Updated – Movies I’m Looking forward to… and some I’m not

Another winter season has greeted us here in Michigan, which means this is the time of the year that I pay a bit more attention to movies, often looking forward to what’s coming out. After canvasing a number of different movie sites that I pay attention to, I’ve noticed one distrubing trend in the coming year – I’m blown away by the volume of movies that are based on or are extrapolation of fairy tales. In the past year or two, there have been a few notable movies that tackled re-packaging of old stories, ie: Red Riding Hood

So, this time around I’ve bundled some upcoming flicks into the following Categories:

• Yay! – Gotta See
• Eh? – Looks interesting, but I’m not sure
• Meh… – Whatever
• Please… No - I can’t believe they’re making this

Yay!

• Rampart: Set in 1999 Los Angeles, renegade police officer Dave Brown, works to take care of his family, and struggles for his own survival. Admittedly, not an original plot, but Woody Harrelson (The Messenger) leads the charge on this one – cautiously optimistic.              
• Undefeated: First off, know that this is a documentary – three football players facing their own issues (See: Hoop Dreams) opt to attend Manassas High School led by coach Bill Courtney – We’ve seen this plot before, but I’m a sucker for any sports related flick, and the buzz on this has been good.
• Goon: The ingredients making up this comedy meal are appetizing. Michael Dowse (director) teams up with Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg for what looks to be a fun romp.
• The Five Year Engagement: The thought of teaming up Segel and Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) is enough for me to be interested.
• The Avengers: Let’s just say that I’m cautiously optimistic here… The build up to this movie has been long in coming, and the inclusion of Josh Whedon to co-write and direct gives me hope.
• Prometheus: Pre-quel, Re-make, or whatever people are calling this Ridley Scott film, I’m all in! Scott has consistently been one of the storytellers that I have found to deliver. Not sure how I feel about the rumors that this movie will tie together the Alien and Blade Runner universes, but I’ll be in line waiting… Most anticipated movie this year for me.
• Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter:  Novelist Seth Grahame-Smith seems as if he can do no wrong (Smith’s other best-seller, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is due in 2013). Director and cast seem rock solid… I like the concept, and anticipate this film.

Eh?

• John Carter of Mars: Cautiously optimistic that Pixar can pull this off – It would seem, as with the Lord of the Rings, that odds are stacked against this; wonderfully vivid story and characters… I’ve got my fingers crossed
• Hunger Games: Studios are looking for the next franchise to fill Harry Potter’s shoes… Fans of Suzanne Collins’s novels are ready, and the industry is watching… we’ll see how this one goes
• The Raven: A fictionalized account of the last days of Edgar Allan Poe’s life – casting of John Cusack would seem to be spot on.
•  Dark Shadows: Based on the cult TV series, a telling of the life of vampire Barnabas Collins. I am primed for disappointment, but the inclusion of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp give me hope.

Meh…

• The Secret World of Arrietty: another beloved Japanese manga classic brought to the screen for our enjoyment – I have to admit that these translation rarely excites me
• Mirror Mirror: The first of two Snow White based movies, this including Julia Roberts – buzz is that Mirror Mirror was rushed to get to the box office first – stay away
• Men in Black III: The entire story was best as a comic book… The first movie was tolerable, but not again please. Green light on projects like these have me convinced that the brass at the larger studios don’t have a clue.
• Snow White and the Huntsman: Dark telling of the Snow White tale, the second of the season… less than optimistic.

Please… No

• Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 3D re-release: really?
• The Three Stooges: Based on recent outings, the magic that the Farrelly Brothers, once wielded with ease, seems to have run out. Previews have been horrible.
• A Thousand Words: Eddie Murphy’s latest has been sitting on the shelf for over three years – what I expect is another in a lame run of movies for a person who was once the funniest guy on the planet.

Alright, that gets me through June of 2012 – I’ll be interested in seeing how things turn out. There seems to be a fair number of the normal duds, and many more movies that have potential to be alot of fun.

SW:TOR

The boy and I started playing Star Wars: The Old Republic over the holiday break.

