Check out the trailer for Marvel's big summer crossover event, “Fear Itself”.
I'm still...I dunno what to make of this yet. If it turns out more like "Civil War" (which is the feeling they're shooting for), I'll be impressed. If it goes more the way of, say, "Heroes Reborn", we may have an indication of "event burnout".
A preservation of my history and occasional insights into the present
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
BlogCritics.org - SMCD 03.27.11 - Digital Disdain: The Strange Story Of Rebecca Black
Or: How the world united to hate an adolescent girl.
One of my better pieces, I think. And a tale that proves that the intrawebz is a weird place sometimes.
One of my better pieces, I think. And a tale that proves that the intrawebz is a weird place sometimes.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
David Bowie's Toy: A Decade-Old Brand New Album
Before anyone even asks, I’ll get this out of the way right now: NO, I’m not providing links to download it. It’s out there. Go find it yourself.
Now then, a story.
In 2001, David Bowie had the idea to re-record several of his songs after playing them on tour the prior two years. Those songs, coupled with a few other covers and newer material, were recorded and prepared for release. To maybe give you an idea of what this would be like, break out the version of “Rebel Rebel” found on Reality.
However, Bowie’s label, Virgin Records, didn’t like the idea - mainly because they didn’t have the rights to a lot of the songs that comprised the album. Bowie went as far as to try and release the record on his own label, but it never happened.
Ten years later, Toy has seen the light of day. Not officially, mind you; the album has never been let go by either Virgin or Bowie himself. Nonetheless, it’s been leaked online now to be found by Bowie fans smart enough to know where to troll.
And there are quite a few. In fact, they are legion. And they have been starved since 2003; that’s when Bowie’s last album, Reality, came out. Since then he’s taken an indefinite hiatus from recording to do...whatever. Paint. Sculpt. Be a dad. Other stuff. None of it recording.
That said, it’s understandable why this would be a prize. It’s unknown if - much less when - we may hear a new Bowie album. In light of that, we now have Toy (although we shouldn’t). And yes, there will be a review of it soon. Probably right here.
As for how it got out there...who the hell knows? There have been “dream” versions put together by fans comprised of live outtakes, versions of songs that appeared elsewhere (such as “Uncle Floyd” and “Afraid”, both also on Heathen), and other bootlegged tracks that made it sound like just that. What’s out there now, however, is the real deal.
There are several things that could have happened. Someone could have been sitting on it, inadvertently left their computer open to a file-sharing service and had it jacked. Someone could have timed this to be out there now. Hell, Bowie himself could have been sick of being asked about it and quietly put the subject to rest by letting people hear it (although he swears a proper release is coming one of these days).
For now, however, it’s out there. And, by now, probably not that hard to find.
I so want one of these...
Now then, a story.
In 2001, David Bowie had the idea to re-record several of his songs after playing them on tour the prior two years. Those songs, coupled with a few other covers and newer material, were recorded and prepared for release. To maybe give you an idea of what this would be like, break out the version of “Rebel Rebel” found on Reality.
However, Bowie’s label, Virgin Records, didn’t like the idea - mainly because they didn’t have the rights to a lot of the songs that comprised the album. Bowie went as far as to try and release the record on his own label, but it never happened.
Ten years later, Toy has seen the light of day. Not officially, mind you; the album has never been let go by either Virgin or Bowie himself. Nonetheless, it’s been leaked online now to be found by Bowie fans smart enough to know where to troll.
And there are quite a few. In fact, they are legion. And they have been starved since 2003; that’s when Bowie’s last album, Reality, came out. Since then he’s taken an indefinite hiatus from recording to do...whatever. Paint. Sculpt. Be a dad. Other stuff. None of it recording.
That said, it’s understandable why this would be a prize. It’s unknown if - much less when - we may hear a new Bowie album. In light of that, we now have Toy (although we shouldn’t). And yes, there will be a review of it soon. Probably right here.
As for how it got out there...who the hell knows? There have been “dream” versions put together by fans comprised of live outtakes, versions of songs that appeared elsewhere (such as “Uncle Floyd” and “Afraid”, both also on Heathen), and other bootlegged tracks that made it sound like just that. What’s out there now, however, is the real deal.
There are several things that could have happened. Someone could have been sitting on it, inadvertently left their computer open to a file-sharing service and had it jacked. Someone could have timed this to be out there now. Hell, Bowie himself could have been sick of being asked about it and quietly put the subject to rest by letting people hear it (although he swears a proper release is coming one of these days).
For now, however, it’s out there. And, by now, probably not that hard to find.
I so want one of these...
Open Thread: WWE Monday Night Raw 03.21.11 - Blogcritics Video
Did "Raw" entertain or disappoint two weeks before Wrestlemania? Feel free to discuss...
Lightning-quick intro: it’s been a minute since I’ve done this, but when Blogcritics introduced Open Thread, I took the opportunity to go back to my roots. So, here we go.
