Over the weekend, Ransom sent along a link to a Batman fan film. Unlike most fan films, this particular item isn't some pudgy guy in an off-the-shelf Batman costume yelling loud enough so that the mics will pick him up over the sound of the wind and his mom telling him to quit embarassing himself.
Created by Bat in the Sun Productions, the movie's production quality is surprisingly high. The folks behind this movie put a lot of love, thought and, frankly, money into making this one. The actor hired to play Batman/ Bruce Wayne is built (unlike Michael Keaton) like someone who could, likely, take your head off with a good spin kick. The actor selected for The Joker, and the makeup, all professional grade.
The story feels a bit like a two or three issue fill-in story that occasionally crops up in one of the main Batman titles. The events of the story include a grisly crime, and the nature of the crime (and the acts of the criminal) provide Batman with fodder for reflecting upon an aspect of his "mission", which, in the comics, we'd normally track with narration boxes, but in this case, we're given a voice over. Comic fans will be pleased to see how the filmmakers deal with Batman's costume, his vehicles and technology, as well as seeing characters who appear to be Montoya and Allen, two homicide detectives from the mid-90's through the mid-00's in Batman titles. Plus, we get a peek at live action interpretations of some of Batman's B-ist rogues gallery.
I don't want to dwell on how the script could have been tightened up, or how the film could have had a more deft directorial touch. There's no question that as a comics fan film, this is the best work to date.
However, this is a long movie for an internet clip, running over half an hour. So, you know, get comfortable.
Film. Comics. Sci-Fi. Superheroes. Pulp. Noir. History. Superman. 20th Century Archaeology.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Watching "Get Him to the Greek"
I'd seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall on cable, which I actually enjoyed in the way you enjoy a movie you accidentally watch in its entirety on cable. Get Him to the Greek isn't exactly a sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but it does feature the further adventures of rock star Aldous Snow, Marshall's boyfriend from the first film. I don't regret not catching Sarah Marshall in the theater, but it had some good bits.
Under threat of seeing The A-Team on Saturday, I managed to reroute myself to see Get Him to the Greek, which I wasn't actively trying to avoid, but simply didn't care if I saw it.
Honestly, the movie is a bit of a mess. The basic concept of sending a young wanna-be record label rep to go retrieve Aldous Snow from England and bring him to LA was intended to make us all laugh knowingly at the high-living, irresponsible lifestyle of a rock star. But in Sarah Marshall, the character had made a clear point regarding his sobriety. So, rather than just enjoy the funhouse ride of the premise, the movie tries to have its cake and eat it, too, when it comes to the topics of sobriety, drugs and how these issues can effect relationships.
Clearly the movie doesn't want for you to think about this stuff too much, and, in fact, I'd say that a lot of the conclusions the film takes us to don't seem particularly any happier or healthier for anyone than where they started out, while suggesting that everyone is living happily ever after. Which sort of makes me wonder about the creators' lifestyles, but I suppose that's both supposition and none of my business.
I guess I wanted the movie to just embrace the premise without any worry about moralizing or even much but the A-plot in the same way that The Hangover managed to pull off (The Hangover, btw, is a still very watchable movie on a second viewing, I learned about three weeks ago). Get Him to the Greek just doesn't have enough time and isn't written strongly enough to feel like they pulled off what they were trying to attempt, which is too bad as the movie is absolutely at its strongest when the characters are just going with the absurdity of their situation. Slowing down to reflect upon broken relationships, etc... sends the story through herky-jerky tonal shifts that don't suit it, or the actors, very well.
If you've seen the trailers, and you've seen other movies coming out of the Jonah Hill/ Apatow/ Segal camp, then you know that a lot of the movie was likely improvised and given how many scenes didn't include material shown in the trailer, its not hard to guess a lot of content was left on the cutting room floor.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is actually surprisingly funny as a character the audience can guess is basically Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Russell Brand and Jonah Hill execute their parts with the aplomb you'd expect, when the story isn't getting mopey. Mad Men's Elizabeth Moss manages to play a bit more than the hapless girlfriend, given her limited screen time, but this won't be a huge surprise to fans of Mad Men.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh very hard at some scenes, even a few that had me squirming a bit. But at other points I was just left scratching my head at "why did they choose this direction?"
