a dream story

Ugh. just had to get u. Its like 6am. I should be sleeping, but ever since we moved I've been having back problems on our mattress. Its the exact same mattress that I wasn't having any issues with for the past 2 years, so its kind of annoying to say the least. I think probably the bed got flipped when we moved and so now its on a side and direction that I'm totally not good with. I think I'll need to flip it back. How stupidly complicated is that?! 

Also I was having off and on bad dreams. The thing about bad dreams with me, is that its always kind of funny. I get scared by weird stuff. Like I'm much more likely not to be scared of the real world threat. So while normal people have nightmares about a serial killer coming and attacking them, I have dreams about ghosts and monsters and space aliens.

Today I dreamed that I was trapped in a house (standard set up for a number of the bad dreams I've had, and of course classic horror movies) and I was part of a team of guys trying to stop another team of bad guys. Basically imagine 4 on 4 deathmatch in a house. I think I was flipping perspective between my team members, so I suppose a video game analogy is closest to accurate. Anyhow, I'm trapped in one of the end rooms, with a gun thankfully, and what comes in the door behind me but a white chinese dragon. I freak obviously, and am glad I've got the gun, and not the pool cue anymore. I shoot at the lead guy that I can almost see under the head of the dragon costume,  but its a dummy a trick so that the real enemy can slip in the room under one of the body sections without me seeing. BUT I'm too quick for them I realize this and start scanning the body of the dragon costume for my real enemy. And what shape do I see?? who is my enemy thats trying to kill me that I have to kill? Scar, from the lion king.

I know! scary right! I'm not talking about a cartoon lion here, I'm talking a real live lion. Like if someone took Scar and made the cartoon real.... actually I have a sneaking suspicion that everyone in the dream was a character from somewhere.... anyhow, for all intents and purposes I'm about to be attacked by a lion, so I shoot him twice in the side and start running. I go back past him and down to the other end of the hallway. This is the second story of the building and I don't want to go back downstairs because there are other bad guys waiting. Also I haven't seen anyone else from my team in a while. So I go to the end of this hallway and into a room. Scanning to make sure its safe I collect myself a bit. It doesn't sound like Scar chased me out of the room.  So now I'm wondering what am I supposed to do. I can't go downstairs, I've used all the bullets and am now back to a pool cue as a weapon and I don't know which way to go.  So I decide to head back to the room with Scar. hopefully he's dead, and when it comes down to facing a possibly dead lion, or 4 guys with guns downstairs, the lion seemed better.

So I head back to the room with Scar and I see him right near the door, covered by the white dragon costume still. And being the super smart guy I am, I decide to poke the body to make sure he's really dead. I mean ultimately I'd rather not go into a room with a lion just pretending to be dead to lure me in... So I reach out with the pool cue and whack the body a few times. And what do I get for my troubles, but he starts moving, he was just stunned and I woke him up. Great. I freak obviously. I mean I can't fight a lion with a pool cue, so I lock the door I'm standing at and head back to the room at the other end of the hall. Even though its an inside door to the room with the lion, it has big decorative glass panes on it, so I can see through. Unfortunately that also means Scar can too.

Peaking out from around the corner of the door frame at the end of the hall I look and see Scar standing up again in front of the door, pacing a little, and pissed. I duck away because I don't want him to see me but then I hear from downstairs the other badguys talking. They're going to head up and flush out whoevers left from my team. Not good. Either way I'm trapped. Bad guys heading up the stairs at the one end of the hall, and an angry injured lion who is specifically pissed off at me for shooting him waiting for me at the other.

Thats the point I woke up and decided that my back was hurting too much to stay lying down. Instead I got up, had a hot shower to try to help it and sat down to write this. My back feels a little better now. But its still early I' going to go play some Mario 64 I think.

Later.

A long, long time ago

I can still remember how that music used to make me smile... Its been a long time kids. I know, I know... Like forever and a day.

Looks like the last post was from the end of August where I ranted about my new job. Well A LOT of other stuff has happened to me since then but in a nutshell there was a conflagarance (is that a word?!) of three massive life events happening at the same time for me. First, the job, then my wife and I bought a new house! well not so much a house as a condo, but its a big deal. And third and most importantly Erica got pregnant! Now that's really a big deal :)

So here it is. I'm going to be a dad. I've got a sweet new home (2 bed, 2 bath in Ingleside Heights out by Lake Merced) and I'm working my butt off to try to make this new job everything I think it should be. So far, so good on all of it :)

 Anyhow, so I know its been a very very long time, but I can't say I'm really in a position where I'm ready and will promise to be able to come back o these Adventures in a Strange Land anytime super soon. I want to, maybe on a somewhat more limited basis, or perhaps I'll change the structure of the blog a bit, but I don't think I'll be able to go back to the way it was. I'm just too darn busy nowadays.  

