(hey, if you enjoyed this, check out some of our hilarious comic books here.)
Friday, March 11, 2005
The next great Comic adapted movie.
Even though recent flops like Catwoman and Electra may have given some to doubt the validity of Comic Book or Comic Strips on the big screen, if this years films like Fantastic Four and Sin City buck this trend we could see even more four color favorites on the Silver Screen!!
(hey, if you enjoyed this, check out some of our hilarious comic books here.)
(hey, if you enjoyed this, check out some of our hilarious comic books here.)
Happy Birthday! (3/11/05)
Today's recipient is known for her breakout role in American Beauty and maybe even as Jack Ryan's daughter in both Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, but for me she'll always be Enid from one of the best comic book adapted movies of all time, Ghost World.
Our youngest (so far) Happy Birthday to ...
THORA BIRCH!
"Jane the disillusioned daughter" is 23 today.
Our youngest (so far) Happy Birthday to ...
THORA BIRCH!
"Jane the disillusioned daughter" is 23 today.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Those Tendercrisp Lyrics!
As a sequel to my previous post (and thanks to a fellow poster on the SCS Board!) here are the Lyrics to the Chicken Sandwich commercial:
Here are the lyrics:
When my belly starts a-rumblin'
and I’m Jonesin' for a treat,
I close my eyes for a big surprise
the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
I love the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
The breasts they grow on trees
and streams of bacon ranch dressing
flow right up to your knees
There’s tumbleweeds of bacon
and cheddar paves the streets
Folks don’t front ya 'cause you got the juice
there's a train of ladies coming with a nice caboose never get in trouble, never need an excuse
That’s the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
I love the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
No one tells you to behave (behave)
Your wildest fantasies come true
Dallas cheerleaders give you shaves
Red onions make you laugh instead
and french fries grow like weeds
You get to veg all day
all the lotto tickets pay
there’s a king who wants you to have it your way,
That's the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
"Come and get it!"
Here are the lyrics:
When my belly starts a-rumblin'
and I’m Jonesin' for a treat,
I close my eyes for a big surprise
the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
I love the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
The breasts they grow on trees
and streams of bacon ranch dressing
flow right up to your knees
There’s tumbleweeds of bacon
and cheddar paves the streets
Folks don’t front ya 'cause you got the juice
there's a train of ladies coming with a nice caboose never get in trouble, never need an excuse
That’s the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
I love the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
No one tells you to behave (behave)
Your wildest fantasies come true
Dallas cheerleaders give you shaves
Red onions make you laugh instead
and french fries grow like weeds
You get to veg all day
all the lotto tickets pay
there’s a king who wants you to have it your way,
That's the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
the Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch
"Come and get it!"
Who gives a Hoot(ie)?
If you've watched anything on both network and cable TV in the last few weeks (and you didn't TIVO through the commercials) you must have seen, by now, this bizarre commercial for Burger King.
It's part of an ad campaign for their new, limited run, Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sandwich ( that's one, long ass name for a sandwich!)
The ad takes place in a colorful, magical looking land where the streets are paved in bricks of Cheddar Cheese and where beautiful sexy babes (portrayed by Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, FHM models and former "Wild On" host, Brooke Burke) dance and cavort lavishly enjoying eating their sandwiches. (there's also something about winning the lottery, that strange looking King that we've seen in previous Burger King ads and guys eating french fries, but I was too busy looking at the women)
You'd think that that would be enough, but you'd be wrong! Centering the ad, wearing a colorful cowboy costume and singing the catchy jingle (sung to the tune of "Big Rock Candy Mountain") is Darius Rucker. Yes, THAT Darius Rucker, the former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish.
If you were alive in 1994 you couldn't avoid hearing any of the tracks from Hootie and the Blowfish's monster debut album Cracked Rear View. (I thought about putting a link here to Amazon where you could order it, but who here doesn't own a copy?) This album was HUGE, and I can only imagine that Darius and the rest of the band made a pretty penny off of it. Sure, their follow ups didn't come close to matching their premiere success (though what could) but has it come to this? Is mister Rucker this hard up for scratch that he's allowed himself to be dressed up as a modern day Roy Rogers and hawking the latest artery hardening confection from Burger King?
Perhaps the biggest question is what made Burger King choose him? Would no modern day pop star do the ad? Couldn't they find a more obscure singer from the 80's or 70's?
My guess is that it has something to do with the hot looking babes and his band had the word Hoot(er) in it. And hey, what better way is there to sell a white meat chicken "breast" sandwich?
It's part of an ad campaign for their new, limited run, Tendercrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Sandwich ( that's one, long ass name for a sandwich!)
The ad takes place in a colorful, magical looking land where the streets are paved in bricks of Cheddar Cheese and where beautiful sexy babes (portrayed by Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, FHM models and former "Wild On" host, Brooke Burke) dance and cavort lavishly enjoying eating their sandwiches. (there's also something about winning the lottery, that strange looking King that we've seen in previous Burger King ads and guys eating french fries, but I was too busy looking at the women)
You'd think that that would be enough, but you'd be wrong! Centering the ad, wearing a colorful cowboy costume and singing the catchy jingle (sung to the tune of "Big Rock Candy Mountain") is Darius Rucker. Yes, THAT Darius Rucker, the former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish.
If you were alive in 1994 you couldn't avoid hearing any of the tracks from Hootie and the Blowfish's monster debut album Cracked Rear View. (I thought about putting a link here to Amazon where you could order it, but who here doesn't own a copy?) This album was HUGE, and I can only imagine that Darius and the rest of the band made a pretty penny off of it. Sure, their follow ups didn't come close to matching their premiere success (though what could) but has it come to this? Is mister Rucker this hard up for scratch that he's allowed himself to be dressed up as a modern day Roy Rogers and hawking the latest artery hardening confection from Burger King?
Perhaps the biggest question is what made Burger King choose him? Would no modern day pop star do the ad? Couldn't they find a more obscure singer from the 80's or 70's?
My guess is that it has something to do with the hot looking babes and his band had the word Hoot(er) in it. And hey, what better way is there to sell a white meat chicken "breast" sandwich?
Happy Birthday! (3/10/05)
I'm sure there's not many out there who know today's birthday recipient is, but for those who enjoy reading well written and illustrated comics you might want to check out some of his works here.
So here's a "stuffed" Happy Birthday to.....
TONY MILLIONAIRE!
The creator of Sock Monkey is 49 today.
So here's a "stuffed" Happy Birthday to.....
TONY MILLIONAIRE!
The creator of Sock Monkey is 49 today.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Film Trepidation?
Without a doubt my all time favorite comic book has always been The Fantastic Four. I talked about my favorite superheroes, including my favorite cover here. Any fan of the famous four though are anxiously awaiting the upcoming big budget film.
My opinion, after seeing the trailers is....undecided. Though I'm looking forward to seeing it this July, I like many others, are wondering if we haven't already seen the big screen version of The Fantastic Four (and no, I don't mean Roger Corman's 1993 low budget version, I mean the Oscar winning The Incredibles)Who's DVD comes out next Tuesday, BTW!!!! (I'll be there at Best Buy, March 15, bright and early buying my copy!)
What got me thinking about all of this today was a front page article in today's USA Today (read the online version here.)
My opinion, after seeing the trailers is....undecided. Though I'm looking forward to seeing it this July, I like many others, are wondering if we haven't already seen the big screen version of The Fantastic Four (and no, I don't mean Roger Corman's 1993 low budget version, I mean the Oscar winning The Incredibles)Who's DVD comes out next Tuesday, BTW!!!! (I'll be there at Best Buy, March 15, bright and early buying my copy!)
What got me thinking about all of this today was a front page article in today's USA Today (read the online version here.)
Happy Birthday! (3/9/05)
Today's Birthday Boy is the author of the original two-fisted Private Eye. The trenchcoat wearing, gun toting, flat-footed, hard living Mike Hammer was perhaps his most famous creation.
So here's a "film noir" Happy Birthday to...
MICKEY SPILLANE!
The former Miller Lite beer commercial star is 87 today.
So here's a "film noir" Happy Birthday to...
MICKEY SPILLANE!
The former Miller Lite beer commercial star is 87 today.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Exclusive Michael Jackson Court Room drawings!!!!
There's a lot of stories making the news these days that bring about a big "Who Cares!" from me.
Martha Stewart leaves her posh prison? Who Cares!
Paris Hilton..... does anything. Who Cares!
And now we're getting hit over the head with the Michael Jackson Trial. Ok, child molestation is a disgusting thing and if the "weird-one from Neverland" is guilty, hopefully he'll pay the full price of the crime, but do we really need re-en-actions on the E channel? Do we really need nightly footage of he and his posse walking into the courtroom?????
No, we don't.
But I did get a hold of these "exclusive" Michael Jackson courtroom drawings that I just had to share on the net.
You know, if Michael is found innocent and they haven't cast the villain for Spider-Man 3 yet ......