And really, that's the best way to explain it. This sort of thing is how I got my start, so...why not?
Lightning-quick intro: it’s been a minute since I’ve done this, but when Blogcritics introduced Open Thread, I took the opportunity to go back to my roots. So, here we go.
And really, that's the best way to explain it. This sort of thing is how I got my start, so...why not?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Swinging Back Into Action?
Spider-Man had two great things happen to him in the same day this past Thursday. First, a copy of “Amazing Fantasy” #15 sold for $1.1 million - damn-near unheard of for a comic book as young as 1962 and a testament in and of itself to how popular the character is.
The second great event that day must have seemed like a cosmic reward. Julie Taymor, director ofthe bane of my existence the Spider-Man musical, Turn off the Dark, has done herself, Broadway, comic fans everywhere, and the rest of the world a huge favor by stepping down as the director of the show and helped everyone realize where the problem with this musical was.
The producers were all, “she’ll still be around because it was her creative vision that helped shape this thing” - and then promptly got to work cleaning up behind her, making changes such as:
Reinforcing the love story between Peter Parker and Mary-Jane - a no-brainer
Ditching a musical number called “Deeply Furious”, which reportedly sucked out loud
Reworking the involvement of the Green Goblin - who was slated to die in Act I and inexplicably show up again in Act II - and making the way for him to be the main villain (again, duh), because
Arachne, the eight-legged villainess Taymor created for this mess, will be pretty much written out of the story.
After nine years (wow, has it been THAT long??) of work on this thing, it might - might - finally be headed in the right direction. I’m still not convinced this show is a good idea in the first place, but at least now the curse of the egotistical director who refused to let anything get in the way of her vision - even common sense and any respect for what makes this character special in the first place - has been lifted.
The official story is that she stepped aside of her own free will. Behind the scenes, however, word is she refused to listen to anyone about making changes to the show after the recent critical drubbing it took. Not accepting input from the cast (who even seemed to know more than her in this instance) is one thing, but refusing to make changes even after her bosses - the producers of the show - told her to? Even after Bono and The Edge told her to? Honey, that’s just suicidal. After the money they’ve put in to this thing and with their reputations on the line, you’d best believe Bono and The Edge would have a little say. And probably more than a little stroke, since they’re, you know...half of U2 and all.
Taymor may have made The Lion King a huge success, but her resulting ego and artsier-than-thou aesthetic (she made the movies Across the Universe, Frida, and Titus, among others) were less-than-conducive to a mainstream big-budget spectacle involving super heroes - something she obviously knows nothing about. Hopefully, she learned lessons in both artistic and egotistical restraint.
Hopefully, Broadway producers everywhere learned a lesson, as well: never trust a woman named “Julie”.
The second great event that day must have seemed like a cosmic reward. Julie Taymor, director of
The producers were all, “she’ll still be around because it was her creative vision that helped shape this thing” - and then promptly got to work cleaning up behind her, making changes such as:
After nine years (wow, has it been THAT long??) of work on this thing, it might - might - finally be headed in the right direction. I’m still not convinced this show is a good idea in the first place, but at least now the curse of the egotistical director who refused to let anything get in the way of her vision - even common sense and any respect for what makes this character special in the first place - has been lifted.
The official story is that she stepped aside of her own free will. Behind the scenes, however, word is she refused to listen to anyone about making changes to the show after the recent critical drubbing it took. Not accepting input from the cast (who even seemed to know more than her in this instance) is one thing, but refusing to make changes even after her bosses - the producers of the show - told her to? Even after Bono and The Edge told her to? Honey, that’s just suicidal. After the money they’ve put in to this thing and with their reputations on the line, you’d best believe Bono and The Edge would have a little say. And probably more than a little stroke, since they’re, you know...half of U2 and all.
Taymor may have made The Lion King a huge success, but her resulting ego and artsier-than-thou aesthetic (she made the movies Across the Universe, Frida, and Titus, among others) were less-than-conducive to a mainstream big-budget spectacle involving super heroes - something she obviously knows nothing about. Hopefully, she learned lessons in both artistic and egotistical restraint.
Hopefully, Broadway producers everywhere learned a lesson, as well: never trust a woman named “Julie”.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Directive 1: Serve the Internet Trust
I had heard a little about this already, but heard much more via the Nerdy Show. (Feel free to check out that link above and/or to the right under “Good Company”. Great stuff.)
According to the Nerdy Show Season 4 Episode 4-1, the RoboCop statue in Detroit is about to become reality. No, seriously.
Okay, I see you’re still a little confused. The story goes like this: Someone tweeted that, since Philadelphia has a statue of Rocky, Detroit having a statue of RoboCop would be nothing short of awesome (and I have to agree!). The Mayor of Detroit said, “The answer is no.” The internet said, “Aw, c’mon! This’ll be so cool!” A group out of Detroit, Imagination Station, said, “Yeah, it would! Let’s raise the money to make it happen!” A movie licensing company out of California named - I kid you not - Omni Consumer Products said, “Tell you what - this is so cool that, if you guys can make it halfway there, we’ll donate the other half of the money to make it happen.” Sure enough, the internet - and OCP - made it happen.
