Jeremy's Thought Balloons

Haywire

2012-02-01T18:41:00.000Z

Cast
Gina Carano
Antonio Banderas
Michael Douglas
Bill Paxton
Ewan McGregor
Michael Fassbender
Channing Tatum
Screenwriter
Lem Dobbs
Director
Steven Soderbergh
Running Time
92 minutes

Mallory Kane is a highly trained operative who works for a government security contractor in the dirtiest, most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, she is double crossed and left for dead by someone close to her in her own agency. Suddenly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth in order to stay alive. Using her black-ops military training, she devises an ingenious—and dangerous—trap. But when things go haywire, Mallory realizes she’ll be killed in the blink of an eye unless she finds a way to turn the tables on her ruthless adversary. (Relativity Media)

Enjoyed it a lot but was hoping for something more thrilling both in terms of story and action. Hopefully she'll be offered more good movies and choose to do them because this could be the start of something great and not before time. I often wonder if Sigourney Weaver had been happy to do action movies and had been offered and said yes to Die Hard how that would have played out.

April Comics

2012-01-31T19:20:00.001Z

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for April.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

RESIDENT ALIEN #0
Peter Hogan (W) and Steve Parkhouse (A/Cover)
On sale Apr 18
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
One-shot
Surviving a crash landing that ruins his spaceship, a stranded alien hopes to quietly live out his life in the sleepy town of Patience, USA, masquerading as a semi-retired doctor. He has some alien powers of empathy and the ability to mask his odd appearance from most people—but how long can he last undercover? After three long years of living below the radar, something in Patience is about to pull him out of hiding and into an uncomfortable spotlight! An alien adventure with humor, heart, and mystery—from acclaimed creators Peter Hogan (2000 AD, Tom Strong) and Steve Parkhouse (Milkman Murders, Doctor Who)!
• From the writer of Tom Strong and the artist for Alan Moore’s The Bojeffries Saga!

I assume there will be an ongoing series. Will have to check out any previews but maybe.

AMERICA'S GOT POWERS #1 (of 6)
story JONATHAN ROSS
art / cover BRYAN HITCH
APRIL 11
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
Welcome to AMERICA'S GOT POWERS! It's the biggest TV show on Earth, where the chance to win fame, fortune and get laid are dangled in front of a generation of super-powered teens. All they have to do is WIN. Who is the fastest, the strongest or the greatest? Who survives? Young Tommy Watt's dreams of being the greatest hero of them all might just be shattered when the greatest show on the planet begins to reveal it's dark heart.

Enjoyed Turf so willing to try this, the two issues coming out at once I guess is to reassure people over that books lateness.

SUPREME #63
story ALAN MOORE
art ERIK LARSEN & CORY HAMSCHER
cover ERIK LARSEN
variant covers by CORY HAMSCHER & ROB LIEFELD
APRIL 4
32 PAGES / FC / T
$2.99
"REVELATIONS"
The legendary Supreme returns! ALAN MOORE's final SUPREME tale is the ultimate jumping on point for new readers! The triumphant return of Image Comics' most powerful hero! As Supreme romances Diana Dane he takes her on a tour of the Citadel Supreme and tells all of his innermost secrets just as Supreme's most hated nemesis, Darius Dax, makes a most unfortunate discovery: the key to defeat his abhorred adversary! It's most mind-blowing cliffhanger in the history of comics! Featuring a story by award winning author ALAN MOORE (WATCHMEN) and art by fan favorites ERIK LARSEN (SPIDER-MAN, SAVAGE DRAGON) & CORY HAMSCHER (X-MEN). You wish all comics were this good!

Got pretty much all of Savage Dragon so far, so I should like this.

STIEG LARSSON’S THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO SPECIAL
Written by DENISE MINA
Art by LEONARDO MANCO and ANDREA MUTTI
Cover by LEE BERMEJO
On sale APRIL 18 • 32 pg • FC • FREE!
MATURE READERS
RETAILERS: Please see the Previews order form for pricing information.
Just in time for Free Comic Book Day, don’t miss this FREE advance look at the upcoming graphic novel adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s international best-selling thriller!
This opening chapter introduces the dark mystery of the Vanger family, as disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired to uncover the truth behind a teenage girl’s disappearance over forty years ago. But before Blomkvist can take on the case, he’s going to be thoroughly investigated by hacker extraordinaire Lisbeth Salander...

Hey it's free.

The Secret Service #1
Mark Millar (W) Dave Gibbons (A)
Variant Cover By Bryan Hitch
From The Writer Of Kick-Ass And The Artist Of Watchmen Comes A Collaboration Decades In The Making. Says Millar:
“Secret Service Is The Ramifications Of [How] America Is Struggling On The World Stage, Funding Is Being Seriously Undercut To Balance The Books And Some People Are Trying Their Best To Take Advantage Of The Fragile Global Situation. The Hero And Sidekick Guys Who Lead The Book Are, I Think, The Best Characters I’ve Written.”
32 Pgs./Mature …$2.99

Hopefully this keeps to some kind of good schedule. Interested to see Gibbons' art.

War Horse

2012-01-25T23:30:00.000Z

Cast
Jeremy Irvine
Peter Mullan
Emily Watson
Benedict Cumberbatch
David Thewlis
Tom Hiddleston
Screenwriters
Lee Hall
Richard Curtis
Director
Steven Spielberg
Running Time
146 minutes

Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, War Horse begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter—before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man's Land. The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse—an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. War Horse is one of the great stories of friendship and war—a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is arriving on Broadway next year. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history. (DreamWorks Pictures)

It didn't seem long maybe because of its episodic structure and was pleasant enough. The avoidance of showing the grisly horror of war seemed odd and undercut the power of the story. The crowd acting as one dimensional character conceit which is employed at the end bugs me especially when I don't feel emotionally invested in the story.

The Artist

2012-01-18T18:18:00.000Z

Cast
Jean Dujardin
Berenice Bejo
John Goodman
Penelope Ann Miller
James Cromwell
Missi Pyle
Screenwriter
Michel Hazanavicius
Director
Michel Hazanavicius
Running Time
100 minutes

Hollywood 1927. George Valentin is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller, it seems the sky's the limit - major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies. (The Weinstein Company)

The reputation of the film is so great that perhaps I had too high expectations. It is good but there were stretches when my mind wandered so maybe a little long. I think also I wasn't ready for how sombre sections of it would be and perhaps when I see it again I'll enjoy it more. It was only showing at the smallest cinema of three in the city so even though it was a matinee the place was packed which was fine mostly although the audience laughed out loud at poignantly comic parts (not in a mocking way) which I found strange.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

2012-01-04T19:46:00.000Z

Cast
Tom Cruise
Paula Patton
Simon Pegg
Jeremy Renner
Josh Holloway
Lea Seydoux
Michael Nyqvist
Tom Wilkinson
Screenwriters
André Nemec
J.J. Abrams
Josh Appelbaum
Tom Cruise
Director
Brad Bird
Running Time
133 minutes

Blamed for the terrorist bombing of the Kremlin, IMF operative Ethan Hunt is disavowed along with the rest of the agency when the President initiates "Ghost Protocol". Left without any resources or backup, Ethan must find a way to clear his agency's name and prevent another attack. To complicate matters further, Ethan is forced to embark on this mission with a team of fellow IMF fugitives whose personal motives he does not fully know. (Paramount Pictures)

Exciting and well done but I wish they wouldn't keep changing the cast every time.

End of My Year Review 2011

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000Z

FILM

Arthur Christmas

Honourable Mention:
Midnight In Paris, Captain America: The First Avenger, Bridesmaids, 13 Assassins, The Fighter

TELEVISION

Game of Thrones

Honourable Mention:
Homeland, Revenge, Parenthood, Treme, Alphas, Breaking Bad

COMIC BOOK

Batgirl, Vol. 3

Honourable Mention:
Criminal: Last of the Innocent, Freedom Fighters, Vol. 2, Hellboy, BPRD, Power Girl, Vol. 2, Xombi, Vol. 2

SOFTWARE

GFI Backup 2009 Home Edition

Honourable Mention:
FileZilla, Opera, LastPass, Norton Internet Security, Wallpaper Cycler Lite, Comic Collector

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-28T19:52:00.001Z

Cast
Daniel Craig
Rooney Mara
Stella Skarsgard
Robin Wright
Christopher Plummer
Joely Richardson
Goran Visnjic
Screenwriter
Steven Zaillian
Director
David Fincher
Running Time
158 minutes

Based on Stieg Larsson's posthumously published crime thriller trilogy, "The Millennium Series." The book describes the mystery surrounding the long-unsolved disappearance of an heiress. A journalist recently dinged by a libel case and a young female hacker try to resolve it, stirring up bundles of personal and industrial corruption along the way. (Sony Pictures)

Interesting and engrossing for the most part but the film continuing beyond the mysteries solution seemed unnecessary especially given how long it is.

Tom Brooks’ list of the top ten films of 2011

2011-12-22T23:59:00.000Z

Video Link

Ten
Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Nine
Margin Call

Eight
The Tree of Life

Seven
Beginners

Six
Warhorse

Five
Moneyball

Four
Hugo

Three
The Artist

Two
The Descendants

One
We Need to Talk About Kevin

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

2011-12-21T18:36:00.000Z

Cast
Robert Downey Jr
Jude Law
Noomi Rapace
Jared Harris
Stephen Fry
Rachel McAdams
Screenwriters
Kieran Mulroney
Michele Mulroney
Director
Guy Ritchie
Running Time
128 minutes

Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room... until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor Moriarty—and not only is he Holmes' intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade, points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder—a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by Professor Moriarty. The cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead of Holmes as he spins a web of death and destruction—all part of a greater plan that, if he succeeds, will change the course of history. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

A little long but very entertaining.

March Comics

2011-12-20T02:12:00.000Z

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for March.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

RAGEMOOR #1
Jan Strnad (W) and Richard Corben (A/Cover)
On sale Mar 21
b&w, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Ragemoor! A living castle, nurtured on pagan blood, harborer to deadly monsters! A fortress possessed of its own will and ability to change itself, with the power to add and destroy rooms and to grow without the help of any human hand. Its owner is mad with jealously, its servants aren’t human, and its secret’s horrific!
• From the creators of Mutant World!
• A gothic nightmare à la Poe and Lovecraft!
“Richard Corben and Jan Strnad are like the Jack Kirby and Stan Lee of post-EC monster comics, responsible for classics like The Last Voyage of Sindbad and Mutant World. To see the two of them back together and a project like this is just exciting as hell.” —Mike Mignola (Hellboy, B.P.R.D.)

Corben's art is just fantastic.

SAGA #1
story BRIAN K. VAUGHAN
art / cover FIONA STAPLES
MARCH 14
48 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99
Y: THE LAST MAN writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN returns to comics with red-hot artist FIONA STAPLES for an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama in this original sci-fi/fantasy epic for mature readers, as new parents Marko and Alana risk everything to raise their child amidst a never-ending galactic war. The adventure begins in a spectacular DOUBLE-SIZED FIRST ISSUE, with forty-four pages of story with no ads for the regular price of just $2.99!

I got the first trade of Y: The Last Man read it but went no further, Ex Machina I have all of it but have still to read the last 10 or so issues. The art and the genre have sold me on this.

Supercrooks #1
Mark Millar (W) • Leinil Yu (A/C)

When The Market Is Flooded With Competition And The Authorities Are Always On Your Tail, What’s An All-American Supervillain To Do? Go To Spain, Of Course! From The Writer Who Brought You Kick-Ass And The Artist Of Secret Invasion Comes A New Series About A Team Of Superpowered Ne’er-Do-Wells Looking To Pull Off One Last Heist In The Land Of Bullfighting And Delicious Churros.
32 Pgs./Mature …$2.99

Maybe.

Hugo

2011-12-14T21:15:00.001Z

Cast
Ben Kingsley
Sacha Baron Cohen
Asa Butterfield
Chloe Moretz
Jude Law
Ray Winstone
Christopher Lee
Helen McCrory
Frances De La Tour
Richard Griffiths
Emily Mortimer
Michael Stuhlbarg
Screenwriter
John Logan
Director
Martin Scorsese
Running Time
126 mins

Based on Brian Selznick's captivating and imaginative New York Times bestseller "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." Hugo Cabret, Scorsese's first film shot in 3D, tells the tale of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. When Hugo encounters a broken machine, an eccentric girl, and the cold, reserved man who runs the toy shop, he is caught up in a magical, mysterious adventure that could put all of his secrets in jeopardy. (Sony Pictures)

I saw it in 2D. It was lushly shot and nicely entertaining. Part childrens adventure, part documentary on early cinema.

50/50

2011-11-30T18:15:00.001Z

Cast
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Seth Rogen
Anna Kendrick
Bryce Dallas Howard
Anjelica Huston
Screenwriter
Will Reiser
Director
Jonathan Levine
Running Time
99 minutes

Inspired by personal experiences, 50/50 is an original story about friendship, love, survival and finding humor in unlikely places. Two best friends lives change when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. (Summit Entertainment)

I haven't seen everything he's done but I'm going to say that I find Rogan mildly funny although a guy in the audience laughed out loud at his lines many times. For me Joseph Gordon-Levitt held this together with his performance which was quietly affecting.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

2011-11-23T19:51:00.001Z

Cast
Robert Pattinson
Kristen Stewart
Taylor Lautner
Michael Sheen
Billy Burke
Anna Kendrick
Jackson Rathbone
Kellan Lutz
Nikki Reed
Peter Facinelli
Elizabeth Reaser
Ashley Greene
Screenwriters
Melissa Rosenberg
Directors
Bill Condon
Running Time
117 minutes

Bella and Edward, plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by the marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child, which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black. With more romance, passion, intrigue and action, the conclusion of The Twilight Saga begins. (Summit Entertainment)

I'd forgotten a lot of details so when Edward started reading minds it took me a second to work out what was happening and remember vaguely that the Vampires had various powers. Lots of the guests at the wedding seemed to be presented like they were returning characters but I couldn't really recall them. Not a lot really happens but it passed the time OK.

