Steve Denton

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Mike D & Jeff Bond Attend The 1st NYC Screening For Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

When I heard about the Finnish movie Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale a few months back, I was immediately intrigued. How can you not be interested in a movie about a real Santa Claus who is released from a icy prison and resumes his naughty child punishing ways? Count me in. Then we got an email about the 1st NYC screening for the film a full week before the movie opens at the IFC Center, so we emailed and got picked to attend. Boy were we NOT disappointed. First, David, Ted & the guys from OscilloScope Labratories (the USA distribution company) came out to great the crowd and tell us about the film. They then started a quick Q & A session for some prizes... the 1st question was as follows:

"Next week we are having our afterparty at a bar called The Slaughter Lamb? What movie featured a bar by that title in it?"

C'mon bro... I had my hand up quickfast, and answered An American Werewolf In London immediately. That netted me a DVD of the Danish movie Terribly Happy & this awesome Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale full sheet lobby poster:

Not bad!!! Hopefully David and the crew will like our coverage and send us some swag to give you guys... but this ones all mine!!!

Anywho, the movie started and let me just say this: If there was ever an original concept this one was it. Its a cool story about a small village of people that depend on a reindeer migration every year to provided them with meat to both eat and sell to make a living. But something funny is going on up on a local mountain, where an American team of excavators is working to retrieve something from the ice... and that somethiing has a pulse!!! When the hunters find the whole herd of reindeers slaughtered, the youngest child of the village starts to wonder if those guys up on the mountain may have accidently unleashed the real Santa, who really kills and tortures the children who are naughty. I will not ruin anything for you guys, but just know that this is a super smart movie and a wonderfully original idea. The director, Jalmari Helander, does a great job with his small cast and some wonderful winter landscapes that really set up the action of the film.

On another note, this movie is being rumored to be some brutal horror movie, which it is NOT. Is it scary? At times, yes. Is it non-traditional? Oh yes, it breaks the mold of the Santa Claus you know and love. Is it successful in being a good movie? Absolutely. This film has just joined Scrooged, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Nightmare Before Christmas and A Christmas Story as my must watch holiday films for the Christmas season. Thanks to David, Ted & Oscilloscope Labs for inviting us to the screening and make sure you check out Rare Exports at the IFC Center in NYC next week. Trust me, you will love this one!!!

Here are a few pics from the film to get your blood pumping!!!

Also, here is the trailer... and you can check out the Rare Exports home page by clicking here.

The "Classic" Comic Book Pull List by James West - The Judas Contract Edition

Tales of the Teen Titans #42-44 and Annual #3, “The Judas Contract”

Without further ado, the second classic review… *Spoilers Ahead*

Synopsis: It’s a bit difficult to do a true synopsis, because this is one of the stories that was building up for about 20 issues, which adds to its grand and epic scale. For a while, the New Teen Titans were Robin, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl (all of the original team), plus new members Cyborg, Changeling (Beast Boy from Doom Patrol), Starfire, and Raven. Soon enough, Terra joined their ranks, and her and Changeling fell in love. All was well for a while…but then, enter the Judas Contract. It is revealed that, while the whole time she has seemed benevolent , Terra actually has some serious psychological problems, thinks those with powers should conquer the world, and has been a spy working for Deathstroke, the Terminator (Teen Titans archenemy extraordinaire), the whole time. Which sucked for the Teen Titans. One by one, with his knowledge about their day to day lives in weaknesses that Terra had learned about through their trust, Deathstroke took down and captured all of the Teen Titans: that is, all but Dick Grayson, who had recently quit his famous persona of Robin. Now, it’s up to Dick Grayson, under his brand new persona of Nightwing, to save the rest of his teammates…

