Digital Polyphony

Trailing Trailers #129

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:40:00 +0000

The Good Doctor

Wow, talk about a trailer that really does a 180. It stars all sappy and sweet, then turns a bit disturbing…and it's pretty awesome. I never thought about it, but Orlando Bloom could play the creepy guy in the back of the room just as easily as the rom-com sweetheart if he wanted to. He just has that kind of look. Here he's playing creepy and doing a pretty decent job of it I think. A good looking supporting cast too. Certainly one to keep an eye on, I think.

A Cat in Paris

Trailer

This one has been around for a while and it appears it's just now getting its distribution in the US. I haven't really gotten around to seeing it, but it's been pretty highly praised. It's very….French.

Mansome

Trailer

Though I don't care about this subject matter at all, I like Spurlock and I like the people involved. I've seen that guy with the massive beard before, can't' recall where.

Paul Williams Still Alive

Trailer

Amazing how some, once the top of the world, can be forgotten. Not only do you have an incredibly interesting subject in Williams, but the documentary is probably going to touch on the fleeting aspects of fame and culture, at least that's the impression I get from it.

Madea's Whatever

Trailer

The greatest trick the Devil pulled, was convincing the world we needed another Madea movie.

Have people realized the complete lie that is the Madea franchise? It was once a funny little play and has now turned into the black equivalent of the Ernest movies. Yet, it still makes money because, for some reason, people feel by going you're supporting "black cinema." Of course, if you say something bad about it, people will start throwing that at you to get you to have a guilt trip about it.

I'll just say it: this is garbage moviemaking. What else can you possibly do with this character after even one movie? We've seen all this has to offer, and a guy dressing in drag and being "sassy" isn't going to suddenly feel fresh and new just because you change up the location. Just keep shelling out it out and idiots will eat it up.

Look up hack in the dictionary. Tyler Perry is there.

Extraterrestrial

Trailer

I have no idea what this is or even what it's exactly about…but I like it. A lot.

I Wish

Trailer

I love Koreeda's work, though I have to admit I've only seen a smattering of it (After Life being a personal favorite). He doesn't make films in the usual sense: he's a quiet, honest and observant man with a camera who tackles elements of life and living. This is certainly one I can't wait for.

IR79: Rotten Parts & Censorship

Sat, 12 May 2012 05:05:00 +0000

Moonrise Kingdom Featurette

A making of video of Wes Anderson's upcoming movie. I'm still a tad bit cautious on the notion of Bruce Willis being in it, but the rest of the cast is so strong (and so very Wes Anderson) that I can let that go.

AV Club: Rotten Parts of Fantastic Wholes

Some of these "rotten parts" in film(s) and music you'll expect. Especially if you take a look at the first picture on the page. I certainly agree with some (Tom Bombadil, Cars 2, Squeeze) and others don't entirely agree with (Brotherhood of Steel and even Godfather III/IndyIV). Still, it's a good variety even if some are predictably listed.

io9: Zombie Procedural Short

Not a bad little short. It moves slow, so be warned. I'm linking to the io9 site as well because they also have a small writeup on it.

Giantbombcast: Adam Sessler

One of the best video game podcasts out there has a guest host, the recently unemployed Adam Sessler. Three hours of nerdom.

Eagleman Stag

One of the best animated shorts you'll see this year. Great animation (stop motion, and very, very impressive stop motion at that), great narration and voice work. Just quality through and through.

Games and Music

A great piece of stop motion animation. Plus, I like the music. Where else are you going to see hungry hungry hippos get decapitated?

Disassembled: (Marvel Superheroes)

In the vein of...I don't know, Ren and Stimpy maybe? We have Disassembled, and really funny and well-done piece of animation that show all your favorite Marvel heroes at their worst.

Japanese Future/Retro Art

A brief collection of classic Japanese art that tried to predict the way our future would look. My favorite is from 1968:

Cracked: 24 Video Game Plot Twists That Would Have Blown Your Mind

Like games? Grew up in the retro world of Mario and Ninja Turtles? This might just be for you.

This Week in Unnecessary Censorship

The Dictator interview

Sasha Baron Cohen sits down with Matt Lauer, in character, and just owns it. He's pretty brilliant.

25 Minutes of Cave Johnson

Here's a bunch of lines from JK Simmons and his recordings from Portal 2. Great stuff.

Claycat: The Raid

This is awesome. Just awesome. Enjoy it.

Gaming Historian: The Nintendo/Universal Studios Lawsuit

A major historical landmark in the history of video games. Nintendo, at one time, was dealing with a major lawsuit in the early 1980s. If they lost this, it would have probably ruined them, but the chances of them losing, as you'll see, were pretty minor.

Retroware: Harmful Park

Wow, what an awesome looking game. If I had time I would probably hunt this one down. But for now, just learning about it cool enough.

Unaired Beastie Boys

From the shortened 3rd season of Chappelle's Show, we have an unaired, but still very well produced, bit with the Beastie Boys doing what the Boys did best.

Disney's Taxi Driver

Outside of a lame CG Mickey Mouse ears hat, this is just kind of a fun video with various Disney images put into the world of Taxi Driver, making it appear the whole, dirty, nasty world is just full of Disney stuff.

College Humor: Narnia Dogs Can't Stand

I've always thought about this when it came to fantasy, walking dogs. Dogs aren't made to stand on two legs. When they do, they struggle. This video showcases that, and is pretty damn funny.

Cracked: 14 Photographs That Shatter Your Image of Famous People

Four words: Hitler on a sled.

There you.

Here's the picture, click the link for more.

If Pop Up Notifications Were Honest

You know you've had these, but more importantly thought they might actually say things like this:

Agent Coulson gives us his 5 Favorite Agent Coulson movie moments

Agent Coulson is awesome. Actually Clark Gregg is awesome, therefore anything Agent Coulson does is awesome.

Trailing Trailers #128

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:05:00 +0000

Bonsai

Trailer

I love the tagline. "A Story of love, books and blah blah blah"

That kind of sums up relationships, and also sums up what this movie is all about. It seems to be a blend of quirkiness but honesty about love. I also love the look and style of it, and there's some funny moments for sure. I'm incredibly interested in this film, which really has come out of nowhere.

Crazy Eyes

Trailer

Here's a trailer that starts one way, but seems to turn a bit dark about half way through it. I mean, really dark. Alcholol, violence, sinking and sulking into self-wallowing pit of despair.Though I think it looks pretty good, there's this slight fear in the back of my mind that it will be this self-important, overly pretentious piece of LA indie filmmaking and that, more often than not, doesn't end up well.

