Name: JPRoscoe
Email:
Bio: Follow me on Twitter @JPRoscoe76! Loves all things pop-culture especially if it has a bit of a counter-culture twist. Plays video games (basically from the start when a neighbor brought home an Atari 2600), comic loving (for almost 30 years), and a true critic of movies. Enjoys the art house but also isn't afraid to let in one or two popular movies at the same time.
Posts by JPRoscoe:
Gotham—Season 1
April 22nd, 2019|
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Darkness has fallen on Gotham
The murder of John and Martha Wayne (Grayson McCouch and Brette Taylor) has sparked something in Gotham. As their son Bruce (David Mazouz) tries to come to terms with his parents with the help of his butler Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee), new detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) finds Gotham might not be a place for an honest cop. A war is brewing between Carmine Falcone (John Doman) and Sal Maroni (David Zayas), and Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) and Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) could be stroking the flames.
Gotham—Season 1 aired from September 22, 2014 to May 4, 2015 on FOX. The Warner Bros. Batman prequel series was initially met with mixed reviews but gained a strong following. It received Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series (“All Happy Families Are Alike”), Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series, Limited Series, or Movie (“Under the Knife”), Outstanding Visual Effects in a Supporting Role (“Lovecraft”), and Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) (“Pilot”).
Cat got your tongue?
Gotham intrigued me. I am not the biggest Batman fan (I think the character has kind of been driven into the ground due to over-use), but I love Batman’s supporting cast. I was also a big fan of the procedural comic book series Gotham Central which this series borrowed heavily from. I enjoyed the ride that Gotham—Season 1 provided though it was pretty standard WB TV.
The story is a rather typical story in the world of comic book shows. For years, I was dying for comic book TV (or movies) and now there is a glut of them. Though I enjoy them, for the most part the series unfold in similar ways with mid-season cliffhangers and introductions of characters that make you say “that’s really _____!” Gotham is rich with this due to the prequel nature of the show so if you are familiar with a lot of comic book TV shows, you will either love this or think it is just another entry in the TV world.
Who wants Fish?
The cast is fun for the series. I like Benjamin McKenzie and feel he always adds depth to a program (like Southland or even The O.C.). I’m generally not a big Jada Pinkett Smith fan, but her scene chewing Fish is a fun character that feels authentically comic book based (though she’s an original character). The Batman storyline sometimes feels rather unnecessary though both Sean Pertwee and David Mazouz are fine (I am a fan of Camren Bicondova’s teenage Catwoman). The series is loaded with great actors from Donal Logue, John Doman, Carol Kane, Robin Lord Taylor and more (and full disclosure, I do know one of the actors Drew Powell who used to be my RA). The slightly disappointing aspect of this season is the disappearance of Victoria Cartagena and Andrew Stewart-Jones who played Renee Montoya and Crispus Allen for the first part of the season.
Everyone is gunning for Gordon!
The movie gets the visuals as right as they can in a TV series. It doesn’t feel quite as big as a motion picture, but it feels much bigger than the standard drama. The gothic nature of Gotham isn’t as strong as in some Batman entries, but Gotham feels a bit more like your standard big city (that is more dirty and dangerous than most cities).
Gotham definitely has me wanting to return for season 2. It has enough interesting storylines and characters within the series that I feel it can have the legs it needs to continue and grow. Gotham is a bit tricky in that we know where it will end up. Bruce Wayne will become Batman, Gordon will survive and be the good guy, and characters like Ed Nigma are doomed for super-villains…it will just be interesting to see the path the series takes to reach it.
Gotham—Season 1 Complete Episode Guide:
“Pilot”
1.1 Pilot Airdate: 09/22/14
John and Martha Wayne (Grayson McCouch and Brette Taylor) are murdered in front of their child Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz). Detective Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) and Detective Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue) get the call and find themselves tasked to bring in the killer with Gordon promising Wayne that he’ll find the man responsible. When Gordon and Bullock take down Mario Pepper (Daniel Stewart Sherman), the crime appears to be solved…but a leak from Oswald “The Penguin” Cobblepot (Robin Lord Taylor) to Crispus Allen (Andrew Stewart-Jones) and Renee Montoya (Victoria Cartagena) indicate that Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) could be a cover-up for Carmine Falcone (John Doman). Gordon refuses to give up and sets out to get to the bottom of the crime…even if it kills him!
“Selina Kyle”
1.2 Selina Kyle Airdate: 09/29/14
Allen and Montoya continue to investigate the disappearance of Cobblepot by speaking to his mother Gertrude (Carol Kane) while Oswald tries to plan his next step after avoiding a watery grave. Selina Kyle (Camren Bicondova) witnesses the abduction of children by Patti and Doug (Lili Taylor and Frank Whaley) who work for someone known as the Dollmaker. Fish finds Falcone crosses the line again when he has her “boyfriend” roughed up, but Fish has plans for Falcone. Bruce tries to accept that his parents are dead, and Alfred (Sean Pertwee) question if Bruce is hurting himself. Barbara (Erin Richards) leaks the child kidnapping story to the press…and Selina could end up paying the price as a result!
“The Balloonman”
1.3 The Balloonman Airdate: 10/06/14
Selina reveals to Gordon that she was present when the Waynes were murdered and that she has evidence of what the killer looked like but catching Selina could be harder than Gordon thought. Allen and Montoya’s investigation leads them to Gordon and Montoya has a warning for Barbara about Cobblepot. When corrupt officials are targeted by a killer known as the Balloonman (Dan Bakkedahl), Gordon and Bullock are put on the case to shut the Balloonman down. Gordon finds his past has come back to haunt him when Oswald comes calling.
