Red Letter Media wrote and filmed two highly entertaining deconstructions of Star Wars films, The Phantom Menace, and Attack of the Clones. The narrator’s voice is a little off-putting at first, but the viewer eventually gets used to it. Most YouTube reviewers use a grating persona, but Red Letter Media uses a more subdued one, who provides valid, well thought-out criticisms of the films.
The Phantom Menace (Part 1 of 7):
Attack of the Clones (Part 1 of 9):
In 1993 Power Rangers debuted on television becoming an instant pop culture phenomenon. It was every kid’s obsession — mine included. Both in and outside school the show was the main topic. It was also the chosen game most of the time, which resulted in a lot of rough-housing. The arrival of the Green Ranger garnered a lot of excitement, especially once he defected onto the Rangers’ side; he was the ultimate anti-hero. Then there was the mystery behind the identity of the White Ranger, which sparked a lot of speculation with children. The reveal that it’s Tommy was a huge event. The franchise was a powerhouse in the 90s.
I was full of nostalgia when it was recently announced that Saban bought back the Power Rangers franchise from Disney. Founder Haim Saban will be bringing the franchise over to Nickelodeon, presenting the 18th season with the goal of bringing it back in full force; to bring Power Rangers back to the forefront of youth culture. If all goes according to plan, there will be a return of live tours (who remembers those? It was exciting seeing live action fighting between Rangers and monsters), films, and theme park attractions.
It’s a lot planned for a franchise that was essentially stagnate for the last few years. If Saban and Nickelodeon can successfully recapture the show’s magic, I wouldn’t mind Power Rangers becoming relevant again. In fact, I’d force all my younger cousins to watch it. And yes, I do feel old right now. Old and childish. Who wants to play? I call dibs on the Green Ranger.
Source: (Hollywood Reporter)
Who else watched the season finale of Supernatural last night? Show creator Eric Kripke’s five-season long story-arc ended with the appropriately named episode, Swan Song. And it ended on a strong note.
The gravity of the situation was heavy throughout the episode, with the characters strongly emoting and reacting in ways that were heart-wrenching. It wasn’t just drama though; there were a few hilarious moments as well to ease the tension before hitting hard again. Interludes were woven into the finale, and some flashbacks that didn’t feel contrived helped bring a sense of nostalgia that served a great purpose. It was a very satisfying and bittersweet ending for the story-arc.
Another thing worth mentioning is that there was a lot less classic rock music this season, but Swan Song brought it back in full form. It was a nice touch for longtime fans.
Conan O’Brien recently put on a show for Google; improv, answering questions, and addressing the audience. O’Brien also throws a jab at Jay Leno. He’s shown no signs of slowing down as he approaches his return to network television.
Conan O’Brien’s new late night show is expected to debut in November on TBS. Personally, I think he should keep the hobo beard. It would add some class to his new platform. And by class, I mean trash. And by trash, I mean welcome back! (In November.)
Comic book character created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Dredd, will be making a return; DNA Films spent over two years negotiating for it.
Garland, Macdonald, and Allon Reich are set to produce; with Pete Travis directing, and the script by Alex Garland. The budget for the film is $45 million and will be filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa.
I was a fan of Sylvester Stallone’s version of Judge Dredd despite it being campy, but this current project looks to stick close to the source material; with Wagner as a creative consultant, and the owners of the publishing company Rebellion/2000AD, Jason and Chris Kingsley as co-producers.
Judge Dredd already seems to be shaping up to be a proper adaption for the comic book; with another co-producer in Michael S. Murphey, who had a hand in District 9. A smaller budget might work just fine, considering the people involved who are no strangers to it.
Source: (Hollywood Reporter)
Director Michael Bay posted on his forum, “The Twins are not back in T3.” Maybe all the ridicule on the blatant racism of the characterizations of Skids and Mudflap finally convinced him what a bad idea they were. Well, that or he’s making room for Asian stereotyped transformers.
Source: (Superhero Hype)
Supposedly Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams had a conversation about their youth playing with Super 8 cameras which realized their current film project together. Produced by Spielberg, J.J. Abrams penned the screenplay that pays homage to Spielberg’s 70s films, which he will also direct.
Reportedly, the budget for Super 8 is roughly $50 million, but it’s confirmed that it will be shot traditionally instead of hand-held like Cloverfield.
J.J. Abrams is notorious for keeping things hushed, and this project is no different. The only concrete thing known about the plot is the line in the teaser: “In 1979, the U.S. Air Force closed a section of Area 51”. Anything else at this point is speculation.
Like J.J. Abrams’ Lost and Cloverfield, Super 8 has viral marketing, which is already underway. According to the website discovered by fans, something will be revealed on May 15h. The site can be found here.
Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams collaborating together on a film is very exciting, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with. I just hope George Lucas stays away from this movie. I mean . . . what?
The Man from Earth was the last work of the late writer Jerome Bixby, directed by Richard Schenkman, and stars David Lee Smith as Professor John Oldman.
The film begins with John Oldman packing all his things into his truck when colleagues suddenly come over against his wishes. They confront him for leaving so abruptly, and ask his reasons for moving away. Barely addressing their questions, he acts skittish while continuing to pack before they convince him to elaborate on his reasons.
Inviting them in his home, he offers them conversation for the modest farewell party. John asks them,”What if a man from the Upper Paleolithic had survived until the present day?” which piques the interest of his friends. John nonchalantly mentions that he’s the caveman that he was implying. He then starts sharing stories throughout his life which raises more questions from his colleagues. The debate gradually becomes more heated; his friends using their expertise in each of their respective fields to try to disprove John.
The production for this film is more along the lines of a theatre rather than a traditional movie; it takes place entirely on one location. A lot of the focus are on John’s monologues on his past life and interactions with his colleagues instead of flashback scenes. The acting and the strong writing really shows, immersing the viewer into each of John’s stories.
There’s absolutely no reliance on special effects or action. There’s the emotionally and intellectually charged debate between friends that completely engrosses the viewers, and it works beautifully. Any fan of science fiction and theatre should watch this endearing film.