If you like, I'm finding that I've started to have time more along the line of a Twitter blogstyle, and so I've been using my twitter account. If anyone here feels like it I'd be more than happy for you to follow me on Twitter. I'm at http://www.twitter.com/geoffchapman. I hope to see you there. 

If not though, remember I'm only an email away. And I will return... eventually.

Oh and if anyone is wondering, yes On Hold... has also been on an extended hiatus. I know we'll get back to something, whether its a continual or as common event as it once was, I can't say. But fear not. Devon and I will return to the podosphere. I hate podfading without even an explanation...

Much love all :) Until next time check out this video of the Killers featuring Lou Reed doing a sweet song called Tranquilize. 

-

New Job

Where the heck has the Adventures in a Strange Land blog been of late? I think the term woefully neglected might even be applicable. Well, I've been pretty crazy busy lately and I thought now would be the perfect time to stop by and let you all in on the great news.

I got a new job!

I know I know. I don't normally talk about my job specifically here, unless its been to express my utter frustration at it. Well I'm hoping all thats over now ;) I've left behind the doldrums of being a lowly office monkey, and have truly entered a brave new employment world.

I'm doing camera work for a tv show! AWESOME I know!!! And even more, the show is really cool. Back when I was working in the film industry I got to work on a few really sweet projects like X-Men 2, and A Very Muppet Christmas, but those were only for a few months. This should be a continual rush of fun, geeky coolness as I'm going to be shooting for The Elctric Playground.

The show is a news and interview show that at its core focuses on video games, but also covers anything that appeals to the gamer culture. Meaning comics, tech, music, and just plain cool stuff. And I am their camera operator for the SF area. My colleague here Jose 'Fubar' Sanchez, is the on camera guy locally, so if you ever see the show from now on most of the stuff he's in from here in the bay area will have me behind the camera.

Its truly awesome news for me. As anyone who knows me will attest I have been struggling in a job that wasn't right for me for far too long. I think this is an amazing opportunity and I intend to make the most of it.

So I'm sorry if the blog has been, or may be in the future a bit lacking. For right now at least, I need to put my head down and focus on learning the job, and doing my best.

Wish me luck everyone. Oh and if you like the show can be watched at http://www.elecplay.com/. It's also on tv in Canada on G4/Tech tv daily, and weekly on CityTV. The US distribution deal hasn't come together yet, so just check it online for now.

Thanks for understanding the lack of posts people, but this is worth it :)
-

Is that The Spirit?!

WTF?! Is this what The Spirit is going ot be like?!??!?!



That is definitely not what I expected. This is slapstick! I thought this was a serious movie... I suppose I was just misinformed... oh sigh.

The Spirit is sure to bring us to tears one way or another on Dec 25th, 2008.
-

Dead Space game and movie

Dead Space is one of the few 3rd person shooters I definitely intend to play this year. I think it just looks great. Makes me really wish I had a 360. Here's a trailer for the game.



If you like that and are up for a bit more, I really recommend you check out this gameplay footage which features a bit more of a look at the in game physics, including some very cool gravity effects.



Its really pretty awesome. I love that its so dark, and the fact that there really isn't an on screen HUD. Makes the game just that much more immersive looking.

And finally in a very cool marketing tie in, there is a series of Dead Space comics, AND a planned Dead Space animated movie. Called Dead Space: Downfall, the movie is a prequel to the game and should be released around the same time as the game this October. Check out the trailer.



If you need more than that, check out the wiki, or the official page. Looks like a sweet game though. Dead Space is set to come out October 21st, '08 for 360, PS3 and PC, with a Wii version rumored to follow later.
-

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist trailer

Oh my, its like Juno all over again. Adorable Michael Cera is now teamed up with Kat Dennings. Looks like alternative indie movies just got slightly more formulaic.... Not to say I don't still like it, but its a bit sad when everything indie becomes mainstream. Way of the world I suppose. Check out the trailer for Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist.