This is entirely too cool for words. For one, this is a movie that had a HUGE impact on me as a teenager and that I’ve loved ever since. Second, this is also more proof that the nerds are taking over the world - if we haven’t already.
Hell, even Peter Weller approves!
You know, there are times the human race really pisses me right off. And then, there are times like this that people make me really happy.
Speaking of Kickstarters, the Protomen have made their desire known to perform live at the Detroit Robocop statue once it is erected. The Protomen also have their own Kickstarter to fund a documentary about them. They've passed their goal - tripled it, in fact - but they could always use more.
Why? This is why:
According to the Nerdy Show Season 4 Episode 4-1, the RoboCop statue in Detroit is about to become reality. No, seriously.
Okay, I see you’re still a little confused. The story goes like this: Someone tweeted that, since Philadelphia has a statue of Rocky, Detroit having a statue of RoboCop would be nothing short of awesome (and I have to agree!). The Mayor of Detroit said, “The answer is no.” The internet said, “Aw, c’mon! This’ll be so cool!” A group out of Detroit, Imagination Station, said, “Yeah, it would! Let’s raise the money to make it happen!” A movie licensing company out of California named - I kid you not - Omni Consumer Products said, “Tell you what - this is so cool that, if you guys can make it halfway there, we’ll donate the other half of the money to make it happen.” Sure enough, the internet - and OCP - made it happen.
This is entirely too cool for words. For one, this is a movie that had a HUGE impact on me as a teenager and that I’ve loved ever since. Second, this is also more proof that the nerds are taking over the world - if we haven’t already.
Hell, even Peter Weller approves!
You know, there are times the human race really pisses me right off. And then, there are times like this that people make me really happy.
Speaking of Kickstarters, the Protomen have made their desire known to perform live at the Detroit Robocop statue once it is erected. The Protomen also have their own Kickstarter to fund a documentary about them. They've passed their goal - tripled it, in fact - but they could always use more.
Why? This is why:
Monday, March 7, 2011
My Chemical Romance sells out House of Blues - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com
My Chemical Romance will be appearing at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL on May 18, 2011. But good luck getting tickets to the show.
Not so much to worry about for me - this isn't the kind of show I would have gone to in the first place.
Not so much to worry about for me - this isn't the kind of show I would have gone to in the first place.
The Last Only Word on Charlie Sheen
I could do what everyone else is doing and getting in up-to-the-minute comments on the trainwreck that is Charlie Sheen. But, it's not gonna happen. For two reasons:
1) M'man Hex made a great point on Twitter that speaks to what I'm all about in regards to this:
I fear some interpret the attention that Sheen's receiving as popularity. When people gawk at a car crash it's not out of popularity.
2) Even if I could muster up something, it wouldn't be nearly as good as what's below, which comes courtesy of the criminally underrated and ultra-talented Rappy McRapperson. So, Charlie, this one's for you:
1) M'man Hex made a great point on Twitter that speaks to what I'm all about in regards to this:
I fear some interpret the attention that Sheen's receiving as popularity. When people gawk at a car crash it's not out of popularity.
2) Even if I could muster up something, it wouldn't be nearly as good as what's below, which comes courtesy of the criminally underrated and ultra-talented Rappy McRapperson. So, Charlie, this one's for you:
Friday, March 4, 2011
Music Review: Random (Mega Ran) and Lost Perception - Black Materia: Final Fantasy VII - Blogcritics Music
A Hip-Hop record about Final Fantasy VII? As good of a combination as peanut butter and jelly.
Honestly, the disconnect between how good you think something like this might be and how good it actually is will blow your mind. I already dug Random's stuff, but this would have made me a fan if I wasn't.
Honestly, the disconnect between how good you think something like this might be and how good it actually is will blow your mind. I already dug Random's stuff, but this would have made me a fan if I wasn't.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Do Hollywood Producers Dream Of Defacing Classics For Money?
Cannibalization is one thing. Devouring the remains, eating the raw liver, and sucking out the bone marrow is a-wholenother matter entirely.
People don’t understand the appeal behind a movie like—okay, I need to back up, don’t I?
Here’s where this comes from: Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove of Alcon Entertainment are “in final discussions to secure film, television, and ancillary franchise rights” to Blade Runner.
No, you read that right. They’re franchising. Blade Runner. Now I can get in to what I was saying...
People don’t understand the appeal behind a movie like Blade Runner - or even The Crow or any sci-fi/fantasy movie that audiences loved and Hollywood assclowns see dollar signs around in association with a cult following - isn’t that this is cool universe to play in or all the story possibilities. The stories themselves were more allegories on the human condition. Especially with Blade Runner, which was a philosophical pondering on human morality and mortality based on a story by Phillip K Dick that was very much more of the same. It just so happened that Ridley Scott made that setting work visually, and Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah, and a ton of others made it work in many other ways.
