Tagged: film
And the Academy Award Goes to….Beasts of the Southern Wild!
I am going to say it here, Beasts of the Southern Wild is going to get best picture this year. I am so certain of this because it’s still on my mind today after seeing it last night. If you get the chance to check this film out you most certainly will not be disappointed. It’s something so beautiful, real and surreal it’s hard to fully put it into words. One thing is for certain by the end of the movie you will be balling your eyes out. It’s been quite some time since I have actually seen a movie that truly moved me in this way. I guess I would put it loosely into the same category as say Pan’s Labyrinth or maybe Where the Wild Things Are. However at it’s core it’s a much more emotional ride than either of those.
It’s based on a small fictional bayou village who’s residents is hit hard by a hurricane and completely desolated. At the center of the story is Hushpuppy played by Quvenzhané Wallis who will probably be nominated for an Oscar even though she’s only six years old. It follows her journey as her and her father try and survive the flood while refusing to leave the area. Sounds simple enough, but the journey that follows is one of the most visually stunning put to screen. The landscape, the characters, the music is hard to erase from your mind. It feels like you’ve stepped into a different world entirely with merely the lightest tinge of fantasy thrown into the story as the beastly creatures that appear from time to time in the story only enhance the fact that you may be seeing things from a slightly skewed perspective of a six year old. This movie blew my mind and even more so was the fact this was director Benh Zeitlin’s first feature length film as were the films two major players Quvenzhané Wallis and Dwight Henry who starred as her father “Wink”.
So if you’re looking for something special to see amidst the usual Hollywood schlock this one is a must, just be prepared for it to be floating in your mind like like a some incredible dream you can’t forget for days after…
Live action CG ALF Movie…….LAME!!!
Hey everyone it seems word on the net today is about the possible ALF reboot / remake full length feature film! Sounded good to me when I first heard about it, I mean you have to have no soul to not like ALF! I am certain there are some youngsters out there are like who the shit is ALF? But all of us 1980’s kids need no introduction, his name stands for Alien Life Form. He’s a furry smart ass alien who loves to dine on….Cats!
It was also one of best 80’s sitcoms around & Alf was brought to life entirely by puppetry. This version boasts a CG Alf. Uggh…hey Hollywood did you see the latest installment of The Muppets movie? Do you think that would have been any good if Kermit and Co were CG? It’s no wonder that this is the direction the movie is taking as Jordan Kerner the “genius” behind the latest Smurfs movie is Alf’s producer. This movie could be a completely nostalgic & delightful throwback for all of us. Somehow I have a feeling this new version of Alf will be a bunch of watered down Hollywood Schlock. Only Hollywood could ever be accused of something as atrocious as watering down Alf. But they are already en route to doing so. The good news is that original voice of Alf, Paul Fasco is on board at least! Maybe I am being too hard on Hollywood? But hey Alf was never broken, he doesn’t need to be fixed….in the meantime puppet ALF is saying F’ off to CG Alf via this ALF Metal, this isn’t the first time I posted this here because it’s goddamn amazing!!!
Silver Screen Supermen: The Blog of Steel by Chris “Optional” Gray
Hey folks, its Chris “Optional” Gray here bringing you a guest piece for Universal Dork. This blog was promised to Mr. Saturday long ago, and much like the topic this blog is covering there have been many set backs, production delays, casting issues, wardrobe disputes, you know, the typical things that can go wrong with writing a blog. My original idea was to compare and contrast the film making efforts between Marvel and DC, but that subject is for another time and day.Today we will be focusing on the Man of Steel himself, Superman and his adventures on the silver screen.
The first time Superman was brought to the big screen was in 1941 with the Fleischer Studios animated shorts, bringing the Caped Crusader to life for the first time. These shorts are absolute classics and have endured the test of time so much to be readily available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.They perfectly capture the Superman of that early era.They feel like your reading a short comic in a newspaper fun,fast and a feast for the eyes especially if you love old animation.
The next time Superman graced the screen was in 1948 when Alan Kyrk starred in the theatrical series, which were very similar in style to George Reeve’s later television series. Unfortunately, Kyrk really lacked any kind of screen presence to pull off the roles of Superman and Clark Kent. The most entertaining aspect of the shorts comes from the lack of budget that prevented them from actually showing Kyrk take flight, those segments had to be animated which while distracting is still very entertaining. It makes even the worst modern day CGI look glorious in comparison, but the shorts still come off as enjoyable.