Anyhow, if I wanted to employ a rating system, I'd recommend just waiting for premium cable or a Red Box rental, and lowered expectations. But that' sort of the story of this summer, anyway.
Under threat of seeing The A-Team on Saturday, I managed to reroute myself to see Get Him to the Greek, which I wasn't actively trying to avoid, but simply didn't care if I saw it.
Honestly, the movie is a bit of a mess. The basic concept of sending a young wanna-be record label rep to go retrieve Aldous Snow from England and bring him to LA was intended to make us all laugh knowingly at the high-living, irresponsible lifestyle of a rock star. But in Sarah Marshall, the character had made a clear point regarding his sobriety. So, rather than just enjoy the funhouse ride of the premise, the movie tries to have its cake and eat it, too, when it comes to the topics of sobriety, drugs and how these issues can effect relationships.
Clearly the movie doesn't want for you to think about this stuff too much, and, in fact, I'd say that a lot of the conclusions the film takes us to don't seem particularly any happier or healthier for anyone than where they started out, while suggesting that everyone is living happily ever after. Which sort of makes me wonder about the creators' lifestyles, but I suppose that's both supposition and none of my business.
I guess I wanted the movie to just embrace the premise without any worry about moralizing or even much but the A-plot in the same way that The Hangover managed to pull off (The Hangover, btw, is a still very watchable movie on a second viewing, I learned about three weeks ago). Get Him to the Greek just doesn't have enough time and isn't written strongly enough to feel like they pulled off what they were trying to attempt, which is too bad as the movie is absolutely at its strongest when the characters are just going with the absurdity of their situation. Slowing down to reflect upon broken relationships, etc... sends the story through herky-jerky tonal shifts that don't suit it, or the actors, very well.
If you've seen the trailers, and you've seen other movies coming out of the Jonah Hill/ Apatow/ Segal camp, then you know that a lot of the movie was likely improvised and given how many scenes didn't include material shown in the trailer, its not hard to guess a lot of content was left on the cutting room floor.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is actually surprisingly funny as a character the audience can guess is basically Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Russell Brand and Jonah Hill execute their parts with the aplomb you'd expect, when the story isn't getting mopey. Mad Men's Elizabeth Moss manages to play a bit more than the hapless girlfriend, given her limited screen time, but this won't be a huge surprise to fans of Mad Men.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh very hard at some scenes, even a few that had me squirming a bit. But at other points I was just left scratching my head at "why did they choose this direction?"
Anyhow, if I wanted to employ a rating system, I'd recommend just waiting for premium cable or a Red Box rental, and lowered expectations. But that' sort of the story of this summer, anyway.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Batman: What to Read/ What Order?
As much as you'll find a lot of Superman talk around The Signal Watch, I'm also a fan of The Dark Knight Detective.
Batman has been around almost as long as Superman, and its likely there's as much or more in the way of Batman in print out there as The Man of Steel. Reader Mike F. pinged me on Twitter. He's been reading the superlative "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller and David Mazzuccelli. Which, if you like Batman but don't read comics, you owe it to yourself to read this comic.
There are a few ways to answer the question of "what do I read next?" Do you read more Frank Miller? More David Mazzuccelli? Or more Batman?
Well, I'm generally always going to recommend reading more Frank Miller and David Mazzuccelli. So let's talk Batman.
The biggest problem with jumping into Batman comics at the current date is that the monthly Batman comics are knee-deep in an ongoing, multi-year storyline (in which Bruce Wayne is not currently Batman, btw). So I don't recommend heading down to your local comic shop at the moment unless you're interested in picking up either "Superman/ Batman", "Batman: Confidential" or "Batman: The Brave and the Bold", all of which are intended for various audiences, but all intended so that a reader can pick up Batman comics any time without feeling like they just walked into the third act of a movie.
So, Batman...
I've tried to put these comics down in the order in which I think they should be read. I've also provided a "Required Read Level" or "Req Level", to help you judge how necessary this story might be to understanding subsequent comics. And, of course, this is my opinion and my opinion only. Counter arguments, suggestions, etc... are all welcome in the comments.
