Since posting about the Iron Man anime a few minutes ago I've been thinking about the amount of Marvel anime/manga that is about at the moment. Not only is there an Iron Man anime but there is also a Wolverine anime
This also looks rather awesome as it seems to be set in Japan which is fanboy/fangirl dream. One question though, why does Wolverine have a waist length mullet?
Of course there is also the works of Stan Lee himself in the shape of not just a manga but also an anime series of Heroman and the manga Karakuridoji Ultimo.
What's next a Japanese Spiderman?
Oh...
Friday, 30 July 2010
Thank Marvel it's Friday!
So today I have been especially excited over 2 different Marvel projects that are being released over the next year and I've decided to share this with you, the interwebs.
Thor
Yesterday loads of new footage from San-Diego Comic-Con was released onto the internet, and just as swiftly as it arrived it dissapeared. Fortunately I was able to catch a glimpse of it before all trace vanished and I can tell you it got me excited. Before this video, even after seeing the photos of him in costume, I was concerned over the casting of Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin, he just didn't seem warrior-god enough but now it seems I owe Kenneth Brannagh an apology. Sorry Ken.
Like I said this footage is now impossible to find so until further videos are released or the trailer is put out I leave you with this interview which has some awesome shots from the film.
Iron Man: The Anime
Back in the '90s (and later on aged about 18) I enjoyed sitting down with my dad and watching Iron Man and now it seems that Iron Man is back, with a Japanese make-over. I first heard about this project about a year ago, got a little excited, and then promptly forgot about it but again San-Diego brought it back to my knowledge. The trailer for this show looks so damn awesome that it sort of makes me a bit terrified to watch the actual show incase my anime Stark dreams are shattered into a million cliche'd anime sweatdrops. Although, when I think about it, if this show does suck at least I'll still have the awesomeness of the '90's electric guitar intro.
Thor
Yesterday loads of new footage from San-Diego Comic-Con was released onto the internet, and just as swiftly as it arrived it dissapeared. Fortunately I was able to catch a glimpse of it before all trace vanished and I can tell you it got me excited. Before this video, even after seeing the photos of him in costume, I was concerned over the casting of Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin, he just didn't seem warrior-god enough but now it seems I owe Kenneth Brannagh an apology. Sorry Ken.
Like I said this footage is now impossible to find so until further videos are released or the trailer is put out I leave you with this interview which has some awesome shots from the film.
Iron Man: The Anime
Back in the '90s (and later on aged about 18) I enjoyed sitting down with my dad and watching Iron Man and now it seems that Iron Man is back, with a Japanese make-over. I first heard about this project about a year ago, got a little excited, and then promptly forgot about it but again San-Diego brought it back to my knowledge. The trailer for this show looks so damn awesome that it sort of makes me a bit terrified to watch the actual show incase my anime Stark dreams are shattered into a million cliche'd anime sweatdrops. Although, when I think about it, if this show does suck at least I'll still have the awesomeness of the '90's electric guitar intro.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Top 12 Animated Films (Part the First)
Hello all! I'm finally back from my weekend of moving and to celebrate my return I have for you a list of my what I consider the best animated films. Of course I could only choose from films I have actually watched myself so if your favourite films are not on here then tough luck, I probably haven't seen it.
12) Coraline
Based on a story by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman (I freely admit being a bit of a Gaiman fangirl) and directed by Henry Selick this film just screamed potential. This top-motion film tells the tale of Coraline who discovers a secret passage way which leads to the 'Other World' where it seems that life is perfect. However she soon learns that not all is as it seems and that nothing comes without a price.
Suitably cute and chilling in all the right places, and not afraid to treat children to scares rarely seen in other films, Coraline is sure to become an animated classic.
11) Sleeping Beauty
This Disney Classic actually has a lot more to it than meets the eye, and this becomes obvious when you watch it again as an adult. Take a look at the art style, it's one you won't see in any other Disney film. Every bit of the background art was inspired by the type of artistry found in the Medieval period and is very styalised. As well as this it's the first time that we actually see a Disney Prince with his own character and role within the film, in fact I would say that Phillip is much more developed as a person than Rose.
