iconogeek » Movies

Avatar completely blew me away

Chuck — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:05:09 +0000

I wanted to wait a day to post since I jumped into Wanted without looking and caught immense amounts of crap from J when I changed my iScore for that flick. Well, I’ve waited sufficiently and my mind has not changed at all about Avatar. I am still giddy from this movie. I have the same feeling that I had when I saw Star Wars when I was a kid. The spectacle of this film is astounding. The realism, the believability is just nothing short of groundbreaking. James Cameron and his team have taken us to a world that is 100% believable and engaging.

I think the most curious thing about Avatar is that it is clearly an artistic culmination of James Cameron’s entire career. You can see influences from every single one of his films and for a film geek, that’s just plain FUN to look for. The action of Aliens, the mech/tech of Terminator, the emotion of Titanic, the teeth of Piranha 2, the glowy alien stuff from The Abyss, I could go on. James Cameron is a true artist combining past work and marrying technology and story telling in a way no one else has done before. I am officially on the JC fanwagon (As if I wasn’t before).

I can’t emphasize the realistic nature of this film enough. 60% of Avatar is CG. 60%! And it’s amazing. Today’s CG is incredible anyway (i.e. Transformers, Iron Man), but it’s typically an action-based arena where things are moving so fast (or it’s Mech-based) and can more easily believed. But when you are rendering humanoids with skin, goosebumps, hair – we’re used to seeing that everyday in real life – we’re incredibly critical of any CG that tackles that. Spirits Within was a noble effort, but it wasn’t “there” yet (the characters looked dead) – but now the technology has improved to the point that realistic, “alive” humanoids can be created. Creatures that inhabit the screen with the emotion and warmth of REAL actors. Avatar does this splendidly and leaves you with an awe that just makes you want to make movies (like when you where a kid).

I think Avatar will be the film that future film makers reflect upon as the singular film that got them into movies. Much like Star Wars inspired droves of impressionable kids to grab their Super8′s, dress up in robes and make their own versions of Star Wars (like I did), or as Ace Frehley inspired millions to pick up a guitar. Avatar will be the inspiration point for a fantastic journey of imagination for millions. Even though there are some intense battle scenes and some adult themes, I will be taking my kids to see this. I want them to experience that same feeling I had when I first saw Star Wars. I want them to be able to look back and remember this movie experience and be truly inspired.

To wrap up, Avatar is quite simply the best VFX I have ever seen in a film and quite possible one the best films I’ve seen. Was the story a bit predictable? Sure, but I don’t care. It’s themes are universal and the pure enjoyment of watching this film is what movies (to me) are for. Without hesitation, this film gets an iScore of 10.

Posted via email from Chuck’s posterous

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The best thing about Zombieland? Zombieland.

Chuck — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:27:32 +0000

So I got a chance to catch Zombieland last night and let me tell ya. Freakin’ awesome. When I received a text message from Dodge, that said “I’m kinda embarrassed, I actually liked Zombieland,” I knew it was gonna be good, Dodge is notoriously picky and he is usually dead on.

Now I had heard it was good, and I am pre-disposed to like this movie already, but all that aside…this movie kicked in high gear from the getgo and didn’t stop. Great writing, tight editing (only 1hr 21m), great tongue-in-cheek acting (and even some surprising dramatic moments), and a nice retell of a crowded genre.

The movie had a great sense of humor and a slick style, especially with the opening credits which took the JJ Abrams style of 3D integration and took it one step further (borrowing a bit from Johnny Dangerously, actually). I came home after the flick with a desire to play Left 4 Dead, eat a Snowball, and watch Caddyshack, so if you’re a Z-fan (or even if you aren’t) this movie is a good bet for some excellent, dark-humor escapism.