Yes, I know its really not at all like Juno, it just seems a bit... predictable. The movie comes out October 3rd, 2008.
-

new Dragonball pic

Care of SHH and Hoycinema, check out this new promotional picture from Dragonball.

I'm still not sold on whether this will actually be a good movie or not, but at least the marketing has been entertaining. I hope to see a trailer soon. The film is slated for release April 8th, 2009.
-

Fifa Street 3 ad

Check out this fantastic commercial for Fifa Street. You might want to make it full screen to see it in all its glory.



Totally fantastic, its like almost as cool as the urban ninja! I've been seeing this ad a fair bit lately, and I know people are wondering if its actually real. Let me assure you yes it is. Check out this behind the scenes making of the commercial vid.



Fifa Street 3 came out this past February to less than stellar reviews. Metacritic gave it a 63. Still, that said, great commerical.
-

Watchmen pics

Care of AICN check out these wonderful new Watchmen character posters.

Also, over at Empire Online they've got a few sweet new pictures like this one to peruse.

Very nice stuff eh? This film just looks awesome :) Look for it in theaters on May 6th, 2009.
-

Princess and the Frog teaser

Here it is, the long awaited ;) teaser trailer for Disney's The Princess and the Frog. Don't you just love the Randy Newman.



Is it just me, or does something about this movie just seem, horrible. The movie is slated for release on December 25th, 2009.
-

Venom movie

Well it looks like Avi Arad was right. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Venom the brain eating, symbiotic, psychopath alien from Spider-Man is coming to the big screen. A script apparently has being written by Mean Creek writer / director Jacob Estes, but SONY is reportedly looking for other writers to tackle a new draft. Also interestingly the studio is apparently not sold on Topher Grace as the Eddie Brock / Venom character. I think, despite the poorly written character in Spider-Man 3, the issue definitely was not with Grace's performance, so I would hope he in fact stays in the role. I'd definitely like to see him become a bigger star.

Whatever happens though I'm sure well get more on Venom as it develops, and as suggested by LR, why not tie it into the proposed Spider-Man 4, currently slated for summer 2011? We'll see how Sony deals with this though, as I'm sure it'll be a tricky movie to bring to life.
-

Hulk vs. ...

One of the next films in Marvel's direct to DVD animated line-up is Hulk vs... Apparently it's really two short films comprised of fights between Hulk vs Wolverine and Hulk vs Thor. Check out these two preview trailers.





With the relative success of The Incredible Hulk, Marvel seems well placed to take advantage and ride the mean, green, marketing wave, with both this title, and Planet Hulk slated for release next year. This film specifically should find its way to shelves in January of '09. I know I'm looking forward to it.
-

Marvin the Martain movie

Marvin the Martian probably the most lovable alien ever created, besides ALF of course, is set to come to the big screen. The property is reportedly being developed as a blended live action / CG film to be aimed at a family friendly audience for Christmas 2009 or 2010.

Producer Steve Crystal, explains the film as a "Christmas story, with Marvin coming to Earth to destroy Christmas but being prevented from doing so when he’s trapped in a gift box."

Currently the project is out to writers and directors. More on this project as it develops.
-

Depp is Mad

It's really not at all unexpected, but according to reports, Johnny Depp has been cast in Tim Burton's re-imagined version of Alice in Wonderland. Reports have it that Depp has been offered the role of The Mad Hatter, a part I kind of think he was destined to play. Other than Depp though, and the rumored casting of Mia Wasikowska, not much is known about the project. Still this is some good solid casting.

We'll hopefully find out more about this and the feature length adaptation of Frankenweenie soon.
-

Web of Shadows trailer

Looks like another sweet game coming this fall, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. I am definitely stoked by the symbiote as zombies motif. And of course the big reveal at the end of this trailer. Check it out.



The game is slated to come out October 21st, for all platforms.
-

X-Men First Class planned

It seemed destined that we'd get another entry into the X-Men universe of films. But who would've thought this newly announced one would be it. X-Men: First Class is now rumored to be in development at FOX, with Zak Penn at the helm. If true, the film could follow the 2006 mini-series which featured a version of the original X-Men team in all new stories packed with cameo appearances. The team in the miniseries specifically included Cyclops, Beast, Marvel Girl, Angel, and Iceman, although I wonder if perhaps this film would instead follow the film universe's continuity of characters in their early adventures. I suppose that would really only necessarily exclude Angel from the mix, but maybe we can get a young Storm or someone to replace him.