You may also note that the music throughout is almost completely based upon Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet. The only other time that Disney has used so much non-original music was in it's Fantasia films.
Factoid: This was the last Disney Princess movie until The Little Mermaid in 1989.
10) Chicken Run
Aardman is probably the best example of the greatness that can be created in the great British garden shed. A few years after releasing A Grand Day Out and receiving an Oscar or two Nick Parks gave us his first feature length claymation work featuring some guy called Mel Gibson who you may or may not have heard of.
At the end of the day Chicken Run is The Great Escape with chickens a film that only a guy in a shed in Lancashire could dream of and make into comedy reality. Even if you don't like gravy you can't help but like this film.
9) The Nightmare Before Christmas
Yet another stop-motion classic from Henry Selick, this time utilising the story telling abilities of the wonderfully gothic Tim Burton. I'm always confused as to whether I should watch this at Hallowe'en or Christmas, or both, or if I should just ignore it all and watch it whenever I want. Whatever time you choose to indulge in the tale of Skeleton Jack there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the brilliant story telling. I also challenge you to not get 'This is Hallowe'en' or 'What's This?' in your head for hours after viewing.
Let me not forget that this film is also essential cult viewing for all those of the goth or emo persuassion.
8) Shrek
Despite the poor sequels (I admit I have yet to watch Shrek 4) the original outing of Shrek and friends was brilliant and quite different from anything else upon its release. It perfectly parodies the classic fairytales. especially the Disneyfication of such stories, yet it does not rely on this comedy to foward the plot instead allowing the story to introduce these moments. There is a real connection between the characters of Shrek and Fiona and there is also real character development between all three lead characters.
I like Shrek so much that I can even forgive Mike Myers for his not quite awful, but at the same time not quite right Scottish Accent. Almost.
7) Wallace and Gromit The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Aardman returned to the big screen in 2005 with the duo that started it all, Wallace and Gromit. The story follows cheese-loving Wallace and his long suffering dog Gromit as they embark on a career in humane pest control during the time of the annual village vegetable competition. Thrown into this typically British scenario is a tale straight from a 1950s American B-movie as Wallace is accidently turned into a were-rabbit as a result of his inventions.
What makes not only this film but all Aardman creations so special is the knowledge that each frame of animation was a labour of love. It famously takes the animators hours of work in order to film just as couple of seconds of film and to do this for a film which is over an hour long takes not only dedication but belief in bringing only the best to the screen.
12) Coraline
Based on a story by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman (I freely admit being a bit of a Gaiman fangirl) and directed by Henry Selick this film just screamed potential. This top-motion film tells the tale of Coraline who discovers a secret passage way which leads to the 'Other World' where it seems that life is perfect. However she soon learns that not all is as it seems and that nothing comes without a price.
Suitably cute and chilling in all the right places, and not afraid to treat children to scares rarely seen in other films, Coraline is sure to become an animated classic.
11) Sleeping Beauty
This Disney Classic actually has a lot more to it than meets the eye, and this becomes obvious when you watch it again as an adult. Take a look at the art style, it's one you won't see in any other Disney film. Every bit of the background art was inspired by the type of artistry found in the Medieval period and is very styalised. As well as this it's the first time that we actually see a Disney Prince with his own character and role within the film, in fact I would say that Phillip is much more developed as a person than Rose.
You may also note that the music throughout is almost completely based upon Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Ballet. The only other time that Disney has used so much non-original music was in it's Fantasia films.
Factoid: This was the last Disney Princess movie until The Little Mermaid in 1989.
10) Chicken Run
Aardman is probably the best example of the greatness that can be created in the great British garden shed. A few years after releasing A Grand Day Out and receiving an Oscar or two Nick Parks gave us his first feature length claymation work featuring some guy called Mel Gibson who you may or may not have heard of.