Martha Stewart leaves her posh prison? Who Cares!
Paris Hilton..... does anything. Who Cares!
And now we're getting hit over the head with the Michael Jackson Trial. Ok, child molestation is a disgusting thing and if the "weird-one from Neverland" is guilty, hopefully he'll pay the full price of the crime, but do we really need re-en-actions on the E channel? Do we really need nightly footage of he and his posse walking into the courtroom?????
No, we don't.
But I did get a hold of these "exclusive" Michael Jackson courtroom drawings that I just had to share on the net.
You know, if Michael is found innocent and they haven't cast the villain for Spider-Man 3 yet ......
Happy Birthday! (3/8/05)
Last month we celebrated the birthday of one of the "legendary" Monkees, Peter Tork. So, it's only fair that we make note of this day of birth for their drummer/singer.
Hey Hey, it's the Birthday of.....
MICKY DOLENZ!
The original Circus boy is 60 today.
Hey Hey, it's the Birthday of.....
MICKY DOLENZ!
The original Circus boy is 60 today.
Monday, March 07, 2005
HE IS NOT KOLCHAK!!!!!!!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR......
Maybe it's because it's Monday, or maybe it's because I didn't get the work done this weekend that I wanted too, but I'm in a venting mood today!!!!!
I've been sitting on this pile of bile for a few days, but I can't hold it in any longer! I mentioned a few days ago how ABC are filming a pilot for a remake of Kolchak the Night Stalker. Sci Fi Wire had posted this last Friday:
Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned) will star as ABC's new Kolchak in the drama pilot Night Stalker, an update of the 1970s supernatural TV series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Gabrielle Union will also star in Night Stalker, from Touchstone TV and writer-producer Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files), the trade paper reported.
Union will play Kolchak's colleague at the paper who partners with him in his pursuit of supernatural phenomena.
Now I've read the original Kochak books, have seen the Night Stalker and Night Strangler movies and saw every episode of the TV series. In all those appearnces by Kolchak he's always been an older man (in his late 30's to mid 40's), rumpled, world weary, (not a handsome man) and especially a loner.
So what does ABC do? They hire a pretty boy lead actor in his 20's and team him up with an attractive woman. A young man and woman going up against the supernatural. Didn't we already have something like that called The X-Files???!!!!!!
Now I've heard from some people defending these moves, that ABC needs to go in this direction, to get the young viewers, specifically the tons of female fans that Townsend has. I'm no idiot, I know all that. Why don't they just call it something else????
If they're going to "remake" something by bastardizing the original material so much, why not just come up with something ENTRELY new???!!!!!!
Young viewers aren't going to tune it in because of the Kolchak name, hell I'm sure that they've never even heard of the character (and any recolections of Darren McGavin's work would be as Ralphy's dad not as Kolchak) and if they think older fans of Kolchak are going to turn on this crap......
$#!$#!$!@!!!!#$$#&@$$
....ooooooooooh I'm in a pissed off mood.............
Maybe it's because it's Monday, or maybe it's because I didn't get the work done this weekend that I wanted too, but I'm in a venting mood today!!!!!
I've been sitting on this pile of bile for a few days, but I can't hold it in any longer! I mentioned a few days ago how ABC are filming a pilot for a remake of Kolchak the Night Stalker. Sci Fi Wire had posted this last Friday:
Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned) will star as ABC's new Kolchak in the drama pilot Night Stalker, an update of the 1970s supernatural TV series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Gabrielle Union will also star in Night Stalker, from Touchstone TV and writer-producer Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files), the trade paper reported.
Union will play Kolchak's colleague at the paper who partners with him in his pursuit of supernatural phenomena.
Now I've read the original Kochak books, have seen the Night Stalker and Night Strangler movies and saw every episode of the TV series. In all those appearnces by Kolchak he's always been an older man (in his late 30's to mid 40's), rumpled, world weary, (not a handsome man) and especially a loner.
So what does ABC do? They hire a pretty boy lead actor in his 20's and team him up with an attractive woman. A young man and woman going up against the supernatural. Didn't we already have something like that called The X-Files???!!!!!!
Now I've heard from some people defending these moves, that ABC needs to go in this direction, to get the young viewers, specifically the tons of female fans that Townsend has. I'm no idiot, I know all that. Why don't they just call it something else????
If they're going to "remake" something by bastardizing the original material so much, why not just come up with something ENTRELY new???!!!!!!
Young viewers aren't going to tune it in because of the Kolchak name, hell I'm sure that they've never even heard of the character (and any recolections of Darren McGavin's work would be as Ralphy's dad not as Kolchak) and if they think older fans of Kolchak are going to turn on this crap......
$#!$#!$!@!!!!#$$#&@$$
....ooooooooooh I'm in a pissed off mood.............
Avoid him like the plague
It's been two days since I sat through that god-awful film, Be Cool, and I still can't get the "stink" of that film off of me. There are so many things wrong with it, that for me to pinpoint one wouldn't tell the whole story. But looking back at it now, I believe there's an obvious piece of evidence that can help save you- the hard working public- your valuable time and money. And It's right there, on the poster.
John Travolta.
Why, dear lord, why, does this guy keep getting work????? I can't think of any other "actor" who's made more lousy films than Travolta.
Remember these pieces of cinema phlegm?
* - Moment by Moment
* - Two of a Kind
* - Staying Alive
* - Perfect
* - Look Who's Talking
* - Look Who's Talking Too
* - White Man's Burden
* - Broken Arrow
* - Battlefield Earth
* - Face Off
* - Lucky Numbers
* - Swordfish
* - Be Cool
And that's just what I can remember off the top of my head.
(and I haven't even brought up Welcome Back Kotter)
I'm making myself a pledge right here and now, I will NOT waste another cent on a film starring Travolta.
He's the only performer that can make a two hour film feel like a nine hour one.
John Travolta.
Why, dear lord, why, does this guy keep getting work????? I can't think of any other "actor" who's made more lousy films than Travolta.
Remember these pieces of cinema phlegm?
* - Moment by Moment
* - Two of a Kind
* - Staying Alive
* - Perfect
* - Look Who's Talking
* - Look Who's Talking Too
* - White Man's Burden
* - Broken Arrow
* - Battlefield Earth
* - Face Off
* - Lucky Numbers
* - Swordfish
* - Be Cool
And that's just what I can remember off the top of my head.
(and I haven't even brought up Welcome Back Kotter)
I'm making myself a pledge right here and now, I will NOT waste another cent on a film starring Travolta.
He's the only performer that can make a two hour film feel like a nine hour one.
I saw the film "Be Cool" this Saturday afternoon
Be Cool is a sequel, of sorts, to the 1995 film Get Shorty. (Both films are based on Elmore Leonard novels)as star John Travolta reprises his role as ex shylock Chili Palmer.
The SYNOPSIS:Disenchanted with the movie industry, Chili Palmer (John Travolta) tries the music industry, meeting and romancing a widow of a music exec (Uma Thurman) on the way.
While Get Shorty had it's moments, with an interesting take on the film industry and some fun performances by Gene Hackman, Dennis Farina and Delroy Lindo this film ---------
Well, let me put it this way.
Be Cool, without a doubt, is one of the worse films that I've ever paid to see and had to sit through in a theatre, in my entire life!!!
GOD IS IT AWFUL!!!!!!
Be Cool is described as a Comedy/Crime film. First, the comedy aspect.
It's NOT funny. Not one laugh, not one chuckle.
It's bland,
boring,
dull,
and has some of the worst performances in cinema history. (and the Crime is that they dare to charge people to sit through this mess!)
Vince Vaughn as a white guy "acting black"? STUPID.
The Rock as his gay body guard? UN FUNNY
Uma and Travolta dancing again? WHO CARES
Harvey Keitel, what the hell is he doing in this film?
and Robert Pastorelli, he's been dead for over a year. This film could kill him again!!!
I really can't stress strongly enough how big a piece a crap this movie is. In all my years of movie going I've never left the theatre before the film ends, but BOY did I want to leave a lot while sitting through this dreck.
I wish I could give a lower rating for this film. Be Cool, without a doubt gets the LOWEST:
The SYNOPSIS:Disenchanted with the movie industry, Chili Palmer (John Travolta) tries the music industry, meeting and romancing a widow of a music exec (Uma Thurman) on the way.
While Get Shorty had it's moments, with an interesting take on the film industry and some fun performances by Gene Hackman, Dennis Farina and Delroy Lindo this film ---------
Well, let me put it this way.
Be Cool, without a doubt, is one of the worse films that I've ever paid to see and had to sit through in a theatre, in my entire life!!!
GOD IS IT AWFUL!!!!!!
Be Cool is described as a Comedy/Crime film. First, the comedy aspect.
It's NOT funny. Not one laugh, not one chuckle.
It's bland,
boring,
dull,
and has some of the worst performances in cinema history. (and the Crime is that they dare to charge people to sit through this mess!)