For many of us WoW players that may be undecided as to whether or not to join the million + players that have begun playing the game since it went live on December 20, 2011, as a long time Warcraft player I wanted to share some of my experiences. I’ve summarized the various aspects of the game with some pertinent comments comparing the two games.

Before I begin, let me say that I am a huge Star Wars geek – like many of my generation, Star Wars and everything that went along with it was an integral part of my youth. I saw the movies, collected the bubble gum cards and toys, and waited in line to see all of the prequels. With that out of the way, let’s get started… I chose to create a Sith Inquisitor on the Ice Breaker server (PVE). The idea of playing a character that was very much like Darth Maul appealed to me, and I have not been disappointed so far. As of this writing, my Sith Assassin is level 35 and is progressing rather nicely.

So how does SWTOR compare to WoW?

• Graphics: Blizzard has always maintained that they have kept the rather basic graphics to keep memory use to a minimum – simpler graphics means that more players can play the game. The graphic representations of characters and environment are superior in SWTOR… Building, environment, and character representation simply have much more detail and are simply beautiful. Verdict: SWTOR
• User Interface: Bioware basically aped the WoW user interface for their game, which in all honesty was a smart move… other companies have tried to distinguish their game with nifty UI’s that quite simply didn’t cut it. Blizzard based their UI on previous games, enhancing what they needed to improve game play, and they have now what is the standard as far as I’m concerned. Verdict: TIE
• Battle Mechanics: One of the wonderful things about WoW is the fact that many of the PVE fights are very well done. They are complex and require superior skill and awareness to emerge victorious – now, Blizzard has been criticized for “dumbing” down the game with it’s recent expansion, but there is a huge difference between “good” and “excellent” players based on understanding the mechanics of the game and specifically your class. The fights in SWTOR are very simple – there are AOE effects to be aware of, and some fights are a bit more complex, but thus far, even the heroic instances are pretty much “tank and spank”. Verdict: WoW
• Game Enhancements: SWTOR currently has no “add ons” to speak of. One of the wonderful aspects to WoW, is that Blizzard allowed for the development of aftermarket mods that allowed the player to enhance their game-play. One of the biggest bitches that I hear in game is the lack of damage meters and the like – Although I miss some of my WoW add-ons, I do find it a bit refreshing in some instances… Overall though, I miss my Deadly Boss Mods. Verdict: WoW
• Questing: Now quests are quests… In WoW, you talk to the quest giver, go do the quest, and turn in for your reward. Bioware has turned this concept on its ear with SWTOR. Certainly, there are still quests to complete, but every quest begins and ends with a cut (animated) scene in which your character has a choice of three ways to respond- and those responses carry consequences. In addition to changing how the NPC responds to you, each answer that you provide can impact your standing with the force (light and dark side), as well as the companions that travel with you. Basically, you really need to think about the answers that you provide, and this aspect really adds to the game play. From my perspective, this was the biggest single difference between WoW and SWTOR. The story driven aspect of the SWTOR game really helps you identify with the character that you’re playing… your toon becomes exactly what you want of it, and I have the feeling that each player feels that their experience in game is unique to them. Achieving that level of player integration is what every game developer is striving for, and Bioware has hit the ball out of the park. Verdict: SWTOR

Overall, I’m enjoying the heck out of playing SWTOR, and I’d have to give the edge to it as a “funner” game – the story driven aspect of the game has certainly pulled me in, and I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen in my Sith’s epic tale. Understandably, this game is brand new candy that is satisfying my sweet tooth… the fact that it ties in with the Star Wars galaxy and allows me to play classes and characters that I’ve loved since I was a child doesn’t hurt. What’s left to be seen is what will happen when I reach level 50 and begin preparing for raids.

Even though I have said farewell to WoW for a short time, it’s not Good Bye. I still have a great deal of affection for all things Azeroth and the characters that I’ve played there for some six years. But for now, I’ll be spending a bit more time on Alderaan.

Best Songs Ever, Part 2

Some time ago, I had posted my list of favorite songs with a promise for updates… As a reminder, these are in no order, but I have limited myself to one artist / one song. Here’s the latest with updates in Bold.

