I was reading last week's Entertainment Weekly and I came to the last page with an edition of The Final Cut entitled "Is Sci-Fi Out of Ideas" written by a man named Mark Harris. While the piece is interesting it made me realize something: there is a huge generation gap where the people on either side have completely different views of sci-fi.
In the column Harris makes a good point that pretty much all of the science fiction films coming out are recycled ideas and remakes of other movies. The problem comes with his somewhat arrogant question about why people aren't coming up with new ideas in sci-fi while he credits 2001: A Space Odyssey as the last truly original sci-fi film that changed it's landscape. The reason I call the question arrogant is because he acts as though the world hasn't changed since 1968. There was a time when the focus of sci-fi was on the fiction. People were not as aware of emerging technologies and they just liked stories of escapism with flying cars and lots of flashing colored lights.
I was a child when computers started showing up most middle class homes and I was still young when the internet became a staple. I remember the days where your only choices were AOL and Prodigy and busy phone lines because dial up was your only method to surf the web. In the matter of only a few years it was multiple household computers and high speed internet. What it comes down to is the fact that I have grown up in a technology boom and I can understand why it's growing harder and harder to find new quality ideas for sci-fi. The youth of today want to know that the science in their sci-fi is logical and reasonable otherwise it should just be a story of fantasy.
Most old sci-fi movies don't hold up to today's standards. It's hard no to laugh at the old cinematic versions of future computers and other so called advanced technologies. By remaking an old sci-fi flick people are able to make updates that make technological sense, not to mention the fact that people know the stories so they don't question the parts that are such strong examples of fantasy.
To add a flying car to a sci-fi flick nowadays you have to explain how the car flies, what kind of power is used and how it's harnessed, how do they avoid accidents without roads or are the cars more simply hover crafts (yeah that's right there is a big difference between a flying car and a hover craft). It's the same with all technology shown in movies today. We are skeptics but we are well informed skeptics. Unlike prior generations we don't believe whatever we're shown and told and we require ideas based in fact.
The movie Demolition Man (it may not be great but I love it) is a good example of a more recent sci-fi movie that had original ideas and stuck to scientific realities extended to fit a future context. Even the cars they used were prototypes future models supplied by General Motors. Cryogenics is a process that is still being worked on. It's all about the science.
One of the great things about The X Files was their basis in fact. Scully would lay out the science while Mulder focused on fiction and myth. It is what we have come to expect in this day and age.
By not even acknowledging The Matrix in his article Harris shows that he certainly is not from my generation (Mr. Harris, your age is showing). You neglect a movie that sparked a revolution of sorts and spawned 2 sequels. Are you trying to say that this is somehow not a sci-fi film? Do you have some convoluted idea that it is recycled in some way? The sequels may not hold up to the 1999 original but that doesn't take away to how great The Matrix is. Maybe you are just too old to understand why this is based in scientific reality. Did you type your column on your Apple IIe?
And what about Harris's theory that Westerns have been rebooted so why can't they do the same for sci-fi? Well for one thing the Western is based in the past not the future which means certain facts are already laid out. They can't give a cowboy an AK 47 and expect people to accept that. They can't have people driving around in cars. The simple fact is that the base of a western is already laid all one has to do is come up with the fictional story to overlay on the backdrop.
Harris may be right when he says that for many the reboots feel like been there done that but there are generations of younger movie goers that haven't seen the originals (and would probably laugh at their absurdity if they did). While I find it sad that many times kids don't realize something is a remake I can understand why they would be reticent to watch the original. Sci-fi doesn't hold up through time the way other genres do. Science changes, it becomes outdated and illogical and technology flashes forward at light speed so to speak.
In the end I have to say I feel bad for Mark Harris. This must have been his geeky realization that he was getting older and I guess he didn't like it. Some day I will be older and they will be remaking The Matrix and other movies I hold dear but when that happens I hope I'm mature enough to admit that the science and graphics of the original are outdated and a reboot is not entirely unwarranted. Besides, doesn't it make way more sense to reboot or remake sci-fi movies and TV shows than the idiotic ideas they have had recently of bringing absurd versions of things like Josie and the Pussycats, Starsky and Hutch, the Mod Squad, etc... to the big screen?
