Articles by matt-raub
Mon Sep 22, 2008 — by Matt Raub
New 'Red Dwarf' Specials Announced
You better Believe it, Smeghead!
In celebration of it’s 21st birthday, the cast and crew of the popular British scifi comedy Red Dwarf will be coming back to put together four televised specials. They are being made for UKTV’s new free-to-air channel, Dave (interesting name). Series creator Doug Naylor will be taking the helm for the specials and they will go as follows:
Show One - The Making Of The Specials
A highly entertaining look at what goes on behind the scenes on a Red Dwarf production.Show Two - Red Dwarf Special: Part One
The cast get back into character, and costume, a decade on...Show Three - Red Dwarf Special: Part Two
The adventure continues...Show Four - A Clip Show With a Serious Difference
The cast do it their way. Red Dwarf as you have never, ever seen it before!
The shows are currently planned to air sometime next year, and would mark the first time in 10 years since new Red Dwarf material has aired since the eight season in 1999 (unless you count the 1988 "lost" episode which aired in 2005). And if the newfound popularity of Doctor Who is any indicator, this could prove to be the rebirth of the franchise.
Red Dwarf debuted in 1989 and ran for a total of 52 episodes scattered over eight seasons on the BBC. It spawned an assortment of merchandise including the entire series available on DVD. Four oruiginal novels were also published. An Americanized version never got past the pilot stage in 1992 and a feature film version was written but never got funded.
Mon Sep 22, 2008 — by Matt Raub
A Jihad on Mickey Mouse
But why not Goofy or Donald?
Those familiar of Mickey Mouse would usually classify the character as friendly, cheerful, and even funny at times. Well, did you know that he's also a Soldier of Satan? It also seems that Mickey isn't held in too-high regard around Saudi Arabia. In a recent interview with Saudi Arabian cleric/diplomat Sheikh Muhammad Munajid he stated that Mickey needs to die. (AP)
A sheik from Saudi Arabia, a former diplomat posted in Washington, has put out a fatwa on Mickey Mouse, calling him the new enemy of Islam. "Mickey Mouse is a soldier of Satan, and everything he touches becomes impure," said Sheik Muhammad al-Munajid.
"Mickey Mouse has become an awesome character, even though according to Islamic law, Mickey Mouse should be killed in all cases. According to sharia law, the mouse is a repugnant and corrupting animal," he said during a show broadcast by Al-Majd television.
It should be mentioned that this has been translated from it's original language, and "awesome" probably doesn't have the same meaning we would give it. Munajjid went on to say that under Islamic law, rats and mice are considered "repulsive" and as "soldiers of Satan" which totally explains the adage "give a mouse a cookie, and he'll want a glass of milk." Now, those of you who aren't caught up on your Islamic terminology, a "fatwa" is a ruling on a point of Islamic law that is given by a recognized authority. This essentially means that the religion is calling for the head of Mickey Mouse. Last month Mr Munajid also condemned the Beijing Olympics as the "bikini Olympics", claiming that nothing made Satan happier than seeing females athletes dressed in skimpy outfits. You can only imagine his reaction if he saw this image:
Sun Sep 21, 2008 — by Matt Raub
'Pushing Daisies' Creator Wants A New Star Trek on TV
Another Chance for Kirk to Make Out with Green Ladies?
Any fan of the ABC series Pushing Daisies is probably aware that creator Bryan Fuller was also the creative mind behind both critically acclaimed, yet short-lived series Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me, but it is not as well known that Fuller is also a full-on Star Trek fan, and in fact has even written 21 episodes for the lore: 2 for Deep Space Nine and 19 for Voyager. Fuller recently sounded off on J.J. Abrams’ new Trek film and his interest on taking the helm for a modern interpretation of the 1960’s hit.
I would love to do another Star Trek series, one where you could go back to the spirit and color of the original Star Trek, because somehow, it got cold over the years. I love Next Generation, but it’s a little cooler and calmer than the ones from the ‘60s, which were so dynamic and passionate. Star Trek has to recreate itself. Otherwise, all the characters start to feel the same. You always have a captain, a doctor, a security officer, and you have the same arguments based on those perspectives. It starts to feel too familiar. So all those paradigms where it takes place on a starship have to be shaken up.
After leaving Voyager, fuller went on to create the aforementioned shows, and also writing for a little show called Heroes. You can check out the full interview over here and fans of Fuller may have to wait to see how the film treats it’s legion of Trekkies before we see a televised revamp.