At the end of the day Chicken Run is The Great Escape with chickens a film that only a guy in a shed in Lancashire could dream of and make into comedy reality. Even if you don't like gravy you can't help but like this film.
9) The Nightmare Before Christmas
Yet another stop-motion classic from Henry Selick, this time utilising the story telling abilities of the wonderfully gothic Tim Burton. I'm always confused as to whether I should watch this at Hallowe'en or Christmas, or both, or if I should just ignore it all and watch it whenever I want. Whatever time you choose to indulge in the tale of Skeleton Jack there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the brilliant story telling. I also challenge you to not get 'This is Hallowe'en' or 'What's This?' in your head for hours after viewing.
Let me not forget that this film is also essential cult viewing for all those of the goth or emo persuassion.
8) Shrek
Despite the poor sequels (I admit I have yet to watch Shrek 4) the original outing of Shrek and friends was brilliant and quite different from anything else upon its release. It perfectly parodies the classic fairytales. especially the Disneyfication of such stories, yet it does not rely on this comedy to foward the plot instead allowing the story to introduce these moments. There is a real connection between the characters of Shrek and Fiona and there is also real character development between all three lead characters.
I like Shrek so much that I can even forgive Mike Myers for his not quite awful, but at the same time not quite right Scottish Accent. Almost.
7) Wallace and Gromit The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Aardman returned to the big screen in 2005 with the duo that started it all, Wallace and Gromit. The story follows cheese-loving Wallace and his long suffering dog Gromit as they embark on a career in humane pest control during the time of the annual village vegetable competition. Thrown into this typically British scenario is a tale straight from a 1950s American B-movie as Wallace is accidently turned into a were-rabbit as a result of his inventions.
What makes not only this film but all Aardman creations so special is the knowledge that each frame of animation was a labour of love. It famously takes the animators hours of work in order to film just as couple of seconds of film and to do this for a film which is over an hour long takes not only dedication but belief in bringing only the best to the screen.
Friday, 23 July 2010
The Poetry of Dawkins
I'm off for the weekend but I leave you with this parting present. Goodbye and enjoy.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
You're Tearing Me Apart Wiseau!
As you may or may not know 2003 saw the release of what is in all probability the worst film ever made in the history of everything and what you also may or may not know is that last week the internet reviewer known as The Nostalga Critic posted a video on the film. Over the last 2 years the Nostalgia Critic has featured many bad films on his show, the majority of which belong to major film studios, and has never had any trouble when he used film footage in his videos. That is until now. Tommy Wiseau has ordered for the video (and one other video review of his film) to be removed from the site stating copyright infringement. It gets better, even though NC criticises and parodies the film throughout the review he ends by telling people to go out and watch the film, either by going to one of the many midnight screenings or by buying the DVD. He tells people to give Tommy Wiseau money!
I was actually seriously considering buying this film to experience it for myself but after this fiasco I can't bring myself to do it. So I ask you, the people of the internet, to boycott Tommy Wiseau and his terrible acting/writing/directing/producing and visit instead www.thatguywiththeglasses.com .
p.s. for a great take on this whole situation go to thecinemasnob.com.
I was actually seriously considering buying this film to experience it for myself but after this fiasco I can't bring myself to do it. So I ask you, the people of the internet, to boycott Tommy Wiseau and his terrible acting/writing/directing/producing and visit instead www.thatguywiththeglasses.com .
p.s. for a great take on this whole situation go to thecinemasnob.com.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Boohahahahaha
I've been a bit lazy these past couple of days but what I have done is rediscovered a fan made video of Minori from Toradora! I absolutely love this character, she is immensley adorable and at the same time very self efficient plus she's great at baseball (which is just an Americanised version of rounders, which is pretty cool).
Watch, laugh and possibly be freaked out.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
My Top 12 Kids Shows (Part 3)
Here we go, it's my top 4 TV shows from when I was a child.
4) Woof!
