In no particular order, our Saturday cavalcade of Comic-Con Activities. (I’ll be doing some follow-up linking to actual articles on these events later on, once I get some time.)…
In no particular order, our Saturday cavalcade of Comic-Con Activities. (I’ll be doing some follow-up linking to actual articles on these events later on, once I get some time.)
Something I’ve noticed in the last few months at the local Barnes & Noble (and Borders): Where have all the Star Trek books gone? I mean, for the past decade,…
Something I’ve noticed in the last few months at the local Barnes & Noble (and Borders): Where have all the Star Trek books gone?
I mean, for the past decade, an entire columnar bookshelf or more of Star Trek novels — from every era of every show (and in-between and beyond) have been a staple at major bookstores.
And now? Two, three shelves only. Hell, there are more Star Wars books there than Star Trek.
In general, I always found most ST books dreck (Peter David’s being a noteworthy exception), but it’s sort of shocking to see the selection implode like that. A major publisher’s decision? Bigger profits from manga? New strategies from Paramount? A collapsing market? No idea. But it’s … well, as someone would say, “Fascinating.”
I’ve been following Denzel Washington since his St. Elsewhere days, and I honestly can’t think off the top of my head of a bad film he’s been in. That said,…
I’ve been following Denzel Washington since his St. Elsewhere days, and I honestly can’t think off the top of my head of a bad film he’s been in.
That said, The Manchurian Candidate worries me.
Not that I think it will be a bad film, mind you — it’s got a great cast, and the trailer looks like a great action/suspense/conspiracy flick.
It’s just that I have a great deal of admiration for the original 1962 flick, and it looks like the new one is less of a remake than a reimagining of the whole premise, with Marco as a lone conspiracy nut (rather than someone eventually working within the system), Shaw as the VP candidate (rather than his stepson), Manchurian referring to a conglomerate (rather than, well, a part of China).
And, frankly, any Manchurian Candidate that’s missing the Queen of Diamonds is sort of like a Star Wars remake without the Wookiee.
I’m sure it will be a good movie, and there may be some plot twists that aren’t yet clear (I can think of a couple offhand). Meryl Streep will be hard-pressed to match Angela Lansbury‘s Oscar-nominated performance, but I have faith in her. And, like I said, Denzel Washington basically rocks. I just sort of wish they’d decided to make a “new” movie that some folks accused of “ripping off” the original, than make something that purports to be a remake of the original while taking such liberties with it.
Though, of course, then you’d have to wonder why they’d remake it at all. 🙂
Why The Lord of the Rings Will – and Must – Be Remade. Hmmmm. I’m sure the author, Doug Kern, is correct. Indeed, I’m not convninced that we won’t someday…
Why The Lord of the Rings Will – and Must – Be Remade.
Hmmmm.
I’m sure the author, Doug Kern, is correct. Indeed, I’m not convninced that we won’t someday see remakes of The Godfather or Gone with the Wind, or Star Wars — except for the artificial constraints of ego and hyper-extended copyright protection (Lucas will never allow SW to be remade, and will discover some way to prevent it in perpetuity, I guarantee).
And, heck, given all the other films that have been remade, LotR isn’t even in the upper half of the list of faboo films that someone’s decided to tinker with.
And, in fact, I would actually be willing to see a flick that did justice to Tom Bombadil, or the Scouring of the Shire, or …
So, yeah, I can see it.
But I’ll probably grouse about it. And for the moment, I’m only waiting for the (ultra-mega-length) Return of the King to make my LotR viewing complete.
(via GeekPress)
The covers and disc art for the Star Wars DVD set (IV-VI) have been announced. Nice. Both new bits, homages to “classic” art, and a nice Vader tie-together for the…
The covers and disc art for the Star Wars DVD set (IV-VI) have been announced.
Nice. Both new bits, homages to “classic” art, and a nice Vader tie-together for the bonus material.
(via Rey)
Game Dream 3: Is It Me or Is It Memorex? Some people play RPGs to enjoy a viewpoint or way of acting that they just couldn’t do in real life….
Game Dream 3: Is It Me or Is It Memorex?
Some people play RPGs to enjoy a viewpoint or way of acting that they just couldn’t do in real life. Others seem to play characters whose motivations are more their own. And some folks do all of the above and everything in between 🙂 What character of yours was most like you “in real life”? Which of your characters is the least like you? Which did you find more fun to play, and why?
