KickStarter of the Week: Bulk - The Series: Season 2

Check out this Kickstarter by clicking on the link right up there in the little widgety thing. We would like to thank Pat Shand for bringing this awesome Kickstarter to our attention. 

WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® To Attend Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con on Friday, March 22

Hometown St. Louis Hero Joins Top Celebrities Stan Lee, Dean Cain, Billy Dee Williams And James Marsters At Inaugural “Gateway To The West” Pop Culture Festival At America's Center

NEW YORK and ST. LOUIS – It will be a homecoming for St. Louis native WWE® Superstar Randy Orton® when he attends 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con on Friday, March 22, at America's Center.  Orton will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photo-ops in a two-hour appearance from 5:30-7:30p.m.

Orton, who earned the distinction of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE history, saw his star rise when he won the World Heavyweight Championship at the unprecedented age of 24.  Today the WWE’s “Apex Predator” is known as one of the very best inside the ring and he is appreciated for his work by fans and peers alike.

The son of WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton, nephew of Barry “Barry O” Orton and grandson of “The Big O” Bob Orton, Randy comes from a distinctive bloodline.  He is one of the only third-generation Superstars in WWE history, and can be seen every week on Syfy’s most watched program, Friday Night SmackDown at 8/7c.

“I have great memories of growing up in St. Louis, so this will be a homecoming of sorts for me.  Fans there have supported me for as long as I can remember, and I can't wait to see them at my first Wizard show,”said Orton.

Wizard World CEO John Macaluso adds, “Randy is a decorated champion and one of the elite WWE Superstars of his generation. We are incredibly excited to bring Randy out to see his hometown fans.”

Orton joins popular Wizard World celebrity guests Stan Lee, Dean Cain, Billy Dee Williams, James Marsters and Ernie Hudson among the celebrity roster headliners at Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con.  They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the second event on Wizard World's expanded 2013 calendar.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con show hours are Friday, March 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-stlouis.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

WWE Superstar and Reality Show Icon To Make First Wizard World Stop Feb. 22

WWE® Superstar The Miz® To Appear At 2013 Wizard World Portland Comic Con

NEW YORK and PORTLAND, Ore., –

WWE® Superstar The Miz® will make his first Wizard World appearance at Portland Comic Con on Friday, Feb. 22, at the Oregon Convention Center.  The “Most Must See WWE Superstar” and reality TV star will be on site from 5-7:30 p.m.

First introduced to TV audiences as one of the seven strangers on The Real World: Back to New York, The Miz and his outspoken personality have helped him rise to Superstar status.

The Miz made his rounds on the reality TV circuit, including four seasons of the Real World/Road Rules Challenge Bravo’s Battle of the Network Reality Stars, and as a competitor on a special edition of Fear Factor. The Miz’s outgoing personality and charm made him a fan favorite.

"I'm looking forward to an 'Awesome' appearance next month at Portland Comic Con. It will be great to meet so many WWE and reality TV fans”, said The Miz.

John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO added, “Having The Miz continues our commitment to our fans to bring their favorite WWE Superstars to the Wizard World Tour. We are thrilled to have the ‘Most Must See WWE Superstar' in The Miz.”

The Miz joins comics legend Stan Lee, “Happy Days” star Henry Winkler, Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell, “Homeland” headliner Morena Baccarin and Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead” at the top of the standout lineup of celebrities scheduled to attend the event, held from Feb. 22-24.  They will be joined by a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions in the first event on Wizard World's 2013 calendar and the first Wizard World event in the “City of Roses.”

The Miz competed on the fourth season of ‘Tough Enough’ in hopes of winning a contract to become a WWE Superstar. After finishing as the runner up, The Miz didn’t give up on his dream and continued to train once the ‘Tough Enough’ competition ended. He began his WWE career on Friday Night SmackDown.

Wizard World Portland Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, February 24, is “Kids Day,” an array of programming specially designed for children.

Event hours are Friday, Feb. 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Portland Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-portland.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The 2013 event schedule to date can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Silent Hill: Revelation

As with any movie attempting to bring a video game to life, I went into Silent Hill: Revelation with an open mind.  As a fan of the Silent Hill series, I sat down to watch it with no expectations of a blockbuster.  Let’s be honest, you don’t watch a Resident Evil or Silent Hill film thinking you’ll get a piece of cinematic genius.  I just wanted what I always hope to get from these types of movies - a decent representation of reference from the source material.  All in all, I would say that Revelations did a fair job.

Before the movie even premiered, I was personally excited just based on the casting.  I felt that Adelaine Clemens was a good choice for Heather, and it was proven by the end of the movie.  I was also pleased to see Sean Bean return for his role, with fellow Game of Thrones actor Kit Harrington no less.

For fans of the Silent Hill series, this is definitely filled with a solid amount of game reference.  Between it being loosely based on the plot for SH3, and including canon names and situations, I was pleased with their use of material from the game.  Also of specific mention are the monsters, which were presented very well as far as I’m concerned.

Visually, the film was well done in my opinion.  Scenes involving the switch from the real world to the “Otherworld” were done in a effective, creepy fashion once again.  Watching the environment deteriorate and surround the characters in the evil of Silent Hill brings you back to the game.  The only thing I can’t comment on unfortunately is how good the 3D aspect is, as I avoid watching 3D if at all possible.  You could definitely pick out scenes created for the gimmick, so it is likely effective.

As far as the story goes, it was a little weak, but held up by a lot of game references to please fans.  It seems as with many comic or video game adaptations that they tried to balance fan content with a story people unfamiliar could follow.  It left a little to be desired, and likely a good amount for non-fans.  Then again, you don’t expect wonders from this type of movie, fan or not..