*End of Spoliers*

Analysis: I love this story. The Teen Titans were what helped me get into comics in the full swing back when I was twelve years old and this story was a personal favorite. Dick Grayson is my favorite comic book character ever, and any story that accentuates his awesomeness is fine by me. The story is chilling in a way, for a few reasons. The first is how Deathstroke takes out the heroes in their private lives, when they least expect it…gassing their apartment, etc. To my knowledge, this is the first time something like this had been done in comic books, and the idea of getting the heroes at their most vulnerable is an interesting thought. Second was the tragedy that is Terra, the psychologically imbalanced 15 year old who’s sleeping with a man easily in his 50’s (woo statutory rape!) and betraying all those she calls her friends…and you feel really bad for poor Changeling, who was going out with the girl. Deathstroke himself is actually a magnificent villain…there’s something about him that’s somewhat sympathetic, especially when it comes to looking out for his family, even though you know that he’s really an evil bastard (the statutory rape thing has already been mentioned, but did I also mention that this is the same villain who, in the DC event Infinite Crisis, will drop what is essentially a nuclear bomb on the city of Bludhaven, Nightwing’s stomping ground, killing hundreds upon thousands of people…just to piss off Dick Grayson?). However…with all the good it has, the story is not perfect. Some complain that Wolfman’s dialogue can be overdramatic, but it’s not something I ever noticed, and even if it is a tad bit…they are teenagers with superpowers, so I expect as much. The one, big, mutton-chopped stain on this is Jericho…Deathstroke’s son, who is mute, and has the ability to possess your body if he makes eye contact with you…oh, and he knows karate. Granted, his role is important, because he leads Nightwing to wear the other Titans are, helps him, and eventually joins…but Jesus Christ. Even when I was 12, I disliked when this guy was on the page. I could not bring myself to like him. I mean…just look at him!

See?!?! See how he ruins Dick Grayson’s big reveal of his new superhero identity that he would carry with him for the next 25 years, appearing in multiple animated shows, video games, and other media? See how his homo-erotic Medieval Times purple tunic/superfluous gold bling just stain the page? As Will (Danny McBride) said in Land of the Lost, never trust a dude in a tunic. Or how about the mutton chops? Like Wolverine, but gay! (Apologies to any readers who find this offensive…but there is literally no other way to describe this). This all goes without even mentioning the blonde perm, which, over time, actually develops into a blonde perm-mullet. Yes. A PERMULLET. That about does it for his physical appearance (George Perez is one of my favorite artists, but his costume design here just does not gel with me). Character wise, he was always just so bland to me, too. Ah well. I’m done ripping on him. After all, he is a favorite to some people…for some reason.

But, Jericho’s reveal is superseded by Nightwing’s. Granted, he had a disco collar…but you know what? I kinda like the disco collar. And he wouldn’t have for long.

So, all in all, I would usually give this 10/10…but I must subtract a point for Jericho. 9/10.

Ke$ha Is On The Cover Of Complex Magazine... Yup, Thats A Win-Win!!!

Ke$ha is on the cover of this months Complex Magazine (with Kanye West on the flip side), and this is a win-win for me. First of all, Complex is my favorite magazine out right now. Marc Ecko and the crew are killing it and I can not get enough of the well rounded publication they put out consistently. Secondly, and most importantly, I have an unhealthy obsession with the dirty girl that is Ke$ha. Yeah, I saw that unflattering pic of her pancake-like ass in that bathing suit... but guess what??? I don't care. I love this filthy bitch, and money is agreeing with her as it seems she has hit the gym a bit between albums. There is a lot of leg featured here, and not much ass at all (coincidence? I think not...) but she still looks damn good... and by damn good I mean filthy good!!! Here is the full photo shoot courtesy of Fashion Indie... I hope you like it!!!