This is good news if true. I'd really like to see a young version of the X-Men. Maybe with a slightly less convoluted story than the grown up X-Men films. Hopefully this will all pan out. More on this as, and if it develops.
-

HP: ATHBP trailer

Finally here for you're enjoyment the trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.



The movie is coming out December 11th, 2008.
-

Tyrese as a Thundercat?

While this isn't much more than a snippet of a rumor, its a good indication that things are still on the move for a planned Thundercats movie. If you'll remember, there is a film in the works for the coolest kitties on Third Earth. Last we heard the movie has a draft script, by Paul Sopocy, and a director, Gears of War game helmer Jerry O'Flaherty, although it's still at the early stages of development and is sure to change as things move forward. The movie was announced by Warners as a CG property with an eyed 2010 release. Of course we can't know exactly what is still true on the film front, but at least we're getting a bit more. And its from the unlikely source of Transformers actor Tyrese Gibson.

In a recent interview Tyrese stated that he is in negotiations for the project and while he wouldn't confirm anything, he indicated that there are a number of options in terms of what role he would play. Whether this means a voice over role in a animated film, or a live action part is unknown, but he suggested that we should get more information soon.

Of course the obvious guess for a part is Panthro. Is that racist... I think especially if its an animated film though it really wouldn't matter who he plays. I think this is a good sign regardless. Tyrese needs another good action film, and anything that bring the Thundercats closer to cinematic reality is a good thing. We'll just have to wait and see if this develops into more than a rumor.

For the latest info and more on the planned Thundercats movie, check out The Thundercats Lair message boards. These really guys know what they're talking about.
-

Wonder Woman animated trailer

Here is the trailer for the new direct to dvd animated Wonder Woman film.



Looks pretty cool eh? I'm a bit behind on the DC direct to dvd film series, having still not seen Superman: Doomsday or Gotham Knight, but I will say if this is anywhere near the quality of Justice League New Frontier, it will be amazing. The voice cast for this film is already impressive on its own. Keri Russell voices Wonder Woman, and it also features Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina, Virginia Madsen, Rosario Dawson, and Oliver Platt. In terms of story, I believe this is an origin tale punctuated by an attack on mankind by god of war Ares. Definitely sounds cool to me; Wonder Woman, has a good simple story and I'm genuinely looking forward to this.

Wonder Woman is slated for release in February '09.
-

Hellboy II: The Golden Army review

There are a lot of things to really love about Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The film has deep and resonant character developments giving much more insights into the players than the last film. It also looks like a dream in autumnal shades of gold and sepia, with lighting that manages to both hide and reveal character reflective of the story and tone of the moment. And maybe most significantly, the characters, the costumes, the creatures look utterly believable and out of this world. They slide effortlessly into the world of Hellboy, suiting the magical underbelly of a world that exists right below our unsuspecting noses. Far more impressive than the first solid Hellboy film this movie sees legitimate growth in almost every way. But all that said there is something about the movie that just never grabbed me in the way the first film did. I respect this film a lot, I think it may actually even be a better movie than the original, but I can't say I loved it as much.

Despite the fantastic set design, and creature work something about the main plot just never quite did it for me. The story is about a (what is he an elf?) prince who is trying to reclaim the former glory of his family throne. To do this he intends to gather the pieces of a fragmented royal crown thereby breaking the covenant of peace made between his people an mankind, and use the power to awaken the Golden Army, who for all intents and purposes are giant possessed robots. This is all set against the character backdrop of Hellboy and Liz Sherman sorting through their troubled relationship, and Abe Sapian finding a true love for the first time in his life. It's a story with beasties galore, and huge fight scenes, and spectacular stunts, and creepy crawlies, and intense drama, true love, heartbreak, singing, and kitty cats... A film that really has it all.

But something still didn't grab me. As I said, I think it may have something to do with the plotting. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't feel invested in this disposed royal family of elves, maybe I didn't believe the love story with Abe. The plotting just didn't hold my attention, which is odd, considering I did enjoy many of the character moments, and overall found the personal arcs to be satisfying. Something... maybe just that intangible magic was lost on me though.

