decades for his contributions to the sequential art medium and just this Wednesday became one of nine recipients of the 2008 National Medal of the Arts, managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. It's always great to see people from the lesser respected comic world recognized by a more select community. And to meet Stan in person, he is the most modest and down to Earth person you could ever want to meet. He deserves everything that he gets. To make the reception even more poetic, Wednesday just happens to be 'comic book day', as I'm sure everyone out there knows (OK, maybe not EVERYONE).
Stan Lee receives award
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Stan Lee created an impressive stable of timeless favorites during his early years at Marvel Comics including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The X-men, The Incredible Hulk and countless others. He has been honored for
decades for his contributions to the sequential art medium and just this Wednesday became one of nine recipients of the 2008 National Medal of the Arts, managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. It's always great to see people from the lesser respected comic world recognized by a more select community. And to meet Stan in person, he is the most modest and down to Earth person you could ever want to meet. He deserves everything that he gets. To make the reception even more poetic, Wednesday just happens to be 'comic book day', as I'm sure everyone out there knows (OK, maybe not EVERYONE).
decades for his contributions to the sequential art medium and just this Wednesday became one of nine recipients of the 2008 National Medal of the Arts, managed by the National Endowment for the Arts, at a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. It's always great to see people from the lesser respected comic world recognized by a more select community. And to meet Stan in person, he is the most modest and down to Earth person you could ever want to meet. He deserves everything that he gets. To make the reception even more poetic, Wednesday just happens to be 'comic book day', as I'm sure everyone out there knows (OK, maybe not EVERYONE).
STAR TREK TRAILER
Friday, November 21, 2008
The all-new trailer for the upcoming Star Trek movie was recently released and I must say that the trailer actually makes me excited to see this movie. Bravo, Mr. Abrams...Bravo.
Disney goes 3-D crazy
Disney's newest animated feature Bolt hits theaters today in 'Disney Digital 3-D'. This will be Disney's third animated film to be released in 3-D
(Chicken Little and Meet the Robinson's both received the 3-D treatment as well). You're also going to have the opportunity to watch Bolt at the IMAX in 3-D and that's just crazy! Pixar guru John Lasseter even mentioned that during Bolt people can expect a 3-D trailer for Pixar's latest release, Up, which will be Pixar's first true 3-deminsional feature. Hopefully, this will just whet people's whistles for more because Disney's got 'em coming. After Up hits theaters in May, 2009, Disney has plenty more offerings to follow including: G-Force, a live action/CGI animated film (7/24/09). Everyone's favorite cowboy and spaceman get a facelift with the 3-D re-release of Pixar's original Toy Story (10/02/09). Don't worry, it's the exact same movie, just with one extra dimension. A Christmas Carol (11/06/09) is re-imagined (again) with motion capture technology. This time starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and all three Christmas Ghosts and Gary Oldman portraying Bob Cratchit, Marley, and the lovable Tiny Tim. Of course, by the time the movie is released, the name probably have been changed to 'A Holiday Carol' as not to offend (stupid PC jackholes). In 2010, the Oscar-winning 
Beauty and the Beast returns to the screen in 3-D, followed closely by Toy Story 2 and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland starring Johnny Depp. I've been saying for a few years that this one was inevitable, but Disney finally goes back to the classic princess well with Rapunzel (finally, Disney will have something to market to little girls). Just in case you were wondering about the re-releases of Toy Story 1 and 2 being so close together, well they're just a primer for Toy Story 3
that will be following close behind also in glorious 3-D. Now, Pixar has announced that Cars 2 is in production, but no official word as to whether it will get the 3-D treatment or not, but my money would be on 'yes, it most definitely will.' A lot of people are complaining about the classic movies being retreated and re-released, but I have to say that I saw the very first showing of A Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D back in 2006 at the El Capitan down in Hollywood and LOVED it. My only complaint would be that they didn't offer a 3-D option on the Blu-Ray disc, which was also disappointing on Meet the Robinsons. The real question now is: Is 3-D just another fad temporarily popping it's head back up for a quick visit or is this the start of an entirely new movie-going experience? Is Disney going to saturate the market to the point that it loses it's luster or is it going to have audiences clamoring for more? Tell you what, get back to me in 3 years and let me know how it went.
