Book Review — Dark Screams: Volume 3

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Denise

Dark Screams Vol 3

Nutshell: Enjoyed the hell outta Volume 2.  But Volume 3 is even better.  As with Volume 2, there’s a slight hiccup, but this time that’s on me and my particular reading ability tastes.  Let’s hope this is the start of a long-lived series.  Grade: A

“I have seen the future of horror, and it’s all over the place.” – Stephen King, courtesy of Frank Ketchum (in “Group of Thirty”)

Editors Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar show that they’re no one-trick pony in their newest batch of e-Horror. And why would they be? They’ve been knockin’ it out of the park at Cemetery Dance, so this anthology series should be no different. And it isn’t. Dark Screams Volume 3 is a fun, frightful read that seems over before it’s begun. I kinda wanted more, but I was also pleased that I didn’t have to wade through a lot of padding as is the case in so many other short story anthologies. So keep things short and sweet, dearies. If the editors keep raising the bar, I’ll be back again and again. As there’s only five stories here (another echo of Volume 2), I’ll keep this intro short and sweet, and show you my thoughts on each tale…
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Off the Shelf — Batman/Superman Vol. 3: Second Chance

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Denise

Batman Superman 3 coverNutshell: Second Chance is the story arc Little Kid Me always wanted to read; what happens if Batman and Superman forget who they’re supposed to be?  Pak delivers a page-turner of a story, and the covers — including variants — are gorgeous.  Though I’m sure fans will snap this up, n00bs can easily enjoy this tale.  Grade: A-

Best Lines:
“I’m no superhero — I’m just a scientist.  This is simply a field uniform.”
“I’m dressed up…like a bat?  What is this?”

Goodies: Cover gallery, including all the awesome variants (my favorite; the #14 variant by Paulo Siqueria)

Publication 411: Collects Batman/Superman #10-15. Scheduled for publication May 12, 2015.

Thoughts:  I love this series.  Writer Greg Pak has created personas that stick with me, because I get ’em.  Clark Kent is a good guy that gets angry when bad people do bad things.  Bruce Wayne is a good guy that does bad things in order to beat the bad guys.  Any wonder there’s often some sturm und drang?  And I love this arc; who hadn’t wondered what Batman and Superman would do if the weight of their past wasn’t on their massive shoulders?

While “Enter the Microverse” has a different vibe to it than the rest of the issues included here, and “Danger Zone” feels like Super Spacetime Adventure Hour in the confines of this TPB, overall this is an excellent representation of how to do the issues-to-trade thing right.  Okay maybe one more thing; I’d have loved more about how this story got its start, and maybe a sketch gallery. And a pony.  Who doesn’t want a pony?

Subscribe or Shelve: Even if you haven’t been slavishly following all the myriad incarnations of Batman and/or Superman of late, you’re gonna enjoy this series.  Batman/Superman takes the basics everyone knows and lets you enjoy the ride, no piles of other series needed, in case  you’re trying to save your hard-earned.  So dig in.

Issues/Chapters: Continue reading →

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Off the Shelf — Rat Queens Vol. 2: The Far Reaching Tentacles Of N’Rygoth

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Denise

Rat Queens Vol 2 coverNutshell:  Put NC-17 Golden Girls sass, D&D campaigning, and every single drug you can possibly think of, into a blender.  Voila — Rat Queens!  That’s high praise from me.  Loved Volume 1, and Volume 2 is just as high(-octane).  Strong female characters in word and deed, with a whole lot of hilarious dialogue and massive butt-kicking?  I wanna write like Kurtis J. Weibe when I grow up.  If I ever do. Grade: A+

Story: The wild women of Palisade are back!  Looks like all the Rat Queens are gettin’ some…except for poor Dee [NOTE: must be a name thing.]  Hannah and Sawyer are…re-connecting.  He’s still looking for Bernadette (see Vol. 1), and he finds her.  Someone looking for Dee finds her, too.  And all literal hell breaks loose when a man gunnin’ for payback comes calling…

Best Lines:
“Fuck me it stinks of happiness in here.  Happiness and flapjacks.”
“Let’s move onto the part everyone gives a shit about…people beating the hell out of each other!”
“Note to self; never try 69-ing a smidgen again!  You slip a disk…”

Goodies:  Unused covers, wrap-arounds, character studies and sample pages.  I absolutely adore Stjepan Šejić’s “one hand each” wrap-around cover from #8.  I also adore that they took the time to break down who did what in the cover gallery.

Thoughts:
Let’s be honest; I actually worried about Volume 2.  I adored the first volume so much, I didn’t think the series could continue on such a high note.  I’ve never been more glad to see my worry were misplaced.  The Far Reaching Tentacles Of N’Rygoth kicks ass, takes names, and digs deeper into the back stories of our girls. It’s a helluva ride, and I can’t wait for more.

Things get NSFW right at the get-go, and it’s a glorious thing y’all.  Roc is still on for a bit of the art; but it’s Stjepan Šejić in the driver’s seat by #9, and it’s still the beauteous gorgeousness that we’ve come to lust after in this series.  Okay, it took me a hiccup or two to get used to the slight shift in style, but Šejić does beautiful work; those flashback scenes are gorgeous, and the gore ain’t shabby either.

Oh there’s LOTS of the ol’ ultraviolence.  And some full-frontal too.  This series ain’t gonna water it down, y’all.  Plus those flashbacks to the times before Palisade give readers a peek at how the Dee, Hannah, Betty and Violet became who they are.  And there are a few WHOA surprises in store….