One thing of note that I actually appreciated is that it was not overly graphic.  You might think it would be, especially if you don’t know the games, but that is not the case.  I feel it served the movie well though, as excessive gore was never really a theme for the Silent Hill games.  They’re meant to freak you out mentally, without needing to be super bloody.

So, is it worth watching?  I certainly think so.  This is of course a bit biased as a fan.  So is it worth watching if you don’t know Silent Hill?  Eh, it’s a maybe for you.  At least not in the theaters.

Submitted By: Brian Belanger

Breaking Bad

"Who are you talking to right now? Who is it you think you see? Do you know how much I make a year? I mean, even if I told you, you wouldn't believe it. Do you know what would happen if I suddenly decided to stop going into work? A business big enough that it could be listed on the NASDAQ goes belly up. Disappears! It ceases to exist without me. No, you clearly don't know who you're talking to, so let me clue you in. I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

Series creator Vince Gilligan, formerly of X-Files, said he wanted to create a show where Mr. Chips turned into Scarface. Breaking Bad is the story of a mild mannered high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, with a beaten down little life, a bad marriage, and a unfulfilling career gets a diagnosis of advanced stage lung cancer. Walter, played by Bryan Cranston of Malcolm In the Middle fame, is given 6 months to live and decides he needs to find some way to leave his family something for when he's gone. A chance meeting with an old student of his, Jesse Pinkman, played brilliantly by Aaron Paul, while on a ride along DEA bust at a meth house. Walter approaches Jesse with an offer. Walter will cook the best meth anyone has ever seen and Jesse will take care of selling it. Walter calculates he needs 863,000 dollars before he dies so that his family will be taken care of.

The science, especially the chemistry, is first rate. Walter is a world class chemist who once worked at Los Alamos labs before his personality forced him to a lower path. During the course of the shows, he makes amazingly pure meth, but also makes thermite, chemical explosives, sarin poison and is generally an evil tempered MacGyver. If you're a science geek, it's great fun to watch Walter and Jesse perform mad science, a first season episode involving acid and a bathtub is especially gruesome and hysterical, and generally prosper because of their minds and not naked force. Even though they're doing horrible things, it's nice to see geeks get ahead for a change.

As the show progresses, we learn more about Walter's background and his feelings that life has treated him badly and when his cancer goes into remission, Walters goals change from merely making enough money to leave his family when he dies to the desire to built a huge meth empire to prove to himself and others that his failures in life weren't due to his deficiencies, but that he was actually a brilliant mastermind. By the end of the 4th season of the show, Walter is producing millions of dollars worth of meth every week and is supplying the addicts of a good part of the southwestern United States. He's killed or ordered the murder of several people, not all of whom deserved it. The progression from milquetoast to monster never seems forced and the show never forces the viewer to completely turn on Walter. The acting is first rate. Bryan Cranston won the Emmy Award for best dramatic actor in each of the first 3 seasons, and is nominated for the 4rh season award. Aaron Paul won the award for best supporting actor for season 3 and is nominated, along with season 3's antagonist Giancarlo Esposito, for season 4's award. By the time Walter says the words at the beginning of this review, his transformation to Scarface is nearly complete.

The show plays on AMC television in the United States, and the first 4 seasons are available on Netflix and on BluRay. Season 5 just completed its first half and will resume in July of 2013 for the series conclusion. You have time to catch up on the first 4 seasons and strap in for the conclusion. It's well worth the ride.

Article Submitted by: Justin Armstrong

Wreck It Ralph

I usually do not review movies for the site but really felt the urge to after seeing this one.  Occasionally Disney will release a movie that will reach me on a personal level.  For example, I watched The Emperor’s New Groove the day before my 18^th birthday and that was the time frame of the movie, so it meant more to see it. And now I have Wreck it Ralph.

 My life has been an up and down of turmoil and happy for a while now. On opening night, I had my kids and we were so excited to finally see this movie.  Fun fun. Then, the opening scene played out . We first see Ralph, as he is worried where his life is, as he is approaching 30, alone and hating his home. Did I mention I’m almost 30, alone, and hating my home? Personally, I was so worried that the movie would continue with this depressive theme throughout.

It didn’t.

As the movie progresses, it just gets better and better. Seeing Ralph journey through different games, real and just for the movie, was a blast for both me and the kids. Oh the cameos! The Hero’s Duty scene is a great sequence of what happens from the video game’s perspective after you put in your quarter. It was so much fun “seeing “ what the characters have to go through during each battle. Just interesting things to think about.

 But what made the movie great, to my surprise, was the relationship between Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz. I honestly expected to be annoyed by Vanellope. But, after watching it, how could you not love her. As the characters develop, we developed with them. It was more than just growing to like them; we grew to feel for them. There was one particular heartbreaking scene where my son was in tears and my daughter climbed on my lap and hugged me asking me why it happened. I couldn’t answer because I was trying not to cry. These characters, we just loved them.

Wreck it Ralph was not on par with Disney epics, but it could be great with time. Only once did I think that the movie was dragging, not bad for a cartoon. The only thing I would’ve enjoyed differently would’ve been the inclusion of more characters.

I’m sure my kids will make me take them again, or vice versa.  The combination of story, animation, characters, music, and (for the former 80’s gamers) the nostalgia and fun of searching for all of the video game references make this movie just a pure joy overall. Plus, remembering arcades that actually used quarters brought back so many memories. Who doesn’t remember the joy of laying out your quarters to call your spot on a machine? Pure awesomeness.