But until then, you can still enjoy his pie-making necromancer in Pushing Daisies returning to ABC on October 1st.
Sun Sep 21, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Frank Miller Quits Comics Forever! Really?
Talks 'Spirit', 'Sin City 2' in Italy
Frank Miller was recently out in Rome promoting this winter's upcoming travesty/movie The Spirit with a few clips and a Q&A (in Italian!). Most of the clips shown seemed boring and confusing, much like the trailer (all except a gratuitous Eva Mendes butt-shot), but the more interesting part is how Miller explained to the press that he has no intention on going back to comics and that he is very close to starting production on Sin City 2. You can read a part of the interview below (poorly translated for our benefit) or check out the complete piece over here.
I can't talk about my projects, because I don't believe a movie is real until I see the title on the screen. There are many things that can go wrong. But I can tell you that I'm very close to begin Sin City 2 with Robert Rodriguez. We have to arrange a few things and we'll be back in action.
The Spirit hits screens this Christmas and if you weren't already planning on going, the aforementioned trailer below should help give you the boost you need.
Sat Sep 20, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Spaceballs The Animated Series Debuts on G4
Is the Schwartz Still With You?
Starting today, G4 (the channel that brings you daily marathons of Cheaters and Ninja Warrior) will be debuting the animated series based on Mel Brooks' Star Wars spoof, Spaceballs. The project has been on ice for nearly three years, but is finally in the can and ready for airing.
Brooks, who is still on as executive producer, has also come back to voice his characters from the film, along with Daphne Zuniga reprising her "Princess Vespa." The series is said to be far more mature than the original film, chalf full of sexual innuendo and boobs, which doesn't exactly stay congruous with the film's tone. You can check out the NSFW trailer below, and Spaceballs debuts Sunday, September 21, at 3pm ET.
Fri Sep 19, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Stephen Chow to Direct 'Green Hornet'
Honk Kong Comedy Writer joins the Already Motley Crew
Feels like it is hard to believe that when you say a name like Green Hornet, the first actor to come to mind is Seth Rogen, but it looks as if that may just become a reality now. Rogen and writing partner Evan Goldberg have finally serenaded Hong Kong legend Stephen Chow enough in wanting him to don the eye-mask as Kato, Hornet's driver and not-so-side-kick, that it looks like Chow will also be taking the helm as director.
Stephen Chow is well known globally for his slapstick comedy style in such films like Shaolin Soccer, and Kung Fu Hustle (both also directed by Chow). Those who are familiar with his work know that Chow is a big fan of zany slapstick a-la classic Merry Melodies, and well as being a student of serious Kung Fu. When approached about the new role, Chow had this to say:
I'm excited to be taking on 'The Green Hornet' -- obviously, I've been a huge fan of the show since I was a kid. The idea of stepping into Bruce Lee's shoes as Kato is both humbling and thrilling, and to get the chance to direct the project as my American movie debut is simply a dream come true. I'm grateful to my friends at Sony, who have shown so much faith in me for so many years. I'm looking forward to working with Seth, Evan, Neal, and the team at Sony, and I'm eager to get started.
You can see the comedy stylings of the next Brett Reid in this year's Zach and Miri Make a Porno, wirtten and directed by Kevin Smith, who was at one time rumored to pen a Hornet script.
Fri Sep 19, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Review: Smallville Season 8 Premiere
Holy Formula Overhaul, Superman!
Get ready, Superman fans: this first episode back for Smallville certainly made a believer out of anybody who was sick of the constant relationship melodrama and relentless barn-scenes-with-a-bad-soft-contemporary-soundtrack of the past seven seasons, but before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s take a step back.
You can get an in-depth look at what exactly went down over the past seven years here, but for our purposes, all we need to know is this: Lex found out Clark is an alien, went to the Fortress of Solitude to control him, ended up destroying the place with both of them in it. Jimmy Olsen, originally agreeing to be Lex's spy, betrayed him, which then forced Luthor to call the Department of Domestic Security (dumb name) and have Chloe hauled away, who now has the ability to heal and the brain smarter than a super computer. Lois Lane is currently on the hunt for her cousin, Chloe, and the Justice League (consisting of Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Aquaman) is on the quest for Clark. All caught up? Good.