Most like: Since I have a tendency to play various aspects of my own personality in the characters I write up, that’s a tough one to narrow down. Off the top of my head, probably Dag, the unsophisticated but good-hearted scout/pilot from Doyce’s “Prince of Alderaan” Star Wars campaign. Always slightly out of sync with the rest of the group, always a bit awkward socially, but dedicated to the cause, and sincere (and square) to the point of “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but …” he was probably the closest “nice guy” I’ve done.
Runners Up include Morrigan (angsty Loner ‘R’ Us), Sian (ditto, with a stick up her posterior that won’t quit), and Grinthorn (clowning bard).
Most unlike: Hands-down it has to be Ken from Doyce’s current Sorcerer “Bibliophage” campaign. He’s just a mean prick, “arrogant and ruthless,” and while it’s sometimes frighteningly easy to play him, he’s not only not me, he’s not even my “dark side.” He’s just … not nice. Aside from his devotion to familial duty, of course. In general, when it comes to judging what Ken will do next, I simply choose whatever I wouldn’t do.
Runners Up include Hanthor (far too bluff and confident a fellow), Shishiko (far too simply fun-loving and irresponsible), and Edward (the irritating Amberite assassin with only a hint of a heart of gold).
As to which is most fun to play … hmmmm. Depends, I guess. The ones Like Me let me sort of play with (usually unconsciously) elements of my personality outside the usual bounds of my Real Life. Ken, and the other Not-Mes are very … palate-cleansing. But all of them have had their moments, and doubtless will continue to.
The top-grossing films of all time (as of some arbitrary moment). I’ve italicized (rather than bolding, due the current default font) the ones I’ve seen, so that y’all can stare…
The top-grossing films of all time (as of some arbitrary moment). I’ve italicized (rather than bolding, due the current default font) the ones I’ve seen, so that y’all can stare in incredulity and cry, “You mean you haven’t seen X?”
(I’m actually amazed by all the ones I have seen, my movie-going being more than a bit idiosyncratic.)
(via the Flea)
Doyce has been seriously getting into the theoretical side of RPGs of late. While, like academic theory and critical literary analysis and the like, this can sometime venture into the…
Doyce has been seriously getting into the theoretical side of RPGs of late. While, like academic theory and critical literary analysis and the like, this can sometime venture into the Theory For The Sake Of Sounding Profound, he’s dug up some good, thought-provoking gems, like this one. A few excerpts I found of intriguing:
… So look, you! Mechanics might model the stuff of the game world, that’s another topic, but they don’t exist to do so. They exist to ease and constrain real-world social negotiation between the players at the table. That’s their sole and crucial function.
… So here’s a better way to get suspense in gaming: put off the inevitable. Acknowledge up front that the PCs are going to win, and never sweat it. Then use the dice to escalate, escalate, escalate. We all know the PCs are going to win. What will it cost them?
… PCs, like protagonists in fiction, don’t get to die to show what’s at stake or to escalate conflict. They only get to die to make final statements. Character death can never be a possible outcome moment-to-moment. Having your character’s survival be uncertain doesn’t contribute to suspense, as above, just like we don’t actually ever believe that Bruce Willis’ character in Die Hard will die. Instead, character death should fit into what it will cost. This thing, is it worth dying for? Obi-wan Kenobi and Leon say yes. In fiction, You never die for something you haven’t staked your life on.
Lots of other good thoughts there surrounding (and, perhaps, explaining) these. Take up and read.
I’ve been considering of late the elements of what a GM considers when starting up a new game, particularly in terms of what will make it a success both personally…
I’ve been considering of late the elements of what a GM considers when starting up a new game, particularly in terms of what will make it a success both personally and for the players. I’ve not had any particular epiphany on this, or bold, daring new outlook, but I thought I’d babble about it anyway.
The last films in the top 200 grossers are finally coming to DVD. Lucasfilm has announced that the original Star Wars triology will be released in September. Previously, Lucas had…
The last films in the top 200 grossers are finally coming to DVD. Lucasfilm has announced that the original Star Wars triology will be released in September. Previously, Lucas had said they would not come out until after Episode 3 hits theaters in 5/2005.
The DVD versions will be the “enhanced” ones that came out in the 90s, with improved sfx and a few controversial bits (including Greedo shooting first). These are meant to be the “sole version available,” according to a Lucasfilm veep.
