tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101941362024-03-07T17:52:40.764-06:00Sleep Is For SuckersI watch too many movies. And tv shows. And I read too many comics.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1148656155372541102006-05-26T09:15:00.000-05:002006-05-26T10:10:20.256-05:00Marvel Annihilation: Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/ANNNOVA002_Cover.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/ANNNOVA002_Cover.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Marvel's secondary Summer event is now a few issues into each miniseries' run, so I thought it'd be a good idea to reassess my views on the books.<br /><br />As expected, <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation: Nova</span> is pretty much the book to beat in this group. It's actually one of the best books I'm reading right now, not just from Marvel, but from any publisher.<br /><br />Wow. Nova is one of my favorite comics. That just feels weird to admit.<br /><br />If anything, the second issue actually improves on the first, supplying another couple of interesting character dynamics with the addition of Drax the Destroyer and his little Earth girl companion. The writing is snappy, and the art is just terrific. I'm really grokking on this book, and would gladly buy an ongoing or follow the creative team to a new book.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation: Super-Skrull</span> is a good read as well. I was very skeptical about this one. I mean, the Super-Skrull? He's got to be one of the goofiest characters to come out of the House of Ideas. He looks like Ultra the Multi Alien's brother-in-law, fer cripe's sake. Still, it's a pretty bouncy, light outerspace book, and certainly satisfies on that level.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/ANNSILV002_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/ANNSILV002_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Confession: I have never, ever enjoyed a Silver Surfer story. He seems to me to be the ultimate Stan Lee creation. He simply cannot be written without being overwritten. His overriding angst and flowery speech patterns have the same effect as an prescription sleep aid on me. He is possibly the most boring Marvel character I have ever encountered. There's plenty that are lamer or goofier, but as we all know, the greatest crime in super-heroics is to be boring. Which he is. (Although he is certainly goofy as well) I'd rather read a Razorback story than a Silver Surfer story.<br /><br />As for <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation: SIlver Surfer</span>? Well, it's a typical Silver Surfer story, which means I didn't like it. Huh, that was pretty easy.<br /><br />And then there's <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation: Ronan</span>. I've only read the first issue, but it didn't really resonate. I don't really have any knowledge of the character before this mini, and I'm still not sure I have a handle on who he is. I think I had him mixed up with one of the Celestials, a group of characters that I have only previously seen in the Marvel Handbooks. The book itself is kind of boring, so it's going to have to get a thumbs down from me.<br /><br />All in all, this "Event" is batting .500 with me, which is actually pretty good for a group of miniseries, and is downright spectacular for a group of Marvel comics. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nova</span> is great, <span style="font-style: italic;">Super-Skrull</span> is fun, but <span style="font-style: italic;">Silver Surfer</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Ronan</span> are kind of drag.<br /><br />Note to Marvel. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nova</span> monthly. Dan Abnett. Kev Walker. Money in the bank.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1148573206756055042006-05-25T10:53:00.000-05:002006-05-25T11:11:22.063-05:00Kicking and Screaming - Criterion Details!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/k%26s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/k%26s.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Criterion <a href="http://www.criterionco.com/asp/">website</a> has finally released <a href="http://www.criterionco.com/asp/release.asp?id=349">info</a> on their upcoming release of Noah Baumbach's <span style="font-style: italic;">Kicking and Screaming</span>, which is, by chance, my absolute favorite movie. It looks to be another high-quality presentation from the good people at Criterion. Still no commentary from Baumbach, but that wasn't really very likely considering the lack of such on his recent The Squid and the Whale dvd. Lots of good stuff on <span style="font-style: italic;">K&S</span>, though, including copious interviews with Baumbach and cast members, as well as some deleted scenes.<br /><br />I really couldn't be more stoked. It's nice to get exactly what you want, even if it takes a bit longer than you would have liked. I really recommend anyone who hasn't seen it make a note to check it out when released. There's no date listed, but hopefully they're still planning on releasing it sometime this summer. [edit: the site lists August, so... yay!]<br /><br />(I love you, Criterion.)<br /><br /><br />Oh, the details are also out for <a href="http://www.criterionco.com/asp/release.asp?id=336">Dazed and Confused</a>, which looks great as well.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1148571441146233912006-05-25T10:32:00.000-05:002006-05-25T10:37:21.173-05:00Anyone??? Bueller???I'm not dead, although when I was doubled over with crippling gallstone pain a month or so back I sure felt like death was imminent at times. Things have been hectic, but I think I'm back on track, so you can expect a return to my previous level of sporadic posting.<br /><br />Huzzah.<br /><br />Oh, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348333/">Waiting...</a> was just terrible. Watched it yesterday. Save yourself the pain.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1148571128442330792006-05-25T10:03:00.000-05:002006-05-26T10:19:05.253-05:00Teen Titans #37 - The Tipping Point?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/37.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/37.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I like the current <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Titans</span> book. I have affection for most of the characters, and I find the plots to be, for the most part, a lot of fun. That said, I am on the verge of dropping the book altogether.<br /><br />The reason is the art.<br /><br />I don't know a lot about Tony Daniel. I think he was responsible for the art in <span style="font-style: italic;">Darkchylde</span>, which was an Image book about a girl with thong underwear, if memory serves. What I do know, however, is that the <span style="font-style: italic;">Image/Maximum/Avatar</span> art style is really pulling me out of this book. This is a book completely drenched in DC history, using characters from all over the DCU. It is not a book "<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">to teh extreem!</span>"<br /><br />It's a fun, soap-operatic book that needs a lighter touch on art, in my opinion. Mike McKone was the initial artist on the title before Marvel sniped him, and he was a great fit for the book. The skinny, sketchy characters populating the books at present just don't mesh well with the storylines. <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Titans</span> require an artist who can effectively show fluidity, from Robin's smooth acrobatics to the almost cartoonish appearance of Beast Boy's green animal incarnations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/36.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/36.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Daniel is a good artist, if not entirely to my taste, but his style of rendering and figure work just aren't suited for this book. I feel like a jerk for dissing his work, but it is really turning me away from <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Titans</span>.<br /><br />I'm more of a writer's comic-fan, and I can't even remember the last time I found the art on a comic so distracting. I really might drop the book, which would suck, because I think that <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Titans</span> is one of the books that has made the best use of the whole <span style="font-style: italic;">One Year Later</span> concept.