And, as a loving parent, Wreck it Ralph has to have the greatest last line in any movie. It just completely sums up why we willingly go through what we do in lives for the sake of our kids. And, hearing the theater break into applause at the line, I know I’m not the only one who appreciated it.

             

 I also have to give mention to the silent cartoon Paperman that played before the movie. It was a sweet little movie that dealt with the pursuit of potential love but also had its cute funny moments as well. Any silent cartoon that keeps my 5 and 6 year olds attention and makes them laugh is a success in my book.

               

With both films, Disney did a great job in turning a kids movie into a wonderful family experience.

                

Bond Movie Posters Up For Auction

On The 50th Anniversary Of James Bond
The Most Comprehensive Collection
Of Bond Movie Posters To Ever Reach
The Market Will Be Up For Auction
By Profiles In History

 

LOS ANGELES- Profiles in History, run by Joe Maddalena, is proud to announce that the most comprehensive collection of James Bond movie posters to ever reach the market will be a part of their December 15 & 16 Hollywood Auction in Los Angeles. Not only is  every title in this perennial and ever more popular series represented with an extensive range of the regular release posters, stills, and other ephemera (most rare enough in their own right), this collection also offers a number of truly scarce “holy grails” of James Bond poster collecting. The Bond poster collection is estimated to bring in over $200,000. Highlights are below.

A "Dr. No" Special Advance Silkscreen U.K. Double-Crown (20in x 30in) Poster from 1962. This poster is arguably the very first "James Bond/ 007" film poster to appear to the public. The poster is exceedingly rare, and without question a "holy grail" of film poster collecting. Very Fine on linen, with only minimal routine retouching. It is expected to fetch $3,000 - $5,000.

"From Russia With Love" World-Premiere Advance U.K. Quad (30in x 40in) Poster from 1963. The poster is a special advance Leicester Square world-premiere quad poster. It is quite possibly the rarest of all theatrical-release James Bond posters, with very few originally printed for the premiere screenings, and less than a handful believed extant. The artwork is done by by Renato Fratini. It is expected to fetch $10,000 - $15,000.

"Goldfinger" U.K. Advance Double-Crown (20in x 30in) Poster Style 'A' from 1964. This poster is considered one of the great rarities of James Bond poster collecting. It is expected to fetch $4,000 - $6,000.

"Goldfinger" U.K. Advance Double-Crown (20in x 30in) Poster Style 'B' from 1964. Like the style 'A' this is also considered one of the great rarities of James Bond poster collecting. It is expected to fetch $2,000 - $3,000.

"Thunderball" U.K. Quad (30in x 40in) Poster from 1965.  This is a 'Quad' poster, first issue with sea-foam green background (later printings exist with white background). Along with "From Russia With Love," this art illustration by Robert McGinnis is arguably the other most attractive and desirable for any of the U.K. poster designs. It is expected to fetch $4,000 - $6,000.

With well over 100 original posters and another 100+ stills, lobby cards, scripts, pressbooks and more, this offering vastly eclipses the 1998 Christie’s South Kensington “James Bond 007” sale. In the upcoming weeks, more James Bond memorabilia from this unbelievable collection will be detailed.

ABOUT PROFILES IN HISTORY
Founded in 1985 by Joseph Maddalena, Profiles in History is the world's largest auctioneer & dealer of original Hollywood Memorabilia, historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts. Born into a family of antiques dealers in Rhode Island, Joseph "Joe" Maddalena learned early on how to turn his passion of collecting historical autographs into a career. Upon graduation from Pepperdine, Joe pursued his passion to become a full-time dealer of historical documents, and opened his first office in 1985. Profiles in History has held some of the most prestigious and successful auctions of Hollywood memorabilia and own virtually every Guinness Book record for prices of original screen-used memorabilia.  Highlights from their previous auctions include the "Cowardly Lion" costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); Steve McQueen's "Michael Delaney" racing suit from Le Mans  ($960,000); From the history-making Debbie Reynolds Auction in June 2011, Profiles in History sold the Marilyn Monroe "Subway" Dress from The Seven Year Itch for $5.52M and the Audrey Hepburn Ascot Dress from My Fair Lady for $4.44M. In February 2012, Profiles in History arranged the sale of a pair of Judy Garland screen-used Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz  to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. In addition, Joe Maddalena is the star of Hollywood Treasure, which just ended its second season on Syfy.  Hollywood Treasure takes viewers into the fascinating world of showbiz and pop culture memorabilia. For more information visit www.profilesinhistory.com

Gangnam Style Hits Austin!

Last week, I posted a super fun video that was shot at Wizard World Chicago to our fan page. Did you get to see it? If not, don't panic, the video hasn't vanished into neverland or any where else. We all know, once on the internet always on the internet, right? So take a deep breath and hit play on this super fun take on Call Me Maybe.




Wasn't that amazingly fun? Well, the fun doesn't stop there! We just got the official word that Wizard World has another video planned! Yes, that's right...all of you cosplayers, fan girls, fan boys and just wanna be super stars now have the opportunity to get in on the next round of amazing fun when Wizard World goes Gangnam Style in Austin!

No idea what that means? It's ok! We here at Geek-o-Rama have done our research and found not one, but two videos to help you out in your preparations. Ready? Up first is the hit that everyone is coming to know:

Followed up with instructions from the master himself on how to do this fun new dance!

Now, all you have to do is add a costume, fill out the form and wait to hear back! I can't wait to see all of you in Austin showing off your dance moves!

What's Taters, Precious?