February Comics

2011-11-22T20:25:00.001Z

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for February.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1
Brian Wood (W), Becky Cloonan (A/Variant cover), Dave Stewart (C), and Massimo Carnevale (Cover)
On sale Feb 8
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
In this sweeping adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s fan-favorite “Queen of the Black Coast,” Conan turns his back on the civilized world and takes to the high seas alongside the pirate queen Bêlit, setting the stage for an epic of romance, terror, and swashbuckling. This is Conan as you’ve never seen him, with the combination of one of Robert E. Howard’s greatest tales and the most dynamic creative team in comics!
• A perfect jumping-on point for new readers!
• A bold, fresh take on the Cimmerian.
• “Queen of the Black Coast” is the most-requested Conan adaptation!

I got the 2004 Conan series and then 12 issues of Conan The Cimmerian but dropped it because it somehow felt off. I've read all the Conan stories by Howard and as was said in the letters pages several times it had never really felt right. However given how good Northlanders is, although I have dropped it because it doesn't have a regular cast, I'm looking forward to this.

Arthur Christmas

2011-11-16T18:11:00.001Z

Cast
James McAvoy
Jim Broadbent
Hugh Laurie
Bill Nighy
Ashley Jensen
Imelda Staunton
Screenwriters
Peter Baynham
Sarah Smith
Director
Sarah Smith
Running Time
97m 23s

Set on Christmas night, the story of Arthur Christmas at last reveals the incredible, never-before seen answer to every child's question: 'So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night?' The answer: Santa's exhilarating, ultra-high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the heart of the film is a story with the ingredients of a Christmas classic – a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with an urgent mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns. (Sony Pictures)

Fantastic. Funny and inventive. I wept with joy at the end.

The Ides Of March

2011-11-09T17:34:00.003Z

Cast
Ryan Gosling
George Clooney
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Paul Giamatti
Marisa Tomei
Evan Rachel Wood
Screenwriters
George Clooney
Grant Heslov
Beau Willimon
Director
George Clooney
Running Time
100 minutes

"The Ides of March" takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate's shot at the presidency. (Sony Pictures)

An interesting well made movie.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn 3D

2011-11-02T17:56:00.004Z

Cast
Jamie Bell
Andy Serkis
Daniel Craig
Simon Pegg
Nick Frost
Toby Jones
Mackensie Crook
Gad Elmaleh
Screenwriter
Steven Moffat
Director
Steven Spielberg
Running Time
106 minutes

The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn is the first in the series of 3D motion capture films based on the iconic character created by Georges Remi, better known to the world by his pen name "Herge". (Paramount Pictures)

Action packed but emotionless. I've never read the comics but surely Tintin is supposed to be bright. Here he only slightly seems so because everyone else is so dumb.

We Need To Talk About Kevin

2011-10-26T19:47:00.004+01:00

Cast
Tilda Swinton
John C. Reilly
Ezra Miller
Ursula Parker
Screenwriters
Rory Kinnear
Lynne Ramsay
Director
Lynne Ramsay
Running Time
112 minutes

Eva (Swinton), the mother of a teenager (Miller) who careers off the rails, struggles to cope with the aftermath of his devastating actions, reflecting on the boy’s childhood and the breakdown of her relationship with both him and her absent husband (Reilly).[Empire]

While watching I thought it was trying to be a mood piece but thinking about it afterwards its a horror movie. It's more moving and haunting in retrospect than at the time maybe because it's told out of sequence so you don't know the full story until almost the end. The murder weapon seemed a curious choice, I'm not sure you'd be able to do more than wound people most of the time, maybe that's in the book but why change from what is usually used.

Real Steel

2011-10-19T17:58:00.002+01:00

Cast
Hugh Jackman
Dakota Goyo
Evangeline Lilly
Anthony Mackie
Hope Davis
James Rebhorn
Olga Fonda
Screenwriter
Dan Gilroy
Jeremy Leven
John Gatins
Director
Shawn Levy
Running Time
126 minutes

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future, where the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech. Charlie Kenton is a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback. (Touchstone Pictures)

Good but over-long and talky.

Midnight In Paris

2011-10-12T19:18:00.002+01:00

Cast
Owen Wilson
Marion Cotillard
Rachel McAdams
Kathy Bates
Adrien Brody
Carla Bruni
Michael Sheen
Kurt Fuller
Mimi Kennedy
Yves Heck
Alison Pill
Corey Stoll
Tom Hiddleston
Léa Seydoux
Screenwriter
Woody Allen
Director
Woody Allen
Running Time
94m 3s

This is a romantic comedy set in Paris about a family that goes there because of business, and two young people who are engaged to be married in the fall have experiences there that change their lives. It's about a young man's great love for a city, Paris and the illusion people have that a life different from theirs would be much better. (Sony Classic Pictures)

Wilson is a great Woody stand-in because the persona is close to his normal screen presence and so he doesn't seem to be doing an impersonation like previous actors have. The story was a delightful idea and well staged at first I was worried but when the guy playing Hemingway started speaking he blew me away. Over the years I've repeatedly regretted not taking time to read any of his stuff or the greats generally and this made me want to again.

Warrior

2011-10-05T20:22:00.002+01:00

Cast
Tom Hardy
Nick Nolte
Joel Edgerton
Jennifer Morrison
Frank Grillo
Kevin Dunn
Screenwriter
Gavin O'Connor
Director
Gavin O'Connor
Running Time
139m 43s

An ex-Marine haunted by a tragic past, Tommy Riordan returns to his hometown of Pittsburgh and enlists his father, a recovered alcoholic and his former coach, to train him for an MMA tournament awarding the biggest purse in the history of the sport. As Tommy blazes a violent path towards the title prize, his brother, Brendan, a former MMA fighter unable to make ends meet as a public school teacher, returns to the amateur ring to provide for his family. Even though years have passed, recriminations and past betrayals keep Brendan bitterly estranged from both Tommy and his father. But when Brendan's unlikely rise as an underdog sets him on a collision course with Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront the forces that tore them apart, all the while waging the most intense, winner-takes-all battle of their lives. (Lionsgate)

Unconvincing in its drama, less so in the fighting. Overall it was alright.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

2011-09-28T18:21:00.002+01:00

Cast
Gary Oldman
Colin Firth
Tom Hardy
Kathy Burke
Benedict Cumberbatch
David Dencik
Stephen Graham
Ciarán Hinds
John Hurt
Toby Jones
Simon McBurney
Mark Strong
Screenwriters
Bridget O'Connor
Peter Straughan
Director
Thomas Alfredson
Running Time
127 minutes

Boring. I vaguely remember watching the TV Series years ago and loving it. The way the story is told here is just so dull and uninvolving.

Jane Eyre

2011-09-21T18:10:00.003+01:00

Cast
Mia Wasikowska
Michael Fassbender
Judi Dench
Jamie Bell
Imogen Poots
Sally Hawkins
Screenwriter
Moira Buffini
Director
Cary Fukunaga
Running Time
120 minutes

Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the romantic drama based on Charlotte Brontë's classic novel, from acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester's coldness – have sorely tested the young woman's resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her – and the terrible secret that Mr. Rochester is hiding and that she has uncovered. (Focus Features)

Languorous and a half but really good although lacking in romance. Seeing Imogen Poots crop up in this two weeks after Fright Night struck me as unusual.

The Guard

2011-09-14T18:25:00.004+01:00

Cast
Brendan Gleeson
Don Cheadle
Mark Strong
Liam Cunningham
David Wilmot
Screenwriter
John Michael McDonagh
Director
John Michael McDonagh
Running Time
96 minutes

The Guard is a comedic, fish-out-of-water tale of murder, blackmail, drug trafficking and rural police corruption, and the two cops who must join forces to take on an international drug-smuggling gang, an unorthodox Irish policeman and a straitlaced FBI agent.(Sony Picture Classics)

It was fine and quite funny but it was all a little too random and ill defined. Scenes were self-consciously set in places to be cool looking and came across as odd. The 50's diner or the diving platform but most clearly the aquarium where I could almost hear the writer/director's thought process at work.

Fright Night 3D

2011-09-07T17:51:00.005+01:00

Cast
Colin Farrell
Toni Collette
Anton Yelchin
David Tennant
Imogen Poots
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Chris Sarandon
Screenwriter
Marti Noxon
Director
Craig Gillespie
Running Time
105 minutes

Senior Charlie Brewster finally has it all going on: he's running with the popular crowd and dating the most coveted girl in his high school. In fact, he's so cool he’s even dissing his best friend. But trouble arrives when Jerry moves in next door. He seems like a great guy at first, but there’s something not quite right—but everyone, including Charlie's mom, doesn't notice. After observing some very strange activity, Charlie comes to an unmistakable conclusion: Jerry is a vampire preying on the neighborhood. Unable to convince anyone, Charlie has to find a way to get rid of the monster himself in this Craig Gillespie-helmed revamp of the comedy-horror classic. (DreamWorks Pictures)

It was pretty good.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

2011-08-31T18:35:00.002+01:00

Cast
James Franco
Freida Pinto
Andy Serkis
John Lithgow
David Oyelowo
Brian Cox
Tom Felton
Screenwriters
Rick Jaffa
Amanda Silver
Director
Rupert Wyatt
Running Time
105 minutes

Rise of the Apes is an origin story in the truest sense of the term. Set in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy. (20th Century Fox)

An engrossing and entertaining film.

Comics

2011-08-25T23:37:00.002+01:00

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for November.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

GUNS AND DINOS #1 (of 3) – GEM OF THE MONTH
story / art / cover FRANK CHO
NOVEMBER 16
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99
With a catastrophic fossil fuel shortage looming, several scientific and military groups are hard at work trying to find alternative fuel sources and modes of transportation to keep the United States military machine running. A small group of quantum scientists and engineers have made a breakthrough in transportation: space folding. Things go awry on its maiden voyage, though, and instead of teleporting the soldiers across the lab, it sends the entire military base back in time – with disastrous results!

Love Frank Cho art.

MUDMAN #1
story /art / cover PAUL GRIST
NOVEMBER 16
32 PAGES / FC / TEEN
$3.50
A BRAND-NEW SUPERHERO COMIC BY PAUL GRIST!
It’s the first day back at school for Owen Craig, and it’s not going too well. He’s been run over, got detention, and his police officer father has been taken prisoner by armed bank robbers.
And now his body seems to be turning into mud…

Maybe not sure.

SIX GUNS #1 & #2
Written by ANDY DIGGLE
Art by DAVIDE GIANFELICE
Covers by BUTCH GUICE
"Don't set them up if you can't take them down!"
Times may have changed since the days of the Old West, but in the war-torn South American state of San Diablo, the law of the gun still holds sway. When former hero-for-hire Maria Vasquez, alias Tarantula, finds herself wanted for murder south of the border, Texas Rangers Division lawman "Tex" Dawson is assigned to bring her in. But they're on a collision course with the outlaw Black Riders biker gang, who plan to make sure she never makes it to trial alive…
Classic Marvel gunslingers Tarantula, Tex Dawson, Black Rider, Matt Slade and the Two-Gun Kid are given a modern-day makeover in this hard-bitten tale of blood and bullets by the DAREDEVIL: REBORN team of Andy Diggle and Davide Gianfelice. Five heroes, six guns…against six hundred!
32 PGS. (each)/Parental Advisory …$2.99 (each)

Not getting ALL-STAR WESTERN from DC because it's $3.99 so may get this in its place.

Cowboys & Aliens

2011-08-24T18:25:00.002+01:00

Cast
Daniel Craig
Harrison Ford
Olivia Wilde
Sam Rockwell
Paul Dano
Screenwriters
Alex Kurtzman
Roberto Orci
Damon Lindelof
Hawk Ostby
Mark Fergus
Director
Jon Favreau
Running Time
118 minutes

1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don't welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It's a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he's been, he realizes he holds a secret that could give the town a fighting chance against the alien force. With the help of the elusive traveler Ella, he pulls together a posse comprised of former opponents—townsfolk, Dolarhyde and his boys, outlaws and Apache warriors—all in danger of annihilation. United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival. (Universal Pictures)

Really good, I enjoyed it a lot.

Arrietty

2011-08-17T18:05:00.003+01:00

Cast
Saoirse Ronan
Tom Holland
Mark Strong
Olivia Colman
Phyllida Law
Geraldine McEwan
Screenwriters
Hayao Miyazaki
keiko niwa
Director
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Running Time
94 minutes

14-year-old Arrietty and the rest of the Clock family live in peaceful anonymity as they make their own home from items "borrowed" from the house's human inhabitants. However, life changes for the Clocks when a human boy discovers Arrietty.[Metacritic]

A lovely but slight tale.

Super 8

2011-08-10T18:52:00.004+01:00

Cast
Joel Courtney
Elle Fanning
Kyle Chandler
Ron Eldard
Amanda Michalka
Noah Emmerich
Gabriel Basso
Zach Mills
Screenwriter
JJ Abrams
Director
JJ Abrams
Running Time
111 minutes

In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined. (Paramount Pictures)

I was really enjoying it and being swept along until the ending which felt like a let down. I think because ultimately all the characters even the kids are just bystanders to what's going on and play no active part in the main events rather like with Cloverfield which JJ Abrams produced.

Captain America: The First Avenger

2011-08-03T17:50:00.003+01:00

Cast
Chris Evans
Hugo Weaving
Stanley Tucci
Tommy Lee Jones
Hayley Atwell
Richard Armitage
Dominic Cooper
Screenwriters
Christopher Markus
Stephen McFeely
Director
Joe Johnston
Running Time
124 minutes

Captain America: The First Avenger will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. (Paramount Pictures)

A really well made entertaining film with vivid characters and atmosphere.

The Princess of Montpensier

2011-07-27T19:01:00.003+01:00

Cast
Melanie Thierry
Lambert Wilson
Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet
Gaspard Ulliel
Raphael Personnaz
Anatole De Bodinet
Florence Thomasin
Writers
Bertrand Tavernier
François-Olivier Rousseau
Jean Cosmos
Madame de La Fayette
Director
Bertrand Tavernier
Running Time
139m 42s

In The Princess of Montpensier, acclaimed filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier directs a spectacular cast in a riveting, lush romantic drama set in the high courts of 16th Century France. Against the backdrop of the savage Catholic/Protestant wars, Marie de Mézières, a beautiful young aristocrat, finds herself married to a young prince she does not love, haunted by a rakish suitor Gaspard Ulliel from her childhood, and advised by an aging nobleman Lambert Wilson, harboring his own forbidden desire for her. The Princess of Montpensier must struggle passionately to stay alive in the intrigue of this corrupt political and romantic web of duty, passion, religion and war. (IFC Films)

Detailed enjoyable story but long and it felt it.