<br /><br />I hope DC finds a book that is a better fit for Daniel's art, and I hope Teen Titans gets a clean-line artist like McKone or Alan Davis. This whole thing is likely just a reflection of my unrealistic desire to have Alan Davis pencil every book DC is currently pencilling. Except the <span style="font-style: italic;">Seven Soldiers</span> books. The art in those was the s**t.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1146846937524546452006-05-05T11:18:00.000-05:002006-05-05T11:35:37.543-05:00New Prisoner Series?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hmm... not sure if <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2164214,00.html">this</a> is a good idea or not. Remaking one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner%2C_The">seminal 60s Brit series</a> is a tricky proposition. The original is so linked with Patrick McGoohan, who not only starred but also wrote and directed several episodes, hat it might be difficult for a new actor to establish himself in the role.<br /><br />Still, the original <span style="font-style: italic;">Prisoner</span> was a long time ago, and many younger viewers won't have any familiarity with the source material, meaning the show could do well with the <span style="font-style: italic;">Lost</span> crowd. Plus, Christopher Eccleston is an interesting actor.<br /><br />I'll be keeping my eyes open for this series. It's going to be a six-parter, scheduled to air next Spring.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1145934568240139272006-04-24T21:33:00.000-05:002006-04-24T22:09:28.276-05:00Annihilation: A Marvel Mega-Event I'm Digging On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/img001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/img001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I swear to God, I'm just as surprised as you. I thought <span style="font-style: italic;">House of M</span> was el stinko. <span style="font-style: italic;">Civil War</span> looks to be an overblown mess from the lead-ins I've read so far. I think the last <span style="font-weight: bold;">Marvel Mega-Event</span> that I've actually enjoyed was <span style="font-style: italic;">The Evolutionary War</span>. And that was because I was young and dumb. It isn't, in fact, any good at all.<br /><br />And yet, despite my best intentions... despite my amazingly high initial level of non-interest in every character involved in this story... I can't help thinking <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation</span> is boss.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/AnnihilationPrologue1-026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/AnnihilationPrologue1-026.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I've only read the <span style="font-style: italic;">Prologue</span> issue and <span style="font-style: italic;">Nova</span> #1, but I can already tell that the puppetmaster behind this particular multi-part story actually seems to have a direct, linear story that he wants to tell. Keith Giffen ,you have made me anticipate a Marvel Event, and for that I'm not quite sure whether to thank you.<br /><br />I really believe that the Nova character is going to come out of this story revitalized and full of heat. I'm not sure if there's already talk of a regular series in the near future, but it certainly wouldn't come as a surprise. Yes, <span style="font-style: italic;">Nova</span> is basically Peter Parker in the Green Lantern Corps... but damnit, that's not a bad concept to hang a character on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/img023.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/400/img023.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I think the greatest asset this story has is that it is, as far as I know, staying the hell out of regular series and confining itself to the related miniseries (<span style="font-style: italic;">Nova</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Silver Surfer</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Super Skrull</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Ronan</span>). This gives the story clear structure, and makes coordination between books an infinitely simpler prospect.<br /><br />Marvel has also put great writers and artists on the books. It seems simple, but a lot of times the creative teams on big event books aren't up to the task. Hot writers with hotshot attitudes maybe find it a bit difficult to work under the confines of somebody else's game plan. And the best artists for some books aren't necessarily the "Artists of the Minute". Sometimes a book requires a very specific type of art style, one that might not even be en vogue at the moment. The art on Prologue and especially Nova was close to perfect. Kev Walker has a very Giffen-esque quality to his work, which is an artstyle I've always liked.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/img014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/img014.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm not a "cosmic" guy. I'm certainly not a Marvel guy. But this story has got my attention, and that says a lot for the strength of its execution. If the other minis' first issues can hold up to the high quality set by <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation: Nova</span> #1, I'm in for the long haul. And it looks like it might be a pretty nice ride.<br /><br />And hey, maybe if this little event book sells decent numbers, we can hope for Marvel to take notice, and stop cramming "concept books" that fall apart in the execution down our throats.<br /><br />Marvel can be proud of <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation</span>. That can't be said for a lot of the marquee books that come out of <span style="font-style: italic;">the House of Ideas</span>. And I think Marvel should be encouraging the development of more projects like <span style="font-style: italic;">Annihilation</span>. Not that anyone's asking me. But they should. Oh yes, they should.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1145296428555183082006-04-17T12:43:00.000-05:002006-04-17T15:56:43.453-05:00Oh god, the pain....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/1570_4_00033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/1570_4_00033.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I am currently experiencing "<span style="font-style: italic;">Spider-Man trapped under massive machinery</span>" level pain in my lower back as a result of the bane to every 30-year-old man's physical well-being, <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">unsafe lifting</span>. Last night, I found myself unable to sleep while laying perfectly motionless on my back, so I am running on virtually no sleep. It's truly a miserable state of affairs.<br /><br />I mean, I just turned 30 like two weeks ago, and my body has already decided to begin the decomposition process? Nuts to you, lower back. I think you suck. I'ma gonna do nothin' but lie on the couch and watch Mystery Science Theatre when I get home from work.<br /><br />Oh, and down Robaxacet like M&Ms. Yum yum.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1145035307401595852006-04-14T11:55:00.000-05:002006-04-17T12:42:12.933-05:00My First Comic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/2540_4_295.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/2540_4_295.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hmmm... <a href="http://2guysbuyingcomics.blogspot.com/2006/04/welcome-to-first-comic-week.html">First Comic Week</a>, eh?<br /><br />It was actually pretty hard to remember what my first comic was. I can't give 100% assurance that this was in fact my very first comic, but it's certainly the first one I remember owning. And actually, considering how confusing I must have found it, I'm surprised I kept reading them. The comic? <span style="font-style: italic;">Legion of Super-Heroes</span> #295.<br /><br />Wow. This is one strange comic. I notice, upon rereading it, that it's a fill-in issue, with the always-satisfying Keith Giffen only pencilling the framing sequence, and Howard Bender working on the bulk of the issue. I guess Timber Wolf is trying to decide whether to leave the Legion with Light Lass for some reason, and his buddy Blok decides that the best way to help him figure it out is to force him to watch a completely unrelated holotape of an early LSH adventure. Blok is kind of a dick, it seems. I think he just doesn't like to watch tv alone.