This season kicks off with LuthorCorp’s newest CEO, Tress Mercer (possibly a hybrid of Lex’s comic bodyguard Mercy and movie girlfriend Ms. Tessmacher) stepping in as the new (evil) face of the company, now that Luthor is missing, and Michael Rosenbaum is only slated for a few guest appearances this season. The Justice League, along with their poor costume choices, are closing in on finding Clark in the Antarctic, who is actually in a prison camp in the heart of Russia (Red Son reference?), both human, and unshaven!! Chloe is under guard at the supposed D.D.S. (dumb initials) base, where scientists are running tests on her to find out the extent of her “super computer brain”.
The episode marks the feel of this season, which is finally branching outside the walls of Smallville, and going global. Lana’s dead (to us), so we don’t have anymore agonizing drama on that front. There is a moment of dread about 45 minutes into the episode where Clark goes back to his bedroom in the barn, but thankfully its only for him to “finally say goodbye to Smallville”. We get a great cameo from Martain Manhunter and even a nice little nod to former cast members John Schneider and Anette O’Toole. No sign of the “daddy issues with Jor-El” storyline either, which was a big letdown in the past.
This season is said to be more of a throwback to Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, having the duo work together at the Daily Planet, with Clark finding out that he needs to keep his identity secret from those around him, all the while falling slowly for Ms. Lane. This will hopefully end with him donning some sort of costume, instead of the blue shirt/red jacket that has unfortunately become his trademark (when I can buy the same thing at Old Navy, it shouldn’t be considered a superhero costume). We’re also expected to get a Doomsday storyline this season, which could prove promising, given the new writing direction.
This brings us to the biggest improvement by far from the past, which is the writing. Both in dialogue and storylines, there seems to be a newfound enthusiasm from the writer’s room, and it most definitely translates onto the screen. They also seem to have the chemistry between Clark and Lois down to a tee. The nods to comics are still there, including a possible Red Son reference, and even a throw to fans of Green Arrow (I won’t ruin that). They may fall back into their “freak of the week” slump again, but this episode has made the show as a whole worth getting back into, and I recommend it to any true Superman fan. RATING: 9/10
Fri Sep 19, 2008 — by Matt Raub
True Blood Gets Renewed For Season 2
The HBO Series may just have a future
Looks like the fans of Six Feet Under have more power than they even thought. After several stunning reviews (though this contributor felt differently) HBO explains it all in a press release:
For Immediate Release
HBO RENEWS TRUE BLOOD, NEW SERIES FROM "SIX FEET UNDER"
CREATOR ALAN BALL, FOR SECOND SEASON,
WITH PRODUCTION TO BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17, 2008 - HBO has renewed the new drama series TRUE BLOOD for a second season, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, Programming Group and West Coast Operations. Created by Alan Ball, the series will begin production of new episodes early next year in Los Angeles, with debut set for summer 2009.
"We are absolutely thrilled that the critics and our viewers have embraced TRUE BLOOD," noted Lombardo. "Alan Ball has done it again - made an addictive series that is unlike any other."
"I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with such a talented group of writers, cast and crew to explore the characters and world created by Charlaine Harris in her novels," Ball said. "It really is a joy to go to work every day and I couldn't be happier to be back home at HBO."
The Sept. 7 debut episode is proving to be a hit with HBO audiences, attracting more than four million viewers to date, while the debut of the second episode on Sept. 14 posted an unprecedented 24% gain in viewers over the first week's debut.
Critics across the country in Detroit, Baltimore, Denver and Orlando have proclaimed TRUE BLOOD one of the best new shows on TV. USA Today called it "wildly imaginative," with "one of the best ensembles of the new series," while the Washington Post found it "audacious, outrageous and playfully grisly." TV Guide hailed the show as "graphically sexy and scary, and often wildly funny," and "a broadly entertaining, deliciously twisted slice of modern Southern Gothic."
Mixing romance, suspense, mystery and humor, TRUE BLOOD takes place in the not-too-distant future, when vampires have come out of the coffin, thanks to the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood that means they no longer need humans for their fix. Set in a backwoods Louisiana town, the show follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), who can read minds, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (played by Stephen Moyer). Alan Ball (creator of the Emmy(r)-winning HBO series "Six Feet Under") created and executive produced the show, as well as wrote and directed episodes of the series, which is based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.
The cast also includes Ryan Kwanten as Sookie's brother Jason, Rutina Wesley as her best friend Tara Thornton, Sam Trammell as Sookie's good-hearted boss Sam Merlotte and Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, a cook at Merlotte's
Season one credits: TRUE BLOOD is created by and executive produced by Alan Ball; based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris; co-executive producer, Brian Buckner; supervising producer, Nancy Oliver; produced by Carol Dunn Trussell; producer, Alexander Woo; co-producer, Raelle Tucker.