October Comics

2011-07-26T21:11:00.002+01:00

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for October.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

THE HUNTRESS #1
Written by PAUL LEVITZ
Art by MARCUS TO and JOHN DELL
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
On sale OCTOBER 5 • 1 of 6, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Look out! By the end of this hot new miniseries, the Huntress will have the largest price on her head in DC Universe history.
What will the Huntress do that warrants such a death mark? And who puts it there? The jaw-dropping events will be revealed as the Huntress heads home to Italy and embarks on a mission that defines her life. Don’t miss out, because this story will tie in to upcoming events in BIRDS OF PREY!

The artist looks to be good and maybe this will make up for losing the old BIRDS OF PREY and deciding the new one was beyond my budget.

THE SHADE #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by CULLY HAMNER
Cover by TONY HARRIS
1:10 Variant cover by CULLY HAMNER
On sale OCTOBER 12 • 1 of 12, 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. See the Previews order form for more information.
James Robinson returns to the world of his acclaimed STARMAN series with a new 12-issue series starring the antihero known as The Shade! An attack at the Starman museum kicks off a globe-hopping, centuries spanning quest that will irrevocably change The Shade’s life, and ultimately shed light on his true origin! Artist extraordinaire Cully Hamner (RED) kicks off the series, and upcoming issues will feature art by such luminaries as Darwyn Cooke, Javier Pulido, Jill Thompson, Frazer Irving and Gene Ha!

I've probably said it but the Jack Knight Starman series is still my favourite comic series.

SPACEMAN #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by EDUARDO RISSO
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
On sale OCTOBER 26 • 1 of 9, 32 pg, FC, $1.00 US •
MATURE READERS
Writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO – the Eisner Award-winning creators of 100 BULLETS – return to Vertigo with a new 9-issue miniseries, kicking off with a debut issue priced at just $1.00!
Set in a post-apocalyptic near future, SPACEMAN tells the story of Orson – a hulking, lonely loser who spends his days collecting scrap metal and dreaming of the startrekking life he was promised.
That is, until he finds himself at the center of a celebrity child kidnapping case. Seeing his chance to be a hero, Orson takes matters into his own hands...but will his actions only cause more heartbreak?

I read something about this on a comic site ages ago and made a note to get it when it turned up but I can't remember specifically why...
Anyway the first issues a dollar and the writer and artist seem good so why not.

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

2011-07-20T19:18:00.002+01:00

Cast
Daniel Radcliffe
Rupert Grint
Emma Watson
Helena Bonham Carter
Gary Oldman
Ralph Fiennes
Alan Rickman
Jamie Campbell Bower
Jason Isaacs
Emma Thompson
Tom Felton
Michael Gambon
John Hurt
Maggie Smith
Robbie Coltrane
Kelly MacDonald
Timothy Spall
Julie Walters
Miranda Richardson
Jim Broadbent
Warwick Davis
Miriam Margolyles
Nick Moran
Screenwriter
Steve Kloves
Director
David Yates
Running Time
130 minutes

In Part 2 of the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the Wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

It was good but not fantastic which is a pity.

The Tree Of Life

2011-07-13T20:25:00.004+01:00

Cast
Brad Pitt
Sean Penn
Jessica Chastain
Hunter McCracken
Tye Sheridan
Jackson Hurst
Screenwriter
Terrence Malick
Director
Terrence Malick
Running Time
139 mins

The film follows the life journey of the eldest son, Jack, through the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as he tries to reconcile a complicated relationship with his father. Jack finds himself a lost soul in the modern world, seeking answers to the origins and meaning of life while questioning the existence of faith. Through Malick's signature imagery, we see how both brute nature and spiritual grace shape not only our lives as individuals and families, but all life. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

The film is sort of in four parts. The first a little dull the second baffling but visually interesting the third, the longest one, was good once you get used to the idea that there'll be no normal dialogue scenes and the fourth was weird.

Bridesmaids

2011-06-29T18:49:00.003+01:00

Cast
Kristen Wiig
Rose Byrne
Jon Hamm
Melissa McCarthy
Matt Lucas
Chris O'Dowd
Maya Rudolph
Ellie Kemper
Jill Clayburgh
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Johnny Yong Bosch
Ben Falcone
Andy Buckley
Michael Htchcock
Terry Crews
Screenwriters
Kristen Wiig
Annie Mumolo
Director
Paul Feig
Running Time
124 minutes

Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love. (Universal Pictures)

Very funny with several scenes having me crying with laughter.

Senna

2011-06-22T18:36:00.002+01:00

Cast
Ayrton Senna
Alain Prost
Ron Dennis
Jean-Marie Balestre
Sid Watkins
Nigel Mansell
Director
Asif Kapadia
Running Time
104 minutes

Documentary charting the astonishing Formula 1 career of the charismatic and controversial Brazilian racer, Ayrton Senna — also, tragically, the final decade of his life.[Empire]

Interesting and moving although not as good as some reviews I've seen. I would have probably given it 3 stars but the projection was interrupted three times by power cuts. The second time during his last crash, the film was rewound to play that part but by then the tone had been lost so much so I'll give no score.

September Comics

2011-06-16T19:21:00.005+01:00

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Marvel and Image solicitations for September.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

NEAR DEATH #1
story JAY FAERBER
art SIMONE GUGLIELMINI
cover TOMM COKER
SEPTEMBER 21
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
Markham is a professional killer who has a near death experience during a botched mission. Determined to avoid ever returning to the Hell he glimpsed, Markham dedicates himself to balancing the scales. He's going to save a life for every life he's taken. And he's taken a lot of lives...
A new ongoing crime series for fans of Criminal and the novels of Lee Child and Robert Crais.

Faerber has a good reputation but I've yet to get anything by him I think and the art looks reminiscent of Criminal which I love.

PIGS #1
story NATE COSBY & BEN McCOOL
art BRENO TEMURA
cover JOCK
SEPTEMBER 14
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99
ISSUE ONE: HELLO, CRUEL WORLD
A KGB sleeper cell has been in Cuba since 1962. And now they’re coming to kill you. NATE COSBY (MARVEL), BEN McCOOL (CHOKER, MEMOIR) and hotshot newcomer artist BRENO TEMURA present PIGS, an ongoing series set to join Image’s elite ranks. Terrorists have descended on America, assigned to destroy everything in their path…but why, and why now?

The preview at the USA Today site looks promising.

THE BIG LIE #1
story RICK VEITCH
art RICK VEITCH & GARY ERSKINE
cover THOMAS YEATES
SEPTEMBER 7
32 PAGES / FC / T+
$2.99
A lab tech travels back in time to the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 to try and get her husband out of the world trade center before it falls, but will the facts convince him before it's too late? A riveting tale of 9/11 by award winning master storyteller RICK VEITCH that exposes “The Big Lie!”

I really liked Brat Pack and I have other Veitch comics which I haven't got around to reading, this could of course be guano crazy.

...and now the craziness that is DC. Honestly I don't know what I'm getting partly it depends on Mail Order Comics and what reductions they give. I've thought of getting every #1 or giving up on the "big two" entirely and go with Dark Horse, Image and others where this stuff doesn't happen.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #1
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:25 Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
RETROSOLICITED • On sale AUGUST 31 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US RATED T • Combo pack edition: $4.99 US
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Comics superstars Geoff Johns and Jim Lee make history! In a universe where super heroes are strange and new, Batman has discovered a dark evil that requires him to unite the World Greatest Heroes!
This spectacular debut issue is also offered as a special combo pack edition, polybagged with a redemption code for a digital download of the issue.

WONDER WOMAN #1
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art and cover by CLIFF CHIANG
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The Gods walk among us. To them, our lives are playthings. Only one woman would dare to protect humanity from the wrath of such strange and powerful forces. But is she one of us – or one of them?

THE FLASH #1
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

THE SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1
Written by TONY S. DANIEL
Art and cover by PHILIP TAN
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Carter Hall’s skill at deciphering lost languages has led him to a job with an archaeologist who specializes in alien ruins – but will the doctor’s latest discovery spread an alien plague through New York City? No matter the personal cost, Carter Hall must don his wings and become the new, savage Hawkman to survive! Witness the start of a new action series from writer Tony S. Daniel and artist Philip Tan that will take Hawkman where no hero has flown before!

MISTER TERRIFIC #1
Written by ERIC WALLACE
Art by ROGER ROBINSON
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The world’s third-smartest man – and one of its most eligible bachelors – uses his brains and fists against science gone mad in this new series from Eric Wallace (TITANS) and Roger Robinson!
Michael Holt is the head of a successful high-tech corporation and an institute that recruits and encourages the finest minds of the next generation to excel. As Mister Terrific he inhabits a world of amazement few others know exists, let alone can comprehend.

DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1
Written by PAUL JENKINS
Art by BERNARD CHANG
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s the start of a new series spotlighting some of the DC Universes’s most exciting super heroes! First up is Deadman, straight from the pages of BRIGHTEST DAY, in a five-issue epic where the body-hopping hero meets his match in a new foe who wants to make sure the souls that Deadman helps out go straight to Hell!

ACTION COMICS #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by RAGS MORALES and RICK BRYANT
Cover by RAGS MORALES
Variant cover by JIM LEE and SCOTT WILLIAMS
On sale SEPTEMBER 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!

SUPERBOY #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by RB SILVA and ROB LEAN
Cover by ERIC CANETE
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
They thought he was just an experiment – and a failed one at that! Grown from a combination of Kryptonian and human DNA, the Clone was no more than a set of data to the scientists of Project N.O.W.H.E.R.E. But when the scope of his stunning powers was revealed, he became a deadly weapon! Now the question is: Can a clone develop a conscience?

BATWOMAN #1
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III and W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art and cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
At last! Batwoman’s new series begins, from the multiple award-winning creative team of J.H. Williams III and Haden Blackman!
In “Hydrology,” part 1 of 5, Batwoman faces deadly new challenges in her war against Gotham City’s underworld – and new trials in her life as Kate Kane.
Who or what is stealing children from the barrio, and for what vile purpose? Will Kate train her cousin, Bette Kane (a.k.a. Flamebird), as her new sidekick? How will she handle unsettling revelations about her father, Colonel Jacob Kane? And why is a certain government

RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT
On sale SEPTEMBER 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
No sooner has Batman’s former sidekick, Jason Todd, put his past as the Red Hood behind him than he finds himself cornered by a pair of modern day outlaws: Green Arrow’s rejected sidekick Arsenal, the damaged soldier of fortune, and the alien Starfire, a former prisoner of intergalactic war who won’t be chained again.
As a loner, Jason has absolutely no interest in this motley crew of outlaws. So what’s he going to do when they choose the Red Hood as their leader? Find out in this hot new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men), featuring art by rising star Kenneth Rocafort (ACTION COMICS)!

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by MIKEL JANIN
Cover by RYAN SOOK
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
The witch known as The Enchantress has gone mad, unleashing forces that not even the combined powers of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Cyborg can stop. And if those heroes can’t handle the job, who will stand against this mystical madness?
Shade the Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine may be our only hope – but how can we put our trust in beings whose very presence makes ordinary people break out in a cold sweat?

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by ALBERTO PONTICELLI
Cover by J.G. JONES
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
It’s Frankenstein as you’ve never seen him before, in a dark new series from acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Alberto Ponticelli (UNKNOWN SOLDIER)!
Frankenstein is part of a network of strange beings who work for an even stranger government organization: The Super Human Advanced Defense Executive! But can he protect the world from threats even more horrifying than himself? And since he’s vilified for who and what he is, will he even want to take on this mission?

DEMON KNIGHTS #1
Written by PAUL CORNELL
Art by DIOGENES NEVES and OCLAIR ALBERT
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Set in the Dark Ages of the DC Universe, a barbarian horde is massing to crush civilization. It’s fallen to Madame Xanadu and Jason Blood, the man with a monster inside him, to stand in their way – though the demon Etrigan has no interest in protecting anyone or anything other than himself! It’ll take more than their own power to stop an army fueled by bloodlust and dark sorcery, and some very surprising heroes – and villains – will have no choice but to join the fray!

VOODOO #1
Written by RON MARZ
Art and cover by SAMI BASRI
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Who is Voodoo? Is she hero, villain – or both? Learn the truth about Priscilla Kitaen as she leaves a trail of violence across America. Discover the new DCU through her eyes, because the things she sees are not always what they seem…

SUICIDE SQUAD #1
Written by ADAM GLASS
Art by MARCO RUDY
Cover by RYAN BENJAMIN
On sale SEPTEMBER 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
They’re a team of death-row super villains recruited by the government to take on missions so dangerous – they’re sheer suicide!
Harley Quinn! Deadshot! King Shark! Defeated and imprisoned, they’re being interrogated about their mission – and about who’s pulling the strings behind this illegal operation. Who will be the first to crack under the pressure?

BLACKHAWKS #1
Written by MIKE COSTA
Art and cover by KEN LASHLEY
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Welcome to a world waging a new kind of war that’s faster and more brutal than ever before. It’s fought by those who would make the innocent their targets, using computers, smart weapons and laser-guided missiles. The new enemy is hard to find – and closer to home than we think.
Between us and them stand the Blackhawks, an elite force of military specialists equipped with the latest in cutting-edge hardware and vehicles. Their mission: Kill the bad guys before they kill us.

ALL-STAR WESTERN #1
Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and cover by MORITAT
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T+
Even when Gotham City was just a one-horse town, crime was rampant – and things only get worse when bounty hunter Jonah Hex comes to town. Can Amadeus Arkham, a pioneer in criminal psychology, enlist Hex’s special brand of justice to help the Gotham Police Department track down a vicious serial killer? Find out in this new series from HEX writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with lush artwork by Moritat (THE SPIRIT)!