All of that gets lost, it seems, in the never-ending battle of commerce vs. art. Fans see a great film, Hollywood sees an opportunity for further exploitation. And talk about the wrong avenue to pursue...a Holy Grail like Blade Runner?
The justification for this is well-nigh priceless. Johnson and Kosove stated that—get this:
We recognize the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.
First of all, if you guys “recognized the responsibility you have to do justice to the memory the original,” you’d realize this entire thing is a bad idea and forget about it. This Blog post wouldn’t exist because neither would this announcement that you two plan on carrying this blasphemy out.
Secondly, you’re “not just limiting yourselves to one medium only”? Because that worked so well for Highlander. And do we even have to discuss the atrocities done in the name of The Crow? Stairway To Heaven, anyone? These are the footsteps you two follow in.
Do you think Roy Batty would have given that heartfelt monologue about life if he knew this announcement would be the result of it?
...and just as I have this finished up, it’s announced that Johnson and Kosove are after Ridley Scott to get involved in all this - already blowing their rhetoric about “limiting themselves to one medium” out of the water.
I already see where this is headed - to a destiny that involves fading from memory. Like so many tears in the rain.
People don’t understand the appeal behind a movie like—okay, I need to back up, don’t I?
Here’s where this comes from: Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove of Alcon Entertainment are “in final discussions to secure film, television, and ancillary franchise rights” to Blade Runner.
No, you read that right. They’re franchising. Blade Runner. Now I can get in to what I was saying...
People don’t understand the appeal behind a movie like Blade Runner - or even The Crow or any sci-fi/fantasy movie that audiences loved and Hollywood assclowns see dollar signs around in association with a cult following - isn’t that this is cool universe to play in or all the story possibilities. The stories themselves were more allegories on the human condition. Especially with Blade Runner, which was a philosophical pondering on human morality and mortality based on a story by Phillip K Dick that was very much more of the same. It just so happened that Ridley Scott made that setting work visually, and Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah, and a ton of others made it work in many other ways.
All of that gets lost, it seems, in the never-ending battle of commerce vs. art. Fans see a great film, Hollywood sees an opportunity for further exploitation. And talk about the wrong avenue to pursue...a Holy Grail like Blade Runner?
The justification for this is well-nigh priceless. Johnson and Kosove stated that—get this:
We recognize the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.
First of all, if you guys “recognized the responsibility you have to do justice to the memory the original,” you’d realize this entire thing is a bad idea and forget about it. This Blog post wouldn’t exist because neither would this announcement that you two plan on carrying this blasphemy out.
Secondly, you’re “not just limiting yourselves to one medium only”? Because that worked so well for Highlander. And do we even have to discuss the atrocities done in the name of The Crow? Stairway To Heaven, anyone? These are the footsteps you two follow in.
Do you think Roy Batty would have given that heartfelt monologue about life if he knew this announcement would be the result of it?
...and just as I have this finished up, it’s announced that Johnson and Kosove are after Ridley Scott to get involved in all this - already blowing their rhetoric about “limiting themselves to one medium” out of the water.
I already see where this is headed - to a destiny that involves fading from memory. Like so many tears in the rain.
Concert Review: Miranda Cosgrove's "Dancing Crazy" Tour Stops in Orlando, FL 2/17/11 - Blogcritics Music
A TV star slowly evolves in to a live performer.
Not a BAD show. It--it's a TV star. The show is about what you'd expect.
She earns points for trying, certainly. She probably doesn't even have to, but you can tell she's trying to improve. That sort of thinking should be noted, at least.
Not a BAD show. It--it's a TV star. The show is about what you'd expect.
She earns points for trying, certainly. She probably doesn't even have to, but you can tell she's trying to improve. That sort of thinking should be noted, at least.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Double Shot - 03.02.11
That's two, two...TWO plugs outside articles in one post!
First:
Music Review: DJ Jazzy Jeff Feat. Erro - Yoruba Soul Mixes - Rock Wit U Feat. Erro - Blogcritics Music
An interesting combination yields a fascinating listen. No, seriously.
Aaaaaaaannnndd...
Crisis In Hollywood unveil new video before Orlando show
I actually find myself rooting for acts like this nowadays. Because I remember this one time...when musicians, like, actually played instruments. Yeah, that was cool.
First:
Music Review: DJ Jazzy Jeff Feat. Erro - Yoruba Soul Mixes - Rock Wit U Feat. Erro - Blogcritics Music
An interesting combination yields a fascinating listen. No, seriously.
Aaaaaaaannnndd...