Our entertainment industry is historically derivative. New ideas are few and far between but keep in mind the industry is run by large corporations that have discovered that remakes make money. New ideas (especially progressive ideas that are often expressed in quality science fiction) often find it hard to find funding. Fantasy is far easier to be creative with than sci-fi (in fact if you look at a lot of old "sci-fi" as the years pass they become little more than fantasy anyway, science just surpasses the antiquated ideas of what could be).
Take a moment to think about it. And think about just how much fiction you'll accept in your sci-fi.
--AnnaMay
Friday, January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ain't No Party Like a '300, The Cat Version' Party
Hi, my name is AnnaMay and I'm a cute-a-holic!
Every single day I visit Cute Overload, often multiple times throughout the day. I can't tell you how many time's I've looked at the kitten in a frog hat, ya know if I had my way I would totally go so far as to tatoo that picture over my boyfriends face. I mean he's pretty darn cute but he's no kitten in a froggy hat. Ahh the elusive kitten-frog, as long as you exist on the internet I don't know if I can ever make it through this recovery process!
Anyway, you may have seen this link elsewhere but this is the cat version of the 300 trailer. Make sure you keep your volume up!
If you don't like it then you are so not cool in my book. You will respect my cute-thority!
--AnnaMay
Every single day I visit Cute Overload, often multiple times throughout the day. I can't tell you how many time's I've looked at the kitten in a frog hat, ya know if I had my way I would totally go so far as to tatoo that picture over my boyfriends face. I mean he's pretty darn cute but he's no kitten in a froggy hat. Ahh the elusive kitten-frog, as long as you exist on the internet I don't know if I can ever make it through this recovery process!
Anyway, you may have seen this link elsewhere but this is the cat version of the 300 trailer. Make sure you keep your volume up!
If you don't like it then you are so not cool in my book. You will respect my cute-thority!
--AnnaMay
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Gladiator Nostalgia
In September of 1989 America was treated to a spectacle of strength, speed, and competition that would last for the next 7 years. American Gladiators gave us red white and blue spandex clad warriors who would destroy all challengers that dared to get in their way. I remember watching these hulking figures with names like Nitro, Zap, Turbo, and Ice. It was exciting to see real competition and I don't think I'm alone in my fond memories which is why I am so excited that they brought the show back.
The new American Gladiators (check out the official NBC page for the show) just began and I can't tell you how happy I am. Ever since I heard it was coming back I have been excited and trying to get everyone I know to watch. I was a bit worried that they would try and make this new version flashy and silly and somehow take away from the competition but I have to say I am quite pleased. They changed the costumes, now the gladiators wear silver (I guess the red white and blue stars and stripes patriotism doesn't have the same appeal that it did in the 1980's - oh the days of American flag fashion). While they have added a few new events most of the great ones from the original show (assault, joust, hang tough, and of course the eliminator to name a few) are still part of the competition. The new gladiators seem like good choices though they somehow feel smaller than the old ones, though I guess leaner is a better way to say it. The women are sexy (I have to say Crush & Siren are my current faves) and cut and the men are forces to be reconed with like the 6'8" Justice who towers above everyone or Titan who seems to be as wide as he is tall. I think Hulk Hogan was the ideal choice to host the show. Seeing him reinforces the nostalgia of the original show - ah the heroes of my youth. Unfortunately they gave him a flop of a co-host in Laila Ali. I understand why they chose her in that she is an athletic icon and certainly not opposed to being part of competitive reality shows but this cannot make up for the fact of how poorly spoken she is. It's painful to hear her try and interview contestants. When competitors are falling over tired and completely out of breath and they still sound better than the person interviewing them there is a huge problem. It goes beyond fumbling over words to the point where she sounds relatively incompetant. You'd think after being interviewed every week while she was on Dancing With the Stars perhaps she would learn some sort of speaking skills but this doesn't seem to be the case and that indicates she probably won't get any better at it. My gosh there are plenty of female athletes out there that probably could do a better job and some with names just as big. What about Venus or Serena Williams? Both of them are strong, sexy, and from what I have heard in interviews well spoken. I guess it doesn't really matter though since her camera time is so limited. So aside from Laila I only have one other problem with the show so far. They have not figured out how to shoot it yet which is kind of funny since they could have referenced the 7 seasons of the original show to see how to get the best camera angles on the events. But none of these things take away from how fun this show is. The events still rock and true competition is always thrilling to watch.