I should also note: There's a period in the mid-90's when I simply wasn't reading Batman. I abandoned Batman just prior to "Broken Bat" and didn't return to read "Contagion" or any of the earthquake/ "No Man's Land" stuff. I sort of regret not reading more of the "No Man's Land" stuff, but there you have it. I came back around 1998, and have been reading fairly steadily since. I invite other Bat-fans to join in with their take on what I might have missed, or to argue some of these "Required Reading Levels".
Batman: Year Two (Req Level: High) This comic isn't bad, but reading it reinforces the notion of what a feat Miller and Mazzuccelli pulled off with Year One to lift Batman out of the standard tropes of superhero comics. Mostly, Year Two serves an important function from a chronological standpoint and to answer some of the questions you might have about decisions a young Bruce Wayne would have had to answer early on in his career. The series is occasionally referenced in other media and the Batman comics.
Batman: The Long Halloween (Req Level: High) Jeph Loeb tells a great story, adding on to Batman's early career, following a pre-Robin Batman as he passes through a year of dealing with his rogues gallery, Gotham mobsters and a mysterious set of murders.
Batman: The Mad Monk and Batman and the Monster Men (Req Level: Low) Not a necessary read, but a darn good one. 80's comic legend Matt Wagner came roaring back with retellings of some of Batman's earliest and greatest stories from the 40's, integrating them into continuity. It definitely leans more toward superhero-ism than just detective work and the gritty feel of Year One, but its great to see DC making an effort to keep some of these original tales alive and updated.
Robin: Year One (Req Level: Medium) I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this particular comic. Retells the origin of Batman's sidekick from some of Batman's better writers.
Batman: Dark Victory (Req Level: Medium) The follow up to Batman: The Long Halloween.
Batgirl: Year One (Req Level: Low) A fun read. The origin of DC's Batgirl.
Batman: Son of the Demon (Req Level: Medium) A favorite 80's-era tale of Batman versus Ra's Al Ghul, one of the most interesting of Batman's Rogues Gallery.
Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told (Req Level: Low) Not really necessary reading, and the copy I have was originally timed for release with the Tim Burton-directed Batman film, so you can guess when they quit adding stories to the volume. But its a nice slice of Bat-history in one, very readable volume.
Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told (Req Level: Low) A very similar read to the Batman volume, but featuring tales starring the Clown Prince of Crime.
Batman: A Death in the Family (Req Level: High) One of the most important Batman stories, this four-issue series would be one of a few comics to dictate the direction of the Batbooks for 20 years.
Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Req Level: Medium) This series followed not too long upon A Death in the Family, and pulls double duty as Year Three and introducing the third Robin, Tim Drake.
Batman: The Killing Joke (Req Level: Highest) Perhaps the most iconic of all Batman/ Joker stories, The Killing Joke defined how a generation would interpret The Joker, and his relationship to Batman, ultimately spilling out into the movie The Dark Knight. As a kid, this comic melted my brain.
Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth (Req Level: High) A personal favorite. This comic would establish Arkham as far, far more than just a jail for Batman's villains. Today's readers will know the series mostly due to the influence its had on the current Batman titles and the game it helped spawn that sold millions of copies and is due for a sequel. Morrison's writing and McKean's surrealist imagery form an hallucinatory exploration of the archetypes of evil Arkham is damned to contain and create. Its also one of those comics where writing and art gel to create a work that seems to stand outside the genre and form. Unfortunately, its also led to a lot of half-baked attempts to milk the initial concept.
Batman: Hush (Req Level: Low) While I enjoyed Hush, and it was certainly a highlight of the post 2000-era Batman, this story seemed to generate more trouble than it was worth. However, it does contain key plot points and introduces the villain, Hush.
Batman and Son (Req Level: Medium) The first chapter in the current storyline for Batman comics. Spins directly out of the 1980's Son of the Demon comic. The beginning of an epic, multi-year arc.
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Req Level: Low) While not required reading and hardly in continuity or canon, this story is an odd farewell to multiple visions of Batman as seen over the years.
A Special Mention:
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Req Level: incalculable) Probably the most important comic post 1945, The Dark Knight Returns isn't even in continuity, but Frank Miller reset how three generations would think about Batman, superheroes, and the content of superhero comics. It would also, artistically , change the form of the superhero comic forever. Rife with political satire, unpleasant truths about our caped heroes, and perhaps the first real look at how superheroes might play out given time... It also set up generations of people to think Superman was kind of dumb (which was always kind of missing the point).