Being a SciFi Foodie

by Jim Smith

A year ago, I dreamed up a great recipe ... Hobbit Stew.  It was the product of a random conversation leading up to an annual cookout/camping event I go to every year, and a recent watching of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on Blu-Ray.  One things Hobbits like to do is eat, and if you actually read the trilogy instead of watching it, you would be impressed by some of the vivid detail JRR Tolkien goes into when talking about food.  I guess sir Tolkien was a bit of a foodie himself.

So, the process went sort of like this: I went to my handy-dandy one volume edition of the Lord of the Rings and re-read food descriptions, particularly those cooked and consumed by Hobbits.  I then looked at some of the things they ate, and considered what would be good in a stew.  Then I started a little experimenting, and eventually came up with a nice hearty stew to drive away the cold weather chills, and make you feel one with every Hobbit in the known universe.  

The recipe follows:

Hobbit Stew

1 lb thick cut bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces (or two young hobbits, diced, whichever you local market has available)

1Tbs butter

4 white potatoes, diced

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, quartered or sliced

2 carrots, sliced at an angle

1/2 small head of cabbage, diced into small pieces

1c chicken stock

1/2c water

2Tbs corn starch

In a stew pot, cook bacon to render some of the fat, but leave it chewy.  Remove bacon from pot and drain off most of the fat, leaving just a skim of fat at the bottom.  Melt in the butter, then add the diced potatoes.  Sauté until about half of the potatoes are slightly brown, then add the carrots and mushrooms.  Sauté a little longer then return the bacon to the pot, along with the cabbage.  Continue sautéing until the cabbage begins to wilt, then add the chicken stock.  Bring to a simmer.  Mix the corn starch and water and stir into the pot.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  Add a little pepper, but since the bacon is pretty salty, I would leave the salt alone.

So what does it take to be a scifi foodie?  Well, there are websites dedicated to scifi inspired recipes from pretty much every scifi franchise out there.  Whether it is Garibaldi’s Bagna Cauda from Babylon 5, Wookie Cookies from Star Wars, or Tribble cakes from Star Trek, there are scifi recipes for all of you nerd foodies out there, so pop in your favorite DVD and start cooking!

Vivek J. Tiwary Set To Write And Produce Feature Film Adaptation Of The Graphic Novel The Fifth Beatle

First feature film about The Beatles to secure music rights to their songs

New York, NEW YORK (October 10, 2012) – Award-winning producer and writer, Vivek J. Tiwary, is set to write and produce a feature film adaptation of his upcoming graphic novel, THE FIFTH BEATLE, which chronicles the life of The Beatles little-known manager, Brian Epstein. As Paul McCartney said, “If anyone was the Fifth Beatle, it was Brian.” This groundbreaking project also marks the first time a feature film about the band has ever secured rights to include Beatles songs.

Tiwary has signed a deal with Sony/ATV (who control the Lennon/McCartney music catalog) which gives him unprecedented access to Beatles songs for the film.

The graphic novel, THE FIFTH BEATLE, is being written by Tiwary and drawn by fan-favorite artist Andrew Robinson (STAR WARS, BATMAN, SUPERMAN) with additional contributions by multiple Eisner and Harvey award-winning artist Kyle Baker (PLASTIC MAN, WHY I HATE SATURN, NAT TURNER). It is slated to be published in 2013. Both Robinson and Tiwary will attend the upcoming New York Comic Con from October 10^th-14^th to present the graphic novel and meet fans. Artwork from the novel will be exclusively displayed online at www.thefifthbeatle.com.

On Wednesday, October 10 at 7pm, Tiwary and Robinson will appear on the panel “A Celebration of Pop Music Comics” at Jim Hanley’s Universe store. They will then sign exclusive artwork from THE FIFTH BEATLE at New York Comic Con’s Dark Horse booth at the Javitz Center on Friday, October 12^th at 5pm.

THE FIFTH BEATLE from M Press Books, a division of Dark Horse Comics, recounts the untold true story of Epstein, the brilliant visionary who discovered The Beatles and helped guide the band to international stardom as their manager, securing their first record deal at a time when no one else was interested, and successfully bringing them to the world stage with a scale and scope no music impresario had ever attempted.

Epstein’s boast—“The Beatles will be bigger than Elvis!”— seemed absurd in 1961, but proved humbly prophetic by 1967. When he died at the age of 32, he was an extremely successful artist manager and entertainment impresario, but a painfully lonely young man.  The film will deal with Epstein’s struggles with his sexuality and religion, while desperately trying to fit into the “Fab Four’s” world.

“My interest in the Brian Epstein story began almost 20 years ago, when I decided that music management was the area of the entertainment industry that I first wanted to pursue,” says Vivek.  “ I had been a lifelong Beatles fan, so I thought that it made sense to study the management of the band that had written the rules of the modern music industry.  What I unearthed after much research (there is a paltry amount of information readily available on Brian, which is part of why I want to bring his story to the world) was not just an inspirational business story and a blueprint for what I wanted to accomplish with my career, but also a very human story. This is a true labor of love, passion project for me.”

Tiwary is represented by David Alpert and Lawrence Mattis at Circle of Confusion.

