Category Archives: Film/Television/Broadcast/Radio

Closing Moment For Every Best Picture Oscar Winner

Making a movie feel, look, and sound really good usually requires a great closing shot: a lingering image that either haunts the mind or carries the momentum for hundreds of discussion hours to come. If the movie itself is truly great, generally the final moment is simply unforgettable.

The folks at The Final Image, a spot dedicated to study and highlight such final frames (if there’s a whole cable channel dedicated to nothing but food, why not this?), put together an impressive and geek-tastic video montage comprised of the 86 closing images of each and every Best Picture Oscar winner since 1928. All of them starting with 12 Years a Slave and ending with . . . nah, not gonna tell. See if you can name them all!

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http://vimeo.com/88553323

Today IS a Good Day to Drink!

The world is a little bit of a better place this week. It’s a week where Starfleet fanboys finally get to party like it’s 2299.

The consumer products arm of CBS Network where—Captain Kirk first strut his spatial stuff—announced this week an endeavor with the Federation of Beer to offer a new refreshment from Indiana’s Tin Man Brewing Company: “a bold beer suited for the harsh Klingon lifestyle.”

Warnog Beer, drawn from a blend of rye malt and character clove, makes its grand debut this week at the Vegas Nightclub & Bar Show. Full-scale release will follow in Canada in U.S. in the next few months.
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The drink of honored warriors is the second such offering from CBS and the Federation, following the surprisingly popular Vulcan Ale, launched last year to help celebrate the centennial of an Alberta hamlet called. . . Vulcan. Because Romulan was, you know, lame.

Top 5 ’80s Cartoons

The 1980s was the decade of big hair and even bigger on-screen heroes. While Rambo, Rocky and RoboCop dominated at the box office, there were just as many larger-than-life heroes on the small screen, often in animated form. The ’80s was, for many Gen-Xers and Millennials, the renaissance of cartoons. They were full of colorful characters, exciting adventures and daring creativity. Many of them still hold up today.

So, here are my top five best ’80s cartoons.

#5: DuckTales (1987-1990)

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Inspired by the Uncle Scrooge comic books created by the famous Carl Banks, this Disney show had something for everyone. It followed the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, the richest duck in the world, and his grandnephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The supporting cast included characters like Scrooge’s pilot Launchpad McQuack (who later becomes a superhero sidekick in Darkwing Duck) and the inventor Gyro Gearloose. Even Donald Duck would make an occasional guest star appearance.

Every episode was different: time travel, mystery, or treasure hunting. Sometimes all in the same episode. The characters might squabble or let their own faults get them into trouble, but in the end, they pulled together. They would survive using their own wits. Couple that with smart scripts, superb animation and a catchy theme song, and you have a recipe for a classic cartoon.

#4: The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

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It was inevitable that a cartoon based on the 1984 mega-hit Ghostbusters would manifest. Unlike most cartoons based on movies, this one was a direct sequel to the film (and arguably a better one than 1989’s Ghostbusters 2), showing the continuing adventures of the original ghost hunters. Produced by DiC Enterprises, it retained the humor and oddball horror of the film, often daring to explore concepts that might be considered taboo in children’s television (how many kids’ shows would dabble in Cthulhu mythos?)

What may surprise many is the sheer amount of talent in the show. J. Michael Straczynski, creator of Babylon 5, wrote many of its 147 episodes. The voice cast included Frank Welker as Slimer and Arsenio Hall as Winston. In an ironic twist, Lorenzo Music, who voiced Garfield the cat, played Peter Venkman, the character played by Bill Murray in the film. Years later, Murray voiced Garfield in two movies.

While ghosts like Slimer and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man returned, the series featured freaky and imaginative designs for its new creatures. Despite being a comedy, I’m sure these creatures were potent nightmare fuel for many ’80s kids. Regardless, this was what all movie tie-in shows should be.