TEEN TITANS #1
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
On sale SEPTEMBER 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Tim Drake, Batman’s former sidekick, is back in action when an international organization seeks to capture, kill or co-opt super-powered teenagers.
As Red Robin, he’s going to have to team up with the mysterious and belligerent powerhouse thief known as Wonder Girl and the hyperactive speedster calling himself Kid Flash to stand any chance at all against a living, breathing weapon with roots in another world! They – along with a few other tortured teen heroes – will be the Teen Titans in this new series from writer Scott Lobdell (WILDC.A.T.S, Uncanny X-Men) and artist Brett Booth (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!

Maybe these but probably not all of them and I may still get others of the 52 that I haven't listed.

Kung Fu Panda 2 3D

2011-06-15T19:46:00.004+01:00

Cast
Jack Black
Angelina Jolie
Dustin Hoffman
Gary Oldman
Jackie Chan
Seth Rogen
Lucy Liu
David Cross
James Hong
Michelle Yeoh
Danny McBride
Dennis Haysbert
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Victor Garber
Screenwriters
Jonathan Aibel
Glenn Berger
Director
Jennifer Yuh
Running Time
90 minutes

Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five - Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. It is up to Po and The Furious Five to journey across China to face this threat and vanquish it. But how can Po stop a weapon that can stop kung fu? He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed. (DreamWorks Animation)

Well paced fun comedy adventure with lovely animation.

X-Men: First Class

2011-06-01T18:50:00.002+01:00

Cast
James McAvoy
Michael Fassbender
Jennifer Lawrence
January Jones
Kevin Bacon
Rose Byrne
Nicholas Hoult
Jason Flemyng
Oliver Platt
Screenwriters
Jane Goldman
Ashley Miller
Zack Stentz
Jamie Moss
Director
Matthew Vaughn
Running Time
131m 32s

I enjoyed the whole thing but rather like the True Grit remake it seemed a pale imitation on the best of what had come before, although certainly better than X-Men 3 and Wolverine. It was a little too fast paced and abridged although I could follow what was happening having read some X-Men comics I'm not sure others would have such an easy job. A lot of deaths seemed to happen just off screen or the film cuts to a new scene just as a character was in the middle of expiring which seemed a weird choice but I guess allowed for a lower rating.

13 Assassins

2011-05-25T18:24:00.005+01:00

Cast
Kôji Yakusho
Takayuki Yamada
Yûsuke Iseya
Gorô Inagaki
Masachika Ichimura
Mikijiro Hira
Hiroki Matsukata
Ikki Sawamura
Arata Furuta
Tsuyoshi Ihara
Masataka Kubota
Sosuke Takaoka
Seiji Rokkaku
Yûma Ishigaki
Kôen Kondô
Screenwriter
Daisuke Tengan
Director
Takashi Miike
Running Time
125 minutes

The subtitled text at the beginning goes a little fast but slows to a comfortable pace when the dialogue starts. It's confusing who everyone is including the 13 Assassins although repeated viewing would sort that stuff out. Overall it's Fantastic with an amazing extended fight sequence. [spoiler] The character who appears to die and then is alive and well is kind of confusing was he maybe supernatural?

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3D

2011-05-18T18:03:00.003+01:00

Cast
Johnny Depp
Penélope Cruz
Ian McShane
Geoffrey Rush
Stephen Graham
Richard Griffiths
Sam Claflin
Astrid Berges-Frisbey
Kevin McNally
Screenwriters
Ted Elliott
Terry Rossio
Director
Rob Marshall
Running Time
136 minutes

Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica, Captain Jack Sparrow is not sure if it's love—or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard, Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. (Walt Disney Pictures)

In martial arts movies characters occasionally cross a room with a cartwheel, there's no advantage to it they could get across the room as easily by walking but it adds a visual flourish, however if they went everywhere like that it would be bizarre. If the pirate movie version of that is swinging on ropes and sword fighting then Pirates 4 is bizarre. Everything was just so random and overelaborate, the preacher/mermaid subplot was actually the only at least moderately involving story I saw.

August Comics

2011-05-17T23:40:00.004+01:00

CBR has the new Dark Horse, DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for August.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

I haven't done one of these in a few months because there wasn't any new stuff I was adding except for ’BREED III from Image but I couldn't find the CBR solicitation page at the time.

Also DC dropped five of my comics in the Solicitations for May BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS, DOOM PATROL, FREEDOM FIGHTERS, JSA ALL-STARS and R.E.B.E.L.S.

ANGEL AND FAITH #1
Christos Gage (W), Rebekah Isaacs (A), Steve Morris (Cover), Jo Chen (Variant cover), Georges Jeanty (25th anniversary cover), and Dan Jackson (C)
On sale Aug 31
FC, 40 pages
$2.99
Ongoing
Left in a near-catatonic state following the events in Buffy Season 8, Angel will need a seriously rude awakening if he’s to make amends for his ill-conceived deeds. Enter rebel Slayer with a cause—Faith Lehane. Together they’ll have full access to the Watcher files and opportunities to make amends for all they’ve done . . . and will do.
• Christos Gage (Avenger’s Academy) and Rebekah Isaacs (DV8)!
• Executive producer by Joss Whedon!
Angel and Faith™ & © 2011 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Gage and Isaacs are great so hopefully this will be too, the Buffy series was a disappointment but I will probably still get the new one when it comes.

VESCELL #1
story ENRIQUE CARRION
art / cover JOHN UPCHURCH
AUGUST 31
32 PAGES / FC / M
$2.99
The International Company known as Vescell specializes in what is commonly known as “Vtrans”, the transferring of a person’s mind and spirit from one body into another. Former Icarus City Detective, Mauricio “Moo” Barrino is now Vescell’s best agent, handling the most high profile and dangerous cases. In the seedy world of a high end corporate espionage, where mysticism and guns clash, and money is tainted with sin, Agent Mauricio Barrino fights against the demons of fate while trying to reach the heaven of his destiny. Be prepared for the bar-raising, sci-fi noir epic that is VESCELL.

There was a preview for this on Bleeding Cool which started out longer than it is when I post this but anyways it looks kind of interesting with great art.

THE PUNISHER #1
Written by GREG RUCKA
Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
Variant Cover by SAL BUSCEMA
Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS
Blank cover also available
TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK.
For Frank Castle death comes easy...life is where things gets complicated. Fully loaded with the Eisner winning writer Greg Rucka (Batwoman, Queen and Country, WOLVERINE) and neo-superstar artist Marco Checchetto (Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil), the BIGGEST GUN of all returns with blood on his hands and vengeance in his eyes. As New York City's body counts continue to rise, the city's streets are teeming with more methodical criminals than ever and a police force doing it's best to keep its head above water. The Punisher has returned to serve his own brand of justice with everything's he's got... but can he survive the darkness stored in his own arsenal? Plus bonus pages exploring some of the new personalities in Frank's life...and how closely intertwined living is with dying.
40 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

The second issue is solicited too, at $2.99 so that's OK and I really enjoyed Checkmate which Rucka wrote.

Hanna

2011-05-11T18:24:00.003+01:00

Cast
Saoirse Ronan
Eric Bana
Cate Blanchett
Tom Hollander
Olivia Williams
Jason Flemyng
Screenwriters
Seth Lochhead
David Farr
Director
Joe Wright
Running Time
111 minutes

Raised by her father, an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own. As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity. (Focus Features)

I almost gave it 5 stars but it has some problems first it is totally a case of style over substance. Lots of that style was brilliant, although the fairy tale allegory became kind of mad at the end but the events needed more context to give them added emotional weight. Second Hanna tells people she shouldn't where she is going and returns to places she should know better than to return to. Also Tom Hollander seemed completely out of place in this. It wasn't that he gave a bad performance but the places she ended up going to were surprising and seemed so authentic that when he turned up with a German accent it just seemed wrong whereas his henchman were great.

Thor 3D

2011-04-27T18:47:00.005+01:00

Cast
Chris Hemsworth
Natalie Portman
Anthony Hopkins
Tom Hiddleston
Stellan Skarsgård
Idris Elba
Rene Russo
Kat Dennings
Ray Stevenson
Screenwriters
Ashley Miller
Zack Stentz
Don Payne
Director
Kenneth Branagh
Running Time
114 minutes

Thor spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is the mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful, young scientist, Jane Foster, has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It's while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth. (Paramount Pictures, Marvel Studios)

I really enjoyed it. It was slightly long or perhaps underwritten, a lot of the cast didn't get much to do. The architecture of Asgard was kind of blurry but that may have been the 3D which added little. The sound of the hammer strikes and The Destroyer's blasts were great and really added to the action scenes. [spoiler] Fury shows up with the cosmic cube after the credits.

Submarine

2011-04-13T18:28:00.003+01:00

Cast
Craig Roberts
Yasmin Paige
Sally Hawkins
Noah Taylor
Paddy Considine
Screenwriter
Richard Ayoade
Director
Richard Ayoade
Running Time
97 minutes

Oliver Tate (Roberts) is besotted with Jordana (Paige), a feisty girl in his class. Yet, as he embarks on his first relationship, he also frets over that of his parents (Hawkins and Taylor), a situation exacerbated by one of his mum's exes (Considine) moving in down the road.[Empire]

Charming and funny.

Source Code

2011-04-06T18:05:00.003+01:00

Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal
Vera Farmiga
Jeffrey Wright
Michelle Monaghan
Scott Bakula
Screenwriter
Ben Ripley
Director
Duncan Jones
Running Time
93 minutes

When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he's ever known, he learns he's part of a government experiment called the "Source Code," a program that enables him to cross over into another man's identity in the last 8 minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack. (Summit Entertainment)

Jones' first film Moon was like a feature length Twilight Zone episode this is Quantum Leap right down to a voice cameo from Scott Bakula. I enjoyed it but as someone who has watched a lot of science fiction television shows it was puzzling to see the same thing at the cinema. Mark Kermode in his review talked about it having a big budget but with maybe 3 sets, 2-3 locations and some aerial train shots this could have been a TV pilot right down to the special effects.

Unknown

2011-03-23T18:09:00.003Z

Cast
Liam Neeson
January Jones
Diane Kruger
Aidan Quinn
Frank Langella
Bruno Ganz
Screenwriters
Oliver Butcher
Stephen Cornwell
Director
Jaume Collet-Serra
Running Time
113 minutes

Dr. Martin Harris awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally, Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he's willing to go to uncover the truth. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Entertaining and enjoyable.

The Adjustment Bureau

2011-03-16T17:59:00.002Z

Cast
Matt Damon
Emily Blunt
Anthony Mackie
John Slattery
Terence Stamp
Michael Kelly
Screenwriter
George Nolfi
Director
George Nolfi
Running Time
106 minutes

On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas--a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. (Universal Pictures)

Enjoyable with an interesting concept, which I tried and failed to guess the details of, plus a central couple that I cared about but it was maybe a little long.

Rango

2011-03-09T20:51:00.003Z

Cast
Johnny Depp
Isla Fisher
Alfred Molina
Ray Winstone
Harry Dean Stanton
Ned Beatty
Abigail Breslin
Screenwriter
John Logan
Director
Gore Verbinski
Running Time
107 minutes

The story follows the comical, transformative journey of Rango, a sheltered chameleon living as an ordinary family pet, while facing a major identity crisis. After all, how high can you aim when your whole purpose in life is to blend in? When Rango accidentally winds up in the gritty, gun-slinging town of Dirt - a lawless outpost populated by the desert's most wily and whimsical creatures - the less-than-courageous lizard suddenly finds he stands out. Welcomed as the last hope the town has been waiting for, new Sheriff Rango is forced to play his new role to the hilt . . . until, in a blaze of action-packed situations and encounters with outrageous characters, Rango starts to become the hero he once only pretended to be. (Paramount Pictures)

It looks amazing and has some good scenes in it but it's kind of dull mostly. I'm not sure if it's the pacing or something lacking in the storytelling that didn't pull me in.

Never Let Me Go

2011-03-02T18:43:00.005Z

Cast
Carey Mulligan
Keira Knightley
Andrew Garfield
Charlotte Rampling
Sally Hawkins
Isobel Meikle-Small
Charlie Rowe
Ella Purnell
Screenwriter
Alex Garland
Director
Mark Romanek
Running Time
104 minutes

Kathy, Tommy and Ruth live in a world and a time that feel familiar to us, but are not quite like anything we know. They spend their childhood at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. When they leave the shelter of the school and the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them, they must also confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.(Fox Searchlight Pictures)

In lots of ways like performances and tone it is very good but I can't get past why the characters cooperated, nothing seemed to be compelling them to or stopping them from just walking away. Which makes it equal parts haunting and absurd.

Paul

2011-02-23T19:29:00.002Z

Cast
Simon Pegg
Nick Frost
Seth Rogen (voice)
Jason Bateman
Kristen Wiig
Bill Hader
Jane Lynch
Joe Lo Truglio
Sigourney Weaver
Screenwriters
Simon Pegg
Nick Frost
Director
Greg Mottola
Running Time
103 minutes

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reunite for the comedy adventure Paul as two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage takes them to America's UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who brings them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. (Universal)

It just wasn't very good, I went in with high expectations but was disappointed. The last quarter was alright but the first 3/4 quarters were dull, basically. There were lots of lines and references from other films which almost entirely didn't work because they were so obvious and fell flat over and over. It was bizarrely sweary for no reason other than seemingly to get it a 15 certificate and prevent lots of its target audience from seeing it. It seemed like a dry run or first draft because none of it was thought through enough, detailed enough or basically good enough. The characters were all one dimensional even the leads you learned almost nothing about and they just kept adding more "kooky" characters when they should have fleshed out the ones they already had.

True Grit

2011-02-16T18:30:00.002Z

Cast
Jeff Bridges
Matt Damon
Josh Brolin
Hailee Steinfeld
Barry Pepper
Screenwriters
Ethan Coen
Joel Coen
Directors
Joel Coen
Ethan Coen
Running Time
110 minutes

Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross's father has been shot in cold blood by the coward Tom Chaney, and she is determined to bring him to justice. Enlisting the help of a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, she sets out with him -- over his objections -- to hunt down Chaney. Her father's blood demands that she pursue the criminal into Indian territory and find him before a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf catches him and brings him back to Texas for the murder of another man. (Paramount Pictures)

I've seen the original many times although not recently and think it's fantastic. When I heard about this remake I was dubious but I had read or heard somewhere, maybe from Jeff Bridges in an interview, that it would be based more on the original book than the first film and so be substantially different. When I saw the trailer it seemed to be following the plot of the first film exactly but it was getting glowing reviews and award nominations. So anyway I've seen it and it is pretty much a total copy of the original just not as good in most if not all respects, time after time I kept thinking this scene had been done better in the original. A particularly odd thing about Hailee Steinfeld, who was good and I guess she was closer in age than Kim Darby to the character, was how she seemed to be as tall as all the other actors so nullifying the sense of her being really young.

