Right now I'm watching The Amazing Screw-On Head, the animated short based on the comic by Mike Mignola. I've seen it before, but for some reason I decided to watch it again. Seems I've forgotten how absolutely brilliant it is. Brya Fuller is credited as a writer and producer on the 22-minute short, which explains how something this bizarre actually got translated well to the small screen. Fuller is probably best know as the creator/writer of shows like Wonderfalls, Dead Like Me and Pushing Dasies. He's also worked on Heroes...not that he needs any more geek cred.
If I told you what the plot was about I would sound absolutely insane, but if you're interested yu can read about it on wikipedia. Seriously, it's crazy.
It's got an amazing collection of voice talent, with Paul Giamatti voicing the main character and David Hyde Pierce as his nemisis Emperor Zombie. Molly Shannon plays former love interest/current vampire Patience and Patton Oswalt voices Screw-On Head's servant Mr. Groin. Oh, and Corey Burton plays Abraham Lincoln as well as the demon Zombie summons. See, how can something with insane characters like this not be excellent.
It's something that really has to be watched to be understood, and thankfully the animation is fantastic. It captures Mignola's style perfectly (as does the writing).
I know that's not much of a review, but, just watch it, especially if you like Bryan Fuller or Mike Mignola (or the Hellboy films). The DVD has a commentary track (with Fuller) a "Making of" that's pretty informative, some storyboard stuff and an insert that has drawing from Mignola and Guy Davis.
I do think that since Del Toro has a lot on his plate at the moment, Fuller would be an excellent choice to take over the Hellboy franchise. He really seems to understand what makes stuff like this work and while he doesn't have Del Toro's track record with the effects work, he has shown skill at some fantastical material.
Just a thought. Meanwhile, everyone should own this DVD. Especially since it costs all of $9 at Amazon. Hell, you can watch the whole thing on Google video here.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Review- Punisher: War Zone
I'm not really sure where to begin with my review of this movie. I'm certain that by now anyone who wants to see it probably has, and anyone who hasn't seen it probably shouldn't.
While watching it I couldn't help but draw comparisons to another failed vigalante superhero film (Lots to choose from, no?), Batman and Robin. Now, in fandom there has been a long running comaprison between the two "heroes," and the argument of who would win in a fight (Batman. End of argument), blah blah blah. Now there's a new dimension to that debate. Who has the worst movie (or hell, worst franchise)?
I think Bats wins that fight too. But, it's really close.
Jigsaw's "origin" is crawling with...let's call them homages...to Joker's origin from Burton's original Batman film, and we're treated to these weird "gangs" jumping all around doing acrobatics in a scene that feels like it was deleted from Batman Returns (it's a short scene, but really I flashed right back to that travesty) then we get the over-the-top Dominic West (in make-up that looks straight out of the Corman Fantastic Four film) doing his best Tommy-Lee-Jones-as-Two-Face impression. Add in all kinds of neon lights, crappy side kicks, horrible accents and stupid dialogue and it's like someone crammed all of the most horrid elements of the Batman franchise into one movie.
In the "Making of" featurettes they keep referring to Ennis' Punisher and how they tried to stay true to it...but I really don't think they read Ennis' books at all. And, if they did, boy did they ever miss the point. Yes, Ennis tends to write hugely over the top action sequences, but usually they're so brief that you barely notice the...unrealness of it all. Where Ennis' Punisher work is the characters. Yeah, yeah, they tend to be over the top as well, but not to the point that they are just caricatures. In the movie they've boiled every single character down to some kind of archetype, and it's all so thinly veiled that it comes off as ridiculous.
The only thing I think I can complement in the entire film is the opening title sequence (Julio Ferrario, amazing job). And really, that's a damn shame because there's some pretty good talent involved in making the film. Two of the credited writers worked on Iron Man (Art Marcum & Matt Holloway), Ray Stevenson at least looks the part of Frank Castle (and I've heard he's a decent enough actor, this is the first thing I've really seen him in I think), and what little I've seen Dominic West in he's been good (don't watch The Wire, sorry). Julie Benz is great in Dexter, and there's Wayne Knight who I've always enjoyed in everything he's done. Rounding out the cast are Doug Hutchinson (Lost, The Green Mile), Colin Salmon (tons of stuff: Resident Evil, Match Point, Bank Job) and the always underrated Dash Mihok (maybe best known as Benvolio in Romeo+Juliet). So, all these great people, how is this movie such a failure?
