iconogeek » Just Cool

Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, jealous much?

Chuck — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:50:39 +0000

I am a big comic geek. Not so much now, but from the time I was a kid to sophmore year in college I collected a lot of comics. I have over 3,000 bagged and boarded in moisture resistant cardboard downstairs. Did I say I was a comic book geek?

Marvel was always my thing, most of the DC universe really didn’t catch my eye. That is until DC started churning out great films like Superman, Batman, etc. Well, now Green Lantern is poised as the next big DC franchise with Ryan Reynolds at the helm. Now, for those of you that have listen to the podcast you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Mr. Reynolds. So I was torn since the next superhero I wanted to see Reynolds play was Deadpool; that is until I saw this on the latest Entertainment Weekly in my mailbox:

Now, this suit does look pretty damn awesome in this shot and I am told that it is entirely CG. The film is still in its early stages so I am unsure if this shot is photoshop’ed, or an early test of the CG mapping. Either way, it has a great look and takes the “feel” of Lantern’s actual suit and makes it current and believable.

Green Lantern is intended to hit theaters next year (6/17/2011).

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Is this the new face of Mortal Kombat? I hope so.

Chuck — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:46:38 +0000

My buddy, Cesar, sent me a link the other day (he does this on a regular basis as he finds cool stuff here and here) and as usual, I clicked on it. What came before me was a VIDEO THAT LEFT ME SLACK-JAWED. I remember when the Mortal Kombat video game came out and I pumped tons of quarters into that game in the arcade. Mortal Kombat was the first of its kind to use realistic looking characters and featured the now famous “Fatality” scenes.

In 1995, Paul W.S. Anderson took the video game to the big screen taking the core concept of the video game (a martial arts tournament) and wrapping it around a better film premise (Enter the Dragon). Much to my geek delight, the film was tons of fun and cemented the scream “MORTAL KOMBAAAAAT” into my speech lexicon for that summer.

So you could imagine my excitement when this new re-envisioning began to play. Michael Jai White (yes, of Spawn fame), plays Jaxx (look at the door to his office), Johnny Cage is apparently dead, but Sonja Blade is back, played by Jeri Ryan (7 of 9, anyone?).

According to Slashfilm, the clip is a short spec film shot by Fame director Kevin Tancheron back in April as a pitch to get the job.

Well, I think he did an awesome job. He’s taken the tired concept of the fight contest (Can it really get any better than Bloodsport?) and actually made it pretty relevant. In seven minutes he’s explained why Baracka looks like an animal, and why we even need to care about the tournament.

I hope studio execs stand up and take notice and give this guy the job. What he did on no budget and a couple RED cameras is phenomenal. I, for one, am gonna remember his name whether or not this reboot flies.

Watch the VIDEO HERE.

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Is the iPad’s 3G a waste of money?

Chuck — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:40:39 +0000

So, the iPad looks really freakin’ cool. And like a good little Fanboy, I sat on gdgt.com and watched the live update of the keynote. I was excited about the product, and it was pretty close to what I had expected. A larger iPod Touch with some hybrid features like productivity apps. Whether you can get some actual “work” done on it I’ll wait until I “feel” they virtual keyboard. Although, I used to NOT like the iPhone virtual keyboard, but I’ve grown to like it..so we’ll see.

Then I saw the price. $499 is the right price at the entry level. But the additional $130 for the 3G AND $14.99/month to get started? Sorry. No thanks.

It’s not like you’re carrying this thing around outside and going to bars, or being stuck in traffic. I see it more as a “sit on the couch” thing. Browse the net, do some email, maybe have some X-10 controls for your home (cool remote stuff) THAT would be awesome (Crestron are you listening????). Maybe, using it in hotels or airports – all of which have WiFi – so where’s the benefit of the 3G?

Commuters maybe? Just sync it before you leave for the train (like you do your iPod). Do you really need the LATEST news on the 75 min ride into Manhattan?