<br /><br />So, they watch the tape, and it's this convoluted story that tries to explain why there aren't any Green Lanterns in the future. Only there are. And one of them is Universo, who I had never heard of, but is apparently a big deal (from the looks of him, I guessed that he was a pirate or something). Blok figures this out, but then decides not to tell anybody, either because he figures if it was true they'd already know, or because there's no reason anybody would give a rat's ass.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/lsh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/lsh.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh, and Cosmic Boy is a sadistic sumbitch, that's for sure. Geez, that bug looks pretty juicy, eh?<br /><br />Anyways, in the end Timber Wolf decides to stay, and gets dumped by his girlfriend. You know, the Giffen run on LSH is one of my favorite runs of any comic, but this fill-in issue is a stinker. I'm glad I didn't make any decisions about comic reading based on this issue alone, because then this blog would be about woodcarving or clog dancing or something.<br /><br />I must have been a weird kid, because despite the lameness of this comic, I read it until it just about fell apart.<br /><br />So, there you have it: Jhunt's first comic. A fill-in right in the middle of one of comicbookdom's seminal runs. Nice job, moron. If I had just started a month earlier, I'd be talking about the conclusion to <span style="font-style: italic;">The Great Darkness Saga</span>, possibly the greatest story-arc in Legion history. Nuts.<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/03/everybody-loves-giff_114201334310746937.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Everybody Loves the Giff</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1144682627190325452006-04-10T10:18:00.000-05:002006-04-10T10:23:47.250-05:00Missing In ActionJust a quick note... so busy. So very, very busy. We moved back into the condo on Friday, and Tam and I have been opening boxes ever since. So many boxes...<br /><br />The dark side of being an avid reader is that the sheer amount of books I've accumalated is a bit staggering. And they all need to be reshelved.<br /><br />We're making fair progress, and I am hopeful that we'll be back to normal within a day or two.<br /><br />And at that time, I should have both the time and energy to begin blogging again with some semblance of regularity.<br /><br />Huzzah!Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1144337452395278812006-04-06T09:49:00.000-05:002006-04-06T10:30:52.490-05:00Bob Ross: The New Mario?<a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1527820/20060404/index.jhtml?headlines=true">This</a> is a completely awesome idea. Try not to have your minds blown when you hear it, okay?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/br0_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/br0_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Some company is actively developing a number of video games starring the world's most mellow landscape painter, the late Bob Ross. I guess they saw some demos of <span style="font-style: italic;">Nintendo</span>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Revolution#Controller">wacky new controller</a> for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Revolution"><span style="font-style: italic;">Revolution</span></a> and thought "Hey, you could totally mime some painting with that sumbitch!". I hope whoever said that gets a raise, because an idea like that takes some serious courage to put forth at a pitch meeting.<br /><br />I guess they're hoping that this game will appeal to ravers or something. I don't really know too much about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravers">ravers</a>(except that they like soothers and glowsticks and the Teletubbies), but this seems like the kind of thing they might enjoy. Actually, maybe stoners would be a better target demographic. The thing is, it's tougher to get stoners to go to a store to buy something. Because of the marijuana that they smoke like a cigarette. I hear it makes you lazy. And/or schizo. Stay in school, kids!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/clutch.0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/clutch.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Now, this game probably won't be available for the <span style="font-style: italic;">XBox</span>, which means I won't be able to play it on <span style="font-style: italic;">Clutch</span>(I have named my <span style="font-style: italic;">XBox</span> after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clutch_%28G.I._Joe%29">my favorite G.I.Joe soldier</a>, just to raise the geek quotient a little bit higher). Still, it's a concept that deserves, nay... <span style="font-style: italic;">demands</span> recognition.<br /><br />I have very fond memories of lying on the couch when I was seventeen or so, hungover to the point that I could barely focus my eyes on anything without a piercing pain stabbing my temples. Watching Bob Ross paint a seascape or mountain range always soothed my discomfort. His gentle voice lulling me into tranquility as every pore in my body released the noxious stench of cheap draft beer.<br /><br />Those were good times, people. And that's why I fully support the development of <span style="font-style: italic;">Super Bob Ross Sunshine</span>, or whatever the game is going to be called.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1144103419037755992006-04-03T17:04:00.000-05:002006-04-03T17:42:55.343-05:00I'm Hiding From the BlogosphereWow, the blogosphere can be a frightening place when you haven't read last week's comics yet. Case in point, I'm unable to log into my <a href="http://bloglines.com/">Bloglines</a> account, as I am positive that a good 20 percent of the posts that have accumalated over the weekend make mention of All-Star Superman #3. Hell, if I had read it already this post would likely feature a review or shout-out. The facts of the matter are, however, that I haven't read it yet, which makes the <a href="http://www.simpleweblog.com/comics/comicweblogs.php">Comics Blogosphere</a> a dark, dangerous place, not unlike a minefield planted with spoiler-bombs. If such a thing existed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/xbox%20crystal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 174px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/xbox%20crystal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The reason I've been so remiss with my four-color consumption? I was gifted with a beautiful XBox gaming console in honour of my aforementioned 30th birthday. No, I don't know what Tamar was thinking either. I guess the continual whinging I've been producing over the past couple of years finally wore her down. Games were bought (GTA:San Andreas, Outlaw Golf 2, NFL Street 2, and Splinter Cell), and time disappeared like mist on a lake.<br /><br />Oh, and yes, it is a crystal XBox. It is so choice.<br /><br />A quick note to all y'all who are showing up looking for <span style="font-style: italic;">Kicking and Screaming</span> DVD news: I emailed a question through the <a href="http://www.criterionco.com/asp/">Criterion</a> site, and got a little note in return that gave a tentative street date of late August. No word of extras yet, but I'll keep poking around and see if I can get any further information. As it is, that news is far too awesome.<br /><br />Oh, and we're getting the keys back to our rebuilt condo this Friday! We're going home! Only better, with new furniture, appliances, and flooring. And paint. Oh, and cabinets, as well. I'll be sure to post some pics after we get back in so you can compare them to the post-apocalyptic wasteland we left post-fire in November.<br /><br />Sometimes it's good to be me.<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2005/12/condo-in-flux.html">Condo In Flux</a><br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/03/criterion-is-reading-my-mind.