***Please click Read more below to see the rest of the Ke$ha Complex photo shoot***

5 Reasons Why "The Warriors Way" Might Not Suck

Here is the new red band clip from the upcoming martial arts movie The Warriors Way:

Here are 5 reasons why this movie could pan out and be something wonderful:

The martial arts and weapon play look SICK. The plot and story may be a bit suspect (they usually are in MOST martial arts flicks) but some slick fighting goes A LONG WAY!!! Jang Dong Gun looks like he is kciking some serious ninja ass in what we have seen so far.
I love bloody head wounds with sharp objects... I don't know why, but there is something about a headshot with a sword or spear that just does it for me. That one in the clip above is magnificient.
Kate Bosworth is hot as shit. Sure she may have gotten a bit to skinny, but she is still stunning. Not bad eye candy to cut all the kicking and punching a bit... god I hope she surfs in this movie (I know, I know... its a longshot!!!)
Geoffrey Rush.... 'nuff said!
The film is being produced by Lord of the Rings trilogy producer Barrie M Osborne and features costumes from 3 time Academy Award winning costume designer James Acheson... these guys have a pedigree about them and their involvement along with Rush & Bosworth lend a lot of credability to this film.

The Warriors Way opens December 3rd... click here to see more on the films official website.

Wu Tang Wednesday - Redman & Method Man - How High

These guys were a perfect compliment to each other and their album Blackout was phenomenal. Two titans of 90's Hip Hop checking their ego's at the door to make some great Hip Hop. Not to mention the video is absolutely hysterical. Great song... "How High... So High That I Can Touch The Sky!!!"

Proof That There Is A God: Julie Benz Edition

No words... just thanks!!!

The Greatest Movie Villian Ever...

... is not who you think. It's not Darth Vader, or Lord Voldemort. Its not Count Dracula, or Freddy Kreuger. It's not Sauron, its not Keyser Sosa, it's not Tony Montana, and its not Nino Brown. True, all these people have legacies of being some of the baddest of the bad. But none come close to purportrating the henious deeds and actions of the greatest movie villian of all time.... this lady:

Yup, it's Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz. Whats that you say? I got it wrong, I must mean The Wicked Witch of The West, not Glinda.... nope, I'm sorry, but I mean Glinda. Why you ask? Just check out Cracked.com's breakdown on all the evil shit that she is responsible for during The Wizard of Oz by clicking here, and then ask yourself if she is so good after all. I was shocked when I read this, and you will be as well. Fuck the flying monkees, this bitch is the real gangster of OZ!!!

Thanks to Unreality Mag & Cracked for this story.... hysterical, but true!!!

Star Wars Posters In The Vein Of Other Movies.... Awesome!

Check out these cool Star Wars inspired posters for other movies by deviant artist Mattranzetta. The posters feature Star Wars related characters and situations from some of my favorite movies ever. Hope you guys enjoy this cool take on some fan art...

Artist Fabian Glez Gives Us Minamalist "Superheroes vs Supervillians"

These posters of Superheroes & Supervillians broken down to there minimal essentials in these two posters. They are way to cool to explain. Click here to order prints and t-shirts. Here you are... enjoy.

Heroes: Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Superman, Gambit, Barbarella, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Hulk, Cyclops, The Incredibles, Radioactive Man, Fallout Boy, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Captain Atom, Aeon Flux, Wolverine, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, Professor X, Chapulin Colorado, The Darkness, Ben (Fantastic Four), Hellboy, He-Man, Freakazoid, The Silver Surfer, Witchblade, Spider-Man, Mandrake, Mighty Man, Green Lantern, Falcon, Atom Ant, The Phantom, Storm (X-Men), Birdman, Aquaman, Iceman, Captain Marvel, Space Ghost, Blade, Blue Falcon, Dynomutt, Flash Gordon, Bartman, TNMT Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo; Plastic Man, Duffman, The Punisher, Daredevil, Hawkman, Black Vulcan, Zorro, Hancock

Villians: The answers have not been posted yet... can you name em all??? Use the comment section below to put your guesses. I can not wait to read 'em!!!

Bob's Burgers Looks To Be A Fun Show... We Hope

Fox is premiering a new animated comedic series this January and judging by the first preview clip, it looks pretty good. Neither Mike "Beavis & Butthead/King of the Hill" Judge, Matt "The Simpsons/Futurama" Groening, or Seth "Family Guy/The Cleavland Show" McFarlane have anything to do with it... it seems that although Fox has a poor track record of keeping their best programming around, if there is one thing they know how to do it is animation. Have a look... and tell us if you think you will be checking for this one in the new year in the comment section below. Enjoy!