#3: ThunderCats (1985-1989)

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This was a show that sounds stupid on paper (super-powered cat people battling an evil super-mummy?!), but was awesome in execution. Indeed, it was one of the most unique cartoons of the ’80s or any other era. It followed the exploits of a group of humanoid cat people after they crash-land on a new planet to form a new empire, only to be accosted by the nefarious Mutants and the diabolical sorcerer Mumm-Ra.

While created by Tobin “Ted” Wolf and produced by Rankin/Bass (yes, the studio that made all those stop-motion Christmas specials), it was animated by a Japanese studio that went on to form Studio Ghibli. This gave the series a distinct look that was one part western animation and one part anime. The show also blended science fiction and fantasy, featuring magic, robots and spaceships, often in the same episodes. Couple that with an awesome soundtrack (including the most butt-kicking theme song ever), and in no time everyone was shouting, “ThunderCats, ho!”

#2: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983-1986)
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Hasbro’s G.I. Joe action figures had been around since the 1960s, but for most people it was this show that introduced them to the “real American hero.” This series produced by Sunbow and Marvel Entertainment took that one character and made him into an entire army of special ops soldiers. The concept is simple, as the theme song explains.

It was the penultimate boys’ show, what with being steeped in ’80s action movie tropes and full of corny one-liners. It was action-packed with plenty of explosions, but rarely did anyone ever get hurt—that was part of the show’s charm. Not to mention the villains, who seemed to overshadow the heroes. Everyone remembers the incompetent Cobra Commander, the metal-faced Destro, and Slavic-sounding Baroness. They were as much a threat to each other as they were to the Joes!

The show ended in 1986 after the release of G.I. Joe: The Movie, but a sequel series produced by DiC ran from 1989-1991. Unfortunately, while it arguably had the better theme song, the show itself couldn’t compete with the original. “Yo Joe!”

#1: Transformers (1984-1987)

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Why is this show, another Hasbro toy-based series created by Sunbow, at the top of the list? Because it created the most successful franchise of any other ’80s cartoon.

First, it’s based on toys that embody the trifecta of everything boys love (cars, robots, and puzzles). Second, it created an expansive science fiction mythology for why the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons are constantly warring against each other. Third, it has iconic characters on both sides, not the least of which being the Autobots’ leader, Optimus Prime. For many children of divorce in the ’80s, Prime was a surrogate father. Fourth, incredible voice actors, including Peter Cullen (Prime), Frank Welker (Megatron and others) and Chris Latta (Starscream). Fifth, it was a gutsy show. In the (in)famous Transformers: The Movie, the series revamped itself for its final two seasons, killing characters, introducing new ones, and opting for darker stories. While it would prove to be the show’s downfall, it was still a bold move.

Transformers spawned several sequel series both in Japan and the U.S., most notably The Headmasters and Beast Wars: Transformers, respectively. New series, toys, comics and blockbuster films set in new continuities have been produced constantly for 30 years. Despite all these revamps, the core concept remains the same: the eternal struggle between good and evil—except featuring giant robots.

Honorable Mentions:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)

This show, based on one of the quirkiest comics ever, was undeniably the most popular cartoon in the late ’80s. It ran for 10 seasons, making it the longest-running animated series of all time until it was eclipsed by The Simpsons. That, however, is why it didn’t make the list: the majority of its episodes aired in the 1990s. It ended up being more indicative of that decade. Still, the Heroes in a half shell have their place in pop culture.

Defenders of the Earth (1986-1987)

Before Bruce Timm’s Justice League series, there was this show. Several lesser-known but iconic superheroes—Flash Gordon, the Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician—join forces to battle the machinations of Ming the Merciless. Their team included Mandrake’s assistant, Lothar, and the team members’ kids. What most people don’t know is comic book legend Stan Lee served as the show’s story editor and wrote the lyrics to its catchy theme song. It’s well-worth tracking down on DVD.

Did your favorite show make my list? Which shows do you think should be included?