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Criterion Is Reading My Mind</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1143734100884285962006-03-30T09:47:00.000-06:002006-03-30T09:55:00.983-06:00Old Man River<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/joel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/joel.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I thought in honor of my 100th post, the least could do is turn 30 before your eyes. So that's what I've done today. Anyone want to know what a 30-year old man looks like in the morning? Wonder no longer.<br /><br />I think I'll hit the comic book store today, as I am still immature enough to take the day off work. I still need to pick up the 2nd <span style="font-style: italic;">Seven Soldiers</span> tpb, and <span style="font-style: italic;">Beck</span> vol3 as well.<br /><br />Wow, that picture is frightening. Sorry if anyone clicked over and was trying to eat or something.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1143647976288976972006-03-29T09:13:00.000-06:002006-03-29T10:58:05.040-06:00Amazing Spider-Man #530: Marvel Thinks You're Thick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/amazing-spider-man-530_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/amazing-spider-man-530_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I still haven't quite decided if I'm going to read the bulk of Marvel's fast-approaching <span style="font-style: italic;">Civil War</span> event. It initially sounded fairly interesting, especially for a Marvel event (warning:bias revealed). Like most Marvel mega-events, however, what is promised in the concept is rarely present in the execution. Yes, I'm looking at you, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_M"><span style="font-style: italic;">House of M</span></a>.<br /><br />The gearing up process for <span style="font-style: italic;">Civil War</span> is taking the form of Peter Parker and his new father-surrogate Tony Stark travelling to Washington to oppose some pseudo <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fall_of_the_Mutants"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mutant Registration Act</span></a> that would affect all costumed vigilantes. That's perfectly serviceable as a way to introduce the overconcept for the event, but the way the field trip, and especially the relationship between Peter and Tony, is being presented is making my teeth hurt.<br /><br />You see, Spider-Man has clearly developed a strong non-sexual crush on Iron Man. It's just really, really weird. He's taken to wearing an outfit that Stark has provided, and even though the outfit could appear in any form (even his classic red'n'blues), he has decided to leave it a metallic supersuit with a decidedly Iron Man-based color scheme.<br /><br />Honestly, I dont even understand how police officers are recognizing him as Spider-Man. As far as I can tell, they should just think he's some new super guy. Unless maybe Stark International sent out a press release detailing Spidey and Iron Man's new <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bff">BFF</a> relationship. It's possible I missed that issue.<br /><br />The most distracting aspect of IM and Spider-Man's new <span style="font-style: italic;">Brotherhood of True Admiration</span>, however, is Spider-Man's complete obsession with addressing by a new nickname. Peter Parker, the world's most irreverent Spider-based superhuman, seems virtually unable to call Stark anything but "boss". Constantly. Ad nauseam. Emphasis on the <span style="font-style: italic;">nauseum</span>.<br /><br />It's a form of cow-towing, and it jars. I get Peter Parker admiring Tony Stark. It makes a lot of sense. But this swooning, sycophantic behavior is a bad choice. There are ways to show a father-bond without having one character call the other "my new daddy" every couple of pages.<br /><br />Oh, and his new phallic backback is every bit as silly as you may have suspected. If not sillier.<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/01/spyder-mann-iz-teh-extreem.html">Spyder-Mann Iz Teh Extreem!!</a><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/01/ladies-and-gentlemen.html">Ladies And Gentlemen....</a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1143046029456979712006-03-22T10:14:00.000-06:002006-03-22T10:50:33.180-06:00Icebox: Today's "New-To-You" Website<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/s17.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/s17.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Remember when there were awesome new websites popping up everyday? Back in the day, people were so convinced that the internet was a diamond-encrusted goldmine that they were throwing money at big-name talent to produce content for their sites. Sadly, in most cases, the Emperor had no clothes, and most of the flashy (and often flash-animated) websites have folded, or at least stopped producing new content.<br /><br />One such site is <a href="http://www.icebox.com/index.php?id=news">icebox.com</a>. Icebox was a site that offered 4 minute "webisodes" of flash cartoons. And they were kick-ass cartoons. <span style="font-style: italic;">Queer Duck</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Mr. Wong</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Elvis and Jack Nicklaus Mysteries</span>. They were all top-notch little time-killers.<br /><br />And there were big names producing cartoons on Icebox. Peter Bagge with <span style="font-style: italic;">Rock 'n' Roll Dad</span>. Larry David with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Paula Principle</span>. Bill Corbett with <span style="font-style: italic;">Poker Dogs</span>.<br /><br />But the best thing on Icebox was definately <span style="font-style: italic;">Superhero Roommate</span>. Created by Simpson's writer <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0783468/">Matt Selman</a>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Superhero Roommate</span> boasted the vocal talents of Dave Foley and Mr. Show's Brian Posehn. When I was working overnights at the radio station about five or six years ago, <span style="font-style: italic;">Superhero Roommate</span> was what got me through the long, slow stretches inbetween newscasts.<br /><br />Icebox was one of many websites to attempt to go to a micro-payment model, which must not have been the success they had hoped. New content screeched to a complete stop shortly thereafter, and my interest in the site faded.<br /><br />The site now seems to have released the existing episodes of all their shows to the wild, so it is definately worth a visit if you haven't seen them in years, or especially if you haven't seen them at all.<br /><br />Tam's heading to Grand Forks today to buy American consumer goods, so I will have ample opportunity to crack a Coke Zero and revisit those crazy days when dot-com money fell from the sky, and Flash cartoons could still make you believe a man could fly. Even if he wouldn't take out the garbage.<br /><br />God Bless you, Superhero Roommate!Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1142960899682228132006-03-21T09:27:00.000-06:002006-03-21T11:21:42.910-06:00Link? Blog?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/AllStarBatman_RobinCv6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/AllStarBatman_RobinCv6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm leading off with this ASB&RtBW Frank Miller variant cover because :<br />a) it's very nice, and<br />b) it just indicates how all-powerful is the <a href="http://himynameisjamie.livejournal.com/345568.html">Batgirl meme</a>. None may resist the power of the Batgirl meme. <span style="font-style: italic;">Bow before the meme!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.whiterose.org/howlingcurmudgeons/archives/009441.html">Mike Chary</a> is the first (at least that I've read) to take the contrary position in regards to the <span style="font-style: italic;">V For Vendetta</span> movie. I certainly don't agree with his contention that the <span style="font-style: italic;">V</span> movie is better than Alan Moore and David Lloyd's comic (especially as he seems at times to equate "more likeable" with "better"), but it is an entertaining post nonetheless, especially the Top 10 Ways the Movie was Different from the Comic Book. Look, maybe <span style="font-style: italic;">The Incredibles</span> was more likeable than <span style="font-style: italic;">Waking Life</span>, but I would much rather rewatch Richard Linklater's oddly-paced series of monolgues on conciousness and dreams. I liked it, and it didn't evaporate like fairy-dust immediately after the credits rolled.