The blame has to fall on Lexi Alexander, some of it anyway. This is her first really big film (her third altogether) and we get to watch as she makes the same mistakes every other bad action director has either moved on from or fallen prey to. She seems to think ultraviolence and hammy acting are what the movie needed. The rest of it has to fall on the producers who apparently passed on the script by the truly awesome Kurt Sutter (The Shield, Sons of Anarchy). Some of his story elements apparently remain, but he demanded his name be taken off the film (and rightfully so). Now, I'm not sure what happens in Sutters script, but I can't believe for a minute that it was worse than the story these people delivered us. Maybe some of it needs to fall on one of the other credited writers as well (Nick Santora), whose only other film writing is The Longshots, a more family friendly basketball flik. But, really, I can't say the guy is a bad writer since I'm not familiar with his work at all.
One of the films biggest surprises was its use of a score and not a more modern soundtrack full of rock music and the like. But, unfortunately the score is overpowering and distracting, which makes everything that much worse.
Hammy performances, cartoony ultraviolence, bad dialogue, terrible make-up, and rookie mistakes ends up taking what should be a no-brainer franchise two steps backwards from where it was at the end of the Thomas Jane entry. This thing is best avoided unless you're just a fan of terrible movies.
For an alternate view on the film, let me recommend "Classic Shit" by some guy named Nick (really, don't know his last name, he writes good though!)
Yes, I know that's improper, don't point it out.
While watching it I couldn't help but draw comparisons to another failed vigalante superhero film (Lots to choose from, no?), Batman and Robin. Now, in fandom there has been a long running comaprison between the two "heroes," and the argument of who would win in a fight (Batman. End of argument), blah blah blah. Now there's a new dimension to that debate. Who has the worst movie (or hell, worst franchise)?
I think Bats wins that fight too. But, it's really close.
Jigsaw's "origin" is crawling with...let's call them homages...to Joker's origin from Burton's original Batman film, and we're treated to these weird "gangs" jumping all around doing acrobatics in a scene that feels like it was deleted from Batman Returns (it's a short scene, but really I flashed right back to that travesty) then we get the over-the-top Dominic West (in make-up that looks straight out of the Corman Fantastic Four film) doing his best Tommy-Lee-Jones-as-Two-Face impression. Add in all kinds of neon lights, crappy side kicks, horrible accents and stupid dialogue and it's like someone crammed all of the most horrid elements of the Batman franchise into one movie.
In the "Making of" featurettes they keep referring to Ennis' Punisher and how they tried to stay true to it...but I really don't think they read Ennis' books at all. And, if they did, boy did they ever miss the point. Yes, Ennis tends to write hugely over the top action sequences, but usually they're so brief that you barely notice the...unrealness of it all. Where Ennis' Punisher work is the characters. Yeah, yeah, they tend to be over the top as well, but not to the point that they are just caricatures. In the movie they've boiled every single character down to some kind of archetype, and it's all so thinly veiled that it comes off as ridiculous.
The only thing I think I can complement in the entire film is the opening title sequence (Julio Ferrario, amazing job). And really, that's a damn shame because there's some pretty good talent involved in making the film. Two of the credited writers worked on Iron Man (Art Marcum & Matt Holloway), Ray Stevenson at least looks the part of Frank Castle (and I've heard he's a decent enough actor, this is the first thing I've really seen him in I think), and what little I've seen Dominic West in he's been good (don't watch The Wire, sorry). Julie Benz is great in Dexter, and there's Wayne Knight who I've always enjoyed in everything he's done. Rounding out the cast are Doug Hutchinson (Lost, The Green Mile), Colin Salmon (tons of stuff: Resident Evil, Match Point, Bank Job) and the always underrated Dash Mihok (maybe best known as Benvolio in Romeo+Juliet). So, all these great people, how is this movie such a failure?