Tangled 3D

2011-02-09T19:38:00.005Z

Cast
Zachary Levi
Mandy Moore
Donna Murphy
Ron Perlman
Brad Garrett
Jeffrey Tambor
Screenwriter
Dan Fogelman
Director
Byron Howard
Nathan Greno
Running Time
100 minutes

A princess stolen from her parents' castle as a baby, Rapunzel is locked in a hidden tower longing for adventure Now an imaginative and determined teenager, she takes off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade with the help of a dashing bandit. With the secret of her royal heritage hanging in the balance and her captor in pursuit, Rapunzel and her cohort find adventure, heart, humor, and hair... lots of hair. (Walt Disney Pictures)

The 3D added little and it was perhaps a little long, my mind wandered at times, also the songs were unmemorable but it was imaginative and fun with a good cast and animation.

The Fighter

2011-02-02T18:33:00.005Z

Cast
Christian Bale
Mark Wahlberg
Melissa Leo
Amy Adams
Screenwriters
Scott Silver
Paul Tamasy
Eric Johnson
Director
David O Russell
Running Time
115 minutes

The Fighter, is a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.

Terrific performances, dialogue and visuals. Its sense of authenticity is great, maybe the only negative was that I didn't find the fights that thrilling.

Black Swan

2011-01-26T17:50:00.004Z

Cast
Natalie Portman
Mila Kunis
Vincent Cassel
Barbara Hershey
Winona Ryder
Screenwriters
Mark Heyman
Andres Heinz
John J. McLaughlin
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Running Time
108 minutes

Black Swan is a psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet. Featured dancer, Nina, finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company. (Fox Searchlight)

Clever and gripping with a strong central performance that made me care about what was happening. The graininess bothered me a little and although I almost believed Portman was dancing the fact she wasn't shown full length and en pointe for more than a split second, usually in a mirror hurts it a little.

Blue Valentine

2011-01-19T18:49:00.004Z

Cast
Ryan Gosling
Michelle Williams
Mike Vogel
John Doman
Maryann Plunkett
Screenwriters
Derek Cianfrance
Cami Delavigne
Joey Curtis
Director
Derek Cianfrance
Running Time
111 minutes

Blue Valentine is the story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks. (The Weinstein Company)

Intense and harrowing with great performances.

The King's Speech

2011-01-12T18:19:00.003Z

Cast
Colin Firth
Geoffrey Rush
Helena Bonham Carter
Guy Pearce
Michael Gambon
Timothy Spall
Derek Jacobi
Eve Best
Screenwriter
David Seidler
Director
Tom Hooper
Running Time
118 minutes

Prince George (Firth), known as Bertie to loved ones, has been afflicted by a debilitating stammer since his childhood. And when his brother abdicates the throne and war looms, he reluctantly turns to Aussie Lionel Logue (Rush), a speech therapist whose methods are unconventional to say the least.[Empire]

An engrossing and moving film with great performances but clearly made on a shoestring budget.

127 Hours

2011-01-05T18:42:00.002Z

Cast
James Franco
Amber Tamblyn
Kate Mara
Treat Williams
Screenwriters
Danny Boyle
Simon Beaufoy
Director
Danny Boyle
Running Time
94 minutes

127 HOURS is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolate canyon in Utah. (Fox Searchlight)

Really good, surprisingly uplifting and enjoyable.

End of My Year Review 2010

2010-12-31T23:59:00.009Z

FILM

Toy Story 3

Honourable Mention:
How To Train Your Dragon, Ponyo, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

TELEVISION

Terriers

Honourable Mention:
Breaking Bad

COMICBOOK

Madame Xanadu

Honourable Mention:
Hellboy, BPRD, Sweet Tooth, Batgirl, Freedom Fighters, The Great Ten, Power Girl, Savage Dragon, Black Widow

SOFTWARE

Ted

Honourable Mention:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Wallpaper Cycler Lite, Norton Internet Security

March Comics

2010-12-28T18:30:00.000Z

CBR has the new DC, Dark Horse, Marvel and Image solicitations for March.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

XOMBI #1
Written by JOHN ROZUM
Art and cover by FRAZER IRVING
1:10 Variant cover by BRENDAN MCCARTHY
You can’t keep a good XOMBI down! The immortal David Kim – kept “alive” by nanotech enhancements – returns to the DC Universe in a new ongoing series! Creator John Rozum and hot BATMAN AND ROBIN artist Frazer Irving team up to deliver the finest in contemporary urban horror – with a Super Hero twist! As an undying, unchanging Xombi, David Kim must watch the world consume itself and burn while humanity grows more distant from each other due to the rise of technology. What would a Xombi do just to feel change again? And where will he ever be able to find a kindred soul?
On sale MARCH 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

I don't know much about this but the creator writing it plus the horror element and the price.

DOLLHOUSE: EPITAPHS
Maurissa Tancharoen (W), Jed Whedon (W), Cliff Richards (A), Michelle Madsen (C), Phil Noto (Cover), and Steve Morris (Variant Cover)
On sale Mar 30
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
One-shot
Having penned the show's final, post-apocalyptic episode, show writers Maurissa Tancharoen and Jed Whedon continue the tale of three survivors in a world overcome by a devastating technological virus.
The wealthy and powerful could buy any kind of companionship at the Dollhouses, where the Rossum Corporation paid young people to have their minds wiped clean and be imprinted with computer-enhanced personalities and skills—all according to a buyer's request. Now the technology has gone viral, wiping the minds of everyone it reached, turning them into mindless butchers. Those who've avoided the call must try to survive their friends and families if they hope to destroy Rossum and save the world.
• Written by T.V. series writers Maurissa Tancharoen and Jed Whedon!
• An excellent introduction to the upcoming comics series!

Not sure if I'll get the series but I watched the show so...

UNCANNY X-FORCE: THE APOCALYPSE SOLUTION #1
Collecting UNCANNY X-FORCE #1-3.
72 PGS./Parental Advisory …$4.99

The regular book is $3.99 so this is great value.

BUTCHER BAKER, THE RIGHTEOUS MAKER #1
written by JOE CASEY
art & cover by MIKE HUDDLESTON
MARCH 30
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99
Maybe you’ve seen the PR — now read the comicbook! At one time, BUTCHER BAKER was the preeminent, All-American superhero. Now, he’s getting laid. A lot. But one last mission could signal his return to glory, so he’s back on the blacktop! It’s a balls-out, surreal super-epic from creators JOE CASEY (GØDLAND, Ben 10) and MIKE HUDDLESTON (The Coffin), and it starts right here!
BUTCHER BAKER — THIS COMICBOOK’S GOT BALLS!
RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

CARBON GREY #1
story HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS, PAUL GARDNER & MIKE KENNEDY
art & cover HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH
MARCH 2
32 PAGES / FC
$2.99
To a noble family twins are born: Mathilde and Giselle, the Sisters Grey. For generations the Sisters have protected and counseled the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa. But this is a different time. At the birth of the industrial age a great war is raging. When the Kaiser is assassinated, Giselle is accused. Pursued by her sisters and hunted by the enemy, Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten.
RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Both of these seem intriguing.

Tom Brooks’ list of the top ten films of 2010

2010-12-25T00:01:00.002Z

Video link and another.

Ten
Please Give

Nine
True Grit

Eight
Toy Story 3

Seven
Black Swan

Six
Inception

Five
Winter's Bone

Four
Another Year

Three
I am Love

Two
The King's Speach

One
The Social Network

Tron Legacy

2010-12-22T18:07:00.003Z

Cast
Jeff Bridges
Garrett Hedlund
Olivia Wilde
Bruce Boxleitner
James Frain
Serinda Swan
Michael Sheen
Screenwriters
Edward Kitsis
Adam Horowitz
Director
Joseph Kosinski
Running Time
126 minutes

TRON: Legacy is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that's unlike anything ever captured on the big screen Sam Flynn, a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn, a man once known as the world's leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn's Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe—a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with never-before imagined vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape. (Walt Disney Pictures)

Disappointing on all fronts but just about OK.

Unstoppable

2010-12-01T18:26:00.001Z

Cast
Denzel Washington
Chris Pine
Rosario Dawson
Kevin Dunn
Screenwriter
Mark Bomback
Director
Tony Scott
Running Time
99 minutes

An unmanned runaway train is carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. An engineer and his conductor find themselves in a race against time. (Firm Films)

It was exciting but the shaky cam was clearly hiding the actual lack of speed of the train and the news reports that kept precapping and recapping everything were a ludicrous idea.
A name popped out to me in the credits Robert 'Bobby Z' Zajonc flying a helicopter. I haven't seen it for a while but remember seeing him credited on so many movies over the years and looking at imdb, WOW!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

2010-11-24T19:03:00.004Z

Cast
Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint
Alan Rickman
Ralph Fiennes
Helena Bonham Carter
Tom Felton
Bill Nighy
Michael Gambon
Jason Isaacs
Maggie Smith
John Hurt
Robbie Coltrane
David Thewlis
Rhys Ifans
Brendan Gleeson
Timothy Spall
Screenwriter
Steve Kloves
Director
David Yates
Running Time
145 minutes

Fantasy Adventure. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final adventure in the Harry Potter film series, is a much-anticipated motion picture event to be told in two full-length parts. Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort's immortality and destruction--the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort's Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort...alive. Harry's only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale--the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks. Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became "the Boy Who Lived." No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

It's sometime since I've seen the others, I keep not watching them when they're on TV but this is in lots of ways maybe the best. Certainly the three leads get more screen time hanging out together which makes the whole thing matter more.

Skyline

2010-11-17T17:48:00.003Z

Cast
Eric Balfour
Scotty Thompson
Brittany Daniel
David Zayas
Donald Faison
Screenwriters
Joshua Cordes
Liam O'Donnell
Directors
Colin Strause
Greg Strause
Running Time
92m 25s

Strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the Earth. (Universal Pictures)

It was fun and I enjoyed it for the most part. I've always liked Brittany Daniel and wished she was in more stuff but I now see why she isn't because her performance is pretty bad not that the dialogue does her or anyone else any favours. [spoiler]The ending I could see coming from a mile off when they kept repeating the weird hand on face thing over and over combined with the aliens stealing brains.

February Comics

2010-11-16T17:34:00.011Z

CBR has the new DC and Marvel solicitations for February and Newsarama the Dark Horse.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

YOUNG JUSTICE #1
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by MIKE NORTON
Based on the highly anticipated, all-new hit animated show from Warner Bros. debuting in January on Cartoon Network!
It’s moving-in day for Superboy and Miss Martian as they choose their rooms at their new headquarters! But the Boy of Steel is haunted by the Cave’s memories and strange visions of his past…
On sale FEBRUARY 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1 & #2 (OF 5)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Penciled by WELLINTON ALVES
Covers by MIKE PERKINS
Charging from the pages of SHADOWLAND comes the collector’s item first ever POWER MAN & IRON FIST #1! When Danny Rand transformed his multinational corporation into a non-profit foundation, he thought he had left fighting behind – but with so many innocents wrongly convicted, the battle never ends! Their first case is Luke Cage and Danny Rand's former secretary Jennie Royce, imprisoned for a murder she didn't commit…or did she? And Iron Fist isn’t fighting alone -- he's got a new partner with him: Victor Alvarez, the all-new Power Man, he of the exploding punches – and exploding temper! Can Danny train his new charge well enough to face returning foil El Aguila as well as new threats Don Pagliacci, the Commedia Dell’Morte, and the beautiful, deadly Noir? That’s right, Marvel’s original mismatched action duo begins a new era of greatness right here!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

SILVER SURFER #1 (of 5)
Written by Greg Pak
Pencils by Stephen Segovia
Cover by Carlo Pagulayan
A new beginning for the SILVER SURFER!
The sentinel of the spaceways walks the Earth once more, a stranger feared by many. Only the HIGH EVOLUTIONARY understands his true potential, but the Evolutionary’s mysterious grand design may cost the Surfer everything and change the cosmic balance forever! He’s traded blows with Thor and matched wits with Mephisto, but can the herald of Galactus survive the judgment of NORRIN RAND, the man within the Silver Surfer? It’s a character-defining epic showing the Silver Surfer as you’ve never seen him before, brought to you by “Planet Hulk” writer Greg Pak and “Dark Wolverine” artist Stephen Segovia.
32 PGS./Rated T+…..$2.99

MARVEL GIRL #1
Written by Josh Fialkov
Penciled by Nuno Plati
Cover by Roger Cruz
When Jean Grey's best friend was tragically killed in a car accident, her strange psychic powers appeared. Only with the aid of PROFESSOR CHARLES XAVIER was she able to control her mutant abilities. Now, alongside four other gifted youngsters, she must learn to master her powers…before they destroy her!
32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

Another Year

2010-11-10T17:59:00.004Z

Cast
Jim Broadbent
Ruth Sheen
Lesley Manville
David Bradley
Imelda Staunton
Stuart McQuarrie
Oliver Maltman
Screenwriter
Mike Leigh
Director
Mike Leigh
Running Time
129 minutes

In the Spring, happily married Gerri, a medical counselor, and Tom, a geologist, tend their allotment. They entertain Gerri's lonely work colleague Mary, and their community lawyer son Joe, throughout the year. (Sony Classics)

It's very finely performed and I was thinking this is great up to the last part winter where it seemed not to know how to end.