Some Additional Batman Reading:
Batman: War on Crime A standalone, painted Batman oversized comic. Beautifully told and rendered, and cutting to the core of what makes Batman work as a character.
Gotham Central A series about the police force operating in Gotham City. The series was never properly appreciated in its time.
JLA: New World Order Grant Morrison reminded us why Batman is so crucial to the JLA in a few short issues. Would establish Batman's presence within the DCU for the next 10 years.
Nightwing: Year One
DC Comics Classics Library: Batman, The Annuals Batman used to be really goofy. I don't know what else to say about it.
Batman has been around almost as long as Superman, and its likely there's as much or more in the way of Batman in print out there as The Man of Steel. Reader Mike F. pinged me on Twitter. He's been reading the superlative "Batman: Year One" by Frank Miller and David Mazzuccelli. Which, if you like Batman but don't read comics, you owe it to yourself to read this comic.
There are a few ways to answer the question of "what do I read next?" Do you read more Frank Miller? More David Mazzuccelli? Or more Batman?
Well, I'm generally always going to recommend reading more Frank Miller and David Mazzuccelli. So let's talk Batman.
The biggest problem with jumping into Batman comics at the current date is that the monthly Batman comics are knee-deep in an ongoing, multi-year storyline (in which Bruce Wayne is not currently Batman, btw). So I don't recommend heading down to your local comic shop at the moment unless you're interested in picking up either "Superman/ Batman", "Batman: Confidential" or "Batman: The Brave and the Bold", all of which are intended for various audiences, but all intended so that a reader can pick up Batman comics any time without feeling like they just walked into the third act of a movie.
So, Batman...
I've tried to put these comics down in the order in which I think they should be read. I've also provided a "Required Read Level" or "Req Level", to help you judge how necessary this story might be to understanding subsequent comics. And, of course, this is my opinion and my opinion only. Counter arguments, suggestions, etc... are all welcome in the comments.
I should also note: There's a period in the mid-90's when I simply wasn't reading Batman. I abandoned Batman just prior to "Broken Bat" and didn't return to read "Contagion" or any of the earthquake/ "No Man's Land" stuff. I sort of regret not reading more of the "No Man's Land" stuff, but there you have it. I came back around 1998, and have been reading fairly steadily since. I invite other Bat-fans to join in with their take on what I might have missed, or to argue some of these "Required Reading Levels".
Batman: Year Two (Req Level: High) This comic isn't bad, but reading it reinforces the notion of what a feat Miller and Mazzuccelli pulled off with Year One to lift Batman out of the standard tropes of superhero comics. Mostly, Year Two serves an important function from a chronological standpoint and to answer some of the questions you might have about decisions a young Bruce Wayne would have had to answer early on in his career. The series is occasionally referenced in other media and the Batman comics.
Batman: The Long Halloween (Req Level: High) Jeph Loeb tells a great story, adding on to Batman's early career, following a pre-Robin Batman as he passes through a year of dealing with his rogues gallery, Gotham mobsters and a mysterious set of murders.
Batman: The Mad Monk and Batman and the Monster Men (Req Level: Low) Not a necessary read, but a darn good one. 80's comic legend Matt Wagner came roaring back with retellings of some of Batman's earliest and greatest stories from the 40's, integrating them into continuity. It definitely leans more toward superhero-ism than just detective work and the gritty feel of Year One, but its great to see DC making an effort to keep some of these original tales alive and updated.
Robin: Year One (Req Level: Medium) I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this particular comic. Retells the origin of Batman's sidekick from some of Batman's better writers.
Batman: Dark Victory (Req Level: Medium) The follow up to Batman: The Long Halloween.
Batgirl: Year One (Req Level: Low) A fun read. The origin of DC's Batgirl.
Batman: Son of the Demon (Req Level: Medium) A favorite 80's-era tale of Batman versus Ra's Al Ghul, one of the most interesting of Batman's Rogues Gallery.
Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told (Req Level: Low) Not really necessary reading, and the copy I have was originally timed for release with the Tim Burton-directed Batman film, so you can guess when they quit adding stories to the volume. But its a nice slice of Bat-history in one, very readable volume.
Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told (Req Level: Low) A very similar read to the Batman volume, but featuring tales starring the Clown Prince of Crime.