Of course, I’m sure if there’s a clamor, Lucas will reluctantly (but profitably) release the “classic” trilogy on DVD — a year or two later. For another fifty smackers, natch.
(via ASV)
This week’s Game WISH: Sum up one or more games that you GM or play in 10 words or less. (Three is best, but not everybody is that pithy.) Don’t…
This week’s Game WISH:
Sum up one or more games that you GM or play in 10 words or less. (Three is best, but not everybody is that pithy.) Don’t restrict yourself to current games if you have great ones in the past.
Present …
Past …
(via Doyce)
From the People with Too Much Time on Their Hands (and Thank Goodness) file, we have Han Solo in Carbonite. In Lego. Life-sized. It took about 10,000 bricks, almost all…
From the People with Too Much Time on Their Hands (and Thank Goodness) file, we have Han Solo in Carbonite. In Lego. Life-sized.
It took about 10,000 bricks, almost all dark gray, and about three months of on and off building. I built the sculpture so it can break down easily into smaller parts, thus making it mobile. Because, like most people, I like to take large sculptures of people frozen in carbonite with me whenever I travel.
(via GoaF)
It’s the meme that’s sweeping the natiion the blogosphere bored bloggers! Take the following list of movies and boldface the ones you’ve seen. Then count ’em up and post the…
It’s the meme that’s sweeping the natiion the blogosphere bored bloggers! Take the following list of movies and boldface the ones you’ve seen. Then count ’em up and post the list! That’ll prove, um, how many of them you’ve, uh, seen! That’s it! That’s the ticket!
Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you? (via GoaF)…
As an artist, all I need is my paints and brushes — and someone to drag me away when the canvas is done.    — Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) That must be…
As an artist, all I need is my paints and brushes — and someone to drag me away when the canvas is done.
   — Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
That must be George Lucas’ problem — there’s nobody important enough to drag him away from his canvas. At least that’s the impression I get from these rumors:
One other note today… we’ve heard from a number of interesting (and we believe reliable) inside sources that Lucsafilm is currently making major new changes to the original Star Wars films – the kind of changes he began a few years ago with the theatrical “Special Edition” releases. These changes include new special effects, revised and updated shots and scenes, and new footage shot with actors Hayden Christensen (Anakin) and Ian McDiarmid (the Emperor) that would flesh out moments with their characters in the original films. For example, an aged and scarred Hayden now appears as Anakin at the end of Return of the Jedi when Luke removes Vader’s helmet. Among the other changes reportedly being made are the restoration of the original “Han shoots first” moment from Star Wars and a revamped lightsaber fight between Obi-Wan and Vader. What we’ve heard meshes with what we’ve been told before, which is that Lucas has always planned to release ultimate, “Archive” editions of these films that tie in better with the new prequels. The main question in our minds now is this: will these changes be completed in time to appear on the DVD releases planned for next September, or will we have to wait until after Episode III hits theaters to see them? And if we have to wait, what versions will appear on the DVDs? Time will tell.
Okay, granted it’s only a rumor. But … jeez. While restoring (from the previous “revamp”) rascally Han to being the first shot only makes sense, retconning poor Sebastian Shaw out of being the Vader-behind-the-mask, etc., seems unnecessary overkill. George — leave it be. Put your efforts into something new, not refining something old.
On the other hand, it’s such a money-maker, that my bet is, if it is true, the DVD versions that are first released will be rereleases of the previous expanded videos (probably with some nice added bit) — then, a year or two later, when that revenue stream has died down, we’ll “finally” get the Super Platinum Director’s Archive Diamond Thirtieth Anniversary Edition (2006) DVDs, with Much More Material, and Lots o’ Changes.
And, of course, with the next tech breakthrough, Lucas can keep doing the same thing …
And, yeah, I’ll probably be there, getting my fix with the rest of the junkies.
(via Anne)
UPDATE: Some of the above items echo the bits here. On the one hand, some of this stuff sounds just whacked (even if you assume it’s the Ultimate Until We Make Another Archive Edition occuring later on). On the other hand, we’re talking George Lucas here, so I’m not taking any bets on any of it.
UPDATE AGAIN: Given the list referenced above is almost word-for-word from this 2002 bulletin board wishlist (see the 7/25/02 9:52pm), I’m slightly more confident. Slightly. But isn’t it interesting that Lucas has squandered the faith so many had in him with his artless micromanagement of the SW franchise?
