Movies
The Samuel L. Jackson 'Motherfu***r' Supercut Is Everything You Hoped It would Be
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the best and most entertaining actors working today. I’ve been a fan of his since way back. No, I wasn’t “into him before anybody.” I’m no hipster.
I just think he’s very, very good at a variety of roles and always seems to keep them fresh. He does, however, have one thing he goes back to again and again with pretty much every character he plays.
What is that one thing? Well, he seems to like to use the word “motherfucker” quite a bit. I can’t blame him, it’s a pretty effective word and does tend to get his point across. He just seems to use it a lot more than pretty much any other word. How much?
Well, some folks at HuffPo Movie Mashups decided to find out and put together an entire supercut of every time Jackson uses it. It’s pretty amazing.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0LBi1MHoaU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Comic-Con 2014
As many of you know, it’s San Diego Comic-Con time this week and thousands of geeks/nerds will be making their way to the promised land to experience all the Con has to offer. I will not be one of those geeks/nerds.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I will be going to San Diego, but just for one day. That’s it.
So, for those of you who care, I will be at the Con on Saturday and will be wandering the halls getting into adventures. If you happen to run into me, feel free to say “Hello.” But no, I won’t be giving out any free hugs. Sorry.
Why am I only going on Saturday? Well, let’s just say I’m trying to avoid any Imperial entanglements. That sounds a lot cooler than the real reason.
Happy Nerd Prom to one and all!
How to Do Visual Comedy the Edgar Wright Way
One of my favorite writer/directors is Edgar Wright. His films, including Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, The World’s End and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, are some of my all-time favorites. Why, you may wonder?
One of the many reasons is his very inventive visual style. He knows how to use a camera and his actors to maximize comedic or dramatic effect. And sometimes he even does both at the same time.
Don’t know what I mean? Fortunately, I don’t really have to explain further because someone else, Vimeo user Tony Zhou to be exact, has already made a video highlighting exactly what I’m talking about.
Watch it. You just might learn something.
[vimeo 96558506 w=560 h=315]
David Lynch's 'Return of the Jedi'
You’ve probably heard George Lucas once offered David Lynch the job of directing Return of the Jedi back in 1981. Lynch, of course, turned it down and the movie went on to be directed by Richard Marquand (at least most of it).
But what if Lynch hadn’t turned it down?
That’s what user C-Spit on YouTube wondered too. But instead of just wondering forever, he did something about it. He made a trailer for Jedi as if Lynch had directed it.
It’s pretty spot on. Enjoy.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PALjbTo1D5U?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
A New Episode of The Flickcast
Hey, I do a podcast. You probably already know that. But if you don’t, forgot for some reason or are trapped under something heavy with nothing to do but listen to podcasts, I thought it would be a good idea to mention it again.
In fact, a new episode just dropped yesterday. It’s a pretty good one. Actually, I would go so far as to say it’s very good.
So yeah, I do a very good podcast. It’s called The Flickcast and on it my co-host Joe Dilworth and I discuss lots of geeky stuff like movies, TV, comics, tech, gadgets, beer and a whole lot more. Yes, more. Lots of more.
Heaps of it, in fact. I’m not sure you can handle all the more, but you should try. Trust me, it’s worth it. It’s very worth it.
You can find the podcast on iTunes, on Stitcher and at The Flickcast website. Check it out, won’t you? And if you like it, feel free to tell someone and, perhaps, rate or review it.
Thanks. You’re a real sport.
Some Useful and Interesting Things (Sunday Edition)
For at least a few weeks there I was putting up lists of things I found useful and/or interesting from around the Internets. I would like to get back to doing that. So, in that spirit, here I am with a new list of, you guessed it, useful and interesting things.
Of course, these may only be useful and/or interesting to me. Fortunately, I pay the bills around here, so you’ll just have to take your chances.
Here goes:
• Too much paper clutter in your home or office? Geek Day has the solution.
• Microsoft Office has finally come to the iPad. Who cares, you say? Well, I tend to agree, but what do I know?
• Facebook paid a cool $2 Billion for the Oculus Rift VR goggles and the companuy that created them? But what about the Kickstarter backers who helped make the product a reality in the first place?