Batman: A Death in the Family (Req Level: High) One of the most important Batman stories, this four-issue series would be one of a few comics to dictate the direction of the Batbooks for 20 years.
Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Req Level: Medium) This series followed not too long upon A Death in the Family, and pulls double duty as Year Three and introducing the third Robin, Tim Drake.
Batman: The Killing Joke (Req Level: Highest) Perhaps the most iconic of all Batman/ Joker stories, The Killing Joke defined how a generation would interpret The Joker, and his relationship to Batman, ultimately spilling out into the movie The Dark Knight. As a kid, this comic melted my brain.
Arkham Asylum - A Serious House on Serious Earth (Req Level: High) A personal favorite. This comic would establish Arkham as far, far more than just a jail for Batman's villains. Today's readers will know the series mostly due to the influence its had on the current Batman titles and the game it helped spawn that sold millions of copies and is due for a sequel. Morrison's writing and McKean's surrealist imagery form an hallucinatory exploration of the archetypes of evil Arkham is damned to contain and create. Its also one of those comics where writing and art gel to create a work that seems to stand outside the genre and form. Unfortunately, its also led to a lot of half-baked attempts to milk the initial concept.
Batman: Hush (Req Level: Low) While I enjoyed Hush, and it was certainly a highlight of the post 2000-era Batman, this story seemed to generate more trouble than it was worth. However, it does contain key plot points and introduces the villain, Hush.
Batman and Son (Req Level: Medium) The first chapter in the current storyline for Batman comics. Spins directly out of the 1980's Son of the Demon comic. The beginning of an epic, multi-year arc.
Batman: Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Req Level: Low) While not required reading and hardly in continuity or canon, this story is an odd farewell to multiple visions of Batman as seen over the years.
A Special Mention:
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Req Level: incalculable) Probably the most important comic post 1945, The Dark Knight Returns isn't even in continuity, but Frank Miller reset how three generations would think about Batman, superheroes, and the content of superhero comics. It would also, artistically , change the form of the superhero comic forever. Rife with political satire, unpleasant truths about our caped heroes, and perhaps the first real look at how superheroes might play out given time... It also set up generations of people to think Superman was kind of dumb (which was always kind of missing the point).
Some Additional Batman Reading:
Batman: War on Crime A standalone, painted Batman oversized comic. Beautifully told and rendered, and cutting to the core of what makes Batman work as a character.
Gotham Central A series about the police force operating in Gotham City. The series was never properly appreciated in its time.
JLA: New World Order Grant Morrison reminded us why Batman is so crucial to the JLA in a few short issues. Would establish Batman's presence within the DCU for the next 10 years.
Nightwing: Year One
DC Comics Classics Library: Batman, The Annuals Batman used to be really goofy. I don't know what else to say about it.
The Admiral and KareBear take Rome
The Admiral sent me this pic. This is what he and The KareBear are up to on their Roman Holiday.
Happy Father's Day
Like Jor-El, The Admiral is prone to making wild and seemingly insupportable proclamations predicting our imminent doom.
Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there who may be regular readers of The Signal Watch.
A special shout out to The Admiral and DocDik, My Two Dads.
This means I am an adorable, oddly well-adjusted pre-teen girl.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Weekly Watch Wind: 06/18/2010
Video Games/ DC Comics: DCU Online now available for pre-order.
Great. Now I need a new computer.
Passing/ Creator: Al Williamson, a legendary comic artist has passed. Honestly, I believed Williamson had been dead for years, but... oh, well.
I know him from his work on Flash Gordon, but he also did this one short story I read in a book about the realities and speculation around space travel entitled "Rocketship". I was shocked to see a page from that story included in the gallery (image #11).
The story is basically about how man's attempts to reach the stars will be doomed by our inability to leave our most basic human failings behind when we hit the intergalactic highway. Reading this story in middle school made me believe we'd never truly achieve our potential as a species.
Batman/ Pornography: Comics Alliance posts a review of the very adult film, "Batman XXX". The review does nothing to diminish my curiosity, but I am unwilling to risk divorce for a cheap laugh (sort of). The review is NOT SAFE FOR WORK (or M-i-L or The KareBear), btw.