Perhaps this is a good time to bring this show back. At a time where kids look up to spoiled talentless tarts who gain fame by having sex on camera in night vision and drugged out train wrecks who would be better off if they never left rehab, maybe it would nice to see kids look up to people who gain fame for being strong, athletic, healthy (or at least give the appearance of health) individuals - both the competitors and the gladiators. Standard athletes seem to have lost much of their appeal (not that women's athletics ever really got publicity or fan fare). Perhaps silver suited goliaths is the way to go, let kids work to get the the body and skills of a gladiator, let them want to compete.
Anyway I give American Gladiators my seal of approval. It seems that NBC gave it a home on Mondays at 8pm so check it out.
--AnnaMay
The new American Gladiators (check out the official NBC page for the show) just began and I can't tell you how happy I am. Ever since I heard it was coming back I have been excited and trying to get everyone I know to watch. I was a bit worried that they would try and make this new version flashy and silly and somehow take away from the competition but I have to say I am quite pleased. They changed the costumes, now the gladiators wear silver (I guess the red white and blue stars and stripes patriotism doesn't have the same appeal that it did in the 1980's - oh the days of American flag fashion). While they have added a few new events most of the great ones from the original show (assault, joust, hang tough, and of course the eliminator to name a few) are still part of the competition. The new gladiators seem like good choices though they somehow feel smaller than the old ones, though I guess leaner is a better way to say it. The women are sexy (I have to say Crush & Siren are my current faves) and cut and the men are forces to be reconed with like the 6'8" Justice who towers above everyone or Titan who seems to be as wide as he is tall. I think Hulk Hogan was the ideal choice to host the show. Seeing him reinforces the nostalgia of the original show - ah the heroes of my youth. Unfortunately they gave him a flop of a co-host in Laila Ali. I understand why they chose her in that she is an athletic icon and certainly not opposed to being part of competitive reality shows but this cannot make up for the fact of how poorly spoken she is. It's painful to hear her try and interview contestants. When competitors are falling over tired and completely out of breath and they still sound better than the person interviewing them there is a huge problem. It goes beyond fumbling over words to the point where she sounds relatively incompetant. You'd think after being interviewed every week while she was on Dancing With the Stars perhaps she would learn some sort of speaking skills but this doesn't seem to be the case and that indicates she probably won't get any better at it. My gosh there are plenty of female athletes out there that probably could do a better job and some with names just as big. What about Venus or Serena Williams? Both of them are strong, sexy, and from what I have heard in interviews well spoken. I guess it doesn't really matter though since her camera time is so limited. So aside from Laila I only have one other problem with the show so far. They have not figured out how to shoot it yet which is kind of funny since they could have referenced the 7 seasons of the original show to see how to get the best camera angles on the events. But none of these things take away from how fun this show is. The events still rock and true competition is always thrilling to watch.
Perhaps this is a good time to bring this show back. At a time where kids look up to spoiled talentless tarts who gain fame by having sex on camera in night vision and drugged out train wrecks who would be better off if they never left rehab, maybe it would nice to see kids look up to people who gain fame for being strong, athletic, healthy (or at least give the appearance of health) individuals - both the competitors and the gladiators. Standard athletes seem to have lost much of their appeal (not that women's athletics ever really got publicity or fan fare). Perhaps silver suited goliaths is the way to go, let kids work to get the the body and skills of a gladiator, let them want to compete.
Anyway I give American Gladiators my seal of approval. It seems that NBC gave it a home on Mondays at 8pm so check it out.
--AnnaMay
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Pankun and James and Other Such Craziness
So thanks to PC Magazine's "100 Favorite Blogs" I have found some new sites that I can't live without!