(Chicken Little and Meet the Robinson's both received the 3-D treatment as well). You're also going to have the opportunity to watch Bolt at the IMAX in 3-D and that's just crazy! Pixar guru John Lasseter even mentioned that during Bolt people can expect a 3-D trailer for Pixar's latest release, Up, which will be Pixar's first true 3-deminsional feature. Hopefully, this will just whet people's whistles for more because Disney's got 'em coming. After Up hits theaters in May, 2009, Disney has plenty more offerings to follow including: G-Force, a live action/CGI animated film (7/24/09). Everyone's favorite cowboy and spaceman get a facelift with the 3-D re-release of Pixar's original Toy Story (10/02/09). Don't worry, it's the exact same movie, just with one extra dimension. A Christmas Carol (11/06/09) is re-imagined (again) with motion capture technology. This time starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and all three Christmas Ghosts and Gary Oldman portraying Bob Cratchit, Marley, and the lovable Tiny Tim. Of course, by the time the movie is released, the name probably have been changed to 'A Holiday Carol' as not to offend (stupid PC jackholes). In 2010, the Oscar-winning 
Beauty and the Beast returns to the screen in 3-D, followed closely by Toy Story 2 and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland starring Johnny Depp. I've been saying for a few years that this one was inevitable, but Disney finally goes back to the classic princess well with Rapunzel (finally, Disney will have something to market to little girls). Just in case you were wondering about the re-releases of Toy Story 1 and 2 being so close together, well they're just a primer for Toy Story 3
that will be following close behind also in glorious 3-D. Now, Pixar has announced that Cars 2 is in production, but no official word as to whether it will get the 3-D treatment or not, but my money would be on 'yes, it most definitely will.' A lot of people are complaining about the classic movies being retreated and re-released, but I have to say that I saw the very first showing of A Nightmare Before Christmas in 3-D back in 2006 at the El Capitan down in Hollywood and LOVED it. My only complaint would be that they didn't offer a 3-D option on the Blu-Ray disc, which was also disappointing on Meet the Robinsons. The real question now is: Is 3-D just another fad temporarily popping it's head back up for a quick visit or is this the start of an entirely new movie-going experience? Is Disney going to saturate the market to the point that it loses it's luster or is it going to have audiences clamoring for more? Tell you what, get back to me in 3 years and let me know how it went.
RETRO CLIPS: BURGER CHEF
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Remember when Burger Chef's were around and you could get really good fast food for a great price? And remember how they always had something for kids AND adults to enjoy? Yeah, I didn't figure, but Burger Chef was actually a pioneer in the fast food industry and at one time was second only to McDonald's in number of locations nationwide. Due to some financial troubles in the 80's many Burger Chef locations were sold off to Hardee's (another of my favorites that didn't make it) and in 1996 the final Burger Chef closed it's doors for good. Not only did Burger Chef have a works bar so that customers could put whatever they wanted on the burgers (you could also order it with the toppings already on if you didn't want to bother with it), but they were the first franchised restaurant to offer a salad bar. In the early 70's Burger Chef began offering children the Funburger, which eventually became the Funmeal with games and prizes for the kids to enjoy. Although most people have never even heard of it, the Funmeal debuted across the country a few years before McDonald's even thought to steal the idea and make it a Happy Meal. My stepfather used to take me to Burger Chef on Wednesdays and we'd get a sack of delicious 35 cent burgers, when they were at least 89 cents everywhere else, take them home (most of the time) and just grub. Oh, yeah -I said 'grub'. Burger Chef was definitely ahead of it's time and gone way too soon.