From the review:
Memes/ Keanu: Likely you've heard of this by now. It makes it no less... awesome. The Signal Watch also really hopes things pick up for Keanu by the weekend.
Liefeld/ Comics: Did you read comics in the 1990's? Well, then you likely remember oddly proportioned men and women carrying enormous weapons and smothered in dozens of pockets. This whole scene was developed by comic artist/ writer, Rob Liefeld, who now embodies the excesses of comics in the 90's to many comic fans.
Well, nothing is crueler than a comic fan with a web site and a long memory.
Two Liefeld links of note:
1) A reminder of what not to do when they give you the Captain America assignment
2) Liefeld Rulz! - tribute artists pay homage to Rob Liefeld's style
special thanks to MikeF. for the links!
Aquaman/ BP: I think Randy and Simon send me this. So sad.
E3/ Interviews: I'm not actually linking to anything here. I'm just saying: there is seemingly nothing more pointless than an E3 interview (except for maybe interviewing pop stars).
Movies/ Comics: I'm gonna buy this comic of the upcoming Machete! movie.
Great. Now I need a new computer.
Passing/ Creator: Al Williamson, a legendary comic artist has passed. Honestly, I believed Williamson had been dead for years, but... oh, well.
I know him from his work on Flash Gordon, but he also did this one short story I read in a book about the realities and speculation around space travel entitled "Rocketship". I was shocked to see a page from that story included in the gallery (image #11).
The story is basically about how man's attempts to reach the stars will be doomed by our inability to leave our most basic human failings behind when we hit the intergalactic highway. Reading this story in middle school made me believe we'd never truly achieve our potential as a species.
Batman/ Pornography: Comics Alliance posts a review of the very adult film, "Batman XXX". The review does nothing to diminish my curiosity, but I am unwilling to risk divorce for a cheap laugh (sort of). The review is NOT SAFE FOR WORK (or M-i-L or The KareBear), btw.
From the review:
...but seriously, they look like they're having fun. And why shouldn't they? I mean, Dale DaBone gets to be Batman and a porn star at the same time.
That dude is straight up living the dream.
Memes/ Keanu: Likely you've heard of this by now. It makes it no less... awesome. The Signal Watch also really hopes things pick up for Keanu by the weekend.
Liefeld/ Comics: Did you read comics in the 1990's? Well, then you likely remember oddly proportioned men and women carrying enormous weapons and smothered in dozens of pockets. This whole scene was developed by comic artist/ writer, Rob Liefeld, who now embodies the excesses of comics in the 90's to many comic fans.
Well, nothing is crueler than a comic fan with a web site and a long memory.
Two Liefeld links of note:
1) A reminder of what not to do when they give you the Captain America assignment
2) Liefeld Rulz! - tribute artists pay homage to Rob Liefeld's style
special thanks to MikeF. for the links!
Aquaman/ BP: I think Randy and Simon send me this. So sad.
E3/ Interviews: I'm not actually linking to anything here. I'm just saying: there is seemingly nothing more pointless than an E3 interview (except for maybe interviewing pop stars).
Movies/ Comics: I'm gonna buy this comic of the upcoming Machete! movie.
Superboy and the Legion
I know we've got a dearth of Legion fans in the audience, but this cover made my day.
New "Smurfs" movie looks... unsmurfable...
At this late date, I can't believe movie trailers are using Tone Loc, or that Tone Loc hasn't decided that maybe that song has been overused in trailers.
Also, what are they saying about about Smurfette by choosing that song..?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tremé, American Experience, Mythbusters
On Tuesday, Jamie informed me that she didn't care if "The A-Team" was awful, she wanted to get out and see a really big, dumb action movie. I am either with her or against her.
I am probably going to see "Giant" by myself on Sunday, so that may or may not answer that particular question.
I don't know what it is. Likely the very hot summer that has descended upon us, but I am having a small spate of not-giving-a-damn. That doesn't help much with blogging about movies, comics and TV.
Show I am watching: Tremé
I'll be down when this season of Tremé ends. I didn't catch The Wire when it was on (I have plans for watching it while riding my elliptical machine), so this is my first time around with these creators and some of the actors.
I read somewhere that a reviewer liked Tremé until they felt it got "a little preachy".
Look.
Not only does that suggest you've missed the entire point of the show (it's like complaining that they kept talking about drugs on The Wire), but its also exactly the issue New Orleans faced then and from which they never could recover.
