of my life. The crowd was HUGE! The Celebration sets a
new attendance record at over 70,000! This deserves repeating 70,000 people,
inside a 7,000,000 square feet convention center! I spent hours waiting in
lines, lines and more lines. I spent hundreds of dollars, including $90 for an
autograph from the Emperor himself, Ian McDiarmid! The convention’s main
purpose was to of course to promote the release of “Episode VIII: The Last
Jedi” in December. I got to see the trailer on another screen since the
screening room was already full when I arrived on the first day, although
disappointing, this was only the beginning of a long and arduous weekend. And
apparently, we didn’t learn our lesson because we also attended the fifth
Disney D23 Expo on July 14–16, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center in
Anaheim, California.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fandom, for me, started to decline that year, especially
after seeing “The Last Jedi” which turned out to be the most divisive subject
for Star Wars fans in the last 20 years or so. Without going too much into it,
I’ll just say that I was crushed. Kylo Ren says “Let the past die, kill it…”
and even Luke Skywalker said “It’s time for then Jedi to end…” I shouldn’t have
let it make me feel so depressed, but it did. Why? It’s only a movie! It’s “the
Wars”! I love to use one of my favorite movies as an example is the comedy
“Fanboys” (2009) directed by Kyle Newman, (who is only 3-years-older than me)
is the story of a group of friends and friends/Star Wars fans, who take a
cross-country trip to George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch so their dying friend can
see a screening of “Star Wars: Episode I” before its release. With a very
low-budget and a cult following, I always thought that this was the perfect
expression of the complicated love/hate relationship that many fans like myself
have/had with Star wars, particularly around the controversies of Episode I, to
which I see the very same divisiveness over Episode VII and VIII. One of my
favorite quotes is…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“You gotta find your Death Star… Greatest deed Luke
Skywalker ever did was take down the Death Star, right? As far as I'm
concerned, that's what everybody needs. You need that one bad-ass thing that
lets you live on forever…” – Hutch, (Dan Fogler)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it, it’s funny
and a little silly, but it’s got some great moments and great cameos too from
Billy Dee Williams, Carrie Fisher and even William Shatner. My dad is an
original Star Trek fan as well and he introduced me to Star Wars at an early
age, so I have always been a Star Trek and a Star Wars fan, almost 60%/40%. You
can love more than one fandom there has always been this weird war between Trek
and Wars fans, but they often go hand-in-hand.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Upon the release of “Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker” I was
both relieved and saddened by the so-called “end’ of the Skywalker Saga and to
see what the franchise has become after 42 years. From the monumental film that
started it all, the sequels that grew a fan base, and the subsequent prequels
that originally divided the fan base, to the sequel trilogy that ultimately
brought the fandom to the breaking point. I still love Star Wars. I love the
original movies the most, I like the prequels for the most part, and Episode
VII started things off okay, but then went downhill from there until the saga
itself came to a crashing end.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts and I still say
Happy Star Wars Day and May the Fourth (Force) be with you!</p>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-67113716470452569822021-04-01T07:48:00.001-07:002021-04-01T07:48:00.293-07:00<b>APRIL FOOLS' DAY: TOP 10 HOAXES</b> <div> April Fools' Day is an annual custom on April 1st, consisting of practical jokes
and hoaxes. For many years, people have devised some of the most cunning and
enduring hoaxes ever conceived. Although sometimes fooling millions of people in
the process, they are often revealed for the hoaxes they are.</div><div>This April Fools'
Day I would like to present some of my favorite <b>Top 10 Hoaxes:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m9a1UNUWBothZT_Zp4nH0PUrMnE708PLMnt3CVhltmsrHkWqHsKuAoQCU3j6hgADSVfDR_CSrj5RlmnjFa8VlSoabDcXMAkBbr-UgIhU9uJiiiCYp7_7sxa1dawglqSopkqc87Gb91k/s284/warning-hoax-logo_8163-25+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="284" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m9a1UNUWBothZT_Zp4nH0PUrMnE708PLMnt3CVhltmsrHkWqHsKuAoQCU3j6hgADSVfDR_CSrj5RlmnjFa8VlSoabDcXMAkBbr-UgIhU9uJiiiCYp7_7sxa1dawglqSopkqc87Gb91k/w209-h184/warning-hoax-logo_8163-25+%25283%2529.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div><b>10. The Montauk
Monster </b></div><div>When an unknown creature washed up on the shore of Ditch Plains, a
popular surfing beach on the Montauk peninsula in New York, a photo of the
carcass appeared in a local paper and then ignited on the internet and dubbed
the Montauk Monster. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. The Slender Man <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJTJ1EuZO1d6tSnEqItyYgdEaZqa_obFa7dGf7nVydx23k1nyI7Nywm_Asuh5dWaCczoArXh7mCdqbSjXRqiw6Ol1TB2P9yWLLdYJHCrLhfU3Q0qdPjKJBdFT1xvS2az1yo1o7hVxKA/s307/577290a16ee74.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="274" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkJTJ1EuZO1d6tSnEqItyYgdEaZqa_obFa7dGf7nVydx23k1nyI7Nywm_Asuh5dWaCczoArXh7mCdqbSjXRqiw6Ol1TB2P9yWLLdYJHCrLhfU3Q0qdPjKJBdFT1xvS2az1yo1o7hVxKA/w160-h179/577290a16ee74.image.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div>On June 10th, 2009, a Photoshop image
appeared on an internet forum depicting a thin, unnaturally tall humanoid with a
featureless head and face and wearing a black suit. Originating as a
"Creepypasta" meme, this character spread all over the internet and developed an
urban myth all it's own and finding its way into popular culture, entertainment
and even movies, but unfortunately also the subject of an infamous stabbing
incident in 2014. The character itself remains the perfect example of the power
of memes.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. The Jackalope </b></div><div>When two brothers in the 1930's used their taxidermy
skills to graft deer antlers onto a jackrabbit carcass and then sell the animal
to a local hotel in Douglas, Wyoming, it began the story of the jackalope, named
after the blended words of a jackrabbit and antelope, which has become a popular
mythical animal in modern North American folklore.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipau7XerRzi-jEWRospoR19AqR6RbYALi8Ge0HOH5vUypcBpKfOe-t7NGnG0wWQ74FK5RfHBqnB-tWznyWEz738685s0rKsh6DNOgzWABTkZw3UwjXvTM0-PBblmkbnzq_01lF9uGERCo/s648/Pi-Crop-Circle-648x432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="648" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipau7XerRzi-jEWRospoR19AqR6RbYALi8Ge0HOH5vUypcBpKfOe-t7NGnG0wWQ74FK5RfHBqnB-tWznyWEz738685s0rKsh6DNOgzWABTkZw3UwjXvTM0-PBblmkbnzq_01lF9uGERCo/w203-h135/Pi-Crop-Circle-648x432.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>7. Crop Circles </b></div><div>When crop
circles first began cropping up in the 1970's, many claimed that they were
created by extraterrestrials, but in 1991, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, of
Southampton, England, confessed to having made more than 200 crop circles, with
nothing more complex than ropes and boards.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Edward Mordrake, the Man with Two
Faces </b></div><div>One of the oldest hoaxes was that of a 19th-century English noble named
Edward Mordake, who was supposedly born with a malevolent "second face" on the
back of his head. The story goes that Mordrake begged doctors to remove his
"demon head" because it whispered horrible things to him at night, but no doctor
would do it and so he committed suicide at the age of 23. Althhough this story
was published in Gould and Pyle’s "Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine" (1896)
it was later proven to be the literary creation of poet and author Charles Lotin
Hildreth.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. The Minnesota Iceman </b></div><div>When a zoologist and a biologist hear about
the frozen corpse of a hairy man-like creature being exhibited in the Midwest in
1968, they begin an inquiry into the origin of an unknown hominid that involves
the FBI, the Smithsonian, the Mafia, the Vietnam War, drug smuggling, Hollywood,
and a secretive millionaire. The story of the Minnesota Iceman is one of the
strangest stories ever told, and believe it or not, I had the pleasure of seeing
it myself at the Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Alien Autopsy </b></div><div>The
infamous 1947 "Roswell Incident" undoubtedly began our modern fascination with
UFOs and alien visitors, but when a grainy black-and-white film surface in 1995
that showed the postmortem dissection of an alleged alien body from the Roswell
crash that were recovered by the government. Soon after the the footage was
broadcast on FOX TV, many skeptics and UFO researchers deemed it a hoax,
although many believed it to be true. However, recently the special effects
artist who created the alien came forward and confessed it was in fact a hoax.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>3. Patterson–Gimlin Bigfoot Film </b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0HQ1HUnu6CddUJ8yqqsosJyLLp-qgV3Ii5VZqdgRorA51YAq-5KzgySPyT4vzjGbgKATshdoCCcabe7oA1F_Cn5ckG6vtu_nYN88BuvOCkqFk5_ZBoIDwEz_DcBW7TYpPeoZ-QnvgqQ/s832/Big-Foot-1-832-832x476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="832" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0HQ1HUnu6CddUJ8yqqsosJyLLp-qgV3Ii5VZqdgRorA51YAq-5KzgySPyT4vzjGbgKATshdoCCcabe7oA1F_Cn5ckG6vtu_nYN88BuvOCkqFk5_ZBoIDwEz_DcBW7TYpPeoZ-QnvgqQ/s320/Big-Foot-1-832-832x476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the most contested pieces of evidence on
the existence of Bigfoot was a film shot in 1967 by Roger Patterson (who died of
cancer in 1972) and Bob Gimlin. The footage runs less than a minute long a shows
a large ape-like humanoid figure walking in a creek bed along a logging-road in
Northern California. Although Patterson has "maintained right to the end that
the creature on the film was real," Gimlin denied being involved in any part of
a hoax with Patterson and remained silent until about 2005. The film has since
been subjected to many attempts to authenticate or debunk it. The creature known
as Bigfoot has been embedded in our popular culture for over 50 years with
appearances in a never-ending string of popular TV shows, movies and
commercials.<br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2. "The War of the Worlds" </b></div><div>On October 30th, 1938, actor Orson
Welles (before Citizen Kane (1941) narrated an adaptation of the novel "The War
of the Worlds" (1898) by H.G. Wells, performed live on CBS as part of the
"Mercury Theatre" series. What began as a 1-hour radio drama, soon caused a
virtual panic to those who mistook the broadcast for a real news report. I first
saw the original "War of the Worlds" 1953 movie on TV with my dad when I was
about 10-years-old, and was terrified of the long-fingered aliens until I saw
the comedy "Spaced Invaders" (1990) around the same time and learned of the
infamous radio program.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3vZ5_vBUU98vOPjF2-JYT9PPdGatoC5zz6-W10ROEq3qaA9uNMkc4tUGq35DPf3ov6Y0QBQZWjQudRIq06B2v_12pQeocWps5AGB4UkFBc4MzlMEMeun9xHOEQ34ZbokjL1CdWB4_1Q/s320/7p4MGY7mG4HJDsYPLZuhha-320-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3vZ5_vBUU98vOPjF2-JYT9PPdGatoC5zz6-W10ROEq3qaA9uNMkc4tUGq35DPf3ov6Y0QBQZWjQudRIq06B2v_12pQeocWps5AGB4UkFBc4MzlMEMeun9xHOEQ34ZbokjL1CdWB4_1Q/s0/7p4MGY7mG4HJDsYPLZuhha-320-80.jpg" /></a></div><b>1. The Loch Ness Monster </b></div><div>The most famous photograph of
"Nessie" was supposedly taken by a respectable British surgeon, named Colonel
Robert Wilson, in 1934, who claimed that he saw something in the water while
driving past the lake in Scotland. He just so happened to have a camera and took
some pictures. The credibility of this photo was debated for over 60 years,
until it was ultimately proven to be a hoax. I have always held a great
fascination for this monster since I was a kid, which was encouraged by my
grandmother's Scottish pen pals.