I think that everyone should start going to TVinJapan.com because it may be the most amazing blog you will ever explore. There are so many great things on this site because TV in Japan is completely awesome. Let me give you an example of one of the greatest things I have ever seen:
Pankun and James
Click the link above to watch as this amazing monkey and bulldog as they train to become firefighters and learn about earthquakes. I have never seen anything this amazing in my life and I just don't understand why this isn't a show here in the US! I mean seriously, if people are willing to sit and watch Meerkat Manor why wouldn't they want to watch Pankun & James? Discovery Channel/Animal Planet have to step up their game! I recommend typing Pankun and James into Google or search through TV in Japan when you have a chance in order to find more videos of this crazy pair as they Take a Meeting with Disney, recreate a scene from Jurassic Park, and so much more!
Here are some of the other great blogs that I couldn't resist after checking out PC Magazines Favorite 100:
AdFreak
Adweek's blog for all that's new and crazy in the world of advertising. Sure most of us try to avoid ads as much as possble (thank goodness for DVRs & Tivo and their fast forward functions) except during the Superbowl (though even those ads have been mostly disappointing as of late). Even so there are some ads that catch our eye and get us laughing, staring in disbelief, or drooling over whatever it is that makes us drool and AdFreak seems to do a good job at discovering many of those while allerting readers to certain advertising trends.
EcoGeek
Environmental consciousness and geekdom really do go hand in hand and this site proves it. Stay up to date on what's new in the world of eco-friendly technology. You'll truly be surprised at how far they are coming. There are many companies out there making products that will help us live a sustainable lifestyle without giving up the technological devices we can't live without.
TreeHugger
Yeah that's right this geek cares a lot about the environment (as we all should). This blog is all about environmental friendliness. It's filled with information on a variety of topics: Design & Architecture, Culture & Celebrity, Travel & Nature, Food & Health, Business & Politics, and Fashion & Beauty. It's not as hard to be eco-conscious as you might think.
Coolest-Gadgets
I think the name pretty much explains itself. Gadgets are cool and this blog will keep you up to date on what's new with robots, remote controls, concept cars, and so much more!
Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories
Have you ever wanted to be an evil mad scientist? This it the blog to start you on your way. You don't need to be a scientist to make crazy creations. Check it out and start creating!
Sci Fi Tech
The sci-fi channel knows what's cool - gadgets of the future! Their blog brings the reality of science fiction to light. Hooray for technology!
Pink Tentacle
If TV in Japan wasn't enough to show you how cool Japan can be this site should be definitive proof. From cute pillows to crazy robots to out of control architecture they cover what's new and awesome in Japan.
Kotaku
This isn't your typical video game blog. It covers video game releases to video game appearances in popular TV shows to gourds carved as pumpkins. The thing I like about this site is it's friendly tone and the fact that they talk about games without giving reviews. It tells you what's out there without telling you how to feel about it.
ShackNews
Another quality video game website. I don't really have much to say about it but they have a lot of up to date information on what's new in video games. Definitely a good place to get your info.
Blogs are truly addictive and if you haven't found one that suits your fancy check out PC Magazine's list. There is something there that will appeal to everyone. For those of you that are anti-blog (and if that's the case why are you reading my blog? not that I'm complaining you just keep on reading!) check out PC Magazine's Top 100 Undiscovered Websites and Top 100 Classic Websites.
--AnnaMay
I think that everyone should start going to TVinJapan.com because it may be the most amazing blog you will ever explore. There are so many great things on this site because TV in Japan is completely awesome. Let me give you an example of one of the greatest things I have ever seen:
Pankun and James
Click the link above to watch as this amazing monkey and bulldog as they train to become firefighters and learn about earthquakes. I have never seen anything this amazing in my life and I just don't understand why this isn't a show here in the US! I mean seriously, if people are willing to sit and watch Meerkat Manor why wouldn't they want to watch Pankun & James? Discovery Channel/Animal Planet have to step up their game! I recommend typing Pankun and James into Google or search through TV in Japan when you have a chance in order to find more videos of this crazy pair as they Take a Meeting with Disney, recreate a scene from Jurassic Park, and so much more!