Thanks to Jeff Bond for bringing this to my attention... my DVR is going to be working overtime in 2011!!!!

Irvin Kershner, R.I.P. - 1923 - 2010

A true legend amongst filmmakers passed away yesterday at the age of 87. Irvin Kershner, director of The Empire Strikes Back, succumbed to the lung cancer he had fought for 3 years. Kershner was handpicked by George Lucas to follow up Star Wars, and all he did was make one of the greatest movies of all time. Empire is not just the best Star Wars movie, it may be the best space opera/sci-fi movies ever... EVER!!! The Hoth scenes, Yoda, Han & Leia, Luke finding out that Darth Vader was really Daddy Vader... c'mon man, there is nothing that comes close. Here is what George Lucas had to say about his friend and collaborators death (as per E! news):

"The world has lost a great director and one of the most genuine people I've had the pleasure of knowing," Lucas said in a statement sent to E! News. "Irvin Kershner was a true gentleman in every sense of the word."

Billy D. Williams called Kershner "... a mountain of a man" upon hearing about his death. Film critic Roger Ebert further cemented the legacy of Empire when he gave this review back in 1997 during a re-release of the film:

"It is because of the emotions stirred in Empire that the entire series takes on a mythic quality that resonates back to the first [movie] and ahead to the third," critic Roger Ebert wrote in a four-star review, published upon the sequel's 1997 re release. "This is the heart."

Kershner also directed Never Say Never Again, which brought Sean Connery back to the role of James Bond, and Robocop 2, the sequel to the Paul Verhooven classic. All in all, he was a talented filmmaker and all Star Wars freaks should commend him, because one must face facts: If Kirshner would have fucked up Empire, the franchise would have been over. Thanks to him, its 30 years and still going strong. You will be missed sir. Thank you for my favorite Star Wars movie ever. Good luck on the journey you have ahead.

Monday, November 29, 2010

R.I.P. Leslie Nielsen Dead At 84 Years Old

On November 28th, 2010 the world lost a great acting talent when Leslie Nielsen succumbed to complications from pneumonia. He was 84. Nielsen was known for many roles, having gotten his start in the 1956 sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet. He was in the original Poseiden Adventure in 1972, and after appearing in the parody film Airplane! in 1980 he was constantly looked at as the go to guy in the parody genre. His role as Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series and his take on the priest in the possession film parody Re-Possessed are some of the funniest performances I have ever witnessed in my life. Yet by far, I love the calm, cool, calculating murderer that Nielsen played in Creepshow. Burying Ted Danson up to his neck in sand was awesome... untiil he came back from the dead!!!! You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

As a tribute, I give you guys the Baseball clip from The Naked Gun. One of the funniest sequences in history. Enjoy. "Enrico Palatzo???"... LOL. R.I.P. funny guy!!!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Heroes Vs Villians Toy Battle: Mikey & I Play With Some Toys!!!

My son Mikey has been fascinated by Marvel's Superhero Squad toys ever since he first laid eyes on him. You got to admit that the little figures are extremely cool due to their amazing likenesses and cool selection of characters that are included in the set. They have released a shitload of these guys over the past few years, and Mikey has an extraordinary amount of them. I thought it would be cool to set up a mock "heroes vs villians" battle scene on the kitchen table, pitting all the teams we love from the Marvel Universe against their mortal enemies. Due to Marvel trying to capitalize on the success of Wolverine, Spiderman, and Iron Man, there are an obscene amount of these characters present (especially Iron Man!!!). Unfortunately, you must keep buying these duplicates in order to get some of the cooler figures in the two packs they come in. Anyway, I shot some awesome pics as well as a video of the "great battle". Hope you enjoy.