Vince Vaughn as a white guy "acting black"? STUPID.
The Rock as his gay body guard? UN FUNNY
Uma and Travolta dancing again? WHO CARES
Harvey Keitel, what the hell is he doing in this film?
and Robert Pastorelli, he's been dead for over a year. This film could kill him again!!!
I really can't stress strongly enough how big a piece a crap this movie is. In all my years of movie going I've never left the theatre before the film ends, but BOY did I want to leave a lot while sitting through this dreck.
I wish I could give a lower rating for this film. Be Cool, without a doubt gets the LOWEST:
Happy Birthday! (3/7/05)
Here's another actor who has played many different characters on TV and in the movies, but is known mostly for just one role. His strong, centering character helped make Hill Street Blues one of the best TV dramas of all time!
Here's a "pizza man" Happy Birthday to.....
DANIEL J. TRAVANTI!
The former Capt. Frank Furillo is 65 today.
Here's a "pizza man" Happy Birthday to.....
DANIEL J. TRAVANTI!
The former Capt. Frank Furillo is 65 today.
Friday, March 04, 2005
The Passion of the Spider-Man
I did have a few minutes to check out this very strange online comic,
Spider-Man's Greatest Bible Stories! (thanks to fellow PCS'er Andy Hoffman for pointing this out.)
Nothing I can add here, though I did think it interesting to find out that The Hulk helped both Spidey and Moses to part the Red Sea.
Spider-Man's Greatest Bible Stories! (thanks to fellow PCS'er Andy Hoffman for pointing this out.)
Nothing I can add here, though I did think it interesting to find out that The Hulk helped both Spidey and Moses to part the Red Sea.
Fun with Photos.
As I mentioned the other day work has been really busy lately. A lot of projects have popped up with similar deadline dates, including a Tootsie Roll Annual Report cover, inking some illustrations for products and working on redesigning a Valentine Story Book Bubble Gum package (have to make it look less feminine. How do you make Valentine products look less feminine???), so I haven't had time to post some new cartoons or preview pages from Action Figure #1.
To make up for being remiss, here are some bizarre photos (courtesy Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Jose Mesa is menaced by large female fan.
To make up for being remiss, here are some bizarre photos (courtesy Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Jose Mesa is menaced by large female fan.
Happy Birthday! (3/4/05)
This guy has never made a movie or appeared on TV, but there's a good chance that you've heard his work. His Four Seasons has become one of the most popular and most listened to classical music pieces of all time.
A "stringed" Happy Birthday to.....
ANTONIO VIVALDI!
He'd be 327 today (and probably be looking pretty damn old.)
A "stringed" Happy Birthday to.....
ANTONIO VIVALDI!
He'd be 327 today (and probably be looking pretty damn old.)
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Happy Birthday! (3/3/05)
I guess I could go to IMDB.com, scour his career and list his TV appearances and ... well, the handful of movies he's made, but seriously, he's only known for one part and one part only.
A "don' have enough power, captain" Happy Birthday to.....
JAMES DOOHAN!
Scotty is 85 today.
A "don' have enough power, captain" Happy Birthday to.....
JAMES DOOHAN!
Scotty is 85 today.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Busy, Busy, Busy.....
Been up against some ridiculious deadlines at work in the past few days, so I've been remiss on ranting or passing on some info.
But here are a few tid-bits that I've come across in the last few days:
* Revenge of the Sith Trailer *: A trailer for the final installment of the Star Wars saga, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Trailer, will air during the March 10th episode of the Fox teen Soap Opera, The O.C..
I've never watched this show and really have no interest in ever watching it. I believe I'll just tape it then fast forward thru it.
* Lost DVD date announced *: The date is September 6 when Lost: The Complete First Season DVD will hit the stores. Among the extras on the six-disc set are: deleted scenes, casting tapes, bloopers and a featurette featuring photography by series star Matthew Fox.
But here are a few tid-bits that I've come across in the last few days:
* Revenge of the Sith Trailer *: A trailer for the final installment of the Star Wars saga, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Trailer, will air during the March 10th episode of the Fox teen Soap Opera, The O.C..
I've never watched this show and really have no interest in ever watching it. I believe I'll just tape it then fast forward thru it.
* Lost DVD date announced *: The date is September 6 when Lost: The Complete First Season DVD will hit the stores. Among the extras on the six-disc set are: deleted scenes, casting tapes, bloopers and a featurette featuring photography by series star Matthew Fox.
Happy Birthday! (3/2/05)
Without a doubt, the BEST seasons of Saturday Night Live were the first five seasons (1975-80) and thanks to such characters as Christine Christina, Connie Conehead, Lady Pinth-Garnell and many, many more, she was an important part of that cast.
An "American Hot Wax" Happy Birthday to.....
LARAINE NEWMAN!
"The Flying Squirrel" (from the excellent The Tick animated series) is 53 today.
An "American Hot Wax" Happy Birthday to.....
LARAINE NEWMAN!
"The Flying Squirrel" (from the excellent The Tick animated series) is 53 today.
Monday, February 28, 2005
They're at it again....
Yep, those wacky "heroes", The Fathers 4 Justice group, are back again, scaling the walls of the Foreign Office building in London spreading the word of rights for divorced fathers -- and looking pretty stupid in their costumes.
I see where Bat Man's on his Bat-Cell Phone.
And what's up with Captain America? Looks a little bloated to me.
I see where Bat Man's on his Bat-Cell Phone.
And what's up with Captain America? Looks a little bloated to me.
A bunch of cartoonists walk into a room...
This past Saturday afternoon I hosted another meeting of the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society. We're a bunch of cartoonists/artists in the Philadelphia area (hence the name) who gather together at least once a month to sit around and draw, eat, ink, drink, draw some more and drink some more too. I like having the bunch at my place since my house is pretty suitable to house a group of degenerate cartoonists (at least for a couple hours.)
This month, beside the usual, we had a "Photoshoppin" afternoon". I was able to borrow a Mac G3, so along with my G4 and iMac we had three computers available to work on simultaneously. It was a successful afternoon, as we were able to pass on Photo Shop techniques, short cuts and special ways of working to each of us there. (and we were even able to get some web work in as well.) As the day wound down (and pizza and beer ran out) we popped in the Season One DVD of The Office. It was fun watching people who've never seen the show before. Everyone loved it (as I figured they would) and it was especially fun to watch people squirm, Grimmer even had to leave the room during one episode! David Brent can be hard to stomach-- which adds to the greatness of the show.
Before we broke up for the day we did briefly discuss current and upcoming projects that the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society will be involved with this year. On the heels of our Free Comic Book Day book we released last year, we have the first (of many?) of an Anthology Book that will be out in a few months. Here's a Jam drawing that will help make up the cover.
We'll also be appearing at some cons this year. Both the MOCCA show in New York this June and the SPX show in Bethesda this September are set as well for some local shows too. Beside the Anthology book mentioned above individual cartoonists will be selling their own books and projects as well.
For a sneak preview of my 5 page story from the Anthology, check out the background and pages here.
This month, beside the usual, we had a "Photoshoppin" afternoon". I was able to borrow a Mac G3, so along with my G4 and iMac we had three computers available to work on simultaneously. It was a successful afternoon, as we were able to pass on Photo Shop techniques, short cuts and special ways of working to each of us there. (and we were even able to get some web work in as well.) As the day wound down (and pizza and beer ran out) we popped in the Season One DVD of The Office. It was fun watching people who've never seen the show before. Everyone loved it (as I figured they would) and it was especially fun to watch people squirm, Grimmer even had to leave the room during one episode! David Brent can be hard to stomach-- which adds to the greatness of the show.
Before we broke up for the day we did briefly discuss current and upcoming projects that the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society will be involved with this year. On the heels of our Free Comic Book Day book we released last year, we have the first (of many?) of an Anthology Book that will be out in a few months. Here's a Jam drawing that will help make up the cover.
We'll also be appearing at some cons this year. Both the MOCCA show in New York this June and the SPX show in Bethesda this September are set as well for some local shows too. Beside the Anthology book mentioned above individual cartoonists will be selling their own books and projects as well.
For a sneak preview of my 5 page story from the Anthology, check out the background and pages here.
Happy Birthday! (2/28/05)
There are a few people that once you see them on the screen or hear them on the radio you start to laugh. Even before they say or do anything. For me, this guy is one of them.
Unfortunately most of his movies Problem Child, Beverly Hills Cop II and Look Who's Talking Too suck. But when he's doing stand-up or on the Howard Stern Show not many are funnier!
So a "squinty-eye" Happy Birthday to.....
GILBERT GOTTFRIED!
Iago is the big 5-0 today.
Unfortunately most of his movies Problem Child, Beverly Hills Cop II and Look Who's Talking Too suck. But when he's doing stand-up or on the Howard Stern Show not many are funnier!