Time to Nut-up ot Shut-up. I give this flick a 10 because it was just plain awesome and didn’t preach anything. Most apocalypse- genre stuff has an underlying theme about the causes of the apocalypse or they delve into the psychology of the characters (The Waking Dead is an excellent example. If you aren’t reading it, you need to.) but not Zombieland. It’s unapologetic about what it is. Zombies have taken over, so be it, deal. Oh yeah and have fun too.

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Tonight, we got that going for us… Episode 29

iconogeek — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:16:50 +0000

Episode 29 kicks off with Chuck and Jason realizing their getting old (maybe). The conversation moves to keeping in shape, internal clocks and Jason doing dumb things at the gym. The guys get a little serious and discuss the glut of celebrity deaths, Michael Jackson’s transgressions and accomplishments (especially Thriller), Farrah’s awesomeness, Ed McMahon, and David Carradine.

OK, so on to some geek stuff: The Sherlock Holmes trailer and the mystical number 3 (do things really do happen in threes?). Chuck then tries to convince Jason to get on Twitter by playing the international angle. Chuck gets a FlipVideo HD for his birthday and he and Jason discuss the benefits of truly portable video, the iPhone video capabilities, and tweeting the apocalypse.

(Yes, we know the audio quality dips at this point – we blame Skype, but it’s free so what can you do?) Jason relates his experiences with every single film released in the last month (no spoilers though) and Chuck pipes in with “UP” (because that’s the only one he saw). After the tears, Jason lays down his reviews of The Hangover, The Taking of Pelham 123, Year One, Transformers 2. Chuck and Jason then move on to discuss Shia LaBeouf’s rising star and almost get kicked “off the air.”

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The moral of the story is “don’t get a dog”: Episode 23

iconogeek — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:33:52 +0000

Episode 23 kicks off with remembrances of winter, Chuck’s trials and tribulations of owning a dog, and multi-function remotes. Chuck and Jason then eagerly launch into their discussion of the Watchmen movie. The podcast concludes with Jason’s reviews of three new games: Street Fighter 4, Little Big Planet, and Resident Evil 5.

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Tonight, a serious question: Brad Pitt or Ryan Reynolds, Episode 21

Chuck — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:31:02 +0000

Chuck and Jason kick off this just legal podcast with tales of Jason’s intimidating presence. LOST is back and in big way and Jason and Chuck weigh in on the total excellence that is the new season and offer their theories of what’s going on. The Superbowl movie trailers and how they completely kicked ass is up next with anticipation (or not) for GI Joe, Transformers 2, Star Trek, Fast and the Furious, Year One, Land of the Lost, Angels and Demons, and Race to Witch Mountain. The podcast concludes with Chuck’s thoughts on Benjamin Button and Jason lays down the newest DVDs.

Associated Links

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The unplanned anniversary: Episode 20

iconogeek — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:55:41 +0000

As Episode 20 kicks off, Jason and Chuck realize that the iconogeek podcast is indeed 1year old. Happy Birthday to us! First stop Jason gets infected by the Zombie virus and proceeds to play every PS3 game he owns, finishes and shows his love for Metal Gear 4, Fable2, and Dead Space. Chuck then geeks out on his Nikon D40x DSLR and goes back to highschool as he and Jason bond over fstops.

Chuck’s childhood Jedi collaborator stops and becomes a believer in Guitar Hero World Tour (Chuck’s new favorite distraction)

Chuck and Jason then run through the great crop of TV. Battlestar Galactica is back, Chuck eats his words, and Jason drops a hint about a new BSG spinoff. Jason makes Chuck’s day by delivering some great Watchmen news and teases some new trailers: Franklyn, Outlander, Crank 2, and Taken.

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Tonight, the trap is set and the game is on : Episode 19

iconogeek — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:24:44 +0000

Chuck and Jason welcome in the yuletide season with this special Holiday themed episode. They begin by discussing Chuck’s mish-mash heritage and then move into the top 10 Christmas movies (iconogeek style). Next stop Chuck and Jay discuss TV with the end of the Heroes: Villians arc, anticipation of the final Battlestar Galactica season, and Dexter.