I still enjoyed this film, and think that perhaps on repeat viewings I would appreciate it even more. It's worth watching, at least on dvd. Hellboy II has a lot to offer despite my unspecific misgivings. My hope is that a third and even better film will be made based on the success of this film.
-

Batman Brave and the Bold trailer

Check out this trailer for the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold series. It is truly retro-tastic!



You can read up on the series in this interview SuperHeroHype did with producer James Tucker and character designer Andrea Romero. Its very interesting stuff. The show, like the old comic book, will feature Batman in various team up adventures. In the show, some of the people we'll see the caped crusader partner with include Blue Beetle, Plastic Man, Aquaman, Green Arrow, The Atom, Black Canary, Booster Gold, Adam Strange, Dr Fate, Jonah Hex and more. Check out a more complete list including some of the confirmed villains on the wiki page.

I am definitely excited to see how this series plays out. And some of these characters are great and have never gotten their due screen time before. I just hope it doesn't come off too young.

the show is slated to premiere on Cartoon Network on Nov 14th, '08.
-

Wolverine Comic Con footage

Quick quick before it gets taken down... Have a look, care of AICN, at the X-Men Origins: Wolverine footage shown at comic con. It's in two parts and pretty damn cool.





The film will come out May 1st, 2009.
-

Last Blood to the screen

This is a cool one definitely. The comic book Last Blood is being adapted for the screen by Family Guy showrunner David A Goodman. The premise of the comic is simple. Zombies have overrun the earth and the story follows a band of the few remaining humans as they try to survive and are protected by a group of vampires, who need live human blood to survive... Seems like a kinda sucky situation to be in, but I bet it makes for great storytelling.

You can read a bunch of the comic online for free. right here, and it looks pretty cool. More on this project as it develops.
-

Cage is Knowing

Something about this trailer just doesn't grab me. I don't know what it is either... Maybe something about Nicolas Cage is throwing me off. I'll say I feel about as interested in Knowing as I did in Next, which is basically not at all. These are films I should be all over though. Watch the trailer,, maybe you'll see something in it I didn't.



If you want more, you can read AICN's con report of the Knowing panel. The movie is set to come out March 2009.
-

Up teaser trailer

Disney has launched a teaser trailer for Pixar's next film. he movie is called Up, and if you'll remember Up is about a 78 year old widower, named Carl who decides to fulfill his wife's wish to travel the world. And so alongside a plucky 8 year old Wilderness Scout, named Russell goes on an adventure of unimagined proportions. Check out the teaser.



For more on the film, check out AICN's interesting interview with the director. Up comes out May 29th, 2009.
-

W. trailer

Check it out while you can. Oliver Stone's new film W.



Is Stone back in his old political form once again? The movie comes out October 17th, 2008.
-

Terminator Salvation poster

Care of Latino Review comes this sweet one sheet poster for Terminator Salvation. Looks awesome! Much better than that crappy image we saw from the Licensing Expo a while back.

And speaking of Terminator, here's a rundown of what happened at the Terminator panel at comic con. pretty cool stuff. I'm definitely ready to see more of this. Apparently the next new trailer will be shown in front of Quantum of Solace on Nov 7th, and the film itself comes out May 22nd, 2009.
-

Two not for theater movie trailers

So in the effort to make sure you see all of the videos and trailers launched this week, be they comic con related or not here are the trailers for some movies that you won't see in theaters.

The first is for Afro Samurai: Resurrection, its going to air on Spike TV in January of '09. This is obviously a follow up to Spike's successful first season of Afro Samurai. The titular character is voiced by Sam Jackson, and Resurrection is slated to feature the additional talents of Lucy Liu and Mark Hamill. Of course the music is all still being done by RZA. The story for Resurrection is said to follow Liu's character as she tries to raise the Afro Samurai's father from the grave to lead an army of the undead. Check out the trailer below. It's pretty badass.



You know the more I look at this and the wiki page... I'm not actually sure this is a movie. I think it s actually a series. hmmm. Just not totally sure on that one. Although I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point. Oh well.

The next movie is for what I believe will be a direct to dvd release, Resident Evil: Degeneration. This is exactly what it seems, a full length animated film set in the Resident Evil world. Its an original story and stars a number of characters from the various different RE games. Check out the trailer.