Now we come to George Reeve’s debut as Superman in the little known B-Movie Superman and The Molemen Continue reading
Zero Dark Thirty: Cinematic Bin Laden Propaganda?
We all knew that it wouldn’t be long before we got a “hunt for Bin Laden” movie which chronicles the United States search for the evil doer and the “capture” carried out by the Navy Seals. Now to me the way this story has played out in the news makes for a perfect movie! It’s right out of an eighties shoot em’ up! I have had a hard time with this whole story from the get go however, it’s very similar for me to “United 93” as it’s actually very unclear what happened on that flight as many speculate it was actually shot down by our government. The movie however spins it one way, that the people on board beat the terrorists. It was actually an entertaining movie but as I watched I kept really wondering if the film was a big load of propaganda to help fuel more war?
So now we have “Zero Dark Thirty” the latest from Kathryn Bigelow (Near Dark, Point Break, The Hurt Locker). Yeah folks now we’re all going to get “the real story”. Ugghhh…I am not sure about you but didn’t anyone think the whole Bin Laden killed and dumped / burial into the sea immediately because we didn’t want to upset any muslims thing was a little off? No pictures of his body and a Navy Seal story of his killing that changed a half a dozen times? Whatever the case when I heard the news my bullshit detector immediately went off in my brain, watching Obama tell us what happened didn’t sit right with me. Aside from the fact that we assassinated him instead of putting him on trial for the world to see, Bin Laden was never even indicted with a crime by the USA.
Now this is all beside the point that Bin Laden wasn’t ever seen on video for almost ten years after 911. What we did always get were “confirmed” audio tapes of his voice during that period of time spouting off his evil deeds. Seemed a little off to me. It was also claimed several times that Bin Laden had died of kidney failure in 2001. Was Bin Laden actually dead all these years? Has our Government been hiding things all these years about Bin Laden and the true story of 911? We all know Governments never lie to their people right? Well rest assured it’s good to know now all us Americans are now finally gonna get the real story with Zero Dark Thirty….whoopee…..
Do We Really Want a Darker Superman Movie?
I have watched the “Superman: Man of Steel” trailers quite a few times lately since they were recently put on the web for everyone to enjoy. I think so far it looks pretty interesting. However I am just not so certain that this is the Superman movie I really want to see. It’s clearly a darker more realistic take on Supes and it’s clearly trying to use the Nolan / Batman recipe for success. The trailers show a darker more emotional style of filming that may take a bit of getting used to. This however isn’t really what we’re all used to from Superman, so I am not going to jump to any premature conclusions yet, I’m quite sure I will enjoy this one immensely. Yet I would much rather have a brighter, more colorful Superman story to be honest. I could just be feeling this because this is all I am used to?
Hmm…Looks like Superman’s got Dr. Manhattan syndrome if you know what I mean! Blame it on Snyder again I guess…
I just don’t know how I feel about this one so far. What works for Batman may not necessarily work for Superman. I picture a Superman movie playing out a little more like Whedon’s Avengers personally – like a comic book really transformed into reality except without all the dark gritty real world vibe. I enjoyed Singer’s tone on his Superman film, I LOVED Brandon Routh as Superman.
Damn he was almost on par with Reeve in my opinion. He had that perfect charm, innocence and humor as the Man of Steel that is desperately needed to make the character work on the big screen. It’s still a mystery to me how Singer messed it up and somehow made a boring Superman movie! So instead now we get this, a dark Superman movie. It’s going to take a lot of convincing here for me folks…what do you now all think after seeing the trailers? Am I way lame for feeling this way?
MAD GOD: Probably the Coolest Thing I Have Laid Eyes On This Year!
I have just seen the Kickstarter video for legendary stop motion / effects master Phil Tippett’s latest movie he’s recently started working on again and it looks incredible!Seriously before you read on check out the Kickstarter video! Phil is famous for his work on little films called The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Jurassic Park & Robocop to name a few.
All I really need to say watch this teaser and if you’re interested check out the interview with Harry Knowles. It’s even better news to know the movie reached it’s funding goals on Kickstarter! So it will be a reality and most likely one of the most amazing little movies of current times…
The Amazing Spider-man & Punisher’s Dirty Laundry….
