This is the most awesome thing I've seen this week, from Asylum. If you have a child, or have small children in your life, be sure to check this out. It's important that kids get the right message about Star Wars. And that word is NO Jar Jar Binks!
(Plus, how do you not love the baby Yoda featured here?!)
Of the many things I love about Twitter, it's the immediacy of information that makes it one of my favorite information sources. And on a range of topics, from Breaking (Global) News to local news/traffic, to humorous insights, to random tidbits from friends and colleagues around the world.
But one of the critical reasons to have Twitter is for breaking geek news! Like stills from movies in production or freshly released movie trailers. Such as today's trailer from Jon Favreau's upcoming movie, Cowboys and Aliens. Wasn't really sure what to think about this movie based on the title (yes, I know, don't judge a book by it's cover -- but I'm superficial like that. What can I say?). However, after watching this trailer, I will say that I'm intrigued.
More to come, I'm sure, but expect to see this trailer A LOT during the Thanksgiving movie push.
I assume that everyone knows about Angry Birds at this point. I'm stuck somewhere in level 2, wishing I had more black bomb birds, but so it goes.
Just in time for Xmas this year, Angry Bird plushies! I'll dig up a link to the birds later, but late last week I saw the first images of the pigs. They are so irritating with their smirks and oinks when I can't get them! Where's my yellow bird?!
I keep coming across vintage/retro-inspired posters from artist Steve Thomas. He creates some of the most amazing images for a variety of themes, often from the geek realm (video games, sci fi/fantasy movies). In fact, I linked to one of his cool Donkey Kong video game posters back in June. Today, I'm in love with the following set of space travel posters (found via @JasonThibault), so I'm featuring Mr. Thomas' work again.
Nicely done - Keep up the good work! And let's book those tickets to Venus, shall we? I hear it is beautiful this time of year.
Pretty cool Google home page today, with 5 different Scooby scenes (click to enlarge).
I had hoped to post more today, but so it goes. I did, however, buy a copy of Evil Dead 2 (Dead by dawn! Dead by dawn!). And I did get to watch at least half of Nightmare Before Christmas (before total technology fail started).
I'm not sure I can commit to watching a whole movie tonight -- my attention span has grown more "episodic" in nature of the last few years (thank you, Internet!). However, I do have a few favorite movies I like to watch at this time of year. I can't say they are, you know, Oscar worthy or anything, but they amuse me.
So on this Hallow's Eve, enjoy a few clips.
Army of Darkness
I love the Evil Dead movies, and absolutely adore Bruce Campbell, and try to catch most everything from Sam Raimi (also, brother Ted). While Army of Darkness is utterly ridiculous, it is a campy good time. Several years ago, we got to see Bruce Campbell and Army of Darkness at a Santa Cruz movie theater for an abbreviated re-release tour (I'm assuming among college campus type areas). I'd forgotten about this event until now, but wow, was that awesome. Seriously, don't be surprised to see that I name my first born "Ash" -- Yes, I am that kind of geek.
PS - You can catch Bruce in the TV show Burn Notice, where he continues to maintain the awesome. Oh, and pick up a copy of "If Chins Could Kill" -- such a good time!
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Another long-time favorite. I recall seeing this movie in college, oh-so-long ago and being blown away by both the visual artistry of Tim Burton and amazing music throughout. Danny Elfman has such a rich, smooth voice as Jack singing. Beautiful. In all these years, I never knew who played Sally; turns out it is Catherine O'Hara (thanks IMDB).
I used to work in a comic book store, and we would often play Nightmare either on VHS or laser-disk (look at me, showing my age), and all the store staff would sing along to most every song. Yes, that geeky -- shocking, I know for employees of a comic book store.
What's interesting about this movie is that it wasn't a big moneymaker when it came out, but by the 10th anniversary, it became a cultural touchstone. I blame Hot Topic. Actually, I'm thrilled because this means I still find really cool Nightmare memorabilia and collectibles. Disney used to have a special Nightmare line at Halloween - do they still?