Honestly, I'm down with it all until that last ridiculous monster shows up. Is that supposed to be scary?! No word on release date yet for us westerners. Before Xmas I'm sure though. Sigh... I'll see it I guess; I'm just not sure I'll like it.
-

Two new tv show trailers

As I mentioned yesterday there are two new shows that had trailers debut online recently. The first is for Sam Raimi's new family friendly sword and sorcery show set to premiere on ABC this coming November 1st. The show is called Legend of the Seeker, although it was until very recently to be known as Wizards First Rule, and is based on a series of books by fantasy writer Terry Goodkind, titled The Sword of Truth series. Check out the trailer.



The other new trailer is for a show we all know and love.... ok maybe not love. The new Knight Rider is coming to series this Fall after a great turnout to view the backdoor pilot last season. Check out this new trailer for the show



Thrilling I know. I just love the busting through the logo at the end, its totally awesome. And definitely how Val Kilmer questions Micheal's sexuality; that's guaranteed laughs. :) The show will premiere on NBC, September 24th.
-

Star Wars Clone Wars preview clip

Here is the new Star Wars Clone Wars clip that I was talking about yesterday. I think this give you a good sense of the pacing we can probably expect. And this is really what I know I want. Battles that take closer to real time, shots of Jedi deflecting a ton of lazer blasts, and innovative fighting styles. I also want plotting, don't get me wrong, but whoever said battles had to have no plot or development. There are stories within stories here, and I think this clip definitely exemplifies that.


You can watch this in HD at Yahoo Movies. And don't forget the Clone Wars movie comes out August 15th.
-

TO2N footage found

Although these kinds of things generally are kept pretty well under wraps I guess someone did manage to film the TR2N footage shown at comic con. And now care of Dailymotion you can check it out for yourself. The footage isn't super clean and the camera work (cell phone maybe?) isn't all that steady, but its still pretty damn cool. Check it out before it's gone. But take note, AICN reports that this footage is actually NOT going to be in the long awaited sequel.

TR2N cleaned up 001
Uploaded by genchang2112

-

A long list of quick hits

There is a lot of coverage on the San Diego Comic Con out there, but much of it is buried in panel reports and drawn out press events. Also the world has not stopped turning just because of the con. There is other cool entertainment news to be had as well. But I just don't have the time to write up posts about everything. So maybe a few quick hits are in order. I mean, theres a lot of cool stuff going on, I wouldn't want to miss it. And with that said here are a few quick stories or links for you.

According to THR, Leonardo DiCaprio and his Apian Way production company are looking to possibly make a series of movies out of old Twilight Zone stories. They've put the call out to writers for pitches.

Some descriptions of the 3 minutes of Tr2n footage that was screened at the con can be read here and here, with more follow up details at AICN. And just a note, the footage was NOT actually from the new movie.

Cartoon Network is developing 3 comic book titles into tv movies. The first is Firebreather, a story about a teenager growing up in a divorced family with a typical worrying mother, and a fire-breathing dragon for a father. The next is The Mice Templar, a book about templar mice, a prophecy, and oh so much more. When I was at Wizard World the creator gave me a full 5 minutes on the book after I guessed that it was probably just like Mouseguard... And the third is The Vanishers, about a fifth grader who travels through time to rescue his friends after they start disappearing from existence.

Bryan Singer is developing a feature based on the comic miniseries Freeedom Formula , a sci fi about a high speed illegal mecha racing circuit and the cost of freedom in a fascist techno-future. Seems reminiscent of IGPX with a bit of Akira.

You can watch the trailer to Afro Samurai: Ressurection at Spike TV right now, or read more about the show here.

You can watch a painfully bad clip with Paris Hilton singing from Repo! The Genetic Opera over at MTV right now.

An honestly pretty cool trailer for Sam Raimi's new family friendly tv show Legend of the Seeker (formerly Wizards First Rule) has landed online. The show is based on Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth book series, and premieres on ABC on Nov 1st, '08.

Kevin Feige said at the SDCC Marvel panel that FOX was waiting the see how well the Wolverine movie does before moving forward on the Silver Surfer solo film.

NBC has posted videos of their Knight Rider and Kings panels on their website. Also catch this new one minute KR trailer.

The will be NO Dinobots in Transformers 2 say the writers.

Care of IGN watch the trailer for the upcoming animated film Resident Evil: Degeneration. No word on a western release date yet.

MTV interviews The Rock on Shazam, and Sam Jackson on Nick Fury.

AICN has a review of what is apparently a terrible script rewrite on Escape From New York by Jonathan Mostow.