The blame has to fall on Lexi Alexander, some of it anyway. This is her first really big film (her third altogether) and we get to watch as she makes the same mistakes every other bad action director has either moved on from or fallen prey to. She seems to think ultraviolence and hammy acting are what the movie needed. The rest of it has to fall on the producers who apparently passed on the script by the truly awesome Kurt Sutter (The Shield, Sons of Anarchy). Some of his story elements apparently remain, but he demanded his name be taken off the film (and rightfully so). Now, I'm not sure what happens in Sutters script, but I can't believe for a minute that it was worse than the story these people delivered us. Maybe some of it needs to fall on one of the other credited writers as well (Nick Santora), whose only other film writing is The Longshots, a more family friendly basketball flik. But, really, I can't say the guy is a bad writer since I'm not familiar with his work at all.
One of the films biggest surprises was its use of a score and not a more modern soundtrack full of rock music and the like. But, unfortunately the score is overpowering and distracting, which makes everything that much worse.
Hammy performances, cartoony ultraviolence, bad dialogue, terrible make-up, and rookie mistakes ends up taking what should be a no-brainer franchise two steps backwards from where it was at the end of the Thomas Jane entry. This thing is best avoided unless you're just a fan of terrible movies.
For an alternate view on the film, let me recommend "Classic Shit" by some guy named Nick (really, don't know his last name, he writes good though!)
Yes, I know that's improper, don't point it out.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Ooops, I did it again...
Life and its many complications wreaked their havoc on my interet duties, so apologies.
I've recently (kind of) watched the DTV Wonder Woman animated film, and I gotta say, it was pretty bad-ass. I enjoyed the attempt to explain away her costume, and the stuff with the lasso. I was a bit confused by the invisible plane though...how did they get the tech to build it? Or even know what a plane is? I need to rewatch it. Lots of sword fights, bloody ones at that, not recommended for really young ones.
Also, the early look at the next DC animated flick was cool. It's gonna be Green Lantern, and it looks awesome.
On the TV front, Smallville is building towards its season finale, with the promise of the death of two characters. The rumors of which vary vastly. My favorite? Lois is gonna die, and Chloe will take her name as some sort of tribute, the Chloe and Clark live happily ever after. Hurray!
Seriously, people are stupid.
More later...maybe.
I've recently (kind of) watched the DTV Wonder Woman animated film, and I gotta say, it was pretty bad-ass. I enjoyed the attempt to explain away her costume, and the stuff with the lasso. I was a bit confused by the invisible plane though...how did they get the tech to build it? Or even know what a plane is? I need to rewatch it. Lots of sword fights, bloody ones at that, not recommended for really young ones.
Also, the early look at the next DC animated flick was cool. It's gonna be Green Lantern, and it looks awesome.
On the TV front, Smallville is building towards its season finale, with the promise of the death of two characters. The rumors of which vary vastly. My favorite? Lois is gonna die, and Chloe will take her name as some sort of tribute, the Chloe and Clark live happily ever after. Hurray!
Seriously, people are stupid.
More later...maybe.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday's Five
Didn't get to write that post on toys and collectibles, but it's coming, I promise, as well as some Smallville talk, since the show made it's very anti-climactic return last night. For now though,
Five Favorite TV Shows Based on Comic Strips
Yeah, it's not a big list, so narrowing down to "Five Favorite" isn't a huge chore, but it's bigger than you'd think once you start looking at them all.
5. Garfield and Friends
I remember this show being one of my favorites as a kid, and when the DVDs hit I picked them up and was surprised how well they held up. The humor is mostly juvenile, but with Garfield that's what you get.
4. Dilbert
This is a show I loved based on a strip I never understood.
3. The Boondocks
The amazing thing about this show was how it was able to step outside the strip and establish its own identity. The strip took on culture, the show took down culture.
2. The Peanuts
Better than any other show ever adapted from...anything, this one captures the source material. These characters very much stepped off the page and onto the screen. And they're perfect.
1. The Addams Family
I did say it was a favorite list, and this one is my favorite. The show was so far ahead of its time (they were the first family to have a computer on TV) that I'm amazed it lasted as long as it did. It's hilarious, and I'm ashamed it took me so long to find out how wonderfult it was.