ABOUT VIVEK J. TIWARY

Vivek J. Tiwary is an award-winning producer, writer, and financier for film, television, theater, music, and graphic novels. He is the producer and writer of “The Fifth Beatle,” a feature film and graphic novel based on the life of Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein. “The Fifth Beatle” has secured unprecedented access to Beatles’ music and is in development to shoot in 2013. In television, Vivek sold a sitcom pilot “Punk Rock Dad” to CBS, based on the bestselling memoir/parenting manual by Pennywise lead singer Jim Lindberg, and he is developing a number of additional series including “Ascension,” a historical fiction / thriller juxtaposing the history of astronomy with mankind’s future in the stars. On Broadway, Vivek’s productions have won a combined 25 Tony Awards from 44 Tony nominations—every single one of his shows have been decorated. They include “The Addams Family,” Green Day’s “American Idiot” (the groundbreaking adaptation of the superstar rock band’s multi-platinum album), Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” (the most Tony Awards ever) and “Young Frankenstein”, “A Raisin In The Sun” (starring Sean Combs), and “A Little Night Music” (starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury). Off-Broadway, Vivek produced a theatrical collaboration between electropop/performance artists Fischerspooner and avant-garde theatre collective The Wooster Group (founded by Willem Dafoe, Spalding Gray, and others) that launched the 2008 Sao Paulo Art Bienal. Vivek also serves on the Board of Directors for Valiant Entertainment (www.valiantentertainment.com), a multi-platform company that boasts the third largest and most-loved universe of comic book characters and has been hailed by the New York Times as “Marvel 2.0”. Prior to founding Tiwary Entertainment Group (www.tiwaryent.com) and online music education/empowerment company StarPolish, Vivek held a number of major label music-industry positions, including launching and heading the Alternative Marketing Department at Mercury/PolyGram Records, and managing Video Promotion for Mercury/PolyGram, where he worked closely with MTV and VH1. Vivek has worked with artists covering the entire musical spectrum including Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Kiss, LL Cool J, John Mellencamp, Allen Ginsberg, Oasis, Hanson, 311 and The Mighty Mighty BossTones to name but a few. Among many charitable pursuits, Vivek is the Co-Founder of Musicians On Call (www.musiciansoncall), a nonprofit organization that uses music and entertainment to complement the healing process. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of both the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences. Vivek also holds a filmmaking certificate from The New York Film Academy and is an acting student of Susan Batson/Black Nexxus Acting Studio.

Arrow

Straight as an ...

by Jim Smith

The new millennium brought us Smallville, a show that followed a young Clark Kent through adolescence.  Darker and more angst-ridden than previous looks into the Superman mythos, Smallville was a smash hit and ran for ten seasons.  One of the principles the producers held to was “no flights / no tights” until the final season.  It set a new tone for superhero TV shows.

The same theme was followed in 2002 in Birds of Prey, but the TV-watching population had only enough geek in it for one show, and BoP died a premature death.  Likewise, in 2006, Aquaman never made it past a pilot episode.

This year, we have a new superhero show to geek out over in the CW’s Arrow.  Arrow will follow the adventures of billionaire playboy Oliver Queen who dons a green hood and fights crime as the Arrow.

The Arrow will be a slightly different character than the Green Arrow character from Smallville and the comics.  To help promote the series, DC produced a 10-page comic book to serve as a prelude to the series.  The cover of the comic was created by iconic comic artist Mike Grell who oversaw the most successful period of the Green Arrow’s comic book existence.

The Smallville iteration of Green Arrow was analogous to the early days of the Green Arrow character in the comics, using a variety of trick arrows to fight crime in a non-lethal, classic superhero-ish way.  In 1987, after 46 years as a co-star and back-up feature in other hero’s mainline titles, Green Arrow got his own title under the leadership of the aforementioned Grell, starting with a three-issue limited series entitled Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters.  This new series saw Green Arrow abandon his trademark gadget arrows in favor of simple razorpoint hunting arrows.  The series was part of DC’s new “grown up” comic lines, which were printed in a prestige (glossy paper) format, and featured darker themes and more mature storylines, which included the abduction and savage torture of Green Arrow’s super-powered love interest, Black Canary.  Another more mature theme is Green Arrow adopting the belief that sometimes, he has to kill in order for justice to be served.

From the previews, Arrow will draw heavily on the Grell-inspired Longbow Hunters period of the character.  The costume is very similar to the costume adopted by Green Arrow in The Longbow Hunters (for the record, so was the version in Smallville), and the previews I have seen didn’t show any gadget arrows.

While there will have to be some pretty deep backstory in the first few episodes for those who are new to the Green Arrow mythos, the show descriptions seem to promise a good bit of action starting with episode one.  Early episode titles like “Lone Gunmen”, “Damaged”, “Muse of Fire”, and “Vendetta” offer a tantalizing taste of action and super-hero geekgasms to come in this eagerly anticipated series.

Looper

LOOPER – Walking into this movie I was kind of thinking “hmm now self needs to kill future self, can’t do it”. However this movie is eerily INCEPTION-ESQUE, mind bending, genius on top of “I have the biggest gun on the planet action”. I have always been a fan of Bruce Willis, but in this film he takes it to a whole new level opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt (the man with abundant last names). Not to 

give away too much of the plot, there are some really cool effects, and even some un-expected super-natural elements.

There are a few things about the film that stood out as not only comical but somewhat flawed and confusing. Namely the scene where Seth, played to perfection by Paul Dano (Cowboys & Aliens) crying out to Joe with snot in his nose, pan away, no snot, pan away, snot, pan away no snot and so on. There is also another really confusing scene towards the middle, but I will skip that for this review because it lets on to some of the plot line. Finally we are thrown a really unnecessary nudity scene that will probably have Piper Perabo fans thinking, “okay I am not really sure what the heck that was about but whatever”.
Just a heads up, Pierce Gagnon the little kid in the movie can really act. He is so creepy I don’t want him near my kids until he gets older or does at least one comedy to shake the feeling I have about him right now. All in all you will get more than your money’s worth with LOOPER. This movie gets points for superb acting and brilliant execution, but doesn’t give me the urge to watch it more than once every few years. Probably for the same reason I didn’t buy TIMECOP or INCEPTION. Still this movie is solid.