Here are some of the other great blogs that I couldn't resist after checking out PC Magazines Favorite 100:
AdFreak
Adweek's blog for all that's new and crazy in the world of advertising. Sure most of us try to avoid ads as much as possble (thank goodness for DVRs & Tivo and their fast forward functions) except during the Superbowl (though even those ads have been mostly disappointing as of late). Even so there are some ads that catch our eye and get us laughing, staring in disbelief, or drooling over whatever it is that makes us drool and AdFreak seems to do a good job at discovering many of those while allerting readers to certain advertising trends.
EcoGeek
Environmental consciousness and geekdom really do go hand in hand and this site proves it. Stay up to date on what's new in the world of eco-friendly technology. You'll truly be surprised at how far they are coming. There are many companies out there making products that will help us live a sustainable lifestyle without giving up the technological devices we can't live without.
TreeHugger
Yeah that's right this geek cares a lot about the environment (as we all should). This blog is all about environmental friendliness. It's filled with information on a variety of topics: Design & Architecture, Culture & Celebrity, Travel & Nature, Food & Health, Business & Politics, and Fashion & Beauty. It's not as hard to be eco-conscious as you might think.
Coolest-Gadgets
I think the name pretty much explains itself. Gadgets are cool and this blog will keep you up to date on what's new with robots, remote controls, concept cars, and so much more!
Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories
Have you ever wanted to be an evil mad scientist? This it the blog to start you on your way. You don't need to be a scientist to make crazy creations. Check it out and start creating!
Sci Fi Tech
The sci-fi channel knows what's cool - gadgets of the future! Their blog brings the reality of science fiction to light. Hooray for technology!
Pink Tentacle
If TV in Japan wasn't enough to show you how cool Japan can be this site should be definitive proof. From cute pillows to crazy robots to out of control architecture they cover what's new and awesome in Japan.
Kotaku
This isn't your typical video game blog. It covers video game releases to video game appearances in popular TV shows to gourds carved as pumpkins. The thing I like about this site is it's friendly tone and the fact that they talk about games without giving reviews. It tells you what's out there without telling you how to feel about it.
ShackNews
Another quality video game website. I don't really have much to say about it but they have a lot of up to date information on what's new in video games. Definitely a good place to get your info.
Blogs are truly addictive and if you haven't found one that suits your fancy check out PC Magazine's list. There is something there that will appeal to everyone. For those of you that are anti-blog (and if that's the case why are you reading my blog? not that I'm complaining you just keep on reading!) check out PC Magazine's Top 100 Undiscovered Websites and Top 100 Classic Websites.
--AnnaMay
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Trekking it
Things have been so busy but now that I have a moment it's time to finally post something we have been talking about on the show for the last few weeks: the new Star Trek film.
Articles (like this) are finally coming out with lists of the main cast members and I have to say I'm pretty pleased. So here is the list:
Captain Kirk: Chris Pine
Spok: Zachary Quinto
Dr. McCoy (Bones): Karl Urban
Scotty: Simon Pegg
Sulu: John Cho
Uhura: Zoe Saldana
Chekov: Anton Yelchin
None of them are huge stars which I like, and I really do like the choices they made. I am especially happy with Chris Pine. The thing about him is that some of his bigger movies have been fluffy (Princess Diaries 2, Just My Luck). Despite the fact that they weren't quality films he was good in them. He was also in Smokin' Aces as a complete madman. The reason I bring up these movies is because he is able to completely transform himself fore the various roles. I definitely think he should be able to do a good job as Kirk.
As for Zachary Quinto we have been pleased about him being Spok since it was just a rumor.
I don't know what I think about Karl Urban as Bones. I've seen many of the bigger movie's he's been in and he always gives a good performance, but I have never seen him do any roles even similar to Bones. Even so, I'm hopeful.
Simon Pegg as Scotty seems a little strange to me, but I do think he'll do a good job. He'll be able to bring some fun humor to the role.
So what about John Cho as Sulu? I like John Cho. He's not just MILF guy from American Pie or Harold to Kal Penn's Kumar. If you saw him in the short lived series Kitchen Confidential you would have a better understanding of why he could make a good Sulu. In the least he is another actor that could infuse some humor into his role.