January Comics

2010-10-29T02:18:00.006+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Image and Marvel solicitations for January.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

STARMAN /CONGORILLA #1
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by BRETT BOOTH
Cover by GENE HA
In this tie-in to the “JLA Omega” storyline, the new blue and gold team of Congorilla and Mikaal Tomas work to unlock the secrets behind the toxic Omega Man’s dark energy, which encases Washington D.C. To do this they must embark on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, encountering diverse heroes from the DCU along the way including Animal Man, Sirocco and a certain wonder dog named Rex. And all the while, Mikaal and Congorilla must outrun and outwit a cadre of terrorist assassins from Gorilla City. This is a breakneck chase through the DCU, but with a serious end-goal – saving the lives of their fellow members of the JLA!
ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

WONDER GIRL #1
Written by JT KRUL
Art by ADRIANA MELO & MARIAH BENES
Cover by NICOLA SCOTT & DOUG HAZLEWOOD
Spinning out of the pages of TEEN TITANS comes this spotlight on Cassie Sandsmark, the wonderful Wonder Girl! Even though not every moment of Wonder Girl’s life is spent being a Titan, strange adventures still follow her everywhere. In this issue, she’ll cross paths with the odd new hero known as Solstice!
ONE-SHOT • On sale JANUARY 12 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

That so much including one-shots and minis are going back to $2.99 is wonderful and I'm interested in these two and feel able to get them.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #53
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY, ROB HUNTER & NORM RAPMUND
Cover by MARK BAGLEY & ROB HUNTER
1:10 Variant cover by DAVID MACK
The final chapter of “JLA Omega” arrives as the World’s Greatest Heroes and the Crime Syndicate struggle for survival. But the Syndicate’s betrayal of their own pact results in a final, savage confrontation – and Ultraman does some betraying of his own! Can the JLA defeat Omega Man, the harbinger of death? Can they save the Crime Syndicate’s world and the Tangent Universe? And in the midst of this war between good and evil, which side will Dark Supergirl choose?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale JANUARY 19 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

JSA ALL-STARS #14
Written by MATTHEW STURGES
Art and cover by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Who – or what – are The Puzzlemen? Ancient artifacts are being stolen from museums around the world. So far, there seems to be little significance to their individual potential power. Put the puzzle together, though, and the All-Stars are up against a threat that endangers more than just all of humanity! Meanwhile, Roxy gets schooled in compassion by a Justice Society member from the past!
On sale JANUARY 5 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Both of these I had dropped, JLA with #50 when it went from £3.99 to whatever it was and JSA All-Stars when the back up ended and it stayed $3.99 so now I get to happily put them back. :)

A Town Called Panic

2010-10-27T17:53:00.002+01:00

Cast
Jeanne Balibar
Veronique Dumont
Bruce Ellison
Stéphane Aubier
Vincent Patar
Nicolas Buysse
François de Brigode
Screenwriters
Stéphane Aubier
Vincent Patar
Directors
Vincent Patar
Stéphane Aubier
Running Time
77 minutes

Panic stars three plastic toys named Cowboy, Indian and Horse who share a rambling house in a rural town that never fails to attract the weirdest events. Cowboy and Indian’s plan to gift Horse with a homemade barbecue backfires when they accidentally buy 50 million bricks. Whoops! This sets off a perilously wacky chain of events as the trio travel to the center of the earth, trek across frozen tundra and discover a parallel underwater universe of pointy-headed (and dishonest!) creatures. Each speedy character is voiced—and animated—as if they are filled with laughing gas. With panic a permanent feature of life in this paper-mâché burg, will Horse and his equine paramour—flame-tressed music teacher Madame Longray—ever find a quiet moment alone? A sort of Gallic Monty Python crossed with Art Clokey on acid, A Town Called Panic is zany, brainy and altogether insane-y! (Zeitgeist)

Funny and very inventive but would work better in a shorter format.
I remembered during this that in all animations when there's a static scene I can't help thinking that most of the reason for that 2-3 seconds was to pad the film out saving themselves some work. Those moments always pull me out of the story while in a live action film it's more the opposite.

The Social Network

2010-10-20T18:28:00.004+01:00

Cast
Jessie Eisenberg
Justin Timberlake
Andrew Garfield
Rooney Mara
Armie Hammer
Screenwriter
Aaron Sorkin
Director
David Fincher
Running Time
120 minutes

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications. From director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin comes The Social Network, a film that proves you don't get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies. (Sony Pictures)

Smart and entertaining.

Made In Dagenham

2010-10-13T17:38:00.002+01:00

Cast
Sally Hawkins
Andrea Riseborough
Jaime Winstone
Daniel Mays
Bob Hoskins
Miranda Richardson
Rosamund Pike
Screenwriter
Billy Ivory
Director
Nigel Cole
Running Time
113 minutes

Based on a true story, Made in Dagenham portrays a decisive moment in that decade of upheaval, when the fight for equal rights and pay was led – unexpectedly – by ordinary working-class women with one foot in the kitchen, one foot on the factory floor, and ears glued to the pop coming over the radio and telly from far-off London (19 kilometers and a world away). It's a vintage “girl power” tale. (Sony Pictures Classics)

Informative, dramatic and funny but the small budget lets it down a little.

The Town

2010-10-06T17:36:00.005+01:00

Cast
Ben Affleck
Rebecca Hall
Jeremy Renner
Blake Lively
Pete Postlethwaite
Chris Cooper
Jon Hamm
Screenwriters
Ben Affleck
Peter Craig
Aaron Stockard
Director
Ben Affleck
Running Time
124 minutes

There are over 300 bank robberies in Boston every year. And most of the professionals live in a one-square-mile neighborhood called Charlestown. One of them is Doug MacRay, but he is not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. Unlike them, Doug had a chance at success, a chance to escape following in his father's criminal footsteps. Instead, he became the leader of a crew of ruthless bank robbers, who pride themselves on taking what they want and getting out clean. The only family Doug has are his partners in crime, especially Jem, who, despite his dangerous, hair-trigger temper, is the closest thing Doug ever had to a brother. However, everything changed on the gang's last job when Jem briefly took a hostage: bank manager Claire Keesey. When they discover Claire lives in Charlestown, Jem gets nervous and wants to check out what she might have seen. Knowing what Jem is capable of, Doug takes charge. He seeks out Claire, who has no idea that their encounter is not by chance or that this charming stranger is one of the men who terrorized her only days before. As his relationship with Claire deepens into a passionate romance, Doug wants out of this life and the town. But with the Feds closing in and Jem questioning his loyalty, Doug realizes that getting out will not be easy and, worse, may put Claire in the line of fire. Any choices he once had have boiled down to one: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. The Town is a dramatic thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope, and escaping a past that has no future.(Warner Bros. Pictures)

Hard boiled crime movie with a detailed story focusing on the characters. I enjoyed it a lot.

The Hole

2010-09-29T17:47:00.004+01:00

Cast
Chris Massoglia
Hayley Bennett
Nathan Gamble
Teri Polo
Screenwriter
Mark L. Smith
Director
Joe Dante
Running Time
92 minutes

Doctor Susan (Polo) uproots her two children, teen Dane (Massoglia) and younger brother Lucas (Gamble), to that old cinematic staple, the small American town. Soon the kids, joined by literal gal-next-door Julie (Bennett), discover a bolted-up trapdoor in the basement...[Empire]

I liked it but whether it was that the horror had been watered down for kids or the lead male performer was a little bland, something stops it from being great.

December Comics

2010-09-23T18:18:00.003+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Dark Horse and Marvel solicitations for December.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

HEROES FOR HIRE #1
Written by DAN ABNETT & ANDY LANNING
Penciled by BRAD WALKER
Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Variant Cover by BRAD WALKER
Variant Cover by HARVEY TOLIBAO
In the aftermath of Shadowland, Marvel’s greatest street heroes – Punisher, Moon Knight, Shroud, Elektra, Paladin, Silver Sable, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, Falcon, Misty Knight and more – leap into one all-new series! Who has brought these dangerous loners into one fighting force? How is this network different from all other teams? Who is their first target, and what mysteries wait for them? Discover the answers and enter the action on Marvel’s mean streets, courtesy of fan-favorite writers Dan Abnett & Andly Lanning (THE THANOS IMPERATIVE, PUNISHER: YEAR ONE) and artist Brad Walker (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY)!
40 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Only if it drops to $2.99 next time which is a long shot. I've missed Iron Fist and the writers I know from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Avatar Special Edition 3D

2010-09-22T18:59:00.004+01:00

Cast
Sam Worthington
Zoe Saldana
Sigourney Weaver
Stephen Lang
Michelle Rodriguez
Matt Gerald
Giovanni Ribisi
CCH Pounder
Wes Studi
Screenwriter
James Cameron
Director
James Cameron
Running Time
170m 26s

Jake Sully is a former Marine confined to a wheelchair. But despite his broken body, Jake is still a warrior at heart. He is recruited to travel light years to the human outpost on Pandora, where a corporate consortium is mining a rare mineral that is the key to solving Earth's energy crisis. Because Pandora's atmosphere is toxic, they have created the Avatar Program, in which human "drivers" have their consciousness linked to an avatar, a remotely-controlled biological body that can survive in the lethal air. These avatars are genetically engineered hybrids of human DNA mixed with DNA from the natives of Pandora... the Na'vi. Reborn in his avatar form, Jake can walk again. He is given a mission to infiltrate the Na'vi, who have become a major obstacle to mining the precious ore. But a beautiful Na'vi female, Neytiri, saves Jake's life, and this changes everything. Jake is taken in by her clan, and learns to become one of them, which involves many tests and adventures. As Jake's relationship with his reluctant teacher Neytiri deepens, he learns to respect the Na'vi way and finally takes his place among them. Soon he will face the ultimate test as he leads them in an epic battle that will decide the fate of an entire world. (20th Century Fox)

This is the third time I've seen it, the second at the cinema [first review]. The new footage consists of little bits spread throughout the film most of which seemed pretty incidental.

The Expendables

2010-09-08T19:03:00.007+01:00

Cast
Sylvester Stallone
Mickey Rourke
Jason Statham
Forest Whitaker
Jet Li
Dolph Lundgren
Eric Roberts
Steve Austin
Screenwriter
Sylvester Stallone
Director
Sylvester Stallone
Running Time
108 minutes

The only life they’ve known is war. The only loyalty they have is to each other. They are the Expendables: leader and mastermind Barney Ross, former SAS blade expert Lee Christmas, hand-to-hand combat specialist Yin Yang, long barrel weapons specialist Hale Caesar, demolitions expert Toll Road, and precision sniper Gunnar Jensen. Living life in the fringes of the law, these hardened mercenaries take on what appears to be a routine assignment: a covert, CIA-funded operation to infiltrate the South American country of Vilena and overthrow its ruthless dictator General Garza. But when their job is revealed to be a suicide mission, the men are faced with a deadly choice, one that might redeem their souls…or destroy their brotherhood forever. (Lionsgate)

It was OK. It was let down by bad CGI, nondescript villains and a weak story.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

2010-09-01T17:39:00.004+01:00

Cast
Michael Cera
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Chris Evans
Brandon Routh
Alison Pill
Mae Whitman
Ellen Wong
Anna Kendrick
Kieran Culkin
Screenwriters
Michael Bacall
Edgar Wright
Director
Edgar Wright
Running Time
112 minutes

Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart.

I knew it was stylised but I didn't think to this degree. The overall story is sleight so you need to enjoy the elements and I did, each ex was good and the fights were ingenious, funny and unexpected. I enjoyed it a lot but I have the feeling when I see it again I'll enjoy it either more or less than I did this time [5* or 3*] but I can't predict which.

Salt

2010-08-25T18:16:00.004+01:00

Cast
Angelina Jolie
Liev Schreiber
Chiwetel Ejiofor
August Diehl
Daniel Olbrychski
Screenwriter
Kurt Wimmer
Director
Phillip Noyce
Running Time
99m 51s

As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?" (Columbia Pictures)

The bbfc site says it was cut to make it's rating which is annoying. It was perfectly fine, it could have been much better.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

2010-08-18T18:28:00.005+01:00

Cast
Nicolas Cage
Teresa Palmer
Jay Baruchel
Toby Kebbell
Alfred Molina
Monica Bellucci
Alice Krige
Screenwriter
Carlo Bernard
Director
Jon Turteltaub
Running Time
108 minutes

Balthazar Blake is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath. Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler, a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." (Walt Disney Pictures)

It started with something like a "previously on" bit which had me thinking whether this was a sequel although I knew it wasn't. I was enjoying it a lot but it seemed to go wrong somewhere but it was still pretty good. I can't quite place what goes wrong but the thing is the comedy sidekick has somehow become the lead which is kind of strange although his performance is good. There's a lot of explaining which isn't unusual but somehow here it was weirder. When the Nicolas Cage / Monica Bellucci plot-line moved to centre stage at the end, because you had only really seen snippets in the prologue and some explaining scenes it seemed to come out of nowhere.

November Comics

2010-08-17T19:23:00.004+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Dark Horse and Marvel solicitations for November.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

BATWOMAN #0
Written by J.H. WILLIAMS III & W. HADEN BLACKMAN
Art by J.H. WILLIAMS III and AMY REEDER with RICHARD FRIEND
Cover by J.H. WILLIAMS III
1:10 Variant cover by AMY REEDER
“I suspect that Batwoman is socialite Kate Kane. I intend to prove it beyond a shadow. I need to know if she can be trusted, what her motivations are. I’m going undercover.” – Batman: Mission Log Entry 2756
Featuring a unique story composition that combines the art of Eisner Award-winner J.H. Williams III (DETECTIVE COMICS, PROMETHEA) and Amy Reeder (MADAME XANADU), this special #0 issue acts as a new introduction into the life of Batwoman! Things pick up roughly where the BATWOMAN: ELEGY HC left off, and this issue acts as a primer for the upcoming new series featuring multiple award-winning creators!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Read the dollar reprint of Detective Comics #854 so providing it drops to $2.99 next month I'll get this.

SUPERBOY #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by PIER GALLO
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
1:10 Variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Superboy is back in a brand-new ongoing series! Join Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and amazing up-and-coming artist Pier Gallo as they take Superboy on a journey to a side of Smallville not even Superman knows about! What mysteries lurk beneath the surface of this all-American town – and what are their direct ties to Superboy? The start of the next great DC Universe epic begins right here!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Maybe this, got to tackle my pile of Sweet Tooth to help me decide.