Oh, and one more thing. Would it KILL Apple to have some external memory? I know, this is their model, but they could have slashed the price more by just giving it an SD slot instead of onboard memory. and included a 16G chip to start. What if the iPad was $459 instead? Someone smarter than me can chime in about speeds of onboard memory compared to an SD card bus, please.

Even with these gripes, I was pantomiming having one last night as I watched Burn Notice and White Collar on USA. Would have been cool to have it on the couch during the commercials. So, any one want to donate to the iconogeek iPad fund

Posted via email from Chuck’s posterous

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I’m a Marvel…I’m a DC…It’s f’n brilliant.

Chuck — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:05:19 +0000

Thanks Doug for the link.

‘Nuff Said.

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Wolverine (I hate movie reviewers)

jason — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:49:16 +0000

Yes, I hate movie reviewers. I am including myself to some degree, although no one is paying for my opinion. I read the reviews for Wolverine yesterday before seeing it at the midnight showing and all of the bashing had me concerned. Don’t believe the bullshit. It’s a great, fun(ny) and action packed start to the summer movie season.

Hugh Jackman was great, fully embracing the character and story and making even preposterous scenes feel genuine. This is another case that depending on your knowledge of the original comic books your mileage may vary as far as overall enjoyment. If you’re going to get pissy about every little detail not being carried over from the books, or about the filmmakers taking certain liberties then you’ll have some issues. If you haven’t read the books or are more forgiving, I think you’ll enjoy the crap out of this like I did. However, I do wish Deadpool, Agent Zero and Gambit got a bit more screen time because what was there was simply awesome.

Only 3 things got me, and all were FX related. First is Cyclops… who in general I just don’t care for, but the younger version is on screen a few times and the eye-beam gets to do some spectacular damage. Here is the first issue. Where does the eye-beam effectiveness end? It cuts through buildings but then it just stops? Seemed like they got lazy and didn’t want to have to animate another building falling down.

The other two were just crappy/weird FX that felt out of place when compared to the rest of the polished pieces throughout. One is a mirror shot with Wolverine’s claws… looked crappy and plastic. The other was a close up of Wolverine shredding a fire escape. Watch for those two and see if you agree.

Anyway, I think you’ll have a good time if you’re a fan of the X-men movies or the Wolverine character. It tells a great story, explaining a lot about the character and his motivations, his rivalries and attitude. Don’t listen to toolbag reviewers (including me) and go check it out for yourself.

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Who Watches the Watchmen?

jason — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:01:13 +0000

Well… um… we do? I mean it’s out now in theaters.

Luckily that question is not the only one I have answers for today as we were able to catch the Watchmen at a midnight showing last night.

Here’s another question: Was it any good?

Hell yes it was. Brutal, graphic, pretty to look at, well paced, well acted and it hit a very large majority of the books major points right on the head.

Here is where things get tricky. If you did not read the book, you’ll likely be confused as hell at times and you’ll probably be surprised by the overall adult nature of it. You see this is not the Xmen, or Spiderman or any other average comic book. The majority of the ‘heros’ have some heavy pyschological issues, 0 superpowers and are basically masked vigilantes that the majority of society would like to see locked up permanently. The only guy that actually has any real super-type abilities is mostly devoid of emotion and really doesn’t give a shit about the human race.

So if you read the book and loved it and you’re not a detail nazi (ZOMG!!!11!! RORSHACH IS SUPPOSED TO GO HOME FOR HIS SECOND MASK!!! THIS MOVIE IS RUINED!!!) then you’ll love it. They pulled no punches when it came to the graphic nature of the novel, so don’t be surpised to see shredded flesh, attempted rape, a bunch of breasts, compound fractures, blue penises (penii??) and more.

Bottom line is this. It’s not for everyone, but for the fans of the graphic novel it seems like the movie version you could have only hoped for.

BTW: yes the ending has been changed and that entire plotline that goes into the construction of the ’squid’ has been scrapped, but I think it’s for the best. The movie’s ending not only performs the exact same function, it actually feels more legit.