“Arkham”
1.4 Arkham Airdate: 10/13/14
Cobblepot tries to prove to Gordon that he could be a legitimate informant for him but Gordon reminds Cobblepot that they both will be killed if Falcone finds out he’s alive. As plans for the new redevelopment of Arkham Asylum’s ground and surrounding area begins to be developed based on the plans of the Waynes, a turf war breaks out between Falone and Sal Maroni (David Zayas) which could lead for an advancement for Cobblepot in his new position in Maroni’s restaurant. Fish hatches a new plan with the hiring of a singer named Liza (Makenzie Leigh) who has some hidden talents. With a paid assassin targeting councilmen on both sides of the debate, Gordon and Bullock must stop the assassin before he goes after Mayor Aubrey James (Richard Kind).
“Viper”
1.5 Viper Airdate: 10/20/14
A drug called Viper is being distributed amongst the junkies of Gotham and giving them temporary superhuman strength before killing them. As Gordon and Bullock investigate who is involved in Viper, Gordon finds that Cobblepot’s ties to Maroni could cause him trouble. As Bruce questions the Wayne Foundation’s involvement in the Arkham deal, the man behind Viper may make a charity event his next target. Fish unleashes her plan and Liza on an unsuspecting Falcone.
“Spirit of the Goat”
1.6 Spirit of the Goat Airdate: 10/27/14
Bullock’s past and how he lost his partner Dix (Dan Hedaya) to the Spirit of the Goat is revealed when a new person claiming to be the Spirit of the Goat resurfaces…targeting the children of Gotham’s 1%. With the help of Edward Nygma (Cory Michael Smith), Bullock must find the connection between the old Spirit of the Goat and the new Spirit of the Goat. An eyewitness to Cobblepot’s shooting has Allen and Montoya out to arrest him, but Bullock isn’t the only one with a past that’s come back.
“Penguin’s Umbrella”
1.7 Penguin’s Umbrella Airdate: 11/03/14
Penguin’s return has put a target on Gordon’s back, and Gordon plans to go out big if he is going to be killed. With new alliances with Montoya and Allen, Gordon is targeting the Mayor James and Carmine Falcone…but when Falcone sends Victor Zsasz (Anthony Carrigan) after Gordon, Barbara could get caught in the crossfire. Penguin finds himself under the protection of Maroni and a war between Fish and Maroni’s men could erupt as a result.
“The Mask”
1.8 The Mask Airdate: 11/10/14
Bullock and Gordon investigate the body of a man with a finger in his mouth, and Gordon finds he could be in trouble. As Penguin continues to work for Falcone in Maroni’s organization, Fish keeps Liza near Falcone and seeks out information. Selina Kyle finds herself in trouble with the law again while Bruce Wayne faces bullies as he returns to school.
“Harvey Dent”
1.9 Harvey Dent Airdate: 11/17/14
Gordon meets Harvey Dent (Nicholas D’Agosto) and learns that he could help him with his search for the Waynes’ killer. Selina Kyle moves into the Wayne Manor for protection and finds herself butting heads with Alfred. The Penguin confronts Liza about her infiltration of Falcone’s home and makes her an offer. The kidnapping of an imprisoned bomb-maker named Ian Hargrove (Leslie Odom, Jr.) has Gordon and Bullock in a race against time to stop the next target.
“Lovecraft”
1.10 Lovecraft Airdate: 11/24/14
When an assassin named Larissa Diaz (Lesley-Ann Brandt) is sent to Wayne Manor, Selina and Bruce find themselves on the run in Gotham City. Pennyworth teams with Bullock in the hopes of locating Bruce and is forced to make a deal with Fish. Gordon searches for the backer of the assassin and finds it could lead him to a downfall.
“Rogues’ Gallery”
1.11 Rogues’ Gallery Airdate: 01/05/15
Gordon has been reassigned to Arkham Asylum, but someone seems to be killing the inmates and Gordon and Dr. Leslie Thompkins (Morena Baccarin) are the only hope of finding out who is responsible. Selina finds Ivy Pepper (Clare Foley) sick on the streets and tries to help her. Barbara’s relationship with Montoya hits problems, but Barbara discovers that Jim might have moved on. Butch (Drew Powell) considers an offer to turn on Fish while Penguin has his own problems with Marconi.
“What the Little Bird Told Him”
1.12 What the Little Bird Told Him Airdate: 01/19/15
The Jack “The Electrocutioner” Gruber (Christopher Heyerdahl) is free in Gotham, but Jim realizes he can use it as a means to return to the GCPD if he can get past Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb (Peter Scolari). Fish makes her move with Liza in the hopes of getting Falcone out of the picture. With Gruber targeting Maroni, Penguin could accidentally expose his secret alliance with Falcone…or he could get everything he’s dreamed of.
“Welcome Back, Jim Gordon”
1.13 Welcome Back, Jim Gordon Airdate: 01/26/15
Gordon is back on the squad, but not everyone is happy about it. When a witness is killed in the interrogation room at the station, Gordon thinks it is an inside job and finds himself forced to call in a favor from Penguin to get the truth. Bruce searches for Selina but learns Selina might not want to be found. Fish is on the run from Falcone’s men, and Butch could be forced to make a sacrifice. Nigma’s love of Kristen Kringle (Chelsea Spack) could be exposed.
“The Fearsome Dr. Crane”
1.14 The Fearsome Dr. Crane Airdate: 02/02/15
Gordon and Bullock are called in to investigate the murder of people attending an anonymous phobia group, and Dr. Gerald Crane (Julian Sands) enacts the greatest phobias of his victims for his own plans. Nigma’s invasive nature gets him suspended and he could be forced to take creative measures to get himself back on the force. Penguin finds himself trapped when Maroni learns Penguin might be playing him, and Jim’s relationship with Dr. Thompkins heats up. Fish leaves Gotham but could face dangers on the sea.
