Sci-Fi
Weekly Roundup 4.19.24
I know. You don’t have to say anything. It’s been way more than a week since my last post here. I feel bad but I can’t really do much about it now except move forward.
Also, this will be the last time I apologize for not posting more. Yes, I should post more. I want to post more. But shit happens, right?
I am going to try harder, but I can’t promise anything. Because, you know, that whole “shit happens” thing? But I will try. Okay? Okay.
So, with that in mind, let’s get going . . . Here’s some of the things I’m watching, reading or, dare I say it, consuming these days.
Watching
Dune Part 2 - Heck yeah. What a great way to continue the story and wrap things up (almost). Loved it. I’ve already watched it several times and I expect I’ll watch it many more. Can’t wait to see what Denis Villeneuve does with Dune Messiah. That’s gonna be interesting, to say the least.
Shogun - I watched almost of of this but now I’m waiting for all the episodes to drop so I can watch them as one complete story. Yeah, I used to wait a week between episodes too. Maybe we should go back to that exclusively? Might help shows that come out all at once, people talk about them for a few minutes, then it’s done. Which brings me to . . .
3 Body Problem - I liked the book so I thought I’d give the show a try. For the most part, I enjoyed it . . . especially the Game of Thrones mini-reunion. But sadly, the show hasn’t really stuck with me now that it’s been a few weeks. Not sure why, exactly. It wasn’t all that memorable, I guess. It’s not bad. It’s good. It’s just not great. Alas.
Highlander - I know, I’m waiting for the Henry Cavill remake too. Until then, I decided to go back and watch the Christopher Lambert original. Still fun. Still so many great things about it. Sure, some of it is a bit dated at this point, but the movie still rocks and even though I’ve seen it many times, I’m never bored watching it again. Can’t say that about a lot of stuff these days.
Plus, terrific actors like Sean Connery and one of the nicest guys still working in the business, Clancy Brown. He’s one of the good ones and deserves all of his success. Remind me to tell you my Clancy Brown story sometime.
Reading
Dune Messiah - After watching Dune part 1 and 2, naturally I was curious about what comes next. I haven’t read the sequel to Dune since College so it seemed a good time to get back into it. So far, I’m really enjoying it. Frank Herbert really wants you to know Paul is not the good guy. Like really. He’s not. Still, great book.
Children of Dune - I’m basically almost done with the second book so it’s onto the the third. So far, so good. At least some other main characters that seemed kinda important have shown up after being absent from book 2, which is nice.
Listening To
Dune Messiah Audio Book - I get a lot out of reading but I also get a lot out of being read to. I also have a lot of Audible credits, so there’s that.
Lots of Radiohead - I never get tired of this band. One of my all-time favorites and I listen to their music frequently.
Scriptnotes Podcast - If you want to know anything about being a screenwriter in Hollywood, John August and Craig Mazin have you covered. Great podcast with two wonderfully informative hosts
The Recipe podcast with Kenji and Deb - I’ve been a big fan of J. Kenji Lopez-Alt (aka Kenji) for a long time. Love his YouTube Channel and his books. Naturally, I really enjoy this podcast too. And Deb is great as well. They really seem to like each other and their styles complement.
Finally, just for fun, here’s the trailers for both Dune and Dune Part 2. Amazing stuff, especially for a sci-fi nerd like me from way back.
'Blade Runner: 2049' May Not Be Terrible
I was against the idea of a Blade Runner sequel when I first heard about it. It’s one of those movies that stands on its own and I never really felt like I needed more of the story. They didn’t know how long they had. But then again, who does?
For me, that ending worked. And that was it.
However, as I’ve heard more about the sequel and what elements are involved (writer, director, stars), I became more interested. And now with the first trailer released today, that interest has turned to actual desire to see the movie.
Yes, I’m as surprised as you are.
Here’s the trailer if you haven’t already watched it a bunch of times. Gotta say, it looks pretty darn good. And no, I don’t think it will be terrible now. In fact, I’m glad it doesn’t seem so. I don’t want things to fail. Really I don’t.
Enjoy.
The 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Supercut Trailer Is Pretty Great
I love Star Wars. You love Star Wars. Pretty much everyone loves Star Wars. And, what’s even better, we live in a world where we can expect more Star Wars movies and will get the first of the new ones this December. Yes, I have tickets. Would you expect otherwise?
No, of course not. Attendance is mandatory.
Seeing as you love Star Wars, I’m sure you’ve watched the new trailer a hundred times already, right? But have you watched the Supercut trailer? The one where all the available footage from the move that’s in the wild has been cut together to make one big, well, super trailer? Maybe not.
So, in the interest of helping you get all the Star Wars you can (at least until December 18th), here it is below. I’ve also included the un-Supercut version (aka the “official” trailer) as well.
Mondo's 'Alien' Posters Are Pretty Awesome
I’m sure some of you have seen these Alien posters already. I used to keep up with all the posters Mondo released (even though I could never seem to buy any), but lately I’ve lost track. As usual, I was too late to get one of these posters from one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time.