Gangster Squad

Trailer

Well, you can't deny the cast, first of all. Brolin, Nolte, Gosling, Penn and Emma Stone because if she wasn't there you'd have a sausage fest. There's also Biovanni Ribisi and Anthony Mackie, who are on the poster but their names aren't. Also the T-1000.

Yeah, awesome cast. Here's the problem: this trailer is awful. It's trying to appeal to the "youth" that probably idolize Scarface what with all the slow-motion, hip-hop music and one-liners. I have a strong feeling the actual film is nothing like that. It's a period piece, seems to be in the vein of The Untouchables, and I don't think these actors would attach themselves to something as shallow as that.

So it's an example of a trailer probably not doing a good job representing the movie.

Another problem: Ruben Fleischer is unproven in my book. Well, he's good with comedy, but a crime-drama period piece with some big-name actors? Can he handle that type of material. Great look. Has a style. But is the content going to be worthwhile? Will he be able to tackle the material or will it be like Ratner tackling drama? Sure, it might look good, even move well, but it has the depth of a puddle and the craftsmanship of that pillow-fort you built when you were six.

Argo

Trailer

Never thought I'd say this, but Ben Affleck is one of the best directors working today. I was blow away by Gone Baby Gone, and The Town was one of the best films of that year (and one of the best performances he's ever given, which is kind of rare - great director, still a bit of a mediocre actor).

Here he has a great, true-story, surrounds himself with some fantastic character actors (practically a who's who) and even though I feel the trailer doesn't do the best of job of making the connections, you get the sense of style and tone it's going for. Plus, Clooney is producing it, and he's got a damn good track record himself of producing quality (and socially-aware) films.

Killer Joe

Trailer

This movie has been a little under fire the past few weeks, again about NC-17 ratings, but William Friedkin doesn't care. Hell, he probably expected it. Plus, it's good publicity.

Friedkin himself is a little hit and miss the past ten years or so. Well, probably more past 20. Still, he does provide some often provocative and interesting films, and the supposedly overly-violent movie is going to be one of them. Still, I can't say I'm going to rush out and see it. I have a feeling it will have a short turnaround after its theatrical run before getting onto DVD and/or VOD.

Ultrasnoic

Trailer

I'm not sure why I threw this one on there today. It's a very short trailer with little to go on. Maybe it's because, outside of Argo, there's not a lot of trailers that interested me. There's some good looking trailers, but none of them really gripped me. This, to me, looks to be in the vein of The Following and Pi. Psychological, mysterious, involves conspiracies and paranoia. Yeah, it kind of gripped me where a few of the other films didn't.

Sherlock is Awesome

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Sherlock is Awesome

One of the longest running characters in film has been Sherlock Holmes. Going back to the early silent era, the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle character and his partner, Dr. Watson, have been interpreted in a variety of forms when it comes to the visual portrayal at the theater or in your home. Some concentrate on the adventure aspect of Holmes, such as the recent Robert Downey Jr films, others the investigating, notably the Basil Rathbone series, such as and in all cases Holmes has been a cerebral, incredibly intelligent and often eccentric consulting detective. A few interpretations even dabbled more in the comedy side, such as The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes or, again, the Robert Downey Jr. efforts that are often tongue-in-cheek.

Each interpretation has their pros and cons. The Basil Rathbone series are often the most intriguing in terms of mysteries, yet have faults such as setting (which was changed to modern times but more for propaganda reasons), Dr. Watson coming across as a side kick and occasionally a buffoon and Sherlock himself being rather dry lacking a personality to along with his brilliance. A personal favorite of mine, Murder by Decree, had a fantastic concept of Sherlock investigating Jack the Ripper, but it was a film that seemed to be all over the place and lacks focus. The recent Downy Jr. / Guy Ritchie films have great chemistry of the characters, and I love the Steampunk-inspired take of Victorian England, but are often over-reaching in their scope and have a style that can be a turn off with over use.

All are good in their own right. Truth be told, the flaws don't out way the things they do right, nor do the various interpretations of the classic detective put him in a bad light. He's still Sherlock in all cases. Smart, brilliant, and knows what he's doing.

But there's one Sherlock that's really been getting some traction and I'm happy to say I've been enjoying immensely: The BBC show…errr…."Sherlock."

Like the Rathbone series, this one takes Sherlock and puts him into a modern setting. Here, it's even more interesting as technology plays an integral role. Cell phones, computers, Dr. Watson's blog, the pop-culture nature of Sherlock's celebrity status, upping the ante of Sherlock's forensic approach - it's an interesting take in terms of setting, but it's really Sherlock himself that's the most interesting.

This Sherlock is also one of the more expressive when he needs to be.

Played by Benedict Cumberbatch, a name that feels as though he should be a Lord and own some land somewhere, this Sherlock Holmes is a bit comparable to Downey Jr's Sherlock. He's constantly thinking, often cold to others, observant and in his own world most of the time, plans far, far ahead and speaks out his thoughts as though we could possibly understand him. The take, though, is far more straightforward: he is given cases and solves them. I've seen all six episodes of the series, which recently just wrapped up its second season (each episode is about an hour and a half) and have enjoyed them immensely.

The cases are always engaging, even if on paper they seem incredibly simplistic, the interpretation of them and the character into the modern setting (best noted in the Baskerville episode which throws in the government-experiment twist) and the change up of characters (notably Moriarty who is an idiot savant rather than a brilliant genius) are far from faithful in the literal sense, yet they are in spirit. I think when it comes to adaptation, faithfulness in spirit is far more important than trying to be exact in every detail.

This Sherlock is also a tad more vulnerable (as in, a it more human than superhuman) than we've seen him in other versions. Considering the modern setting and cases, it's only natural to approach him in a more modern take as a modern man. He's sensitive, but often doesn't realize it until too late, and knows deep down he is cold - often leading to regrets. He's not the "superhero" version we've seen in the past in some films - always focusing on the case and with little concern for what's around him. A "man's man…in the gentleman's sense" you might say. Here, he's a loner, has a sense of humor, cares about his friends and even falls in love. Well, infatuated more than love, but either way he has chinks in his armor.

His associate, Dr. Watson, is played by Martin Freeman. They found a great balance here. Watson is far from Sherlock's equal, however he is also his connection to the "real" world. As Sherlock often loses touch and connections to actual people, Watson brings him in and plays the role for him. A perfect example(s) are the various interviews, Sherlock often impatient and wants to focus on relevant facts (relevant to him) however Watson willing to listen and take heart to what the person is saying - sometimes even revealing more for Sherlock to take in. Sherlock is clinical, to the point whereas Watson is a listener and able to be a liaison. He's the every man for us to understand how Sherlock works. In other words, Sherlock is the brains, Watson the heart. Cliche, I know, but their chemistry makes for incredible fun and their interactions with other people shows the strengths and weaknesses of both characters.