“The Scarecrow”
1.15 The Scarecrow Airdate: 02/09/15
Gordon and Bullock realize Crane is still on the loose and question what his plans are for his experiments and his son Jonathan (Charlie Tahan). Fish discovers herself imprisoned and learns that even prisons have hierarchies. Penguin is given Fish’s club and sets to make it his own, but Maroni still might have plans for Penguin. Gordon adjusts to Dr. Thompkins working at the station while Bruce Wayne ventures into the woods and faces challenges.
“The Blind Fortune Teller”
1.16 The Blind Fortune Teller Airdate: 02/16/15
Barbara Gordon returns to Gotham and finds her apartment being used by Ivy and Selina. A trip to Haly’s Circus puts Jim and Leslie at odds when the murder of a snake charmer could have a supernatural tie to a blind fortune teller Paul Cicero (Mark Margolis). Penguin discovers his hopes of running his new club dashed by poor attendance but is given a surprising gift by Victor Zsasz. Fish sets out to take control of the situation at the prison and comes up with a unique plan for power. Bruce Wayne starts to investigate Wayne Enterprises’ holding, and the knowledge could be dangerous.
“Red Hood Gang”
1.17 Red Hood Airdate: 02/23/15
When Gus Floyd (Michael Goldsmith) puts on the Red Hood during a robbery, he starts a revolution among his fellow robbers, and Gordon and Bullock must stop the Red Hood Gang before it robs again. Fish’s attempts to meet with her captor fail, and she is forced to take drastic measures. Alfred has an old army friend named Reggie Payne (David O’Hara) comes to Wayne Manor seeking help, but he might have ulterior motives. Penguin deals with an alcohol shortage at his club and gets bad news from his new partner Butch.
“Everyone Has a Cobblepot”
1.18 Everyone Has a Cobblepot Airdate: 03/02/15
Arnold Flass (Dash Mihok) is cleared of his murder charges by Commissioner Loeb, and Gordon finds a shocking reason why. Fish meets her captor Dr. Francis Dulmacher (Colm Feore) and finds Dulmacher has helped restore her vision…for a price. Alfred remains hospitalized after Payne’s attack and Bruce vows to find Payne’s connection to the Wayne Enterprises’ board of directors. Teamed with Harvey Dent, Gordon seeks out to stop Loeb and could uncover a secret that Loeb has been hiding for years.
“Beasts of Prey”
1.19 Beasts of Prey Airdate: 04/13/15
Fish plots a daring escape while Selina and Bruce investigate Payne and his employer. Gordon is put on to the trail of a killer by an admiring officer but finds out “the Ogre” (Milo Ventimiglia) has his own game he plays with the officers trying to bring him down. Penguin seeks to take over a bar and plots an end to Maroni.
“Under the Knife”
1.20 Under the Knife Airdate: 04/20/15
The Ogre begins to stalk Gordon and his friends but Gordon’s relationship with Barbara could affect his plans. After Payne’s murder, Bruce questions his relationship with Selina as they try to get access to the files of Sid Banderslaw (Michael Potts). Maroni meets with Oswald’s mother Gertrude and reveals her son’s true face to her. Nygma’s attempt to help Kringle escape from her abusive boyfriend Tom Dougherty (Zachary Spicer) takes a deadly turn.
“The Anvil or the Hammer”
1.21 The Anvil or the Hammer Airdate: 04/27/15
Barbara is the prisoner of Jason Skolimski who believes she is a kindred spirit and has plans to win her love. Bruce seeks to find what Bunderslaw is hiding at Wayne Enterprises and learns from Lucius Fox (Chris Chalk) that his own father might have secrets. Nygma tries to cover his tracks with the murder of Dougherty and finds a separate persona emerging. Cobblepot sets up a war between Maroni and Falcone’s men which could spill out into the streets of Gotham.
“All Happy Families Are Alike”
1.22 All Happy Families Are Alike Airdate: 05/04/15
Barbara tries to recover from the Ogre’s attack and seeks Lee’s counselling. Gordon finds saving Gotham might mean keeping Falcone alive and finds himself, Bullock, Penguin, and Butch caught in the crossfire…and when Fish reappears alive with Selina as her follower, the real fireworks could start! Bruce and Alfred search for clues to Dr. Wayne’s secret and make a big discovery.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
April 22nd, 2019|
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Game Info
Game Name: Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
Developer(s): Next Level Games/Nintendo SPD
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Platform(s): 3DS
Genre(s): Action/Adventure
Release Date(s): March 20, 2013 (Japan)/March 24, 2013 (US)
ESRB Rating: E
This clock kills my will to live…
The ghosts of the Evershade Valley are growing violent after King Boo destroys the Dark Moon. Now, Professor E. Gadd has recruited Luigi to strap on the Poltergust 5000 to capture the evil ghosts and rebuild the Dark Moon pieces. King Boo doesn’t plan to go peacefully, and Luigi will have to face his fears to stop him.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (sometimes called Luigi’s Mansion 2) is a puzzle action-adventure video game released for the Nintendo 3DS. The game is a sequel to the 2001 GameCube video game Luigi’s Mansion (which was remastered in 2018 for the 3DS), the game was received upon its release.
I really enjoyed Luigi’s Mansion. The game was different, the controls were different, and Mario’s lovable loser brother was finally getting his due as the lead of a “real” video game. I wanted a sequel to Luigi’s Mansion for ages…and had to wait years for it to happen.
Everybody’s doing the Locomotion
I will say that while I enjoy Luigi’s Mansion, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is more expansive. The game seems to go on and on. It is largely a puzzle-based game with Luigi having to figure out how to find and capture the ghosts who constantly set up road blocks in his path. I kind of wish that the game was actually a bit shorter than it was (a weird comment I realize), but I felt after a while I was just trying to finish the game to finish the game…I had lost some interest since the gameplay didn’t vary enough.