Woof! was basically the story of a boy who had the strange ability to transform into a dog but not the ability to be able to control when this happened. It is such a British show and I doubt that it ever got any air time overseas but if you can find an episode online watch it. The 2007 winner of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Mr Christopher Biggins, was even in an episode.
3) Fun House
It's wacky, it's fun, it's crazy, it's outrageous, it's Fun House! Pat Sharpe you were my childhood god, entertaining me every Friday night and getting me ready for the weekend. I don't know a single child who didn't want to be on that show, who wouldn't give almost anything in order to get the chance to go through that final Fun House. In fact I would still give my right leg in order to have the chance to play this game (although I suppose I would then be at a severe dissadvanage).
2) Knightmare
I think you should know by now that I love Knightmare and everything that it involved and again I always wanted to be a contestant. Although the graphics don't look like much at all today at the time I believed everything I saw in those dungeons could be real and felt a real sense of danger for the one who was tasked to actually wander through the castle. For a great review of this classic show head over to www.spoonyexperiment.com and although he is American he captures everything we love about this show. Treguard, I love you.
1) Sabrina the Teenage Witch
When I was compiling this list there was absolutely no doubt in my mind what would be number one, it just had to be Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I have watched every single episode of this show and every one of the movies and loved them all. Looking back now it's clear to see that the show was brilliant when Sabrina was still in high school but started going downhill after she went to university and then got a journalism job but it never stopped me watching until the final episode, and I'll admit it did make me cry. So thank you Melissa Joan Hart and Nikelodeon for bringing me great childhood memories.
4) Woof!
Woof! was basically the story of a boy who had the strange ability to transform into a dog but not the ability to be able to control when this happened. It is such a British show and I doubt that it ever got any air time overseas but if you can find an episode online watch it. The 2007 winner of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Mr Christopher Biggins, was even in an episode.
3) Fun House
It's wacky, it's fun, it's crazy, it's outrageous, it's Fun House! Pat Sharpe you were my childhood god, entertaining me every Friday night and getting me ready for the weekend. I don't know a single child who didn't want to be on that show, who wouldn't give almost anything in order to get the chance to go through that final Fun House. In fact I would still give my right leg in order to have the chance to play this game (although I suppose I would then be at a severe dissadvanage).
2) Knightmare
I think you should know by now that I love Knightmare and everything that it involved and again I always wanted to be a contestant. Although the graphics don't look like much at all today at the time I believed everything I saw in those dungeons could be real and felt a real sense of danger for the one who was tasked to actually wander through the castle. For a great review of this classic show head over to www.spoonyexperiment.com and although he is American he captures everything we love about this show. Treguard, I love you.
1) Sabrina the Teenage Witch
When I was compiling this list there was absolutely no doubt in my mind what would be number one, it just had to be Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I have watched every single episode of this show and every one of the movies and loved them all. Looking back now it's clear to see that the show was brilliant when Sabrina was still in high school but started going downhill after she went to university and then got a journalism job but it never stopped me watching until the final episode, and I'll admit it did make me cry. So thank you Melissa Joan Hart and Nikelodeon for bringing me great childhood memories.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Everyone is Fond of Owls
Including myself, I even bought a necklace today with an owl on it, I also bought a new hat. What does this have to go with anything at all I hear you say? The answer is this, it's a terrible link to a trailer for the latest film by Zack Snyder.
I just don't know what this is or why this is. Is this world populated by nothing but owls? How do owls, with no hands, create the helmets they are clearly seen wearing? Why is it that everytime I see the word Ga'Hoole I automatically think Goa'uld (although wouldn't that be awesome, owls fighting alien slug posessed humans)? How come I've never heard of the book series this film was based on? I really don't think I'll be watching this film when it comes out but I'm sure some kids somewhere will like it, or more than likely not. Sorry Zack but this is not a worthy follow up to Watchmen and you've already eliminated the vital audiendce potential of mice, shrews and Simon Cowels.