• A tale of two pencils. Will the “real” Blackwing 602 please stand up?
• Speaking of pencils. What’s the big deal about vintage ones anyway?
• The new HTC One (M8) looks cool but I don’t think it will replace my iPhone 5s.
• Check out Stanley Kubrick’s annotated copy of Stephen King’s The Shining. Cool.
• As I’m a man and an Altoids fan, here’s 22 Manly Ways to Reuse an Altoids Tin.
• Can the right tools help you write better? I don’t know, I’m just trying to write good … I mean well. Crap.
Finally, here’s the trailer for Michael Bay’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I am not a devout devotee of the original TMNT, so this new version really doesn’t offend me on that level as it seems to have done to others. I’m just not sure it looks like a very good movie. Oh well.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCjsWpM9zFU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
And heck, while we’re on the subject of movies, here’s the trailer for the next movie from The Wachowskis called Jupiter Ascending. See, her name is Jupiter and she’s, well, ascending … or something. I see what you did there Andy and Lana.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1hW3bWIuDA?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
'Jodorowsky's Dune' Tells It Like It Pretty Much Is
As some of you may know, I worked in Hollywood for a bit. I’m not famous or anything, but I did spend quite a bit of time doing what they call “Production.” Briefly, that’s the nuts and bolts, day to day part of the filmmaking (or TV or commercials) process where you pull all the elements (lights, cameras, locations, vehicles, crew, etc., etc.) together and then push, drag, bribe, cajole, beg, borrow or steal and finally get the whole thing kicking and screaming into the light.
It’s an extremely rewarding experience helping bring something that only exists on paper to life on the big or small screen. It’s also a huge amount of work (I’m talking 15-hour days, seven days a week sometimes) and, on many occasions, a monumental pain in the ass.
The truth is in showbiz sometimes shit just doesn’t go right and often a person in my (former) position is one of the few people who can fix whatever the problems are and get the whole thing working again. But sometimes things just can’t be fixed and you have to cut your losses and move on. Sadly, that happens more often then it should.
That brings me to the documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune. In case you’re not familiar, someone tried to make a movie version of Frank Herbert’s novel Dune before we ended up with the one David Lynch (or Alan Smithee depending on the version) ended up making.
That person was cult filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsk. And this documentary is the story of a monumental failure that ended up changing modern sci-fi movies forever. I have no trouble believing almost (if not) all of what the movie says happened, happened. Hollywood is a crazy bitch sometimes.
Check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WWu1kclNDA?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
'Star Wars' Visual Effects
I find this shit fascinating. Also, I really think the “old school” method looks better than a lot of the the CG being done these days. Models look more 3D because they are 3D in real space, not created in a computer.
Of course, I also still often write with a pen or pencil on actual paper, so what do I know? Well, something at least. I know what I like.
Anyway, check out this great video and learn all about stop motion, blue screen and more of the tricks of the trade that helped make Star Wars, Empire and Return of the Jedi the classic movies they are.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIlYk7KQe-s?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' Is One I'm Looking Forward To
I don’t always have a lot of enthusiasm for upcoming movie releases. Some of them don’t appeal to me due to the subject matter or I know they’ve had trouble and are not going to be nearly as good as their trailers make them out to be. And some just look bad.
But that’s the nature of the movie business and my, on occasion, fickle taste in movies. Fortunately, a lack of enthusiasm isn’t something I have to worry about with the upcoming sequel to Captain America: The first Avenger called Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
It. Looks. Great.
Don’t believe me? Check out the latest trailer that dropped during the “Big Game” yesterday.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SlILk2WMTI?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
'Lord of the Crumbs'
Let’s just say for the record that I love Sesame Street. I also love Lord of the Rings, both in book and movie form. I even have the extended version of the films on Blu-ray. Don’t judge.
I can’t wait to share them all with Max when he’s old enough. I know he’s gonna love them all too. Sesame Street, in particular, taught me so much when I was a kid and it’s still going strong today.