</div></div><div><br /></div>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-71324535919183965872016-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:002017-08-17T10:00:23.740-07:00HORROR DOUBLE-FEATURE REVIEW: 31 & BLAIR WITCHThis week I was able to attend two very special screenings of two upcoming horror movies. The first being <a href="http://www.blairwitch.com/">Blair Witch</a> (2016) and then <a href="http://robzombie.com/movies/31-movie/">Rob Zombie's '31'</a> (2016). Both of these movies are highly anticipated in the horror genre and while I was able to get free admission to 'Blair Witch', I did purchase a ticket for a one-night special sneak preview screening of '31'.<br>
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<u>Blair Witch</u> is essentially a remake/reboot, which are usually hit and miss within the realm of horror movies. Set in 2014, it references the events in the original <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185937/?ref_=nv_sr_2">The Blair Witch Project (1999)</a> when the character James (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4372483/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">James Allen McCune</a>) has been searching for his missing sister Heather since the original tape was found almost 17 years ago. When coming across found footage on the Internet, supposedly of his sister, he and his friends confront Lane, the one who found it and convince him and his girlfriend to lead back them into the Black Hills Forest to find Heather. Obviously unaware of how really bad an idea this is, and equipped with a handheld Digital HD camera, this group of young people ventures into the woods anyway. As you can expect, they get lost, despite the availability of a GPS device and even a remote control drone equipped with a web-cam. One by one, James' friends are separated along with Lane and his girlfriend Talia encountering supposed supernatural sounds and voices and various warnings from the ever-present wooden figures tied to the trees.<br>
This more modern incarnation of Blair Witch Project depends mostly on the fame and mystique created by the original film which became such a groundbreaking horror film 20 years ago. Although panned by critics for it's amateur production and vomit-inducing shaky camera it nevertheless began the new sub-genre of horror/suspense in the "found-footage" film, which has become prevalent in many recent movies such as the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179904/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Paranormal Activity</a> franchise and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1060277/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Cloverfield (2008)</a>. While the premise of Blair Witch in that how does James expect to find evidence of his sister still in the woods after 17 years is somewhat far fetched, the movie does have some significantly frightening moments. While the inclusion of 21st century technology really doesn't add much to the story except as shallow plot points and instead replacing a lost map with a lost GPS signal.The drone shots make for some interesting shots as we see just how huge this forest really is and adds to the overall theme of isolation. Without really giving away any spoilers I will say that the few glimpses of what we can only assume is in fact the Blair Witch are truly terrifying. All in all, this is an interesting movie but not as original, yet it lets us forget the total train-wreck of a movie that was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0229260/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Book of Shadows: Blair With 2 (2000)</a>. On a side note the special screening I attended at the <a href="https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dallas">Angelika </a>in Dallas was a wonderfully interactive experience with help from costumed performers from <a href="http://darkhourhauntedhouse.com/">Dark House Haunted House</a> in Plano complete with fog machines and creepy red lighting to add a little ambiance to the show.<br>
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I have been a big fan of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0957772/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Rob Zombie</a> since first hearing <i>White Zombie'</i>s "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro-Creep:_2000_%E2%80%93_Songs_of_Love,_Destruction_and_Other_Synthetic_Delusions_of_the_Electric_Head">Astro Creep: 2000</a>" (1995) in high school. Then having followed his solo music career since the release of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellbilly_Deluxe">Hellbilly Deluxe</a> (1998) and his promising film career beginning with his first horror movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251736/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">House of 1,000 Corpses</a> (2003). Burgeoning out of his experience in directing his own music videos, he developed a style all his own, which to his fans has only increased his popularity but critically he has met with box-office failures and commercial setbacks. After his two remakes of the Halloween horror movie franchise (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373883/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_8">Halloween </a>(2007) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1311067/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_7">Halloween II</a> (2009), his last film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1731697/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_3">Lords of Salem</a> (2012) was a major flop with both audiences and fans (<a href="http://chernobogslair.blogspot.com/2013/04/rob-zombie-double-feature.html">read my review</a>). His latest venture into the extreme-horror genre comes the most brutally, ultra-violent, exploitative horror movie I have <i>ever </i>seen! This is <a href="http://robzombie.com/movies/31-movie/">Rob Zombie's '31'</a>.<br>
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Set on Halloween, 1976, while on a rural Texas road, a group of five carnies are kidnapped and forced to play a sadistic game of cat-and-mouse in a so-called "Murderworld" where they must survive for 12 hours. The ringleaders of this psycho-circus is known only as Father Murder (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000532/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Malcolm McDowell</a>) and his two female companions, Sister Dragon and Serpent, dressed in gaudy French aristocratic costumes straight out of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Versailles">Versailles</a>. Among the murderous-maniacs are a group of six lazily-named, psychopathic, killer clowns. The first being a vulgar, Spanish-speaking, Neo-Nazi, knife-wielding, midget (no joke!) named Sick-Head (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1301176/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Pancho Moler</a>), who then proceeds to kill them off one-one until there is only one survivor. The final adversary is a pretentious, white-faced, masochist named Doom-Head (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0104114/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Richard Brake</a>) with a unusually sick-sense of fair-play.<br>
The movie features much of the similar music-video style of visuals Rob Zombie has been known for. With a survival-horror theme similar to the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387564/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Saw </a>series, the story has somewhat of a slow start with a bizarre monologue from the character of Doom-Head as he is about to mutilate his latest victim before we are even aware of what's going on, which presents a very disturbing, albeit apologetic, first-hand view of his twisted philosophy as if we were the one about to be brutally killed. Although effective, it is both confusing and presumptive. The one major flaw in <u>all </u>of Rob Zombie's films (and most music videos) is his inclusion of his wife, former model and dancer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0600667/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Sheri Moon-Zombie</a>, While Sheri has often been featured prominently in many of his works first as the maniacal 'Baby' in <u>House of 1,000 Corpses</u>, Sheri has gone on to appear in every one of his films becoming more and more of a central character including her part as Deborah Myers, Michael Myers' mom, in both <u>Halloween</u> and <u>Halloween II</u>. As the main character of Heidi Hawthorne in Lords of Salem, most audiences and critics agree that Sheri is not leading lady material however this doesn't stop Zombie from casting her in more and bigger parts like he's Roman Polanski or Luc Besson. Also his tendency to cast has-been (but still classy) actor Malcolm McDowell in everything as well. It would be a surprise if Zombie <i>didn't </i>feature both actors in his next project.<br>
While '31' is a fast-paced, gut-wrenching murder-fest, there is little substance or story to speak of. There is very little information regarding why or even how these people continue to wage their little Halloween game of death every year as there is obviously not much chance at survival for any of them. There is even a debate between the Father and Sisters waging on the incredible odds of survival so far as 1,000,000 to 1 for one of them! It's like if <i>C-3PO</i> was a serial-killer instead of a droid telling us the odds of survival! It is curious that Zombie seems to be deviating from his originality again by embracing the trends with recent killer-clown movies such as John Watt's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1780798/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Clown</a> and the upcoming remake of Stephen King's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1396484/?ref_=nv_sr_1">IT</a>.v With it's strange, abrupt ending, this movie left me drained and confused and concern for the future of Rob Zombie's films.<br>
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<br>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-82254282966144445122014-10-18T23:49:00.001-07:002014-10-18T23:55:27.382-07:00Movie Review: Dracula Untold <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<i><b>DRACULA</b></i>, a name that has haunted popular culture ever since author <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker">Bram Stoker</a> published his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula">gothic-horror classic</a> in 1897. Since then, Dracula has appeared in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_in_popular_culture">over 200 films</a> beginning in the 1920's. The latest incarnation of the immortal vampire comes from Universal Pictures, the same film company who produced the classic <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/?ref_=nv_sr_5">Dracula</a> (1931) film starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000509/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Bela Lugosi</a>. <u>Dracula Untold</u> presents a much different view of the Dark Prince, based (somewhat loosely) on history rather than any literary or film source. Starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1812656/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Luke Evans</a> as Prince Vlad of Transylvania, who is forced to pay a hefty tribute in exchange for a shaky peace with the Turkish Sultan, Mehmed (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1002641/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Dominic Cooper</a>). When the Sultan demands one thousand boys for his army, including Vlad's own son Ingeras (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3280686/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Art Parkinson</a>), Vlad defies him, thus incurring the wrath of the Turks! Desperately seeking the means to defend his family, including his wife Mirena (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0300589/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Sarah Gordon</a>) and his people from the invading Turks, Vlad encounters an ancient Vampire (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001097/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Charles Dance</a>) who offers him great power, but at a terrible price! Although cursed to become a vampire, Vlad possesses great, dark powers, but if he can resist his blood-thirst for three days, he will return to normal, if not he will be cursed for all eternity. Although he now has the power to defeat the Sultan's army, he is in danger of not only losing his humanity, but his soul as well. Will Vlad be able to control the darkness within him, or will it consume him forever?<br />
<i>Dracula Untold</i> presents moviegoers with a much more sympathetic monster, with Dracula depicted as a dark, anti-hero. Welsh actor Luke Evans (<i>The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (</i>2013)) seems an interesting choice to play Dracula, having appeared in several big budgeted fantasy/action movies and has even portrayed two Greek Gods: Zeus in <i>Immortals (2011) </i>and <i>Apollo</i> in <i>Clash of the Titans </i>(2010). Instead of the suave, tuxedo-clad, Dracula audiences have come to know over the years, this Dracula is a seemingly young and handsome, similar to previous incarnations such as <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103874/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"><i>Bram Stoker's Dracula</i></a> (1992) played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000198/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Gary Oldman</a>, or even the sexy <i>Dracula 2000</i> (2000) played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0124930/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Gerard Butler</a>. Although there have been past attempts to depict the more historical figure of Dracula, such as in the prologue to the 1992 <i>Dracula </i>or even in the made-for-TV movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240793/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3"><i>Dark Prince</i></a> (2000), <i>Dracula Untold </i>gives us a much kinder and gentler Dracula, even as so far to show him as a dedicated husband and father. Despite all the blood and violence, the movie surprisingly retains a PG-13 rating. Also much of the movie is in the perspective of his young son, as he is featured as the narrator of the story.<br />
The real historical figure of Dracula, known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_the_Impaler">Vlad Tepes</a>, aka "The Impaler", was a 15th century Romanian prince, infamous for his brutal reputation for extreme cruelty. His father Vlad Dracul, II, was a member of the 'Order of the Dragon', a group of knights dedicated to protect Christianity in Eastern Europe. The real Dracula was in fact NOT a vampire; merely a "bloodthirsty" despot, yet he is revered as a hero in many parts of Romania. There has been much speculation over the years in separating the legend from history and although Stoker's novel did little to dispel the myth, Dracula, will forever be synonymous with vampires.<br />
<i>Dracula Untold</i> presents a fresh, new perspective on the Dracula legend, turning the bloodsucking vampire into a rock star, complete with a tragic back-story and a somewhat believable reason to become what he is destined to become: <i>DRACULA</i>!<br />
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<b>LINKS:</b> <a href="http://www.draculauntold.com/">Official Website</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/DraculaOfficial/">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://projectc.net/wolfman/legacy/">Universal Monsters Legacy</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-55255081672313836892014-09-29T15:55:00.000-07:002014-09-30T15:56:17.647-07:00TV Review: GOTHAM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Possibly one of THE most anticipated TV shows of the Fall, <i><b>GOTHAM </b></i>premiered this week on FOX to a mixed reaction from fans. While DC Comics' characters have been successful in recent years from the highly popular <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0279600/?ref_=nv_sr_1"><i>Smallville</i> </a>(2001-2011)<i> </i>to the current series <i><a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/arrow">Arrow </a></i>(2012-) , even more shows from DC will premiere this Fall including <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-flash" style="font-style: italic;">The Flash</a><i> </i>(CW) and <a href="http://www.nbc.com/constantine" style="font-style: italic;">Constantine</a> (NBC). Set in the Batman universe and loosely based on the short-lived DC comic books series <i><a href="http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Gotham_Central_Vol_1">Gotham Central</a></i> (2003-2006), Gotham is basically a cop show set around the events of Bruce Wayne's (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3458761/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">David Mazouz</a>) parents murder, but the future Caped-Crusader is <u>not </u>the main character. Instead, the show focuses on Police Detective James Gordon (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1360270/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Ben McKenzie</a>) as he works with his partner Detective Harvey Bullock (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006610/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Donal Logue</a>) as they try to clean up the streets of Gotham as organized crime and corruption plague the city as two rival crime bosses vie for control.<br />
In the style of <i>Smallville </i>(Superboy/Superman), <i>Gotham </i>is essentially a prequel in that it tells more about the origins of the hero we have all come to know so well, namely <i>Batman</i>. While focusing more on the cop drama in the city and less on the origin story, the show has a lot of work to do in getting fans to follow it. While trying to desperately include plenty of fan-service (albeit too much) the show includes cameos from several other Gothamites and characters from Batman's would-be rogues gallery. Aside from the usual characters such as Gordon, Bullock there is of course Alfred Pennyworth (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0675730/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Sean Pertwee</a>), Bruce Wayne's loyal butler. Along with a few familiar (and not so familiar faces) there is the criminals Fish Mooney (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000586/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Jada Pinkett-Smith</a>) and Carmine Falcone (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0231283/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">John Doman</a>), while Falcone has appeared in the Batman comics for years Fish Mooney is a completely original character created for the TV series, much like Harley Quinn who was created for the 1990's Batman Animated Series and was soon incorporated into the comics. One of the major would-be villains who make an appearance is Oswald Cobblepot, (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2088699/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Robin Lord Taylor</a>) aka The Penguin, as a much skinnier incarnation of the Batman villain. Other characters who make an appearance and have some, if very little to the story in the beginning is Selina Kyle/Catwoman (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4800564/?ref_=tt_cl_t14">Camren Bicondova</a>), Edward Nygma/The Riddler (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5754425/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">Cory Michale Smith</a>) and even a young Ivy Pepper/Poison Ivy (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2740002/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t32">Clare Foley</a>). While Batman as a character has one of the biggest cast of characters in the comic book it seems very difficult that the show will be able to address the origins of all these characters. The fact is, the show seems to have almost too many characters, especially those introduced in just the first pilot. While the show seems promising and hopes to draw in Batman and comic book fans alike, the show seems to be off to a somewhat rocky start, putting too much into the first show and insinuating tat the entire show will be focused on solving the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne in yet another re-working of the origin. Whereas the comics has its own origin, which has been changed and rewritten so many times, including the latest revamping of the character in 2011 as part of DC's New 52. The original character Joe Chill who was featured briefly in the Christopher Nolan movies seems to not be included in this shows story. All in all, Gotham seems to be less of a comic book based show and more of a CSI-like cop drama, complete with overly-melodramatic characters and action. As a Batman fan I was excited to see it, however after watching the pilot episode I was somewhat undecided to what the future of the show might hold and if the show will become as popular as <i>Smallville </i>or suffer the fate of previous Batman show attempts like <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312098/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Birds of Prey</a></i> (2002-2003), only the fans and ratings will tell...<b><i>GOTHAM </i></b>airs Monday nights on FOX 8/7c.<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.fox.com/gotham/">Gotham Official Website</a>, <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/tv/gotham">DC Comics</a>, <a href="http://gotham.wikia.com/wiki/Gotham_Wikia">Gotham Wiki</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-48512351866692858782014-08-28T13:19:00.003-07:002014-08-28T13:19:39.949-07:00Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 1984, a film was released that would defy the boundaries of comedy and horror to become one of the most popular film franchises of the 1980's; that film was <i><b>Ghostbusters!</b> "Who ya gonna call?"