So a "squinty-eye" Happy Birthday to.....
GILBERT GOTTFRIED!
Iago is the big 5-0 today.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Happy Birthday! (2/27/05)
He played teacher Charle Moore in the lame sit-com Head of the Class, he also played Smooth Walker in the even lamer movie Doctor Detroit but he will always, always be Dr. Johnny Fever in the classic W.K.R.P. In Cincinnati!
So "fellow babies" here's a Happy Birthday to.....
HOWARD HESSEMAN!
Dr. Hartley's gay patient, Graig Plager, is 65 today.
So "fellow babies" here's a Happy Birthday to.....
HOWARD HESSEMAN!
Dr. Hartley's gay patient, Graig Plager, is 65 today.
Friday, February 25, 2005
My Oscar picks.
Why?
Because of all the millions of award shows that have invaded our lives, the Academy Awards seem the most interesting and valid.
Why?
Because I see over 60-70 movies in the theatre each year.
Why?
Because everyone else in "Blog Land" will be posting their picks, so why can't I? (and I'll beat the crowd by posting two days in advance).
I won't bore you with a long, lengthy list of all the categories (but if The Incredibles doesn't win best animated film, there is no justice in the cosmos!)
Anyway, here we go.
Best Supporting Actor
Who I'm rooting for: Morgan Freeman, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Should Win: Thomas Haden Church, "Sideways"
Who Will Win: Morgan Freeman, "Million Dollar Baby".
Church was hilarious in "Sideways" and was the linchpin of the film, but with another strong Freeman performance I believe the Academy will finally honor him this year.
------------------------------------------
Best Supporting Actress
Who I'm rooting for: Virginia Madsen, "Sideways"
Who Should Win: Cate Blanchett, "The Aviator"
Who Will Win: Cate Blanchett, "The Aviator"
It's a feel good, come back story for Virginia, but Cate pulled of the difficult task of becoming film legend Katherine Hepburn without turning it into a caricature.
------------------------------------------
Best Actress
Who I'm rooting for: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Should Win: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
While I thought that Kate Winslet was excellent in the underrated " Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", Swank's plucky boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald, was second to none.
------------------------------------------
Best Actor
Who I'm rooting for: Don Cheadle, "Hotel Rwanda"
Who Should Win: Don Cheadle, "Hotel Rwanda"
Who Will Win: Jamie Foxx, "Ray"
This is the tightest race of them all, IMO. Depp and DiCaprio are very good and sentimental Hollywood could honor Clint, but even though I think that Cheadle's performance was the best, all signs are pointing to a Foxx slam dunk.
------------------------------------------
Best Director
Who I'm rooting for: Martin Scorsese, "The Aviator"
Who Should Win: Clint Eastwood, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Martin Scorsese, "The Aviator"
Clint pulls off a gem with a subject that could have been severely mishandled with a lesser talent, but I believe that the Academy will finally give a LONG overdue award to Martin Scorsese.
------------------------------------------
Best Picture
Who I'm rooting for: "Sideways"
Who Should Win: "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Million Dollar Baby
I enjoyed all five nominations this year. I was ready to pick "The Aviator" until I saw "Million Dollar Baby". This film, much like Clint's past work ( Play Misty For Me, Mystic River and Unforgiven) has a dark, unsettling aspect to it. They aren't easy films to watch but once you start you can't turn away.
Because of all the millions of award shows that have invaded our lives, the Academy Awards seem the most interesting and valid.
Why?
Because I see over 60-70 movies in the theatre each year.
Why?
Because everyone else in "Blog Land" will be posting their picks, so why can't I? (and I'll beat the crowd by posting two days in advance).
I won't bore you with a long, lengthy list of all the categories (but if The Incredibles doesn't win best animated film, there is no justice in the cosmos!)
Anyway, here we go.
Best Supporting Actor
Who I'm rooting for: Morgan Freeman, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Should Win: Thomas Haden Church, "Sideways"
Who Will Win: Morgan Freeman, "Million Dollar Baby".
Church was hilarious in "Sideways" and was the linchpin of the film, but with another strong Freeman performance I believe the Academy will finally honor him this year.
------------------------------------------
Best Supporting Actress
Who I'm rooting for: Virginia Madsen, "Sideways"
Who Should Win: Cate Blanchett, "The Aviator"
Who Will Win: Cate Blanchett, "The Aviator"
It's a feel good, come back story for Virginia, but Cate pulled of the difficult task of becoming film legend Katherine Hepburn without turning it into a caricature.
------------------------------------------
Best Actress
Who I'm rooting for: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Should Win: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Hillary Swank, "Million Dollar Baby"
While I thought that Kate Winslet was excellent in the underrated " Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", Swank's plucky boxer, Maggie Fitzgerald, was second to none.
------------------------------------------
Best Actor
Who I'm rooting for: Don Cheadle, "Hotel Rwanda"
Who Should Win: Don Cheadle, "Hotel Rwanda"
Who Will Win: Jamie Foxx, "Ray"
This is the tightest race of them all, IMO. Depp and DiCaprio are very good and sentimental Hollywood could honor Clint, but even though I think that Cheadle's performance was the best, all signs are pointing to a Foxx slam dunk.
------------------------------------------
Best Director
Who I'm rooting for: Martin Scorsese, "The Aviator"
Who Should Win: Clint Eastwood, "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Martin Scorsese, "The Aviator"
Clint pulls off a gem with a subject that could have been severely mishandled with a lesser talent, but I believe that the Academy will finally give a LONG overdue award to Martin Scorsese.
------------------------------------------
Best Picture
Who I'm rooting for: "Sideways"
Who Should Win: "Million Dollar Baby"
Who Will Win: Million Dollar Baby
I enjoyed all five nominations this year. I was ready to pick "The Aviator" until I saw "Million Dollar Baby". This film, much like Clint's past work ( Play Misty For Me, Mystic River and Unforgiven) has a dark, unsettling aspect to it. They aren't easy films to watch but once you start you can't turn away.
It's winter. And you know what happens in the winter...
Well, we "made it" through another snow storm around here.
*sigh*
It was no big deal, about 5-6 inches fell during the day yesterday, but if you listened to all the local weathermen and gauged the multitude of stampeding shoppers as they cleaned out the local grocery stores of milk, bread and kitty litter, you'd think that we just went through the second Ice Age!!!
Sure, last night's rush hour was a bitch, what with the snow still falling and the plows not getting a chance to clear most of the roads yesterday, but come on people! Just because you sunk your savings into the latest gas-guzzling SUV monstrosity doesn't make you invincible!
Your top heavy slab of metal will slide on the snow just like any other oversized vehicle.
But try getting that through the heads of the multitudes of ignorant, cell phone gabbing idiots as they weaved in and out of the traffic last night.
WAM!!!!! Not that I'd hope for injuries, but it did my heart good, as I chugged along in my little honda, to see a soccer mom and overweight insurance salesman trading insurance info while they stood by their damaged $UV's.
But beside all the panicky masses and stupid drivers, what REALLY burns me at this time of the year is when the chance of bad weather is called for, in late February, to hear a lifelong native of the north east to complain "It's going to snow? Aren't we done with that yet?"
People - it's winter, it's the north east.
It has snowed here when you were a child,
It has snowed here when you were a teen,
It has snowed here for years and years before you were born....
DEAL WITH IT!!!
*sigh*
It was no big deal, about 5-6 inches fell during the day yesterday, but if you listened to all the local weathermen and gauged the multitude of stampeding shoppers as they cleaned out the local grocery stores of milk, bread and kitty litter, you'd think that we just went through the second Ice Age!!!
Sure, last night's rush hour was a bitch, what with the snow still falling and the plows not getting a chance to clear most of the roads yesterday, but come on people! Just because you sunk your savings into the latest gas-guzzling SUV monstrosity doesn't make you invincible!
Your top heavy slab of metal will slide on the snow just like any other oversized vehicle.
But try getting that through the heads of the multitudes of ignorant, cell phone gabbing idiots as they weaved in and out of the traffic last night.
WAM!!!!! Not that I'd hope for injuries, but it did my heart good, as I chugged along in my little honda, to see a soccer mom and overweight insurance salesman trading insurance info while they stood by their damaged $UV's.
But beside all the panicky masses and stupid drivers, what REALLY burns me at this time of the year is when the chance of bad weather is called for, in late February, to hear a lifelong native of the north east to complain "It's going to snow? Aren't we done with that yet?"
People - it's winter, it's the north east.
It has snowed here when you were a child,
It has snowed here when you were a teen,
It has snowed here for years and years before you were born....
DEAL WITH IT!!!
Happy Birthday! (2/25/05)
Yes, yes, I know, he played James Dean's father, Frank Stark in the classic Rebel Without a Cause, as well as the drunken wealthy pilot Tyler Fitzgerald in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and of course he was Thurston Howell III on Gilligan's Island, but for my money he'll always be Mr. Magoo.