Season one directors: Alan Ball, John Dahl, Nick Gomez, Anthony M. Hemingway, Michael Lehmann, Daniel Minahan, Nancy Oliver, Marcos Siego, Scott Winant. Season one writers: Alan Ball, Brian Buckner, Chris Offutt, Nancy Oliver, Raelle Tucker, Alexander Woo.
Tue Sep 16, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Comics Invade the '08 Scream Awards
And the Nominees Are...
Each year, Spike TV airs the Scream Awards, sort of what would happen if the Oscars and the MTV Movie Awards had a baby, and that baby grew up and is now in it’s rebellious teenage phase. The award categories started off in 2006 mostly covering the horror genre, but they now cater too all things film, TV and the ever-growing categories pertaining to comic books. While there is no “Academy” per se, they are all up online for the fans to vote for their favorites here. Catch the ceremony and see if your vote counts on October 21 at 9 p.m. on Spike TV, but for now, you can check out the complete list of nominees after the jump, and remember to vote for Dark Knight as much as possible, because with 21 nominations, that movie needs as much help as it can get.
Mon Sep 15, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Buffy's "The Gift" Up For an Emmy
Help Make Buffy one of TV's Most Memorable Moments
Ever think you'd hear the words "Buffy has been nominated for an Emmy"? Well, that day has come as Buffy The Vampire Slayer has made it into round two of "TV's Most Memorable Moments (Drama Series)". The moment in question, which you can watch and vote for here, is from the season 5 finale entitled "The Gift" where Buffy takes what would seem to be her last leap and sacrifices herself. This also marks the final episode of the series that aired on the WB before ultimately getting picked by UPN...which then ended up merging with the WB to become the CW. Confused? You should be.
The scene is currently up against nine others in the category including a scene from Star Trek's "City on the Edge of Forever" and Lost's "Live Together, Die Alone" (The scene where the island explodes). You can vote online, and the top five will then be in the ceremony live for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday on ABC at 8/7c.
It should also be noted that this year's Emmys will be hosted by each of the five nominees of the Outstanding Reality/Competition Host category. This means Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Jeff Probst And Ryan Seacrest will each be hosting this year's awards, which would mark the first time that the Emmy Awards are being hosted by four people who will probably never get an Emmy Award. Seacrest Out.
Sun Sep 14, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Author David Foster Wallace Found Dead
Writer of 'Infinite Jest' found in his Claremont Home
David Foster Wallace, the novelist, essayist and humorist best known for his dark and ironic wit was found dead Friday night at his home in Claremont California, according to the Claremont Police Department. He was 46. Wallace's wife found her husband had hanged himself when she returned home about 9:30 p.m. Friday, said Jackie Morales, a records clerk with the Claremont Police Department.
Wallace is mostly known for his sprawling and ambitious novel and won praise from critics and devotees for his darkly funny, deeply serious work in The Broom of the System, Girl with Curious Hair, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (recently adapted for film by Wallace & Jon Krasinski) and Oblivion. The title essay of the collection A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again is--in this writer's opinion--the funniest and most poignant published pieces in years and anyone wishing to celebrate Wallace's wit and talent should read it at least once.
Fri Sep 12, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Review: 'Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow'
The Next Generation in Marvel's Animated Saga
Right off the bat, to put to rest an already angry legion of fans who want to know why this movie exists instead of Allan Heinberg's Young Avengers or even Tom DeFalco's Avengers Next as a series or movie, know that this animated film is a great self-contained story done in the vein of Marvel’s other animated DVDs, and deserves a close look from anyone who can call themselves a Marvel--or even an animation fan. With that said, this story is not for any fan who cannot take themselves out of the grown-up world of Skrulls and Hulk Wars. In order for an adult to enjoy this, you need strip down to your inner child (metaphorically speaking) and watch the movie with a purely childlike mindset.
The plot takes place in the future of an alternate reality where five of the original eight Avengers have been killed off by Ultron, but not before most of them produced offspring that Tony Stark whisks to a secluded location, safe from the arms of evil. They are raised by the aging Iron Man and trained to use their powers, as James Rogers, son of Captain America and Black Widow; Pym, son of Giant-Man and Wasp; Azari, the son of Black Panther and Storm; and Torunn, the daughter of Thor, who didn’t die, but just left Earth one day. Each of them posess an amalgam of their parents' powers, and even some of their personality quirks as well. Their hideout becomes compromised, Iron Man gets kidnapped, and the kids must then go for the rescue, running into fellow heroes like an elder Hulk and Clint Barton’s son, Francis, taking the helm of Hawkeye.