<b> </b></i>To celebrate the 30th anniversary of <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ghostbusters</a></i>, the original film has been restored and remastered in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4K_resolution">4K resolution</a> and will be returning to the big screen for a limited engagement starting on August 29th, in theaters during <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/labor-day">Labor Day</a> weekend.<br /><i>Ghostbusters </i>was one of those movies that defined the 1980's and of course my childhood. When I first saw it when I was young, (possibly too young) it stuck with me for the rest of my life. I enjoyed the animated series ("<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090506/">The Real Ghostbusters</a>") from 1986 to 1991, along with the <a href="http://ghostbusters.wikia.com/wiki/Kenner_The_Real_Ghostbusters_Toy_Line">action figure line</a> from Kenner, several <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghostbusters_video_games">video games</a>, and ultimately the release of <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097428/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ghostbusters II</a></i> in 1989. Although the movie is often categorized as a comedy, it's really hard to label its genre. It has elements of intellectual comedy, romance, science-fiction and of course horror. The film's story even borders on "<a href="http://www.hplovecraft.com/">Lovecraftian</a>"-style with elements of ancient supernatural forces such as <i>Zuul </i>and <i>Gozer</i>. I've always loved the character of 'Slimer', who although he was featured i a short sequence in the movie gained a considerable fan following along with his constant presence as the comic relief on the animated series. A little bit of trivia: Dan Aykroyd always referred to Slimer as the ghost of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000004">John Belushi</a>.<br />While the <i>Ghostbusters </i>have stayed alive over the last 30 years, uunfortunately, writer and actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000601/?ref_=tt_ov_wr">Harold Ramis</a> didn't live to see the 30th anniversary, but the rest of the Ghostbusters including <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000195/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Bill Murray</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000101/?ref_=tt_ov_wr">Dan Aykroyd</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001368/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Ernie Hudson</a> are still around to celebrate. For years, there had been rumors that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289401/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Ghostbusters 3</a> was in development, but for now, it is still in the works. Directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0718645">Ivan Reitman</a> and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, <i>Ghostbusters </i>was a truly original, frightening and hilarious movie experience!<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.ghostbusters.com/">Official Ghostbusters Website</a>, <a href="http://www.ghostbustersgame.com/">Ghostbusters Video Game</a>, <a href="http://ghostbusters.wikia.com/wiki/Ghostbusters_Wiki">Ghostbusters Wiki</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-79044417315869413272014-08-13T22:38:00.002-07:002014-08-13T22:41:47.915-07:00Movie Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i><i> </i>fever has struck again! Since the resurgence of the popular franchise and animated series<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>from <a href="http://www.nick.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Nickelodeon</span></a>, the turtles return to the big screen after 20 years with a reboot from director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0509448/?ref_=tt_ov_dr"><span style="color: blue;">Jonathan Liebesman</span></a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1646987/?ref_=nm_knf_t2"><i>Wrath of the Titan</i>s</a> (2012))<b> </b>starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1083271/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Megan Fox</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Will Arnett</a>, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001209/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">William Fichtner</a>.<br />
Years after the death of her father in a lab accident, aspiring TV news reporter April O'Neil (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1083271/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Megan Fox</a>) is <i>hot </i>on the case of a recent crime wave by the infamous Foot Clan. One night she happens upon a robbery at the docks and witnesses a battle between a mysterious vigilante and the criminals. The clan, led by 'The Shredder' (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0556070/?ref_=tt_cl_t11">Tohoru Masamune</a>), and his second in command Karai (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634176/?ref_=tt_cl_t13">Minae Noji</a>), plan to drive the vigilantes out in a subway hostage situation. April stumbles on to their plan and sees not one, but four vigilantes take down the Foot and rescue the hostages! When she follows them to the rooftops she discovers, to her surprise, that the vigilantes are in fact Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! As April soon discovers their mysterious origin and meets their rat master, Splinter (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001724/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Tony Shalhoub</a>), she becomes involved in a plot by Shredder and the Foot to release a biological agent on New York City and the only cure is the green mutagen that flows within the blood of the turtles!<br />
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While the newest TMNT movie has little in common with the 1990 film aside from the central characters, the 2014 movie is much faster-paced, more action-packed with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr2">Michael Bay</a> (one of the producers) style explosions, and overwhelming CGI special effects. Gone are the cute, cartoon-style turtles; the new turtles are bigger, stronger, and even disturbingly realistic. The new turtles also have much more personality than previous incarnations, with each one possessing their own personal accouterments that reflects their individuality. They range from random, found clothing, to various types of armor, decorations, even jewelry and gadgets. With the old turtles, the only way to distinguish them was either by their weapons of choice or their multicolored headbands (which were added in the 1987 animated series, whereas in the original comics, they all wore red). Their personalities however stay true to their origins (as featured in their famous and catchy original theme song) however on a much bigger scale. Leonardo (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424216/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">voiced by Johnny Knoxville</a>) still remains the stalwart leader, whereas Michelangelo (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0279720/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Noel Fisher</a>) is ever the goof-off, comic relief "party dude". Raphael's (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2024927/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Alan Ritchson</a>) demeanor is just as rude ("but cool") and crass as ever, complete with a scarred face and chomping on a toothpick. Donatello's (("does machines") <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0397386/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">voiced by Jeremy Howard</a>) 'nerdiness' is amplified with the addition of huge thick eyeglasses as well as various tech-gadgets attached to his shell. <i>Sensei </i>Splinter plays a much more active role in this movie, no longer the kind and passive teacher, he becomes more of a harsh disciplinarian who can also kick-ass when he needs to. As for the choice of Megan Fox as the damsel-in-distress April O'Neil, (no longer a part of Michael Bay's Transformers franchise since the second film and their <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/530912/megan-fox-talks-overcoming-michael-bay-feud-we-both-have-very-willful-powerful-personalities">supposed feud</a>) plays a less demure female lead, often portraying April as determined and often fool-hearty, willing to do anything for a story. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Will Arnett</a> plays her cameraman Vernon, who was also a supporting character in the original animated series. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001209/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">William Fichtner</a> plays Eric Sacks, a billionaire scientist and socialite who worked with April's father.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan Fox as April O'Neil</td></tr>
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Along with this new movie, this year also marks the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/TMNT-30th-Anniversary/1435182036701497">30th anniversary</a> of the TMNT. Back in 1984, comic book creators <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Eastman"><span style="color: blue;">Kevin Eastman</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Laird"><span style="color: blue;">Peter Laird</span></a> formed an independent comic book company called <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.miragelicensing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Mirage Studios</span></a> </span>and produced a self-published, black & white, comic book entitled <i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i><i style="font-weight: bold;">, </i>little did they know that their small independent comic would spawn even more comic books, cartoons, toys, video games, movies, and countless other forms of merchandise into what would become an immensely successful, world-famous franchise! With the initial "Turtle-mania" sparked by the 1987<i> </i>animated series, (which would last through the late 1980's and into the mid-90's) the franchise has seen it's ups and downs over the years with a recent resurgence with the second animated series in 2003. In 2007 the turtles were given a face-lift and a fully-CGI theatrical movie simply titled <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453556/?ref_=tt_rec_tt">TMNT</a>. While the fans reception was mixed, it would soon spark a new revamped CGI <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877889/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4">animated series</a> on Nickelodeon in 2012.<br />
For many fans of the TMNT, this movie can be seen two ways, while some long-time, hardcore fans may be furiously disappointed about the drastic changes made to the characters that they knew and loved growing up; for the newer, younger fans, this is an enjoyable adaptation of the TMNT franchise. The movie is fun and entertaining and that's what the TMNT are all about. While these characters have grown and changed during the years, the spirit and fun of the turtles has never changed. The turtles themselves have always remained simple and lovable in their own rights.<br />
There is a surprisingly sparse amount of down-time in the new movie for which usually allows for emotional or character development in most films. While the focus is definitely on the action and special effects, the story itself is somewhat predictable and cliche, right down to the stereotypical super-villain desiring destruction right down to a "Today New York City, Tomorrow the world!" mentality. The story moves fairly quickly and rarely slows down, the humor is witty and maybe even a little juvenile, thanks mostly to Michelangelo's cut-ups (I think they even managed to throw in a fart joke somewhere!), as well as their innate love for pizza!<br />
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Overall, <i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> is a fun and entertaining movie! Fans both young and old can enjoy watching it. I felt my own inner 10-year old crack a smile as they cried "Cowabunga!" and fought off a ridiculously, huge Shredder, who possessed enough blades to fill a dozen Swiss-Army knives! I haven't had this much fun at the movies in a long time. Of all the recent remakes of all my favorite childhood toys such as G.I. Joe and Transformers, I think for once, <i>Hollywood</i> got it right and finally gave the fans what they wanted: "TURTLE POWER!" Enjoy your pizza!<br />
<b>LINKS: </b><a href="http://www.teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Official Movie Website</span></a>, <a href="http://www.miragelicensing.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Mirage Group</span></a>, <a href="http://www.nick.com/ninja-turtles/"><span style="color: blue;">Nickelodeon</span></a>, <a href="http://turtlepedia.wikia.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Turtlepedia</span></a></div>
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Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-82379758036973219272014-08-12T22:10:00.001-07:002014-08-13T12:52:40.561-07:00Top 10 Favorite Robin Williams Movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Robin Williams</b> was quite possibly the funniest comedian I have ever seen. I grew up with many of his movies during the 1980's and 90's and now unfortunately, he's gone... I can remember watching reruns of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077053/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_94">Mork & Mindy</a> with my parents and the first movie I remember seeing him in was <i>Popeye </i>(1980). I can remember thinking that he <u>was </u>Popeye. There are so many memorable roles he's played, from the incredibly zany, to the sympathetic, and also even a little dark and scary at times. He was a man with a singularly remarkable talent and the world is a sadder place without him. Although many celebrities, both young and old come and go, we have somehow become used to the idea of those who get caught up in the difficult life of a celebrity and often succumb to their demanding lifestyles and their lives tragically come to an, very often before their time. There are only a few of those who really, truly make such an impact on our lives and make us laugh more than anybody that we can scarcely believe it when they are gone. Although he is gone, we can still remember the great moments and characters he played. To celebrate the life and career of Robin Williams, I wanted to list some of my favorite movies to which he gave me and my family so much joy, happiness, and even tears. CHERNOBOG'S BLOG PRESENTS: Top 10 Favorite Robin Williams Movies...We will miss you.<br>
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#10 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477347/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_21">Night at the Museum</a> (2006) - Although Robin Williams only played a supporting role in these movies, (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2692250/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_2">Night at the Museum 3</a> to be released later this year) with his unique presence and energy, he managed to make one of my favorite U.S. Presidents: Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt come alive, even if he was only a wax statue!<br>
#9 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105629/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_65">Toys </a>(1992) - Robin as Leslie Zevo is one of his strangest and wackiest characters ever. The movie itself is a bizarre experience with a very childlike but also very poignant story.<br>
#8 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116669/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_54">Jack </a>(1996) - Often underrated and criticized, Jack is one of Robin's most hilarious and yet most sympathetic characters as Jack Powell, the boy with a strange illness that makes him age 4X faster than a normal person.<br>
#7 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120889/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_43">What Dreams May Come</a> (1998) - While one of his most unsuccessful movies, possibly due to the intensely deep and disturbing subject matter, Robin stars as Chris Nielsen, a man who dies in a car crash and searches the afterlife for his wife.<br>
#6 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182789/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_38">Bicentennial Man</a> (1999) - Robin stars as Andrew Martin an android who endeavors to become more human.<br>
#5 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081353/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_95">Popeye </a>(1980) - "I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam!" 'Nuff said.<br>
#4 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102057/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_71">Hook </a>(1991) - Robin plays Peter Banning, a grown up Peter Pan who has forgotten his life in Never Land until Capt. Hook (Dustin Hoffman) kidnaps his children forcing him to return is one of my favorite movies of all time.<br>
#3 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103639/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_66">Aladdin </a>(1992) - With his voice giving life to the Genie in one of my favorite Disney animated features, Robin stole the show and created one of the most enigmatic and beloved Disney characters of all time.<br>
#2 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107614/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_64">Mrs. Doubtfire</a> (1993) - Quite possibly one of his most popular and memorable roles, Robin as Daniel Hillard, a divorcee father who disguises himself as an elderly woman is both incredibly hilarious and completely ridiculous at the same time...and that's what makes it his funniest movie ever!<br>
#1 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_77">Dead Poets Society</a> (1989) - This movie inspired me to become a teacher and also gave me a deeper appreciation for both literature and poetry. Robin Williams as John Keating will always be "Oh Captain, My Captain!"<br>
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.robinwilliams.com/">Robin Williams</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/robinwilliams">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilliams">Facebook</a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-89062447405460902742014-08-04T15:00:00.000-07:002014-08-10T14:48:18.497-07:00Movie Review - Guardians of the Galaxy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Within the successful Marvel Studios, a remarkable collection of superheroes has been ingeniously brought together into what we now know as <i>Marvel's The Avengers</i>! As this group of heroes has now been firmly established into the <a href="http://i.annihil.us/u/prod/marvel/i/mg/5/40/4fbaad4f8d5ea.jpg"><span style="color: blue;">Marvel Cinematic Universe</span></a>, a new, even more original team has been introduced into <a href="http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Phase_Two"><span style="color: blue;">Phase 2</span></a> of <a href="http://marvel.com/movies"><span style="color: blue;">Marvel Studio</span></a>'s movie projects with their 10th film: <b><i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i>! </b><br />
Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=tt_cl_t1"><span style="color: blue;">Chris Pratt</span></a>), is a notorious outlaw and thief, who, while stealing a mysterious orb on an abandoned planet, is drawn into a plot of galactic proportions which jeopardizes the fate of the universe! While escaping from the forces of the megalomaniacal Ronan, The Accuser (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1195855/?ref_=tt_cl_t6"><span style="color: blue;">Lee Pace</span></a>); Quill is arrested by the Nova Corps and sentenced to an orbiting penal colony along with the bounty hunters Rocket Raccoon (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0177896/?ref_=tt_cl_t5"><span style="color: blue;">Bradley Cooper</span></a>) & Groot (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t4"><span style="color: blue;">Vin Diesel</span></a>), and the assassin Gamora (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0757855/?ref_=tt_cl_t2"><span style="color: blue;">Zoe Saldana</span></a>). While in prison, he teams up with this motley crew along with Drax, (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1176985/?ref_=tt_cl_t3"><span style="color: blue;">Dave Bautista</span></a>) The Destroyer, who has a grudge against Ronan, and escapes prison to find a way to stop Ronan from getting the orb and destroying the galaxy!<br />
<i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is an epic, space adventure, which combines <i>Star Wars</i>-like Sci-Fi/Fantasy with swashbuckling action, and irreverent humor; combined with a bizarre soundtrack full of 1970's pop-music.<br />