I just don't know what this is or why this is. Is this world populated by nothing but owls? How do owls, with no hands, create the helmets they are clearly seen wearing? Why is it that everytime I see the word Ga'Hoole I automatically think Goa'uld (although wouldn't that be awesome, owls fighting alien slug posessed humans)? How come I've never heard of the book series this film was based on? I really don't think I'll be watching this film when it comes out but I'm sure some kids somewhere will like it, or more than likely not. Sorry Zack but this is not a worthy follow up to Watchmen and you've already eliminated the vital audiendce potential of mice, shrews and Simon Cowels.
Friday, 16 July 2010
My Top 12 Kids Shows (Part 2)
So let's have a look at entries 8-5
8) It's a Mystery
Neil Buchanan makes his second appearance on this list with this show that was at times basically Most Haunted for children. Each show would include case files on various different ghost stories from around the country and then investigate them for possible explanations. There was one particular episode I remember about the appearance of Doppelgangers which left me looking out for my double everywhere, thank you CITV.
7) Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Wow this show scared me as a kid yet I couldn't help but watch it every Saturday morning to see who was telling the story and also to see if there was going to be any famous guest stars. The one story I really remember is one about a boy who used his camera to take photos of people and steal their youth and it turned out he was actually about 80 (this may have also been the episode Mellissa Joan Hart starred in). One thing was certain with this show you really didn't know if it was going to end well or not for those involved.
Just one more thing, the Midnight Society, it says they're all from different schools/years etc.. so how did they meet to decide to create the society and how liberal must their parents be?
6) Round the Twist
Yes I realise these last three shows have all been similar but that's what you get when you grew up loving anything and everything supernatural. At least they've all had different settings and this show started off by focusing on the Twist's and the strange things that happened around them. Plus this show has one hell of a catchy theme tune.
5) Mighty Morphing Power Rangers
I'm old enough to remember when Power Rangers first came out, and boy did it make an impression. I would not miss an episode (or the movie) and I was completely and utterly hooked on the Green Ranger/White Ranger story line and one of my biggest regrets was never having a Power Ranger toy of my own (although I would play with my cousin's every at every available opportunity). To be honest I stopped watching after Mighty Morphing and only caught a bit of In Space and tiny bits of the more recent ones which I couldn't name and none of them have that original magic.
Interesting fact: I only realised a couple of years ago that the show was made up mainly of footage from Japanese sentai shows.
8) It's a Mystery
Neil Buchanan makes his second appearance on this list with this show that was at times basically Most Haunted for children. Each show would include case files on various different ghost stories from around the country and then investigate them for possible explanations. There was one particular episode I remember about the appearance of Doppelgangers which left me looking out for my double everywhere, thank you CITV.
7) Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Wow this show scared me as a kid yet I couldn't help but watch it every Saturday morning to see who was telling the story and also to see if there was going to be any famous guest stars. The one story I really remember is one about a boy who used his camera to take photos of people and steal their youth and it turned out he was actually about 80 (this may have also been the episode Mellissa Joan Hart starred in). One thing was certain with this show you really didn't know if it was going to end well or not for those involved.
Just one more thing, the Midnight Society, it says they're all from different schools/years etc.. so how did they meet to decide to create the society and how liberal must their parents be?
6) Round the Twist
Yes I realise these last three shows have all been similar but that's what you get when you grew up loving anything and everything supernatural. At least they've all had different settings and this show started off by focusing on the Twist's and the strange things that happened around them. Plus this show has one hell of a catchy theme tune.
5) Mighty Morphing Power Rangers
I'm old enough to remember when Power Rangers first came out, and boy did it make an impression. I would not miss an episode (or the movie) and I was completely and utterly hooked on the Green Ranger/White Ranger story line and one of my biggest regrets was never having a Power Ranger toy of my own (although I would play with my cousin's every at every available opportunity). To be honest I stopped watching after Mighty Morphing and only caught a bit of In Space and tiny bits of the more recent ones which I couldn't name and none of them have that original magic.
Interesting fact: I only realised a couple of years ago that the show was made up mainly of footage from Japanese sentai shows.