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.progressiveruin.com/index.html">Mike Sterling</a> is merciless in his clipping of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/homepage.html/102-7740005-5216937">Amazon.com</a> reader reviews of Alan Moore's seminal comicbook works. It serves as a bleak reminder that the internet is permanent, folks, and if you write something silly... it will be held up for ridicule at some point. This excerpt of a <span style="font-style: italic;">From Hell</span> review was my favorite:<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">(headlined "It's A Big Comic Book!") "I did not realize when I ordered it that it was just pages of illustrations with TINY LITTLE WRITING coming out of the various character's mouths. The writing was so small, I could hardly read it, and finally just gave up."</span></span><br />That's just beautiful.<br /><br /><a href="http://hypnoray.blogspot.com/2006/03/i-made-it-out-relatively-unscathed.html">Hypnoray</a> is right smack-dab in the middle of drinking in the wonderfulness that is the <span style="font-style: italic;">DC Showcase Presents Superman</span> phonebook, and he's lucky enough to get sick enough to require a "bed day" while doing so! Boy, I have to admit I'm actually a little jealous. I picked up the <span style="font-style: italic;">Superman Family Showcase</span> volume on Saturday, and I think I would really appreciate getting to take a day or two to wear my pyjamas 24-7, slurp chicken noodle soup, and watch Jimmy Olsen make a world-class nuisance out of himself. Sweet, stupid, headstrong Jimmy Olsen. God bless him.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.trustysidekicks.com/archives/2006/03/john_byrne_is_a.html">Sparky at Trusty Sidekicks</a> has some underwear that my fiance should thank her lucky stars I have never come across in a store. Seriously, I would wear those. Probably ironically, but not definately. Hell, if I still had my Spider-Man underoos from when I was six I would probably try to squeeze into them. So, um, I guess it's rather a good thing that I don't.<br /><br />In closing, I have to admit, in the wake of the announcement of a forthcoming <span style="font-style: italic;">Showcase</span> volume, that I have never read a single issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Phantom Stranger</span>. My experience with the character is pretty much limited to his brief, cryptic appearances in DC's mega-crossovers and that weird issue of <span style="font-style: italic;">Secret Origins</span> that posited four entirely seperate possible origins for the Stranger.<br />Were his solo stories any good? Was he more of a Cain & Abel type host for horror shorts, or did he actively have his own adventures? I honestly have no idea. It's kind of a gaping hole in my DC knowledge, no?<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/03/v-for-vendetta-preview-review.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">V For Vendetta: Preview Review</span></a><br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/01/superman-ragdolls-jla-up-and-down.html"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Superman Ragdolls the JLA Up and Down the Street</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1142524676323122702006-03-16T09:15:00.000-06:002006-03-16T09:57:56.420-06:00V For Vendetta: Preview Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/poster_redX_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/poster_redX_web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>First, a small disclaimer. I last read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_For_Vendetta"><span style="font-style: italic;">V For Vendetta</span></a> about 3 years ago, so I am quite fuzzy on the specific plot of the comic. As a result, while I am going to try to keep this review from becoming a movie/comic comparison. If I should do a little compare and constrast, it is very possible that I may err when describing the comic proper. Which is why I'll try to avoid it, when possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">V</span> </a>the movie is very good. I'll just get that out of the way right off the top. It's stylish and engrossing, and the director, James McTeigue, managed to resist the temptation to <span style="font-style: italic;">Matrix</span>-ize the production, for the most part. There are a couple of scenes that involve some CGI work, but it's smooth and unintrusive. (i.e. there's no bullet-time, for what it's worth.)<br /><br />Elements of the comic have been rejigged, some just a little and some quite a bit. Most noticeably, the character of Gordon has been changed quite considerably.<br /><br />I think the changes work, for the most part. Readers of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moore">Alan Moore</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lloyd_%28comic_artist%29">David Lloyd</a>'s original comic might swoon at the thought of changing anything, but this is not an arthouse film, and should be approached as a studio picture. And as a studio picture, it certainly engages the audience, putting forth a message of active resistance against oppression that is more complex than is common among Hollywood action movies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/pto_OS_V_09.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/pto_OS_V_09.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The character of V is a difficult one, both in nature and logistics. V is so over-the-top, so animated in his speech and mannerisms, that it must be quite difficult to pull of without veering into caricature. I think if the wrong notes were hit, it would be rather easy to see V as a cartoonish character, someone like Bugs Bunny. Hugo Weaving does incredible work with his voice and body language, lending V a sense of nobility and sadness that is easily discernable, despite the abence of facial expression to serve as cue.<br /><br />Natalie Portman is excellent as Evie. Acting opposite a dynamic personage such as V puts a great deal of pressure on the other lead. The audience must feel connected to Evie, especially when plot dictates that V disappear from the screen for great stretches of time throughout the film. I didn't once fidget during the Evie scenes, didn't once wish that V would show up and slash somebody or deliver a rousing speech, and I think that speaks of the power of Portman's performance.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">V For Vendetta</span> is a dark movie, but does contain scenes of great humor and heart. While ostensibly a movie about social problems, about facism and the risks inherent in giving up perosnal freedoms in the pursuit of security, V is very much at heart a movie about the relationship between V and Evie. I believe that a large part of why the movie connects and succeeds is the strength of the performances. I wasn't simply concerned about the plight of futuristic Great Britain, but heavily emotionally invested in the V/Evie interactions.<br /><br />It's a movie about ideas as much as people. But the ideas would never have stuck, never would have been able to take root without the care that was given to characters exploring those ideas.<br /><br />Highly recommended, whether you've read the comic or not.<br /><br />Oh, and the song that plays over the end credits is genius. I left the theatre looking for a fascist government to overthrow. So watch yourself, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_harper">Stephen Harper</a>.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1142447580290663572006-03-15T12:18:00.000-06:002006-03-15T12:33:00.310-06:00V For Free<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/poster_rays_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/poster_rays_web.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm looking forward to checking out <span style="font-style: italic;">V For Vendetta</span> tonight (preview passes are the bizomb). I haven't read the comic in a few years, so it should feel pretty fresh. I was tempted to reread before seeing the movie, but ultimately decided to not sully my film-going experience with too many direct book-film comparisons. Hopefully, I'll be able to look at the movie as just that: a movie.