While characters such as Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor have earned their place in pop-culture for the last 50 years, this team is relatively "new" to the Marvel Universe. The original <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardians_of_the_Galaxy_(1969_team)"><span style="color: blue;">Guardians of the Galaxy</span></a></i> appeared in <i>Marvel Super-Heroes</i> #18, 1969 with heroes such as Major Victory, Starhawk, and Yondu. Although they remained a third-string team through much of their history, appearing alongside other major Marvel heroes such as <i>The Avengers,</i> they finally managed to get their own title in 1990 until it was cancelled in 1995. This <i>Guardians </i>however, is NOT that team! This newer <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> team first appeared in 2008 formed in the aftermath of the <i>Annihilation: Conquest</i> story-line in Marvel comics, shortly before the <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2009/08/31/news/companies/disney_marvel/"><span style="color: blue;">Disney acquisition of Marvel Comics</span></a>. The current team in the comics includes Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon & Groot, along with Quasar and Adam Warlock. For the movie's sake, Warlock and Quasar, not to mention Nova, are not present, which leaves room for their appearance (no doubt) in <i>Guardians 2</i>? [Minor Spoilers]: This movie finally features a full (although brief) appearance from the cosmic villain Thanos (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000982/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t75"><span style="color: blue;">Josh Brolin</span></a>), who appeared in the end-credits of <i>Avengers </i>(2012), and also an appearance from The Collector (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001125/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12"><span style="color: blue;">Benicio Del Toro</span></a>) who made an appearance in the end-credits in <i>Thor: The Dark World</i> (2013). A few surprising guest appearances in this movie as other minor characters including <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000335/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11"><span style="color: blue;">Glenn Close</span></a> as Nova Prime, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000604/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t10"><span style="color: blue;">John C. Reily</span></a> as Corpsman Dey and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740264/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7"><span style="color: blue;">Michael Rooker</span></a> as Yondu. While it seemed unbelievable that a talking fully-CG Raccoon could convince an audience and become a fan favorite was a stroke of genius with the combination of state-of-the-art CGI technology and Bradley Cooper's comic talent. Also, despite Groot's three-word vocabulary: "I AM GROOT!", this seemingly one dimensional (or "wooden") character voiced by action-star Vin Diesel, is the source of much of the pathos in the team. While actress Zoe Saldana is often comfortable in Sci-Fi franchises (<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0796366/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"><span style="color: blue;">Star Trek</span></a></i>) as well as colorful-skinned aliens (<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1"><span style="color: blue;">Avatar</span></a></i>), she holds her own as a strong and complicated woman. While there are few differences from the comic book, one most crucial being that making Star-Lord a space-pirate and not the interplanetary policeman he was meant to be.<br />
Full of Sci-Fi/Fantasy action, humor, and wonder, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is a new and impressive addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe which, although has been growing in popularity, has also been suffering from lack-luster sequels to make way for their bigger titles while still mired in legal mumbo-jumbo between Disney, Sony and 20th Century Fox on the rest of their comic properties. When <i>Guardians </i>was first announced, I admit, I was not very impressed; convinced that Marvel had finally reached the bottom of the barrel on characters NOT owned by other studios. And along with the controversy from <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/180/ant-man" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;">Ant-Man</span></a><i> </i>(2015) director <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942367/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Edgar Wright</a> </span><a href="http://screenrant.com/ant-man-director-edgar-wright-exits/"><span style="color: blue;">dropping out</span> </a></span>of the scene, it seemed that Marvel had hit a huge speed-bump. Despite a lack of a clear plot, whether it is the unique combination of colorful characters, tongue-in-cheek humor, Sci-Fi action and special effects, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is a truly fun and entertaining movie, plain and simple. While Sony still clings to the Spider-Man franchise, and Fox runs the X-Men franchise into the ground, Marvel is still at the top of the blockbuster game, and until the fanboys (like myself) are satiated until <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/193/avengers_age_of_ultron"><span style="color: blue;">Avengers: Age of Ultron</span></a> comes out in 2015, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> is number one (for now), having already earned $94 million in its first week!<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/179/guardians_of_the_galaxy"><span style="color: blue;">Marvel.com</span></a>, <a href="http://marvel.com/guardians"><span style="color: blue;">Official Guardians Movie Website</span></a>, <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/Guardians_of_the_Galaxy"><span style="color: blue;">Marvel Wikia</span></a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-35763972448572678452014-07-31T15:13:00.002-07:002014-08-04T13:25:03.033-07:00Comic-Con 2014: Top 10 Upcoming Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Comic-Con time again! The International Comic Con happened in San Diego this weekend and bringing with it even more previews and news of some of the biggest pop-culture events coming in the next few years! Hollywood and TV have dominated Comic-Con over the last decade and there is no lack of big announcements from movies and TV projects. Last year I posted about the upcoming events announced at <a href="http://chernobogslair.blogspot.com/2013/07/comic-con-2013-top-13-upcoming-events.html">San Diego Comic-Con 2013</a>, so I thought I would follow up with this years events. CHERNOBOG'S BLOG PRESENTS: Comic-Con 2014: Top 10 Upcoming Events! Enjoy!<br />
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<i>#10 </i><i>Interstellar </i>(2014) - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Christopher Nolan</a> directs a new science-fiction epic starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000190/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Matthew McConaughey</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004266/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Anne Hathaway</a> where a group of explorers discover a wormhole in space that allows them to travel the furthest reaches of space.<br />
#9 <i>Godzilla 2</i> (2017?) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284484/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Gareth Edwards</a> unveiled his plans for the sequel to this years Godzilla reboot and rumors circulate of the appearances of even more <i>kaiju</i> monsters!<br />
#8 <i>Mad Max: Fury Road</i> (2015) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004306/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">George Miller</a> previewed his new Mad Max reboot/sequel starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0362766/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Tom Hardy</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000234/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Charlize Theron</a>.<br />
#7 <i>Wonder Woman</i> (2017?) - DC has announced that the Amazon warrior, played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2933757/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Gal Gadot</a>, will finally make it to theaters despite her failed TV series. Wonder Woman will soon join Batman and Superman in a rumored Justice League movie!<br />
#6 <i>The Walking Dead</i>: Season 5 (October 2014) - The remaining survivors have made it to "Terminus" and it's not what they expected!<br />
#5 <i>Ant-Man</i> (2015) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715636/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Peyton Reed</a> brings the newest Marvel hero movie to the screen (after <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942367/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Edgar Wright </a>dropped out), starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0748620/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Paul Rudd</a> as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000140/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Michael Douglas</a> as Hank Pym.<br />
#4 <i>Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice</i> (2016) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811583/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Zack Snyder</a> returns with a DC heroe extravaganza with Henry Cavill reprising his role as Superman, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000255/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Ben Affleck</a> as Batman, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2933757/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Gal Gadot</a> as Wonder Woman, also rumored as Aquaman, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0597388/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Jason Mamoa</a>!<br />
#3 DC Comics TV Series (2014) - While Marvel has dominated the big screen, DC has taken over the small screen with continuing their highly acclaimed <i>Arrow</i> series with Season 3, and announcing the premieres this Fall for three more DC inspired titles including <i>Gotham</i>, <i>The Flash</i>, and <i>Constantine!</i><br />
#2 <i>The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies</i> (2014) - The finale to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001392/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Peter Jackson</a>'s (<i>The Lord of the Rings Trilogy</i>) Hobbit Trilogy comes to an epic conclusion with the dwarves battling to reclaim the Lonely Mountain as fending off all of Middle Earth from their home and Bilbo caught up in the middle of it all!<br />
#1 <i>Avengers: Age of Ultron</i> (2015) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0923736/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Joss Whedon</a> returns to direct the sequel to his 2012 superhero epic! The team lead by Nick Fury including Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye, with new additions Quicksilver (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1093951/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</a>) and Scarlet Witch (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0647634/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Elizabeth Olsen</a>), (and possibly The Vision!) reunite to battle Ultron (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000652/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">James Spader</a>/<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0785227/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Andy Serkis</a>?)!<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/cci">ComicCon.org</a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-63192857043705823402014-07-14T16:07:00.000-07:002014-07-14T16:07:01.619-07:00TV Review: The Strain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span abp="760">The horror/thriller genre is on the rise on </span>prime-time Cable TV with the success of series like <i><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead">The Walking Dead</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/ahs/">American Horror Story</a>.</i> The newest series,<span abp="760"> <b style="font-style: italic;">The Strain,</b></span> which premiered Sunday, July 13th on the <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/">FX Network</a>, is based on the horror/thriller novel series written by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0868219/">Guillermo del Toro</a> and <a href="http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Chuck-Hogan/23149246">Chuck Hogan</a>.<i>The Strain</i> explores the age-old vampire genre with a modern virus-outbreak twist. It promises to be the newest Sunday night thrill, possibly even competing with the return of AMC's <i>The Walking Dead </i>in October.<br />When a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_777">Boeing 777</a> from Berlin to New York goes dark on the runway at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JFK_Airport">JFK airport</a>, the authorities contact Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1015684/?ref_=tt_cl_t29">Corey Stoll</a>), the head of the CDC team in New York City to investigate. Along with his partners Nora Martinez (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0535502/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t23">Mia Maestro</a>) and Jim Kent (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000276/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11">Sean Astin</a>) the team find all but four out of over 200 passengers alive on the plane that died from an unknown biological agent. The team also discover a strange, large, carved, wooden box in the cargo hold filled with soil. The only explanation come from the supposed ravings of an elderly pawn-shop owner named Abraham Setrakian (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0103195/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1">David Bradley</a>) with talk of vampires! In the next 24 hours Dr. Goodweather and his team will come face-to-face with the most virulent plague in the history of the world that threatens to destroy the entire human race!<br />
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Writer/director Guillermo del Toro and author Chuck Hogan serve as both co-creators, executive producers and writers for <i abp="762">The Strain</i>, also co-writing the pilot script for <span abp="762">the show</span>, which was also directed by del Toro. Emmy Award winning writer and producer <a href="https://twitter.com/CarltonCuse">Carlton Cuse</a> (<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2188671/?ref_=nm_knf_t2">Bates Motel</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411008/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Lost</a></i>) serves as executive producer and writer. <i abp="762">The Strain </i><span abp="762">is a "high-concept thriller" based on the trilogy of books which have already gained popularity and even a series of comic book adaptations from <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/">Dark Horse Comics</a>. Director Guillermo del Toro is no stranger to the vampire genre with his films such as <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187738/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_11">Blade II</a></i> (2002) and <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104029/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_14">Cronos </a></i>(1993) and bringing the new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virology">virology</a> element to the vampire myth. So far, the show follows the books fairly closely however there are a few added elements to the characters as well as the plot and a somewhat lack of attention to the solar eclipse which occurs in the beginning of the first book yet has little to no mention in the first show other than a brief glimpse of an advertisement in the airport. The casting for <i>The Strain</i> compliments both their book versions as well as their comic book adaptations. While the surprising casting of Sean Astin as Jim Kent, a somewhat minor character in the book, may reveal a possible stronger role in the TV series. The major focus of the virus outbreak is on the mysterious "blood worms" which appear in much of the shows promotional material, which from a fan's point-of-view of the books, appear much bigger than they seemed in the books. The brief yet satisfying glimpse of 'The Master', the head vampire, is equally impressive and terrifying along with the character of Eldritch Palmer (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0404993/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t19">Jonathan Hyde</a>) is a perfect match. With the modern setting of the series mixed with the fascination of vampires provides a fresh view on the vampire genre which has been redundantly dominated by the more teenage/sparkly variety of vamp from the popularity of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.breakingdawn-themovie.com%2F&ei=Q1_EU7aRMsyuyATj0oDQAw&usg=AFQjCNGkjTaEkygrzodtaJN1EfZCQgQnkA&sig2=JGsbmOSYkZgRUmXHFjR4dA&bvm=bv.70810081,d.aWw">Twilight </a>books and movies, as well as in TV with shows like <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries">The Vampire Diaries</a> and it's spin-off <a href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-originals">The Originals</a>. As a fan of the books and comics, I've been looking forward to the premiere of <i>The Strain</i> for quite a while now, and upon seeing the Pilot, I have no doubt that this series will soon take off and add a whole new level of terror and anticipation to Sunday prime-time! <i>The Strain</i> has spread...</span></div>
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/thestrain/">The Strain Official Website</a>, <a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/9780061558238/the-strain">The Strain Books</a>, <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/26-310/The-Strain-Volume-1-HC">The Strain Comic Books</a>, <a href="http://deltorofilms.com/">Del Toro Films</a></div>
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Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-91676245843793526262014-07-06T13:56:00.000-07:002014-07-06T14:04:22.284-07:00Movie Review - Transformers: Age of Extinction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIToIQ1c9LLaMX6Uzu8CcmX6A1tZiN-KhGtPdxGib3kb39nc9jctsNxytUGBI0EZG1xXhAIztLTra4G8SpwqcDzJbYQXuxguVCXFc8S_gdxDEVbg6c_xq4VZ_A-oYnVJS60zia0QW_zLg/s1600/transformers_age_of_extinction_movie_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIToIQ1c9LLaMX6Uzu8CcmX6A1tZiN-KhGtPdxGib3kb39nc9jctsNxytUGBI0EZG1xXhAIztLTra4G8SpwqcDzJbYQXuxguVCXFc8S_gdxDEVbg6c_xq4VZ_A-oYnVJS60zia0QW_zLg/s1600/transformers_age_of_extinction_movie_poster.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Just when you thought the <i>Transformers</i> franchise had come to an end with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399103/?ref_=nm_knf_t2">Dark of the Moon</a> (2011), the master of slow-motion explosions, director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000881/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Michael Bay</a>, returns with <b><u>Transformers: Age of Extinction</u>! </b>Longer, darker and with even bigger <i>Transformers </i>than ever seen before, <i>Age of Extinction</i> is the fourth in the franchise of <i>Transformers </i>movies which began in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418279/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">2007</a>. With the trilogy ended, so did the involvement of actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0479471/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Shia LeBeouf</a>, who starred as Sam Witwicky in the first three <i>Transformers </i>movies. <u>Age of Extinction</u> takes place several years after the events of <i>Dark of the Moon</i>, dubbed the "Battle of Chicago", where the Transformers have now become public knowledge and are now feared and hunted down by the government. Particularly one Black Ops team known as KSI, led by CIA Agent Harold Attinger (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001288/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Kelsey Grammer</a>), is in charge of destroying both <i>Autobots</i> and <i>Decepticons</i>, having allied themselves with a group of ruthless Transformer bounty-hunters led by <i>Lockdown </i>(voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0752699/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t67">Mark Ryan</a>). Along with the government's involvement, a wealthy techno-industrialist Joshua Joyce's (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001804/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2">Stanley Tucci</a>) company is developing their own Transformers reverse-engineered from the captured remnants of the Transformers to build <i>Stinger </i>and <i>Galvatron</i> (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919798/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t62">Frank Welker</a>)! Meanwhile, in rural Texas, Cade Yaeger (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000242/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Mark Wahlberg</a>), an unemployed salvager and robotics inventor has found what is left of <i>Optimus Prime</i> (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0191520/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t61">Peter Cullen</a>) after a battle which left him nonfunctional. As Cade tries to repair Optimus, the government becomes aware of Optimus' location and send the Black Ops team to destroy him. Now Cade, his daughter Tessa (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2443758/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4">Nicola Peltz</a>), and her boyfriend Jack (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0460420/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5">Shane Dyson</a>) are on the run with Optimus to try and find what is left of the Autobots and stop Lockdown!<br />