Holmes still enjoys the violin on the left, and on the right a smirky Moriarty.

The show is only six episodes thus far, covering two seasons, and each episode is a feature length hour and a half. Below I cover them, spoilers kept to a minimum as much as possible, but I can give you a quick summary: watch them all.

Episodes

Season One

A Study in Pink

A Study in Pink is about a good first episode of any television series I've seen. It doesn't try to do too much, keeps the story and mystery rather simple but incredibly intriguing, and really gives us a look into our characters. It's a Watson-heavy episode, as he's our eyes and ears into this wondrous world of consulting detectives, asshole older brothers and Scotland Yard mysteries. A Study in Pink manages to detail the entire foundation the series will base itself, introducing nearly all of the main characters and still manages to tell a great mystery story along the way.

The big focus, as mentioned, is Watson. Martin Freeman plays up the ex-soldier angle well. He's a bit more haunted than past Watsons, carries a bag of regrets with him I'm thinking, and we have great insight into his character and how it eventually meshes with Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes, an eccentric odd genius of a man that allows Watson to realize who he is in the process. It's this self-realization arc that really carries the episode as Watson comes to find a purpose now that he's no longer in a war. It's also wonderfully structured with this framing device and gives a satisfactory sense of completion to the end.

Another foundation this first episode sets is the style. It's fast, frantic and sometimes hallucinatory as we look at the world through Sherlock Holmes' eyes. Text appears as a part of the world (sometimes it's Sherlock's analysis, other times it's literally a text message from a phone), you have to pay attention to the small details that flash across and the lines that Sherlock is drawing to connect them and you certainly have to pay attention to the dialogue: the show's strength from this episode all the way through. It's purposeful, fast, sometimes poignant sometimes funny, always delivered in a casual but appealing manner from Holmes then, often, regurgitated through Watson because, as I said, he's our eyes and ears and can actually make sense of it all.

This first episode sets the standard, as far as I'm concerned. It's perfect in damn near every way, though the show will soon take a darker turn and give us a grander scope, as this episode foreshadows upon with one name: Moriarty.

Favorite Moment: The moment that really set the standard for what the show is all about: Holmes detailing what he's seeing regarding a corpse, his conclusions and the connection to everything. The first mention of Moriarty I'd throw in there as well. Small, but a cool moment.

Also, the opening with Watson and how we're introduced to this world. Really well done.

The Blind Banker

I have to be completely upfront, I wasn't a fan of this episode. Sure, you have Sherlock still doing his incredible thing, but Watson really feels in the background for most of it and, to be honest, I just wasn't that interested in the story. The decrypting of the code was a bit haphazard and everything far more forced and a little more contrived than what we got in the first (and soon the third) episode. Still loved the chemistry of Holmes and Watson, still admire the directing and approach to style, but nothing really grabbed me.

It's a very standalone episode too. The characters don't really develop and there's only a small hint at the "bigger picture" we'll come to know in the coming episodes. I feel this episode was just a filler, which is hard for me to say because it still does a lot of things well, it just doesn't that intangible hook of every other episode in the two seasons.

Favorite Moment: Probably Sherlock's manipulation at the end, something the show will soon be known for, and the dark shootout in the tunnels.

The Great Game

The Great Game indeed. The show takes us out of the realm of small crimes and murders and right into something grandiose. This is such a structurally perfect episode, it's hard to find a single fault in it. You're hooked from beginning to end as we start small, a seemingly inconsequential case that only slightly has Sherlock's interest, then it gets bigger and bigger as we pull back the layers, sift through the twists and reveals and end with one hell of a cliffhanger at the end (though, it kind of is diminished in the first episode of Season 2).

We soon realize as Sherlock follows the trail of bodies, that there's something bigger at work. As fans, we know it's Moriarty. We have a presumption of who he is and what to expect, but the show teaches us a great lesson in this episode: this isn't a "traditional" Holmes. We've known that, with the influence of technology and a direct reference to Holmes having a mental illness, but when Moriarty is revealed, it's just gleefully, wonderfully "fresh."

The fact is, he's a nutcase. I love this take, though. Moriarty is every bit as brilliant as Sherlock, yet is about four or five steps further down the line of being completely closed off from reality. He's more anarchist, but anarchy with a purpose - if that could possibly make any sense.

The only downside to this episode is that Moriarty really overshadows everything else. I recall the case, but the usual humor and chemistry of Watson and Holmes is a bit fuzzy to me now (other than a funny bit with a phone number, though again that's overshadowed by Moriarty and I certainly won't spoil it here). I'm willing to let it slide, though, because this is an episode I'm more than happy to watch again...and probably again after that...

Favorite Moment: A number, but anything involving Moriarty, especially how he's really been playing Sherlock for some time. The reveal of Moriarty is spectacular, and the decision to make him the way he is, a man that could easily snap at any moment, is a great new take on a character that truly feels like a threat.

Season Two

A Scandal in Belgravia

A Scandal in Belgravia is pretty aware of its own complexity. In fact, Sherlock, in usual Sherlock exposition fashion at the end of the episode, notes to Irene Adler at the end that it was even too good for her in a way. In this episode, Sherlock falls hard for a woman, yet the episode doesn't have him head-over-heels. In fact, that's sort of the running theme of this entire episode: Sherlock's coldness. There's a scene where he brings a woman to near-tears, spouting out passive-aggressive insults, then realizes she had a gift for him the entire time. In rare fashion, Sherlock legitimately apologizes and you can sense the immediate regret. I loved that moment.

His "love" for Adler, though, is a combination of infatuation and intrigue. He can't get a read on her (literally, the show's usual flurry of on-screen text as we see through his eyes only gives us "?????" on a repeated basis). It's hard to know if he's actually in love, but there's no denying that, in his own way, he cares for her even if she is a bit more of the villainous sort. Overall, the episode is good, perhaps a bit overly-complex for its own good, and I like the abundance of Mycroft, Sherlock's brother, into the mix. Definitely not an episode to start with either, I feel seeing the previous three would benefit in regards to character development.

Also, and I'm not lying in this regard, I got a nice wave of goosebumps in the final minute or so. The show knows twists, and this one was a great one and is really the first episode where we really see a more human side of Sherlock in his desire for a connection to someone beyond his "one friend."

Favorite Moment: Holmes and Watson in Buckingham palace, and Holmes wearing only a sheet. Just the image alone is great.