Jason gets Chuck one of the best geek-related gifts this holiday season with the Wanted, Special Edition DVD. The podcast wraps with the promise of the next possible great Holiday movie with “The Spirit.”

The iconogeek top Christmas movies:

A Christmas Story
Die Hard
Lethal Weapon
The Ref
Christmas Vacation
Scrooged
Gremlins
Elf
Batman Returns
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas
Reindeer Games

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Otherwise known as the Ryan Reynolds boy-crush hour : Episode 15

iconogeek — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:03:56 +0000

This week, as Jason waits with bated breath, Chuck recounts his latest (and really first) fishing trip and consequent visit to the ER. Afterward, Chuck and Jason discuss Tropic Thunder and how epic the DVD will be and why it’s the best film in the Stiller cannon.

Apologies abound as Chuck and J realize that their summer movie roundup ended a little early. Chuck quickly moves the conversation to Wolverine: Origins as Jason seizes the opportunity to lambaste Chuck on his Ryan Reynolds man-crush.

As Gears of War on Xbox 360 makes an appearance via Terry Tate, office linebacker, Chuck and Jason get nostalgic for Resident Evil’s wonderful dialog. The podcast rounds out with the new Death Race and the original Death Race 2000 with accolades to Robert LaSardo.

Associated Links

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Tonight, Everything’s a 10 : Episode 13

iconogeek — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:19:04 +0000

Tonight is the 13th episode of iconogeek and we start off with nailing cats and volleyball. Chuck and Jay discuss the Hulk briefly and why KITT makes Cesar late. Jason’s wallet lost and found, dumb-ass discounts, and Chuck and Cesar’s Excellent NYC Adventure.

Jason celebrates his second anniversary with seeing every movie currently released. Next up is the binocular inspired Wall•E and why it is truly an exceptional film for kids and 80 year-olds alike.

Chuck, confused by Nightwatch and Daywatch, tries to explain the movies to Jason (who is also confused by them) and it just goes horribly wrong. They both agree that Bekmambetov had clear talent that only needed a bigger budget to truly shine.

Jason then lambaste’s Chuck on his buckling to peer-pressure. The >i< score is discussed in-depth but is ultimately served a mortal blow.

Jason then breaks into Hellboy II and you’ll just have to listen to hear what he thought.

Links for this episode
Wall•E
Hellboy II
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Cut and Paste
NIghtwatch
Daywatch
Classic Creatures

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Watchmen: The Trailer

Cesar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:54:22 +0000

Wow. That’s all I can say, probably one of THE very best graphic novels I’ve had the chance to read. The film is being directed by Mr. 300, Zack Snyder. Hopefully he will be faithful to the graphic novel and bring it to life on the big screen.

You still reading this nonsense? Click on the link already! Nuf’ said!

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He is the man.

Chuck — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:32:03 +0000

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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Tonight, the June movies..we hope. Episode 11

iconogeek — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:16:38 +0000

Now back on track with the iconogeek Summer Movie Preview, Chuck and Jason are fit to discuss June’s movies. But first, Chuck’s new puppy “Juno” and Jason’s new kitten “Niko” are the topic of conversation. Chuck’s wife Michele finally comes to the dark side. Wired validate’s Chuck’s truths on New York pizza and the discussion turns to why our pets and children are named after movie characters. Steven Segal is awesome and why cockpunching is the funniest thing ever.

Don’t mess with the Zohan is up first and Chuck appreciates Sandler’s non-traditional lead character while Jay theorizes that Naveen Andrew’s “Sayid” on LOST was the forerunner of kick-ass foreign characters that, in fact, kick-ass.