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Along with Autobot favorite Bumblebee, there a few new additions to the Transformers roster including original G1 favorite <i>Hound </i>(voiced by<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000422/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t63"> John Goodman</a>), the samurai-bot <i>Drift</i> (voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913822/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t64">Ken Watanabe</a>) and <i>Crosshairs </i>(voiced by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0224007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t66">John DiMaggio</a>) not to mention this movies biggest surprise is the inclusion of the <i>Dinobots</i>, (fan-favorites from the cartoon/toys) including Grimlock! Despite all the violence, explosions, exotic locations (Hong Kong) and all-out Autobot-action, this movie seemed to be a much more satisfying successor to the last few <i>Transformers </i>movies, especially the disappointing sequel <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055369/?ref_=nv_sr_4">Revenge of the Fallen</a> (2009). Aside from the obvious improvements, this movie however has a very ominous and darker tone than the other movies some of the humor that pervades the movies is lessened somewhat in favor of a much grittier feel as the Transformers, particularly the Autobots were regarded as heros in the others, now they are fugitives! Even Optimus Prime, whose character has always been the honorable, stalwart protector has been defeated both physically and in spirit that he has become an angry killer, bent on revenge for his fallen comrades. The dark/violent atmosphere is present in the more-violent battles, and the surprising repetition of lines like "I'm going to kill you!" and "Die!" from <i>Optimus </i>himself! While it is understandable how Optimus must feel after the literal genocide of his Autobot allies, it is to some extreme how his character has changed drastically. As for fan-service the inclusion of the Dinobots (which I myself have been looking forward to seeing ever since the trailer: Optimus riding Grimlock! Awesome!) is very satisfying as well as the inclusion of celebrity voices like John Goodman and Ken Watanabe in the cast. The biggest surprise was the return of famous voice actor Frank Welker to the <i>Transformers </i>cast who was the voice of Megatron in the cartoons (in the last three movies <i>Megatron</i> was voiced by actor <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915989/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t80">Hugo Weaving</a>) now as Galvatron, ironically played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000559/?ref_=nmbio_trv_2">Leonard Nimoy</a> in the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092106/?ref_=nmbio_trv_2">1986 animated movie</a>, who voiced in <i>Sentinel Prime</i> in <i>Dark of the Moon</i>. While I am pleased to no longer have to see Shia's hyperactive screaming on screen I was not too excited to have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marky_Mark_and_the_Funky_Bunch">Marky Mark</a> be the new human star of the Transformers franchise for his former failures in movies like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133152/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_30">Planet of the Apes</a> (2001), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0949731/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_20">The Happening</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637725/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ted</a>, he has more popular screen credits than Shia anyway. Overall <i>Age of Extinction</i> is an impressive, action-packed, special-effects nightmare, thrill ride! As a fan of the <i>Transformers </i>since my childhood in the 80's I can see these movies not as the over-budgeted, CGI-crazy blockbusters that they are and relish in the pure fun and excitement that my inner child and adult self can enjoy and have fun watching them.I still smile every time I see a Transformer transform, and I cheer quietly to myself when I see Optimus defeat a Decepticon. While the success of these films may vary from movie to movie and Michael Bay enjoys the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2014/07/06/michael-bay-embraces-the-capitalism-of-the-transformers-films/">mixed criticisms</a> of his film franchise, I will still keep wanting to come back to see them. (unless he tries to kill off Optimus again!)<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.transformersmovie.com/">TransformersMovie.com</a>, <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/">Hasbro</a>, <a href="http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/">BotCon</a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-69551614130663425052014-06-23T15:30:00.000-07:002014-07-31T15:38:29.053-07:0025th Anniversary of Batman (1989)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Today marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most iconic superhero/comic book movies ever made. <u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096895/?ref_=nv_sr_3"><i><b>Batman </b></i></a></u>(1989) changed the way superhero and comic book movies were seen and started off a whole new era of "Batmania!" <i>Batman </i>(1989) was released on June 23, 1989 through <a href="http://www.warnerbros.com/">Warner Bros.</a> Pictures. Directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000318/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Tim Burton</a>, it starred <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000474/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Michael Keaton</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000197/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Jack Nicholson</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000107/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Kim Basinger</a>. Like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/?ref_=nv_sr_3">Superman </a>(1978) before it, <i>Batman </i>had a big budget, experienced director, Hollywood star quality celebrities and gritty, realistic edge that audiences could relate to. Gone were the 60's era campy action, Batman would return to his darker roots. I consider this movie to be one of my favorite movies of all time, as it would come to define my childhood and teenage years and inspire my already fervent love for comic books and superheroes. I had watched the Saturday morning cartoons (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069641/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Super Friends</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088619/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Super Powers</a>) and watched reruns of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059968/?ref_=nm_knf_i1">1960's TV show</a> of my Dad's generation. But when I first saw this <i>Batman </i>in the Summer of 1989, around my 10th birthday, from that day on, I was a "Bat-Fan" and this was MY <i>Batman</i>!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joker & Batman</td></tr>
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My family have always loved movies, already a fan of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Star Trek movies, and the like. To celebrate mine and my Mom's birthday (3 days apart) my parents and I decided to have a movie marathon at one of our local movie theaters. That Saturday we watched some of the biggest movies of the Summer all in one Saturday (at that time movie tickets were about $3 or $4) including: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097428/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Ghostbusters II</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098382/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Star Trek V</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097576/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</a>, and of course, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096895/?ref_=rvi_tt">Batman</a>!<br />
Little did I know, I was already a fan of Tim Burton's films, having little awareness of director's and actor's involvement with movies. I had enjoyed his previous films <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089791/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_21">Pee-Wee's Big Adventure</a> (1985) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_18">Beetlejuice </a>(1988). I even recognized Michael Keaton from one of my parent's favorite comedies <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085970/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Mr. Mom</a> (1983) however, I had not seen some of the more mature movies that Jack Nicholson was famous for like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073486/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_34">One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest</a> (1975) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_30">The Shining</a> (1980). I can remember before the movie was released, critics and people were talking how Michael Keaton was a poor choice to play the Dark Knight and it had been announced that Robin Williams was set to play the Joker.<br />
I was engrossed in the dark tone of the story, the action, the excitement, Batman's cool gadgets, and of course: The Batmobile! The new Joker was scary and deeply disturbing, no longer the mustachioed and hyperactive <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003110/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Caesar Romero</a> of the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060153/?ref_=nm_knf_i2">60's</a>, this Joker had a more sinister edge and made me wonder if there were really people like that who killed people for fun. Clowns already scared me and I admit to this day, I have never seen Stephen King's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099864/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">IT </a>in it's entirety. The music was a big part of the experience, and with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000384/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Danny Elfman</a>'s powerful and haunting, bellicose theme, I was drawn into to the action. I think the biggest reason this Batman still resonates today after 25 years is it's originality and timelessness of the movie. Although the additional 80's music by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(album)">Prince</a> dates it horribly, much of the movie seems to jump right out of the 1940's comic books. It has a noir feel to it as a lot of the characters, detectives and gangsters even wear suits and trench-coats. The city is dark and gritty, with a Gothic style of architecture to it, thanks to Tim Burton's style and production designer Anton Furst. While a lot of the technology Batman uses is also very dated, it remains a very small part of the movie. At the time I had no idea what liberties Burton had taken with Batman's origins and looking back, the choice to make Joker aka Jack Napier, his parent's killer was interesting yet confusing. <i>Batman </i>(1989) still remains my favorite Batman movie, while the franchise declined after <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001708/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Joel Schumacher</a> destroyed it, the recent <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Christopher Nolan</a> trilogy has brought it back up to it's level, but in my opinion will never truly surpass the 1989 film.<br />
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"Batman is very extreme and I love extreme characters. A man who dresses up as a bat and his arch rival who is transformed into a clown are very popular images and one of the reasons why Batman remains so popular. Batman is not a super-hero, he's not a guy from another planet. So I like to take a straightforward approach and just present it." - Tim Burton</div>
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<b>LINKS: </b><a href="http://www.dccomics.com/characters/batman">Batman DC Comics</a>,<b> </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/batmanmovieofficial">Batman Official Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.warnervideo.com/batmanmoviesondvd/">Batman on Warner Bros.</a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-28724007855624491942014-06-13T00:13:00.000-07:002014-06-13T00:13:00.584-07:00 Friday the 13th: Top 10 Jason Voorhees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's <b>Friday the 13th</b> and you know what that means...<i>Friday the 13th</i> Marathon! The <i>Friday the 13th</i> slasher-horror franchise has been scaring audiences (and murdering teenagers!) for the last 34 years! While everyone has their favorite movie or scene, only the hardcore fans have their favorite Jason Voorhees...and that's why this Friday the 13th CHERNOBOG'S BLOG celebrates the men (and boys) who portrayed the machete-wielding, hockey-mask wearing, (and possibly misunderstood) mass-murderer. CHERNOBOG'S BLOG PRESENTS: Friday the 13th - Top 10 Jason Voorhees!<br />
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#10 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0333951/">C.J. Graham</a> - C.J. was the 6th actor to play Jason in <i>Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI (1986).</i> C.J. also appears in flashback footage in Part VII and a short entitled <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1894479/">Jason Vs. Leatherface</a> (2003).<br />
#9 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925500/">Ted White</a> -As one of the many actors who played Jason in <i>Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter </i>(1984) he was also uncredited and according to <a href="http://www.fangoria.com/"><i>Fangoria</i> </a>magazine, the role made him feel "uneasy",<i> </i>thus he insisted his name be removed from the credits. He went on to appear in other popular 1980's movies <i>Tron </i>(1982) and <i>Starman</i> (1984).<br />
#8 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111777/">Richard Brooker</a> - Richard was discovered in a casting magazine called "Dramalogue" and became the first Jason to wear the iconic hockey mask in the originally 3-D, <i>Friday the 13th Part 3</i> (1982)!<br />
#7 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0319068/">Warrington Gillette</a> - As the second actor to play Jason Voorhees, he originally auditioned for the roll of Paul in <i>Friday the 13th Part 2 </i>(1981) but director Steve Miner was impressed with him and offered him the part of Jason instead. Although he is credited as Jason, he only appeared in the final scene when he jumps through the window.<br />
#6 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0604426/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t34">Tom Morga</a> - <i>Friday the 13th: A New Beginning</i> (1985) Tom portrayed Jason (uncredited) during flashbacks and was also the stunt-double for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0927199/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t27">Dick Wieand</a> who played Roy, the copycat killer.<br />
#5 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201977/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Steve Dash</a> (aka Steve Daskawisz) - While he is technically the third actor to play Jason, Steve appeared in most of <i>Friday the 13th Part 2</i> (1981) except for the final scene which was played and credited to Warrington Gillette.<br />
#4 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0575216/">Derek Mears</a> - The latest addition to the Voorhees brotherhood and 8th actor to portray Jason, Derek appeared in the 2009 remake/reboot <i>Friday the 13th</i> starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0655585/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Jared Padalecki</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Supernatural</a>).<br />
#3 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0457090/">Ken Kirzinger</a> - In 2003, New Line Cinema pitted their two horror franchises against each other in the ultimate heavy-weight fight that is <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0329101/">Freddy Vs. Jason</a>, </i>directed by Hong Kong action filmmaker <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0950553/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Ronny Yu</a><i> . </i>At 6'5", Ken is the tallest actor to play Jason and rumor has it, appeared in full costume at a dentist's office to have dental work done. At the end of the film (among the many proposed alternate endings) Jason emerges from Crystal Lake victorious, holding the decapitated head of Freddy Krueger (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000387/?ref_=tt_ov_st">Robert Englund</a>), although he winks at the camera as a send off being his final performance as Freddy!<br />
#2 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0499614/">Ari Lehman</a> - <i>Friday the 13th </i>(1980) First in the Top 10 Jason's is the boy, who at the age of 14 played the role of the first Jason Voorhees whose brief appearance in the surprise ending of the film left the audience both in terror and wonder. As of 2009 Ari performs with his horror rock band "<a href="http://www.firstjason.com/">First Jason</a>".<br />
#1 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0387987/">Kane Hodder</a> - The most popular Jason Voorhees, Kane has played Jason in four films including <i>Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood </i>(1988),<i> </i><i>Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan </i>(1989),<i> Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday </i>(1993)<i> </i>and<i> Jason X </i>(2001). <u>Fun Fact</u>: Kane also appeared as Jason on an episode of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096537/">The Arsenio Hall Show</a> in 1989.<br />
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<b>BONUS: </b>Jason Voorhees Body Count = 167 people!</div>
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<b>LINKS:</b> <a href="http://fridaythe13thfilms.com/">Friday the 13th Films</a>, <a href="http://fridaythe13th.wikia.com/">Friday the 13th Wiki</a>, <a href="http://www.wbshop.com/product/friday+the+13th-+the+complete+collection+%28bd%29+blu-ray+1000408970.do?green=F9773410-5A04-5079-AED4-2FEE2D6D9988">WB Shop</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-85964078678034937282014-06-08T13:23:00.002-07:002014-06-08T13:29:09.321-07:00Star Wars Weekends 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another Summer, another <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/?CMP=SOC-DPFY14Q1RebelAllianceAddsStarWarsWknd2014000121-02-14"><b>Star Wars Weekends</b></a> at <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/">Walt Disney World</a>'s <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/">Hollywood Studios</a>! This was my 5th time to experience Star Wars Weekends since my first in 2008. Every year seems to get better and better with more guests, more events, and even more surprises! This years' theme "Join The Rebellion" coincided with the announcement of <a href="http://disneyxd.disney.com/star-wars-rebels">Disney XD</a>'s newest animated series <a href="https://starwars.com/explore/star-wars-rebels/">Star Wars Rebels</a>, premiering this Fall. Leading up to Star Wars Weekends, Disney hosted an exclusive <a href="http://www.disneyparksmerchandise.com/events/rebel-rendezvous-announcement/?instance_id=">Rebel Rendezvous</a> on May 15th to give fans an early preview of Star Wars Weekends merchandise available! Although Star Wars Weekends takes place from May 16 to June 15 this year, I was only able to go to the parks on May 23-25. Hosted by <a href="http://www.jamesarnoldtaylor.com/jamesarnoldtaylor.com/Home.html">James Arnold Taylor</a> (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on <a href="https://starwars.com/explore/the-clone-wars/">Clone Wars</a>) this weekends guests featured <a href="http://www.ashleyeckstein.com/">Ashley Eckstein</a> (voice of Ashoka Tano on <a href="https://starwars.com/explore/the-clone-wars/">Clone War</a>s), also <a href="http://www.warwickdavis.co.uk/">Warwick Davis</a> (Wicket (Ewok) Star Wars Eps. VI), <a href="http://www.jeremybulloch.com/">Jeremy Bulloch</a> (Boba Fett, Star Wars Eps. V & VI) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1587188/">Tiya Sircar</a> (voice of Sabine Wren, Star Wars Rebels). I got to meet Jeremy Bulloch and got a picture and autograph from Boba Fett himself! Since the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/30/disney-star-wars-lucasfilm/1669739/">acquisition of Lucasfilm</a>, Disney has some big plans for Star Wars but it has very little affect on the already successful Star Wars fan event. If anything, we shall no doubt see even more additions and special events to future Star Wars Weekends. One of the biggest draws for Star Wars fans and Disney collectors alike is of course all of the exclusive <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend-merchandise/">merchandise </a>available at "Darth's Mall". Some of this year's items included special pin lanyards that look like the medals Luke and Han (but not Chewbacca!) were awarded in Eps. IV. Also available at "Ackbar's Snackbar" were limited edition Darth Vader popcorn buckets and Stormtrooper mugs, (which unfortunately sold-out very quickly!). One of the most unique additions to this year's Star Wars Weekends was through the augmented reality app <a href="http://www.aurasma.com/">Aurasma </a>where you can view special animations and videos just by scanning certain images on Star Wars Weekends merchandise.<br />
Surprisingly, Disney <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/02/the-rebel-alliance-adds-another-weekend-to-star-wars-weekends-2014-in-response-to-a-decree-issued-by-the-evil-sith-emperor-palpatine/">added another weekend</a> to Star Wars Weekends which featured a VERY special celebrity guest: Luke Skywalker himself, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000434/">Mark Hamil</a> from June 6-8. Also appearing was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001850/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Billy Dee Williams</a> (Lando Calrissian) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0661917/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Ray Park</a> (Darth Maul, Eps. I) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2342402/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Taylor Gray</a> (voice of Ezra Bridger, Star Wars Rebels).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXM3zEBSTr4bz_uRdxQ0s2ZANK4K_4rDqQDstWFG8IzjmTYd6IdJmRb8msdAidbHZPBS2Oa-zw8F6o3tuCL2BrhP5qTCdbo02KM_I73y5Lb7yjoZDiQ1brqL35f4ZRhB-aCYt9AqdnEk/s1600/character-meet-star-wars-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXM3zEBSTr4bz_uRdxQ0s2ZANK4K_4rDqQDstWFG8IzjmTYd6IdJmRb8msdAidbHZPBS2Oa-zw8F6o3tuCL2BrhP5qTCdbo02KM_I73y5Lb7yjoZDiQ1brqL35f4ZRhB-aCYt9AqdnEk/s1600/character-meet-star-wars-00.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Unfortunately, I was unable to go to this weekends' event. The unfortunate thing about Star Wars Weekends is they don't announce the weekends where specific celebrities are scheduled to appear until only a few weeks before the event which makes vacation planning for those who live in other states virtually impossible and only the luck of the draw (or belief in the Force!) will you be able to see the celebrities you want. I had already met <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001116/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Warwick Davis</a> in a previous events along with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000355/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Anthony Daniels</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0562679/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Peter Mayhew</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0661917/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1">Ray Park</a>. Star Wars Weekends has many <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekends-shows/">events and special shows</a> to see during the weekend including Legends of the Force: Celebrity Motorcade, the Padawan Mind Challenge, celebrity talk-shows, and more! Not to mention the other Star Wars events available year-round such as the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/star-tours/">Star Tours</a> ride and the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/star-wars-jedi-training-academy/">Jedi Training Academy</a>. Possibly the best event for this years Star Wars Weekends was the addition of a nightly music and fireworks show called "Symphony in the Stars", which was an impressive and wonderful end to Star Wars Weekends!<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><u>LINKS</u>:</b> <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/?CMP=SOC-DPFY14Q1RebelAllianceAddsStarWarsWknd2014000121-02-14" style="text-decoration: underline;">Disney's Star Wars Weekends</a>, <a href="http://starwars.com/" style="text-decoration: underline;">StarWars.com</a>, <a href="http://disney.com/">Disney.com</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-54551053452657838542014-05-29T16:41:00.000-07:002014-05-29T16:46:24.643-07:00Summer Blockbusters: May Reviews<b>The Summer Blockbusters</b> have arrived!!! Every month in Summer holds more excitement and hype that my movie reviews can't be contained in just one blog entry, so I've decided to give each month it's due with brief reviews of my favorites. Let's kick-off the Summer with May's releases: Enjoy!<br />