The Hounds of the Baskerville

Though it doesn't quite reach the heights of a few past episodes, this is a great episode for a number of reasons. One, it takes Sherlock out of London, much as the original story did, and dabbles in myths and folklore, conspiracies and fear and so forth. The second reason is how it took the original story, which has been really done to death because it is Sherlock's most famous case, and redid it in a way that was fresh and new. The third is entirely the tone: it's something new in terms Sherlock. It's dark. Scary. Sherlock himself even showing signs of actual fear.

Like the first season's second episode, this one is a good standalone. It doesn't have a ton of foreshadowing or callbacks, just a really good story and I think the best episode to be introduced to the series if you can't, for whatever reason, get to the first season. I love the reinvention of the story. Instead of a Baskerville family, we have the Baskerville base. You know the military is doing some nasty things and, well, that's the mystery to be solved. I'm not going to spell it out for you (though, here, it is a bit easy to figure it out early, and even when Sherlock is doing his "experiments" you know pretty much what's going on even if he's still testing his theory).

The climax and finale feels a bit, I don't know, forced. Everything was moving along pretty naturally, and the inclusion of a "scary" element consistent and interesting, but the showdown sequence and reveal feels pretty cheap overall. Everything up to that point I loved. The setting. The characters were top notch. The darker tone. But then the finale came and, well, the sense of satisfaction actually feels similar to that of the second episode of the first season: The Blind Banker.

Favorite moment: Lestrade trying to think of a word to describe Sherlock's mind and Watson ending it with "aspergers." Small moment, but loved it. In a broader sense, there's a great moment where the character Henry (the client for this episode) is sitting in his home and the motion detecting lights keep going off in his back yard.

The Reichenbach Fall

I'm starting to sense a trend. Every third episode, the last of the season, will be a Moriarty episode. I suppose there's no way around that. If you're going to end, you end big and there really is nobody bigger in the Sherlock world than his arch nemesis. My God, where to begin on this one, though?

Moriarty is setting up Sherlock for a fall. He plants a seed early on that there is a doubt about Sherlock's abilities, then after manipulating everyone under the sun, you see it all come to fruition. Red Herrings, false leads, cloak and daggers at their finest. I almost don't want to say too much here (this episode hasn't aired in the US yet and if you haven't seen it, one little drop of detail might just ruin it) but I can run it down in a few thoughts:

1) The bit with the hat has been running all through this seas. It's funny, and it continues on here. Watson even calls it a "Sherlock Holmes hat" - which it is. A funny bit of self reflection and a nice homage to past interpretations of the character (FYI, Sherlock was never actually described as wearing it in the books, this show kind of gives a nod to that as well as Sherlock actually hates wearing it).

2) There's a great balance between Holmes and Watson in this episode. Probably the best since the first episode in terms of their abilities, contribution and overall friendship that develops. Each have strengths, weaknesses and all the joys in between. Holmes is certainly put in a vulnerable state here too, which allows Watson to really shine. Also a note, Watson returns to his therapist, giving it all a bookend-style to the first episode because that's how that episode began.

3) Moriarty is, officially, the best character in the show. Again, not to give too much away, he plays Sherlock like a violin (pardon the pun). The stakes are so incredibly high, but you know it's going to be a cliffhanger when you realize you only have 15 minutes left in the show and there's no way they can resolve everything.

4) I don't know if this is the best episode of the series, but it's up there and I certainly wouldn't argue against someone calling it that. I'm still a fan of the first, and the Baskerville episode is a guilty pleasure, but there's something just brilliant about this one. Hell, so goes the whole show.

Well, if you haven't been able to tell by now, I'm a fan. I'm not the only one, the show is huge in England and is gathering quite the cult following here in the States. Sherlock does what a lot of "really smart guys solving cases" shows are trying to do on television and unlike those, it really gets it all right. I think a lot of that is thanks to the long-form format and the show's luxury of putting together competent scripts. That, of course, is in thanks to the way British television works in the first place, and also why when a show gets it right across the pond, it really gets it right.

With a focus of smart storytelling, interesting cases, enough sparing chases and shootouts to get your blood pumping. fantastic character writing and chemistry and a hell of a lot of style, Sherlock has a little bit of something for everyone. Go see it. Now. The first season is streaming on Netflix and the second season is currently airing on its home, PBS.

PS, I will leave you with a link: Unflattering Sherlock Screencaps. You're Welcome.

IR78: Hero Origins & Psychics

Sun, 06 May 2012 05:05:00 +0000

Dorkly: Sub Zero Stays Dizzy

Makes you wonder. I remember playing Mortal Kombat and just not doing anything when they turn dizzy. I kind of just let them suffer…and suffer Sub Zero does.

A New Starfox

No, don't go getting excited, it's just someone with way too much time on their hands recreating StarFox with some fancy CG. Oh, it looks gorgeous.

Go Right

David Cronenberg Total Recall Concept Art

Yes, the Cronenberg, at the height of his "everything has to be a vagina and weird" phase was attached to Total Recall.

Benzaie: French Power Rangers

Oh Ed, how I've missed thee. Seeing this video just reminds me how much I loved the Deja View series.

Of course, this isn't Ed, but it's Benzaie…and I'm not a big fan of Benzaie. Still, the French Power Rangers are interesting, so if you can ge through the horrible audio quality, you might enjoy it. This also reminds me just how polished Ed's videos are. Quality stuff.

FSR: 12 Things Learned from the Avengers Press Conference

The Avengers is awesome. This is not a debate. Here's some insights into the film from Film School Rejects who attended the press conference.

Speaking of Avengers

Avengers: Hangover

The Nick Fury sequences feel cheap, but the rest is surprisignly well done and looks good...and is actually funny. I would see it. Why not?

And speaking of more Avengers.

Potty Training a 25 Year Old

As a part of his community service, Avengers director Joss Whedon has to teach a man to use the toilet. Enjoy.

FSR: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Commentary

I put this up on Facebook, but also wanted to put it here. FSR also do a rundown of dvd commentaries. It's fun and often funny, and this one coincided with my own review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, so it works both ways.

Jack Black and Peter Travers

Peter Travers has always been an odd man, and this video proves it. "Odd" in a sense that I feel, in 20 years or so, I'm going to be just like him.

Even if you don't like Jack Black, it's a funny interview.

Venice in a Day

Another awesome tilt/shift video and this one of one of my favorite cities in the world that I hope to visit one day.

They look like toy boats!

Cracked: Creepy Superhero Origin Stories

Well, not all are "origins" but are occurrences when the heroes were young.