• AC DC – Back in Black
• Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion
• Alice Cooper – Under My Wheels
• Alice in Chains – Them Bones
• Allman Brothers – Whipping Post
• Amanda Palmer – Coin Operated Boy
• Bad Brains – I Against I
• Beach Boys – Surfin USA
• Beastie Boys – Sabotage
• Beck – Loser
• Big Country – In a Big Country
• Bitter Sweet Alley – Time to Move
• Blink 182 – The Rock Show
• Blur – Song 2
• Bob Marley – Could You be Loved
• Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man
• Buckcherry – Lit Up
• Bullet Boys – Smooth Up In Ya
• Buzzcocks – Ever fallen in love
• Boston – More than a Feeling
• B-52′s – Rock Lobster
• Cheap Trick – Surrender
• The Clash – Train in Vain
• Coheed & Cambria – In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth
• The Cramps – God Damn Rock ‘N’ Roll
• Creedance Clearwater Revisited – Fortunate Son
• The Cult – She Sells Sanctuary
• The Darkness – I Believe in a thing called Love
• David Bowie – Space Oddity
• Dead Kennedy’s – Holiday in Cambodia
• Dead Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
• Def Leppard – High ‘n’ Dry
• Depeche Mode – Personal Jesus
• Elvis Costello – What’s So Funny (bout peace, love, & understanding)
• Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven
• Fabulous Thunderbirds – Tuff Enuff
• Fastway – Easy Livin’
• The Fixx – One Thing Leads to Another
• George Michael – Faith
• The Grateful Dead – China Cat Sunflower / Know you Rider
• Georgia Satellites – Battleship Chains
• Guns N Roses – Welcome to the Jungle
• Hank Williams – I’m so Lonely I could cry
• Iggy Pop – Lust for Life
• INXS – Listen Like Thieves
• Iron Maiden – The Trooper
• J. Geils Band – Musta Got Lost
• Joe Jackson – Is she really going out with Him
• Judas Priest – Green Manalishi
• Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
• Kaiser Chiefs – I predict a Riot
• Kid Rock – All Summer Long
• Kings – This Beat Goes on / Switchin to Glide
• Kingsmen – Louie Louie
• KISS – Strutter
• KIX – Don’t close your Eyes
• Led Zepplin – Kashmir
• Leonard Cohen – First we take Manhattan
• Lit – My own worst Enemy
• Living Colour – Cult of Personality
• Matthew Sweet – Girlfriend
• Meatloaf – Paradise by the Dashboard light
• Merle Haggard – I think I’ll just stay here and Drink
• The Misfits – Die, Die my Darling
• Motley Crue – Too Fast for Love
• Nightwish – Amaranth
• New Order – Bizarre Love Triangle
• Nick Lowe – Cruel to be Kind
• Nirvana – Smells like Teen Spirit
• Outkast – Hey Ya!
• Otis Redding – Sitting on the Dock of the Bay
• Ozzy Osbourne – Over the Mountain
• Paramore – crush crush crush
• Pearl Jam – Alive
• Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill
• Police – Don’t Stand So Close
• Primus – My Name is Mud
• Prince – Kiss
• Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
• Quiet Riot – Slick Black Cadillac
• RATT – Round & Round
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge
• REM – Radio Free Europe
• Rod Stewart – Maggie May
• Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar
• The Romantics – What I like about You
• Ramones – I Wanna be Sedated
• Rick James – Superfreak
• Sam & Dave – Soul Man
• Sam Cooke – Chage is gonna Come
• Sammy Kershaw – Queen of my Double Wide Trailer
• Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant
• Smashing Pumpkins – Bullet with Butterfly Wings
• Spencer Davis Group – Gimme Some Lovin
• Squeeze – Black Coffee in Bed
• Steve Miller Band – Take the Money and Run
• Stevie Wonder – Superstition
• Stone Temple Pilots – Sex Type Thing
• Suicidal Tendencies – I Saw Your Mommy
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
• Veruca Salt – Seether
• Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy
• Weezer – Buddy Holly
• The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again
• White Zombie – Super-Charger Heaven
• Willie Nelson (with the Highwaymen) – The City of New Orleans
• Wilson Pickett – In the Midnight Hour

Movies I’m looking forward to (and some I’m not)

2009 was a pleasant year when it came to movies… a good measure of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and some rather decent comedies and dramas to round things out. 2010 looks to be an interesting year with Holllywood getting a bit more brave. Unfortunately, there’s alot of junk with the good stuff, but let’s talk about what I’m looking forward to seeing.