Five Favorite TV Shows Based on Comic Strips
Yeah, it's not a big list, so narrowing down to "Five Favorite" isn't a huge chore, but it's bigger than you'd think once you start looking at them all.
5. Garfield and Friends
I remember this show being one of my favorites as a kid, and when the DVDs hit I picked them up and was surprised how well they held up. The humor is mostly juvenile, but with Garfield that's what you get.
4. Dilbert
This is a show I loved based on a strip I never understood.
3. The Boondocks
The amazing thing about this show was how it was able to step outside the strip and establish its own identity. The strip took on culture, the show took down culture.
2. The Peanuts
Better than any other show ever adapted from...anything, this one captures the source material. These characters very much stepped off the page and onto the screen. And they're perfect.
1. The Addams Family
I did say it was a favorite list, and this one is my favorite. The show was so far ahead of its time (they were the first family to have a computer on TV) that I'm amazed it lasted as long as it did. It's hilarious, and I'm ashamed it took me so long to find out how wonderfult it was.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Spinner Rack- 3/11/09
I totally forgot video games last week...not sure there were any, maybe that Watchmen game? Dunno, let's get to it!
The week's biggest release has got to be this 80's gem from your favorite producer and mine, George Lucas:
Howard the Duck
You know, the Amazon description is really pushing it. Towards the end they call it "a hidden treasure the whole family can enjoy." Really? It says Special Edition, but I can't find a list of bonus features. I guess having it on DVD is "special" enough.
Batman Anthology-Blu-ray
Bat-Nipples in high def? I thought this day would never come.
(JAN090245) CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #35 $2.50
(JAN090248 ) SCOOBY DOO #142 $2.50
The Gang faces down zombies and a group of rival mystery solvers. Sounds fun.
(JAN092439) THE STAND AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 (OF 5) $3.99
(DEC088100) THE STAND AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 (OF 5) LINCOLN TUN VAR $3.99
(DEC082308) THE STAND CAPTAIN TRIPS PREM HC BERMEJO ED $24.99
(DEC082309) THE STAND CAPTAIN TRIPS PREM HC PERKINS LTD ED $24.99
Available exclusively at comic shops...wonderful idea, alienate the audience a bit more Marvel.
(JAN092448) WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #4 (OF 8) $3.99
I really don't think I can wait until this is finished to read this, might have to track down the issues...
(JAN094301) ANGEL AFTER THE FALL HC VOL 03 $24.99 ($17 at Amazon)
(JAN094296) ANGEL BLOOD AND TRENCHES #1 $3.99
(JAN094290) GI JOE #3 $3.99
(JAN094285) GI JOE MOVIE PREQUEL #1 DUKE $3.99
(OCT084048) MAN WITH NO NAME #8 $3.50
I'd like to read this series, I'm a big fan of the movies.
(JAN093992) SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #198 $2.50
(JAN094314) STAR TREK ARCHIVES TP VOL 04 DS9 $19.99 ($14 at Amazon)
(DEC084086) TRANSFORMERS ALL HAIL MEGATRON #8 $3.99
As always, you can find these at your local shop, and if you don't know where that is, just look to the right of this page and make with the clickity.
And, I was right, the Watchmen game came out last week(PS3, 360 & PC), and much like the film it's gotten only so-so reviews. Nothing new this week, unfortunately. Well, not comics related any how.
I've been lax on talking about toys on this blog, I'm gonna try and remedy that tomorrow with a post on some recent toys and statues, and maybe a few other collectibles.
The week's biggest release has got to be this 80's gem from your favorite producer and mine, George Lucas:
Howard the Duck
You know, the Amazon description is really pushing it. Towards the end they call it "a hidden treasure the whole family can enjoy." Really? It says Special Edition, but I can't find a list of bonus features. I guess having it on DVD is "special" enough.
Batman Anthology-Blu-ray
Bat-Nipples in high def? I thought this day would never come.
(JAN090245) CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #35 $2.50
(JAN090248 ) SCOOBY DOO #142 $2.50
The Gang faces down zombies and a group of rival mystery solvers. Sounds fun.