Your Move, Kinnaman!: A Review of RoboCop

Image courtesy of www.Wikipedia.org.
Image courtesy of www.Wikipedia.org.

Reboots and remakes are Hollywood’s bread and butter these days, and now a classic ‘80s sci-fi/action film has just been given a modern makeover; however, is the new RoboCop an upgrade or a pile of junk? That depends on what you’re looking for.

Detroit police officer Alex Murphy is killed in the line of duty, but is resurrected by a robotics corporation as a crime-fighting cyborg. Who is truly in control: him or his handlers?

I’m a fan of the original movie, though it’s been several years since I’ve watched it. The 1987 film starring Peter Weller is a quirky, violent, yet strangely cerebral action film. Twenty-seven years later, I think the movie holds up. It’s the classic tale of man versus machine, except this time it is a man who becomes a machine and then struggles to regain his humanity. Director Paul Verhoeven imbued the film with a satirical edge that took jabs at politics, media, and crony capitalism. It also almost seems prophetic in presenting Detroit as a dystopia.

In that regard, fans may be disappointed. The remake takes itself a bit more seriously and lacks Verhoeven’s trademark ultra-violence. The satire, while good, is less frequent and mostly limited to “The Novak Element,” a political talk show hosted by Pat Novak (Samuel L. Jackson) that interjects throughout the film. It’s also, for lack of a better term, more politically correct in its presentation of Detroit. Gone is the gentrified division between opulent New Detroit and crime-ridden Old Detroit. Here, it’s presented as a generic metropolis that needs help battling crime.

The remake excels with its relevance and supporting characters. The film’s idea of introducing crime-fighting machines onto American streets is tied to last year’s controversy surrounding the domestic use of drones on American citizens. In the film, OmniCorp CEO Raymond Sellers (Michael Keaton) is frequently at odds with an aged U.S. senator over legislation banning the use of peacekeeping robots on domestic soil. This is ironic given that the machines are used overseas to frighten local populations into submission. By using the current political scene as a backdrop, the film presents its story as a terrifying possibility, which could actually happen given the advancements in robotics technology.
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The supporting cast, as mentioned, is remarkable. Alex Murphy’s family plays a larger role in the new film: His wife approves the use of OminCorp’s technology to save her husband; during his recovery, Murphy speaks with his wife via a futuristic version of Skype; and he visits home once after he returns to Detroit. Giving Murphy’s family a larger role in the film helps to make the story more character-driven and emotionally gripping. Michael Keaton gives a good performance as the villain, playing him with a subtler touch of evil as opposed to the almost over-the-top bad guy of the original. Gary Oldman is by far the best, playing a well-meaning scientist who is slowly corrupted as he works on RoboCop. His character has the most depth and development, but that shouldn’t be a surprise coming from a veteran actor like him.

Where the film stumbles is with its presentation of RoboCop himself, played by Joel Kinnaman. Unlike in the original, Murphy still has his humanity after waking up from the surgery. Seeing the implants causes him to react in shock to what’s happened. This allows him to bond with his family and create more emotional links to his past. It also allows for the erosion of his humanity to be a gradual process. While Murphy adjusts to his new body—including an unnerving scene where a scientist reveals what little is left of his original body—and tries to reconnect with his family, OmniCorp is frustrated that he isn’t performing with robotic efficiency. They install a chip that creates the illusion of free will. Later, they drain his dopamine, making him placid. At this point, he becomes classic RoboCop. The problem is it only lasts for about 10-15 minutes. Peter Weller’s RoboCop spent most of the original film slowly fighting his programming until he regained his humanity. There was potential to make the contrast between Murphy and RoboCop more potent by allowing for more build-up, but it goes underdeveloped.

