Category: TV/Movies

This appears to be a movie that I’m going to have to see. It arrives in theaters, August 14th.

I’ve got say, I’m impressed. I’m not much of a fan of the current horror movie “scene” and I guess that’s precisely why I liked Rob Zombie’s rework of the classic horror movie, Halloween.

Rob Zombie co-produced, directed and wrote this retelling of the story of Michael Myers with impressive results. Zombie could have easily gone the Saw/Hostel route with this movie, with ultra-gorey special effects, and long drawn out torture scenes but instead he created a version of Halloween that stuck close to the original with fresh twists.

The music was good as well. He kept the original theme by John Carpenter which was totally necessary, but also included a creepier version of “Mr. Sandman” which was also in the original film. The song “Don’t Fear the Reaper” was quite comical one scene. Tyler Bates’ musical score kept the perfect amount of suspense without you actually noticing the music, which in my opinion means the composer did his job perfectly.

There were many shots in the Zombie version that were homages to scenes in the original movie, and Zombie even used fans’ knowledge of the original movie against them by making them think they knew where a particular scene was going by keeping the scene true to the orignal, and then changing it at the last minute.

I’d also like to point out that Zombie is a pretty damn good director. He managed to create angles that maintained suspense, intensified surprise, and kept the movie pacing perfect.

If you’re a fan of the original movie, give Zombie’s remake a shot. If a movie snob like myself can appreciate it, you won’t be disappointed.

Erm, I mean 2010!

From the LA Times website :

Past Emmy winner “Futurama” got axed by Fox network in 2003 after five seasons, but it’s developed such a strong cult following since then on DVD and TV reruns that Comedy Central has picked up the show.

“A spokesperson for 20th Century Fox Television confirms that the cable net has ordered 26 new episodes of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen’s late, great animated series to air beginning in 2010,” reports Mike Ausiello at EW.com.

I ‘harrr’ed.

To say that I’m a Star Trek fan, is a pretty big understatement. I’ve seen every episode of every Star Trek series at least twice, and have seen all the movies so many times I’ve lost track. I own Star Trek novels, Technical Manuals, toys, video games, and have even attended 2 Star Trek conventions. So, when I heard that Paramount was “rebooting” the franchise I was very concerned.

I just returned home from seeing the movie tonight, and to my surprise, I quite enjoyed it. The makers of this movie have somehow, inexplicably managed to make a movie that “ordinary” people will enjoy, without alienating existing Star Trek fans. Was Star Trek canon altered? Yes. Was it altered so much that I couldn’t enjoy the movie? No. Sure, the previously established Star Trek timeline and backstory has changed a little, and some of the crews’ relationships have been “tweaked” but in the end, knowing what damage Paramount could have done to the franchise, I’m happy with this movie.

The reason I’m still a little reserved in regard to my praise the film, is because until now, all the movies were based on a TV series, which is what Star Trek is, and should be at its core; an episodic television show that uses the envelope of Sci-Fi to discuss social topics and even provide some social commentary. Obviously, a Star Trek movie can’t really address social issues like a TV series can, (although Star Trek IV and VI did a pretty good job) so in that sense I can’t really say I’m 100% pleased with the direction that the franchise is going. However, disagreeing with the direction of the franchise doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy an action packed Star Trek movie with great production value, acting, and respect for the source material.

In my opinion, this new movie is the best reboot of the franchise a hardcore Star Trek fan like me could hope for. While I didn’t want a re-imagining of my precious Star Trek done in the first place, once I accepted that it was inevitable (it can’t stay the same forever, it IS 42 years old after all) I was able to go see this movie and have a really good time.

So, fellow Trekkers, go in with an open mind, don’t nit-pick the movie to death, and I think you’ll really enjoy it. I’d much rather have a different Star Trek than no Star Trek at all. Maybe, just maybe, this rework of Star Trek was needed in order for the franchise to continue to ‘live long and prosper.’

My buddy Sean told me to go check this out, and if you’re a Star Trek fan, I think you’ll get a kick out of it…

Somebody finally found a use for the movie Troy.

Star Wars: Retold (by someone who hasn’t seen it) from Joe Nicolosi on Vimeo.