The controls are good, but I feel like the vacuuming of the original was a bit more challenging and here, it feels like you were going to get the ghosts with little skill or challenge. I really dislike “balancing” sequences where you have to keep the 3DS level to get Luigi across boards and sometimes targeting stuff is frustrating (but generally because you know the end result of a puzzle and don’t know the steps between).
Bring this puppy home, Luigi!!!
The graphics are great. The room-based aspect of the game really caters to the 3D aspect of the 3DS. The game is rich and layered. It has fun music and there is a real rush when you hook a ghost in the vacuum. It is a fun visual ride.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a solid 3DS game which provides a lot of playtime. The first game was criticized for the length and this game more than compensates for it. You can argue if longer = better, but the game is better than the original simply due to advances in the technology and style. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is followed by Luigi’s Mansion 3 in 2019 for the Switch.
Memento (2000)
April 20th, 2019|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: Memento
Studio: Newmarket Capital Group
Genre(s): Mystery/Suspense/Drama
Release Date(s): September 5, 2000 (Venice Film Festival)/May 25, 2001 (US)
MPAA Rating: R
Who can you trust?
Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) is a man out for revenge. His wife (Jorja Fox) was raped and killed by an intruder, and Leonard has vowed to kill the man. Unfortunately, Leonard suffers from a condition called anterograde amnesia. He can no longer form any short term memories and he “resets” frequently through the day. Through a series of photographs, notes, and tattoos, Leonard hopes to keep on the trail of the killer, but the involvement of a woman named Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and a man named Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) has Leonard questioning who he can trust.
Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Memento is a mystery-thriller drama. The film was based on Nolan’s brother’s short story “Memento Mori” which was published after the release of the film in Esquire (March 2001). The movie was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. It was the first film of the 2000s to be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2017.
I have the same tattoos…how embarrassing
I saw Memento in the theater. The buzz surrounding the film was huge, and I was excited to see what it was all about. I was really impressed by the style and presentation of Memento, but weirdly enough, it didn’t inspire me to watch it again until recently…but the film does hold up.
The real hook of Memento is the style of storytelling. You have a two different stories running at the same time. One story is running forward (told in black-and-white flashbacks) and the second and primary story is running in reverse with each scene ending with the previous scene’s beginning (a feature when the DVD was released was a means to watch it in chronological order). This lends the movie to watching and rewatching to understand the plot, but it can also be watched and enjoyed in once through sitting if you are willing to focus.
The cast is good. Guy Pearce gives it all as the amnesiac that is trying desperately to remember the past. Carrie-Anne Moss gives a good performance though both her and Joe Pantoliano are really both side characters when compared to Pearce. Stephen Tobolowsky also is good as the cautionary tale (or not) Sammy Jankis.
Who’s playing whom?
The movie’s visuals are simple but effective. Stylish editing amps up a rather standard shooting style and works to make the story compelling. The blending of the stories (black-and-white and color) is a fun contrast.
Memento is an interesting and original thriller. The movie has a bit of a Hitchcock type of feel to it (or how I imagine Hitchcock might have evolved if he were still around today). The movie really put Nolan on the map and introduced the idea of him being a visionary director. Nolan continued his strong filmmaking with the remake Insomnia in 2002.
JLA 11: The Obsidian Age—Book 1
April 19th, 2019|
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Comic Info
Comic Name: JLA (Volume 1)
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Joe Kelly
Artist: Doug Mahnke/Yvel Guichet
# of Issues: 6
Release Date: 2003
JLA (1) #67
Reprints JLA (1) #66-71 (July 2002-November 2002). The JLA learn that Aquaman may still be alive as they make a desperate attempt to head into the past of the newly risen Atlantis. Unfortunately, the JLA might become the problem when a mystic shaman appears reporting that the JLA could be the downfall of the world. Meanwhile, with the JLA missing and presumed dead, Nightwing must lead a new team of members to try to protect the Earth and gain the respect of the people.
Written by Joe Kelly, JLA Volume 11: The Obsidian Age—Book 1 is a DC Comics superhero team book. Following JLA Volume 10: Golden Perfect, the collection features art by Doug Mahnke and Yvel Guichet. The issues in this volume were also collected as part of JLA—Volume 6.
I really enjoyed Grant Morrison’s run on JLA. It was a nice blend of better than average comic book writing and a good team. Joe Kelly and those who followed Morrison had tough shoes to fill since Morrison brought a lot of attention to JLA. While Kelly does some stuff I do like, a lot of the volume is a bit “over written”.
JLA (1) #69
Kelly makes the storyline too complex. The bottom line is that the JLA is headed into the past to be a potential self-fulfilling prophecy. The whole set-up with the Atlantis above water, Manitou Raven, the Destroyers, etc. could have still been included but toned down and scaled back for it to read better. It is a simpler story on paper than what appeared in the comic, and Kelly should have kept it simple.
What I do like about this volume is the introduction of a new JLA. The new JLA (made up of Nightwing, Green Arrow, Major Destruction, Firestorm, Hawkgirl, Atom, Jason Blood, and Faith) is interesting. I like that it is a bit like the second line-up of Avengers where you have some sketchy characters like Blood and Major Destruction, mixed with rookies like Faith, and people finally getting their due like Nightwing, Atom, and Firestorm…it has a lot of potential for interesting storylines.
