The Last Airbender: Korra Trailer

NETFLIX CHANGES: 60-Second Summary

"rebel yell" by plasticrevolver. 2006. Courtesy of Flickr/Creative Commons.

Netflix wants to retain customers:

• Video games by mail 
• More streaming content 

Netflix wants to save money:

• Separating services (Netflix for streaming, Qwikster for DVDs and Games by mail) 
• No Starz movies
• Two price hikes in 2011 

Inconvenient Ripples

• Ratings and Reviews will be separate on the two sites 
• You won't be able to see what is available by DVD/Streaming on one screen 
• Video games service costs more 

Questions to Ask

• Why a new name? 
• Are they going to sell Qwikster? 
• Will there be more price hikes? 

And that is all you need to know.

Great Spock Moment: "Forget"

Being a fan of historical romance novels, I love the stoic facade of Spock. It is remarkably similar to the warrior motif adopted by so many writers. 


Why is it that Kirk is the only person who accepts Spock as he is? (He's rarely around -- or conscious -- when Spock is being truly wonderful. See picture above.)


Scotty constantly yells at him, McCoy calls him names, Chekov mutters and Sulu is generally clueless...


Poor Mr. Spock.

Free Movies This Summer in NYC

Hey, New Yorkers! Just letting you know there are a TON of free outdoor movie events this summer. Check out the almost-comprehensive listing below or click here to view the listing as a webpage.

"Star Trek" beams up to Netflix

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a three-star anime that could have been more.

The story follows the life and training of Kenichi Shirahama, an average Japanese teen with average problems. Lacking even the slightest fighting abilities, Kenichi is ridiculed by his peers. His only solace is the dream that he will one day rise above his foes and become a strong martial artist. A chance encounter with a busty girl leads Kenichi to stand up for what's right, revealing that -- despite earlier displays of cowardice -- he does indeed have what it takes to be a fighter. Several hormone-induced nosebleeds later, Kenichi finds himself at the doorstep of Ryozanpaku, the world's foremost dojo, where he is accepted as head disciple. As the series progresses, the masters of Ryozanpaku put Kenichi to the test, simultaneously training him in muay tai, karate, traditional weapons, Chinese martial arts and aikijujitsu. Kenichi faces everyone from school bullies to infamous gang leaders and emerges as -- here it comes -- the mightiest disciple.

The first season had a good balance of action and comedy, but the second season seemed to have a shortage of dark elements. There were no big questions, no soul-searching, no heart-wrenching deaths.

The animation is crisp and the voice acting is superb. 

But the lack of intensity left something to be desired.

-S

Attack The Block

This might be a generalization but British folk are funny. Even when said British folk are fending off an alien invasion while living in one of the poorer parts of London. No matter the circumstances, they’ll always give you a chuckle.

That's what happened in Attack the Block, a British import that's equal parts horror, suspense, and comedy. It was made by the same guys who brought us Shaun of the Dead. In it some local toughs run afoul of an alien critter that looks like a cross between Aliens and the Westminster dog show.

They handle the situation poorly to say the least and that leads to a small invasion on their block. The name for the housing scheme they live in.

The movie is surprisingly funny, the young actors all play their roles well. Pest, played by Alex Esmail, is particularly memorable, as is John Boyega as Moses who is an excellent straight man for the crew. There are other performances that deserve praise like that of Hi Hit played by Jumayn Hunter. He's the gangster drug dealer who wishes to be a gangsta rapper.

It is not a commentary on the plight of the young poor kids in London. Kudos to Joe Cornish, the writer and director for that. Though at times it appears the director is trying to explain to a local tough near you why that lifestyle isn't quite so peachy. If it tried to do any stinging social commentary, it would have been lost amongst all the blood and gore spread by the alien invaders.

No, instead the movie keeps itself simple. Makes you laugh, makes you jump a little, and makes you feel like you didn't waste your money.

Give it a look.

Movie Trivia

In the 1991 cult classic, Silence of the Lambs, serial killer Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, claims to have eaten a census taker "with fava beans and a nice chianti".

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chianti

"X-Men: First Class" Trailer

Early Screening: Fast Five

Fast Five (2011), the fifth installment in the Fast and the Furious saga, does not disappoint.

The movie picks up right where Fast and Furious (2009) left off – with Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) speeding down a highway in pursuit of the prison bus carting the recently convicted Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) to the slammer. The escape is successful and gripping -– a bus is rolled, there’s an explosion and voluminous dust clouds punctuate the action-- well-worth the two-year intermission between parts IV and V.