IESB has heard that The Rock may appear in the Johnny Quest film, as Race Bannon!

Watch almost 4 minutes of new footage from Star Wars Clone Wars right here on Yahoo!

MTV has a preview up for the upcoming direct to dvd Marvel animated film "Hulk vs Wolverine" and it is killer.

Read Comingsoon.net panel reports and coverage on The Spirit, Watchmen and here, Day The Earth Stood Still, Prince of Persia, The Wolfman,

Read AICN panel reports and coverage on Wolfman, Watchmen, Twilight, Wolverine, Batman: Brave and the Bold and here, and a non-con Star Trek report

Read Latino Review's reports on the Hasbro panel (G.I. Joe), the Fox panel (DTESS, Max Payne, Wolverine), Watchmen, Punisher WZ, The Spirit, Ninja Assassin, Star Wars, and a video interview for Red Sonja,

Read IESB.net's well written reports on Watchmen, Twilight, the Fox panel, the best Wolverine footage breakdown online, and video interviews on Wolverine, Max Payne, and DTESS

And that's about all I can handle for now. That's sure a ton of info, And there'll be even more tomorrow after the Saturday panels get going at Comic Con. It's kinda crazy, but very cool stuff overall. Anything in this list really stand out to you as awesome? In my opinion the Star Wars footage steals the show so far. I'll post it up on its own later this weekend. Until then, I'm off to bed.
-

Badass new Punisher trailer

Holy crap. this new Punisher War Zone trailer shown at Comic Con is fucking badass. I mean seriously crazy badass. It is very violent, and cool. Like some old scratchy grindhouse splatter film. Care of IGN, check it out.



I really think I love it. None of this pansy bullshit like the last Punisher movie. I want people's heads exploding. Now thats quality entertainment... You can read more about the Comic Con panel and what the Producer and stars had to say here. But hey, not everyone likes this so it could be just me... Punisher War Zone hits theaters December 5th, '08.

-

Barrowman as Captain America?

Another great rumor for you fine folks today. Yesterday at SDCC after a panel, the Torchwood star John Barrowman was reportedly asked if there was any chance he might be playing or interested in playing Captain America in the planned upcoming First Avenger: Captain America movie.

And funnily enough Barrowman wasn't surprised at all. Although I hadn't heard his name bandied about he would make a fine choice. Reportedly after the stock answer of how much he'd love to play a role like that, and that Captain America was always his favorite hero, he admitted that his agents have been in discussions on that very issue.

Seems a bit out of the blue, but I have to think other than his name not being super recognizable to most of America, he might be a very decent choice. And if Marvel wants to play their cards really right they might just want to pick some young actor who is not all that well known. While Robert Downey Jr can transcend his stardom to become Tony Stark, maybe especially because his personal public past is somewhat reflective of Stark's fictional one I can definitely see some at Marvel feeling that a lesser known name might work better for the epitome of all that embodies America. Barrowman is a very good actor, and while not exactly what I'd envisioned for the part, I haven't any doubt he's got the chops for the role. I just wonder in terms of look... I mean I know hes got the square jaw, but isn't he just a bit... pretty? Kinda like Rob Lowe maybe...

We'll see how and if anything develops from this meaty rumor.
-

Feist counts to 4

Feist on Sesame Street. Happy Friday.


-

Red Sonja poster

Well, apparently at San Diego Comic Con things are always happening. Today brings the first big day a few tidbits fell the way of the web for us mere mortals not lucky enough to be there. Like this sweet new poster for Red Sonja as seen over at MTV.

Or this cool Red Sonja t-shirt art seen from Comingsoon.

As I mentioned before, the film is set to star everyone's favorite machine gun legged hottie Rose McGowan, and will be produced under the watchful eye of Robert Rodriguez, and directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. Since no footage has been shot yet, all they had to reveal was this preliminary artwork. but McGowan and Rodriguez were on hand for question about the planned film.

While not too much new information came out of today's panel at SDCC, the one shiny piece of info that dropped is that Rodriguez is in early talks to produce the upcoming Conan movie as well. And that alongside Sonja and the planned Thulsa Doom, should really round out the universe extremely well.

Thulsa Doom is another Robert E Howard character, only not a barbarian warrior. Instead he is a dangerous necromancer, who we've actually seen on screen before as portrayed in his older years by James Earl Jones in Conan the Barbarian. But a new take on this character as well was recently announced as in the works, with Djimon Hounsous attached to produce and star.