Crisis In Hollywood unveil new video before Orlando show
I actually find myself rooting for acts like this nowadays. Because I remember this one time...when musicians, like, actually played instruments. Yeah, that was cool.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2321311
Going off the beaten path for a minute, I just found out about this today. Although, if you pay close attention to the “Good Company” links at the right, this shouldn’t be entirely unexpected.
This. Is exactly why. I haven’t bothered with TNA Impact. In months.
There’s really no more that needs to be said. But of course that’s never stopped me.
First, for the uninitiated, this is where this idea came from:
WWE plays a mysterious hype video. Everybody freaks out, thinking it might be Sting (including me). Another hype video makes it clear it’s not Sting. Hopes are dashed. Third video, WWE announces the return of the Undertaker (second video above). TNA gets cute and brags that they actually did sign Sting (first video above, past the other ridiculousness). World yawns.
Blatant rip-off aside, TNA simply doesn’t get it. Fans freaking about Sting’s appearance was because we thought he might be showing up in WWE. For a dream match against the Undertaker. That we’ve waited. Decades. For. To let everyone know via unoriginal and spiteful carbon copy video that match is being denied us is just a slap in the face. I understand any publicity is good publicity, and that seems to be TNA’s goal here (I think). The problem is, it will probably mean the square root of diddly/squat at the end of the day.
Show of hands - how many people reading that aren’t dyed-in-the-wool wrestling fans that still remember Sting from back in the day knew he was still wrestling? Right. The interest in him showing back up in TNA - where he’s been for several years now - is about as interesting as watching some chick from the Jersey Shore wrestle. Oh, wait, that’s gonna happen, too.
Shoot me. Please.
This. Is exactly why. I haven’t bothered with TNA Impact. In months.
There’s really no more that needs to be said. But of course that’s never stopped me.
First, for the uninitiated, this is where this idea came from:
WWE plays a mysterious hype video. Everybody freaks out, thinking it might be Sting (including me). Another hype video makes it clear it’s not Sting. Hopes are dashed. Third video, WWE announces the return of the Undertaker (second video above). TNA gets cute and brags that they actually did sign Sting (first video above, past the other ridiculousness). World yawns.
Blatant rip-off aside, TNA simply doesn’t get it. Fans freaking about Sting’s appearance was because we thought he might be showing up in WWE. For a dream match against the Undertaker. That we’ve waited. Decades. For. To let everyone know via unoriginal and spiteful carbon copy video that match is being denied us is just a slap in the face. I understand any publicity is good publicity, and that seems to be TNA’s goal here (I think). The problem is, it will probably mean the square root of diddly/squat at the end of the day.
Show of hands - how many people reading that aren’t dyed-in-the-wool wrestling fans that still remember Sting from back in the day knew he was still wrestling? Right. The interest in him showing back up in TNA - where he’s been for several years now - is about as interesting as watching some chick from the Jersey Shore wrestle. Oh, wait, that’s gonna happen, too.
Shoot me. Please.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
My Issue With Spider-Man
No, it has nothing to do with the character, the comic, any of the stories, or even the movies. (Although that third one has taken less than its fair share of criticism...Venom as a 70s emo wuss? Who booked this crap?)
No, my issue is with Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. The musical. Just one question...a request, really...
Can we pull the plug on this thing’s life support already and just let it die? Honestly, this thing has “destined to fail” written all over it. And yet, the producers march on like General Custer.
Alan Cumming (known for several cool roles, but the one closest to this would be Nightcrawler in the second X-Men movie) was set to be a part of this thing before he grew a brain. No, that’s not a knock - hell, even he feels that way about it (edited for language):
He explained, "My GOD, that was a lucky escape...Talk about dodging a bullet there! …it just %#@!ed me about. It kept getting delayed and delayed, and so I was like, 'OK, time to move on.' Yeah, it was a bit awkward. She [Director Julie Taymor] wasn't best pleased when I quit. But the thing about Julie is that she's very blinkered about her work, and then things go into the ether. So the next time I saw her for The Tempest, it was like it never happened."
Need to know more? Okay, sure!
Four actors have been injured during production, including lead actress Natalie Mendoza. The original actors for two main roles - Mary Jane and the Green Goblin - have split. It’s been delayed several dozen times - at first for funding issues before racking up a $60 million production price tag. They’ve had to bring in another director and damn good comic scribe Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa to save their collective fat. And THAT was because the first preview featured several technical glitches, more delays, and generally sucked so bad that a few critics broke an unspoken rule just to let the world know how abominable this show is.
On top of all that, do you remember the last time someone got the bright idea to put a super-hero musical on Broadway? Yeah, neither does anyone else - because it sucked so bad the first seven rows passed out from lack of oxygen (thank you, Jim Cornette)! It’s A Bird... It’s A Plane...It’s Superman! is now 45 years old and it lasted less than four months before closing doors. That should tell you how terrific it was. And yet, someone’s willing to try this again.
Of course, comic movies are all the rage now. The nerds are coming out of the closet and geek chic is all the rage. There’s a great market out there to be had, but it’s still no reason for this. $60 million dollars later, this thing has almost no chance of making its money back, much less turning a profit.