Also one isn't a hero, but whatever this is a fun article about some comic book stories that many don't remember or the publishers went out of their way to force us to forget.

Henri: Paw de Deux

I don't know what it is, but I loved this thing. A cat in a French art flick. Sure.

What I find particularly funny, though, isn't the video itself. Go to the youtube page and read the comment. People are seriously complaining about the accuracy of the French in the video. Really? That's a problem in the world? The French-speech in a fucking cat video on Youtube? Can we not just enjoy something for two minutes and have fun? We have to nit-pick it and complain about everything to get some false sense of superiority in our desire to constantly have something to bitch about.

Speaking of that, that's why I started the OPCAOPCAS satirical open letter series. You can read those in the blogs. I just put up one to One Million Moms this week.

Gizmondo: Most Embarrassing Star Wars Merchandise

And "official" merchandise at that. Star Wars is probably the most marketed franchise in history, so naturally some questionable things are going to get out there, or "escape" in a few cases.

I mean, just look at this:

Taste of Cinema: 16 Great Director Quotes

Great filmmakers have great things to say, so here's 16 compiled from Taste of Cinema.

Jesu Otaku: Lupin III

Jesu is doing a Miyazaki month, and if there's anyone going to talk about anime that you want to listen to, even if it's often "unscripted" and just talking, it's her. She knows her stuff, and the entertainment here isn't jokes or gags, but insight and, often, trivia-quality facts. Looking forward to her next videos as well.

Funny or Die Walk and Talk

Ever see The West Wing? It mastered the "walk and talk" method of scene construction where we follow a few people walking down a halls and turning and going into room all while they spout exposition. It's a way to state things without just having talking heads doing it and to explain situations and always seem engaging.

It's also a fun little parody of The West Wing and a PSA for Walking.

Perfect Strangers: The Game

Yes, you heard right. It takes a long while to load, but it's….I don't know what….so stupid it's amazing? Yeah, that sounds right.

Old Jews Telling Jokes

I don't know what genius thought of this, but it's fantastic.

Psychic Sheredes

This explains so much. The video simultaneously funny in its own right, but a great satire of "psychic powers" and those TV / two dollar a minute psychics ritualistically stealing people's money.

TR: 30 Nerdiest Mad Magazine Covers

This is one of those articles that made me wish I was the one that put together. Damn it.

A Tribute to Adam Yauch

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:30:00 +0000

RIP Adam Yauch

I rarely post about things that are personal, or even music related for that matter, but I was saddened to hear that Adam Yauch passed away today at the age of 47. Adam was one third of the hip-hop/rap/rock trio The Beastie Boys, and The Beastie Boys were one of the bands that really defined my youth, from the 1980s well through my teenage years. I can't think of a time when growing up when they weren't around. The Beastie Boys were the "fun" group. They rapped about friends, and having fun and were a universally-appealing act that welcomed fans of all races, creeds and beliefs. They crossed boundaries in their styles, experimenting being a driving force for the group as they went from punk, to rap to forms of rock and blending sounds together, and were respected by their peers of generations that influenced them, and the generations they influenced.

In this case, though, it's even sadder in how he passed away. Yauch had been diagnosed with cancer and struggled the past few years, unable to perform live since 2009, the year Yauch was diagnosed, and rarely was in the public eye. I remember listening to the local radio station KROQ when their latest album was released a few years back, and the morning show that interviewed the band sans Yauch. His absence was noticeable. It was the Beastie Boys, yet not the Beastie Boys.

As a teen, videos such as Fight For Your Right to Party, Sabotage and So What Cha Want played constantly and I still can remember each distinctly. In the video No Sleep Till Brooklyn, there's a prologue before the music began (which which sometimes cut from MTV) where the Boys knock on a club owner's door. The owner answers and has no idea who they are. Yauch answers "We're the band." The owner looks at them, and asks where their instruments are. He's handed a vinyl record, looks at it dumbfounded, and breaks it over one of their heads (I want to say it was Mike D), yells they only play rock music at the club and then promptly slams the door in their face.

Knock knock again. The owner opens the door once more and the Beastie Boys are now dressed in quintessential 1980s hairband garb, large poofy wigs and all. The Boys are gladly accepted now. The video then consists of them playing the song, starting in the full hairband getup and gradually stripping it all away and, through quite funny scenarios, end up in their trademark clothes.

Then they smash up the rock instruments and unload a machine-gun on all the amps in glorious destruction.

Of course it's fun, but it's also exactly what the BeastieBoys were all about. They were rock, but yet they weren't. They were aware of this and ran with it, creating a sound that influenced countless other bands. A guitar solo in the middle of rap song? Who would have tried such things? They did…and they had fun while doing it. Their music opened a lot of doors, and the three MCs (and occasionally one DJ) were incredibly likable in the process.

They were activists as well with quite a few charitable causes they contributed to, such as the ASPCA, Habitat for Humanity and a number of New York-based charities. Their biggest, though, is the Tibetan Freedom Concerts in the 1990s (and I think a couple the past decade) which brought together a variety of musical sounds from the most popular groups of the era (Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees, Sonic Youth, Pavement, Rancid, Patti Smith, Eddie Vedder, Blues Traveler, Blur, U2, Radiohead, Beck, De La Soul, John Lee Hooker, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Bjork…the list goes on.) Another showcase of their desire to promote causes larger than themselves, but also promote diversity in cultures by attaching diverse acts to their cause.

The Boys were never really controversial figures, outside of being often loud and causing a ruckus sometimes. They also never seemed to exude an ounce of arrogance in the proc ess, something a lot of rap artists today could learn from. They could have, considering their massive success and high influence on music, but again never did. I suppose with Yauch's passing, though, it's all more a sad reminder that there was a time when music, especially rap, was ambitious and creative and doing more beyond trying to "prove" something or rap about how great they are (there are exceptions, of course, but they more prove the rule). It blended fun, accessible music with a progressive sound that's retrospectively humbling today and, sadly, won't be coming around ever again.

Trailing Trailers #127

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:40:00 +0000

The Amazing Spider-Man

Trailer

As any movie had as many trailers out there than Spider-Man? Sorry, "Amazing" Spider-Man? They are pushing this hard, but in a year where there's some major, huge, giant comic book movies coming out, I suppose you have to.

Have to admit, it's the best trailer so far, and I'm very interested in how they tackle the character. I like Marc Webb (heh....I just got that) as a director too, even though he hasn't really done a lot of action, but they seem to really be showcasing the uniqueness of Spider-Man action. It's a very physics-defying style and the camera just seems to go with the flow, which is either going to be very awesome or very vomit-inducing. (I'm thinking awesome).