JLA continues to be one of the DC better team books. The JLA has always seemed to be oddly second tier to me in comparison to Marvel’s team books, and it feels with the characters, the power, and even the Super Friends! behind it that it should soar even higher. The Obsidian Age continues in JLA 12: The Obsidian Age—Book 2
Preceded By:
Essential Thor—Volume 1
April 13th, 2019|
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Comic Info
Comic Name: Journey Into Mystery (Volume 1)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Stan Lee/Larry Lieber/Robert Bernstein
Artist: Jack Kirby/Don Heck/Joe Sinnott/Al Hartley
# of Issues: 30
Release Date: 2001
Journey Into Mystery (1) #89
Reprints Journey Into Mystery (1) #83-112 (August 1962-January 1965). Doctor Donald Blake has made a discovery. In a trip to Norway, he has uncovered that he is Thor, the Norse god of thunder. With threats to Midgard and armed with Mjolnir, the mighty Thor must defend the planet from dangers. As Thor continues to fight for the world, he questions if he belongs on Earth or in Asgard.
Written by Stan Lee with additional writing by Larry Lieber and Robert Bernstein, Essential Thor—Volume 1 is a black-and-white reprint of Marvel Comics’ earliest Thor appearances in Journey Into Mystery. The collection features art by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, Joe Sinnott, and Al Hartley. The issues have been reprinted multiple times including Thor Epic Collection Volume 1: The God of Thunder.
Thor is a very difficult Marvel character. He is largely too strong and too powerful for most villains and as a god, he raises many questions within the Marvel Universe. While I never have enjoyed Thor incredibly issue-to-issue, I like the concept of the character and that Marvel decided to just embrace the Norse mythology.
The series starts out with the concept that Donald Blake just embodies Thor, but then it was revealed he was Thor and Donald Blake didn’t really exist…which was a bit confusing. These early issues are rather comic book based and single issue adventures with the occasional cliffhanger.
Journey Into Mystery (1) #107
The collection introduces a lot of characters. In addition to Thor, you get the first appearances of Loki, Jane Foster, Odin, Heimdall, Balder, Tomorrow Man, Surtur, Ymir, Hela, Sif, Radioactive Man, Geirrodur, Cobra, Mr. Hyde, Enchantress, Executioner, Grey Gargoyle, and Karnilla among others. In addition to these appearances, you have other Marvel creations like Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, Hulk, and the X-Men…it is well worth checking out if you are a fan of the characters.
What I always enjoyed about Thor was the back-up stories “Tales of Asgard” which dives into the mythology of the character. Some of the stories do adapt classic tales, but often they were created for the comic. It gives Thor a bit more depth than some of the other Marvel Comics.
With fun art by Jack Kirby, and the early appearances of important characters, Essential Thor—Volume 1 is a fun collection if you can get your hands on it. The Essential line were affordable ways to do this, and it is too bad that Marvel cancelled them for the smaller (but better looking) more expensive collections they are doing today. Check out Thor, and feel the power!
Nightbreed (1990)
April 13th, 2019|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: Nightbreed
Studio: Morgan Creek
Genre(s):Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/B-Movie
Release Date(s): Morgan Creek
MPAA Rating: R
So can I join your gang?
Aaron Boone (Craig Sheffer) finds himself a tortured spirit. Thought his girlfriend Lori (Anne Bobby) sees Aaron as a good man, his psychiatrist Dr. Philip K. Decker (David Cronenberg) tells Boone that his fears that Boone visions of murder and death is something darker. Convinced that he is a murder, Boone seeks out a place called Midian where monsters dwell. Boone’s evil impulses might not be entirely true and the real killer might be lurking closer. When Boone finds himself among the monsters of Midian, Boone could discover that he will become a leader for the people of Midian as the threat to their way of life grows.
Written and directed by Clive Barker, Nightbreed is a horror fantasy movie. The movie is an adaptation of Clive Barker’s 1988 novel Cabal and was a box office failure. The movie gained a cult following and a re-release of both a Cabal Cut in 2009 and a Director’s Cut in 2014 helped restore the film to its original editing.
The idea of Nightbreed was always appealing to me. I saw the movie, read Cabal, and read the Nightbreed comic book which adapted and then continued the storyline. I can see a lot of faults in Nightbreed, but I liked what Clive Barker attempted in the film and story.
Who’s the man with a plan?
The movie feels like a Star Wars-esque type story but with horror and monsters. Nightbreed feels bigger than this movie with tons of characters, different warring factions, the police, the serial killer, and the minister…far too many for the movie (especially when it was only an hour and a half). Boone story could probably have carried the movie itself, but instead a whole mythology is set up, and it ends up almost like a cliffhanger.
The cast isn’t very good. Craig Sheffer and Anne Bobby struggle at carrying the movie. Much of the rest of the monsters are fun with Oliver Parker (Peloquin), Nicholas Vince (Kinski), Hugh Ross (Narcisse), Tony Bluto (Leroy Gomm), Simon Bamford (Ohnaka), and Christine McCorkindale (Shuna Sassi) having the bigger roles among the Nightbreed while Hellraiser vet Doug Bradley plays the Nightbreed lawgiver Dirk Lylesberg. Charles Haid, Hugh Quarshie, and Malcolm Smith play the generic men trying to bring the Nightbreed down. The scene stealer of the movie (and genuinely creepy in his acting) is director David Cronenberg who plays the killer Decker.
I don’t know you like that, Boone
The film is rich with creatures, but in many ways the creatures don’t make much sense. The Nightbreed are monsters, but Boone can transform into a Nightbreed…but the other monsters don’t seem to be able to turn human (which indicates they born monsters). You also add the Berserkers which live in the tunnels of Midian and you question if the Nightbreed were ever human (like Narcisse and Boone) or if all them were born from other Nightbreed.