[ The Works Bar and Salad Bar]
[The Funburger]
[The Funmeal]
[ The Works Bar and Salad Bar]
[The Funburger]
[The Funmeal]
TOTAL DRAMA ACTION
With the Canadian hit show Total Drama Island finishing up it's season in a couple of weeks (at least in the U.S., the show debuted in July, 2007 in Canada), Fresh TV is gearing up for a second round with Total Drama Action
. This time around the competition will be more stunt and action based (duh), all taking place on an abandoned movie set and in the middle of nowhere -again. Torture-masters Chris and Chef have been confirmed to be returning, and at this point it has been unofficially officially announced that 15 of the original campers will be coming back for more punishment. TDA will premiere on Canada's Teletoon network in Spring of 2009. It is unsure at this time whether Cartoon Network will air it simultaneously in the U.S. or if we'll be delayed a year again like TDI was (stupid Canada!). Until then, the one-hour Total Drama Island Special will definitely be airing at the end of this month, so at least that's something. Here is the trailer for Total Drama Action, which I have yet to watch yet because I haven't finished watching TDI and I don't want to know who won yet, so SHHH!
. This time around the competition will be more stunt and action based (duh), all taking place on an abandoned movie set and in the middle of nowhere -again. Torture-masters Chris and Chef have been confirmed to be returning, and at this point it has been unofficially officially announced that 15 of the original campers will be coming back for more punishment. TDA will premiere on Canada's Teletoon network in Spring of 2009. It is unsure at this time whether Cartoon Network will air it simultaneously in the U.S. or if we'll be delayed a year again like TDI was (stupid Canada!). Until then, the one-hour Total Drama Island Special will definitely be airing at the end of this month, so at least that's something. Here is the trailer for Total Drama Action, which I have yet to watch yet because I haven't finished watching TDI and I don't want to know who won yet, so SHHH!Simon Pegg and Nick Frost write/star in 'Paul'
If it's killing you to wait for the third installment of the "Blood and Ice Cream" trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the upcoming The World's End) directed by Edgar Wright, fear not. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are working with Universal Pictures and Working Title 
to bring you 'Paul'. Paul is the story of two fanboys (Pegg & Frost) from the U.K. who come to the states for Comicon and afterwards decide to road trip it to the sci-fi Holy Grail, Area 51. On their adventure they come across Paul, an alien who needs help finding his way home. The story is written by Pegg and Frost themselves and will be directed by Superbad helmer Greg Mottola. Although Edgar Wright is not directing the duo this time around he is still attached as executive producer. Paul begins shooting in New Mexico (You know, where Roswell is) in April, 2009. As for information on The World's End, Wright has confirmed that it will be a mint chocolate chip Cornetto movie. (each movie is based on a different color wrapper for the ice cream snack) With the mcc wrapper being green and a title like The World's End, one could easily assume an alien invasion could very well be the premise.
to bring you 'Paul'. Paul is the story of two fanboys (Pegg & Frost) from the U.K. who come to the states for Comicon and afterwards decide to road trip it to the sci-fi Holy Grail, Area 51. On their adventure they come across Paul, an alien who needs help finding his way home. The story is written by Pegg and Frost themselves and will be directed by Superbad helmer Greg Mottola. Although Edgar Wright is not directing the duo this time around he is still attached as executive producer. Paul begins shooting in New Mexico (You know, where Roswell is) in April, 2009. As for information on The World's End, Wright has confirmed that it will be a mint chocolate chip Cornetto movie. (each movie is based on a different color wrapper for the ice cream snack) With the mcc wrapper being green and a title like The World's End, one could easily assume an alien invasion could very well be the premise.