As for the story, we'll see. Spider-Man has always been pretty straightforward. I really have nothing to complain about here, a lot is going to be in how different they try and make it.

Wagner's Dream

Trailer

I'm certainly interested in a few things here, but also wonder if it's one of those movies that just loves how self-important it is. It all feels a bit flat and cold.

Chernobyl Diaries

Trailer

Oh boy, I already dislike pretty much all of these characters. It's sad because I think there's an idea rattling around here. There's also some pretty decently looking creepy imagery and a whole lot of atmosphere too, I just don't know if I'm really sold. I'm not really in the Oren Peli bandwagon like a lot of others are (he's only writing here) either. I think I'll wait to hear what the reaction is on it before deciding if it's something I really want to bother with. I feel it could be either really good or really bad for some reason, because that trailer can be interpreted both ways.

The Loved Ones

Trailer

The hell is this? Oh, you crazy-ass Australians. This could be either incredibly disturbing and uncomfortable or….no never mind it's pretty much going to be that. And maybe that's why I'm actually interested in checking it out.

Apartment 143

Trailer

A found footage flick, and maybe I'm just a little burned out on the horror trailers this week, but it really did nothing for me. I pushed play, watched it…and really had little reaction to it. Even the supposed "scary" parts. I love ghost stories and scary movies, but this just left me bored at the entire thing. Feels cheap, a bit thrown together and incredibly bland.

The Cup

Trailer

Brendan…what are you doing? You're supposed to be doing awesome action comedies and spouting one liners as only a drunk Irish actor can or having badly handled off-screen deaths in Harry Potter.

So, horse racing again. Interested? We've seen this story so many times now, and even though I'm sure it's full of pageantry and triumph, there's only so many horse race movies I think I'm willing to see that also deal with those exact themes. Plus, the fact this movie is from the director of The Phantom doesn't help.

And Operation Dumbo Drop

And Lighting Jack

And DARYL.

And Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles

He did Quigly Down Under (yeah, been around for a while)

Jury is still out on Free Willy. And I'm not sure what Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery is and I don't want to know.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Trailer

Oh thank god, finally something that looks beautifully done and interesting. I'm not entirely sure what the story is, but the trailer conveys a very rich sense of emotion and beauty to it all. The movie won Sundance and has been getting amazing reviews since.

End of Watch

Trailer

There's something about the style of this movie that just immediately turned me off. I'm a sucker for cop/detective movies and television shows, though. I love The Wire (as you probably read last year when I spent three weeks coering it...and if you didn't shame on you) and right now really into Southland. Well, not right now because it's in between seasons, but you get the idea.

I just find the style choice odd, that's all. David Ayer is the writer/director here, and he gave us some pretty damn good cop movies the past few years (Training Day, Dark Blue, Street Kings) so I expect another tough and gritty flick in similar vein. He knows this world, so let's just enjoy the ride.

The Expendables 2

Trailer

Guys, he's not reading from a cue card, that's just how he looks when normally speaking.

Finally an official trailer. You know: something that isn't just putting up last names and things that go "boom!" Look, it is what it is. Cheesy, horribly cheesy, lines and all ("man and knife?") But you know what? How many action movies out there today really go out of their way to be as "old school" as possible? You know what I mean: stunts, little computer effects if any, lots of in-camera explosions and so on. Plus, I like the humor. Sorry, it's just "so bad it's good" at this point with the lines and self-referencing winks.

Oh my god, Arnold and Bruce killling people in a smart car. Ok. Sold.

This is 40

Trailer

Well, color me interested. I laughed, probably more in this trailer than the entirity of Funny People. Apatow kind of misfired on that one. Funny People was ok, but with as many funny people that were in it, and as sincere as the plot might have been, it didn't really hit it home. It kind of just, for lack of a better word "settled." This might redeem it, because I like these actors and it is the sort-of sequel to Knocked Up. So, let's hold off judgement for now...

Take this Waltz

Trailer

Sarah Silverman is one of the few female stand-up comedians I like. (Note, I said stand up, not female comedy actors, there's a difference). I don't know how good her acting chops are, though, but she's only supporting so that's not a big deal. This movie has a very good, natural cast, and Sarah Polley (yes, the blonde woman from the Dawn of the Dead remake) has really grown into a fantastic writer/director. This is her second film (I think, I could be wrong) but if it's even half as good as Away From Her (which came out way back in 2006 and was nominated for a couple of Oscars) then I think we have nothing to worry about.

Also, I love the vibrancy of the film too. There's a lot of warmth and color here, going by the trailer of course, that's mixed with moments of sustained silence to just have you take it in.

The Dark Knight Rises

Trailer

Oh, also this one. The sense of scale and "epicness" really shines through, though I feel I already know the story before I even see it. Or, at least, the structure. It seems to really just laying it all on the table for this one, and for a final movie I wouldn't expect anything less.

An Open Letter to One Million Moms

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:10:00 +0000

An Open Letter to One Million Moms

In Response to One Million Mom's Protest Against a page in Urban Outfitters

April 20, 2012

One Million Moms

℅ American Family Association

P.O. Box 3206

Tupelo, MS 38803

Dear One Million Moms, or more accurately around 46,000 moms going by your Facebook member page…don't worry, I'm sure you'll get there.

I am writing to applaud and stand by your protest against the second page of an Urban Outfitters catalog that displays two women kissing. Your weekly self-righteous protests are certainly keeping our country on the right path to…ummm….<note: insert edit later>. As you know, once you see two women kissing in a photo, you automatically turn into a homosexual and retroactively turn any unborn children in the vicinity into homosexuals as well.

Oh, I mean, it will make those children in the womb…decide to be gay.

Anyways, I know you may still be hurt since failing to get JC Penny to fire Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson which, I would assume, caused a "gay explosion" across the country that the media simply hasn't reported on due to their liberal bias, but we must see this current effort through to the end. Sure, Urban Outfitters makes no qualms about their target market - those progressive thinking types that probably have never even seen a NASCAR race - but we must tell this company it must appeal to all markets, not just one. If they wish to receive a dime of Christian money, they better change that photo or feel the wrath of the 46,000 or so moms that didn't shop at their stores in the first place.

On this note, I am shocked and appalled you have overlooked the male lingerie market and not tell Veronica's Secret how to run their business as well. A man has every right to wear a see-through thong at the beach and I'm sure you would agree that it would be best for the children.