<br /><br />I'll try to drop some commentary tomorrow on what I thought of the flick, as it will be the rare ocassion where I actually have something of note to share. I haven't been reading a ton of comics lately, and have been watching mostly old <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span> episodes (about which I fear I have already spent far too much time blogging). So, it's been another slow stretch at <span style="font-style: italic;">Sleep Is For Suckers</span>.<br /><br />On the bright side, at least I'm not bothering anybody with space-filler posts. Um, except that's kind of what this is...<br /><br />Crap.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1142013343107469372006-03-10T11:36:00.002-06:002006-04-14T12:26:49.386-05:00Everybody Loves the GiffIf you dig on Keith Giffen like I do, then you'll definately want to check out a <a href="http://www.newsarama.com/images/interviews/2006/giffen/GiffenBio.htm">big ol' interview</a> done with the man himself on <span style="font-style: italic;">Newsarama</span>. Keith is current in the middle of some very high-profile stuff for both DC and Marvel, but this interview isn't strictly a "press release primer", as it goes into the roots and highlights of his long and storied career.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/heckler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/heckler.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm a huge Giffen fan, from his early <span style="font-style: italic;">LSH</span> work, through the 5-year-gap Legion, and right up to his more recent Hero Squared book. Heck, I even liked <span style="font-style: italic;">PunX</span>. But my favorite Giffen title, and in fact one of my favorite short-run comics ever, is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heckler"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Heckler</span></a>.<br /><br />I think <span style="font-style: italic;">The Heckler</span> is one of those perfect comics. It only lasted six issues, but my god, what a six issues! <span style="font-style: italic;">Ambush Bug</span> will always hold a special place in my colelction, but it's <span style="font-style: italic;">Heckler</span> that I really appreciate.<br /><br />If DC ever trade-paperbacked this title, I will go on record as saying I will buy a copy. I guess the ball is in your court, DC! That's one guaranteed sale that you'd be throwing away!<br /><br />Sigh.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141839297358371182006-03-08T11:10:00.000-06:002006-03-08T11:34:57.396-06:00Night Trippers: Choice Cut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/image3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/image3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.newsarama.com/">Newsarama</a> has a nice little <a href="http://www.newsarama.com/ImageComics/Night_Trippers/Nighttripperspreview.htm">write-up</a> of what looks to me like an excellent soon-to-be-released graphic novel from Image. <span style="font-style: italic;">Night Trippers</span> is "<span style="font-style: italic;">vampires in the 60s music scene</span>", and that sounds pretty boss to me. And if that description isn't enough for you, there's also a 22-page preview available.<br /><br />I actually have only looked at a couple of pages of the preview, because 22 pages is a bit excessive for me. I'm planning on buying the book when it comes out in May, and I'd rather not have already read more than 10 % of the story. But if you need a long look before deciding whether this book is for you, go to the 'Rama and fill yer boots.<br /><br />The book has a very nice <a href="http://www.nighttrippers.com/">website</a> too, and in the grand tradition of <span style="font-style: italic;">NextWave </span>a theme song is available there for download. There's also audio interviews from the world of <span style="font-style: italic;">Night Trippers </span>and quite a bit of extra info about the book's setting and creators.<br /><br />I like the look of this book, and I'm certainly happy to support creators that are putting this much effort and care into their work. When <span style="font-style: italic;">Night Trippers</span> streets in May, I'll gladly buy a copy. <br /><br />It's nice to be excited about a book that isn't about masked crimefighters. I'm not about to stop digging on old-school comics, but a change of pace is not only welcome, but highly recommended.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141523667199624092006-03-04T19:44:00.000-06:002006-03-04T19:54:27.226-06:00My Heroic Finale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/9157_poster_thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/9157_poster_thumb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Crash</span> has been watched. Yes, that means that I have wholeheartedly completed my self-challenge of watching all five Best Picture nominees prior to the Acadamy Awards telecast. It was maybe a bit theatrical of me to wait until the final days to complete my mission, but in the end all that matters is that I did it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Crash</span> was amazing, by the way. It was probably the Best Picture nominee that I was least looking forward to seeing, and it turned out to be second only to <span style="font-style: italic;">Good Night and Good Luck</span> in my personal ranking.<br /><br />Besides, any movie that manages to get high-quality performances out of Brendan Fraser and Sandra Bullock deserves our support, I believe. Tam loved it too, and best of all, it was the type of movie that spurred a great discussion after it ended. Too many movies are completely disposable. Enjoyable while you watch them, but instantly forgettable once you are done. Crash was not one of those type of movies.<br /><br />I may have enjoyed <span style="font-style: italic;">GN&GL</span> slightly more, but that probably owes more to my status as a politics geek and a Cold War "buff" than to any superiority of the film over <span style="font-style: italic;">Crash</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Crash</span> is higly recommended, and I don't think I'd be disappointed to see it win Best Picture.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141344409834700822006-03-02T17:47:00.000-06:002006-03-08T12:05:49.183-06:00Criterion Is Reading My Mind!I'm on the <a href="http://www.criterionco.com/asp/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Criterion</span></a> DVD email newsletter list, as I'm sure absolutely none of you know or care. However, it is minutely possible that some of you might be a little bit interested in the following bit of rumour. In the latest email, there is a small cartoon on the very bottom of one dog saying to another "<span style="font-style: italic;">Were you Dazed & Confused last month, or just Kicking and Screaming?</span>".<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Criterion</span> has already revealed that they are preparing a new edition of <span style="font-style: italic;">D&C</span> for release, but the news that actually made my heart skip a beat was the reference to <span style="font-style: italic;">Kicking and Screaming</span>. I have to believe that this means that <span style="font-style: italic;">Criterion</span> is also preparing a release of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113537/">Noah Baumabach's first film</a>, and not the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0384642/">Will Farrell comedy</a> from last year.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">K&S</span> is probably my favorite comedy of all time. I have a VHS tape with the movie on it that I taped off <a href="http://www.bravo.ca/">Canadian <span style="font-style: italic;">Bravo</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>about 8 years ago, and I was relatively certain that that tape would have to last me the rest of my life, because there was no reason to think that it would ever be released on DVD.<br /><br />And then came <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367089/"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Squid & The Whale</span></a>. Critically acclaimed, and Acadamy Award nominated. Noah Baumbach, who had been working with Wes Anderson of late, was back on the map as a writer/director in his own right.