Well I did it! I finally went out and saw The Amazing Spider-man. I guess that shows you exactly how excited I was for the movie huh? So I thought it was a decent Spider-man movie about on par with the Raimi franchise. It wasn’t leaps and bounds better but I am glad to say I got seeing the movie out of the way or crossed off my “to do” list. It was pretty much exactly what I was expecting sadly with no real surprises. Garfield did a decent job as the new, more hip, high school Parker. No longer do we have the geeky nerd, now we have the skateboarding hipster Parker with his skinny jeans, hoodie, assorted leather jackets and fingerless black gloves. Parker is not the nerd we remember anymore, he’s a dark mysterious loner. He walked straight off the set of Twilight. Not really my ideal version of the character but Garfield put some good emotion into it and therefore it sorta worked especially for this generation of tween movie goers.
The movie kinda lost me however with the Lizard. Everything felt pretty real for the most part until he appeared. Often times the movie’s flaws unfortunately were it’s action scenes jam packed with cartoony CG pulled straight out of an Xbox game intro. It’s shiny and slick but often times a little too slick for my liking. Emma Stone did a fine job as Gwen Stacy and it was pleasure to see Martin Sheen and Sally “Gidget” Field back on the big screen. I honestly wish I had more to say about this one, but it just wasn’t memorable enough for me to rant on and on about. I am however happy I got the origin of Spider-man out of the way here, it felt like yesterday that I was watching Raimi’s version so this new installment really could have skipped the whole introduction again and gotten into some new uncharted territory. The one good thing is that it seems that we’ll get another shot at The Green Goblin as this film got The Dark Night treatment, they obviously will be putting him in the sequel, as they put the Joker in The Dark Night. Let’s hope this time he at least looks like the Green Goblin. Please though Hollywood The Green Goblin DOESN’T need to be a CG character. Don’t I repeat DON’T screw it up the second time around!
Hey Marvel this is the Green Goblin remember? He should look like THIS.
Also I am sure you’ve all seen the Thomas Jane short film “Dirty Laundry” he recently unveiled. This seems to be his attempt to woo Marvel back into letting him play The Punisher again. It was a neat little film for what it was and it was pretty violent as well, that is if you consider a lot of CG blood splatter really “violent”. I personally was never really to keen on that 2004 Punisher film. As much as I love Jane as an actor I just don’t think he really screams Frank Castle to me. So Should Marvel bring back Jane as Frank Castle? I am sure the fans reaction will have a lot to do with it. What do you all think? For me I’d like to see two more short “fan” made films, one by Dolph Lungren and one by Ray Stevenson before I make any endorsements!!
Take Me To Unicorn City Please!
Being a big fan of D&D, LARP-ing has always been a serious curiosity of mine. I hope someday to actually try it for real as it’s become quite popular over the years. However what is the real reason why it’s gotten so much attention? To me it’s apparent that it’s an easy thing to poke fun at. Yeah I do see how silly it is, I mean grown women and men playing pretend in the forest. To me though it looks like a great time and a great escape from this mundane world we currently inhabit.
This form of entertainment has been featured in quite a few films, like “Role Models”, documentaries like “Monster Camp” a more serious thriller in the awesome “Wild Hunt” and even popular music videos (Red Fang). So let’s add another comedy to the list the upcoming “Unicorn City”.
Even if it’s another tear on LARP-ers it’s still getting the word out there and getting me a step closer to some day try it for myself! Check out the trailer!
Marvel Announces Next Big Superhero Flick…The Human Fly?!!
So the big news is finally out!! Superhero fans all over the world are ecstatic today as Marvel announces their next big blockbuster superhero movie! Luke Cage?! Nope! Doctor Strange?! NADA! Daredevil?! Na! Moon Knight?! Not even close! People Marvel is giving you……..THE HUMAN FLY?!!! Yep!!
Who?! That dude from the 1970’s? The stunt man guy? The series that had a total of 19 full issues! Yeah this Marvel Character was around for a few years, he was a stunt driver who was badly injured in a car crash and he was given a steel skeleton by doctors. He then did wild stunts for charity events but had run ins with super villains who often times tried to rob them. He even went toe to toe with Spider-man! As this is an odd choice for a flick I am curious what led them to choose this character? Alan Brewer and Steven Goldmann picked up the reverted rights on the property recently. Eisenberg-Fisher Productions, which is based on the Paramount lot, will executive produce the proposed indie flick. I wonder if Sam Jackson will appear after the credits to recruit The Human Fly? Hmm…..not likely!