2010 – What I’m looking forward to

• The Wolfman: Solid cast and special effects remake of the original
• Shutter Island: Scorsese is the man… Mystery/Thriller looks to be good
• Kick Ass: Teen Super Hero Comedy – all of the previews have been awesome
• Iron Man 2: One of my personal faves makes it’s return… with Mickey Rourke to boot
• Jonah Hex: Spooky Western with the Ultimate bounty hunter
• Born to be a Star: Adam Sandler finds out that his parents were Porn Stars
• Megamind: Animated super hero fare
• Tron Legacy: As a kid, I grew up on Tron… Looking forward to the return
• Prince of Persia: Not a big fan of Jake, but the previews look good
• Green Hornet: I like the story, I like the cast… let’s see how it turns out

2010: Movies I can’t believe they are making

• Nightmare on Elm Street: Weren’t the first seven movies enough?
• The Crazies: Remake of the Zombie Master’s 70′s flick – town goes crazy
• The Karate Kid: c’mon…
• The A-Team: Same characters, same tired plot, new actors…
• Red Dawn: Was the original movie so good that they had to remake it?
• True Grit: Casting Jeff Bridges in the “Duke’s” role? I don’t think so.

Lilith Fair Returns

Word is that Lilith Fair is returning this year (2010), and that Detroit is on the list of cities that will be visited by the Women-led bands that make up this awesome festival.

Artists include (personal favorites in BOLD): A Fine Frenzy, Ann Atomic, Ash Koley, Beth Orton, Brandi Carlile, Butterfly Boucher, Cat Power, Ceci Bastida, Chairlift, Chantal Kreviazuk, Colbie Caillat, Corinne Bailey Rae, Donna Delory, Elizaveta, Emmylou Harris, Erin McCarley, Erykah Badu, Frazey Ford, Gossip, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Heart, Ima, Indigo Girls, Ingrid Michaelson, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Knapp, Jill Hennessy, Jill Scott, Julia Othmer, Kate Nash Katzenjammer, Ke$ha, La Roux, Lights, Lissie, Loretta Lynn, Marina & The Diamonds, Mary J. Blige, Meaghan Smith, Melissa McClelland, Metric, Miranda Lambert, Missy Higgins, Nneka, Norah Jones, Priscilla Renea, Rosie Thomas, Sara Bareilles, Sarah McLachlan, Serena Ryder, Sheryl Crow, Sia, Sugarland, Susan Justice, Tara MacLean, Tegan and Sara, Toby Lightman, Vedera, Vita Chambers, The Submarines, The Weepies, Ximena Sarinana, Zee Avi.

Alas, no Liz Phair on the roster, but all in all it looks to be an awesome show!

Could this be the best bit ever?

It includes one the most incredible cars in the world today (certainly one of the most expensive), and arguably one of the kickin-est songs… O’brien claims that the Tonight Show bit cost the network $1.5M… but I’m not sure

for more

3/4 of the Misfits join Danzig On Stage

I guess it’s about as close to a “reunion” as we’re likely to see given the strained relations between the Misfit’s current front man Jerry Only, but the “American Psycho” lineup of the resurrected MISFITS (minus Jerry) played what is being called a one-time performance at the Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, New Jersey on Saturday, December 26. Headlining the show was none other than the original Misfits Lead,  Glenn Danzig.

The reunited MISFITS included vocalist Michale Graves, guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein and drummer Dr. Chud.

Reports from the show were that the MISFITS put on a helluva show, and that Danzig seems to be in better shape than he has been in many many years… As far as an official Misfits Reunion…. one can only hope.