<br /><br />Could this be true? Will I soon have not only a DVD copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Kicking and Screaming</span>, but a gadblamming CRITERION EDITION?<br /><br />If they are f**king with me I cannot be responsible for what happens. I really can't.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141342276094925612006-03-02T17:07:00.000-06:002006-03-02T17:31:16.113-06:001YL -I Don't Get the Roll-Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/questio3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/questio3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So, was there a SNAFU because <span style="font-style: italic;">Infinite Crisis</span> is running a little behind? Or was <span style="font-style: italic;">1YL</span> always intended to begin while <span style="font-style: italic;">IC</span> was still in full swing? Because we're seeing the initial offerings of the future DCU in comic stores this week, the same week as <span style="font-style: italic;">IC #5</span>.<br /><br />It's a little jarring to start reading about the aftermath of a crossover that hasn't run its course yet, s'all I'm saying.<br /><br />I can't wait for 52* to start up, though. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Question_%28comics%29">The Question</a> has been the s**t since the O'Neil/Cowan days, and while I never really grokked on the last "urban shaman" interepretation of the character, I can certainly get excited about seeing him brought closer to the JLU version. The DCU can use someone shuffling through it's dark underbelly, making the connections that quite possible shouldn't ever come to light. Cooooool.<br /><br />I like what I'm seeing from DC lately. I think we're getting close to the part of the story that I want to read. The part where things move back into the light, and betrayal and casual sadism are the exception, not the rule.<br /><br />Plus, the end of this uber-crossover event means it will become much, <span style="font-style: italic;">much</span> easier to completely ignore books I don't enjoy. Like <span style="font-style: italic;">Outsiders</span>. Blech.Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141140922621110552006-02-28T09:02:00.000-06:002006-02-28T09:35:22.650-06:00The Real Amazing Race Returns!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/amazing-race.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/320/amazing-race.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Tonight at 8pm (Winnipeg time) the Big Dog of all competitive reality show returns, in its unmolested form. That's right, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race9/">the Amazing Race</a> is back!<br /><br />After a brief but painful foray into the craptastic realm of family programming, <span style="font-style: italic;">TAR</span> is going back to the classic 2-person teams format that won it multiple Emmys. And not a second too soon.<br /><br />It actually feels to me like <span style="font-style: italic;">TAR</span> has been on hiatus since the Rob & Amber season, as the latest edition, which pitted four-person family teams against each other in a race around, um, parts of North America, was so bad that I actually stopped watching a few episodes in.<br /><br />I'm more than ready for airport subterfuge, jetlagged aggression, and, of course, the widowmaker that is the India leg.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">TAR</span> is one of the few shows that Tam and I both enjoy (she having thus far resisted my requests that she start watching <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Veronica Mars</span>), and we routinely end up supporting different teams, which makes the viewing experience all the more enjoyable. (there's nothing that can't be made more fun with some merciless heckling).<br /><br />SO thank you, CBS, for returning <span style="font-style: italic;">TAR</span> to its intended form, and here's to another great Race!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/BJandTyler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/BJandTyler.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh, and my early pick to win? <a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race9/bios/bj_tyler/">BJ & Tyler</a>: two globe-trotting hippies who speak multiple languages. I'm so confident that they will be a strong team, that it is almost a sure thing that they'll fail miserably. Lookit 'em.. poor, grinning bastards... don't even know they've got the Jhunt Curse all over them....<br /><br />So be sure to watch tonight to see them get Philiminated first...<br /><br />Related posts:<br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2005/09/amazing-race-family-edition-episode-1.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Amazing Race: Family Edition - Episode 1</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1141061140576172302006-02-27T09:38:00.000-06:002006-02-27T11:31:24.750-06:00Sloth Weekend: Post-MortumWow. It had been quite a long while since I gave in so completely to laziness and idleness. Other than a quick trip to the library on Saturday, I accomplished very little that didn't involve a sitting or lying position.<br /><br />I certainly didn't watch everything on my list (which actually relieves me a little bit), but I did watch some fun stuff, and some not-so-fun stuff. What really surprised me though, was the amount of reading material I tore through. Sunday, I had one of those really intense, multi-hour reading sessions. The kind where you only move to relieve your bladder or get a snack.<br /><br />Well, on to the wrap-up...<br /><br />What I Watched:<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0300556/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Timeline</span></a> - This movie was <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> what I thought it would be. Which is not really a good thing. I watched it while cleaning out my file folder, and I think that was the best way to watch it. I caught the gist out of the corner of my eye, and every once in a while something interesting would happen and I'd watch for a few minutes. The acting was remarkably flat, and Billy Connelly was particularily jarring, as he seemed to have been shipped in from a different, sillier movie. They could have named this movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Generic Adventure Movie</span>, because that's pretty much what it was.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/ep10_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/ep10_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">HBO's </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hbo.com/rome/?ntrack_para1=leftnav_category0_show3">Rome</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(eps 9 & 10) - I quite like this show, probably as much as the Sopranos, really. However, this pair of episodes has caused me to question some of the basic structure of the series. It's framed very much like a typical soap-opera, with a bit of <span style="font-style: italic;">Upstairs/Downstairs</span> in the way the two groups of characters are explored. The problem is, recent happenings have damaged this structure a bit, I feel. The treatment of both the incestuous encounter between Octavia and Gaius Octavian, as well as the casual murder of a slave by Titus Pullo, has left me stragely disconnected to the characters and the story.<br /><br />I understand that moral conduct was quite a different animal at that time, but I'm no longer sure who I'm supposed to be rooting for. If a show wants to treat its subject matter in the fashion of a soap-opera, and in fact spends a good deal of its earlier episodes building up certain characters as "villains" and others as the "heroes", it seems a bit sloppy to suddenly flip things on the viewer, and leave them with no one to support.<br /><br />The murder bothers me more, I suppose. Titus Pullo had been, up to this point, one of the two "heroes" of the show. The viewer has seen many examples of his loyalty, bravery, and refusal to compromise. And then, with the brutal murder of one of Lucius Vorenus' slaves, all of that character-building is destroyed. Lucius comes out of the incident poorly as well, directing his anger at the fact that Pullo a) destroyed his property, and b) did it in front of his children.<br /><br />It's hard to enjoy a "buddy movie" when one of the buddies is a brutish murderer and the other is a callous slave-owner.