So we've got three Robert E Howard characters from the same universe all converging to the big screen at around the same time? Must be kismet.
-

Alice cast?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tim Burton may have found his lead for the planned Burtonized Alice in Wonderland, in young Australian actress Mia Wasikowska.

Mia, who is in talks for the role, has started to make a name for herself on the show All Saints, and now HBOs In Treatment. Of course these are two shows I have never seen. But I've no doubt Burton wouldn't hire someone on who wasn't up to his caliber. Also, she recently wrapped playing a young Amelia Earhart to Hilary Swank in an upcoming biopic. So I think that we can safely say her star is on the rise.

I for one, can't wait to see what Tim Burton has in store for us with this one though. As previously reported the film will use new 3-D techniques, and be a combination of digital animated creature capture and live action. I fully expect something totally crazy.

Fingers crossed Burton delivers.
-

Rocky Horror remake

Say it isn't so... oh sigh... MTV has signed a deal to remake the classic 1975 campy cult musical Rocky Horror Picture Show.

A couple of good things to note before being shaken and upset about more of your favorites being updated for the kids. The original executive producer Lou Adler is onboard the remake. And according to Variety the "Two-hour remake will use the original screenplay by Jim Sharman and Richard O'Brien (aka Riff Raff) but may also include music not featured in the original."

No word on casting or timeframe as of yet, but Adler has indicated that he'd like it to move quickly and says he'd "like to see it shown a year from this coming Halloween, but that's up to MTV,"

I really try to be open minded about remakes, but I really love The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and I'm just not sure I can get behind this... Lets see who they cast and go from there.
-

Max Payne posters

Care of Comingsoon, check out these sweet posters for Max Payne. The film looks like it might just be one of the very few movies based off a video game to really work. I know I am definitely excited for this one. And really cool posters to boot.

The second poster is very reminiscent of the video game cover art. That's a good touch. Look for the movie in theaters October 17th, 2008.
-

Captain Blood remake

Variety is reporting that Aussie film director Philip Noyce is developing a remake of Captain Blood for Warner Brothers. Noyce is the man behind a number of cool and interesting films over the years ranging from way back with the awesome Dead Calm, to Patriot Games, and The Saint, to The Quiet American, and Catch a Fire, so really this is right up his alley.

For those of you, which I assume is most, who have not seen the Errol Flynn classic Captain Blood follows "a doctor wrongly sentenced to slavery in the Caribbean, where he and his comrades become avenging pirates."Okay... I admit it, I can't remember this film myself. I know I've seen it, but honestly Errol Flynn's film The Sea Hawk was always more my style, and of course Robin Hood, alongside Don Juan kind of overshadows his career. According to wikipedia though the film Captain Blood was a great success, and propelled what was probably the first Australian actor into stardom. The film was even nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 1935 but didn't win. So this sounds like a pretty decent pedigree.

Where Noyce and Warner takes this who knows. Hopefully they'll find some rising young Aussie hotshot who just needs a big break. I look forward to it. A little swashbuckling is always fun.
-

sexy violent copycat posters

Check this out. From a few days ago, as reported on AICN, the poster for True Blood. It's a new vampire series set to start September 7th on HBO, starring the lovely Anna Paquin.

The show according to wikipedia "details the fictional co-existence of vampires and humans in a small Louisiana town after Japanese-made synthetic blood – "TruBlood" – becomes available for purchase. Anna Paquin stars as Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress at a diner who falls in love with one of the vampires". Nice, eh?

But then out of the blue, care of Comingsoon, comes this teaser poster today for the new Megan Fox horror / thriller Jennifer's Body... ummm does that look familiar?

Do you think they really copied each other? Probably not. If fact I have a feeling neither of these posters is the first to use this imagery, but its kinda odd that they were both released within days of each other.

Of the two posters, my vote goes to Anna Paquin for being sexier. Sorry Megan, but thems the breaks. We'll probably get more on these projects as comic-con rolls into gear tomorrow.
-

Day the Eath Stood Still posters

Care of Comingsoon, check out these posters from the new Day the Earth Stood Still film. The first is almost exactly like the one we saw a while back, but the second is all new and features everyone's most favorite lovable robot Gort.

I definitely have my doubts about this movie. but come December 12th, 2008 I suppose we'll all know one way or another...
-