The Karate Kid

2010-08-04T17:45:00.003+01:00

Cast
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Taraji P. Henson
Wenwen Han
Rongguang Yu
Zhenwei Wang
Screenwriter
Michael Soccio
Director
Harald Zwart
Running Time
140 minutes

12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying—and the feeling is mutual—but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has no one to turn except maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life. (Sony Pictures)

I was surprised by how good this was. It outstrips the original in almost every way except maybe "wax on, wax off" beats "jacket on, jacket off" because it's visually clearer how that works. It was surprisingly violent and some of that must have been cgi aided but I didn't spot it although the final blow seemed odd because surely they weren't close enough for that to have really connected.

Inception

2010-07-28T19:12:00.004+01:00

Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Marion Cotillard
Ellen Page
Cillian Murphy
Michael Caine
Ken Watanabe
Tom Hardy
Tom Berenger
Screenwriter
Christopher Nolan
Director
Christopher Nolan
Running Time
147m 57s

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible—inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. This summer, your mind is the scene of the crime. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Given the high reviews I was disappointed but it was good. The problem is it's more clever than entertaining. The visuals are great and a lot of time must have gone into them, my guess on the floating fight in the corridor is that they may have built the set in one of those planes which do the parabolic flights to simulate weightlessness given the effect and that it was a corridor. The lack of concrete detail of the characters I suppose is to give a possible layer of meaning that the whole thing is a dream which I'm having but there's such a thing as being too clever for your own good, it's too distancing and they sacrificed my caring more deeply for the characters for another level of complexity.

October Comics

2010-07-27T20:20:00.016+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Dark Horse, Image and finally Marvel solicitations for October.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #2
Written by STERLING GATES
Art by MATT CAMP
Cover by AMY REEDER & RICHARD FRIEND
In a special story that has direct ties to the regular monthly SUPERGIRL series, the Girl of Steel visits The Legion of Super-Heroes on Halloween in the 30th century! But Halloween proves to be just as spooky a holiday a thousand years from now as it is today, because a horrible new threat has awoken thanks to Supergirl’s arrival. And that horrible new threat’s name is – Satan Girl! Brainiac 5 has a plan, but it may come at the cost of shattering his potential romance with Supergirl!
On sale OCTOBER 27 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

I get the regular series.

BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME: BATGIRL #1
Written by BRYAN Q. MILLER
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by SHANE DAVIS
Batgirl no more? Is Stephanie Brown’s brief tenure as Batgirl in jeopardy now that Bruce Wayne has returned? Or will Bruce’s homecoming mean bigger and better things for Gotham City’s premier heroine?
ONE-SHOT • On sale OCTOBER 13 • 32 pg, FC $2.99 US

I'm enjoying the series and this has the same writer plus it's $2.99.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 #1
Written by MARC ANDREYKO, NUNZIO DEFILIPPIS & CHRISTINA WEIR BRANDON JERWA, ROBERT JESCHONEK, JUSTIN PENISTON, JASON STARR and FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Art by JESSE DELPERDANG & JESUS MERINO LEANDRO FERNANDEZ, VICTOR IBAÑEZ MATEUS SANTOLOUCO, BILL SIENKIEWICZ and TONCI ZONJIC
Cover by JESUS MERINO
Presenting seven outstanding solo adventures starring members of both the Justice Society of America and the JSA All-Stars from dozens of your favorite creators! Cyclone, Doctor Fate, Jesse Quick, Mr. Terrific, Obsidian, Sand and Tomcat demonstrate that alone – or as a group – the JSA are the first and foremost Super Hero team for a reason!
On sale OCTOBER 13 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US

I love the JSA and hope it will be good given the price.

TUROK, SON OF STONE #1
Turok returns! All-new series written by Jim Shooter!
Jim Shooter (W), Eduardo Francisco (A), TBD (C), and Raymond Swanland (Cover)
On sale Oct 20
FC, 48 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
Turok, wandering warrior from a far land, rescues Andar, son of a Chiricahua chief, from the ruthless King Maxtla and his Aztec horde. Pursued into a vast cavern, prey and predators are swept away by an unimaginable force to a savage, timeless land of nightmares and miracles, where dinosaurs thunder and rampage. Beset by bloodthirsty enemies and beasts, Turok and Andar encounter an even deadlier threat—the fearsome Panther People and their mesmerizing goddess, Aasta.
Turok, Son of Stone returns, reimagined by legendary writer Jim Shooter and illustrated by hot new talent Eduardo Francisco (Victory, Executive Assistant: IRIS).
• 48-page first issue, includes the very first Turok story from 1954!

Dark Horse are great and I'm jumping on board with these new titles.

UNCANNY X-FORCE #1
Written by RICK REMENDER
Pencils by JEROME OPEÑA
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
Blank Cover also available
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by ROB LIEFELD
“AGES,” PART 1
Wolverine promised Cyclops that X-Force would disband -- he lied. A secret society has resurrected En Sabah Nur, putting into motion events that will turn this age of heroes into an Age of Apocalypse! To hold them back, Wolverine and Archangel bring together Fantomex, Deadpool, and Psylocke to form The Uncanny X-Force! Stained by their history, they are the only ones capable of making the hard resolutions necessary. A band of likeminded friends and mercenaries set to one purpose, one big ugly task -- kill Apocalypse by any means.
32 PGS./Explicit Content …$3.99

If this drops to $2.99 next month I'll get this, it probably won't but X-23 did.

IMAGE FIRSTS: HAUNT #1
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art GREG CAPULLO, RYAN OTTLEY & TODD McFARLANE
cover TODD McFARLANE
OCTOBER 6
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

IMAGE FIRSTS: MADMAN #1
story MIKE ALLRED
art & cover MIKE ALLRED
OCTOBER 13
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

IMAGE FIRSTS: GØDLAND #1
story JOE CASEY
art/cover TOM SCIOLI
OCTOBER 20
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

IMAGE FIRSTS: DEAD @ 17 #1
story JOSH HOWARD
art & cover JOSH HOWARD
OCTOBER 27
32 PAGES / FC
$1.00

All the ones I don't have.

Toy Story 3

2010-07-21T18:29:00.003+01:00

Cast
Tom Hanks
Tim Allen
Joan Cusack
Ned Beatty
Don Rickles
Michael Keaton
Wallace Shawn
John Ratzenberger
Screenwriter
Michael Arndt
Director
Lee Unkrich
Running Time
103 minutes

Toy Story 3 is a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D that lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can't wait to get their sticky little fingers on these "new" toys. It's pandemonium as they try to stay together, ensuring "no toy gets left behind." Meanwhile, Barbie comes face to plastic face with Ken (yes, that Ken). (Disney, Pixar)

Fantastic. There were some distractions, including the 3D glasses, while I was watching and up until the incinerator scene it probably would have been 4 stars but from then on it became quite extraordinarily sad and beautiful.

Eclipse

2010-07-14T17:40:00.005+01:00

Cast
Kristen Stewart
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Bryce Dallas Howard
Cameron Bright
Billy Burke
Ashley Greene
Kellan Lutz
Peter Facinelli
Dakota Fanning
Anna Kendrick
Screenwriter
Melissa Rosenberg
Director
David Slade
Running Time
124 minutes

In Eclipse, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life. (Summit Entertainment)

I liked it more than the second one it seemed to have more of a reason to exist. Not sure compared to the first one which I liked a lot but can't remember that well now. A strange thing was the back stories on the supporting Vampires which were good but only getting round to it after 3 films seems kind of strange and late in the day. The number of characters was confusing, talk of a love triangle between the Werewolves in particular. The build up to the battle was good and tense although the fighting itself wasn't tremendous but was OK. Overall I enjoyed it.

Shrek Forever After

2010-07-07T19:52:00.006+01:00

Cast
Mike Myers
Cameron Diaz
Antonio Banderas
Eddie Murphy
Walt Dohrn
Screenwriter
Josh Klausner
Director
Mike Mitchell
Running Time
93 minutes

Shrek is feeling over-domesticated in the fourth installment. He has lost his roar. It used to send villagers running away in terror. Now they run to him and ask him to sign their pitchforks and torches. To regain his ogre mojo, he strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The pact goes awry and Shrek must confront what life would be like in Far Far Away if he had never existed. That translates into Donkey being forced into cart-pulling duty, fat and lazy Puss in Boots trading his sword for a pink bow and the underhanded Rumpelstiltskin ruling the kingdom. (Dreamworks Animation)

I almost gave it four stars and looking back gave the last one three. I think probably this one was better but can't remember that one or the first two at all now. There were scenes and moments which were really great but overall it didn't maintain that standard but it was entertaining throughout.

Please Give

2010-06-23T18:25:00.002+01:00

Cast
Catherine Keener
Amanda Peet
Rebecca Hall
Oliver Platt
Screenwriter
Nicole Holofcener
Director
Nicole Holofcener
Running Time
90 minutes

Kate has a lot on her mind. There’s the ethics problem of buying furniture on the cheap at estate sales and marking it up at her trendy Manhattan store. There’s the materialism problem of not wanting her teenage daughter to want the expensive things that Kate wants. There’s the marriage problem of sharing a partnership in parenting, business, and life with her husband Alex but sensing doubt nibbling at the foundations. And there’s Kate’s free-floating 21st century malaise—the problem of how to live well and be a good person when poverty, homelessness, and sadness are always right outside the door. Plus, there’s the neighbors: cranky, elderly Andra and the two granddaughters who look after her. As Kate, Alex, and Abby interact with the people next door, with each other, and with their New York surroundings, a complex mix of animosity, friendship, deception, guilt, and love plays out with both sharp humor and pathos. (Sony Pictures Classics)

Well acted and entertaining but I don't think it exceeds the sum of its parts to add up to much of anything.

September Comics

2010-06-16T20:14:00.006+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Marvel and Dark Horse solicitations for September.

FREEDOM FIGHTERS #1
Written by JIMMY PALMIOTTI & JUSTIN GRAY
Art by TRAVIS MOORE & TREVOR SCOTT
Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
1:10 Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS
A new call to arms begins as Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters return in an all-new action packed ongoing series helmed by the writing team of Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Travis Moore and Trevor Scott!
A national mystery unfolds when the government learns of the existence of a Confederate super weapon intended to insure the South won the Civil War. Who built it and why wasn’t it used? Find out when Uncle Sam leads the team on a quest through the hidden history of the United States! With new challenges and old threats returning to plague them, the stakes are higher than ever. Can even these stalwart heroes stand by their duty when their country calls?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale SEPTEMBER 1 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

The price is right and the writers are great.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA SPECIAL #1
Written by SCOTT KOLINS
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS
“Kingdom Coming” concludes as Magog, the Justice Society of America and the JSA All-Stars are forced back together when all signs point to the events of KINGDOM COME coming to pass! But Magog refuses to rejoin either team and finds himself fighting for his life AGAINST the JSA!
On sale SEPTEMBER 15 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US

I get the ongoing.

INCOGNITO: Bad Influences #1
LAST YEAR’S BREAKOUT HIT FINALLY RETURNS!
By the award-winning team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.
One of the biggest Hollywood options of the year, nominated for THREE Eisner Awards, INCOGNITO is finally back for more! It’s apocalyptic pulp noir at its finest!
It’s been over a year since Zack Overkill came out of Witness Protection to build a new life. But working for the government isn’t that different from being controlled by them, and his new secret identity is becoming more trouble than it’s worth… So what will Zack do when tasked with a mission that sends him on a hunt into darkest corners of the super-criminal underworld where he was raised? Also returning with Incognito are the exclusive Pulp magazine essays by Jess Nevins, Professor of pulp history, only available in the single issues of Incognito.
32 PGS./ MATURE CONTENT/ NO ADS … $3.50

The last one was great.

1 for $1: Groo
Sergio Aragonés (W/A) and Mark Evanier (W)
On sale Sept 1
FC, 28 pages
$1.00
If you thought Groo was a dangerous idiot, wait till you see how dangerous he is now that he’s intelligent.

1 for $1: Magnus, Robot Fighter
Russ Manning (W/A)
On sale Sept 8
FC, 28 pages
$1.00
In the year 4000, with the human race threatened by robots that would enslave mankind, one man alone has the power to fight back—Magnus, Robot Fighter!

1 for $1: Star Wars Legacy
John Ostrander (W), Jan Duursema (P), Dan Parsons (I), and Brad Anderson (C)
On sale Sept 1
FC, 28 pages
$1.00
The Jedi Temple is attacked, an Emperor is betrayed, and the Sith are born anew! A lot can happen in a hundred years, but all of the above happens just in this first issue! Not since Luke Skywalker first stepped aboard the Millennium Falcon has the galaxy seemed like such a vast, exciting, dangerous place!

Again the ones I don't have.

Prince Of Persia: The Sands of Time

2010-05-26T19:05:00.000+01:00

Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal
Gemma Arterton
Alfred Molina
Ben Kingsley
Toby Kebbell
Reece Ritchie
Richard Coyle
Screenwriters
Doug Miro
Carlo Bernard
Director
Mike Newell
Running Time
115 minutes

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia and based on the video game of the same name. A rogue prince reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. (Walt Disney Pictures)

It was solid entertainment. Good interplay between the two leads and lots of action.

August Comics

2010-05-20T19:34:00.005+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Marvel and Dark Horse solicitations for August.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

1 for $1: Aliens vs. Predator
Randy Stradley (W), Phill Norwood (P), Karl Story (I), and Monika Livingston (C)
On sale Aug 11
FC, 28 pages
$1.00
The inhabitants of the colony planet Ryushi are peaceful ranchers—men and women who lead simple lives. But their lives are tragically shattered as they become part of a “coming of age” ceremony for a race of deadly alien hunters—the Predators. However, the Predators’ prey are not the human inhabitants of Ryushi, but rather something far more dangerous—Aliens!

1 for $1: Sin City: The Hard Goodbye
Frank Miller (W/A)
On sale Aug 11
FC, 28 pages
$1.00
Sin City is the place—tough as leather and dry as tinder. Love is the fuel, and Marv has the match . . . not to mention a “condition.” He’s gunning after Goldie’s killer, so it’s time to watch this town burn!