<br /><br />I'm still enjoying the show, I'm just not sure that I care very much about any of the characters. It's a strange feeling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Way, wayyyyyy too much </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Doctor Who</span>-<br /><br />Um... 10 episodes. Ouch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/dalek.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/dalek.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Still, it was good, cheesy stuff. Just the thing for a Saturday night spent in. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sontaran Experiment</span> was a nice little story, but <span style="font-style: italic;">Genesis of the Daleks</span> was clearly the highlight. An epic story that actually warranted the expansion to six episodes, it was easily the high point of my <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span> exposure thus far. I'm sure the storyarc would have had more resonance had I seen some of the earlier Dalek episodes, but I got the gist pretty easily (Daleks are a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Borg">Borg</a>-like destructive race) and really enjoyed this story-arc.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/cybermen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/cybermen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I've watched the first half of <span style="font-style: italic;">Revenge of the Cybermen</span> as well, and boy, those Cybermen are goofy looking. But quite cheerful looking as well. Which is nice, I suppose.<br /><br />What I Read:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Night Fisher</span> by R. Kikuo Johnson<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Minimum Wage</span> by Alex Robinson<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Filth</span> by Morrison and Weston<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Doom Patrol: The Painting That Ate Paris</span> by Morrison and Case<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ice Haven</span> by Daniel Clowes<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Stuck Rubber Baby</span> by Howard Cruse<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">New Frontier vol1</span> by Darwyn Cooke<br />the South-Western Coast portion of <span style="font-style: italic;">Let's Go: Road Trippin' USA</span> (Honeymoon preparation... Napa Valley, here we come!)<br />and the 1st half of <span style="font-style: italic;">To Your Scattered Bodies Go</span> by Philip Jose Farmer<br /><br />I think I actually reached the point of reading overload. Too many differnt types of material battling for position in my brain. What left the largest impression on me?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/1400121.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/1400121.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Honestly, I don't think I understood much of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Filth</span>, and what I came away with most of all was a sense of deep sadness over the (um, spoilers, I guess) fate of his cat. Maybe it's just because this was around hour six of an eight-hour reading blitz, but most of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Filth</span> left me numb in the face of its relentless barrage of, well, filth. Greg and his cat were the only aspect of the book that engaged me, and the eventual result was heartbreaking.<br /><br />I know Grant is a cat-person (Animal Man #26, for those looking for written confirmation) and I can't imagine what writing those pages involving Greg and his cat felt like, but I can't imagine it was pleasant.<br /><br />I am looking forward to reading some analysis of The Filth, and hopefully I can get a better, if not appreciation, at leas tunderstanding of what this project was intended to accomplish.<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/02/pants-optional-weekend.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pants Optional Weekend</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194136.post-1140798692967664142006-02-24T09:41:00.000-06:002006-02-24T10:31:33.066-06:00Pants-Optional WeekendTam's working overnight this weekend, and my adherence to her desire to return to the confining embrace of the <a href="http://www.southbeachdiet.com/public/default.asp">South Beach Diet</a> means ducking out to the pub for a couple of drinks is not an option. Therefore, I have prepared a Geek's Paradise of sorts to occupy my time for the next couple of days.<br /><br />The plan is mostly based on (surprise!) sitting in front of the teevee, with a small outing on Saturday afternoon to <a href="http://www.millenniumlibrary.com/millennium.htm">the big downtown library</a>. Here's what I plan to watch:<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Ultimate Avengers: The Movie</span> (maybe. it looks a bit shite, to be honest.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/wet_hot_american_summer_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/wet_hot_american_summer_01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>-<span style="font-style: italic;">Wet Hot American Summer</span> (sure thing. I haven't seen this movie in a couple of years, and I remember it being hi-larious.)<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Rome</span> episodes 9-12 (I was watching this regularly until <a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2005/12/condo-in-flux.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">CondoBurn 2005</span></a>, and am pretty psyched to finish out the season)<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Band of Brothers</span> episodes 7-10 (It's about time I finished off this truly excellent mini-series, I've been dithering and chipping away at it for about a month)<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">TimeLine</span> (yeah, I am fully aware that this movie will suck. Sometimes it just doesn't matter. You just want some junk.)<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span>: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Sontaran Experiment</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Genesis of the Daleks</span> (I've watched two full story arcs thusfar. Verdict? <span style="font-style: italic;">Robot</span> was pretty crappy, but may have suffered under the need to tie off the previous Doctor's supporting cast and milieu. It certainly suffered from some of the most inept special effects this side of a poorly-made fan film. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Ark in Space</span>, however, was quite good. It was a bit spooky, had much improved dialogue, and was set in a much more interesting environment than <span style="font-style: italic;">Robot</span>, which looked to be filmed primarily in someone's backyard.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/1600/Veronica_Mars.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/912/777/200/Veronica_Mars.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>-Veronica Mars (I have about six episodes of VM to catch up on. It's actually a little disturbing; I'm right up to date on <span style="font-style: italic;">The OC</span>, which I can't really stand, but have fallen way, way behind on <span style="font-style: italic;">VM</span>. Maybe it's due to the fact that I'll watch <span style="font-style: italic;">The OC</span> just to kill an hour, but I feel the need to really be in the mood to watch <span style="font-style: italic;">VM</span>. I won't waste an episode while I read a magazine or something, for example.)<br /><br />Wow, that's a big list. I hope to God I don't honestly finish all that stuff. That would be ridiculous.<br /><br />Oh, here's a link to the top <span style="font-style: italic;">Doctor Who</span> resource on the net, <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.gallifreyone.com/index.php">Outpost Galifrey</a>, just in case anybody else was considering testing the TARDIS-infested waters like myself. Nerdery loves company, it's true.<br /><br />Related Posts:<br /><a href="http://joelhunt.blogspot.com/2006/02/me-now-35-nerdier.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Me, Now 35% Nerdier!</span></a>Jhunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10729450667676575566noreply@blogger.com9