(JAN092439) THE STAND AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 (OF 5) $3.99
(DEC088100) THE STAND AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #1 (OF 5) LINCOLN TUN VAR $3.99
(DEC082308) THE STAND CAPTAIN TRIPS PREM HC BERMEJO ED $24.99
(DEC082309) THE STAND CAPTAIN TRIPS PREM HC PERKINS LTD ED $24.99
Available exclusively at comic shops...wonderful idea, alienate the audience a bit more Marvel.
(JAN092448) WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #4 (OF 8) $3.99
I really don't think I can wait until this is finished to read this, might have to track down the issues...
(JAN094301) ANGEL AFTER THE FALL HC VOL 03 $24.99 ($17 at Amazon)
(JAN094296) ANGEL BLOOD AND TRENCHES #1 $3.99
(JAN094290) GI JOE #3 $3.99
(JAN094285) GI JOE MOVIE PREQUEL #1 DUKE $3.99
(OCT084048) MAN WITH NO NAME #8 $3.50
I'd like to read this series, I'm a big fan of the movies.
(JAN093992) SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #198 $2.50
(JAN094314) STAR TREK ARCHIVES TP VOL 04 DS9 $19.99 ($14 at Amazon)
(DEC084086) TRANSFORMERS ALL HAIL MEGATRON #8 $3.99
As always, you can find these at your local shop, and if you don't know where that is, just look to the right of this page and make with the clickity.
And, I was right, the Watchmen game came out last week(PS3, 360 & PC), and much like the film it's gotten only so-so reviews. Nothing new this week, unfortunately. Well, not comics related any how.
I've been lax on talking about toys on this blog, I'm gonna try and remedy that tomorrow with a post on some recent toys and statues, and maybe a few other collectibles.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday's Five
Almost missed it...
Five Comics I wish were TV Shows
5. Aztek, the Ultimate Man
You know this would be awesome, admit it. Done in the Dini/Timm animated style of course, no live action.
4. Y, the Last Man
It's truthfully the only way to go with this, screw a movie, and forget Shia. Drop it on Showtime or HBO, or even better, FX. You'd just have to edit the cursing a bit. And the boobs.
3. Deadpool
Another animated program, get Nolan North back to do the voice and violence it up. He stole the show in Hulk vs.
2. Castle Waiting
Okay, so I'm stuck in "animated" mode, but this really wouldn't work any other way. It would be like the Princess Bride, only better and weekly.
1. Preacher
The greatest comic book of all time? Gets my vote. I'd like to see a very literal adaptation of this (and Y the Last Man) taking each issue and making it an episode. Cast unknowns (basically) and air it on HBO.
Okay, time for Dollhouse!
Five Comics I wish were TV Shows
5. Aztek, the Ultimate Man
You know this would be awesome, admit it. Done in the Dini/Timm animated style of course, no live action.
4. Y, the Last Man
It's truthfully the only way to go with this, screw a movie, and forget Shia. Drop it on Showtime or HBO, or even better, FX. You'd just have to edit the cursing a bit. And the boobs.
3. Deadpool
Another animated program, get Nolan North back to do the voice and violence it up. He stole the show in Hulk vs.
2. Castle Waiting
Okay, so I'm stuck in "animated" mode, but this really wouldn't work any other way. It would be like the Princess Bride, only better and weekly.
1. Preacher
The greatest comic book of all time? Gets my vote. I'd like to see a very literal adaptation of this (and Y the Last Man) taking each issue and making it an episode. Cast unknowns (basically) and air it on HBO.
Okay, time for Dollhouse!
Post-Watchmen Kneejerk Reaction
Better than V for Vendetta, but not as good as LXG.
I'm totally kidding.
It wasn't bad, actually, it was pretty good. Probably as close to the book as we could ever hope. Sounds weird saying this about a story involving masked heroes and vigilantes looking to stop the apocalypse, but it didn't have the heart that the book has.
I'll probably go see it again.
I'm totally kidding.
It wasn't bad, actually, it was pretty good. Probably as close to the book as we could ever hope. Sounds weird saying this about a story involving masked heroes and vigilantes looking to stop the apocalypse, but it didn't have the heart that the book has.
I'll probably go see it again.
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