2008 June Archive at iconogeek

Monthly Archive for June, 2008

But where did the lighter fluid come from?

Published

on June 30, 2008

in TV

. 0 Comments

Finally, Hollywood has thrown us weary fans a frickin’ bone and apparently decided to green light a big screen version of Fox’s short-lived phenomenon that was Arrested Development. IMDb.com has it set to release in 2009, and with the writer’s strike over, I think this is a possibility.If this flick turns out to be half as good as season 2 of the show, I’ll be satisfied. For a show that was so short lived, I have supreme confidence in presenting a list of past/present comedies that AD is better than.1. Friends 2. Will & Grace 3. Everybody Loves Raymond 4. How I Met Your Mother 5. Family Guy .That’s right, I said Friends, watch the show and you’ll be looking forward to the movie as much as I am.

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He is the man.

Published

Chuck

on June 29, 2008

in Movies and Uncategorized

. 2 Comments

Yep, James McAvoy is totally the man. And for that matter so is Timur Bekmambetov. Jesus Christmas, I just saw Wanted and I gotta say it kicked much ass. I had very high hopes for this movie and I was not disappointed. I have to admit, I wasn’t quite sure McAvoy could pull it off. He plays great doe-eyed innocence, but action hero? Well, let me just say, he f’n pulls it off, and pulls it off big.

The premise works and I dug it - a millenia-old order of assassins working to keep fate on track (this does deviate a bit from the comic’s plot - but they did a great job in adapting it to the screen). I was able to accept the mystical aspect of it (which they leave largely unexplained) and just completely immerse myself in this film. It handled exposition rather well, with a cheeky VO á la Blade Runner and got into the action at just the right moment. The pacing felt great, the acting was spot on and the effects were tight. Bekmambetov takes John Geata’s bullet time and pushes it even further.

The action is crazy-over-the-top with amazing chase sequences that tip their hats to Point Break, The French Connection, and the Matrix. In addition, you’ll see tons of little in-jokes like a VERY Han-in-Carbonite scene about half-way through the flick. I think my favorite was the appearance of Konstantin Khabensky as one of the Fraternity members.

Angelina Jolie is, of-course, awesome, any time you need a beautiful ass-kicking chick with a heart, she’s your go-to-girl. And Common even makes a great turn as the “Gunsmith”. And if your life won’t be complete until you hear Morgan Freeman say “Shoot this mother-fucker” well then…you’ve come to the right movie. I always like when he is in these mentoring style roles, even though this is nowhere near the gravitas of Se7en, he pulls them off really well. Terence Stamp makes an appearance as well and he plays it straight, not over-the-top (and I always love when General Zod shows up)

Ya know, I think Bekmambetov may have some father issues now that I think about it - lots of father figures in this flick, but I think that’s a topic for the podcast. Before I go, I gotta drop an >i< score of a 9 on this one. Action, humor, in-jokes, fun - it’s got it all - and coupled with great direction, effects AND sound. Go see it, you won’t be left wanting…except for a sequel.

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Clip it, cut it and put it on in. BTW it’s nowhere near as dirty as it sounds : Episode 12

Published

iconogeek

on June 23, 2008

in podcasts

. 0 Comments

Fighting past weather and connectivity issues, Jason and Chuck soldier on. This week Chuck and Jason debate “28 Weeks Later” and discuss why zombie movies don’t have to jump the shark. Carrying over from last week, Jason offers his review of The Happening and the guys discuss the death of the Night twist and brow furrow acting. Chuck tangents off to “The Pursuit of Happyness” and marvels at Will Smith’s acting chops. Of course, this leads into another tangent on Scientology, Religion, Jesus = Fonzy, and the creation of a new geek religion.

With possibly the best segue in iconogeek history, Jason deftly steers the conversation back towards the Hulk. Jason delves into the movie’s CG and why Ang Lee’s Hulk now officially sucks. The >i< score is discussed in detail and Chuck offers a quick recap of Kung Fu Panda.

Wrapping up the June movies, the discussion turns to The Love Guru and whether Mike Myer’s humor is still relevant, albeit it does look funny. Get Smart follows as Chuck recounts fond memories of the TV show and why Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does indeed kick ass.

Wall•E is next, but first, while Chuck feels Pixar = Roland; Jason hates “Cars”, seriously… he hates it. Lastly, Chuck and Jason discuss “Wanted” and how it just can’t miss, Timur Bekmambetov insane action sequences, and possibly the best freeze frame in trailer history.

Links discussed:

Wanted Redband trailer

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Episode 12 [42:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (28)

To the World: You were right, I was wrong.

Published

jason

on June 18, 2008

in Movies and Smash

. 0 Comments

I’ve taken a lot of flack over the years for being the one person on earth that enjoyed Ang Lee’s Hulk. I could never understand what the problem was. He was a comic book character and for me the movie was fun to watch. I like Eric Bana. I really like Jennifer Connelly. He rips a tank apart! Whatever, judge me if you like.. I enjoyed it.

However.

I saw the new Hulk this weekend, and I guess you were all right… Ang Lee’s Hulk is just an ugly bastard of a movie in comparison. This is what a Hulk movie should be. Ridiculous over the top tense and exciting action sequences, enjoyable characters (good interplay between Norton and Tyler, although Jennifer Connelly was much more ‘appealing’), fantastic superpowers, great CGI and most importantly a ton of fun. This movie will get an assload of play on my home theater when it comes to DVD.

The CGI had a few moments of ‘eh’ .. you know where you look at it, and something seems off but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Overall though it was top notch. The integration of live action and 3d was especially noteworthy, which is where most movies have issues. This is where the Hulk excels, pitting his massive frame against normal sized individuals had an awesome impact.

Definitely go check this one out. It’s a 10 in my book.. not an Iron Man 10, but a 10 nonetheless.

P.S. No need to stay past the end credits this time… they throw you the bone right before it ends.

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