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<i><b>THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2</b></i> <b>(2014)</b>- Directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1989536/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Mark Webb</a>, this squeal to 2012's <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/133/the_amazing_spider-man">The Amazing Spider-Man</a> establishes the new franchise trilogy with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1940449/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Andrew Garfield</a> as the new "Amazing" Spider-Man! This movie sees the return to the classic Spider-Man costume instead of the more "modern" costume in the last movie. As Peter Parker graduates High School, he is kindling his relationship with Gwen Stacey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1297015/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Emma Stone</a>) while still trying to be a superhero, while he's haunted by the death of Gwen's father Captain Stacey (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001459/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Denis Leary</a>) at the hands (or claws) of The Lizard, who Peter promised to leave alone! This new movie introduces a new villain Electro, played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004937/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jamie Foxx</a>, as Max Dillon, a socially awkward and eccentric electrical engineer at OSCORP, who's obsessed with Spider-Man, after being saved by Spider-Man from a speeding armored truck, he later falls in a tank of electric eels and becomes Electro, able to absorb and project large amounts of (blue) electricity! Thinking Spider-Man either tricked him or forgot about him in his deranged mind he goes on a rampage sucking power from New York City. Meanwhile, Peter's childhood friend Harry Osborn (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2851530/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Dane DeHaa</a>n) returns as his father Norman Osborn lays dying from a mysterious disease, and it just so happens that Harry is also afflicted with the disease that coincidentally Peter's father was working on a cure before he disappeared! As Peter and Harry both realize the only thing that can possibly cure Harry is Peter's spider-infected blood, Peter has to decide whether or not to risk his secret identity which may or may not save his friends life! With this movie we've started off the multiple villains angle way to early as we deal mostly with Electro throughout the movie we are introduced to new villains including the new Green Goblin and a few brief cameos (which I will not spoil) leading into the next movie. Overall Electro makes for a weak addition to the new Spider-Man franchise. While many fans including myself were disappointed with the Lizard in the last one, it seems the movies have begun to dig at the bottom of the barrel for Spider-Man villains, while Spider-Man has always been known for his colorful rogue's gallery, yet not too many of them could possibly carry an entire movie. That is why the next logical step would be to introduce many villains in the next movie, namely "<a href="http://marvel.com/universe/Sinister_Six">The Sinister Six</a>". While this seems promising for my fellow Spidey "fanboys" out there, it doesn't necessarily lend itself to a good movie. When is more villains, too many, when we introduce too many characters we become <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118688/?ref_=nv_sr_3">Batman & Robin</a> </i>(1997), lets not forget it hasn't been that long since the disaster that was <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413300/?ref_=nv_sr_2" style="font-style: italic;">Spider-Man 3</a> (2006).<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.theamazingspiderman.com/">Official Website</a>, <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/211/the_amazing_spider-man_2">Marvel.com</a></div>
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<b><i>GODZILLA </i>(2014)</b> - When news first came out of the new Godzilla movie, fans were both excited and skeptical, since the epic-failure of 1998's <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120685/?ref_=nv_sr_2">Godzilla</a> directed by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000386/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Roland Emmerich</a> and the 2004 release of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399102/?ref_=nv_sr_3">Godzilla: Final Wars</a>, marking Godzilla's 50th Anniversary, it seemed that a new Godzilla would never be made. Through all the pre-production and production difficulties, it was finally announced that <a href="http://www.legendary.com/home">Legendary Pictures</a> and Warner Bros. with rookie director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284484/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Gareth Edwards</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1470827/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Monsters </a>(2010) would bring Godzilla back from the depths. While the movie appears like a Godzilla reboot it actually draws upon previous Godzilla films and story-lines making it seem relevant to the long tradition including a reference to a discovery of a large creature in the Pacific Ocean in 1954 and the discovery of a colossal skeleton in a mine in the Philippines in 1999. While many Godzilla movies feature a seemingly unbeatable <i>Kaiju</i> monster, which no one can defeat except of course for Godzilla, who, throughout his long 60 year history went from nature-avenging destructor to civilization-saving hero! The movie begins with tragedy at the Janjira nuclear plant in Japan where a supposed meltdown attributed to an earthquake is the cause of a area-wide quarantine. Plant supervisor Joe Brody (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0186505/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Bryan Cranston</a>) loses his wife in the disaster and feels guilty for sending her to his death. 15-years later, Joe is still trying to uncover the conspiracy of the disaster. After having been arrested for trespassing his son Ford (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1093951/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</a>), a Navy EOD now living in San Francisco with his family, goes to Japan to bailout his father. There Joe and Ford attempt to return to Janjira and uncover the truth. As they are captured (again), we also meet Dr. Ishiro Serizawa (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913822/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Ken Watanabe</a>) who studied the skeleton in 1999 and reveals that the disaster was caused by an unknown creature designated MUTO, now hibernating but coincidentally is awakened and wreaks havoc on Hawaii. Suddenly Godzilla appears and battles the creature however we learn there is yet another creature in Nevada, which destroys Las Vegas. The showdown with two MUTOs and Godzilla occurs in San Francisco Bay and if you've seen at least a few of the 30 Godzilla movies over the years, you know what happens. The initial appearance of Godzilla is somewhat anti-climactic and it seems as though the focus of the film is more about the MUTOs than Godzilla? If the producers of the film had gone with tradition and made just "another" Godzilla film it wouldn't have held up to the hype. More fitting it should've been called "Godzilla VS. MUTO" (or vice versa) and not just simply <i>Godzilla</i>. In the end, it remains just another mediocre Godzilla movie with very little originality besides the redesign of the creature and being an American production. While it is fun and entertaining to finally see a new Godzilla movie after waiting a decade, it remains somewhat of a disappointment. In the words of a good friend of mine: "Only Japanese people should be allowed to make a Godzilla movie!" (Thanks <u><a href="http://orcdorc.com/">OrcDorc.com</a></u>!)<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.legendary.com/films/godzilla">Official Website</a>, <a href="http://www.godzilla-movies.com/">Godzilla Movies</a>, <a href="http://www.toho.co.jp/">Toho</a></div>
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<i><b>X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST</b></i> <b>(2014) </b>- While the X-Men franchise has had it's ups (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290334/?ref_=nv_sr_6">X2</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270798/?ref_=nv_sr_2">First Class</a>) and downs (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376994/?ref_=nv_sr_5">X-Men 3</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458525/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Origins: Wolverine</a>) over the years, the franchise has finally come to it's ultimate apex with the original franchise along with the prequel franchise coming together in one explosive finale! Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001741/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Bryan Singer</a> returns to the franchise after abandoning it for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_25">Superman Returns</a> (2006) and leaving us with <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0711840/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Brett Ratner</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376994/?ref_=nv_sr_5">X-Men: The Last Stand</a>) Thanks (NOT!) "Loosely" based on the 1981 <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/days-of-future-past-revisited?CID=examiner_alerts_article">story-line</a> written by Chris Claremont with art by John Byrne, <i>Days of Future Past </i>takes place both in the Past, Present and Future of the X-Men cinematic universe. In the near future, the world is a much darker place, giant robotic Sentinels hunt-down and destroy the last remaining mutants as they make their last stand to ultimately change the past and thus remake their future. With new additions to their fighting force Iceman (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0039162/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Shawn Ashmore</a>), Kitty Pryde (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680983/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Ellen Page</a>), Colossus (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1214436/?ref_=tt_cl_t14">Daniel Cudmore</a>), Storm (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000932/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Halle Berry</a>), and Wolverine (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0413168/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Hugh Jackman</a>), led by Professor Xavier (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001772/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t19">Patrick Stewart</a>) together again with Magneto (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005212/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t18">Ian McKellen</a>) to fight a common enemy! The plan is to send Wolverine's mind (with the aide of Kitty's new and unexplained powers) back in time to 1973 to stop the assassination of Bolivar (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0227759/?ref_=tt_cl_t9">Peter Dinklage</a>) Trask, (a scientists who created the Sentinels) by Mystique (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2225369/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Jennifer Lawrence</a>) aka Raven. Wolverine wakes up in the past and has to convince the young Charles Xavier (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0564215/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">James McAvoy</a>) and young Beast (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0396558/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6">Nicholas Hoult</a>) to help him stop the assassination. first they have to break young Magneto (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1055413/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Michael Fassbender</a>) out of a highly secured prison under the Pentagon with the help of Quicksilver (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1404239/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t12">Evan Peters</a>). The fate of the past and future comes together in an epic battle for the ages! Some of the newer additions to the mutant menagerie in this movie (however brief) is Bishop (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1082477/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11">Omar Sy</a>), Blink (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1549063/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15">BingBing Fan</a>), Sunspot (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3841486/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16">Adan Canto</a>) and Warpath (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1559927/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17">BooBoo Stewart</a>). The newest mutant to create controversy in the <a href="http://marvel.com/news/movies/2012/5/22/18766/view_the_full_marvel_cinematic_universe_timeline">Marvel Cinematic Universe</a> is of course Quicksilver, while having a small part in this movie is a big part of X-Men history, but who will also be appearing in the upcoming <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2395427/">Avengers: Age of Ultron</a> (also the end-credits stinger at the end of <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/181/captain_america_the_winter_soldier">Captain America: The Winter Soldier</a>) played by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1093951/">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</a> (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1250777/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Kick-Ass</a>)! Although not as faithful to the comic books, <i>Days of Future Past</i> functions as a proverbial reset button to the errors of the franchise. With the convenience of time travel, it causes major effects on the story and characters in the franchise which will be revealed in the end. Overall it is an impressive and intense turning-point within the X-Men movies (which remain a property of 20th Century Fox!). Be sure to stay for the end-credits for what could quite possibly be THE most epic moment in X-Men movie history, equal to the <a href="http://marvel-movies.wikia.com/wiki/Thanos">Thanos</a> reveal at the end of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848228/?ref_=nm_knf_t1">Avengers</a>!<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <a href="http://www.x-menmovies.com/">X-Men Movies Official Website</a>, <a href="http://marvel.com/">Marvel</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-69576002621998708132014-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:002014-05-05T22:25:22.121-07:00Star Wars Day 2014: Top 10 Favorite Things About Star Wars!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<b>Happy Star Wars Day! May the <i>Fourth </i>Be With You! </b>To Celebrate this year's Star Wars Day, I thought about why I love Star Wars and how it is so much a part of my life. I'll admit it: I am <u>obsessed</u> with Star Wars! I can't imagine my life without it, just sitting here typing and I look around me and I realize just how much Star Wars stuff I have and what it means to me. So this year in honor of Star Wars Day, <b>CHERNOBOG'S BLOG PRESENTS: TOP 10 FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT STAR WARS!</b> Enjoy!<br />
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#10 <b>Toys</b> - Star Wars changed the face of toys and action figures forever. Back in 1977 before anybody had ever heard of merchandising for movies, George Lucas capitalized on the licensing and merchandising rights for his new movie franchise and made a fortune. When the movie first came out there wasn't much in the way of toys until <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenner_Products">Kenner </a>produced the "Early Bird Certificate Package" which gave kids the chance to send away for the action figures before they were ever released. With the success of the Star Wars, Kenner produced thousands of toys, action figures, vehicles, and play-sets for Star Wars and many other franchises until the company closed in 2000 and merged with <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/">Hasbro</a>. As an only child of the 1980's, I was deeply into <i>Star Wars</i> toys along with G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Masters of the Universe. Of course, my collection of <i>Star Wars</i> toys grew in large thanks to the "spoiling" of my parents and grandparents.<br />
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#9 <b>Role-playing Games</b> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role-playing_game">RPG</a>) - With the success of book/table-top RPGs like <a href="http://www.wizards.com/dnd/">Dungeons and Dragon</a>s during the 1980's, in 1987 <a href="http://www.westendgames.com/">West End Games</a> produced a series of RPG books set in the Star Wars Universe which included several source books and adventure guides. Later in 2000, <a href="http://www.wizards.com/">Wizards of the Coast</a> received the licensing to produce a new series of RPG books until 2012 when <a href="http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/">Fantasy Flight Games</a> produced a new version called <a href="http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite.asp?eidm=232">Edge of the Empire</a>.<br />
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#8 <b>Board Games</b> - <i>Star Wars</i> has inspired some of the best board games over the years starting with the classics 'Escape from Death Star Game', 'Jedi Master Game' and 'Battle At Sarlac's Pit Game'. Over the last few decades there has been an increase in many different licensed board games such as <i>Monopoly</i>, <i>Risk</i>, <i>Stratego</i>, <i>Trouble</i>, <i>Battleship</i>, and even <i>Operation</i>! My personal favorite is the<i> Trivial Pursuit</i> Star Wars Classic Trilogy Collector's Edition with R2-D2 timer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_64RMMcOzvH8_-2XycgVQ2CvhR3jDAUO55EFyKHMFAl4H6kjz8wqQ42fpWBVenoQDqG7LH8zj6Up-nWTg34afqcgpqMlATBwx6di4Zqvdvcf7fcWWEG8m4K6Jwpluzwnf-kMR6hwsck/s1600/enhanced-buzz-wide-16999-1398183958-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_64RMMcOzvH8_-2XycgVQ2CvhR3jDAUO55EFyKHMFAl4H6kjz8wqQ42fpWBVenoQDqG7LH8zj6Up-nWTg34afqcgpqMlATBwx6di4Zqvdvcf7fcWWEG8m4K6Jwpluzwnf-kMR6hwsck/s1600/enhanced-buzz-wide-16999-1398183958-39.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a>#7 <b> </b><b>Art</b> - The art of <i>Star Wars</i> is what really gave it's universe meaning from the first design sketches to the fully painted designs of artist <a href="http://starwars.com/news/ralph_mcquarrie_remembered.html">Ralph McQuarrie</a>. His paintings and designs made Star Wars what it is today and not to mention all of the other artists and designers of Lucasfilm who have added to his legacy. Also credited for much of the Star Wars poster art is artist <a href="http://www.drewstruzan.com/">Drew Struzan</a>, who is also known for more than 150 famous movie posters including <i>Indiana Jones</i>, <i>Back to the Future</i> and <i>Rambo</i>.<br />