1 for $1: Usagi Yojimbo
Stan Sakai (W/A)
On sale Aug 18
b&w, 28 pages
$1.00
The close of sixteenth-century Japan is regarded as the age of civil wars, as feudal lords fought amongst themselves for land and power. When one leader finally rose above the others and was proclaimed shogun, a peace came upon Japan and the samurai warriors found themselves suddenly unemployed. Many of these ronin turned to banditry to survive; others found work with minor lords. And a small number traveled the musha shugyo—the warrior pilgrimage—to hone their spiritual and martial skills. But whether they took the honest road or the crooked path, the ronin all found one common link—they were generally less than welcome. Such is the tale of Usagi Yojimbo.

Getting the ones I don't have already.

BALTIMORE: THE PLAGUE SHIPS #1 (of 5)
Mike Mignola (W/Cover), Christopher Golden (W), Ben Stenbeck (A), and Dave Stewart (C)
On sale Aug 4
FC, 32 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
Months after a devastating plague ends World War I, Europe is suddenly flooded with deadly vampires. Lord Henry Baltimore, a soldier determined to wipe out the monsters, is on the hunt for the creature responsible for this chaos and his own personal tragedy. What he uncovers is a terror as horrific and frightening as any he’s seen on the battlefield.
• Based on the novel by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden.
• Mike Mignola reunites with Witchfinder artist Ben Stenbeck!
Praise for Baltimore or The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire:
“Mythic adventure, midway between Lovecraft and the Brothers Grimm. The book burns with black inspiration.” —Sci Fi Magazine
“Outstanding, gorgeously told and wildly inventive. Mike Mignola's outstanding black-and-white illustrations turn the book into a beautiful object and add to its overall storybook quality. He and Golden have outdone themselves with Baltimore, a gorgeous, haunting tale that may well become a classic.” —Fangoria

Love all things Mignola.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: RILEY
Jane Espenson (W), Karl Moline (P/Cover), Andy Owens (I), Michelle Madsen (C), Jo Chen (Cover)
On sale Aug 18
FC, 40 pages
$3.50
One-shot
Acclaimed Buffy television writer Jane Espenson is back with answers to one of the surprising twists she and executive producer Joss Whedon introduced in the hit story arc “Retreat”!
In the midst of the battle, Buffy’s former flame, the demon-fighting soldier Riley Finn, seemingly in league with Twilight, was revealed as a double agent working for the Slayer army. Now Espenson and artist Karl Moline (Fray, Willow) uncover the secrets of Riley’s recruitment by Buffy, his infiltration of Twilight’s inner circle, and what’s become of him and his superspy wife, Sam.
This essential one-shot delivers thrilling spy adventure and is filled with major revelations for the story of Buffy Season Eight!
• Buffy TV writer Jane Espenson returns!
• Features key revelations for Buffy Season Eight!

Getting the regular series.

MAGNUS, ROBOT FIGHTER #1
Jim Shooter (W), Bill Reinhold (A), Wes Dzioba (C), Raymond Swanland (Cover)
On sale Aug 4
FC, 56 pages
$3.50
Miniseries
The continent-spanning city of North Am is a miracle of ingenuity and ambition, a technological paradise where “milespires” pierce the clouds and robots perform virtually all labor, freeing humankind to pursue leisure and bliss. But in the shadows of the sun-drenched towers, human mobsters use robot-muscle “thug-bots” to terrorize the citizenry of North Am. Human trafficking, illegal psychoactive substances, violent crime, and corrosive corruption are suddenly epidemic in the glittering utopia, with only the mighty Robot Fighter to stand against them. When a wealthy heiress is kidnapped, Magnus is drawn into the mob’s deepest sanctuary, where Magnus faces the fight of his life against the immensely powerful half robot, half man known as Big Guns.
Dark Horse Comics proudly presents the rebirth of one of comics’ most iconic heroes, Magnus, Robot Fighter! Reimagined for the twenty-first century by superstar scribe Jim Shooter and illustrated by Bill Reinhold (The Punisher, Wolverine: Origins), Magnus, Robot Fighter #1 joins Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom and the upcoming Turok, Son of Stone in the most exciting launch program of 2010!
• Special bonus for this 56-page issue: the very first Magnus story from 1963!
• Written by Jim Shooter!
Features a variant cover by Bill Reinhold!

Like last month DH doing superhero titles is worth checking out.

Robin Hood

2010-05-12T18:13:00.003+01:00

Cast
Russell Crowe
Cate Blanchett
Mark Strong
Scott Grimes
Kevin Durand
William Hurt
Matthew Macfadyen
Danny Huston
Oscar Isaac
Eileen Atkins
Max von Sydow
Screenwriter
Brian Helgeland
Director
Ridley Scott
Running Time
140 minutes

The Robin Hood adventure chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion, a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marion and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff. (Universal Pictures)

I get all the film plots from Metacritic which I assume gets them from the official studio information however reading it that is pretty inaccurate.

There's lots of characters and plots in it and the film jumps about not giving them enough time to develop, including the three merry men who don't really get to do much of anything. It put me in mind of the Kingdom of Heaven cinema release whether this went through the same thing I don't know. Near the end characters suddenly became aware of a fact about Robin Hood but the scene where they found that out wasn't there. A couple things struck me as crazy, the French landing craft looking like wooden versions of the WWII allied ones which maybe is accurate but looked mad like something out of A Knights Tale and Marion putting on armour and fighting. I don't think it works as a romance, historical drama or action movie that well really. There's a war with the French Robin takes part in some of it and hangs about drinking and talking when he's not. I liked it more than Iron Man 2 it's longer but it didn't seem to be.

Iron Man 2

2010-05-05T17:29:00.007+01:00

Cast
Robert Downey Jr.
Mickey Rourke
Sam Rockwell
Gwyneth Paltrow
Samuel L Jackson
Don Cheadle
Scarlett Johansson
Screenwriter
Justin Theroux
Director
Jon Favreau
Running Time
124 minutes

In Iron Man 2, the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark is the armored super hero, Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts and James "Rhodey" Rhodes at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces. (Paramount Pictures)

It wasn't very good. I really wanted to like it because I love superhero comics and the first one was enjoyable I haven't seen it since but I remember it being good and so I really tried to like it. It seemed much too long, although it's only slightly over 2 hours but felt much longer, ponderous and padded with stuff that's just dull. I kept thinking well when we get to the final battle it will at least have a strong ending but that was a let down too. The Empire review talks about Johansson impressing in the fights but that had to be a fight double. The first time the camera is positioned so that a boxing ring rope obscures her face and in the big fight you never see her face mid acrobatics only before or after. If she really could do it why wouldn't you show her clearly or more to the point using cgi paint her face onto the double so that I would have believed it was her too.

Clash of the Titans

2010-04-28T17:19:00.003+01:00

Cast
Liam Neeson
Ralph Fiennes
Mads Mikkelsen
Gemma Arterton
Alexa Davalos
Sam Worthington
Danny Huston
Screenwriters
Travis Beacham
Phil Hay
Matt Manfredi
Director
Louis Leterrier
Running Time
105 minutes

In Clash of the Titans, the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus is helpless to save his family from Hades, vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

As with Kick-Ass, Elizabeth McGovern appeared as the leads mother and dies early on although she got to have lines this time. I saw it in 2D and enjoyed it especially the finale.

July Comics

2010-04-25T23:32:00.003+01:00

CBR has the new DC, Marvel and Dark Horse solicitations for June.

This is the stuff I'm thinking about in addition to my regular pull list.

DOCTOR SOLAR, MAN OF THE ATOM #1
Jim Shooter (W), Dennis Calero (A/Cover), and Michael Komarck (Cover)
On sale July 14
FC, 48 pages
$3.50
Ongoing
Empowered by a thermonuclear catastrophe, Doctor Solar discovers that he can control energy. . Immeasurable strength is his at a whim. Power beyond imagination courses through his body. But he knows that the same kind of science run amok that created him can also empower the wicked. In the aftershock of the cataclysm that created Doctor Solar, ripples throughout space time imbue one Whitmore Pickerel with the power to create life—which he uses to serve his selfish desires and reckless ambitions. His newly created being, Leviathan, invulnerable and immeasurably strong, clashes with the Man of the Atom in a fierce battle that ravages the city. Meanwhile, for his personal amusement, Pickerel creates Glow, a living fantasy of unearthly charms . . . and deadly possibilities!
• Special bonus for this supersized issue: the very first Doctor Solar story from 1962!
• Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom #1 is but the first act in an explosive program that will also see Shooter reimagine Magnus, Robot Fighter and Turok, Son of Stone for the twenty first century!
• Jim Shooter (former Valiant Comics editor in chief) returns to the character he redefined in the 1990s!
Features a variant cover by series artist Dennis Calero!

I'm intrigued to see a superhero title come from Dark Horse.

THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1
On sale JULY 14
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Written by ERIC TRAUTMANN & BRANDON JERWA
Art by JULIAN LOPEZ & JOHN LUCAS
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
1:10 Variant cover by IAN CHURCHILL
Fellow Americans, we are pleased to introduce you to your official government superhero team – the Mighty Crusaders! The Red Circle has closed, and the mystery around it has grown into a full-blown conspiracy that The Shield, The Web, The Comet, Inferno, Fly-Girl and War Eagle must publicly investigate. But first, the team faces great loss and great obstacles, even when it comes to dealing with each other!
Written by Eric Trautmann (ACTION COMICS, THE SHIELD) and Brandon Jerwa (INFERNO, THE FOX) and drawn by Julian Lopez (SUPERMAN, ADVENTURE COMICS), this new monthly series brings together the Red Circle heroes to investigate a massive mystery in the DC Universe and features action, intrigue and giant robots. You dare not miss it!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

The individual books were $3.99 so I passed but I'll give this a go.

Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang

2010-04-21T17:45:00.004+01:00

Cast
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Rhys Ifans
Asa Butterfield
Maggie Smith
Emma Thompson
Screenwriter
Emma Thompson
Director
Susanna White
Running Time
109 minutes

This sequel shifts the story of horrendously ugly Nanny McPhee (Thompson) from Edwardian England to a group of kids evacuated from the city to a farm during World War II.[Empire]

Overall I enjoyed it, there were dull stretches but the ending was strong.

How To Train Your Dragon

2010-04-14T17:29:00.003+01:00

Cast
Jay Baruchel
Gerrard Butler
America Ferrera
Jonah Hill
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Screenwriters
Cressida Cowell
Dean Deblois
Directors
Chris Sanders
Dean Deblois
Running Time
97m 49s

Set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the action comedy tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who doesn’t exactly fit in with his tribe's longstanding tradition of heroic dragon slayers. Hiccup's world is turned upside down when he encounters a dragon that challenges he and his fellow Vikings to see the world from an entirely different point of view. (Dreamworks Animation)

I enjoyed it a great deal, the idea is magical the animation was impressive and it had a fun script. I saw it in 3D which added a little to it but not much really.

Kick-Ass

2010-04-07T17:20:00.005+01:00

Cast
Aaron Johnson
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Chloe Moretz
Nicolas Cage
Mark Strong
Screenwriters
Jane Goldman
Matthew Vaughn
Director
Matthew Vaughn
Running Time
117 minutes

“How come nobody’s ever tried to be a superhero?” When Dave Lizewski – ordinary New York teenager and rabid comic-book geek dons a green-and-yellow internet-bought wetsuit to become the no-nonsense vigilante, Kick-Ass, he soon finds an answer to his own question: because it hurts. But, overcoming all the odds, the eager yet inexperienced Dave quickly becomes a phenomenon, capturing the imagination of the public. However, he’s not the only superhero out there – the fearless and highly-trained father-daughter crime-fighting duo, Big Daddy and Hit Girl have been slowly but surely taking down the criminal empire of local Mafioso, Frank D’Amico. And, as Kick-Ass gets drawn into their no-holds-barred world of bullets and bloodletting with Frank’s son, Chris, now reborn as Kick-Ass’s arch-nemesis, Red Mist - the stage is set for a final showdown between the forces of good and evil - in which the DIY hero will have to live up to his name. Or die trying…(Lionsgate)

First if you've read the comic like me you may think the last part of the description taken from Metacritic above is a spoiler, it's not. It was good but I didn't enjoy it as much as the comic which I would give four stars. In the comic a series of mad seemingly unrelated scenarios occur which Kick-Ass gets caught up in but in the movie they spell things out and tie everything together more which seemed unnecessary generally and redacted the Red Mist reveal in particular. The violence and injury is toned down and I do think some decapitations would have helped the fights seem more outrageous and absurd like the comic. Also Hit Girl's mask just seemed badly made, the eye holes stretched out too much, plus the end of her story wasn't as poignant as the comic. Of course had you not read the comic or when I see this again on DVD knowing the changes it may be more enjoyable.

The Blind Side

2010-03-31T17:54:00.003+01:00

Cast
Sandra Bullock
Tim McGraw
Kathy Bates
Quinton Aaron
Lily Collins
Ray McKinnon
Catherine Dyer
Sharon Morris
Stacey Turner
Kim Dickens
Screenwriter
John Lee Hancock
Director
John Lee Hancock
Running Time
128 minutes

Teenager Michael Oher is surviving on his own, virtually homeless, when he is spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy. Learning that the young man is one of her daughter's classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael--wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter--come out of the cold. Without a moment's hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds. (Warner Bros.)

A touch generous in my score 3½ is probably more like it but so far I'm not doing half stars. The film is really a TV movie of the week but the performances are terrific and I really enjoyed it.

I Love You Phillip Morris

2010-03-24T17:32:00.004Z

Cast
Jim Carrey
Ewan McGregor
Leslie Mann
Rodrigo Santoro
Screenwriters
Glenn Ficarra
John Requa
Directors
Glenn Ficarra
John Requa
Running Time
97 minutes

Family man Steven Russell (Carrey) has a secret: he’s gay. Well, two secrets: he’s also a con man. When he’s jailed for fraud, he falls in love with inmate Phillip Morris (McGregor), but staying together isn’t going to be easy...[Empire]

First off if you find bodily fluid humour funny you'll like this much more than me. It was fine, in no way was it bad but it wasn't great either. Maybe the Carrey performance was too cartoony for me to empathise with. A major plot point was spoiled by Jason Solomons when he stood in for Mark Kermode on Film 24 [BBC News channel] last friday which robbed the end of suspense for me.