I give it a 5 out of 7 – VERY GOOD This movie leaves you with the feeling that although everything may not be okay, girls can kick butt and one man can save the world with either one bullet left in the chamber or some special power he discovered 5 minutes ago. This movie is a good time and make you wonder how many people you can tell about its awesomeness the next day at work. 

Expanded Rating Definition : Slightly less awesome than a 6 rating. This movie is well worth your time and skipping American Idol or the NBA playoffs to watch. Having said that, it is not recommended that you watch any movie while the NHL playoffs are on because hockey rules your face, you got that. You also need to buy this movie on BLU-Ray or some higher format because not doing so will just mean you are cutting corners, real movie lovers just don’t.

 

=Jess Hurley=

The Angels Take Manhattan - My Own Perspective

            September 7^th, 2011 was the very 1^st time I met the Doctor- thank you Netflix for keeping such good records.  A dark time in my life: my wife had left me, I was jobless, money almost out, and friends were leaving me faster than I could realize. Worst that my life had ever been. The only thing that kept me going was the desire to not allow my kids to suffer. I really had nothing going on for me. Then I met the Doctor.

            It was a salvation by any means but it was the 1^st thing that actually made me laugh a real laugh and to want to sit and think about it. Up until I caught up in the current series, which took an entire month, it was just a good show with no emotional attachment to any companions or even Doctors. I didn’t cry when anyone left- even Martha who may still be my favorite. But then I started to have to wait a week to see the next episode.

            That created the attachment. Wondering what would happen next.  And besides, for those that know me- I’ve always had a thing for 2 types of people: British women and redheads. So, Amy Pond, just wow. And Rory, of all the characters in the new series, I identified with him the most. I think I’ve always felt like a Rory.

 Even with the knowledge that The Angels Take Manhattan would be their last episode, it never dawned on me that I would get emotional.

            Then it happened. 23 minutes in, I shed my 1^st tear. But I wiped it away and went back to being freaked out by the Angels.  The episode continued like a break up and I knew it. I could sense it. However, like with any unwanted break up, I chose to avoid the signs. There was the feeling of dread, which brought more tears. Then there was the feeling of hope, which brought a smile. I should’ve known it wouldn’t last and finally, the inevitable reality you knew all along.

            It is the reality that sucks the most. Love conquering all is a great sentiment. But, when that love doesn’t involve you, it is pure pain. So as the episode came to an end and for the 1^st time the plea of “Come along, Pond” wasn’t answered, I knew exactly what the Doctor was feeling. The knowing that life has chosen to go without you despite your own will, I know that expression very well.

 This episode was just as described-heartbreaking, but know I will watch it many more times because it was also that beautiful.

A Retrospective on the Doctor’s Companions

Submitted by Jim Smith

As we prepare to wish Amy and Rory farewell, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the companions who have helped shape the show.

Susan Foreman (the Doctor’s Granddaughter).   Susan is with the Doctor at the start.  She refers to the Doctor as “grandfather,” and the two of them had a very warm relationship.  That would make her a Time Lord, though we have never seen her referred to as such.  When they started their travels in “An Unearthly Child,” she appeared to be an average teenage girl.  In “The Sensorites,” we learn that she has telepathic abilities, but beyond that, there is nothing special about her.  In “The Dalek Invasion of Earth,” she falls in love with a young freedom fighter, and the Doctor locks her out of the TARDIS so that she can have a normal life.

Jaime McCrimmon.  Jaime is picked up by the Doctor at the Battle of Culloden, on the Second Doctor’s second adventure, and he stays until the end of his tenure.  Jaime is a capable warrior, but his medieval highland mindset provides the Doctor with a problem.  He wants to solve the problems of the universe through diplomacy and science, while Jaime’s instinct is to attack and kill.  He is eventually returned to the time and place where he left with the Doctor, his memories of his time with the Doctor being removed from his memory by the Time Lords.

Sarah Jane Smith.  Sarah Jane joined the Doctor during the tenure of the Third Doctor, and carried over into the Fourth Doctor’s adventures.  While she is nothing special as far as companions go, she became one of the most beloved companions of all time.  She was so beloved, that she came back for a special appearance during the Tenth Doctor’s adventure, “School Reunion.”  Twice, she was spun off into her own series.  The first time, it was on K-9 and Company, which never got past the pilot episode, and the second time was the Sarah Jane Adventures, which went on for four seasons and was cut short by the untimely death of Elisabeth Sladen, the actress who portrayed her.

Adric.  Adric is the companion whose exit shook the Doctor Who universe to it’s very foundations.  Adric was trapped in e-space until he met the Fourth Doctor and stowed away on the TARDIS.  He wore a gold star which was given to him for mathematical excellence.  He was freakishly good at math, even being used by the Master to create an entire virtual world as a trap for the Fifth Doctor.  As one of the Doctor’s more intelligent companions, he was loved for his elfin good looks along with his ability to go toe to toe with the Doctor when figuring out a problem.  Adric died trying to save the Earth from destruction, being caught up in the astrophysical event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Grace Holloway.  Sure, she was only a companion for one adventure (the movie), and strictly speaking, she wasn’t really a companion as much as someone the Doctor met along the way.  What is important, is that this is the first time he develops an emotional attachment to a human.  Sure, he becomes attached to all of his companions, but Grace was different.  The Eighth Doctor actually kisses her, and when he asks her to go with him, the tone of his voice seems to indicate that it is from a desire to be with her, rather than to not be alone.