Next Chuck and Jay discuss Zohan and Kung Fu Panda, followed by the Incredible Hulk as Chuck explains why he doesn’t like “shiny” superhero movies and Jason experiences directorial gender confusion. The show wraps with the Happening and a discussion of why the “R” is such a big deal.
Links discussed:

The Cockpuncher Trailer

Red Band Trailer for The Happening

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JOOONEEESSS!!!

jason — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:57:29 +0000

So we took in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull this weekend, with I admit some apprehension because of some mixed reviews coming out. It’s a good thing I don’t listen to critics because I thought it was great. Great story, strong performances, familiar faces and just some good old fashioned fun.

A lot of people have been coming down on the story, and I think this is where I am going to differ the most. The film definitely has a sci-fi bend to it and for me that works great. I think because the first films delved heavily into theology in one form or another, people were expecting the same. They all deal with some sort of mysticism, the new film included. The mysticism simply has its roots in different areas.

Harrison Ford and Karen Allen held up pretty well. They both look like they have aged 20 years, but they are still watchable and attractive people that fit comfortably into their roles. Shia Lebeouf also gave a great performance once again, he’s shaping into a great actor.

If you enjoyed the first three Indy flicks you should not leave the theater disappointed in any way.

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Insert catchy phrase here. Episode 9.

iconogeek — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:56:06 +0000

Chuck and Jay open this episode with technology woes ranging from DOA service providers to DVR appetites. Chuck extols his love of TiVo and schemes to get to Harold and Kumar this weekend. Our buddy Ben makes it into the discussion again as the wayward designer living the life.
Jay reminisces about VHS and the speed at which movies are now released on home video. Chuck gets nostalgic about his first VHS and the old Showtime and Jerrold boxes as Jay remembers his first site of breasts (on Showtime of course).

Finally the show turns to Indiana Jones as Chuck talks about making Raiders in his youth but then slides into his first encounter with a Mac, the Commodore Vic20, and the lightpen. Jay remembers his early programming days then gets the show back on track!

The show wraps with a discussion about the movie, Harrison Ford’s box office supremacy and Jay’s take on the new Indiana Jones games coming out.

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You did what with my car?

Chuck — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:46:54 +0000

The latest Bond movie hit a bit of a snag when Bond’s Aston Martin ended up in a lake as it was being delivered to the set in Rome, Italy.

We’re like a bad penny, we just keep turning up. Episode 8.

iconogeek — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:41:21 +0000

Chuck and Jay are back from sick leave and raring to get into a lively discussion about Indiana Jones (as promised), unfortunately tangents take over as Chuck waxes nostalgic about Frank Zappa, why 8-tracks suck and Sony’s proprietary formats do as well. Jay convinces Chuck NOT to buy Blue-Ray…yet, and to get off his ass and get a flat screen already (because after all, it’s for the kids), then wraps with an LCD vs Plasma debate.

Chuck and Jay then discuss the new Max Payne movie, NBC’s new fall schedule, the Love Boat, and the release date of Crystal Skull – then promptly run out of time. Next week Indy, we promise, we hope.

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We’ve got a massive set of tangents. And yes, they’re real. Episode 7

iconogeek — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:43:11 +0000

The tangents fly in this episode as Chuck continues his quest for the most expensive family entertainment and learns why the Directors’ Hall isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Jason defends Goobers’ honor and agrees that 10,000 BC is indeed the worst caveman movie ever made.

The countdown to summer movies continues with Ironman, and the new batch of excellent actors making superhero flicks; Speed Racer is up next and its saturated nostalgic goodness; followed by the unthreatening Narnia franchise as Jason and Chuck throw more love Frodo’s way.

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We’re just waiting for May cuz April…ehhh…not so good. Episode 6

iconogeek — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:29:05 +0000

Erin Go Braugh and welcome to the first annual St Patty’s Day iconogeek podcast. This episode Jason visits Bob’s discount circus while Chuck experiences the real deal and spends way too much for cotton candy. A discussion about lightsaber duals in the nude and Jason tries to explain why he feels Doomsday is the height of entertainment. Chuck expounds on his love for coffee and why a $15,000 coffee maker may be a good investment as Jay delivers the lowdown on the new DVDs this week especially the extended version of “I am Legend.”