Chapter 11 – flight

“She’s about to let loose the flames of hell itself”, shouted the elder priest Karissa as she retreated to a wall of the cave. “Get to the sides of the cavern, or you’re sure to perish”. All of the group could feel the tremendous heat from a fireball the size of a large ox that hit the ground where the majority of the group had been standing just seconds earlier… As some struggled to put out the flames on their clothing a dark cloud gathered above the group, friendly magicks it was, and began to pour welcome rain upon the party dousing the last of the flames… The smell of seared cloth and burning hair filled the air as the group instinctively renewed there attack.

Fireballs, Arcane & Lightning Bolts, and streaks of light filled the air and illuminated every corner of the expansive cavern as the casters worked to bring the beast down from overhead. The fight continued as Onyxia flew overhead, seeking a sanctuary from the pain. A force of nature, she continued her attack, breathing fire down on the 19 creatures that had invaded her lair. Her attacks had been successful in the minutes since she had taken flight. Her fiery breath managed to find five members of the group and they now lie scattered across the floor of the underground cave. Looking up from his two handed attack, Kif noted that the dragon appeared to be laboring to maintain her position above them…” She’s tiring…. I…. don’t think she can stay aloft much longer”, he shouted, “Keep an eye on her…. She may come down at any moment.”

True to the young elf’s prediction, and without much warning, Onyxia screamed loudly, and her wings ceased the mad flapping that was keeping her aloft. Suddenly, she came crashing to the ground, landing on and killing two more of the party in the process. Back on the ground, the dragon renewed her attack, using large claws to tear through the light armor of another of the casters that happened to be within reach. Mendanbar’s shout could again be heard as he ran with abandon, crashed into the chest of the creature, and opening up new wounds. Onyxia screamed, and turned to face the warrior as he retreated to a more strategic location near the rear wall of the cavern. The dragon charged forward, and as she reached the warrior, swung her tail from one side to the other in a huge arc that sent three of the party flying through the air. Saelnis, an elf hunter was sent sailing to the far corner of the caves. Stunned, he quickly gained her senses, and could see her companion pet still pressing her attack on Onyxia.

As she stood up, checking for injury, Saelnis could see that the beasts tail had shot her up into the air and she had landed nearly 50 feet from where she originally stood. Looking around, she realized that she was now standing amongst nearly two dozen giant eggs that were as tall as she was. Carefully, she began moving out of the nest, avoiding sudden movement or contact that would draw attention to her. Despite great care on her part, a handful of the eggs behind Saelnis began to pulse… something inside them was not moving. Instinctively, the hunter began to run and whistled to her pet as the eggs erupted in unison.

Dragon Whelps emerged from the eggs, unfurled their wings, and clumsily made their way headed towards the elf and her pet. Noticing the commotion at the rear of the cave, others turned and ran in the direction of a dwarf who had joined Saelnis and her cat. Although short in stature, Ahiga’s loud whistle had achieved the desired result. Help was on the way. Three of the group took the fight to the whelps that had descended upon the hunter who now held blades in each hand and flailed wildly at the small dragons. Ahiga, a plated healer like Alfamehl,  poured out healing spells on the hunter while the new arrivals waded in to eliminate this latest threat.

With the whelps dispatched, the group returned their focus on Onyxia and the fight at the far end of the cave. Avoiding the swinging tail, the smaller group made their way back to the melee. The entire party could sense that Onyxia’s attacks were beginning to slow… Time between fiery breaths had increased and the beast was beginning to move sluggishly. Shouts rang out from many of the party to press the attack. Mendanbar made one final thrust deep into the chest of the creature which shuddered and dropped to the ground.

Onyxia was dead.

Moving the Table

Today, I moved my drawing table back into the library of our grand old house here in the boon-docks of South-Eastern Michigan… The table was a gift many years ago from good friends, and has in recent years been collecting dust in the wooden carriage house that serves as our garage.