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#6 <b>Video Games</b> - Video games have always been a big part of <i>Star Wars</i> with the very first classic arcade game in 1983 to the<i> Star Wars Trilogy</i> arcade game in 1998. Other games have included many different titles on both video game consoles and PC including popular titles as <i>Dark Forces</i>, <i><a href="http://www.lucasarts.com/games/theforceunleashed/">The Force Unleashed</a></i>, <i>Knights of the Old Republic</i>, <i>Battlefront</i>, even <a href="http://starwars.com/explore/video-games/lego-star-wars/">LEGO Star Wars </a>and my current favorite (and addiction), <i>Star Wars:</i> <i>The Old Republic</i> (a.k.a. <a href="http://www.swtor.com/">SWTOR</a>)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx2s1ABPwGRyUYQT3JujukkA7LZG8uXJV53SIBDppPFnBtzP0ifqWYO7DeD0aawpK29b8mrqXkLrbaKmZRi9FmuxM7eSJ8QNsRoWRNrbGZummMQ1J5MsZX040jJ1JxljtVVVdk4f_pSk/s1600/CloneWarsPoster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx2s1ABPwGRyUYQT3JujukkA7LZG8uXJV53SIBDppPFnBtzP0ifqWYO7DeD0aawpK29b8mrqXkLrbaKmZRi9FmuxM7eSJ8QNsRoWRNrbGZummMQ1J5MsZX040jJ1JxljtVVVdk4f_pSk/s1600/CloneWarsPoster1.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>#5 <b>Television </b>- <i>Star War</i>s have been featured on TV in several spin-offs and series starting with the infamous <a href="http://www.starwarsholidayspecial.com/">Star Wars Holiday Special</a> in 1978 to the short-lived <i>Droids</i> and <i>Ewoks</i> cartoon series from 1985 to 1986 during my childhood. To promote the release of <i>Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith</i>, <a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/">Cartoon Network</a> produced a series of shorts entitled <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361243/">Star Wars: Clone Wars</a></i> from 2003 to 2005, created by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0850733/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr2">Genndy Tartakovsky</a>. Recently there was a huge following for the Emmy Award winning Cartoon Network animated series <a href="http://starwars.com/explore/the-clone-wars/">The Clone Wars</a> which ran for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, prompted by a 2008 full-length CG animated <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1185834/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3">movie</a>. Currently the sixth season dubbed "<a href="http://starwars.com/explore/the-clone-wars/#lostmissions">The Lost Missions</a>" are now available on <a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a>. Next fall, <a href="http://disneyxd.disney.com/star-wars-rebels">Disney XD</a> will be premiering a new series <i><a href="http://starwars.com/explore/star-wars-rebels/">Star Wars Rebels</a></i>, set between the events of Ep.III and IV featuring new heroes and villains!<br />
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#4 <b>Comic Book</b>s - The <i>Star Wars</i> comic books have been around almost as long as the movies, first with the Marvel Comics series from <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars_(Marvel)">1977 to 1986</a> and lasting 107 issues. In 1991 <a href="http://www.darkhorse.com/Zones/StarWars">Dark Horse Comic</a>s acquired the rights to the <i>Star Wars</i> franchise and began a long run of titles featuring many different story lines within the Extended Universe. I remember reading several of the original comics and especially as I got into comic collecting more of the Dark Horse titles, particularly <i>Dark Empire, Tales of the Jedi</i> and <i>Shadows of the Empire</i>. As the Dark Horse Comics era comes to an end, it was announced in 2013 that <a href="http://marvel.com/news/comics/2014/1/3/21703/lucasfilm_and_marvel_join_forces_to_publish_star_wars_comics">Lucasfilm and Marvel</a> Comics were reuniting and will begin publishing new comics in 2015! See <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Timeline_of_comics">Timeline of Comics</a><br />
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#3 <b>Books</b> - The first novelization of <i>Star Wars</i> was published in 1976 as <u>Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker</u> although credited as written by George Lucas, it was actually ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster from Lucas' original script. Foster would later go on to publish the first Extended Universe novel in 1978, <u>Splinter of the Mind's Eye</u>. As the popularity for <i>Star Wars</i> books increased a book series featuring Han Solo and Lando Calrissian in their own adventures. In 1991, <u>Heir to the Empire</u> by Timothy Zahn was published beginning the immensely-popular "Thrawn Trilogy". Since then, the Star Wars legacy has continued with hundreds of novels featuring stories from the ever-expanding universe with <a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/disney-del-rey-launch-new-698995">new books</a>.<br />
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#2 <b>Music</b> - Without the music of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Williams">John Williams</a>, the Star Wars films would be an entirely different experience! When director Steven Spielberg recommended Williams to his friend and fellow director George Lucas to score his 1977 film <i>Star Wars</i> (<i>Episode IV: A New Hope</i>), who knew how much of an impact a musical score would have on the reception of the film. Both the film and it's soundtrack were incredibly successful and it remains to this day the highest grossing music recording of all-time, earning Williams an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Williams also scored <i>Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back</i> (1980) and <i>Episode VI: Return of the Jedi</i> (1983) completing the original trilogy. Both scores earned him Academy Award Nominations. Then in 1999, Williams was asked to score all three of the prequel films including <i>Episode I: The Phantom Menace</i>, <i>Episode II: Attack of the Clones</i> (2002), and <i>Episode III: Revenge of the Sith </i>(2005). While Williams' musical legacy continues in other popular films, other composers have credited his influence for their own music including composer <a href="http://www.kevinkiner.com/music/">Kevin Kiner</a> for his work on the themes for <i>Star Wars: the Clone Wars</i>.<br />
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#1 <b>Movies</b> - On May 25, 1977, the world of movies changed forever with the premiere of <i><b>Star Wars</b></i> (also later known as <i>Episode IV: A New Hope</i>)! Creator/writer/director George Lucas took his influences from the films and serials he loved as a child and his studies in film-school to create a new, epic, space-opera. <i>Star Wars </i>broke box-office records and became one of the first modern blockbuster films and remains one of the most financially successful films franchises of all time! I consider myself a 2nd Generation <i>Star Wars</i> fan as I was born shortly after the initial release of the first film. I can recall seeing the first two movies at home either on TV, early VHS and <i>Laserdisc</i>. One of my favorite earliest memories is seeing Return of the Jedi at one of the few remaining local Drive-In theaters around the age of four and I have been obsessed with <i>Star Wars</i> from then on. I watched, played, read, slept on (sheets), ate (<i>Star Wars</i> cereal) and basically lived <i>Star Wars</i> my whole life! I was not overly-excited to be present at the opening of Episode I as so many of my fellow fans were and much to my dismay, shared in their disappointment. My original preconceptions of the prequel trilogy have changed over time and I have learned to come to terms with my love/hate relationship with the Special Editions of the original trilogy as well as the prequels. As <a href="http://starwars.com/news/star-wars-episode-7-cast-announced.html">news of Episode VII</a> continues to increase, my thoughts and feelings are conflicted as to the future of my beloved <i>Star Wars</i>. As I'm not very fond of director J.J. Abrams due to his questionable reboot of the <i><a href="http://www.startrek.com/page/star-trek-2009">Star Trek</a></i> franchise, however, when Episode VII is released I will be there waiting with millions of fans despite my expectations.<br />
Thank you! "May the Force be With you!"<br />
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<b>LINKS</b>: <b><a href="http://www.starwars.com/">Star Wars Official Site</a></b>
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<a abp="1710" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzXHivq5DnLAi-3d-b-tghDgFEOQHfLiST8rwg7aeLs_bjvAA3uyPuAS5rOHZGrWjrcLmnA6oHuloAFhCAxodQqdxyObAYYFsTV-povYe4SMaOCsB4eRNG_C_05gSNcSC3OP5hBtj-X8/s1600/Salem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img abp="1711" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzXHivq5DnLAi-3d-b-tghDgFEOQHfLiST8rwg7aeLs_bjvAA3uyPuAS5rOHZGrWjrcLmnA6oHuloAFhCAxodQqdxyObAYYFsTV-povYe4SMaOCsB4eRNG_C_05gSNcSC3OP5hBtj-X8/s1600/Salem.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></span></a><span style="color: white;">With the popularity of current paranormal primetime TV dramas on the rise like the </span><a abp="1712" href="http://www.cwtv.com/"><span style="color: white;">CW</span></a><span style="color: white;">'s ongoing series </span><a abp="1713" href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/supernatural/"><span style="color: white;">Supernatural</span></a><span style="color: white;">, </span><a abp="1714" href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries/"><span style="color: white;">The Vampire Diaries</span></a><span style="color: white;"> and </span><a abp="1715" href="http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-originals/"><span style="color: white;">The Originals</span></a><span style="color: white;">, the unlikely channel </span><a abp="1716" href="http://wgnamerica.com/"><span style="color: white;">WGN America</span></a><span style="color: white;"> begins airing new original programming beginning with </span><a abp="1717" href="http://wgnamerica.com/shows/salem"><span style="color: white;">SALEM</span></a><span style="color: white;">. Salem is in fact a Supernatural hour-long TV drama focusing on witches and witchcraft and drawing its inspiration from the historical events occurring in </span><a abp="1718" href="http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/salem.htm"><span style="color: white;">Salem, Massachusetts in 1692</span></a><span style="color: white;">. However, the show is not without it's own dramatic license in perpetrating the widely-held belief that there were in fact witches in Salem and as it does so through the very graphic depiction of witch-like activities, not to mention it's overuse of nudity, sexuality and violence on level with </span><a abp="1719" href="http://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones"><span style="color: white;">Game of Thrones</span></a><span style="color: white;"> to increase their ratings. The show stars </span><a abp="1720" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0922342/?ref_=tt_cl_t2"><span style="color: white;">Shane West</span></a><span style="color: white;"> as John Alden Jr., having returned to Salem long after being thought killed during the </span><a abp="1721" href="http://history.state.gov/milestones/1750-1775/french-indian-war"><span style="color: white;">French and Indian Wars</span></a><span style="color: white;"> having learned that Salem is suffering a witch hysteria led by the Reverend Cotton Mather (</span><a abp="1722" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0181787/?ref_=tt_cl_t3"><span style="color: white;">Seth Gabel</span></a><span style="color: white;">) and his once beloved Mary (</span><a abp="1723" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2857778/?ref_=tt_cl_t1"><span style="color: white;">Janet Montgomery</span></a><span style="color: white;">) is now married to the wealthy landowner George Sibley (<u abp="1724"><span abp="1725" class="itemprop" itemprop="name"><span abp="1726"><a abp="1727" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0611820/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">Michael Mulheren</a></span></span></u>). With her servant/confidant Tituba (<span abp="1728" class="itemprop" itemprop="name"><span abp="1729"><a abp="1730" href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0534772/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Ashley Madekwe</a><u abp="1731">) </u><span abp="1732">they have concealed the fact from John that she was pregnant and in a bizarre ritual aided by Tituba, "got rid of" the baby. As conspiracy, panic and fear spread through the town John tries to find out the dark truth behind these witch hunts! While the shows' premise holds some fascination within the genre of horror/supernatural/witchcraft, the flagrant historical inaccuracies of the characters and events only further add to the false history and myth of one of early America's darkest and most mysterious periods in history and is a mockery to those <a abp="1734" href="http://www.salemweb.com/memorial/memorial.shtml">20 real people who died</a> because of it. I have always held a great fascination with Salem and the Witch Trials and have even visited the site myself and while the story still resonates within popular culture from the play <a abp="1738" href="http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/sal_cru.htm">The Crucible by Arthur Miller</a> which is also a fictionalization <a abp="1742" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1641349/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_3">of those events holds more truths than this new TV show from the writers of</a> Terra Nova and the director of <a abp="1746" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723816/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_2">Girls</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span abp="1728" class="itemprop" itemprop="name"><strong abp="1749"><span style="color: white;">LINKS: </span><a abp="1751" href="http://wgnamerica.com/shows/salem"><span style="color: white;">Salem Official Site</span></a></strong></span></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-41785810218567449722014-04-17T10:38:00.001-07:002014-04-17T10:38:46.179-07:00Music Review - Black Label Society: Catacombs of the Black Vatican<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifioHJJY_gbsGZq4PB4fqwhRy1oHom9eQO3DZ-BtVTPvgc0yGpGnkzHUjbz1K6hZtpGDCAHsuIpQn43UGx3ej_imNJ6mh0fIRQIROjbMcoR59KUWEGx4_RTVbWd2nAqx1Ub8rJBJJmS_I/s1600/BLS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifioHJJY_gbsGZq4PB4fqwhRy1oHom9eQO3DZ-BtVTPvgc0yGpGnkzHUjbz1K6hZtpGDCAHsuIpQn43UGx3ej_imNJ6mh0fIRQIROjbMcoR59KUWEGx4_RTVbWd2nAqx1Ub8rJBJJmS_I/s1600/BLS.png" height="195" width="200" /></a><strong>Black Label Society</strong>: <em>Catacombs of the Black Vatican</em> is the 10th album from Zakk Wylde's heavy, yet more bluesy hard-rock band. Since their recent lineup changes and return to their blues-rock roots with last years' acoustic experiment <em>Unblackened</em> Live, BLS have a slightly different sound than their earlier work. BLS has always been Wylde's baby, constantly changing and evolving, it's sound reflects both the virtuosity and unique talent of Wylde and his ever growing following. With the first track "Fields of Unforgiveness" the album has a slow but steady start with a heavy blues-vibe featuring Wylde's signature soloing style. "My Dying Time", the first single (and video) from this album, hearkens back to "The Blessed Hellride" (2003) era with a song very similar in style to his hit "Stillborn". Some of the slower, more melodic songs include "Angel of Mercy", "Scars" and "Shades of Gray" featuring Wylde's acoustic guitar talent, which (especially "Shades of Gray") can even bring you to tears. To compliment the slower songs, some of the heavier songs include "Heart of Darkness", "Beyond the Down" and "Damn the Flood". One of the most impressive and interesting songs structurally is "Empty Promises", which include strange moaning feedback sounds. Deluxe versions of the album include two bonus tracks: "Dark Side of the Sun" and The Nomad". The artwork for this album features striking images from The<em> </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedlec_Ossuary"><em>Sedlec Ossuary</em></a>, (a.k.a. The Bone Church) a church in the Czech Republic that is decorated with thousands of bones and skeletons.</div>
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<u><strong><br />LINKS</strong></u>: <a href="http://www.blacklabelsociety.com/">Black Label Society</a>.com,<a href="http://www.zakkwylde.com/"> Zakk Wylde</a>.com
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShgTGuCGWkA0BmpLW6KDYlOa9daia-kkukhdqcegk7uzpmlYNoZMpM_AlKj0zYhuLZnuxPxH_2OiMEeWnkRWKEb5jMEIsF1nZQUeejyEmxyGbc0hsaGXKiC4hv2HfnKulyK7NnVdIWKU/s1600/Capt2-Payoff-1-Sht-v8-Lg-c563d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShgTGuCGWkA0BmpLW6KDYlOa9daia-kkukhdqcegk7uzpmlYNoZMpM_AlKj0zYhuLZnuxPxH_2OiMEeWnkRWKEb5jMEIsF1nZQUeejyEmxyGbc0hsaGXKiC4hv2HfnKulyK7NnVdIWKU/s1600/Capt2-Payoff-1-Sht-v8-Lg-c563d.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="216" /></a>With Phase Two of the <a href="http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe">Marvel Cinematic Universe</a> already underway, <em>Captain America: The Winter Soldier</em> is the next chapter in the story of "The Star-Spangled Man". In this politically-charged comic book/superhero movie from the studio that brought <a href="http://marvel.com/avengers_movie/">The Avengers</a> (2012) together in THE Ultimate comic book movie team-up, Captain America/Steve Rogers (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0262635/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Chris Evans</a>) must fight for his country like never before as he questions his purpose and the meaning of freedom. Meanwhile, Cap continues to deal with being a man out of time in an ever-changing world. Now working directly with <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/S.H.I.E.L.D.">S.H.I.E.L.D.</a> under Nick Fury (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000168/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Samuel L. Jackson</a>), Cap is sent on assignment with Agent Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424060/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Scarlett Johansson</a>), to rescue hostages taken by foreign pirates at sea. What begins as a simple hostage situation, literally "blows up" into a world-wide crisis with S.H.I.E.L.D. as the target of the mysterious "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0062969/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Winter Soldier</a>" and Captain America is branded a fugitive. Cap and Black Widow now must fight this new threat and avoid capture, along with a new sidekick Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Falcon (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1107001/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Anthony Mackie</a>). A surprising added character in this film is Senator Alexander Pierce played by Hollywood veteran <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000602/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Robert Redford</a>, who adds an interesting yet dull addition to the story and a weird twist to the plot. This sequel to <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/125/captain_america_the_first_avenger">Captain America: The First Avenger</a> (2011) is a fast-paced and much more violent movie with an added darker tone combined with the military/political intrigue of a Tom Clancy story along with James Bond-like action. It's a much more exciting and intense film than the first movie, which was plagued by a slow-moving plot and slightly over-the-top comic book-style storytelling from director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002653/?ref_=nv_sr_1">Joe Johnston</a>. As a fan of both Marvel Comics and Marvel movies I always feel there have been some hits and misses since Marvel started this cinematic franchise with <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/19/iron_man">Iron Man</a> (2008), while almost all of them have been huge box-office success it often leaves fans wanting particularly within the sequels (i.e. <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/130/iron_man_2">Iron Man 2 (2010)</a>. <em>The Winter Soldier</em> however, does not disappoint, with a much needed realism and tension within the story and also growing chemistry between the characters, namely Cap and Widow. This movie also brings audiences just one-step closer to <a href="http://marvel.com/movies/movie/193/avengers_age_of_ultron">Avengers: Age of Ultron</a> in 2015, as we are treated to an end-credits stinger (No Spoilers!) which reveals two new major characters! <em>The Winter Soldier</em> is a great experience, not only as a Marvel movie, but also as a stand-alone action movie itself and a must see for fans and action-lovers alike!</div>
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"...It's more about his [Captain America] discourse with the way society is and current political climate...given the technological advancements we have today, it brings up the question of how far are we willing to sacrifice our civil liberties and our privacy in the name of security."<br />
- Chris Evans from a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmr71ibFl1o">D23 interview</a></div>
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<strong><u>LINKS</u>:</strong> <a href="http://marvel.com/captainamerica">Captain America: The Winter Soldier</a>, <a href="http://marvel.com/">Marvel.com</a></div>
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#10 "A Fishful of Dollars", Aired: 4/27/99 - When Fry discovers he has over 4 billion dollars in his savings account he goes money crazy and buys a rare can of<span abp="228" class="_hidden" style="display: inline;"> anchovies, now a rare and extinct delicacy. The evil Mom company conspires to steal it for use in cheap robot oil.</span><br />
#9 "Fry & the Slurm Factory", Aired: 11/14/99 - Fry becomes addicted to <em>Slurm</em>, a popular soda and wins a contest (<em>a la</em> Willy Wonka) to tour <span abp="228" class="_hidden" style="display: inline;">the Slurm factory where he learns a terrible secret!</span><br />
#8 "Reincarnation", Aired: 9/8/11 - 3 shorts feature Futurama in 3 different animation styles including old-timey cartoon. <em>anime</em>, and 8-bit video-game.<br />
#7 "Bender's Game", 4-Part Episode/Movie, 4/26/09 - The Planet Express crew are trapped in a fantasy- game world created by Bender's mind.<br />
#6 "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings", Aired: 8/10/03 - In an effort to win Leela's love, Fry makes a deal with the Robot Devil to become a gifted musician.<br />
#5 "Parasites Lost", Aired: 1/21/01 - When Fry eats an egg-salad sandwich from a gas station vending he becomes stronger and smarter from ingesting "intelligent worms".<br />
#4 "Less Than hero", Aired: 3/2/03 - Fry and Leela become superheroes after using a "miracle cream" from Dr. Zoidberg and form a crime-fighting team with Bender.<br />
#3 "Where No Fan Has Gone Before", Aired: 4/21/02 - Fry and the crew are put on trial for traveling to the forbidden planet of Omega 3 to retrieve all 79 episodes of "Star Trek" with the heads of the original cast members (except for Scotty!) and battles a nerdy energy being.<br />