Even after all the evidence above, there are three simple reasons why this show is a reason that Roe Vs. Wade was passed in to legislation (I know it’s not the first time I’ve used that line, but this actually fits better.).
It’s a musical. About Spider-Man. With music by Bono and The Edge.
No, my issue is with Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. The musical. Just one question...a request, really...
Can we pull the plug on this thing’s life support already and just let it die? Honestly, this thing has “destined to fail” written all over it. And yet, the producers march on like General Custer.
Alan Cumming (known for several cool roles, but the one closest to this would be Nightcrawler in the second X-Men movie) was set to be a part of this thing before he grew a brain. No, that’s not a knock - hell, even he feels that way about it (edited for language):
He explained, "My GOD, that was a lucky escape...Talk about dodging a bullet there! …it just %#@!ed me about. It kept getting delayed and delayed, and so I was like, 'OK, time to move on.' Yeah, it was a bit awkward. She [Director Julie Taymor] wasn't best pleased when I quit. But the thing about Julie is that she's very blinkered about her work, and then things go into the ether. So the next time I saw her for The Tempest, it was like it never happened."
Need to know more? Okay, sure!
Four actors have been injured during production, including lead actress Natalie Mendoza. The original actors for two main roles - Mary Jane and the Green Goblin - have split. It’s been delayed several dozen times - at first for funding issues before racking up a $60 million production price tag. They’ve had to bring in another director and damn good comic scribe Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa to save their collective fat. And THAT was because the first preview featured several technical glitches, more delays, and generally sucked so bad that a few critics broke an unspoken rule just to let the world know how abominable this show is.
On top of all that, do you remember the last time someone got the bright idea to put a super-hero musical on Broadway? Yeah, neither does anyone else - because it sucked so bad the first seven rows passed out from lack of oxygen (thank you, Jim Cornette)! It’s A Bird... It’s A Plane...It’s Superman! is now 45 years old and it lasted less than four months before closing doors. That should tell you how terrific it was. And yet, someone’s willing to try this again.
Of course, comic movies are all the rage now. The nerds are coming out of the closet and geek chic is all the rage. There’s a great market out there to be had, but it’s still no reason for this. $60 million dollars later, this thing has almost no chance of making its money back, much less turning a profit.
Even after all the evidence above, there are three simple reasons why this show is a reason that Roe Vs. Wade was passed in to legislation (I know it’s not the first time I’ve used that line, but this actually fits better.).
It’s a musical. About Spider-Man. With music by Bono and The Edge.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Examining the future of comic book movies, part 04: X-Men - First Class - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com
X-Men: First Class could arguably be the biggest wild card out of all of the comic book movies in 2011.
Sure, I would like to throw in some added commentary here - but, really, that's what the article is.
It's all true, though. Personally, I did think the trailer looked pretty good. Confusing, but pretty good. I'm pretty sold on checking it out - which, I'm sure because this was a trailer - was the idea.
Still, the Cuban Missile Crisis thing has me thrown off. Off the top of my head, there's no other national incident that would fit something like this better. At the same time, that's now a fifty-year gap between then and now. If you want to go back to the original movie, we'll be generous and call it 40.
Nothing to do now but wait for another preview or three and wait to see how all this turns out.
Sure, I would like to throw in some added commentary here - but, really, that's what the article is.
It's all true, though. Personally, I did think the trailer looked pretty good. Confusing, but pretty good. I'm pretty sold on checking it out - which, I'm sure because this was a trailer - was the idea.
Still, the Cuban Missile Crisis thing has me thrown off. Off the top of my head, there's no other national incident that would fit something like this better. At the same time, that's now a fifty-year gap between then and now. If you want to go back to the original movie, we'll be generous and call it 40.
Nothing to do now but wait for another preview or three and wait to see how all this turns out.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
DJ Caruso signed on to direct "Preacher" - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com
It was announced yesterday that director DJ Caruso has been signed to direct an adaptation of the popular - and controversial - Preacher.
Oh, no - this ain't gonna be no one-liner with some fleeting commentary. This is a subject near and dear to my heart.
Now that the news has been “broken”, it’s time for, “Good Idea, Bad Idea”.
Good Idea: Turning Garth Ennis’s seminal Vertigo series “Preacher” in to an HBO serial, which was the plan up until three years ago.
Bad Idea: Turning Garth Ennis’s seminal Vertigo series “Preacher” in to a feature film all its own, which now seems to be the plan.
Caruso is the next in a long line of adaptations set for the film that have never panned out. Ennis first sold the rights to Electric Entertainment around 1998. Since then, several names have been involved with bringing the comic to life, including Rachel Talalay, Bob Weinstein, Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier, James Marsden, Mark Steven Johnson, and Sam Mendes, among others. HBO - of all outlets - pulled the plug on the project when the network decided that the subject matter of “Preacher” was “just too dark and too violent and too controversial,” according to Johnson.