Rose.  Rose is the companion who transcends all companions.  We see the Doctor not only become emotionally attached to her, but we see him fall in love with her, even though he won’t admit it.  She is the Bad Wolf and the key to the Doctor’s heart(s).  She starts out as nothing special, as a matter of fact; she is the companion who made the comeback of Doctor Who as special as it was.  Her domestic baggage flew in the face of the Ninth Doctor’s solitude, and helped the Tenth Doctor become the welcoming family member we all came to know and love.

The Ponds. This week, we bid farewell to the Ponds.  Amy is a nexus in time and space around which the Doctor seems to orbit.  He not only finds her and uses her to reboot the universe; she anchors him to the human race during a time when the Eleventh Doctor could have become as erratic as the Sixth Doctor was.  We will miss the Ponds, and Steven Moffat has promised that we will shed a tear at their exit.  After their exit, we get a few months to see our therapists and deal with their departure before the Doctor returns in the Christmas special with his brand new companion.

Old/New Media

So I am writing this at 10.30 in the morning with a tear in my eye. I have just listened to the last every Chris Moyles Breakfast show on Radio 1. For the past 8 and a half years every morning he has been on the air, with his team, telling things as he sees them. Sometimes controversial, sometimes thought provoking but always entertaining. His was a brand of radio show that is missing, more talk, less music, but always well thought out. 8 and a half years is a long time to listen to one show. I think I have missed about 4 weeks in that time, when I have been on holiday or away on business. I have listened to the highs and lows and today, watching for the last time I saw both the fun, enjoyment and respect that Chris brings to the radio. And it got me thinking. We live in a high technology age, where "new media" is talked about as the future and, don't get me wrong, I am an avid user of twitter, facebook, mensch and other social media sources. When news breaks these are usually the best ways to get updates, find out the latest and keep on top of things, but they are, in essence, a very flat media. They show you what is there. But Radio is wonderful. Take the following example:



 The commentary "he drops for world cup glory" was from Radio 5 live. The screams of yes yes yes, came from Rob Andrew, Johnny Wilkinson's club manager at Newcastle. But in that minute of commentary, all of the emotions came out. A special moment was elevated into the stratosphere. Radio is that friend in the corner of the room. The voice in the car on those long journeys. That informs, entertains and brings descriptiveness to you in a very unique way. Those commentators and presenters on the radio are a unique brand, they have to say the right amount of words, in the right way and at the right time. For me, radio brings the drama to sporting events. It brings the seriousness to the news stories and the colour to major national events. Radio should never die. Sad as I am that the Chris Moyles show has ended, I know that radio won't. It brings hope to millions, comfort and solace to others. It is a friend in times of struggle and hardship. It is Radio. And, as fitting tribute, the Chris Moyles show team say goodbye in their own way:

=Graham Armstrong=

Zenescope Announces Grimm Fairy Tales Screening

Zenescope Entertainment and Titmouse Studios are proud to announce the Grimm Fairy Tales the Animated Series screening party event during New York Comic Con weekend in October.

The pilot episode of Zenescope's and Titmouse's Grimm Fairy Tales series, which was fully funded through the crowd-funding website Kickstarter, will make its much-anticipated debut at an exclusive event on October 13th in Manhattan. The party will include the main event screening of the pilot and will be preceded by a fairy tale-themed burlesque show performed by the renowned Ink & Paint Burlesque.

The event is being held at Times Scare @ 669 8th Avenue New York City on Saturday, October 13th, with doors opening at 10pm. After a one hour open bar, the burlesque show will begin at 11pm to be followed by the Grimm Fairy Tales pilot episode.

Tickets for this exclusive event are on sale now but are extremely limited. Tickets are $75 and include one-hour open bar, the Fairy Tale Burlesque show and the main event viewing of the brand new pilot episode. Further, all attendees will receive a signed limited edition art print and a limited edition Grimm Fairy Tales comic book exclusive to the event.

"This screening party will be our first opportunity to show off the animated series so many fans have been waiting for," said Zenescope's Marketing Director, Stephen Haberman, "Plus those in attendance are getting open bar, a burlesque show and limited edition gifts. We're stoked!"

During New York Comic Con there will be a Zenescope panel that will premiere a first look at Zenescope'’s Grimm Fairy Tales the Animated Series. The panel will feature director Jon Schnepp, Grimm Fairy Tales writers and creators Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, actress Brianna Evigan, and other special guests. Like Zenescope @ www.zenescope.com/facebook for more details!

About Zenescope Entertainment

Zenescope Entertainment was founded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005 and has quickly grown into one of the top comic book and graphic novel publishing companies in the world. Zenescope's Grimm Fairy Tales, and subsequent spinoff series such as Escape From Wonderland, Neverland and The Piper, put a dark twist on classic fables and are some of the best-selling and longest running original independent comic books on shelves today. Zenescope's licensed titles include the on-going, critically acclaimed Charmed series, based off of the long-running popular television series, as well as Se7en and Final Destination, based off of New Line Cinema’s successful film franchises.

About Times Scare

TIMES SCARE is a year-round haunted attraction located in the heart of New York City at 42nd and 8th Ave in one of the most haunted buildings in the nation. Times Scare includes a high tech Haunted House that is lurking with psychopathic patients who taunt, chase, and hunt you at every turn, a 300-seat theater featuring nightly performances by Shock Illusionist Dan Sperry in his off-Broadway show entitled "MAGIC SHOW" and much more. The Crypt Cafe inside Times Scare is home to a full menu serving delicacies to die for and two fully stocked themed bars with signature cocktails and a lounge. Whether you are enjoying one of the live shows, braving the haunted house or just stopping by to grab a BITE to eat you won't want to miss this unique venue on your next trip...we're dying to serve you!