#2 "Roswell That Ends Well", Aired: 12/9/01 - During a supernova explosion, Fry uses the Planet Express' microwave which sends the crew back to Roswell, New Mexico in the year 1947 where they are mistaken for a UFO!<br />
#1 "The Luck of the Fryrish", Aired: 3/11/01 - Bad luck sends Fry in search of his boyhood good-luck charm, a seven-leaf clover, stirring memories of rivalry with his older brother, Yancy.<br />
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<strong>LINKS</strong>: <a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/futurama">Futurama on Comedy Central</a>, <a href="http://theinfosphere.org/">The Infosphere: the Futurama Wiki</a>Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-5396220575405110972013-08-17T16:21:00.000-07:002013-09-08T16:22:47.001-07:00Summer Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynPHXg7Wa-z_BX6euha0fhXeKowthdmZHbGMNmk-GA5-XZrO8CIN7faIEwZhLJALAjI33okBnqffV2L3zMCYbxiymTwIMf5A6cnsQF2EdMh-2kfrfr90onzSImZ-4MAUHfATlXUdx2g4/s1600/Kick_Ass_2_Poster_7_12_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynPHXg7Wa-z_BX6euha0fhXeKowthdmZHbGMNmk-GA5-XZrO8CIN7faIEwZhLJALAjI33okBnqffV2L3zMCYbxiymTwIMf5A6cnsQF2EdMh-2kfrfr90onzSImZ-4MAUHfATlXUdx2g4/s200/Kick_Ass_2_Poster_7_12_13.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, it's been a busy Summer and I took a month off from blogging. I saw <a href="http://www.kickass-themovie.com/">Kick-Ass 2</a> and didn't bother to write a review. Overall, I liked it, but I hadn't been caught up on the comic book so I felt I couldn't give it a proper review. Plus, with the controversy regarding <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000120/?ref_=sr_1">Jim Carrey</a> (Col. Stars & Stripes) and his very vocal protest of the extreme "violence" in the movie (so conveniently <u>after</u> the Sandy Hook tragedy!). The violence in the comic is by far even more bloody and violent than the movie so I feel that his comments are unwarranted and he is merely trying to apologize for his portrayal of a character who in my opinion has to be the best character in the whole movie. His part in the movie remains brief but without him the movie would be devoid of any real interesting characters along with the otherwise over-the-top comic book parodies of their characters.Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-51743196722222398092013-07-28T11:00:00.000-07:002013-07-28T15:01:40.515-07:00Movie Review: The Wolverine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><em>THE WOLVERINE</em></strong>...undoubtedly, the <a href="http://x-men.wikia.com/wiki/X-Men_Wiki">X-Men</a>'s most popular character ever! Having appeared in numerous comic books, cartoons, video games, even music videos since 1974; he finally achieved life on the big screen when <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0413168/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Hugh Jackman</a> portrayed him in the 2000 <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120903/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">X-Men</a></em> movie. Since then, his popularity has grown immensely, slashing his way to the top! Jackman, now #3 in <a href="http://variety.com/2013/film/biz/robert-downey-jr-tops-forbes-list-of-highest-paid-actors-1200564015/">Forbes’ Top 10 List of Highest Paid Actors</a>, returns for the fifth time (sixth if you count his brief, but hilarious cameo in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1270798/?ref_=fn_al_tt_5"><em>X-Men: First Class</em></a> (2011)) on screen as the short-tempered, Canadian, mutant in <em>The Wolverine</em>!<br />
We find Logan, a.k.a. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), living like a hermit in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon">Yukon</a> wilderness. Haunted by the death of Jean Grey, a.k.a. Phoenix (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000463/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Famke Janssen</a>), by his own claws (in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376994/?ref_=sr_5">X-Men: The Last Stand</a> (2006), Logan seeks solitude. When reckless hunters attempt to kill a grizzly bear with a poisonous arrow, it draws Logan to a local bar where he exacts justice. Soon he is found by a forceful, red-haired, young-Japanese girl named Yukio (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3822462/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Rila Fukushima</a>), who offers him an ancient katana sword and requests he accompany her to Tokyo. Her employer, Yashida (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0945563/?ref_=tt_cl_t7">Hal Yamanouchi</a>), wishes to thank him for saving his life at <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/nagasaki/">Nagasaki</a> during WWII. Reluctantly, Logan goes to Japan with her and he meets Yashida, now a powerful industrialist, who is dying of cancer. To thank him, Yashida offers to make him mortal, thus ending his "curse". Logan also meets his son Shingen (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0760796/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Hiroyuki Sanada</a>) and granddaughter Mariko (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5148840/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Tao Okamato</a>). With the death of Yashida, after Logan denies his request, he attends the funeral and becomes involved in a sinister plot by the <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakuza">Yakuza</a></em>, to kidnap Mariko! As Logan becomes infected by the venomous-villain, Viper (<span itemprop="description"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1300303/?ref_=tt_cl_t5">Svetlana Khodchenkova</a>), he loses his healing ability. Although wounded, he tries his best to keep Mariko safe, soon realizing he has become even more involved in this twisted plot!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzCqd6CsFXQGzQEZDPGkqI1o7VKjO6xiJMt2gjVlC0edSH81eJ_J1MAKbBLqDflXkBhyphenhyphencdklLl8cbqbOOuCAPZKCkXFdy9jhdoZ7HIQQPn-Wp_qlYZkj5tIMN16Vz_SihZslvqpqNhdo/s1600/1792858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzCqd6CsFXQGzQEZDPGkqI1o7VKjO6xiJMt2gjVlC0edSH81eJ_J1MAKbBLqDflXkBhyphenhyphencdklLl8cbqbOOuCAPZKCkXFdy9jhdoZ7HIQQPn-Wp_qlYZkj5tIMN16Vz_SihZslvqpqNhdo/s200/1792858.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yukio (Rila Fukushima) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span itemprop="description"></span><span itemprop="description">With intense, fast-paced action and exotic, foreign-locales, <em>The Wolverine</em> is a beautiful combination of James Bond-like action, with a more subtle approach to the typical super-powered, comic book movie.</span><br />
The story of <em>The Wolverine</em> borrows heavily from the height of his comic book popularity, particularly the storylines in <em>Uncanny X-Men</em> #s 172-173 (1983) and of course the 1982 <em>Wolverine</em> mini-series by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Claremont">Chris Claremont</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Miller_(comics)">Frank Miller</a>. As reveled early on in the comic books, Japan has always been a big part of Wolverine's past, especially when it involved his future fiancée <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariko_Yashida">Mariko Yashida</a>, who first appeared in <em>Uncanny X-Men</em> #118 (Feb. 1979). One of Wolverine's most admirable characteristics came from the time he spent in Japan. As he had long been attracted to the self-discipline of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai"><em>samurai</em></a>, he adapted the warrior code of <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido">Bushido</a></em> as a means of coping with his animalistic tendencies. While the romantic elements in <em>The Wolverine</em> are not as strong as in the comic books, the love that gradually grows between Logan and Mariko is nonetheless powerful. Also, is the strong bond of friendship that forms between Logan and Yukio, who despite being very different from her comic book-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukio_(comics)">counterpart</a>, is also impressive. The image of Yukio with her deep-red dyed hair is particularly striking as her tiny, petite form serves as a disguise for her deadly abilities.<br />
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While the story in <em>The Wolverine</em> is not directly adapted from the events in the comics, (which include complex and often convoluted backstories) many of the characters also change for the benefit of the movie, especially the involvement of <a href="http://marvel.com/universe/Viper">Viper</a> and the <a href="http://x-men.wikia.com/wiki/Silver_Samurai">Silver Samurai</a>. While the character of Harada (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498449/?ref_=tt_cl_t8">Will Jung Lee</a>) appears in <em>The Wolverine</em>, he is NOT the Silver Samurai, as he is in the comics, instead he remains a highly-skilled (non-mutant) ninja, part of the "Black Clan" (removing the connection to "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hand_(comics)">The Hand</a>" ninjas, as seen in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357277/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Elektra</a> (2005), who protect the clan Yashida. The choice to make the originally non-mutant character of Viper a mutant (like making Juggernaut a mutant in <em>X-Men 3</em>) is somewhat perplexing, but it gives her a fascinating snake-like power, as yet unseen in the <em>X-Men</em> movies. She plays the role of a lesser-villain and also the "catalyst" to Wolverine's predicament in the film. As the majority of the film takes place in Japan and it's major cities, the whole feel of the film has a very exotic James Bond-quality to it and it's intense sword-swinging action hearkens back to the western-inspired, samurai films of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000041/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Akira Kurosawa</a>. The fight scene on-top of Tokyo's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen">bullet train</a> is particularly exciting!<br />
Although many fans were disappointed with 2009's <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458525/?ref_=sr_6">X-Men Origins: Wolverine</a></em>, the<em> X-Men</em> franchise was saved by the prequel <em><a href="http://www.x-menfirstclassmovie.com/">X-Men: First Class</a></em> (2011). <em>The Wolverine</em> marks a turning point in the franchise as it also sets up the plot of the upcoming <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877832/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4">X-Men: Days of Future Past</a></em> (2014, see the End-Credits Stinger!). As <a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox</a> currently owns the rights to the <em>X-Men</em>, <em>Fantastic Four</em> characters as Sony owns the <em>Spider-Man </em>franchise, the <a href="http://marvel.com/universe/Main_Page">Marvel Universe</a> has been temporarily separated by <a href="http://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-movies-characters-carl-6766/">corporate copyrights</a>. As the Marvel Universe itself in the comics is all-encompassing, the Marvel movies has yet been able to merge or "team-up" characters as successfully as in Paramount/Marvel/Disney's <em><a href="http://marvel.com/avengers_movie">Avengers</a></em>. It will be several years before copyrights return to the original owners as we will no doubt see more films and franchises based on Marvel comic books. <em>The Wolverine</em> makes up for the disappointments that were <em>X-Men 3</em> and <em>Origins</em> with it's highly-engaging story and successfully not overcrowding the movie with unnecessary, ancillary mutant characters as in <em>Origins</em> (i.e. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0027050/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Deadpool</a>). With intense, fast-paced action and exotic, foreign-locales, <em>The Wolverine</em> is a beautiful combination of James Bond-like action, with a more subtle approach to the typical super-powered, comic book movie. <em>The Wolverine</em> is close to becoming the perfect Wolverine movie fans have waited years to see, exploring more of his roots, as well as his mysterious past. As Hugh Jackman has become the ideal image of the beloved character, it will be very hard to accept another actor portray him in the near future.<br />
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<strong><u>LINKS</u></strong>: <a href="http://www.thewolverinemovie.com/">The Wolverine Movie Website</a>, <a href="http://marvel.com/">Marvel.com</a>, <a href="http://www.foxmovies.com/">20th Century Fox<span id="goog_1704190615"></span><span id="goog_1704190616"></span></a> Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-294857445810214006.post-30173595967624447442013-07-20T14:18:00.003-07:002013-07-20T14:32:03.042-07:00Comic-Con 2013: Top 13 Upcoming Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen0Yfbx_nwMuAP8VzRnw-eVA6qXZ1j6VhyTTtAFjG9taGoTI10NSGNC9-k5PJgm7gCJMu2J180F1812-Z-3LK7sxlcWPSHPRsYP7JN9NfdGHhTZ9Va8l0mQKxcog8jCC4NnW6w1MJiFI/s1600/Comic-Con-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen0Yfbx_nwMuAP8VzRnw-eVA6qXZ1j6VhyTTtAFjG9taGoTI10NSGNC9-k5PJgm7gCJMu2J180F1812-Z-3LK7sxlcWPSHPRsYP7JN9NfdGHhTZ9Va8l0mQKxcog8jCC4NnW6w1MJiFI/s200/Comic-Con-Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
COMIC-CON is this weekend! Specifically Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013, THE biggest convention in the world dedicated to all forms of entertainment including comic books, movies, video games, TV and more! Comic-Con International: San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. Comic-Con began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie, and science fiction fans banded together to put on the first comic book convention in southern California. Now over 40 years later it is the largest comics convention in the world, completely selling out every year since 2008. For those like me who aren't able to enjoy Comic-Con in person there are still plenty of <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/">websites</a>, <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/toucan">blogs</a> and <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/19/ign-will-stream-live-from-comic-con#.UebHQA7q-As.twitter">live video feeds</a> covering the event from the comfort of your home. This weekend at Comic-Con, audiences can get their hands on tons of exclusive merchandise, and also attend many exciting panels with creators, artists, writers and celebrities of all kinds, and not to mention, see previews of some of the biggest events in entertainment coming up later this year and next year! <a href="http://www.chernobogslair.com/">CHERNOBOG'S LAIR.com</a> always tries to stay on top of the latest entertainment news through my <a href="http://chernobogslair.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChernobogsLair">twitter</a> feed, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChernobogsLair">Facebook</a>; so this weekend I thought I would post my Top 10 list of Upcoming Events featured at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. Enjoy!<br />
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#13 <em><a href="http://www.if-sentinel.com/">Ender's Game</a></em> (2013) - Based on the classic Young-Adult, Sci-Fi novel by Orson Scott Card, 70 years after a horrific alien war, an unusually gifted child is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future invasion. Starring Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and Asa Butterfield.<br />
#12 <em><a href="http://www.godzilla-movies.com/">Godzilla</a></em> (2014) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2284484/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Gareth Edwards</a>' (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1470827/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Monsters</a>) remake of the classic Kaiju franchise! A giant radioactive monster called Godzilla awakens from its slumber to wreak destruction on its creators!<br />
#11<a href="https://www.facebook.com/iFrankenstein2014"> <em>I, Frankenstein</em></a> (2014) - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001173/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Aaron Eckhart</a> stars as Adam, Dr. Frankenstein's (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0949237/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Aden Young</a>) creature, who finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.<br />
#9 <em><a href="http://www.300themovie.com/">300: Rise of an Empire</a></em> (2013) - New director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1729171/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Noam Murro</a>'s sequel to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0811583/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Zack Snyder</a>'s <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">300</a> (2006)</em>, The Greek general Themistocles (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822982/?ref_=tt_cl_t6">Sullivan Stapleton</a>) battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0763928/?ref_=tt_cl_t10">Rodrigo Santoro</a>)!<br />
#8 <em><a href="http://www.riddickmovie.com/">Riddick</a></em> (2013) - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004874/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Vin Diesel</a> is back as Riddick, after almost 10 years since <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296572/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2">Chronicles of Riddick</a></em> (2004). After he is left for dead on a desert planet, Riddick is up against a new alien, predatory species and a group of mercenaries after his head!<br />
#7<em> </em><em><a href="http://focusfeatures.com/the_worlds_end">The World's End</a></em> (2013) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0942367/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Edgar Wright</a> reunites <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0670408/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Simon Pegg</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0296545/?ref_=tt_cl_t4">Nick Frost</a> and others in the third installment of "The Cornetto Trilogy"! A group of old friends go on a pub crawl in London when they come to the last pub, "The World's End", they find the town has been taken over by strange alien robots!<br />
#6 <a href="http://www.batmanarkhamorigins.com/"><em>Batman: Arkham Origins</em></a> - The highly anticipated third part of the <em>Arkham Asylum</em> video game series features new villains: Black Mask, Deathstroke, Deadshot, and Copperhead!<br />
#5<em> <a href="http://kickass-themovie.com/">Kick-Ass 2</a></em> (2013) - Kick-Ass (<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span class="itemprop" itemprop="name">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</span></span></u>) and Hit-Girl (<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span class="itemprop" itemprop="name">Chloë Grace Moretz</span></span></u>) return with a few new allies including Col. Stars & Stripes (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000120/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Jim Carrey</a>), to take on some new villains including formerly Red Mist (<u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span class="itemprop" itemprop="name">Christopher Mintz-Plasse</span></span></u>)!<br />
#4 <em><a href="http://www.history.com/shows/vikings">Vikings</a></em>, Season 2 (March, 2014) - Ragnar Lothbrok (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1379938/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Travis Fimmel</a>) and the Vikings return to pillage and plunder in the new season on History Channel!<br />
#3 <em><a href="http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead">The Walking Dead</a></em>, Season 4 (October 2013) - Based on Robert Kirkman's award winning graphic novel series, the survivors led by Sheriff Rick Grimes (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0511088/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Andrew Lincoln</a>) live on in the Zombie apocalypse after dealing with the onslaught from The Governor (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0607375/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">David Morrissey</a>)!<br />
#2 <em><a href="http://marvel.com/movies">X-Men: Days of Future Past</a></em> (2014) - Director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001741/?ref_=tt_ov_dr">Bryan Singer</a> returns to the X-Men franchise with Professor X (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001772/?ref_=tt_cl_t13">Patrick Stewart</a>) and Magneto (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005212/?ref_=tt_cl_t12">Ian McKellen</a>) reprising their roles as "older" characters from the previous X-Men movies. Also featuring a few new mutants including Bishop (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1082477/">Omar Sy</a>) and introducing a new threat: The Sentinels!<br />
#1 <a href="http://marvel.com/tv/show/190/marvels_agents_of_shield."><em>Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D</em>.</a> (Fall 2013) - The new TV series marks the return of Agent Phil Coulson (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0163988/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Clark Gregg</a>), leading a small group of agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SsPPnpgtZ7Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<u>Note</u>: Unfortunately, it was announced by director Peter Jackson through <a href="http://youtu.be/0Llxv8omjfU">YouTube </a>that <em><a href="http://www.thehobbit.com/">The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</a></em> wouldn't be at San Diego Comic-Con!<br />
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<strong>LINKS: </strong><a href="http://www.comic-con.org/">Comic-Con official Website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/comiccon">Comic-Con on Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Comic_Con">Comic-Con on Twitter</a>, </div>
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<a href="http://comicconmovie.com/">Comic-Con Movie</a></div>
Dave Chernaboghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015189198166158835noreply@blogger.com0