Huh. The first of twenty five minute animated episodes, a “micro-series” — just finished premiering on Cartoon Network. Huh. I mean, fun enough. The animation is what I’d expect from…
Huh.
The first of twenty five minute animated episodes, a “micro-series” — just finished premiering on Cartoon Network.
Huh.
I mean, fun enough. The animation is what I’d expect from a Genndy Tartakovsky production — sort of Samurai Jack-like. And as the first ep, you’d expect a certain amount of establishing time. But it also seemed clear that, damn, it’s hard to tell much of a story in five minutes. How much of a story will 100 minutes (in 5 minute increments) make?
Presumably, since it’s an official LucasFilm production, we won’t see anything that overlaps or contradicts the third movie coming out. There will be ten episodes in November, and the second ten next Spring.
I don’t know I’ll make a concerted effort to catch every ep (the next one is Monday night). Presumably they’ll all eventually be collected and issued on DVD. But, for all that, it was a heck of a lot better than watching 700 Club or Howard Stern.
For those who thought the article below on Disneyland Fanatics was condescending, check out this National Post article on the Hugo Awards. All the writer didn’t joke about was folks…
For those who thought the article below on Disneyland Fanatics was condescending, check out this National Post article on the Hugo Awards. All the writer didn’t joke about was folks running around with Spock ears.
I think I’ve seen one Star Wars movie. I did go to see The Lord of the Rings, but I fell asleep five minutes into the film and didn’t wake up until the credits were rolling. Was that wrong of me?
No, just a sign that you’re a bad reporter with a stupid editor. Ah, well.
(via Peter David)
It’s extremely fashionable to knock Attack of the Clones. Having watched it again with my folks last night, I have to say … I’m a slave to fashion. I mean,…
It’s extremely fashionable to knock Attack of the Clones. Having watched it again with my folks last night, I have to say … I’m a slave to fashion.
I mean, there’s just a ton of eye candy. And, having until of late played in a Star Wars RPG campaign set in the prequel era, it’s sort of fascinating seeing of this stuff again from a cinematic perspective.
But, jeez, the story is horribly convoluted. You could have (all things being equal) a fine film about Anakin Skywalker, or a fine film about Obi-Wan Kenobi, or even a fine film about the Truly Messed-Up Jedi Council, but this movie tries to be all three, and even joining all of them up at the end doesn’t clean things up. There’s a bit of that in the middle episode of the original trilogy — but it sure seemed a lot easier to follow along what was happening in The Empire Strikes Back. I don’t think that’s just hindsight.
Second, there’s just folks behaving stupidly. We keep hearing over and over again from Mace Windu that the Jedi are just peacekeepers, not an army. Which explains why they get all gathered together into a giant battle, from which few of them survive.
(Jedi are ninja — individually, powerful and cool, but easily overwhelmed by massed forces, and far too training-intensive to serve as troops. What a bunch of goofs.)
We’ll leave aside that military strategy in the Republic seems limited to human (or robot) wave attacks. Or that strategic weapons are unknown (since one tactical nuke would have simply wiped out both the Federation robots and the Republic clones). Feh.
But that’s just unrealism, and we can forgive all of that. The bottom line of the failure of Clones is that the best actor in the film is Christopher Lee, who plays a supporting villain. One of the leads, Hayden Christensen, can’t seem to act his way out of a paper bag. (“Hi, I’m Anakin Skywalker, the Sulky Jedi. Now I’m a Tormented Jedi. Now I’m a Murderous Jedi. Now I’m a Henpecked Jedi. Now I’m a Headstrong Jedi. Now …”) Not only is the writing/directing/acting poorly designed, it’s poorly executed. I don’t know if Princess Amadala should dump Anakin in a second because he’s an awful person, or because he’s awfully acted.
Not that Anakin is alone in getting stilted and poorly acted dialog, but he’s the “best” at being the worst portrayed.
*Sigh*
Granted that Lucas could never have told a story that would live up to the expectations, that he’s managed to squander so much of the good will he had coming in is practically a crime against humanity.
Glancing back at my review at the first viewing, it doesn’t seem it was any better the first time around.
Ah, well.
And a few regular issues, too….
And a few regular issues, too.
No, the Blogathon didn’t burn me out. Here are a few choice bits from the week-or-two since….
No, the Blogathon didn’t burn me out. Here are a few choice bits from the week-or-two since.