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Tom Brokaw for President!

Chuck — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:06:01 +0000

Seriously, this guy is OWNING the debate. I could have swore he just said “ONE minute bitches!” I’m waiting for him to break out Master Blaster and start the “2 men enter, 1 man leaves” chant.

I almost didn’t watch this debate since I was sure it was going to be the same old finger pointing. But as soon as Brokaw laid down the law. I was in for the haul.

He’s got my vote.

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For Your 1-Stop Zombie Shopping Needs

Cesar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:04:31 +0000

Apparently Amazon understands that there is a market out there for the few of us who want to be on alert/ready when WWZ happens.

Almost everything you need to ready yourself for most Zombie Scenarios can be purchased here.

http://www.amazon.com/zombie-killing-weapons-survival-items/lm/R2PL8FOY8C78JF

This list also includes the Zombie Survival Bible; I call it Bible because its far more than a guide. I’m not trying to learn how to Macramé, I’m trying to survive zombies and calling it anything other than a Bible is an insult to this god-send scripture and I for one will not befoul its worth by addressing it as a “guide”.

‘Nuff said!

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Bit? Turning? Already Turned? Brains?

Cesar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:04:51 +0000

“Oh, well, you know, I should go out there and like get back in the dating game and stuff. I mean but what’s the point, like the Zombie Apocalypse (2012) is coming and when I turn, like, I’m not gonna be ‘dateable’…”

WRONG!!!

That excuse can no longer be used now that we have Zombie Harmony.

Created by Mingle2.com (Dating for non-zombies)

You, the zombie, can search based on critera ranging from no limbs to freshly turned, from immobile to slow-moving. It also contains little meaty chunks of information from featured members on the home page, what more can you ask for!

Wonder if there is a niche for affiliate marketing in the Zombie Dating arena. Nuff’ Said.

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The perfect gift for Mrs. iconogeek.

Chuck — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:45:48 +0000

For all you geeks out there looking for the perfect gift for your girlfriend/wife/significant other. I found these on ebay and they’re just too unique. I got a set for the wife and she loved ‘em. POINTS! Dig it!

Piggy Pig Earbuds on ebay

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Johnny Lee getting some airplay.

jason — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:05:10 +0000

We had mentioned Johnny Lee a few weeks back and he seems to really be getting some recognition these days. (I’m not claiming we had anything to do with it.) He gained quite a bit of notoriety with his Wii hack videos and TED.com now has a new video posted where he gets into some of his concepts. Can’t wait till he gets some funding, I’m sure he’ll be working on my robot slaves or something equally important within the next few years.

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Our robot overlords ARE coming…and they’re quadrupeds.

Chuck — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:51:16 +0000

This is so cool, it’s freakin’ creepy. Our friends over at Gizmodo posted this video of Boston Dynamics’ BigDog quadruped robot. Keep watching the vid and checkout when the guy tries to kick it over AND when it slips on the ice. Duuuuude, it’s creepy.

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Peter Gunn rides again..

jason — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:38:29 +0000

Remember Spy Hunter? Loved it as much as me? Always wanted to drive the car from the game when you were finally old enough to get a license? Cried all the way home the 10th time you failed your driving test at the age of 28? If so Pontiac has just the car for you.

Go here to watch the Best Car Commercial Ever.

Watch it.

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SMASH! (bonus:301)

jason — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:33:29 +0000

Finally we’re seeing some marketing for the new Hulk movie. This is a “trailer-teaser” a preview of the actual trailer… yeah kind of weird but whatever. The full trailer can be seen tonight on MTV at 9:56pm. I was one of the few people that actually enjoyed the last Hulk movie, but I am also really looking forward to this one. Edward Norton is an incredible actor, and anything that involves good CGI and superheros is a win for me.