“Too dark...too violent...too controversial”...for HBO? Really? The home of “The Sopranos”, “Deadwood”, and a score of other series that regular TV wouldn’t go near with a 40’ pole and a HazMat suit? That should say something in and of itself.
While Caruso’s track record could considered somewhat suspect for such a project (although I have seen approximately zero of his movies), it is the project itself that seems doomed as far as a Hollywood adaptation. While a great story when fully revealed, asking people to spend in upwards of $15 to suspend disbelief in the philosophy that God could very well be a self-centered asshole* in an age of extreme Political Correctness seems a bit much to ask.
Plenty of people would want to see this done right. I’m certainly among them. Unfortunately, the fear that more people will turn on this project faster than a Vince Russo-scripted heel turn far outweighs any joy this news should normally bring.
* - Hey, if WWE can ditch their ”PG” rating for a couple weeks, then I can get away with a one-off now and again.
Oh, no - this ain't gonna be no one-liner with some fleeting commentary. This is a subject near and dear to my heart.
Now that the news has been “broken”, it’s time for, “Good Idea, Bad Idea”.
Good Idea: Turning Garth Ennis’s seminal Vertigo series “Preacher” in to an HBO serial, which was the plan up until three years ago.
Bad Idea: Turning Garth Ennis’s seminal Vertigo series “Preacher” in to a feature film all its own, which now seems to be the plan.
Caruso is the next in a long line of adaptations set for the film that have never panned out. Ennis first sold the rights to Electric Entertainment around 1998. Since then, several names have been involved with bringing the comic to life, including Rachel Talalay, Bob Weinstein, Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier, James Marsden, Mark Steven Johnson, and Sam Mendes, among others. HBO - of all outlets - pulled the plug on the project when the network decided that the subject matter of “Preacher” was “just too dark and too violent and too controversial,” according to Johnson.
“Too dark...too violent...too controversial”...for HBO? Really? The home of “The Sopranos”, “Deadwood”, and a score of other series that regular TV wouldn’t go near with a 40’ pole and a HazMat suit? That should say something in and of itself.
While Caruso’s track record could considered somewhat suspect for such a project (although I have seen approximately zero of his movies), it is the project itself that seems doomed as far as a Hollywood adaptation. While a great story when fully revealed, asking people to spend in upwards of $15 to suspend disbelief in the philosophy that God could very well be a self-centered asshole* in an age of extreme Political Correctness seems a bit much to ask.
Plenty of people would want to see this done right. I’m certainly among them. Unfortunately, the fear that more people will turn on this project faster than a Vince Russo-scripted heel turn far outweighs any joy this news should normally bring.
* - Hey, if WWE can ditch their ”PG” rating for a couple weeks, then I can get away with a one-off now and again.
The. Final. Word. On the Grammys.
Since I’m already in a bad mood about Dwayne McDuffie, I may as well do this once and for all.
There’s a reason I steered clear of the Grammys. There’s nothing about them that I haven’t said already. Numerous times. It was time to let it go and move.
And then Steve Stoute had to go and open his yap.
There’s no way I’m reprinting his entire open letter to Grammy organizers (you can do that here, if you feel so inclined). There are a couple points I may quote, but I have to start with the beginning. One of the very first things out of his mouth. One that says what I’ve been saying in much more sarcastic tones publicly for seven years:
I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture.
Where. On God’s green earth. Have you been?
Here’s the problem, Steve - it’s easily arguable that the Grammys never had touch with contemporary popular culture in the first place. The Grammys are actually one of the reasons this Blog - or at least its name - exists in the first place.
The Grammys, moreso than the Oscars or any other awards show, are a sign of corporate marketing at its most prominent. They always have been. You can cite Steeley Dan beating Eminem for Album of the Year or even Jethro Tull ousting Metallica for Best Metal performance all you want - the fact is, the Grammys have always been shallow, weak, and not worth the attention, venom, and vigor they receive for all the blown spots year in and year out.
Although, of all the years to point this out, you had to choose this one? The same year the only act to actually play their own instruments and attempt to sound original - The Arcade Fire - won Album of the year? The one good call the Grammys have made in years? Did you stop and think for a moment, Steve, that maybe the Grammys actually awarded talent and originality this year? I know, it’s a novel idea. Even I’m amazed!
To add ignorance to insult, you had to use Justin Beiber as your primary example. The same kid whose fans brutalized Esperanza Spalding's WikiPedia page in retaliation for their prepubescent god of shallow teen dreams not winning the same award. Real classy. If this is what represents “an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist”, it’s comforting to know that mommy and daddy didn’t give in to junior’s tantrums this time.
Other than that, Steve, I have to congratulate you on beating a dead horse. Then having your way with the corpse before shooting it in the head one more time. Great job on being so topical and with the times. Not to mention revolutionary.