But I’m not bitter. They’re still pretty fun to look at right here. Tyler Stout did a great job. Maybe next time I’ll have more luck and get a poster of my very own. And maybe next time I can even get to the Alamo Drafthouse to actually see the movie. I think it’s good to have dreams.
So, which do you prefer? Red or green?
I’m kinda partial to the red myself.
'Mad Max: Fury Road' Is Looking Good
I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical when Mad Max: Fury Road was first announced. I’m not entirely sure why, really. Maybe it’s just that I’m skeptical about everything these days?
Perhaps. But that doesn’t mean I’m wrong about many of the crap movies and TV shows that seem to come out rather frequently. Those still suck.
Fortunately, it appears Mad Max: Fury Road won’t be one of the ones that suck and my concerns about it have pretty much been put to rest by the new trailer for it that’s come out today. In short, it looks pretty amazing. I won’t even try to find things wrong with it, although I’m sure I could if I really wanted to. But where’s the fun it that? Right?
No, I’m not going to look for problems. I’m just going to enjoy it for what is is: action-packed fun.
I think I’m growing.
I Want to See Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar' Right Now
I have what could be described by some as “patience issues.” For the layman (or woman) that means I don’t like waiting … for anything.
Of course, in life you often have to wait for things, so over the years I’ve developed my skills and refined my technique. These days I can pretty much do it – if I have too. But occasionally, it’s really, really difficult.
The source of my difficulty at the moment is the movie Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine. I’m really having a hard time waiting for this one to come out. It has all the things I love in a movie: space, spaceships, cool science, drama, action, mystery and more.
You can see what I mean if you watch this new trailer, which arrived a few days ago. In a word, the movie looks amazing. November can’t come soon enough.
'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]
Happy (Soon to Be) 50th 'Star Trek'
As my friend and The Flickcast podcast co-host Joe Dilworth pointed out recently, it was supposedly about 50 years ago (on or about March 11) that Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry first put pen to paper (or fingers to typewriter) and wrote a proposal for a new sci-fi TV series.
His first words? “Star Trek is . . .”
Since that day his creation has spawned several TV series, a bunch of movies, action figures, models, conventions and whole generations of adults of all ages all over the world who dreamed of boldly going where no one has gone before. Those words, and the resulting TV series, had power . . . Power to entertain, to inform, to spark debate and highlight the important social and political issues of the time. Plus, the show was just plain fun.
I’m sure we’ll start to see all sorts of tributes and honors for this amazing and groundbreaking TV series, and the phenomenon it became, as the actual 50th anniversary of the original series, which first aired in 1966, hits in 2016. Until then, let me put in my two cents now and say “Thank You” to Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek for the countless hours of fun and entertainment.
'Batman vs. The Terminator'
Time flies. Or is time a flat circle? I get those mixed up. Anyway, it’s been many days since I last put something here and I know it’s time to fix that. I do have an excuse, however. Personal stuff.
Yes, the dreaded “Family Emergency” rendered me unable to post during the recent past. Fortunately, things seem to be resolved for the moment, so I’m back now . . . with a vengeance.
Well, not so much a vengeance, really, more like a an impulse or a need. A need for speed. Or video.
That brings me, not so subtly, to today’s video: Batman vs. The Terminator. Yeah, it’s pretty much as cool as it sounds. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDYyAAdtDfk?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
'Breaking Trek'
In truth, I haven’t watched the last couple seasons of Breaking Bad . . .yet. I have, however, watched every episode of every Star Trek series. More than once, in fact.
I also like when smart, talented people put things together and see what happens. Keeping that in mind, what do you think you get when you combine Star Trek and Breaking Bad?
Well, wonder no more because in the video below, we all get to find out.
On a mostly unrelated note, being a new father has, as you may expect, caused me to lose considerable sleep. Consequently, I’ve been having some difficulty being on a regular schedule and also fining the time, and coherent moments, to put anything here. Rest assured, I will get back to my version of normal as soon as I can.
Although, I guess with a new son I need to be open to the possibility things will change quite a bit and I will have to adopt a “new” normal. Fortunately for all concerned, the new boy is pretty awesome so if things have to change (which they surely will) I won’t mind one bit.
Anyway, here’s the video.
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]
A 'Blade Runner' Speedrun for a Sunday
If I was going to make a list of my all-time favorite sci-fi movies, on that list would have to be Ridley’s Scott’s 1982 masterpiece Blade Runner. As I mentioned in a previous missive, the film made quite an impression on me as a young man.
I first saw it at a screening in San Diego in May of 1992, after having won tickets from a local radio station, and was treated to a version somewhat different from the finished product released to theaters the following month. It was an amazing experience.
I’ve watched it many time since that day and each time I enjoy it more. It’s definitely a movie worth seeing again and again.
Of course, not everyone has the time to watch entire movies. People have lives and schedules to keep. For those with limited free time, the Speedrun was invented.
Simply put, a Speedrun is an animated version of a popular film told in sixty seconds made by the talented folks at 1A4 Studio. This one is Blade Runner, as if you couldn’t guess.