But, the high from the escape is short-lived as O’Connor makes a snap judgment that ends up getting the group involved with one of the baddest cats in all of Rio de Janeiro, Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida). Of course, this situation can only be solved with cars and crime, which draws the attention of John Q. Law and his sister Joan. Q Law., played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Elsa Pataky, respectively.

Fans of the series will enjoy the ensemble cast -- the best and brightest from the previous automotive assignations reprising their roles: Tyrese Gibson as Roman, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges as Tej, Sung Kang as Han, and Tengo Calderon as Leo, to name a few.

However, the same fans might also be disgusted at the PG-13 antics. The urgency, grit and playful profanity of the previous flicks have been noticeably toned down. Like down-grading your engine to upgrade your wheels -- it was an understandable move that ensures the flick gets a bit more distance.

In short, there are cars, chicks and crashes; so, load up the mini-van and cruise down to your local IMAX theatre. Don't be stingy. The speakers are loud enough to drown out the weeping of your credit card.

Fast Five hits the big screen at midnight!

"Bebe's Kids"

Bebe's Kids wins the award for most socially destructive movie on Netflix.

I learned:

It's okay to act out as long as you believe that being irresponsible is a part of who you are.

It's okay to let go of your morals in order to gain friends.

It's okay to have children you cannot provide for. Not one, not two, but three.

It's okay to dump your kids on your friend.

It's okay to raise latch key kids.

It's okay to break rules and procedure as long as you don't care about them.

It's okay to change date plans last minute without telling the person you are dating.

And people wonder why there are so many harmful ideas out there about the African-American community...

Return of the Thunder

SUPER (A.K.A. What "Kick Ass" Was Supposed To Be)

Transformers 3

"Thunder....Thunder....": It's got Lion-O's roar of approval.

Once Lion-O works on his roar a little (needs a bass boost)....this will be awe-some.

Read a great piece by Kiel Phegley: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=31691

"Puss in Boots" Trailer

Funniest Anime Episode Ever (Dragonaut)

THANK YOU!!!! I sincerely appreciate that, FUNimation. Nothing like a disabled embed code to f-up my layout!

Still..The funniest single, stand-alone episode of an anime series ever.

Captain America: Before and After

Anyone can do that...

Captain America Trailer

The Three Musketeers Trailer

Harry Belafonte on the Muppet Show

HAHAHA Kids.....

The Expendables - Smaller

Writing Samples For Cracked.com

SAMPLE GIST

Despite efforts to echo the glittery appeal of the Cullens, gods and man aren’t on the best terms because the multi-cultural deities can’t give up old habits. Zeus sleeps around. Hera is a witch. And Hades hates his job. This drama plays out in the life of young Perseus, the son of Zeus. After witnessing the murder of his adoptive family, Perseus meets some walking boobs and a MILF then decides to become a soldier. There are scorpions, a cuckolded mutant, Medusa and some sort of colossal crustacean. Triumphant, Perseus reunites with his dad and is given a zombie wife. 

SAMPLE CRACKED FACT

M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender--which had the largest budget of any Nickelodeon movie--grossed $319,713,881 worldwide. With the net profit Paramount could have reimbursed 22,628,517 unsatisfied fans.

• National Association Of Theatre Owners: Average U.S. Ticket Prices  (http://www.natoonline.org/statisticstickets.htm)
• The Numbers: The Last Airbender (http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2010/BENDR.php)
• Box Office Mojo: The Last Airbender (http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lastairbender.htm)

"Hop" Trailers

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Adolescent reptiles named after Renaissance artists--Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo-- mutate and train to become crime-fighting ninjas under the tutelage of an oversized brown rat from Japan, Master Splinter. The movie kicks off with a trio of tragic events: Raphael loses a sai, Raphael hits Leonardo and Raphael’s absence leads to the abduction of Master Splinter by a mysterious cult with a podiatric fetish, The Foot Clan. Teaming up with a news reporter prepared for inclement weather and a sports-loving vigilante, the turtles train harder, reunite their bonds of brotherhood and return to face the leader of The Foot, the lovelorn ninjitsu master, The Shredder. The movie ends on a positive note with father-son bonding, a passionate kiss and “a funny.”

SYLVIA: Were you looking for another Adam Sandler flick? The kind where a sympathetic character has a ridiculously bad idea that ends up helping, then hurting, then helping him again? Well, good because that is exactly what Just Go With It is. You'll laugh at the silliness and groan at the inevitable struggles. The ending will warm your heart, while the gratuitous boobage will warm the rest of you.  

Note: There is no Hawaiian who would attempt to trade two chickens for a car--let me clarify, no sober, meth-free Hawaiian who would attempt to trade two chickens for a car. The handful of scenes that featured "locals" were...offensive. Coming from me that says a lot...