God Hates Nerds Update
As a graduate in Religious Studies there was no way I could let this story alone, especially with the presence of a Bible quote that you would think would in some way support the Phelps' belief that geeks will go to hell. Well, I got out my Bible and looked up Romans 9.13 (after having reading it at first as Romulans, my inner Trekkie is strong), and..
So, yeah, what does this have to do with the sin of reading a comic book? Nothing. The whole passage of Romans 9 is about how God chose the people he wanted to lead Israel and His people. Come on Westboro, just let these people be! There is nothing wrong with like minded people meeting up to discuss their favourite comics/games/manga/anime, getting the chance to meet their idols and all while dressed as superheroes and school girls
Then again...
'As the scritpure says, "I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau."'
- Romans 9.13.
So, yeah, what does this have to do with the sin of reading a comic book? Nothing. The whole passage of Romans 9 is about how God chose the people he wanted to lead Israel and His people. Come on Westboro, just let these people be! There is nothing wrong with like minded people meeting up to discuss their favourite comics/games/manga/anime, getting the chance to meet their idols and all while dressed as superheroes and school girls
Then again...
Well I'll be damned
Literally it seems. Ah the Westboro Baptist Church how we love your hatred of every single thing in the world ever, it's suprising really that it's taken you this long to decide that comics and everything else nerdy are the work of the devil. Apparantly we geeks and nerds not only read about our favourite heroes but we also worship them as gods too and this is bad and we're going to hell.
I so wish I lived in America right now so I could go to the Sandiego Comic-Con to meet these guys in person but alas I am poor and residing in middle of nowhere Britain. Oh well, I best be off to sacrifice this goat to the great god Gambit.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
My Top 12 Kids Shows (Part 1)
Let me start by saying that this is a list of what I consider to be my favourite shows as a child. Most of those on this list I would watch every week, refusing to go out if it was on and sulking if I missed it. With that said let's move on to the list.
12) Pokemon
From the age of 10 until I was 13 I would watch this religiously along with collecting the cards (I'm ashamed to say I never played the game until this year). One thing always bothered me though, why were young kids sent out to capture possibly dangerous creatures just to enslave them to fight other pokemon? Whatever the reason that was one catchy theme tune.
11) Thunderbirds
Well it was a tough choice between Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds but the place went to Thunderbirds as I have always thought that it was much more fun. I have many fond memories watching this with my dad (who remembered watching all of them the first time around) and it has left me with a fondness for Supermarionation.
10) Art Attack
Oh Neil Buchanan you filled our young and impressionable heads with such visions of artistic glory whereas in reality we could barely draw a stick man. Even though I watched this every week I think it was only once that I made anything that was on the show, and if I remember rightly it went very wrong. Artistic ability or not how could you not love his giant art attacks or the Head?
9) Babar
It's a show about a royal family who are elephants who run a country filled with other animals. Oh and the children's nanny is an old lady. What? It was cute.
Part 2 coming tomorrow.
12) Pokemon
From the age of 10 until I was 13 I would watch this religiously along with collecting the cards (I'm ashamed to say I never played the game until this year). One thing always bothered me though, why were young kids sent out to capture possibly dangerous creatures just to enslave them to fight other pokemon? Whatever the reason that was one catchy theme tune.
11) Thunderbirds
Well it was a tough choice between Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds but the place went to Thunderbirds as I have always thought that it was much more fun. I have many fond memories watching this with my dad (who remembered watching all of them the first time around) and it has left me with a fondness for Supermarionation.
10) Art Attack
Oh Neil Buchanan you filled our young and impressionable heads with such visions of artistic glory whereas in reality we could barely draw a stick man. Even though I watched this every week I think it was only once that I made anything that was on the show, and if I remember rightly it went very wrong. Artistic ability or not how could you not love his giant art attacks or the Head?
9) Babar
It's a show about a royal family who are elephants who run a country filled with other animals. Oh and the children's nanny is an old lady. What? It was cute.