And then there is the always sultry Uhura. Well in terms of looks Zoe Saldana certainly fits the bill (even as a pirate). She hasn't been in too many big films and I have nothing bad to say about her.
Finally we have Anton Yelchin as Chekov. The only problem I have with him is that he is so young. They might have to do something to make him look older so that he fits in and fits the role. It's fitting that he was born in Eastern Europe so hooray for that :) Anyway despite his age he has shown a lot of promise and talent. Even so I have never seen him play a role like Chekov or even a role where he has to play an adult so that makes me a bit nervous. Still I think he can pull it off.
So overall I am pleased and hopefull. Let's hope J.J. Abrams can pull of a quality Star Trek film. No matter what we'll end up seeing it but it will be truly painful if it doesn't live up to expectations.
--AnnaMay
Articles (like this) are finally coming out with lists of the main cast members and I have to say I'm pretty pleased. So here is the list:
Captain Kirk: Chris Pine
Spok: Zachary Quinto
Dr. McCoy (Bones): Karl Urban
Scotty: Simon Pegg
Sulu: John Cho
Uhura: Zoe Saldana
Chekov: Anton Yelchin
None of them are huge stars which I like, and I really do like the choices they made. I am especially happy with Chris Pine. The thing about him is that some of his bigger movies have been fluffy (Princess Diaries 2, Just My Luck). Despite the fact that they weren't quality films he was good in them. He was also in Smokin' Aces as a complete madman. The reason I bring up these movies is because he is able to completely transform himself fore the various roles. I definitely think he should be able to do a good job as Kirk.
As for Zachary Quinto we have been pleased about him being Spok since it was just a rumor.
I don't know what I think about Karl Urban as Bones. I've seen many of the bigger movie's he's been in and he always gives a good performance, but I have never seen him do any roles even similar to Bones. Even so, I'm hopeful.
Simon Pegg as Scotty seems a little strange to me, but I do think he'll do a good job. He'll be able to bring some fun humor to the role.
So what about John Cho as Sulu? I like John Cho. He's not just MILF guy from American Pie or Harold to Kal Penn's Kumar. If you saw him in the short lived series Kitchen Confidential you would have a better understanding of why he could make a good Sulu. In the least he is another actor that could infuse some humor into his role.
And then there is the always sultry Uhura. Well in terms of looks Zoe Saldana certainly fits the bill (even as a pirate). She hasn't been in too many big films and I have nothing bad to say about her.
Finally we have Anton Yelchin as Chekov. The only problem I have with him is that he is so young. They might have to do something to make him look older so that he fits in and fits the role. It's fitting that he was born in Eastern Europe so hooray for that :) Anyway despite his age he has shown a lot of promise and talent. Even so I have never seen him play a role like Chekov or even a role where he has to play an adult so that makes me a bit nervous. Still I think he can pull it off.
So overall I am pleased and hopefull. Let's hope J.J. Abrams can pull of a quality Star Trek film. No matter what we'll end up seeing it but it will be truly painful if it doesn't live up to expectations.
--AnnaMay
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Movie Maybes
So CHUD is where it's at for me today. Not only do they seem to have the skinny on the live action Dragon Ball Z movie but they seem to have word on the possibility of another Serenity movie.
DRAGON BALL Z
In terms of the Dragon Ball Z movie they say that James Wong has been tapped to write and direct it. While I am hopeful from his work on things like X-Files I have to say the descriptions of the characters listed in the CHUD article leaves me a bit scared. As a fan of the anime hearing Goku described as someone "considered uncool and unpopular at school" makes me cringe. We must remember that Goku is not just an amazing martial artist but more importantly an alien, a Saiyan from the destroyed planet Vegeta. By the time Dragon Ball Z begins Piccolo is more friend than foe for Goku and let's not forget the biggest part: there is never any school well actually there is school but Gohan, Goku's son attends it. That's right in Dragon Ball Z Goku and Chi Chi are married with a son (eventually multiple sons over the course of the series). Now I know I shouldn't be such a purist since this is a live action film that should appeal to both DBZ fans and non-fans but it bothers me that Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z seem to be combined and they are leaving out key plot points.