A nearsighted Happy Birthday to .....
JIM BACKUS!
The "Millionaire" would have been 92 today.
A nearsighted Happy Birthday to .....
JIM BACKUS!
The "Millionaire" would have been 92 today.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Even more (proposed) New TV Shows
Here's a continuation from yesterday's list of real possible new TV series in your future. The pilots have been shot, and are now vying for time slots next fall:
Threshold(CBS): Scientists battle an alien life form.
Supernatural(WB): Two brothers in their old Mustang hunt down strange beings.
Commander in Chief(ABC): Follows the first woman president.
E-Ring(NBC): The latest from Jerry Bruckheimer's hit factory stars Benjamin Bratt in a Pentagon version of The West Wing.
Inconceivable(NBC): Medical happenings in a fertility clinic.
3 lbs.(CBS): Dylan McDermott stars as a brain surgeon.
American Crime(CBS): A new mom prosecutes suburban misdeeds.
Pros & Cons(ABC): Stars Billy Baldwin as a con artist turned FBI agent.
Briar & Graves(FOX): Partners a priest with a doctor to explore religious phenomena.
And finally,
Book of Daniel(NBC): A "hip, modern Jesus" offers guidance to a reverend/dad.
Kind of makes you not want to invest in a new Tivo.....
Threshold(CBS): Scientists battle an alien life form.
Supernatural(WB): Two brothers in their old Mustang hunt down strange beings.
Commander in Chief(ABC): Follows the first woman president.
E-Ring(NBC): The latest from Jerry Bruckheimer's hit factory stars Benjamin Bratt in a Pentagon version of The West Wing.
Inconceivable(NBC): Medical happenings in a fertility clinic.
3 lbs.(CBS): Dylan McDermott stars as a brain surgeon.
American Crime(CBS): A new mom prosecutes suburban misdeeds.
Pros & Cons(ABC): Stars Billy Baldwin as a con artist turned FBI agent.
Briar & Graves(FOX): Partners a priest with a doctor to explore religious phenomena.
And finally,
Book of Daniel(NBC): A "hip, modern Jesus" offers guidance to a reverend/dad.
Kind of makes you not want to invest in a new Tivo.....
Happy Birthday! (2/24/05)
Yes folks, believe it or not today's Birthday Boy is STILL ALIVE!
(he's probably the most frequent guessed celebrity when asked "Living or Dead?)
Best known for his role as "Fish" the dour, slouch shouldered cop on Barney Miller and the self titled spin-off Fish (so of course I'm posting his picture as Sal Tessio from The Godfather).
So, happy birthday to (Ezra Braithwaite, yes, he actually starred in the old soap opera Dark Shadows) .....
ABE VIGODA!
Abe is 84 today.
(he's probably the most frequent guessed celebrity when asked "Living or Dead?)
Best known for his role as "Fish" the dour, slouch shouldered cop on Barney Miller and the self titled spin-off Fish (so of course I'm posting his picture as Sal Tessio from The Godfather).
So, happy birthday to (Ezra Braithwaite, yes, he actually starred in the old soap opera Dark Shadows) .....
ABE VIGODA!
Abe is 84 today.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Kolchak without McGavin??
Say it ain't so ABC!!!
Unfortunately it looks that way. Carl Kolchak, one of the best TV characters ever created, thanks in large part by actor Darren McGavin, will be returning to the small screen. The networks are leaking out info on a lot of their fall pilots and one is ABC's planned remake of Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
As for other shows we can either look forward to (or avoid like the plague) here's a list of some of the proposed series':
The Commuters: A CBS pilot about three couples in suburban New York, where secrets are revealed aboard the 7:40 train. (hmmmm can anyone say Desperate Housewives?)
Prison Break: A FOX series about a man who breaks into jail to get his brother out. (how many weeks can this last?)
Fathom:(NBC) A twisty mystery about a weird sea creature's effect on a San Diego family, the Navy and some fisherman. (hmmmm can anyone say Lost?)
Reunion:(FOX) This show follows six friends from high school graduation to their 20th reunion, as characters age one year in each episode. ( One year per episode... so they're be ready for retirement by the end of the second season?)
Love Monkey:(CBS) The dating and marriage foibles of four male friends. (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....)
Ticket to Ride:(FOX) Follows the lives of 20-odd acquaintances who share a huge lottery jackpot. (So now they're naming TV shows after Beatles songs. How soon to the weekly exploits of "I Am the Walrus"?)
The Prince:(WB) A soap about a rich family after the death of it's favorite son. (I think I'll wait for "The King".)
Triangle:(UPN) A doctor stays in the Caribbean after his wife disappears on their honeymoon. (Wait... UPN is still on the air?)
There are a number of other shows fighting to get picked, but these are the ones in the lead.
With a lineup like that, guess I better keep buying the DVD collections of classic old shows.
Now, how much is the X-Files Season 2 & 3 sets again?........
Unfortunately it looks that way. Carl Kolchak, one of the best TV characters ever created, thanks in large part by actor Darren McGavin, will be returning to the small screen. The networks are leaking out info on a lot of their fall pilots and one is ABC's planned remake of Kolchak: The Night Stalker.
As for other shows we can either look forward to (or avoid like the plague) here's a list of some of the proposed series':
The Commuters: A CBS pilot about three couples in suburban New York, where secrets are revealed aboard the 7:40 train. (hmmmm can anyone say Desperate Housewives?)
Prison Break: A FOX series about a man who breaks into jail to get his brother out. (how many weeks can this last?)
Fathom:(NBC) A twisty mystery about a weird sea creature's effect on a San Diego family, the Navy and some fisherman. (hmmmm can anyone say Lost?)
Reunion:(FOX) This show follows six friends from high school graduation to their 20th reunion, as characters age one year in each episode. ( One year per episode... so they're be ready for retirement by the end of the second season?)
Love Monkey:(CBS) The dating and marriage foibles of four male friends. (zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....)
Ticket to Ride:(FOX) Follows the lives of 20-odd acquaintances who share a huge lottery jackpot. (So now they're naming TV shows after Beatles songs. How soon to the weekly exploits of "I Am the Walrus"?)
The Prince:(WB) A soap about a rich family after the death of it's favorite son. (I think I'll wait for "The King".)
Triangle:(UPN) A doctor stays in the Caribbean after his wife disappears on their honeymoon. (Wait... UPN is still on the air?)
There are a number of other shows fighting to get picked, but these are the ones in the lead.
With a lineup like that, guess I better keep buying the DVD collections of classic old shows.
Now, how much is the X-Files Season 2 & 3 sets again?........
A "House" worth checking out.
As I said in a previous thread I currently make sure to tune in to only 12 Network TV shows. These are shows that if I'm out doing other things will make sure to set the VCR to tape. On that list are only two shows that premiered this year (the other being Lost) .
It's the FOX Tuesday night drama House, M.D.
I first tuned in because I'm a fan of the lead actor who portrays Dr. Gregory House, Hugh Laurie. For those of you not familiar with this fine British actor he's appeared as Bertram 'Bertie' Wilberforce Wooster in the excellent series (adapted from the popular books) Jeeves and Wooster, seen here in the states on Masterpiece Theatre and as Roger Charleston in the film Peter's Friends (both costarring long time collaborator Stephen Fry). But of course, to me anyway, his best performances were in the GREAT comedy series Blackadder!!! (and if you've never seen any of the Blackadder series, then you've missed one of the funniest shows ever made.)
Hugh's Dr. House is an anti-social, brilliant doctor who specializes in infectious diseases. Each week he and his team of hand picked young doctors face a new baffling case to solve. Now that may seem like a "typical" TV drama, and maybe not to dissimilar to NBC's own new medical drama Medical Investigation but that's where you'd be wrong.
What set's this show apart, aside from the cool camera techniques that often take you into the body itself to seek out the cause of the problems, is the character of Dr. House himself. To put it bluntly, he's a bastard son-of-a-bitch! And for an American show, that's rare.
Some of my favorite British shows, the aforementioned Blackadder as well as Fawlty Towers, The Office and Cracker star lead characters that are unlikeable, full of faults and often difficult to watch -- and that's what makes them great! It brings an edge that in the comedies elicit incredible humor and in the dramas a touch of realism that are often nowhere to be seen in American shows.
I'm not a big fan of medical shows ( IMO nothing can ever top the superb St. Elsewhere!) but House, M.D. is not your typical medical show. Each week brings a new mystery that House must solve and while in most shows it's taken for granted that the "hero" will win, I wouldn't be surprised if he may lose every once in a while.
If you've been meaning to check this out or are just looking for something new to watch give House, M.D. a try. But do it quickly!! Remember, this is an American show. With 20+ episodes a season and the likely hood that it'll be renewed, this show could change. Unlike British shows which have the luxury of short seasons and short runs that prevents them from repeating themselves or *horrors* softening the characters, we in America have loooong runs. And just how long Dr. House can stay as insufferable as he is before some focus group tells the network and the show's creators that they need to make him likable makes me feel ill.