Part 2 coming tomorrow.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Riddle Me This
Why isn't there any children's shows like Knightmare anymore? Sure there's that Raven show which I suppose is all fantasy knights and sorcery but where is the real sense of a need for geek knowledge? I say we start a petition for a new series of Knightmare, bring back Treguard! Hey if Postman Pat and Fireman Sam can do it why not Treguard?
7 months later...
Sorry about the wait but it turns out that working full time whilst also trying to get onto a postgrad course takes up a lot of your spare time. Luckily I have had time to watch some films, get in front of the TV and read me some books so here are some of my thoughts of what's been happening in the first half of 2010.
Doctor Who
Oh wow! Just, wow! I didn't think it was possible but Matt Smith has swooped in there and taken the 'Best Doctor' title straight out of David Tennant's barely even cold hands, I'm that amazed by his take on the role. There's not a moment of Matt's acting that I didn't enjoy, and this was made even better by Stephen Moffat's brilliant writing. I won't spoil the season finale for those who haven't seen it but let's just say that I as soon as it comes out on DVD I'll be buying and watching out for every little detail. Season 6 can't come soon enough!
Ponyo
Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to catch this at the cinema but rest assured I got it as soon as the DVD was released and I'm sure glad I did. Miyazaki once again brings to the screen an enchanting story that pulls you in from the start. Yes the most recent Ghibli creation may be aimed at a much younger audience than my 21 years but I challenge anyone to watch this film and not find Ponyo and Sosuke to be 2 of the most adorable and loveable characters ever put to paper.
Bleach
Oh my lord, does will this never end? I continue to read this every week and I still don't see the end in sight. More battles, more shock twists, more Aizen being Aizeney. I advise anyone if you want to read or watch Bleach (and do because it's good) either don't get too attached to it and stop watching at about season 5 (miss out season 3 and 4 as they're filler) or get ready for a long haul.
Turf!
Well, Jonathon Ross may be saying goodbye to the BBC but he's saying hello in style to the world of comics. It is well known that our favourite presenter is also something of a geek and not afraid to show it (watch his brilliant Japanarama documentaries) and now he has finally decided to test his skills in the comic writing department. His first mini-series is a 1920's New York gangster comic with a few vampires and aliens thrown in or good measure. The first 2 issues are out now so go get them.
Doctor Who
Oh wow! Just, wow! I didn't think it was possible but Matt Smith has swooped in there and taken the 'Best Doctor' title straight out of David Tennant's barely even cold hands, I'm that amazed by his take on the role. There's not a moment of Matt's acting that I didn't enjoy, and this was made even better by Stephen Moffat's brilliant writing. I won't spoil the season finale for those who haven't seen it but let's just say that I as soon as it comes out on DVD I'll be buying and watching out for every little detail. Season 6 can't come soon enough!
Ponyo
Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to catch this at the cinema but rest assured I got it as soon as the DVD was released and I'm sure glad I did. Miyazaki once again brings to the screen an enchanting story that pulls you in from the start. Yes the most recent Ghibli creation may be aimed at a much younger audience than my 21 years but I challenge anyone to watch this film and not find Ponyo and Sosuke to be 2 of the most adorable and loveable characters ever put to paper.
Bleach
Oh my lord, does will this never end? I continue to read this every week and I still don't see the end in sight. More battles, more shock twists, more Aizen being Aizeney. I advise anyone if you want to read or watch Bleach (and do because it's good) either don't get too attached to it and stop watching at about season 5 (miss out season 3 and 4 as they're filler) or get ready for a long haul.
Turf!
Well, Jonathon Ross may be saying goodbye to the BBC but he's saying hello in style to the world of comics. It is well known that our favourite presenter is also something of a geek and not afraid to show it (watch his brilliant Japanarama documentaries) and now he has finally decided to test his skills in the comic writing department. His first mini-series is a 1920's New York gangster comic with a few vampires and aliens thrown in or good measure. The first 2 issues are out now so go get them.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Coming up in 2010
In the last decade it suddenly became cool to be a geek, Hollywood began investing in comic books, celebrities felt free to proclaim their love for nerd genres (just look at Jonothan Ross and his Japanorama series), gaming became a family event and even Star Trek became a box-office hit.