Enjoy. Oh, it has some adult language, so be advised it’s probably NSFW.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ILbDz7tTqU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]
Even An Alien Needs a Day Off Sometimes
Even though you’re an Alien from, you know, Alien you can’t spend all your time ripping arms off, crushing skulls with your explosively protruding jaw or impaling people with your barbed tail.
Sometimes, you just need to take a break. And heck, what better place to take that break than a nice park?
He likes the rides. How sweet.
While we’re on the subject of Alien, I want to mention how much I love this lamp. I love it for many reasons, one of which is it makes me laugh.
I will admit that it’s probably funnier if you’ve actually seen James Cameron’s movie Aliens. But if you haven’t, it’s still a cool lamp.
Although, you really should see Aliens too.
(h/t to Fashionably Geek for the Alien vacation photo)
How to Teach Your Unborn Child About 'Star Trek'
Geeks/nerds out there expecting a child in the near future, this video is for you: How to Teach Your Unborn Child About Star Trek. That’s right, it’s never too early to start teaching your child the important fundamentals.
Well, you might want to wait until they actually have ears and can hear (about 20 weeks or so). But then, get to it.
If I ever have children (hey, you never know), in addition to Star Trek, I will also be teaching them about Star Wars during the all-important internal gestation period. This will, of course, inevitably lead to many enjoyable Star Trek vs. Star Wars debates.
That does sound like fun. I may have to work on that.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
(h/t to Dr. Tom Mahoney for the link)
A 'Star Trek: Into Darkness' Trailer. . . Made With LEGO
If you recall a couple weeks ago, I posted the trailer for Man of Steel made with LEGO. Well, Antonio Toscano is back and he’s got a new trailer.
This time it’s for Star Trek: Into Darkness and yes, it’s also made entirely out of LEGO. I think this is great. You probably will too.
Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7JGT0yxxMw?rel=0&w=525&h=295]
Trailer Tuesday - A New One for 'Pacific Rim'
It’s CES time in Las Vegas and yes, I’m very glad not to be there. I’ve been several times and each time I vowed it would be the last.
This year I was able to keep that promise. Although, strangely enough, I’m kinda sorry I wasn’t there to at least see this new trailer for Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim.
Oh well, at least we always have the power of the Interwebs. That is, until the trailer gets taken down. . .
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FA_TQqENzQ?rel=0&w=525&h=295]
Back to Work
Looks like I’ll be starting a new project next week to kick off 2013. I can’t say too much about it except that it’s a movie, it’s written/directed by a good friend and I’m looking forward to working with him again and to helping out in any way I can.
Other than that, mum’s the word. That said, expect some updates over the next few weeks/months as we gear up to do this thing and actually, well, do it.
Also, that pic above, from Starship Troopers of course, is actually a clue to the identity of the mystery friend. Although, in truth, probably not a great one. Still, if you know much about me, you might be able to figure it out.
Okay, enough of that. Now the real work begins.
The Live-Action 'Star Blazers' Movie Is In the Wild(Star)
When I was a kid, I used to watch an animated TV show called Star Blazers in the morning before going to school. It was a great show and I really enjoyed it. Well, it was great to me at the time anyway.
Later, I learned it was actually called Space Cruiser Yamato in Japan (the Star Blazers title attached to it in the States to capitalize on the popularity of Star Wars no doubt) and in the years since I first watched, it has become quite popular in Japan and spawned several animated movies and seasons of TV.
More recently, they made a live-action version of the series. I posted a trailer for it awhile back. It was released last year in Japan and has now found its way online.
It’s also available on DVD and Blu-ray, if you can find it. I managed to order a copy from Amazon. We’ll see if it actually arrives.
Until then, there’s always YouTube (or the eventual American remake supposedly being written by Chris McQuarrie).
Enjoy. I did.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
And Now, the Bigger and Better Trailer for 'Star Trek: Into Darkness'
A few days ago, we got a good look at the next Star Trek movie. And now, we get an even better one. Yes, I still think this movies looks great. Yes, I’m still looking forward to seeing it.
And yes, I’m going to keep putting cool trailers up here whenever I feel like it. So there.
Enjoy.
[blip.tv blip.tv/play/hJh3… width=“500” height=“301”]
One More Trailer for Today: Guillermo Del Toro's 'Pacific Rim'
If you ask people like my friend Rick Marshall, an extremely knowledgeable real geek if there ever was one, this is going to be the best movie of 2013. I’m talking, of course, about Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim.
Some points in the movie’s favor: It features giant robots fighting giant monsters. Do I need to go on? Okay, it’s also co-written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro, a guy who’s movies I’ve liked almost all of. YMMV.
Plus, it has a cool cast including two, count ‘em, two guys from Sons of Anarchy (Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman), the under-appreciated Idris Elba and Charlie Day from It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Is that a cast, or what?
All of this leads me to the trailer which, at first glance, is pretty damn cool. Is it going to be the best movie of 2013? Maybe.
Did I mention the giant robots fighting the giant monsters?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vKz7WnU83E?rel=0&w=500&h=281]