Check out more DBZ info from Wikipedia.
SERENITY News
As for Serenity I would love to see them make another movie. I wish there was more than one season of the Firefly series. But that being said I think I agree with the writer of the CHUD article that perhaps direct to dvd is the way to go. I think it could have a great audience even if they are more likely to rent or buy the dvd than they are to go to a movie theater. If they got the primary cast members (well those that haven't been killed off) I would buy any direct to dvd movie they put out (though I'd certainly go see the movie on the big screen too). Nathan Fillion, you rock! There are plenty of Browncoats out there and Joss Whedon has a cult-like following. So I guess we'll have to see how and if this develops further. Long live Serenity!
More Serenity info from Wikipedia.
Yay news!
--AnnaMay
DRAGON BALL Z
In terms of the Dragon Ball Z movie they say that James Wong has been tapped to write and direct it. While I am hopeful from his work on things like X-Files I have to say the descriptions of the characters listed in the CHUD article leaves me a bit scared. As a fan of the anime hearing Goku described as someone "considered uncool and unpopular at school" makes me cringe. We must remember that Goku is not just an amazing martial artist but more importantly an alien, a Saiyan from the destroyed planet Vegeta. By the time Dragon Ball Z begins Piccolo is more friend than foe for Goku and let's not forget the biggest part: there is never any school well actually there is school but Gohan, Goku's son attends it. That's right in Dragon Ball Z Goku and Chi Chi are married with a son (eventually multiple sons over the course of the series). Now I know I shouldn't be such a purist since this is a live action film that should appeal to both DBZ fans and non-fans but it bothers me that Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z seem to be combined and they are leaving out key plot points.
Check out more DBZ info from Wikipedia.
SERENITY News
As for Serenity I would love to see them make another movie. I wish there was more than one season of the Firefly series. But that being said I think I agree with the writer of the CHUD article that perhaps direct to dvd is the way to go. I think it could have a great audience even if they are more likely to rent or buy the dvd than they are to go to a movie theater. If they got the primary cast members (well those that haven't been killed off) I would buy any direct to dvd movie they put out (though I'd certainly go see the movie on the big screen too). Nathan Fillion, you rock! There are plenty of Browncoats out there and Joss Whedon has a cult-like following. So I guess we'll have to see how and if this develops further. Long live Serenity!
More Serenity info from Wikipedia.
Yay news!
--AnnaMay
American Gladiators 2008
So you have probably heard the rumors that they will be bringing back American Gladiators next year. For some reason this excites me more than it probably should. I remember watching Blaze and Lazer and Ice etc... roughing up some contestants in their red white and blue spandex. I assume the old gladiators are now too old so who will take their place and will they go by the same awesome psuedonyms? I can only hope so. And they better keep the spandex. I will certainly protest spandex, sweats, or any sort of "sexy" atire - these are GLADIATORS, not trainers.
Now I bring this up not just to talk about the awesomeness of American Gladiators (which I pray they schedule for either Saturday or Sunday) but because I read a rumor that Hulk Hogan himself is going to be the host. Now let me just say this better not be Terry Hogan I want Hulkmania! I want yellow spandex to go with his bleached hair and awesome mustache. That's right spandex for the gladiators and spandex for the host.
Ok next thing to bring back from my childhood: Double Dare! I'll take the physical challenge. And now that Mark Summers makes shows for the Food Network those kids can slide into gourmet dishes.
So anyway is anyone else as excited for American Gladiators as I am?
--AnnaMay
Now I bring this up not just to talk about the awesomeness of American Gladiators (which I pray they schedule for either Saturday or Sunday) but because I read a rumor that Hulk Hogan himself is going to be the host. Now let me just say this better not be Terry Hogan I want Hulkmania! I want yellow spandex to go with his bleached hair and awesome mustache. That's right spandex for the gladiators and spandex for the host.
Ok next thing to bring back from my childhood: Double Dare! I'll take the physical challenge. And now that Mark Summers makes shows for the Food Network those kids can slide into gourmet dishes.
So anyway is anyone else as excited for American Gladiators as I am?
--AnnaMay
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