It's the FOX Tuesday night drama House, M.D.
I first tuned in because I'm a fan of the lead actor who portrays Dr. Gregory House, Hugh Laurie. For those of you not familiar with this fine British actor he's appeared as Bertram 'Bertie' Wilberforce Wooster in the excellent series (adapted from the popular books) Jeeves and Wooster, seen here in the states on Masterpiece Theatre and as Roger Charleston in the film Peter's Friends (both costarring long time collaborator Stephen Fry). But of course, to me anyway, his best performances were in the GREAT comedy series Blackadder!!! (and if you've never seen any of the Blackadder series, then you've missed one of the funniest shows ever made.)
Hugh's Dr. House is an anti-social, brilliant doctor who specializes in infectious diseases. Each week he and his team of hand picked young doctors face a new baffling case to solve. Now that may seem like a "typical" TV drama, and maybe not to dissimilar to NBC's own new medical drama Medical Investigation but that's where you'd be wrong.
What set's this show apart, aside from the cool camera techniques that often take you into the body itself to seek out the cause of the problems, is the character of Dr. House himself. To put it bluntly, he's a bastard son-of-a-bitch! And for an American show, that's rare.
Some of my favorite British shows, the aforementioned Blackadder as well as Fawlty Towers, The Office and Cracker star lead characters that are unlikeable, full of faults and often difficult to watch -- and that's what makes them great! It brings an edge that in the comedies elicit incredible humor and in the dramas a touch of realism that are often nowhere to be seen in American shows.
I'm not a big fan of medical shows ( IMO nothing can ever top the superb St. Elsewhere!) but House, M.D. is not your typical medical show. Each week brings a new mystery that House must solve and while in most shows it's taken for granted that the "hero" will win, I wouldn't be surprised if he may lose every once in a while.
If you've been meaning to check this out or are just looking for something new to watch give House, M.D. a try. But do it quickly!! Remember, this is an American show. With 20+ episodes a season and the likely hood that it'll be renewed, this show could change. Unlike British shows which have the luxury of short seasons and short runs that prevents them from repeating themselves or *horrors* softening the characters, we in America have loooong runs. And just how long Dr. House can stay as insufferable as he is before some focus group tells the network and the show's creators that they need to make him likable makes me feel ill.
Happy Birthday! (2/23/05)
His famous father was known for his roles as presidents (Young Mister Lincoln), admirals (Midway) and a noble juror (12 Angry Men).
His famous sister starred as diverse characters as Lillian Hellman (Julia) and (Barbarella). So what do you do as the acting son/brother? Make the benchmark of counterculture movies, Easy Rider.
So here's some Birthday "Gold" to.....
PETER FONDA!
Bridget's daddy is 66 today.
His famous sister starred as diverse characters as Lillian Hellman (Julia) and (Barbarella). So what do you do as the acting son/brother? Make the benchmark of counterculture movies, Easy Rider.
So here's some Birthday "Gold" to.....
PETER FONDA!
Bridget's daddy is 66 today.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
I saw the film "Constantine" on Sunday
To top of my movie weekend on Sunday afternoon I saw the film adaptation of the DC/Vertigo series Hellblazer, retitled Constantine. (though I noticed during the end credits it said it was adapted from the "Graphic Novel" Hellblazer which isn't correct, I guess Warner Brothers are a bit ashamed to say that this is based on a "Comic Book"..... but I won't rant about that now.
The character of John Constantine was created by Alan Moore while he was scripting a great run on Swamp Thing in the mid 1980's. John, a tall, blonde, chain smoking brit (modeled after Sting) was involved with the occult, mystery and creatures of the damned. When he graduated into his own series, the aforementioned Hellblazer, we learned more of his background and were treated to a harsher, more bleak aspect of Mr. Constantine.
Of course after Hollywood got a hold of J.C. (no pun intended) he became a tall, dark haired, chain smoking citizen of Los Angeles portrayed by ..... wait for it ....... Keanu Reeves.
From the WB, the SYNOPSIS: Constantine tells the story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), who has literally been to hell and back. When Constantine teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister (also played by Weisz), their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldy events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost.
With the casting of the stiff, lifeless Keanu Reeves I was all ready to hate this picture.
But damn it ......... I couldn't!
The film opens with John banishing yet another demon to hell only to learn later on that bigger things are happening, which involve the "Spear of Destiny" the weapon that killed Jesus Christ. While his own fate is in doubt John, along with fellow operatives Father Hennessy and driver Chas Chandler, reluctantly takes on the case behind Angela's sister's death.
The bulk of the picture is filled with battles with various demons, grisley deaths and even a few trips to hell. (and yes, we even have the patented character waking from a horrible nightmare by popping straight up in bed --- which is physically impossible to do.)
Reeves is pretty bad, but for him that's just what you can expect. Tilda Swinton as the angel Gabriel is very good and I particularly enjoyed Peter Stormare's (the "wood-chipping" kid napper from Fargo) performance as,... well I don't want to give it away.
If you haven't seen too many "lone, sulking, reluctant avenger of the damned" type stories and films, then you might like Constantine. Unfortunately for this viewer, I've read hundreds of comics and books and seen just as many films that deal with fighting demons and creatures from hell. So a lot of this film is just, well, ho-hum. But that really is no fault of the film itself, though who knows, with a better leading actor ......
So weighing the pros and cons, this Baboon gives Constantine a not-so-bad:
The character of John Constantine was created by Alan Moore while he was scripting a great run on Swamp Thing in the mid 1980's. John, a tall, blonde, chain smoking brit (modeled after Sting) was involved with the occult, mystery and creatures of the damned. When he graduated into his own series, the aforementioned Hellblazer, we learned more of his background and were treated to a harsher, more bleak aspect of Mr. Constantine.
Of course after Hollywood got a hold of J.C. (no pun intended) he became a tall, dark haired, chain smoking citizen of Los Angeles portrayed by ..... wait for it ....... Keanu Reeves.
From the WB, the SYNOPSIS: Constantine tells the story of irreverent supernatural detective John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), who has literally been to hell and back. When Constantine teams up with skeptical policewoman Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister (also played by Weisz), their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldy events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost.
With the casting of the stiff, lifeless Keanu Reeves I was all ready to hate this picture.
But damn it ......... I couldn't!
The film opens with John banishing yet another demon to hell only to learn later on that bigger things are happening, which involve the "Spear of Destiny" the weapon that killed Jesus Christ. While his own fate is in doubt John, along with fellow operatives Father Hennessy and driver Chas Chandler, reluctantly takes on the case behind Angela's sister's death.
The bulk of the picture is filled with battles with various demons, grisley deaths and even a few trips to hell. (and yes, we even have the patented character waking from a horrible nightmare by popping straight up in bed --- which is physically impossible to do.)
Reeves is pretty bad, but for him that's just what you can expect. Tilda Swinton as the angel Gabriel is very good and I particularly enjoyed Peter Stormare's (the "wood-chipping" kid napper from Fargo) performance as,... well I don't want to give it away.
If you haven't seen too many "lone, sulking, reluctant avenger of the damned" type stories and films, then you might like Constantine. Unfortunately for this viewer, I've read hundreds of comics and books and seen just as many films that deal with fighting demons and creatures from hell. So a lot of this film is just, well, ho-hum. But that really is no fault of the film itself, though who knows, with a better leading actor ......
So weighing the pros and cons, this Baboon gives Constantine a not-so-bad:
Happy Birthday! (2/22/05)
He was an executive producer (The Andy Griffith Show, I Spy and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.) and an actor (playing mostly mob bosses) on numerous TV Shows and Movies. You may not recognize his face, but you'll know his voice.
So here's a Birthday toast for Nick the Bartender ("look at me, I'm given' out wings.").....
SHELDON LEONARD!!!
The voice of King Linus would have been 98 today.
So here's a Birthday toast for Nick the Bartender ("look at me, I'm given' out wings.").....
SHELDON LEONARD!!!
The voice of King Linus would have been 98 today.
Monday, February 21, 2005
I saw the film "The Woodsman" on Saturday.
One of the advantages of living near a large city like Philadelphia is the availability of movies that play here. Nearly every film that gets released, no matter how small, eventually show here. One of the disadvantages though, is that a lot of the smaller films that finally get to the screens, play only "Art Houses" in the city. So I have to deal with the traffic to get into town, then find a (usually expensive) place to park. Heaven forbid that the damn huge multi-screen cinemas near my house could set aside one or two screens for these films..... but that's a rant for another time.
So, after striking out at the Tower Records signing, made it to the Ritz for the 2:50 show of a movie I'd been meaning to see, The Woodsman.
SYNOPSIS: After twelve years in prison, Walter (Kevin Bacon) arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick), a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law (Benjamin Bratt), shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas (Mos Def). After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.