One last thing, now that I mention revolutionary: Lady GaGa pops out of an egg and people flip out over this like it’s never been done? Honey, Spinal Tap has you beat by 27 years. Hell, WWE has you beat by 21.
There’s a reason I steered clear of the Grammys. There’s nothing about them that I haven’t said already. Numerous times. It was time to let it go and move.
And then Steve Stoute had to go and open his yap.
There’s no way I’m reprinting his entire open letter to Grammy organizers (you can do that here, if you feel so inclined). There are a couple points I may quote, but I have to start with the beginning. One of the very first things out of his mouth. One that says what I’ve been saying in much more sarcastic tones publicly for seven years:
I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture.
Where. On God’s green earth. Have you been?
Here’s the problem, Steve - it’s easily arguable that the Grammys never had touch with contemporary popular culture in the first place. The Grammys are actually one of the reasons this Blog - or at least its name - exists in the first place.
The Grammys, moreso than the Oscars or any other awards show, are a sign of corporate marketing at its most prominent. They always have been. You can cite Steeley Dan beating Eminem for Album of the Year or even Jethro Tull ousting Metallica for Best Metal performance all you want - the fact is, the Grammys have always been shallow, weak, and not worth the attention, venom, and vigor they receive for all the blown spots year in and year out.
Although, of all the years to point this out, you had to choose this one? The same year the only act to actually play their own instruments and attempt to sound original - The Arcade Fire - won Album of the year? The one good call the Grammys have made in years? Did you stop and think for a moment, Steve, that maybe the Grammys actually awarded talent and originality this year? I know, it’s a novel idea. Even I’m amazed!To add ignorance to insult, you had to use Justin Beiber as your primary example. The same kid whose fans brutalized Esperanza Spalding's WikiPedia page in retaliation for their prepubescent god of shallow teen dreams not winning the same award. Real classy. If this is what represents “an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist”, it’s comforting to know that mommy and daddy didn’t give in to junior’s tantrums this time.
Other than that, Steve, I have to congratulate you on beating a dead horse. Then having your way with the corpse before shooting it in the head one more time. Great job on being so topical and with the times. Not to mention revolutionary.
One last thing, now that I mention revolutionary: Lady GaGa pops out of an egg and people flip out over this like it’s never been done? Honey, Spinal Tap has you beat by 27 years. Hell, WWE has you beat by 21.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Comics and animation pioneer Dwayne McDuffie passes away - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com
Trailblazing comics creator and animation scribe Dwayne McDuffie passed away today, just two days after his 49th birthday.
Stunned. And kinda sad. While never a huge fan of all of his work, I can't help but be a fan of what he accomplished, especially with Milestone Media. Lousy news to come home to.
Stunned. And kinda sad. While never a huge fan of all of his work, I can't help but be a fan of what he accomplished, especially with Milestone Media. Lousy news to come home to.
Monday, February 14, 2011
BlogCritics.org - Sunday Morning Coming Down 02.13.11: Death of a (Guitar) Hero
Activision declares the music video game genre dead? Not so fast.
Yeah, you'll see a column staple butchered right off the bat. That will be...slightly fixed from here on out thanks to one of BC's editors not knowing what was going on with that and pissing himself over a fear of being sued for "plagiarism". *Sigh.*
Yeah, you'll see a column staple butchered right off the bat. That will be...slightly fixed from here on out thanks to one of BC's editors not knowing what was going on with that and pissing himself over a fear of being sued for "plagiarism". *Sigh.*
Monday, February 7, 2011
Examining the future of comic book movies, part 04: Captain America - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com
Whereas the reviews for The Green Hornet and the trailer for Green Lantern betray that they seem to want to be too cool for their own good, Captain America’s trailer betrays another problem altogether.
I was kinda hoping seeing the trailer would give me more of an idea what this movie would be like. However, it went by so fast I'm stuck back at square one.
I was kinda hoping seeing the trailer would give me more of an idea what this movie would be like. However, it went by so fast I'm stuck back at square one.
Come What(ever) May - Addendum
Nothing like waking up and finding out you've been...reprinted from a newspaper blog clear across the country?
Mind you, I'm flattered, really. Good stuff. Thank you, Seattle!
Mind you, I'm flattered, really. Good stuff. Thank you, Seattle!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
BlogCritics.org - Sunday Morning Coming Down: Come What(ever) May
Discussing the fate of two of the biggest hard rock bands in the world by breaking down one interview.
I know I actually need to, like...write on this thing instead of using it as glorified ad space. I might have freed up some time to do just that soon.
I know I actually need to, like...write on this thing instead of using it as glorified ad space. I might have freed up some time to do just that soon.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Protomen return to Orlando - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com
The Protomen AND Marc? Sure, I'm in.
Random Encounter sounds interesting. Have to give them a try whilst I'm there.
Random Encounter sounds interesting. Have to give them a try whilst I'm there.
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