RESIDENT EVIL : RETRIBUTION

Of all the RESIDENT EVIL movies this one is by far the most inventive a

nd genius (and I guess that confused some critics). Milla is just a great as usual and seeing Jill Valentine (Sienna Guillory) in an extended role again pretty much makes this a must see. If you watched them all recently there are few let downs including the casting of the red queen and unfortunately, Bingbing Li as Ada Wong who both deliver sub par performances. Having said that, attention to detail is evident if you saw AFTERLIFE, and just a tid bit on the casting - a secondary role of Becky was given to Aryana Engineer (lead in the Orphan). There are numerous treats here including some ridiculously well timed graphics detailing injuries during fights and tons of over the top stunts this series is known for with some nice humor moments and even emotional tugs. For fans of the movies this installment is nothing short of mind blowing and sets up nicely for yet another installment down the line. Don't listen to the nay sayers out there, RUN to see this and catch the 3D version if you can.

I give it a 6 out of 7 - AMAZINGLY GOOD - This movie is more than a pleasant surprise. You will buy it, you will cry when you think about how awesome it is. When it comes on tv - you will zombify and not be able to change the channel.

 

Expanded Defintion: Movies that get a 6 out of 7 should not be mistaken as not being almost perfect. They might contain one or two slight flaws that caused you a second take, but other than that they are outstanding. These are top notch films also special effects heavy (like a 7 out of 7) and extremely well acted. These movies do not feature Jack Black or Alec Baldwin. Thanks to "TRANSFORMERS" Megan Fox is allowed in the movie but the rest of the movie has to be nothing short of cinematic genius.

=Jess Hurley=

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey

The Difficulty of Continuity in Doctor Who

By Jim Smith

Ian: ”Doctor, I don’t understand this at all. We saw the Daleks destroyed on Skaro, we were there!”

Doctor: “My dear boy, what happened in Skaro was a million years ahead of us in the future.”

                                                                The Dalek Invasion of Earth, Episode 2

***Warning: if you are new to the series, this article may be somewhat spoilery.***

Doctor Who is a television show that, while, built around an amazing concept, that of a traveler in time and space, it also is fraught with the threat of continuity problems.  In any given story the circumstances of not only where, but when have to be established.  Unfortunately, sometimes the When is left out, and  while you have a pretty good idea of the continuity of events in the Doctor’s life, when it comes to the others that he encounters in his travels, including his companions, the continuity gets kind of fuzzy.

To wit: consider everyone’s favorite archeologist, River Song.  They live their lives in reverse order.  As the Doctor gets older, she gets younger.  The first time they met (from the Doctor’s perspective) was in Silence in the Library during the David Tenant years.  She knew him VERY well, and he did not know her at all.  Her deeper connection to the Doctor is revealed when she whispers in his ear.  The Doctor explains to Donna Noble that she told him his name, and that there is only one circumstance where he is allowed to reveal it.  He never explained that statement, but the internet was on fire with rumors that she was his wife, and he hadn’t married her yet, and that the meeting was out of synch with their lives.  There were rumors she would become a permanent companion and a few drawings of the TARDIS with a “just married” banner trailing a string of tin cans surfaced on the internet as well.

In The Impossible Astronaut, the Doctor and River sit in a café and flip through their diaries, seeing which experiences they have shared already.  That, in my estimation would be the most awkward dinner table conversation ever.  “Hi honey, have we been to Callufrax yet? Why no, we haven’t, what happened on Callufrax?  Sorry, can’t tell you … no spoilers.”  (BTW, a little nod to classic Whovians, Callufrax was another name for Earth after the Time Lords re-located it during the sixth Doctor’s time … if you have no idea what I am talking about, it is from the Season long story arc “Trial of a Time Lord” and well worth hitting up in your Netflix queue)

As a matter of fact, we have seen the Earth destroyed twice in Doctor Who.  First, in the first Doctor serial called “The Ark”, which shows the Doctor visiting with the people escaping the Earth just before it’s destruction, and again in the ninth Doctor story “The End of the World”, where he is on a special satellite which is there to give a god view of the event.  We have seen the earth invaded multiple times by Daleks, Cybermen, Autons, Zygons and a host of others with varying degrees of success, and the odd plague or two.

Sometimes, story writers try to fix what they see as continuity problems, but they often just end up creating more.  For instance, in War of the Daleks, one of the eighth Doctor novels, John Peel tries to explain why the Daleks history seems tied in knots.  The first Doctor defeats them when they invaded Earth, the fourth Doctor traveled to their home planet of Skaro to hinder their development, and the seventh Doctor actually destroyed their homeworld.  However, the Daleks just won’t seem to die as they factor into the story of the Doctor Who TV Movie, which is the only appearance of the eighth Doctor on screen (though there are rumors that he might be in the 50^th anniversary episode).

Entire books have been written to attempt a continuity of Doctor Who, and there is an entire website devoted to a chronology of the Doctor’s life, including all television and print adventures, all of which the BBC considers canon.

So, when you are watching Doctor Who, don’t get turned off by the confusion the time travel element might introduce.  After all, as the tenth Doctor says in Blink, time isn’t a linear progression, but rather when viewed objectively from the outside it is a “big ball of wibbly wobbly, timey wimey … stuff.”  There are enough cosmological theories about time on the internet to make your head ache, your eyes go fuzzy and drool to drip on your keyboard.  If ever you start having time issues while watching Doctor Who, just repeat these simple words: ‘that was then, this is now” and take two neotrinos and call me in the morning.