Naturally, when two of my favorite things get together, as they do in this parody video called Lord of the Crumbs (starting everyone’s favorite cookie-fanatic), I need to watch and bring it to your attention. This video has everything you could want in a Sesame Street parody video, including cookies. Lots of cookies.
And really, who doesn’t love cookies?
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
'The Wolf of Bedford Falls'
I was having a discussion recently with some pals on Facebook in which we postulated what elements a sequel to Frank Capra’s classic film It’s a Wonderful Life would contain. The possibility of a sequel was in the news recently and we wondered just how far Hollywood would go so it would cater to the lowest common denominator and be a hit with the youth market.
I have to say, it was pretty funny. At least to us. Maybe you had to be there. Anyway, today I saw this.
It’s not exactly what we were talking about, but it’s similar. It’s a recut of an It’s a Wonderful Life trailer to mimic the trailer for Martin Scorscese’s upcoming The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo Di Caprio. I think it’s pretty funny, especially if you know the original film well.
Yes, I know the footage is in color. That’s how this was done. Try to enjoy it anyway.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
All the Extra 'Return of the Jedi' Footage In One Place
This has been going around the Interwebs for some time now but I thought I would just put it here also for easy findability. Yeah, I know, that’s not even a word. So?
As I always say, if you don’t like the way I say things here, you are free to go elsewhere. No hard feelings. However, I do hope you’ll stay and try to be tolerant when I make words up. It’s all in fun, after all.
Okay, now go enjoy some RotJ extra footage.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
'FDR: American Badass'
There’s a fine tradition in Hollywood of so called “B” movies. These are the movies that don’t usually feature major stars or have big budgets and often their plots, acting, sets, special effects and pretty much most aspects of the production, to put it nicely, tend to strain credibility.
With the American Film Market in full swing in Santa Monica last week, there’s a lot of these “B” movies being offered for sale to the hundreds of buyers from around the world who come to the AFM each year to get a taste of that Hollywood glamour. And what could be more glamourous than Barry Bostwick starring in a movie called FDR: American Badass?
I don’t know, but until we find it, there’s this:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R898wegx6Y&w=560&h=315]
Trailer for 'Police Story 2013' with Jackie Chan
One of the things you learn quickly when you have a new baby in the house is your time stops being your own. The baby becomes the priority and many of the other things you might want to do have to take a back seat. I’m not complaining, just making an observation.
Having Max is a great thing and I couldn’t be happier about it. He’s awesome and one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.
That said, I also use him as an occasional excuse (intentionally or not) to not do many of the things I’m supposed to do, or would really like to do – such as posting here. Yeah, I know, but what are you gonna do, right? Time just slips away.
I would, however, like to keep putting things here. To that end, here’s the Chinese trailer for Police Story 2013 with Jackie Chan. It looks pretty wild.
Have a great weekend all.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXOE5zm2UH0&w=560&h=315]
The Original 'Empire Strikes Back' Teaser Trailer
If you saw this teaser trailer for The Empire Strikes Back today, I wonder, would it make you excited for the movie? Trailers sure have come a long way in the last 30 + years.
Of course, filmmaking has also come a long way too, so maybe that has something to do with it. Still, seeing things like this is great fun and takes me back to easier, carefree times when I was just a kid excited to see movies.
I try to recapture those feelings as much as a can, but it isn’t always easy. Life intrudes and the demands on “adults” can often stifle those feelings. But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up. Not by a long shot.
Anyway, here’s the trailer.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omcxaMEGha0?rel=0&w=420&h=315]
A New 'Robocop' Trailer for a Friday
As movie remakes are as inevitable as death and taxes (I won’t try to fight it anymore), there’s a remake of the sci-fi movie Robocop that’s out there in the world and on the way. No, it hasn’t been released yet, there’s just a trailer.
But it does exist. So yeah, there’s that. Anyway, here’s the first trailer. Can’t say I’m wild about the new suit, but to be honest, the movie doesn’t look all that bad. Hmmmm, curious.
Have a nice weekend.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INmtQXUXez8?rel=0&w=550&h=413]
Hit Girl vs. Mother Russia In 'Kick-Ass 2'
As I said recently, I was (and am) a big fan of Mark Millar’s comic Kick-Ass. It’s a great series and became a very good movie in the hands of director Matthew Vaughn.