Nightbreed is a quirky horror film that is more fun than horror. While scenes involving Decker and his attacks are more traditional, the rest of the movie feels epic and larger than most horror films. I wish that Nightbreed had been a bigger success when it was released simply to see if it would have continued like Barker’s more popular film series Hellraiser. As mentioned, if you do have interest in seeing where the Nightbreed headed next, Marvel Comics released a twenty-five issue series under their Epic imprint that even had the Nightbreed facing Rawhead Rex and the Cenobites.
The Silence (2019)
April 13th, 2019|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: The Silence
Studio: Constantin Films
Genre(s): Horror
Release Date(s): April 10, 2019
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Now, the creature performs his rendition of “Tradition”!
Cave explorers have unleashed a horror on the world. A hidden cave pocket releases a creature called Vesps, and the creatures are attracted to sound. Hugh (Stanley Tucci), his wife Kelly (Miranda Otto), her mother Lynn (Kate Trotter), his daughter Ally (Kiernan Shipka), his son Jude (Kyle Harrison Breitkopf), and their friend Glenn (John Corbett) decide to try to leave the city for safety but find reaching a safe location might be impossible. The Vesps might be the immediate danger, but there are other dangers lurking in the world.
Directed by John R. Leonetti, The Silence is an apocalyptic horror monster movie. Adapting the 2015 novel by Tim Lebbon, the film was released on Netflix on April 10, 2019.
With A Quiet Place, a “new” idea of horror was explored for thrills. Movies like Wait Until Dark have played with the idea of people with handicaps facing off against people who might abuse their disability, but with A Quiet Place and Bird Box, the genre was reinvented for the screen. While the story for The Silence predates A Quiet Place, the telling feels very generic and lacks the tension of A Quiet Place.
Wait…are we rooting for the rattlesnake or the creature?
The problem with the movie isn’t the similarities to other films as much as the pacing and hodgepodge of ideas. The movie essentially is a mash-up of all kinds of horror clichés. You have underground cave dwellers (like The Descent) that swarming (like Pitch Black) attracted to sound (like A Quiet Place), trapping people in a house (like Bird Box), and then faced with dealing with a creepy cult (like every movie about post-apocalypse). It feels smashed together with little rhyme, reason, or flow. It isn’t very compelling (or scary for that matter).
The movie seems to lack a solid direction. It feels like the movie should be about Keira Shipka’s deaf teenager, but Stanley Tucci seems to be more of the leader of the film. Regarding Shipka, the deaf issue doesn’t really seem to play into the plot much, and it feels like it is only when it is needed to propel the story forward without being very consistent. John Corbett’s character is the sacrificial character, and Billy MacLellan is creepy as the minister but also feels shoehorned into the plot too late and too underdeveloped.
Add a crazy reverend guy? Sure, why not at this point
The creatures aren’t bad looking. Like Pitch Black, the attacks are swarm attacks so most of the individual creatures aren’t scene except in quick attacks. Longer shots of the creatures (like on the road) show they resemble fleshy dinosaurs, but the use of the silence isn’t as strong as in A Quiet Place where the tensions just rise…here the characters will talk, whisper, and have a fight without attracting the creatures so it doesn’t feel as dangerous.
The Silence is rather bland. It tries to find the scares from too many sources, and as a result, it feels half-baked in many areas. The movie kind of sets up a Silence world with man-vs-Vesps for the future of the planet, but I don’t really have much interest in revisiting the characters or the story. With so many other better horror options in similar veins, leave The Silence behind.
Us (2019)
April 9th, 2019|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: Us
Studio: Monkeypaw Productions
Genre(s): Horror/Mystery/Suspense/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Release Date(s): March 8, 2019 (South by Southwest)/March 22, 2019 (US)
MPAA Rating: R
What’s the secret?
After a childhood incident at the Santa Cruz boardwalk, Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o) has been wary of the beach and uncomfortable situations. When her husband Gabe Wilson (Winston Duke) agrees to a visit with their family friends Kitty (Elisabeth Moss) and Josh (Tim Heidecker) at the ocean, Adelaide’s past comes back to haunt her. Visited at night by strangers, Adelaide, Gabe, their daughter Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph), and their son Jason (Evan Alex) are faced by horror…and it is like looking in a mirror.
Written and directed by Jordan Peele, Us is a psychological sci-fi horror film. The movie was released to positive reviews and a strong box office.
I was totally pumped about Us. I thought the trailers of Get Out look like they were pandering to fears and clichés, but I ended up finding the movie original, smart, and fun…and it would be hard to top. While overall I enjoyed Us, it isn’t as good as Peele’s first outing (but it is still good). Due to the plot of the movie a ******spoiler alert****** is in effect for the rest of the review.
Want to play?
The story is about duality, but it seems to fail to push it far enough. The nature of man, the hidden man, and the underbelly of humanity feel touched upon, but it feels like Peele should have “dug” even deeper. The social aspect of the story really feels like it should drive the story, but it is driven more by the terror of the situation.
Us also struggles is the set-up. For me, it was too obvious that Adelaide was her clone. She couldn’t talk (like the doppelgangers) and her doppelganger seemed to be the only one who could talk. It also frankly wouldn’t have made sense thematically for the characters not to be switched at the beginning of the film…it is the point of the film. As a result, the “twist” ending doesn’t seem like a twist ending but expected. It just leaves you with more questions about the experiment in the first place: if everyone has a doppelganger are they always just running into walls and things as they are tethered to their above ground doppelgangers? Where do they all the gloves and scissors? It is better not to start asking questions.
The cast is good and Lupito Nyong’o gives a great performance as Adelaide who doesn’t seem comfortable in her own skin. She’s backed up by a great supporting cast who does seem to develop (though Evan Alex is supposed to be the “scariest” doppelganger, I find Shahadi Wright Joseph the most terrifying of the doppelgangers with her sinister smile). The Elisabeth Moss-Tim Heidecker couple is odd in that they are already jerks…should their doppelgangers be nice?