It is a vintage 1940′s table built from mahogany and pine with fine iron hardware. The table top is a good size 4 feet by 6 feet, and is more than an inch in thickness… It can be raised or lowered and rotates to any angle that I need to do work… right now, I’ve set it at the lowest setting and have it inclined ever so slightly.

I’ve brought my tablet and other gear out of storage as well, and I must admit that I’m a bit, shall I say, giddy at the prospects of putting the wooden girl back to work.

- stay tuned.

Chapter 10 – melee

The Warder spit flame as it shrieked from the wounds received from a multitude of weapons and spells. Gunshots and the near silent twang of bows were accompanied by the crackle of fireballs and lightning bolts that slammed into the giant dragonkin. All the while, Mendanbar led the assault, his shield, a giant flaming skull in one hand repeatedly slammed into the beasts chest, while the glowing blade in his other hand opened deep gashes in the creatures scaled flesh. Finally, with a loud sigh, the Warder stiffened, exhaled it’s last breath, and then crashed to the ground, showering those nearby in a combination of soot, fire, and blood.

“Now…. That”, exclaimed Mendanbar with a chuckle, “was fun!”

Behind the dead creature, the tunnel widened into a larger path, and in the distance, another Warder could be seen marching back and forth. All in all, the group repeated this initial battle three times without surprise or serious injury. As the group stepped past the last of the warders, the path broadened into an expansive cave larger than any of them had seen underground. And in the center of that immense space laid the object of their quest. The dragon queen Onyxia wrapped in her enormous wings, stirred from her slumber, snorted with an awareness of the intrusion, and immediately set her gaze on the 19 individuals that had invaded her private chamber. “This is it”, whispered KIF, “This is the pla…”, but the young rogue was cut off by Mendanbar who began shouting as loud as he was able. “Pick a group”, the warrior yelled, “Two groups to flank each side of the beast… Let me get her attention and then pour it on”.

And with that he turned, and began his charge directly at the dragon. The remainder of the party split into two groups and began their run following Mendanbar’s lead. The speed of the warrior’s attack momentarily surprised the dragon queen, allowing Mendanbar the time required to land a blow that opened a three foot long gash in her chest. Much to the surprise of the group, Mendanbar did not stop at the feet of the beast. He continued running past his target, and Onyxia realizing this turned and began her pursuit of the little creature who had caused her such pain. Reaching the rear-most wall of the expansive lair, Mendanbar turned, and set his stance to receive the inevitable attack. Onyxia descended on the lone warrior as the remainder of the party took up flanking positions on each of her broad sides.

As blades and spells began to crash into Onyxia, Mendanbar sundered the softer scales at her breast opening deep bloody wounds that demanded her immediate attention. She responded with crushing blows that slammed Mendanbar’s shield back into his chest. The blows shook the tank to his bones, and he was certain that he felt ribs, spine, and shoulder bones snap from the force of the attack. It was a familiar contrast of sensations, the unbelievable pain of broken bones was immediately replaced by a wonderful rejuvenation as his wounds were magically repaired, only to replaced again by the pain cuts and snapped bones moments later. As devastating as the pounding was, Mendanbar was not prepared for the fire that shot out of the dragon queen’s mouth, burning his clothing and hair and driving him back against the wall of the cavern. He re-gained his footing, spat at his attacker and renewed his assault, all the while, feeling the pain of his injuries and the tingle that came with the healing spells that he knew were keeping him alive.

The group assembled to bring down the dragon queen included many whose sole responsibility was to inflict damage; Rogues, Hunters, Mages, and Warlocks all brought with them specific skills, and their assault on the dragon was beginning to take its toll. The dragon was bleeding from uncountable wounds and was beginning to slow in it’s attack. Then without warning, Onyxia reared up, unfolded her immense wings, and took flight, retreating to the uppermost regions of the caverns dark recesses. “What do we do now Kif?’ yelled Mendanbar to the rogue. As fire and smoke begain to billow from Onyxia’s mouth it was clear that the dragon had changed her strategy. She was about to let loose with a fiery breath intended to kill everybody in the room. The elf responded, “I’m not sure, but whatever it is, we better figure it out… and quick!”