This is a strong film. Tackling the subject matter of child molestation is tough enough, but having the main character, the man with whom we the audience focus our attention as a child molester himself, well that's pretty damn gutsy.
Bacon pulls off a strong performance, never cheapening his character. Walter is a molester, no false accusations here, and the fact that through his apartment window he can watch young school children in the playground every day, intensifies his struggle.
As the film progresses he attempts to lead some kind of normal life. Though he's having a relationship with fellow lumberyard employee Vickie, he begins to lose his battle with his desires. He begins to follow a young bird watching girl that he sees on his bus ride home from work. This leads us to an incredibly tense scene in a park that elicited groans from the audience and made me squirm in my seat.
There's a secondary story that involves a rash of child molestation's in the area that in a lesser film would probably have resulted in a very "Hollywood-esque" ending. Fortunately director Nicole Kassell doesn't allow that to happen here.
The Woodsman (named for the hero in Little Red Riding Hood") is a stark, solid drama that pulls no punches. And while most of his contemporaries may play it safe with simple roles I applaud Bacon's choice here.
I give The Woodsman a disturbing but excellent:
So, after striking out at the Tower Records signing, made it to the Ritz for the 2:50 show of a movie I'd been meaning to see, The Woodsman.
SYNOPSIS: After twelve years in prison, Walter (Kevin Bacon) arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick), a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law (Benjamin Bratt), shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas (Mos Def). After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.
This is a strong film. Tackling the subject matter of child molestation is tough enough, but having the main character, the man with whom we the audience focus our attention as a child molester himself, well that's pretty damn gutsy.
Bacon pulls off a strong performance, never cheapening his character. Walter is a molester, no false accusations here, and the fact that through his apartment window he can watch young school children in the playground every day, intensifies his struggle.
As the film progresses he attempts to lead some kind of normal life. Though he's having a relationship with fellow lumberyard employee Vickie, he begins to lose his battle with his desires. He begins to follow a young bird watching girl that he sees on his bus ride home from work. This leads us to an incredibly tense scene in a park that elicited groans from the audience and made me squirm in my seat.
There's a secondary story that involves a rash of child molestation's in the area that in a lesser film would probably have resulted in a very "Hollywood-esque" ending. Fortunately director Nicole Kassell doesn't allow that to happen here.
The Woodsman (named for the hero in Little Red Riding Hood") is a stark, solid drama that pulls no punches. And while most of his contemporaries may play it safe with simple roles I applaud Bacon's choice here.
I give The Woodsman a disturbing but excellent:
Nope... No Artie here.
With no big plans set for this past Saturday I decided to head into the city and meet comedian Artie Lange at the Broad Street Tower Records, where he'd be signing copies of his new DVD.
I wasn't much of a fan of his before, I thought the film Dirty Work was pretty bad and never watched Mad TV, but since replacing Jackie on the Howard Stern Show I've found him to be very funny. He fits the role as an "normal guy" wise ass very well.
Just as I was about to leave my house though, I called first, to make sure I had the time correct. I was assured by the person at Tower that Artie would be signing from 1:30 to 3:00. OK, I should make it in plenty of time, even if there is traffic.
After parking the car and hustling a few blocks, I got to Tower at 2:15. I looked around and saw no lines, or any area that would lead you to believe that there was anyone signing anything.
So, why not ask another one of these "informative" Tower employees, shall we?
Me: "Excuse me, could you tell me where the Artie Lange signing is?"
Employee: "Oh, that's been over for awhile."
Me: "Over? It's only 2:15. I was told that it would last at least until 3:00"
Employee: *shrugs* "I don't know".
*sigh*
I guess if this was someone I really wanted to meet, I'd be pissed. 'Course, now that I've driven all the way into town - for nothing - I should do something. And since it's pretty damn cold outside-- If I hustle, I could make it to the Ritz 7 blocks away and catch the 2:50 movie...........
I wasn't much of a fan of his before, I thought the film Dirty Work was pretty bad and never watched Mad TV, but since replacing Jackie on the Howard Stern Show I've found him to be very funny. He fits the role as an "normal guy" wise ass very well.
Just as I was about to leave my house though, I called first, to make sure I had the time correct. I was assured by the person at Tower that Artie would be signing from 1:30 to 3:00. OK, I should make it in plenty of time, even if there is traffic.
After parking the car and hustling a few blocks, I got to Tower at 2:15. I looked around and saw no lines, or any area that would lead you to believe that there was anyone signing anything.
So, why not ask another one of these "informative" Tower employees, shall we?
Me: "Excuse me, could you tell me where the Artie Lange signing is?"
Employee: "Oh, that's been over for awhile."
Me: "Over? It's only 2:15. I was told that it would last at least until 3:00"
Employee: *shrugs* "I don't know".
*sigh*
I guess if this was someone I really wanted to meet, I'd be pissed. 'Course, now that I've driven all the way into town - for nothing - I should do something. And since it's pretty damn cold outside-- If I hustle, I could make it to the Ritz 7 blocks away and catch the 2:50 movie...........
Happy Birthday! (2/21/05)
Thanks to a small supporting role in 1984 on Cheers his career took off. Yes, Fraiser Craine, a role he played for 20 years made him a star, but I'm also a fan of his Stinky Pete in Toy Story 2 as well.
A psychoanalysis Happy Birthday to ...
KELSEY GRAMMER!
(and when congratulating him for reaching 50, try not to bring up Gary the Rat... the less said about that the better.)
A psychoanalysis Happy Birthday to ...
KELSEY GRAMMER!
(and when congratulating him for reaching 50, try not to bring up Gary the Rat... the less said about that the better.)
Friday, February 18, 2005
Do you know who you are?
I had to go to the Post Office to mail a few packages the other day. Of course when I got there I had to join a long, lengthy, slooowly moving line. (I have no idea why they have three teller slots, they never have more than two tellers working at one time.)
So, as I stood in this crawling line, evading a pair of kids running ram-pet around the lobby (god knows where their parents were) I watched the various customers in front of me.
Let's see... there's the guy who bought 10 stamps - and paid with a credit card (yeah, it's real hard to actually have $4 in cash) the woman who paid with a check - but hadn't bothered to have any of the check filled out (what, she forgot that she'd actually have to pay for the services?) or the guy who had to ask about every possible way to ship his package, priority, first class, etc... and then said "Eh, it doesn't matter, send it the cheapest" (what, you couldn't say that at the beginning???)
But my favorite was the plump, flustered looking woman. She was buying something or using a service - that required having a photo ID. When the teller asked her for an ID, her answer was:
"I left it at home."
Excuse me???
You left your ID at home?????
Think about this for a second. Of all the places on the planet, hell, in the universe, where's the one place that you don't need an ID, the one place that you have a 99.9% chance that everyone there knows who you are - YOUR HOME!!!!
Why the hell would you leave it there? Especially when you have to go to a government place (Post Office) and purchase something that would need proof of who you are!!!!!!!!
As I'm standing there listening to this pathetic woman trying to weasel this service without an ID, and as those annoying brats continue to run roughshod, and the line I'm in screeched to a halt, --
I begin to comprehend the concept of going postal.
So, as I stood in this crawling line, evading a pair of kids running ram-pet around the lobby (god knows where their parents were) I watched the various customers in front of me.
Let's see... there's the guy who bought 10 stamps - and paid with a credit card (yeah, it's real hard to actually have $4 in cash) the woman who paid with a check - but hadn't bothered to have any of the check filled out (what, she forgot that she'd actually have to pay for the services?) or the guy who had to ask about every possible way to ship his package, priority, first class, etc... and then said "Eh, it doesn't matter, send it the cheapest" (what, you couldn't say that at the beginning???)
But my favorite was the plump, flustered looking woman. She was buying something or using a service - that required having a photo ID. When the teller asked her for an ID, her answer was:
"I left it at home."
Excuse me???
You left your ID at home?????
Think about this for a second. Of all the places on the planet, hell, in the universe, where's the one place that you don't need an ID, the one place that you have a 99.9% chance that everyone there knows who you are - YOUR HOME!!!!
Why the hell would you leave it there? Especially when you have to go to a government place (Post Office) and purchase something that would need proof of who you are!!!!!!!!
As I'm standing there listening to this pathetic woman trying to weasel this service without an ID, and as those annoying brats continue to run roughshod, and the line I'm in screeched to a halt, --
I begin to comprehend the concept of going postal.
Happy Birthday! (2/18/05)
You've seen his dark and twisted comics and cartoons for years, in publications like Playboy,National Lampoon and The New Yorker. While you've enjoyed his warped sense of humor, you probably don't remember his name.
Let's give out a macabre Happy Birthday to .....
GAHAN WILSON!
Mr. Wilson is 75 today.
Let's give out a macabre Happy Birthday to .....
GAHAN WILSON!