Sleepy Hollow
Certainly not the best movie ever, but it is Tim Burton (again) and Johnny Depp (!!). Depp stars as "Constable" Ichabod Crane, and is very steampunk-esque before that was a thing. I particularly love his glassicals.
"We have murders in New York without benefit of ghouls and goblins..."
Blade
This one is kind of gratuitous, but the beauty of having a blog is that I can indulge myself. The opening scene of this movie has to be one of the most badass for the genre. I love the vampire club, with the pulsing techno in an industrial warehouse of some kind -- so very late 90's. I remember hearing this song a few times, and finding myself glancing up at the ceiling, waiting for the blood to start dripping out of the ceiling. (clip is NSFW)
Blade is technically a Marvel superhero, and I love that they kept this story dark and gritty, rather than trying to make it "accessible" and mainstream. No sparkly vampires here. I know Wesley Snipes has had some "troubles" recently, but I think he makes a great Blade. And Stephen Dorff as vampire Deacon Frost! Bonus points for Kris Kristofferson as grizzled ol' Whistler.
Ooooh, this move theme is fun! Maybe a horror theme for tomorrow?
As previously noted here, I'm not feeling Halloween-y this year. I love Halloween but for a variety of reasons, it's just not happening for me. So I'm giving up on the costumes, decorations, and frivolity for myself, and instead sharing some other great Halloween-related things. As they come to me. Bare with me.
I loved The Great Pumpkin as a kid, though I remember the Red Baron sequence going on way too long. Given the even shorter attention span today and the fact that isn't an easily identifiable reference to kiddies in 2010, I have to believe that scene still goes on too long.
But I do love how many simple costumes there are -- the classic ghost and witch -- and the fact that the kids get things like cookies and gum in their Halloween sacks. And they're excited about it! Gum!?! When I was a kid, I would've been ticked off about gum. Certainly no home-baked goods accepted from strangers these days, what with all the razor blades and poison. But seriously, what is up with Charlie getting rocks in his bag?? What adult would give the other kids treats and then give him a rock?! That is f'd up.
I can't tell you why, but I'm thinking about Scooby Doo today too. Perhaps all the cases with ghosts and mummies? Anyway, Scooby lends well to Halloween.
So, of course a logical Halloween special for Scooby & the gang is the case of the Headless Horseman! Zoinky!
Looking forward to clips from other great Halloween tie-ins that I can dig out this weekend! Maybe this will finally get me motivated for Halloween this year -- just in time for November 1st.
Is it just me, or does it seem to be a good time for the market of vintage-inspired posters, particularly of nostalgic favorites?
One great thing about a blog is that I can keep track of them all without having to buy them. Here are a couple more I liked today, from artist Jorsh Pena (of Gallery 1988).
I wish I was feeling it more for Halloween this year -- seems like it came up just too soon (even though it's October 31st every year). Thankfully, the Innertubes have got me covered for Halloween this year. I can participate like the true voyeur that I am, watching from the sidelines and taking notes.
First up, The Walken Dead (h/t Laughing Squid). As you may, or may not know, the TV series The Walking Dead, based on the amazing Robert Kirman comic book of the same name, starts this weekend on AMC. I'm cursing the TV gods now that my tuner card went out, so I can't get that channel and really hope that AMC will post the episode online.
Anyway, dude created a loving tribute to both The Walking Dead and actor Christopher Walken in a few prints that pay homage to both.
Speaking of zombies, did you see what Sears did to their website this week? WOW! Zombified Sears!! Totally check it out!
One other zombie-related link, just because. Zombieharmony!
...because the apocalypse doesn't have to be lonely
In non-zombie news, while you are treating your Halloween hangover, don't forget that 2011 SD Comic-Con tickets go on sale at 9 AM, November 1st. The 4-day passes sold out incredibly quickly last year, so set a reminder for this one!
And finally, also via Laughing Squid, this awesome movie map of the US, from subtronix. I like that The Goonies represents Oregon! (click to enlarge)
Sandcastles & Succulents: Exploration of research, creativity and contemplations of interesting bits and bobs.
Undercover Geek Girl: This was my effort to channel all those useless thoughts and nerdy interests in one place.