My concern also grows when thinking of the younger children I don't have. The impressionable ones that ask "why is the sky blue?" and occassionally "why does daddy cry and lock himself in the basement?" The mere thought of there being a photograph in a catalog that may or may not be seen by a child somewhere in the world and a parent, perhaps, having to explain something to them is just saddening. To think the state of our world where a parent has to be responsible and might have to try to clarify and reason something towards a child is simply too much to handle. I am sure you would agree it's far easier just to hit them, tell them to shut up and then demand another beer from the fridge before we say our nightly prayers. I know it worked for me especially when raised with a strong religious foundation and morals. Why just look at me now:

Thank you,

The Organization of People Complaining About Organizations of People Complaining About Stuff (OPCAOPCAS)

Previous articles:

An Open Letter to Madame Noir

An Open Letter to the Parents Television Council

E3 2012 Prediction Time Get

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:10:00 +0000

E3: Prediction Time Get

Well, E3 is about a month away and the hype, rumors and all that internet-fueled jazz are already rampant. Again, I plan to spend the day wandering out the LA Convention Center, stand in lines but, usually, just watch and observe and probably get free stuff if I'm lucky.

Last year was a bit of a disappointment to me. I felt it was treading water from the year before with booths that were pretty much identical to the previous year…and unfortunately most of the games to. But you can look up my impression in that blog (look under Personal Favorites) for my apathy.

Truth is, I kind of expect the same this year. While Nintendo certainly is going to be trying for a bigger push with their new console, and hopefully a slew of new 3DS titles, Sony and Microsoft are still a ways off from revealing anything (though I expect some rumblings, I don't think we'll get anything solid, much like Nintendo with the WiiU last year). Then you have the third parties, and I keep getting the feeling they're just sitting around in wait at this point for the newer consoles to become more public and more games to be revealed.

But, all that being said, and probably poorly, here's what I'm expecting and hoping for…and what I'm not expecting at all at this year's E3.

Let's do this!....mabye!

Microsoft is gearing up for the future, but I wonder if they're looking too far ahead and not concentrating on the present.

-Microsoft will still be trying to shove Kinect down our throats. I felt it took a back seat last year just a bit, notably in how they were pushing it, but they're still going to drive this baby like a convertible off a cliff.

-Speaking of MS, you know Halo 4 is going to have a huge presence. It's out this year and nothing has really been revealed about it. I full expect their conference and their booth to be ordained in Master Chief sexiness for all the dudebros to see.

-MS's conference is going to be heavy with kinect, but also the multimedia aspect of the 360. That's something they're going to be utilizing for their next console.

-Does anyone even care about Lionhead at this point? Eh, you know they'll be out there in force, Peter will say something stupid and assure us of how great his game is, then in a few months we'll all be disappointed. I honestly don't know why they're as redeemed as they are these days.

-Rare has to, must actually, show a new game. In fact, I'm so adamant certain that I just copied/pasted this from the "wishful thinking" part of this below.

-Ryse is going to be big for Microsoft at this show. They're going to have a solid lineup overall going into the twilight years of the 360.

Sony isn't going to change much, but they have a couple of big IPs they'll be pushing hard.

-They just announced the latest God of War, so you know they're putting Kratos in the drivers seat for this E3.

-Also the incredibly bland-looking Playstation All-Star Battle Royale. Sorry, doesn't interest me. It feels incredibly cheap too, they better not be charging people $60 bucks for that.

-I want to call Last of Us game of the show, it's Sony's third big game outside those two above. Convince me, Sony.

-I actually fully expect a Vita price drop. It's not doing entirely well, and I noted in my E3 impressions from last year that nobody really cared about it. It's a solid piece of hardware, but nobody is jumping at it. I expect more big franchises showing up at this E3 for it as well, like Killzone.

-This is an either or scenario: if Sony doesn't reveal The Last Guardian and Square's Final Fantasy vs XIII at their conference, consider those projects dead. I don't want to hear about them ever again, especially Final Fantasy vs XIII.

-A lot have been saying that Killzone 4 is going to be there. They're probably right, they have to counter the Halo 4 presence somehow. It probably won't be as far along.

-Probably a price drop.

-Quantic Dream should make an appearance. I expect them to, but at the same time I feel that's a company that won't say or do anything until they feel they're ready. There's been rumors aplenty for the past few years, but nothing has ever stuck.

Nintendo has the most to gain and the most to lose at this year's E3. Sony and MS are going to just keep doing what their doing until their "big" shows next year. This year Nintendo needs to make an impression.

-I was so, very, very disappointed with Nintendo last year. I'll admit, the year before was spectacular with a slew of new games, Zelda and the announcement of the 3DS. Last year was exactly the same, but with a small nod to the WiiU though it was all tech demos. I expect their conference to concentrate on games for that system, and maybe a few playable ones down on the show floor. I'm sure release dates and hopefully a nice assortment of launch titles (with third parties) might also come, but Nintendo is often vague and indirect on those types of things.

-Also on their conference, they're going to be talking a lot of numbers and so forth I think. Nintendo is trying to plan its future.

-Pikmin for the WiiU is confirmed. Time to show it, guys.

-Dragon Quest X is going to leave a lot of people disappointed. They're going to push it, but man, DQ as an online RPG? Something just isn't right with the world.

-You know a 3DS Zelda is going to be a big splash. I think Nintendo is going to be getting a lot of new 3DS titles out there at this E3.

-They just need to concentrate on selling us the WiiU and getting a lineup out there. Everything else should fall into place. So a Paper Mario, a Zelda, a Kirby, a Mario, a Metroid (?!), Lugi's Mansion, Animal Crossing are good places to start. Then throw in some new titles. Miyamoto has something up his sleeve, I hope, and it better not have anything to do with music.

Moar! Just Because!

-Grand Theft Auto V will be revealed. Does Rockstar have their own conference and stage show? I don't know. If not, I wonder which company is going to be giving them time?

-If, and this is a BIG "if", Sega is at E3, their booth is going to be sad. Just sad.

-Half Life 3. It's time. Hype is building lately and it seems Gabe Newell has hinted at it more than usual. Plus, I don't think Valve has been doing much else lately have they? Portal 2 seems like a long time ago.

-I expect awkward celebrity appearances and bad Engrish at all the conferences this year.

-Also at all the conferences (seriously, all of them), some very bad jokes that people laugh at more for the awfulness than actually being funny. Also stuff going wrong. As a result, various animated gifs will appear online in about five minutes.

-Assassins Creed 3 playable at the show. It better be.

-Castlevania for the 3DS should be there, can't wait. On a side note, I liked Lords of Shadow.

-Bioshock Infinite is going to have a pretty big presence I think. We already saw a lot of it last year. It's too bad 2K's booth sucks, I'll probably skip it (they have the same one every year with lines, it's annoying)

-Don't be surprised if there's lot of remakes/HD remakes happening. It seems to be the drive and easy money for a lot of companies. I'll keep my hopes for what below.