Though less violent and less frequent, the action scenes are exciting and well-done. While the original RoboCop was a walking tank, the new model is sleeker, faster, and more streamlined. He can run fast and leap over walls. The ED-209 returns for the climax, although this time RoboCop fights three or four of them instead of one. The film utilizes extensive CGI, though not overly so, but I still missed the quirky stop-motion animation from the original film (which may have been one of the last uses of that technique in a mainstream movie).

The new RoboCop succeeds at being a solid, yet different film from the 1987 classic. It proves once again that if your crime-fighting robot isn’t broke, don’t fix it, but at least the new model is a good one.

Final Grade: B

GIGA Adventures: New York Comic Con 2013

GIGA ME Staff PicCrash Pad: Geek Memoirs
By: Jacques A. Montemoiño

Far beyond the level of excitement to be expected from such a thrilling event as the New York Comic Convention, is the challenge of trying to accurately express how exhilarating my time there was in “words” but I will do my best.

During my journalism phase, I’ve had the privilege of covering a few local conventions yet I had never been to a New York Comic Con or any comic book convention of this immensity and so I was anxious, nervous, and hopeful all at once.   Even though I am a native New Yorker, I had not been there in many years and the idea that this monolithic convention that was happening in a place I once called home only added to the buzz and anticipation.

I flew out of Atlanta Ga. USA up to LaGuardia airport in New York, NY early arriving midday and was greeted by Ms. Jenkins a company rep holding a sign with my name.  After looking over my itinerary, I settled into my NY branch office and promptly I ventured out to the 2013 New York Comic Convention via the A train; the smell of subway and the all too familiar rocking and rumblings of the train I once road as a young man, filled me with warm memories reminiscent of my youth.  The murmur of the hundreds coupled with the gentle sway almost carried me off in to the sleep realms, yet I fought the urge to get comfortable, lean back, and nod off.   As the downtown bound train got closer and closer to 34th street, I began seeing more and more travelers dressed in very familiar outfits and costumes indicative of one of the geek cultures most prevalent pass-times: cosplay.  I knew I was going in the right direction once Pikachu sat next me.
Off of the public transit, maneuvering through thick crowds, up the stairs and on to the busy sidewalks, I was faced with the Empire State Building and the breezy Manhattan streets.  Only a handful of blocks away from the Jacob Javitz Center, where the convention was being held, the walking slowed to a snail’s pace as hundreds tried to make their way down the narrow sidewalk which was apparently under construction and had partially extended into the streets, only to be sectioned off by a temporary barrier that saved me from sharing my passage with cars.  Four blocks away, then three blocks away, and then finally, two blocks away I hit “pay dirt”.  Off in the distance, I saw the top of the convention center when I looked ahead and then I was completely surrounded by hundreds of Comic Con enthusiasts and cosplayers at ground level of the Center.  IMG_0237The smell of New York franks, Shish kebabs, and Halal food filled my nostrils.  “I should eat before I go in” I reckoned and proceeded to order one of each.

I turned the final corner and beheld the magnificence that summons Geeks from all over to this one location and they came out in mass.

I entered the building, and even at 6 feet 6 inches, I felt miniscule and easily lost in the enormity of the environment aNYCC2013 Resized 6nd the crowds of thousands upon thousands.  Everywhere I looked, there were my favorite super heroes posing for pictures and some even adorable enough to stop me in my tracks, as if I were a young boy who was brand new to this Geek World.

The main show floor was packed with hundreds of exhibitors representing some of the most iconic companies that are cornerstones of our unique sub-culture. Bandai, Nintendo, Warner Brothers, Dark Horse Comics, Intel, as well as a slew of hundreds of independent companies—all privileged to share the floor with such industry giants.  With the crowds almost at a standstill, I tried to get as many images as my Canon 70D could muster. IMG_0206Me, as an extroverted person, engaged with a solid 61% of the exhibitionists I came across and, in one weekend, I gathered cards from representatives from many of the most impressive businesses in attendance including some of the development staff for the new Batman Arkham Origins.  http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/batman_arkham_origins_video_game-wide.jpg
I even met two gentlemen from Geek Therapy that were educators and therapists who had been working on utilizing the Geek Culture as a way to help those less fortunate to better their lives.  This was Geek Heaven. As a man involved with many different facets of geek culture myself, it was comforting to see that NYCC had included all of the right ingredients for a tasty stew, including a careful and masterful blend of comics, comic book artists, writers, video games, toys, educators, musicians, cosplayers, custom weapons of various notoriety, a large number of people in the film and media industries, and, oh yeah, hundreds of journalists and press outlets—all things I love and am involved with in 12 Houses Inc.