Anyhow, its not the best thing I've ever seen on TV, but its a very well executed show, and one of the few examples I can cite of what TV can do as a medium that seems to respect and expect something from its audience.
You also can't beat the casting (I don't watch CSI, so its been a pleasure to see Khandi Alexander on TV again after loving her on the late, great News Radio).
Show I am Watching: The American Experience
Probably one of the best programs on PBS, The American Experience is a lazy ex-history major's dream program. 1-2 hour documentaries on all sorts of topics from American history, especially of the last 150 years (from when photographs or film are available). It's a remarkably well managed series, especially given the wide ranging contributors and topics, but its almost always worth the watching in order to better understand the US.
The previous, patriotic opening (recently replaced by an oddly kick-ass opening I can't find online):
Show I am watching: Mythbusters
Who knew watching fireballs would still be entertaining after this many years?
I still love Mythbusters. Say what you want about TV as fantasy fulfillment, but this show really does answer a lot of questions I never knew I had and more than occasionally tries something I'd really like to do (see: parking a car behind a 747 engine). Plus, explosions.
I can't believe none of these people has sustained serious injury
Anyway, I recommend following Adam and Grant on Twitter. Totally worth it.
So what are you watching?
I am probably going to see "Giant" by myself on Sunday, so that may or may not answer that particular question.
I don't know what it is. Likely the very hot summer that has descended upon us, but I am having a small spate of not-giving-a-damn. That doesn't help much with blogging about movies, comics and TV.
Show I am watching: Tremé
I'll be down when this season of Tremé ends. I didn't catch The Wire when it was on (I have plans for watching it while riding my elliptical machine), so this is my first time around with these creators and some of the actors.
I read somewhere that a reviewer liked Tremé until they felt it got "a little preachy".
Look.
Not only does that suggest you've missed the entire point of the show (it's like complaining that they kept talking about drugs on The Wire), but its also exactly the issue New Orleans faced then and from which they never could recover.
Anyhow, its not the best thing I've ever seen on TV, but its a very well executed show, and one of the few examples I can cite of what TV can do as a medium that seems to respect and expect something from its audience.
You also can't beat the casting (I don't watch CSI, so its been a pleasure to see Khandi Alexander on TV again after loving her on the late, great News Radio).
Show I am Watching: The American Experience
Probably one of the best programs on PBS, The American Experience is a lazy ex-history major's dream program. 1-2 hour documentaries on all sorts of topics from American history, especially of the last 150 years (from when photographs or film are available). It's a remarkably well managed series, especially given the wide ranging contributors and topics, but its almost always worth the watching in order to better understand the US.
The previous, patriotic opening (recently replaced by an oddly kick-ass opening I can't find online):
Show I am watching: Mythbusters
Who knew watching fireballs would still be entertaining after this many years?
I still love Mythbusters. Say what you want about TV as fantasy fulfillment, but this show really does answer a lot of questions I never knew I had and more than occasionally tries something I'd really like to do (see: parking a car behind a 747 engine). Plus, explosions.
I can't believe none of these people has sustained serious injury
Anyway, I recommend following Adam and Grant on Twitter. Totally worth it.
So what are you watching?
What goes on
I am trying to draw aeroplanes
It is very hard. The wings do not like to be drawn in perspective. I am mad at Joe Kubert and how easy he makes it looks to draw aeroplanes. Also, I am a cartoony drawer, so it is not helping me here.
This is my troublesome model.
.JPG)
It is crappy. I have ordered a new model that is bigger. I am waiting for it to come by mail.
I was hoping my friends would help me.
Usually you can count on the Justice League. And Power Girl.
but the Supermans want me to draw Supermans
They always want me to draw Supermans. And The Flash.
It is very hard. The wings do not like to be drawn in perspective. I am mad at Joe Kubert and how easy he makes it looks to draw aeroplanes. Also, I am a cartoony drawer, so it is not helping me here.
This is my troublesome model.
.JPG)
It is crappy. I have ordered a new model that is bigger. I am waiting for it to come by mail.
I was hoping my friends would help me.
Usually you can count on the Justice League. And Power Girl.
but the Supermans want me to draw Supermans
They always want me to draw Supermans. And The Flash.
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