So now that I know Marvel’s new strategy of movie making I have a few suggestions for you true believers in Hollywood! You heard it here first folks here are my predictions for the next Marvel Superhero blockbusters! Since they are obviously pumped about making The Human Fly how about…
Moonboy & Devil Dinosuar?!!!
Why the HELL not?! Listen up Marvel these two are way more fly than The Human Fly! Remember how fucking popular Jurassic Park was?! Ever heard of a movie called Encino Man?!! Moon-Boy is the first god damn human ever! This duo will surely rule the silver screen. Seriously if you wanna cash in make this damn movie!
Ok then we’re on a roll, so how about 3-D MAN?!!!
Yet another 1970’s superhero who’s like ten times as cool as The Human Fly! Marvel let me let you all in on a little secret you may not have caught onto yet…3-D movies are all the damn rage these days!!! Now you have a superhero who’s literally “3-D”! Imagine this “3-D Man in 3-D”!!! Win Win situation! Oh and I highly advise basing the movie on the issue shown above! That is if you really wanna cash cow…
Ok, ok I got more Marvel…since you skipped Giant-man for The Avengers movie you might as well get on this one asap…BLACK GOLIATH!
Yeah I love this character! He’s easily one of the coolest african american superheroes ever! Forget The Black Panther or Luke cage Dr. Bill Foster is the biggest man on the block and once again way more rad than The Human Fly! He’d stop him at the box office like a fly for sure!
Ok so let’s say you wanted to pass on Black Goliath, well that’;s fine because there’s always BROTHER VOODOO in waiting!
Just skip Doctor Strange and get this movie made! Add some vampires, zombies and lots of fucking Voodoo mayhem! Brother Voodoo kicks The Human Fly’s ass in every way possible! This one is a no brainer just do it already!
Ok lastly we all know how popular robots are…so let’s focus on a full on ass kickin’ MACHINE MAN live action film!
Yes! Seriously Machine Man is one of the coolest Marvel Characters out there! Aaron Stack is his name and way back in 1977 he was introduced into the Marvel Universe. He’s got a kinda Pinnochio type story as he was raised as a human by his creator Abel Stack. He’s made his way as supporting character in the most recent “Hulk” comics which follow Thunderbolt Ross and his alter ego the mustache-less Red Hulk. This guy is like one hundred times as bad ass as The Human Fly!! So why not? People are obviously into the Transformer movies for some reason so imagine Mr. Stack on the big screen! Win!!! P.s. Please note above Northstar on the cover of Machine Man…he has blonde Hair! What gives?!
The Second Coming of Judge Dredd!
Step aside Stallone! We are all getting a second chance at Judge Dredd finally on the big screen! Yes we have tried for years to erase the Stallone version of the legendary sci fi comic book with no luck. We can all agree that movie sucked the big one big time, but I can also honestly say Stallone looked the part perfectly! Too bad in his version he only wore the helmet for like five minutes in the whole damn film. One thing I can’t stand is when we get big actors who play super heroes and don’t wear the costume enough, like when at the end of most big Hollywood movie versions the mask rips off in battle. I can’t stand it! Uggh like seeing Tobey Maguires face wearing the Spider-man costume and losing the mask at the finale of every single installment! We want to forget that an actor is playing the character, so Hollywood keep the masks on our movie superheroes please!
Sorry for the rant, I couldn’t help it I had to say it! Anyway…..I don’t claim to be the biggest Judge Dredd fan ever, but back when I was a kid I did read the comic book and most of all was inspired to read the series because of speed metal genius’ Anthrax! I even had the Anthrax tee with Dredd on it “I am the Law” was their song and it fucking ruled the damn school!
They even put out a rad t-shirt back in the day with Judge Death on it. Oh how I love old school speed metal! I also have to mention that one of my favorite artists ever, Brian “Killing Joke” Bolland helped make Dredd a must for me when I was in my teens. Dredd had a lot going for him in the eighties…
Here though we get a second cinematic shot at Judge Dredd with this brand new trailer-I have to admit it looks pretty legit so far to me and it seems so far that Dredd wears his damn helmet quite a bit!! This time we’ve got the new Bones from Star Trek Karl Urban as the ultimate enforcer and he looks great! The judge, jury and executioner faces a female drug king pin pushing a new reality altering drug, Slo-mo! So far so good! Now could we just get a little Judge Death in there too? I know, I know I am so damn picky….
Universal Dork 