The great thing about movie is the way they depict the “age of heroes” in the beginning of the film as a bedtime story to the children. The mythos is described almost biblically by referring to the Avengers with names like the Soldier, the Knight, and the Ghost (Cap, Iron Man, and Vision respectively). There are certainly enough wacky “kid” moments and bright colors to keep anybody under the age of 13 interested, but that stays balanced by the amount of mature themes throughout the film, such as abandonment issues, and a rite of passage subplot. The film touches on the subject of death and heroism that most kids would understand, but is clearly meant for adults.
The animation is the same used for Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers films, like a Japanese/American animation hybrid. The strongest element here is BBC composer Guy Cichelmore’s (Ultimate Avengers) score. This sold the entire film in its epic interpretation. The voice work is mostly done with Marvel and Lionsgate’s in-house talent. Going in the opposite route that DC Animation had gone, the company uses mostly unknown actors and professional voice actors rather than pull in celebrity names. Much like the other Marvel animated films; this was the weakest element in the film, leaving us with a poor-sounding Hulk and Iron Man.
Overall, the film may borderline puerile at times, but makes for a nice competitor for DC's leading animated series Teen Titans. There is certainly potential for a franchise here, and will most definitely do as well, if not better than the aforementioned show. It should also be mentioned how "ironic" it is that the only two established heroes that are alive and kicking throughout the film are the only two that had a major motion picture this year.There is certainly plenty of action and violence for us adults, and more than enough geek-fodder for the die-hards. A clear recommendation for any true Marvel fan. RATING: 8/10
Fri Sep 12, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Head of BET Entertainment Quits After 3 Years
What could this mean for Black Panther?
BET entertainment chief Reginald Hudlin, who helped guide original programming at the channel that was first known for music videos and reruns, is leaving the company. According to a press release, Hudlin is returning to his "entrepreneurial roots" as an independent producer. Hudlin garnered his fame by producing the House Party movies and his credits range from directing the Everybody Hates Chris pilot, producing Adult Swim's The Boondocks to writing the Black Panther comic book series, as well as supervising an BET original animated series based on the Marvel superhero.
There is currently no word on how this will affect Hudlin's run on the comic, but when asked about how this will affect the planned animated program, a source stated that Hudlin's decision will not effect the animation division. The series (trailer below) is currently slated for a late 2008/early 2009 pilot.
Wed Sep 10, 2008 — by Matt Raub
Classic Pulp Comics Make Their Way to The iPhone
What could this mean for our weekly stack?
Do you often find yourself waiting in line at the bank, sitting on a train, or hanging out in church thinking to yourself “boy, I wish I could read some old issues of Racket Squad!” Well, you are in luck, thanks to Bit-o-lithic’s ComicZeal, you now can.
Just released for the iPhone and iPod Touch, ComicZeal allows you to read a selection of dozens of copyright-free Golden Age comics for a one-time fee. The smart features allow for landscape and portrait views, remembering your page when you leave the application, and the ability to zoom in on panels, and this could certainly be the beginning of mainstream comics on the iPhone. Here’s just the beginning selection of what ComicZeal has to offer, notably a larege selection of the underrated ACG titles are here:
Eerie--2 Issues
Forbidden Worlds--40 Issues
Out of this World--11 Issues
Outer Space--9 Issues
Racket Squad--29 Issues
Romantic Adventures--5 Issues
Strange Worlds--5 Issues
You can currently pick up ComicZeal in the App Store in iTunes or your iPhone today for a breezy $5.99.
Mon Sep 8, 2008 — by Matt Raub
New 'Watchmen' Production Diary
The Look of 'Watchmen'
In the sixth production diary to be released, director Zack Snyder and his gang reveal some of the techniques utilized in filming Watchmen. In related Watchmen news, DC Comics has printed nearly one million new copies of the collected edition and you can barely enter a retail outlet of any kidn without seeing it on sale. Speaking of sales, Tower Records is offering it at less than 50% cover price while Things From Another World has it for exactly 50% off. Its sales remain brisk and it remains the number one graphic novel and number two book in Literature & Fiction at Amazon.