Are we having rabbit for dinner?
Visually, the movie gets it. It is creepy and visually compelling. I always think any movie which has the “creatures” moving in strange, inhuman nature are scary. The wide-eyed, insane look of the doppelgangers ratchet up the horror.
Us has great points and bad points, but it is a movie that leaves you thinking (which is already a step above many other films). I like what Jordan Peele is attempting, and I like how his career is progressing. I do worry with the desire to trick and twist with every film, that it will be a hard let-down when he has a film that doesn’t live up to the previous films (think M. Night Shyamalan). I still stand by Peele, and hope he delivers more like Us.
Castle Rock—Season 1
April 8th, 2019|
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Sit and stay for a spell…
Henry Deaver (André Holland) finds himself called back to his hometown of Castle Rock when an unnamed man nicknamed The Kid (Bill Skarsgård) is discovered hidden by the newly deceased former Shawshank warden Lacy (Terry O’Quinn). Reunited with his mother Ruth (Sissy Spacek) who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and her new live-in boyfriend Alan Pangborn (Scott Glenn), Henry learns that the events of his disappearance as a child still hangs heavy in the town. Henry finds his former neighbor Molly Strand (Melanie Lynskey) still lives next door and she might have insight into what happened to him as a child. When new crimes begin to surface in Castle Rock, The Kid could be to blame…or could Henry’s return have sparked something else?
Castle Rock—Season 1 is based on Stephen King’s fictitious Maine town. The series was produced by King and J.J. Abrams and received a staggered release on Hulu. The series was released to mostly positive reviews.
Just sitting around…waiting for something to happen
I have always been on Stephen King’s boat. Even in King’s bad novels, you can generally finds something positive and the idea of an author creating a horror based mythos surrounding his work (kind of in line with Faulkner’s Southern Gothic world) is fun. The appeal of Castle Rock is great…but it also leaves a lot to be desired.
Don’t go into Castle Rock expecting to have tons of King’s characters popping up. For the most part, the story is original and there are references to other King stories and characters littered through the ten episodes. Panghorn probably is the most prolific of the characters having appeared in a number of King’s works, but the season is largely something new…with a King feel.
Hey dog…um…you’re drooling on me
The cast is quite strong. André Holland plays the primary character of the series with Bill Skarsgård as the flipside to his character. Holland has the problem of being the straight character while Skarsgård continues to be a creepy lurker through most of the season. They are backed by a great supporting cast. Sissy Spacek continues to prove her abilities as the Alzheimer’s patient trying to keep control of her life while Scott Glenn does his best Scott Glenn (aka grumpy old man) role. Melanie Lynskey also is fun as the touchstone of the series who tries to find what is going on. The Jackie Torrance character played by Jane Levy is fun, but it seems gimmicky since she isn’t in the season enough. You also get appearances by Frances Conroy, Terry O’Quinn, Allison Tolman, Chosen Jacobs, Rory Culkin, and CJ Jones in some fun supporting roles.
I want more of this…
The series does have a lot of atmosphere, but it squanders some of it. It feels like this season is building and building. There is tension and there are some jumps (mostly involving bird strikes), but it doesn’t necessarily feel like it pays off. It isn’t quite Gothic horror, but it also isn’t gore horror…it feels stuck in-between both in storytelling and visuals.
Castle Rock was a bit of a disappointment. They had two options with the series. They could have gone the route they went with an all-new story and new characters, or they could have gone all in and loaded it with classic Stephen King characters. While the latter might have been more entertaining, it could have also come off as cheesy or hokey…but I feel the new storyline created in this season doesn’t pay off enough for fans of the author. I am interested to see where Castle Rock goes with second season seeming to promise more “King” in the Stephen King world with Misery storylines creeping up…I hope Castle Rock is more fun to visit.
Castle Rock—Season 1 Complete Episode Guide:
“Severance”
1.1 Severance Release Date: 07/25/18
Newly retired warden Dale Lacy (Terry O’Quinn) has killed himself in a most spectacular way, and Theresa Porter (Ann Cusack) now finds herself in charge of Shawshank Prison. Ordering a cleaning of the wing that fired destroy years before, Dennis Zalewski (Noel Fisher) finds a young man (Bill Skarsgård) can’t be identified in any prison records. When the man says the name “Henry Deaver”, death penalty attorney Henry Deaver (André Holland) finds himself returning to his home of Castle Rock where as a child many believed he was responsible for his adopted father’s death. Now, former Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Scott Glenn) has moved into Henry’s home with his senile mother Ruth (Sissy Spacek), and Henry must first find his mystery client. Meanwhile, Molly Strand (Melanie Lynskey) learns Henry has returned to Castle Rock and old memories are reawakened.
“Habeas Corpus”
1.2 Habeas Corpus Release Date: 07/25/18
Molly meets with her sister (Allison Tolman) and is reminded of her childhood obsession with Henry Deaver. Henry tries to investigate the mystery prisoner and is forced to get creative when he finds himself barred from the jail. Dennis suffers visions of the prisoner and discovers that security has moved him to lock-up to cover-up his discovery. A suicide note by Lacy gives warning to Pangborn of what the unknown man might really be.
“Local Color”
1.3 Local Color Release Date: 07/25/18
Molly recalls the events after Henry’s father’s “accident” and her role in the death. Dennis is contacted by Henry about The Kid and tries to use Dennis to reach him. Henry reconnects with Molly, but Molly discovers Henry’s return has reawakened their empathic connection. With the thoughts in her head racing, Molly finds she must find a new connection for the drugs to dampen them. Warden Porter finds The Kid could cause problems for Shawshank if the truth of his existence is revealed.