While Chuck and Jason plea for Christian Bale to call into the show, the summer movie countdown continues with Street Kings, 88 Minutes, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Forbidden Kingdom, and the best movie of April: Harold and Kumar 2.
Links:

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We’re rated X, not that NC-17 crap. Episode 5

iconogeek — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:41:34 +0000

In this episode Jason relates fond childhood memories of watching R-rated movies with his dad while Chuck comes clean about his fear of the deep end (and dark basements). As Jason stalls for time, Chuck finds out why Angels are just plain badass and the Highlander training movie “Accidental Quickenings and you” is discovered.

The first installment of the iconogeek summer movie countdown begins with this episode as Jason and Chuck discuss March’s offerings. First up is 10,000 BC and why they just don’t make cavemen movies like they used to. In yet another tangent, Jason and Chuck ponder “Is Jason Statham the newest action hero – the heir to Stallone and Arnold?” and try to discover the difference between action heroes of yesterday and today
Chuck wants to know why there are no yuppies in future maximum security detention cities such as Doomsday; Keyser Soze goes to Vegas; and Ross makes a movie about a fat boy.

Links:

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Now with more foreplay. Episode 4

iconogeek — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:25:15 +0000

Episode 4, February 25, 2008

Jason and Chuck discuss the new Beowulf DVD and ponder 3D outtakes, jump a shark, delve deep into the Highlander universe; and try to understand how Sam Jackson picks his films.

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Dumper.

Chuck — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:06:09 +0000

I so wanted to like this movie. Really I did. Usually when Sam Jackson is in a flick and he’s got weird hair – it’s gonna be good (Case in point: “Pulp Fiction” vs. “Deep Blue Sea”). I mean, look at this pedigree:

Director: Doug Lyman
Writer: David S. Goyer
Actors: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane, Rachel Bilson, Michael Rooker

Jesus, how do you screw that up? Oh wait, don’t have a plot. Riiiiiiiiight. Throw in some cool SFX (which are freakin’ awesome BTW) and some excellent actors (who are excellent, BTW – especially Rooker who is way underused) and maybe the audience will look past the open ended plot lines and dead-end back story. Wait, back story? Did I say back story? I meant “back-line” because that’s all it got on screen. “Paladins have been hunting Jumpers since the middle ages,” that’s it. I was waiting for them to explain Jumping is made possible my Midi-chlorians for christ’s sake.

Uugh. I’m sure Jason will love it as he holds a Crank/Jumper love-fest, but oh man. This movie had soooo much potential, maybe Jumper 2 will make it a plausible property.

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First Look at the new Wolverine movie

Chuck — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 04:14:52 +0000

So X-Men origins:Wolverine is hitting theaters May 1, 2009. The flick will be a prequel to the movies and trace Logan’s life as well as his introduction to the Weapon X project. Details on the plot are guarded (I wonder if it will touch on any of Barry Windsor-Smith’s excellent Weapon X miniseries) but Sabertooth will play a heavy part as well as some other cameos. I’d be intrigued if Vindicator and Maverick where dropped in, some good ole Canuck supes.

‘Nuff Said.

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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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DVD Tuesday!

jason — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:39:39 +0000

DVD’s coming out this week that interest us, and may interest you…

The Invasion – Starring Tom Cruise’s Ex-Beard and James Bond in a pseudo remake of the sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The Nines – because it has Ryan Reynolds, and Chuck has a ‘Big-Boy-Crush’ on him

The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters – a humorous look at Steve Weibe and his trials to take the world champion of Donkey Kong title from the supremely coiffed reigning champ Billy Mitchell.

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Being a geek is not an option, but pants are. Episode 1

iconogeek — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:24:13 +0000

Episode 1, January 20, 2008

Ahh yes, the first show. This week, Jason and Chuck discuss Cloverfield and the relative emasculatory properties of handheld camera work. Also on tap is Crysis, Finger Eleven and Paramore.

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