-Some Tom Clancy game.

-Resident Evil 6 has been quietly gaining some steam. This will be Capcom's big game of the show, hopefully they can tear themselves away from Street Fighter for five minutes to show us.

-Sega will have one good thing going for it, though it may not be in their booth (I think Gearbox had a separate area for it) and that's the Aliens game. I loved what I saw last year, can't wait to actually play it.

Wishful Thinkings/Non-Wishful Thinkings

-I would love for Squaresoft to really come out swinging. I wrote them off about five years ago, but if they can get some ground under them and give us five or six games, maybe two console and the rest handheld, with a blend of original material and past franchises, they might salvage themselves. Of course, I would be more confident in saying that if this were the Tokyo Game Show rather than E3, but this is the hoping area, keep hope alive (or at least try and re-animate it). Keep in mind, many of their best people are gone, but they still have a well and young talent I'm sure.

-Persona 5? Where has this series been? Anything Shin Megami Tensei. Hell, or Suikoden VI for that matter? I'm looking at you handhelds.

-A 3DS Metroid needs to happen. I don't even have a 3DS, but I could so imagine a 3DS metroid for some reason. If not that, then a teaser of a WiiU Metroid will suffice.

-There won't be a Final Fantasy VII remake. Seriously, fanboys. Stop it.

-Same goes for Shenmue, especially considering that Sega is pretty much dead at this point.

-I won't kow if I should feel sorry or attracted to the booth babes. (A little bit of both).

-I'm hoping two awesome RPG companies will show up: Monolith Software and Mist Walker. It's time to show some new lineups and these guys have…I have no idea. Sniffing Japanese schoolgirl underwear? Monolith got Xenoblade Chronicles out last year, finally, so I expect them to continue Nintendo support with a WiiU game. As for Mist Walker, they'll be showcasing The Last Story (also for Wii) at Nintendo's conference I bet, in prep for its North American release, but they have nothing else planned that I know of. There's great people made up from both of these companies. Creative minds don't just sit in wait.

-Though I hope I'm wrong, I have a feeling Beyond Good and Evil 2 will be a no-show again.

-Final Fantasy XII remastered for HD. This needs to happen. So much so I'm still legitimately shocked it hasn't yet. Go look up videos of the thing playing on a PC with graphical improvements and hi-resolution and tell me I'm wrong.

-Konami gives us the long-waited Zone of Enders 3. I still have mine. Oh, such good gaming on those. I really don't know what else they have going on outside their major franchises like Silent Hill or Metal Gear, it makes me think they have something special planned. I hope.

-A stretch, but Sony and Microsoft might try and steal some of Nintendo's "new console" thunder and maybe throw out teasers of their next systems.

Stupid Predictions and Stupid Ideas That (Probably) Won't Happen

-Final Fantasy XVI will show up and be WiiU exclusive. Why XVI and not XV? Because Versus XIII is now going to be called Final Fantasy XV.

-There won't be a Call of Duty game at the show.

-Nintendo announces a new Earthbound along with a special edition "Earthbound Collection" of all three Earthbound (or Mother if you will) games in a metal case and with a plush Ness doll.

-The strong return of Nintendo's Vitality Sensor so we can monitor our heartrate while we play!

-Nintendo will release a headset for the 3DS, only it can only process the colors red and black.

-Sega, in a last ditch effort, pools resources, gets funding from Microsoft and finally makes Shenmue 3.

-Everybody leaves happy and satisfied.

-Neogaf doesn't crash (gamers know what I'm talking about)

-I won't spend most of my time playing retro games at the Videogame Museum booth.

IR77: Batmen & Bobby

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 05:30:00 +0000

Cracked: 18 Images You Won't Believe Aren't Photoshopped

As you probably know by now, I love photography and interesting pictures. This cracked series is the epitome of that. Just know that #1 is a bit disturbing.

This one is probably my favorite:

Conan: Dark Knight Fan Correction

Be warned, you may never look at Batman the same way again...or the Riddler. Especially The Riddler.

Tuuuubbbeeesss!

Somebody fund this now! Do it! I'll give you sandwitches!

Subwars

A very fast paced stylish anime-esque animated short that's just awesome.

Muppet Art

Fitting as I finished up a Henson/Muppet themed week of reviews and photos. Here's some fantastic artwork with the Muppets. I love meshing different ideas in art (like Steampunk Star Wars).

These two are my favorites I think, I like the group shots...

Speaking of Dark Knight, here's a birthday video

Jack White and Gary Oldman

Yeah, you read that right. Two awesome things come together. Oldman is apparently a fan and did a video of Jack chatting, playing music and so on. Pretty cool, and a reminder of how awesome Gary Oldman is.

On a side note, I am a fan of Jack's, but I really don't like the woman that accompanies him in many of the songs on his new album. Her Stevie Nicks-esque voice grates on me.

Mario in 2012

Pretty self-explanatory, but there's no denying that today's games are the poster-childs for handholding.

Say no to Crack, Yes to Rollerskating

Keeping kids off the street since 1999…but looking like it was made in 1991. This is one of those local commercials that just have you in awe at how dumb and awful it is.

Retro Bobby

This was probably my favorite video this past week. It's a short I found on Vimeo about a barber who decorates his place in Nostalgia.

Cinemassacre: The Guyver

The Guyver 1 and 2 are a couple of movies I've always known about but never really had any interest in seeing. Actually, I always thought they looked pretty bad. This video kind of reinforces my assumption, but Mike's enthusiasm over the entertainment of the second one at least caught my interest.

Cinemassacre: Ghostbusters

In addition, Mike is playing while James is away, and this one is Ghostbusters, so you know I had to post it.

Countdown to The Thing

Countdown is a very popular show that only people in England know about and is kind of dry. The Thing is an awesome horror flick with people's head's splitting apart and lots of tentacles wave around. Here's an animated look at how the two might look meshed together.

Dark Shadows Featurette

The Marketing Machine is in full force on Tim Burton's next flick, but that's fine. It actually looks like it could be pretty fun. This is a little featurette that shows a lot of clips we haven't seen, including Christopher Lee's scene.

Cracked: 10 Cases of Hecklers being Destroyed

This…this is just great. I hate hecklers and obnoxious people at shows, and to see them try and stand against people who do it for a living is hilarious.

Joe Rogan is the one that really steals the show (in all honestly, the number one video is really bad quality and hard to hear). Rogan is kind of known for taking on hecklers, he's just great at insulting people. People that certainly deserve it.