Christopher Reeve Statue
Monday, November 17, 2008
A couple of years back DC Direct offered a beautiful 13" statue of Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman and fans just ate it up. After the disappointment of Superman Returns fans were clamoring for the nostalgic visage of Christopher Reeve to be back in the red and blue tights, but alas, that is one dream that would never come true. In honor of the one who brought validity to the movie that claimed, 'You will believe a man can fly' DC Direct has once again brought a classic to three-dimensions with their 12.5" Christopher Reeve as Superman statue as he appeared in Superman: The Movie (duh). This long-awaited release arrives in comic stores and specialty shops May 27, 2009 and will set you back about $195.00. The Lynda Carter statue is about the same size and price, and having these two iconic likenesses together would awesome, but she would be a little harder to get your hands now. I'll tell you what, they throw in an Adam West as Batman in the line and no collector would be able to resist. Just thinking about it gives me the tingles...
MONSTERS VS ALIENS
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Here is a look at Dreamworks Animation's latest project, Monsters vs Aliens,
invading theaters March 27, 2009. When aliens try to take over the Earth, our last hope is a group of B-movie misfits that have secretly been in captivity by military for years. This will be Dreamworks' first foray into 3D animation and I think a sci-fi adventure with a nostalgic feel is the perfect choice. To add to the draw of this movie, they have assembled a tremendous cast to bring these characters life including Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Hugh Laurie (House), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up), Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Kiefer Sutherland (24), and the infamous Stephen Colbert (Colbert Report, duh). I think this one may be the animated movie to beat in 2009. March can't get here fast enough.
OFFICIAL TRAILER:
BEHIND THE SCREENS FEATURETTE:
invading theaters March 27, 2009. When aliens try to take over the Earth, our last hope is a group of B-movie misfits that have secretly been in captivity by military for years. This will be Dreamworks' first foray into 3D animation and I think a sci-fi adventure with a nostalgic feel is the perfect choice. To add to the draw of this movie, they have assembled a tremendous cast to bring these characters life including Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Hugh Laurie (House), Seth Rogen (Knocked Up), Will Arnett (Arrested Development), Kiefer Sutherland (24), and the infamous Stephen Colbert (Colbert Report, duh). I think this one may be the animated movie to beat in 2009. March can't get here fast enough.OFFICIAL TRAILER:
BEHIND THE SCREENS FEATURETTE:
DVD releases for Nov. 18th
TOP OF THE LIST:
- Tropic Thunder (2-Disc Director's Cut)
- WALL•E (2-Disc Special Edition)
- WALL•E (3-Disc Special Edition)
MAIN RELEASES:
- 300 (Limited Collector's Edition)
- Bones: Season Three - Totally Decomposed Edition
- The Clique
- Columbia Best Pictures Collection
- Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth Series
- The Fairly Oddparents: Season 6, Volume 1
- Hawaii Five-O: The Fifth Season
- Heathers: Limited Edition Locker
- Monty Python Holy Trinity
- Night Gallery: Season Two
- The Odd Couple: The Complete Series
- The Odd Couple: The Final Season
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Full Screen)
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Widescreen)
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 5, Volume 2
- Star Trek: The Original Series - Season Three
- Tropic Thunder
- WALL•E (Single Disc)
- The Zombie Diaries
THE OTHER STUFF:
- Encounters at the End of the World
- Garden Party
- Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season
- Priceless
- Tropic Thunder (2-Disc Director's Cut)
- WALL•E (2-Disc Special Edition)
- WALL•E (3-Disc Special Edition)
MAIN RELEASES:
- 300 (Limited Collector's Edition)
- Bones: Season Three - Totally Decomposed Edition
- The Clique
- Columbia Best Pictures Collection
- Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth Series
- The Fairly Oddparents: Season 6, Volume 1
- Hawaii Five-O: The Fifth Season
- Heathers: Limited Edition Locker
- Monty Python Holy Trinity
- Night Gallery: Season Two
- The Odd Couple: The Complete Series
- The Odd Couple: The Final Season
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Full Screen)
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Widescreen)
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 5, Volume 2
- Star Trek: The Original Series - Season Three
- Tropic Thunder
- WALL•E (Single Disc)
- The Zombie Diaries
THE OTHER STUFF:
- Encounters at the End of the World
- Garden Party
- Hannah Montana: The Complete First Season
- Priceless
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