The second Kick-Ass movie is on the way now and the marketing department has been working overtime putting out lots of promo stuff to get fans in the mood and excited to see it. And that’s just what you’d expect them to do, right?
I’ve watched quite a few of said promos, but this new one featuring Hit Girl fighting Mother Russia is quite a good one. It also gives you a bit of insight into the filmmaking process, which can be a good thing.
Although, some people just like to come into these things cold and not take a peek behind the curtain, and that’s cool too. But with all the outlets for information available these days on the Internets, and elsewhere, that’s probably pretty hard unless your a luddite who lives in a cabin somewhere. Of course, if that describes you, you’re probably not reading this either, so let’s move on, shall we?
But if you really want to have no info or “spoilers” of any kind, I won’t try to change your mind. I don’t blame you. I get it. I sometimes wish I didn’t know anything either or that I didn’t know how movies, TV and “The Business” work, but I do.
Sometimes it can take the fun out of it having all this knowledge and experience. But most of the time it’s still a heck of a lot of fun. And even though I’m not often surprised, I still manage to have a great time.
So, for those interested, here’s the video. For the rest of you, just go outside or something. It will all be over soon.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
An Awesome TOHO-Style 'Pacific Rim' Trailer
When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to do was watch giant monster (aka Kaiju) movies from Japan’s TOHO Studios featuring Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan and more in titles such as Mothra vs. Godzilla, King Kong vs. Godzilla, War of the Gargantuas and my personal favorite: Destroy All Monsters. They were great fun. Still are, in fact.
This was mostly possible because of two TV stations in Los Angeles I was able to pick up using rabbit ears from my bedroom north of San Diego. To this day, I thank old school Channel 5 and Channel 13 for bringing me giant monster movies and also for first introducing me to the original Star Trek series, which I distinctly recall ran right after Gilligan’s Island at the time.
Anyway, all this nostalgia brings me to this trailer for Guellermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim. But not just any trailer, because why would I bother with that now that the movie is out?
No, this one is special. It’s done in the Toho Godzilla style and it’s pretty great. Still love the music too.
Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3Qygyy4204&w=560&h=315]
8-Bit 'Kick-Ass'
I’m a fan of all-things Kick-Ass. I thought the comic by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. was great and the movie, directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Aaron Johnson, Chole Moritz and Nicholas Cage, captured the spirit of the comic and was a fun ride in and of itself.
Naturally, I’m also interested in the sequel to both the comic and the movie. But before I get all into that (which I will at a later time), there’s this:
Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKZgWdBK8-A?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Steve Jobs, An American Legend
I haven’t said much about the upcoming biopic of Steve Jobs, featuring Ashton Kutcher as the iconic Apple frontman. I’ve done that mostly because when I first heard about it, I was sure it was going to be a disaster, so why bother talking about it?
However, now that I’ve been seeing more and more material from the movie, I have to admit my attitude has changed. But changed how, you may ask?
Look, I don’t have anything in particular against Kutcher or against people trying to make movies about icons like Steve Jobs. We live in a world where things like that are still possible, and I, for one, am very happy about that.
So what’s my problem (or problems) with the movie? To be honest, after several months of hearing about it, watching trailers and talking about it with other film and tech people I know and respect, I’ve kinda forgotten what my problem with it is.
In truth, I kinda forget about the movie until a new trailer, or other piece of marketing, arrives in my inbox. And maybe that’s the problem I have with it. It’s not that I’m angry or think that Kutcher will do a terrible job portraying Jobs, it’s that I just don’t care.
I don’t care enough about the movie to have an opinion anymore, positive or negative. And that brings us to the latest trailer for the movie Jobs. I’ve watched it at least twice. It’s not horrible.
It’s not blow-you-out-of-your-seat great either. It’s just . . . there.
Will I see the movie when it comes out? At this point, probably not. Although, I really do hope something changes. I really hope something comes along that sparks my interest. I don’t like being indifferent. I really do want to care.
I guess that’s something, right?
[blip.tv blip.tv/play/hJh3… width=“550” height=“331”]