Mr. Wilson is 75 today.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
My All-Time Favorite Comic Book Cover
While checking in at the message board on the Captain Comics Message Boards (an excellent message board BTW) the subject of comic covers came up. It got me thinking, out of all of my 10,000 comic books (yes....I collect things) could I possibly pick one cover out of them all as my favorite?
It's said that the age of 11-12 is everyone's personal nostalgic touch stone, the point in your childhood when the cartoons were the best, music the best, candy and gum the best and of course, when you read the best comics. It's, of course, the advantage of looking back in the past when we tend to forget the lousy stuff and to over inflate the best.
In any event, if pressed to choose one cover, I pick this one Fantastic Four #116. I was around 10-11 years old and had been reading comics for a little over a year. The FF was the best for me, no other group of characters came close, especially The Thing. Nothing could make a day better then sitting down and reading the latest adventures of my favorite team.
This was the end of a multi-part story pitting the FF against the alien villain The Overmind. So powerful was The Overmind, that he was able to take over Reed's (Mr. Fantastic) mind and leave the team as a leaderless trio. So dire was their situation that they needed the aide of their nemesis, the ultimate despotic monarch, Dr. Doom!
I'm sure there are plenty of other covers in my collection that are more dynamic, better drawn or prettier to look at, but for me it's the memories this cover brings back that help make it my all time favorite.
It's said that the age of 11-12 is everyone's personal nostalgic touch stone, the point in your childhood when the cartoons were the best, music the best, candy and gum the best and of course, when you read the best comics. It's, of course, the advantage of looking back in the past when we tend to forget the lousy stuff and to over inflate the best.
In any event, if pressed to choose one cover, I pick this one Fantastic Four #116. I was around 10-11 years old and had been reading comics for a little over a year. The FF was the best for me, no other group of characters came close, especially The Thing. Nothing could make a day better then sitting down and reading the latest adventures of my favorite team.
This was the end of a multi-part story pitting the FF against the alien villain The Overmind. So powerful was The Overmind, that he was able to take over Reed's (Mr. Fantastic) mind and leave the team as a leaderless trio. So dire was their situation that they needed the aide of their nemesis, the ultimate despotic monarch, Dr. Doom!
I'm sure there are plenty of other covers in my collection that are more dynamic, better drawn or prettier to look at, but for me it's the memories this cover brings back that help make it my all time favorite.
New Cartoon Network cartoons announced
While they haven't mentioned whether there will be new editions of Justice League Unlimited yet (keeping fingers crossed) I'm not too impressed by any of these "new" cartoons. Seems like a lot of retread ideas.
The new shows are as follows:
Krypto the Superdog (debuts Monday, April 4, at 9 a.m. ET):
After orbiting countless years in space as a test-pilot puppy on a malfunctioning rocket ship built by Superman's father, Krypto the Superdog seeks companionship on Earth.
The Life and Times of Juniper Lee (debuts Sunday, June 5):
A seemingly normal 11-year-old girl is also responsible for maintaining the equilibrium between the world of magic and humanity.
Camp Lazlo (debuts in July on the Fridays block):
A monkey wreaks good-natured havoc in a highly structured summer home.
GPX(debuts in November on the Toonami block):
In the year 2048, IGPX (The Immortal Grand Prix), the world's most popular sport, features two teams of three giant robots driven by human pilots and racing at speeds of 350 mph.
My Gym Partner is a Monkey (debuts early 2006):
Going to school becomes like a trip to the jungle for a 12-year-old boy who is accidentally enrolled in an all animal school.
Returning series include Star Wars: Clone Wars, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Totally Spies, Atomic Betty, Codename: Kids Next Door, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Teen Titans, Justice League Unlimited, D.I.C.E., Dragonball GT, Duel Masters and Ed, Edd n Eddy. New acquisitions include Code LYOKO (26 episodes), Zatch Bell (52 episodes), One Piece (effective in May), Naruto (third quarter), and Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo (fourth quarter).
A boy in an animal school? Giant robots with human pilots??
*yawn*
Here's hoping for some great concepts from Adult Swim.
The new shows are as follows:
Krypto the Superdog (debuts Monday, April 4, at 9 a.m. ET):
After orbiting countless years in space as a test-pilot puppy on a malfunctioning rocket ship built by Superman's father, Krypto the Superdog seeks companionship on Earth.
The Life and Times of Juniper Lee (debuts Sunday, June 5):
A seemingly normal 11-year-old girl is also responsible for maintaining the equilibrium between the world of magic and humanity.
Camp Lazlo (debuts in July on the Fridays block):
A monkey wreaks good-natured havoc in a highly structured summer home.
GPX(debuts in November on the Toonami block):
In the year 2048, IGPX (The Immortal Grand Prix), the world's most popular sport, features two teams of three giant robots driven by human pilots and racing at speeds of 350 mph.
My Gym Partner is a Monkey (debuts early 2006):
Going to school becomes like a trip to the jungle for a 12-year-old boy who is accidentally enrolled in an all animal school.
Returning series include Star Wars: Clone Wars, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Totally Spies, Atomic Betty, Codename: Kids Next Door, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Teen Titans, Justice League Unlimited, D.I.C.E., Dragonball GT, Duel Masters and Ed, Edd n Eddy. New acquisitions include Code LYOKO (26 episodes), Zatch Bell (52 episodes), One Piece (effective in May), Naruto (third quarter), and Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo (fourth quarter).
A boy in an animal school? Giant robots with human pilots??
*yawn*
Here's hoping for some great concepts from Adult Swim.
The NEW Bugs Bunny?????
Whenever I hear someone pontificating how "There's nothing good out in entertainment today, not like the past" I usually take it with a grain of salt. While there are times that I shake my head at the crap Reality Shows on TV and the millions of lame sequels the movie studios continue to spew out I like to think that if you look hard enough, you can find some great new work out there.
Then something like this comes out, and I feel like a complete ass for feeling optimistic about new entertainment projects.
KidsWB plans new series...
In somewhat of a surreal move, WB has revealed it's plan to breathe "new life" into the Looney Tunes franchise- "re-imagined" versions of the classic characters. They will launch a new series based on the descendents Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. The re-invented characters will debut in Loonatics, set in the year 2772. The characters names have yet to be finalized, however the new characters will retain the personality quirks of the original characters. Each individual will even possess a special crime-fighting power as they face-off against the evils of Acmetropolis.
According to WB Animation president Sander Schwartz...
QUOTE
"The new series will have the same classic wit and wisdom, but we have to do it more in line with what kids are talking about today."
..... anytime someone goes out of their way to "give the kids what they want" to write "what the kids are talking about" disaster is sure to follow.
I mean come on WB, why the hell not come up with ORIGINAL characters????!!!! Why the hell do you need to dredge up the classics, bastardize them into this new stuff??? Just to SPONGE off their names.
"Re-Imagined"?????
Give me a break.
Then something like this comes out, and I feel like a complete ass for feeling optimistic about new entertainment projects.
KidsWB plans new series...
In somewhat of a surreal move, WB has revealed it's plan to breathe "new life" into the Looney Tunes franchise- "re-imagined" versions of the classic characters. They will launch a new series based on the descendents Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Lola Bunny, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote. The re-invented characters will debut in Loonatics, set in the year 2772. The characters names have yet to be finalized, however the new characters will retain the personality quirks of the original characters. Each individual will even possess a special crime-fighting power as they face-off against the evils of Acmetropolis.
According to WB Animation president Sander Schwartz...
QUOTE
"The new series will have the same classic wit and wisdom, but we have to do it more in line with what kids are talking about today."
..... anytime someone goes out of their way to "give the kids what they want" to write "what the kids are talking about" disaster is sure to follow.
I mean come on WB, why the hell not come up with ORIGINAL characters????!!!! Why the hell do you need to dredge up the classics, bastardize them into this new stuff??? Just to SPONGE off their names.
"Re-Imagined"?????
Give me a break.
Happy Birthday! (2/17/05)
In recent years it's been hard to find a good new rock band to listen to, let alone a decent one.
Fortunately today's birthday boy formed Green Day in 1990 and with albums like Dookie, Nimrod and American Idiot they've helped a rock & roll starved audience.
So "Welcome to Paradise" and wish a Happy Birthday to.....
BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG!
Joe is 33 today.
Fortunately today's birthday boy formed Green Day in 1990 and with albums like Dookie, Nimrod and American Idiot they've helped a rock & roll starved audience.
So "Welcome to Paradise" and wish a Happy Birthday to.....
BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG!
Joe is 33 today.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Hitchhiker trailer available online!
Great news, a full trailer for the adaption of Douglas Adams excellent book, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is available now to view here.
Good choice of Martin Freeman (Tim from The Office ) as Arthur Dent.
After watching the trailer I'm really looking forward to see this.
Good choice of Martin Freeman (Tim from The Office ) as Arthur Dent.
After watching the trailer I'm really looking forward to see this.
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