2010 doesn't seem to be bucking this trend, so let's have a look at what I'm looking foward to this coming year.
Film
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Iron Man 2
Toy Story 3
The Princess and the Frog
Ponyo
Clash of the Titans
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1
Alice in Wonderland
TV
True Blood
Being Human
Doctor Who
Merlin
2010 doesn't seem to be bucking this trend, so let's have a look at what I'm looking foward to this coming year.
Film
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Iron Man 2
Toy Story 3
The Princess and the Frog
Ponyo
Clash of the Titans
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1
Alice in Wonderland
TV
True Blood
Being Human
Doctor Who
Merlin
Monday, 4 January 2010
The Decade's Best Bits of Nerdery...
..... as chosen by me XD. Let's have a look at soom of my favourite items of geek culture from the past decade.
Film
Donnie Darko - 2001
The Lord of the Rings trilogy - 2001-2003
Survive Style 5+ - 2004
Cyborg She - 2008
Star Trek - 2009
Books
Blood and Gold - 2001
Dead Until Dark - 2001
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2005
Comics
Neil Gaiman's Eternals - 2006
Wisdom - 2006
Captain Britain and MI:13 - 2008
Manga
The works of Junko Mizuno
Death Note 2003 - 2006
Absolute Boyfriend - 2005
Anime
Bleach
Spirited Away - 2001
Cromartie High School - 2005
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - 2006
Darker than Black - 2007
Games
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2003
Psychonauts - 2005
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - 2006
Super Smash Bros Brawl - 2008
Film
Donnie Darko - 2001
The Lord of the Rings trilogy - 2001-2003
Survive Style 5+ - 2004
Cyborg She - 2008
Star Trek - 2009
Books
Blood and Gold - 2001
Dead Until Dark - 2001
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2005
Comics
Neil Gaiman's Eternals - 2006
Wisdom - 2006
Captain Britain and MI:13 - 2008
Manga
The works of Junko Mizuno
Death Note 2003 - 2006
Absolute Boyfriend - 2005
Anime
Bleach
Spirited Away - 2001
Cromartie High School - 2005
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - 2006
Darker than Black - 2007
Games
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - 2003
Psychonauts - 2005
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - 2006
Super Smash Bros Brawl - 2008
Hello 2010, Goodbye 10th Doctor
It's a brand new year and decade, but with the end of 2009 also came the end of David Tennant, and I for one shall miss his Converse, glasses and quirky catchprases. Without doubt Tennant's portrayal of the time travelling man from Galifrey has been embedded into the consciousness of a whole new generation of Whovians.
So, how can Matt Smith hope to continue on Tennant's popular character? Well, judging by his first few minutes in the role and the teaser trailer I'd say he's already managed to carve himself a new and interesting Doctor. For a start his look captures the conflicted nature of the last Time Lord, a young looking man who appears to be in his early 20s who chooses to wear garb that harks back to the earlier 20th Century. Even his face draws you in, with it's slightly odd shape and longish full hair he looks familiar and approachable from a distant yet once closer you can sense a difference.
Good luck Matt Smith, this spring can't come fast enough!
And just on a side note, the new logo, yay or nay?
So, how can Matt Smith hope to continue on Tennant's popular character? Well, judging by his first few minutes in the role and the teaser trailer I'd say he's already managed to carve himself a new and interesting Doctor. For a start his look captures the conflicted nature of the last Time Lord, a young looking man who appears to be in his early 20s who chooses to wear garb that harks back to the earlier 20th Century. Even his face draws you in, with it's slightly odd shape and longish full hair he looks familiar and approachable from a distant yet once closer you can sense a difference.
Good luck Matt Smith, this spring can't come fast enough!
And just on a side note, the new logo, yay or nay?
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