“The Box”
1.4 The Box Release Date: 08/01/18
Henry seeks out keys to his disappearance by investigating Josef Desjardins (David Selby) who was questioned at the time he went missing. With a debate about what to do next with The Kid, Henry makes a big decision…but Dennis’s actions could change everyone’s plans.
“Harvest”
1.5 Harvest Release Date: 08/08/18
The Kid is released to Henry’s custody following Dennis’s shooting rampage and Henry learns that there is a problem involving the re-burial of his father. Wildfires threaten Castle Rock that seem unstoppable, and the attempt for the city to honor Alan could turn deadly. Jackie Torrance (Jane Levy) encounters The Kid but is forced to call in Molly when she discovers there is something wrong with him. The Kid wanders the streets of Castle Rock and has an unsettling effect. Alan reveals to Henry what was told to him by his father before he died, and Alan comes face-to-face with The Kid…and realizes he knows him.
“Filter”
1.6 Filter Release Date: 08/15/18
Henry’s father is reburied, and Henry finds that his constant ear problem is getting worse. Alan sets out to help Ruth by tracking down Warden Lacy’s car for The Kid. Henry’s estranged son Wendell (Chosen Jacobs) comes to visit and learns the secret of Ruth’s dementia from her. Molly reveals her part in Henry’s father’s death to Henry. The Kid’s trip to Juniper Hill turns out to be shorter than expected, and Ruth faces him in her home. A journey into the woods to retrace his childhood steps lead to a man named Odin Branch (CJ Jones) and his interpreter Willie (Rory Culkin), and Henry learns why his father made trips into the forest.
“The Queen”
1.7 The Queen Release Date: 08/22/18
Ruth has become unstuck in time. Shifting to different parts of her life, she remembers her husband Matthew Deaver (Adam Rothenberg) and his belief that he could hear God speaking to him. With The Kid in the house, Ruth must find a way to defend herself and remembering the location of her gun and the bullets could prove deadly.
“Past Perfect”
1.8 Past Perfect Release Date: 08/29/18
Alan Pangborn is dead at the hands of Ruth Deaver, but police suspect that The Kid is responsible. A bed and breakfast themed around Castle Rock’s dark side in the former home of Warden Lacy may be a mistake for the new owners Gordon (Mark Harelik) and Lilith (Lauren Bowles). Using her connection to Henry, Molly saves Henry from Odin’s soundproof room…and Henry realizes Warden Lacy’s home could hold the keys to his past. Molly is visited by The Kid, and The Kid makes a shocking reveal.
“Henry Deaver”
1.9 Henry Deaver Release Date: 09/05/18
Henry Deaver (Bill Skarsgård) has it all. He has an up-and-coming science study on research into Alzheimer’s and the potential of a breakthrough drug. When he is called back to Castle Rock, he learns that his estranged father is dead and a child (Caleel Harris) was found locked in a cage in his basement. Teamed with his former neighbor Molly, Henry sets out to find where the boy is from…and trying to get him home could change Henry’s life forever!
“Romans”
1.10 Romans Release Date: 09/12/18
Things are getting worse in Castle Rock. Birds continue to crash into things, and people are dying. With police suspecting Henry Deaver playing a role in the deaths, Molly tries to encourage Henry to go to the lake with The Kid in the hopes of reversing whatever has happened. When Henry discovers his son is beginning to hear the ringing as well, Henry decides something must be done.
The History Boys (2006)
April 6th, 2019|
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Movie Info
Movie Name: The History Boys
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Genre(s): Drama/Comedy
Release Date(s): October 2, 2006 (Premiere)/October 13, 2006 (UK)
MPAA Rating: R
We’re going places!
A school in Sheffield has its hopes set on getting a group of students into Oxford or Cambridge and break a long school history. Hector (Richard Griffiths) and Mrs. Lintott (Frances de la Tour) learn that the headmaster (Clive Merrison) is bringing in Oxford student Tom Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore) to help the students pass their exam.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, The History Boys adapts the Alan Bennett 2004 award winning stage play with the cast reprising their roles. The film was released to positive reviews.
The History Boys is an odd coming-of-age story. It is fluid with the characters’ sexuality (and very un-judgmental), and it is also an odd story in the #MeToo type of world we live in now.
I don’t remember this Carpool Karaoke…
The movie will be uncomfortable for a lot of people though it is rather light and somewhat a comedy. It has adults not only crossing lines with students, but also assaulting them…and everyone (including the other students) didn’t report or do anything about it. It was just a kooky professor with wandering hands who didn’t deserve to lose his job. It isn’t something that would stand today. The idea is that teachers are human too, but it is done in a weird way that the viewer must be open to.
The cast is both solid character actors and up-and-coming actors. Richard Griffiths leads the group as the grope-y Hector while Clive Merrison is the new teacher meant to give students a means to get into class. Frances de la Tour plays the relatively character with the clearest perspective and Penelope Wilton has a small part as an art teacher. The young students include Dominic Cooper as the “looker” character Dakin and James Corden is also in an early role. Russell Tovey, Samuel Anderson, Sacha Dhawan, Samuel Barnett, Andrew Knott, and Jamie Parker round out the students.
Oh you kooky old man with wandering hands…just don’t ride with boys anymore, and we’re cool.
The movie looks good. Often when you have a stage play converted to film, it still feels like a stage play with limited sets. The History Boys does have limited sets, but it doesn’t feel as small. A trip to colleges provides a nice break for the visuals as well (and shows what the students are striving for if a person hasn’t seen them).
The History Boys is a tougher movie than it is meant to be. It becomes tough regarding the issues in the film, and they take away from some of the core ideas of the movie. It is a bit too bad in that sense because it is an interesting study about what is important to become a rounded person and conflicting ideas in education. Many of the actor went on to appear in Alan Bennett’s 2015 movie The Lady in the Van.