Ignoring the offensive scenes? This movie is a buttery, sweet Popcorn Combo. Do you agree?

Prince of Persia

Available Now On Starz Play on Demand and Netflix


SYLVIA: Well, I liked it...Prince of Persia was a great action-adventure in the tradition of the Mummy and Pirates of the Caribbean. The effects and action were gasp-worthy, the heroine foxy and the bad guy admirably sane. The script and acting are a bit lacking at times, but the tempo and smoothly unfurled story are sure to keep you interested throughout. In the movie for less than 10 minutes total, Ronald Pickup stole the show. He plays the wise and well-watered King Sharaman. Look out for his performance.

Overall, I rate it a Hot Dog combo, four stars, 1 thumb firmly up. It's sure to make it into my permanent DVD collection. What did you think, Paul?

Director: Mike Newell        

Screenplay: Boaz Yakin, Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard         (screenplay)
Screen Story: Jordan Mechner
Video Game Series: Jordan Mechner

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal/Dastan
Gemma Arterton/Tamina
Ben Kingsley/ Nizam
Alfred Molina/Sheik Amar
Steve Toussaint /Seso
Toby Kebbell/Garsiv
Richard Coyle/Tus
Ronald Pickup/King Sharaman

I AM NUMBER FOUR

Original Trailer




Extended Trailer

X-Men: First Class

a/k/a Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong went to jail for selling marijuana paraphernalia online.Go figure....

This is a great documentary about Chong's trial and incarceration. There are some surprisingly lucid moments throughout the film. You'll find yourself nodding and wondering why you don't smoke pot...or smoke pot more as the case were.

I rate it a HOT DOG COMBO. So go watch it....man.

http://www.akatommychong.com/

Two Summaries Of Clash Of The Titans

Hades rises from the sea to smote a bunch of unbelievers. Misremembering his instructions from Zeus, Hades smashes a small fishing vessel killing everyone except the fisherman’s adopted son, the demi-god Perseus. The survivors of the massacre, Perseus and some soldiers, head to Argos, a god-hating town, to report the incident. Hades makes a speech after which Perseus sets off to avenge the death of his family. There are scorpions, a cuckolded mutant, Medusa and some sort of colossal crustacean. All of the trained soldiers die, while Perseus survives to make it back to Argos where he reunites with his father and is given a zombie wife.

Perseus, the son of Zeus and some chick, is raised to be a god-fearing man by a fisherman and his wife. Ironically, His family is immediately dispatched by a god who rises from the sea. Poseidon? No, Hades. What? Just go with it. Shortly after this tragedy, Perseus, is transported to Argos, a god-hating town, where he falls in love with the boobs attached to Princess Andromeda. Hades makes a speech after which Perseus sets off to avenge the death of his family. There are scorpions, a cuckolded mutant, Medusa and some sort of colossal crustacean. All of the trained soldiers die, while Perseus survives to make it back to Argos where he reunites with his father and is given a fresh pair of boobs attached to some sort of immortal woman.

Dan In Real Life (2007)

We rate it a Popcorn Combo: We won't be watching it again, but aren't ashamed to admit we were captivated by the series of unfortunate events that is Dan's life.

Directed by: Peter Hedges
Written by: Pierce Gardner and Peter Hedges
Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne West, John Mahoney

Tsubasa

Tsubasa is without a doubt, the absolute corniest anime I have ever seen. (Exhibit A: screen shot above)

Syaoran, a young archaeologist, travels the multiverse seeking the scattered memories of his lover and childhood friend, Princess Sakura.

Archaeologist and the princess--that old hat.

The series is a collaborative work produced by Clamp which pulls together lead characters from different anime shows. You might recognize Yuko/Mokuna from XXXholic; and Syaoran/Sakura from Cardcaptor Sakura.

The artwork blends the cutesy features of the Sakura cast with the knottable limbs of XXholic. Some viewers might find the colors a bit washed-out. (But that might just be the tears of boredom you start shedding after the first 50 seconds.)

I rate it a BOX OF CANDY!

Marvel Anime

(Don't mind the annoying advertisement before this video.)

Have you ever wondered if the difference between American cartoons and Japanese animation is only skin deep? Here's your chance to find out. 

It's 2011--two years since Marvel Comics announced the production of four new television series featuring Wolverine, the X-Men, Blade and Iron Man. (In order, of importance to me.)

The shows, developed by Madhouse Studios, were released in October 2010 to Japanese audiences. And are scheduled for release in the US around the same time this year. A concrete date has not been announced.

Judging from past experience with Marvel it will either be released yesterday or in 2013.