Also… could be some big news, or some big rumors. Mark Canton discusses the possibility of a new 300 movie. The wife and I were just talking about this the other day after seeing King Leonidas on a movie poster for some crappy looking kids movie. I know he’s got to pay the bills… but he set the bar pretty high for himself and to see him cheesing it up with Jodie Foster, some kid and a seal is somewhat disappointing.

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Portable NES? Yespls.

Cesar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:25:57 +0000

Now if the left had a 7inch screen…

Sneaker Pimps Nintendo thru Digg

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Terminator 4 just got interesting.

jason — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:12:46 +0000

After Terminator 3: Breasts, a movie audiences found somewhat disappointing (I loved it), many thought that the franchise was dead. Now with a television series and a whole new crew working on the next Terminator movie a lot of people have been wishing it would just go away.

The franchise definitely can use some good news, and here it is. Batman has signed on to play the adult John Connor in T4 out May 22nd, 2009. Christian Bale has proven himself as a diverse and exciting actor, hopefully he can pull this franchise back up.

** as a side note I was just thinking how kick ass it would be to have a Batman vs Terminator movie. Someone in Hollywood call me, I’ve got the plot all worked out. It involves cat food. I’ll tell you more over the phone.

Anyone watching the television show? I’d like to hear some impressions.

By the way I was going to put up a picture of Christian Bale, but I couldn’t locate one (didn’t try)anywhere on the web. I had to run with this one of Kristanna Loken from Terminator 3 instead… sorry.

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Gears of War 2 in November WOOOOO!

jason — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:24:31 +0000

Check out IGN for a whole bunch of news from the Game Developers Conference including the first video from Gears of War 2. Lot’s of great info coming out so jump on over and see the latest announcements.

And if you’ve never seen Lester Speight as Terrible Terry Tate (aka: Cole Train from Gears of War) the Office Linebacker, you should be ashamed of yourself and go to youtube now and watch them all.

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H2000000000 that’s a nice car

Chuck — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:29:26 +0000

Morgan’s developing an insanely cool 1930’s styled car that’s Hydrogen powered. New Technology, Retro Design – freakin’ awesome.

Check it out on Wired.com

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Excuse me is that a light saber in your pocket…?

Chuck — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:07:05 +0000

So, there I was cleaning out the basement and I come across this excellent, handmade light saber hilt. A buddy of mine (Doug, where are you man?) actually made this for me many years ago and it’s really rather cool. The main body is made from a chrome-plated tube (I think a piece of drain pipe), some black plastic flex tubing a piece of a hair brush, a faucet handle, some large metal washers, and some various bolts and switches.

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Great news! Our computer overlords are almost here.

jason — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:31:49 +0000

So some researchers over at IBM are in the process of building a computer that can RUN THE ENTIRE INTERNET.

Seriously, that warrants caps.

Read the full article for a bit of explanation as to how they plan to make this machine capable of hosting the entire web as an application.

I for one welcome our computer overlords and offer forth my services as a liaison between them and the human ~~plague~~ race. In exchange I would like to be paid in robot slave girls. Oh, I’ll require an office with a hot tub as well.

Thanks.

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So what does Marsellus Wallace look like?

Chuck — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:55:47 +0000

I’ll tell you what he looks like. Damn fine typography, that’s what he looks like.

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Shit, my iPod’s dead and all I got is this onion and some Gatorade…

Chuck — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:31:47 +0000

An onion charged with sports drink electrolytes! Enough juice to charge your iPod! No Shit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPJeDssBOM

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Not your average movie poster.

jason — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:19:45 +0000

www.cultmovieart.com : Since I’m such a whore for anything related to Fight Club…

I came across these guys in an ad and thought what they were doing was pretty cool. Seems they do acrylic paintings and limited edition prints from popular movies and some television. They have a sharp look about them, isolating the characters on white and choosing dramatic shots you wouldn’t normally find in traditional movie posters.

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Steampunk NERF…too awesome

Chuck — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:07:08 +0000

I love Steampunk stuff, the whole look and style of it. Check out these cool-ass mods.

http://gizmodo.com/349300/steampunk-nerf-weaponry

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