The greater combustion heat of dust is, http://secretworldchronicle.com/levitra-2585.html free viagra india the smaller the particle will be. It is clear from the onset that discount cialis see this now a large part of total population has this health problem. This catalyst purchase generic viagra http://secretworldchronicle.com/tag/khanjar/ confines the typical blood stream in the penis. Scoliosis can affect any part of the spine, but secretworldchronicle.com online cialis chest and the lower section of the back are the most common areas. IMG_0260Jacques was on a grand adventure that seemed evocative of a hero’s journey.  I was alive and full of wonder and amazement.

Convention goers snapped pictures and stopped every two steps to get a peek at newly released and soon-to-be released indie titles, toys, and technology, all while being unable to “Not” seize every photo-op they could with Hollywood and internet celebrities alike.  At the rate the crowds were moving, walking had been reduced to a shuffle but I didn’t mind; I had Batman on my left and Robin on my right, a stunningly beautiful Wonder Woman ahead.  Random dance battles broke out between super-heroes, one group vs. another, Spider-Man vs. Deadpool, Attack on Titan and Disney characters alike took turns in the cleared center to show off their awesome yet deadly dance moves, ultimately slaying their opponents with Oppen Gangnam style.  IVY DOOMKITTYThere were a number of panels where the creators and producers of almost any Geek related show you could imagine met their fan base and following.  From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Teen Wolf, lines stretched all the way into the food court.  In my opinion, and from what I personally witnessed, I think the largest crowds I came across were clamoring for a peek at Ivy Doom Kitty and Stan Lee himself.  Stan Lee

Other noteworthy celebrities were also in attendance but they were placed in booths on different floors with lines that stretched narrowly would be the length of a football field, but my time was limited.  I couldn’t wait two hours on-line to see Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Hulk Hogan, Felicia Day, and Joel Gray.  As a child of the 80’s, I was super impressed to shake Sgt. Slaughters hand and had the opportunity to let him know that aside from wrestling, I had always wanted to be Red Dog from Sgt. Slaughters Marauders.

IMG_0307It took all four days for me to personally visit and see every part of the Javitz Center’s various floors and sections and with what seemed to me to be tens of thousands convention-goers, I would have gotten lost had I not had an event map and truth be told, I became lost more times than I can count by memory, but I was the happiest lost person you have ever seen.  I tried to stay focused on the production but it’s hard to tell a geek to abstain while he is in the midst of all his preferred vices of choice.  Elation.IMG_0264
I’m consciously trying to “NOT” write a book on my weekend as I feel the urge to go on and on about the experience and all of its multi-faceted aspects, but I’ll exercise restraint and give you a small taste of how great the event was. Aside from the photos in this article, GIGA: Geek magazine and 12th House Media will be sharing all images, and video content gathered by us on this grand voyage and surreal adventure.

Stay tuned all of my GIGA Geeks!

~Jacques A. Montemoiño – “THE GIGA GEEK”
Signature 3

Me at NYCC IMG_0157NYCC2013 Resized 1 NYCC2013 Resized 2 NYCC2013 Resized 3 NYCC2013 Resized 4 NYCC2013 Resized 5 NYCC2013 Resized 9 NYCC2013 Resized 10b IMG_0258 IMG_0267 IMG_0281 IMG_0315 IMG_0359 IMG_0364 IMG_0380 IMG_0471

More images to come!