Plus?  Braga sighting!  Yaaaay!  She’s freakin’ amazing, and a total badass.  Fine; everyone here is a total badass. And I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who’s noticed; this past March Rat Queens received the GLAAD award for Outstanding Comic Book.  I love that for many reasons; first, it gets this great series out to folks who wouldn’t know it otherwise, it’s a freakin’ award, and it pays tribute to Weibe’s wonderful way of writing characters that just happen to be gay/bi/trans.  Which of course makes no difference at all when they’re kicking serious tuchas; these characters aren’t the sum total of their sexual orientation, in fact you can often completely forget about that.  Y’know, til things get to sexytimes, and then it’s “oh yeah, that’s her girlfriend…score!”

What I love most about Rat Queens is that though they may be complete fuck-ups that get drunk and/or stoned whenever it’s available, when it’s time to throw down they’re dangerous.  They’re not 100% anything; they’re their own mix of crazy and cool.  And that’s what keeps me coming back for more.

Publication 411:  Collects Rat Queens #6-10.  Scheduled to hit shelves May 19, 2015.

Subscribe or Shelve:  If you’re not reading this series yet, shame on you.  You’re missing out.  Go.  Now.

Posted in Comic book reviews, General Mayhem | 1 Comment

Tomorrowland and Museum of Science Fiction team up to ask: what’s YOUR vision of the future?

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Denise

TLAND Vision Contest FlyerC’mon, who doesn’t love a fun contest? Makes you get your creative on, lets you flex your (virtual) muscle against others, and sometimes you even win! The Museum of Science Fiction in DC (coming soon) is teaming up with Disney’s Tomorrowland to see what you have in your brainpan…in regards to THE FUTURE (future…future…future….)

What do you get, besides a whole lotta really impressive nerd cred? You get your photos showcased on the Museum’s Facebook page if you’re in the Top 25.  And if you’re one of the big winners, you get a prize pack of Tomorrowland swag (sweet), and a $50 gift card so you and your buddies can enjoy the show (sweeter!)

So, get to snappin’ those pics, creating those images, or basically doin’ all the art.  As I have absolutely no talent whatsoever in that regard, I eagerly look forward to seeing what y’all come up with.  Bonus points for hoverboards!  (Not from the contest.  From me.  I give you bonus points from my heart.)

NOTE: don’t send me stuff.  As much as I’d like to see it all, get it to the contest, not to me.  Because you can win.  Yes, you.  I believe in you.

Read on for the full press release!
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Bastian, Cho, Peters and Vess coming to Baltimore Comic-Con!

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Denise

BaltimoreComicCon_logo_nodateMore news from Baltimore Comic-Con, which means more guest are scheduled!  I’ve already squee’d about Conner and Palmiotti, and I’m also looking forward to seeing Christy Blanch, Frank Tieri, Cliff Chiang Barry Kitson, Terry Moore…and so very many more folks.  Can’t help myself.

As for the new crop?  I’m glad to have David Petersen coming; I absolutely adore his work on Mouse Guard.  And Frank Cho often hits BCC; it’s always good to see a Terp alum getting back to the homeland.  In fact, this is shaping up to be a stellar year for anyone interested in meeting their favorite comic book creators.  (And I know I’ll be packin’ my Star Wars Cho variant cover…)

Read on for the full press release — and see you at the ‘Con!

Continue reading →

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Lighters up for for Ricki and the Flash — first images, trailer and poster

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Denise

RICKI_DgtlMrkt_2_rgbWhat’s it like when a rocker that bolted from her family finally comes home?  Well, Ricki and the Flash aims to answer that.  Here’s the synopsis:

Three-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep goes electric and takes on a whole new gig – a hard-rocking singer/guitarist – for Oscar®-winning director Jonathan Demme and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody in the uplifting comedy Ricki and the Flash. In a film loaded with music and live performance, Streep stars as Ricki, a guitar heroine who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom, but is now returning home to make things right with her family. Streep stars opposite her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer, who plays her fictional daughter; Rick Springfield, who takes on the role of a Flash member in love with Ricki; and Kevin Kline, who portrays Ricki’s long-suffering ex-husband.

I’m really looking forward to this, for many reason. Of course, there’s my ever-present, deep and abiding love for The Streep. Then there’s Rick Freakin’ Springfield, plus the amazing Tony-award wining Audra McDonald (please let there be a scene where she sings…) And that Mamie Gummer (Emily Owens M.D.) plays her on-screen daughter is a real treat.

Oh, and have I mentioned that The Winter Soldier Sebastian Stan plays her son Joshua? Plus, Meryl really learned how to play for this film. And she shreds so fiercely that she’s drawn blood. Check out these first-look images!

Streep & Springfield (Ricki & Greg) perform with the Flash at the Salt Well.
Ricky (Meryl Streep) performs at the Salt Well
Rick (Meryl Streep)
Julie (Mamie Gummer) and Ricki (Meryl Streep)

Ricki and the Flash comes to your town on August 7th, 2015. Are you ready to rock?

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Far from the Maddening Crowd is far from on point

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Denise

Far From onesheet

Nutshell: A beautifully crafted and acted story, surrounding a thoughtless, self-absorbed lead character that I couldn’t bring myself to care for.  A promising start turns into a de-evolution of the character and a shift of focus from story to proselytizing, switching her personality from independent to insufferable.  The “happy ending” is more of a sigh of relief that this disjointed film is finished.  While fans of the novel may be able to fill in the blanks, first-timers can easily become puzzled by the lack of depth.  Grade: C

I never read Far From the Maddening Crowd in high school — mine was a Hemingway/Shakespeare lovin’ school — but I know the gist.  A woman named Bathsheba Everdeen, no relation Everdene is courted by three suitors as she rises from country girl to farm/estate heiress.  A poor/common man named Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a rich but heart-weary (and a bit over-eager) older man named William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), and a soldier that hits her right in the naughty bits, Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge).  Ego, Superego and Id, if you will.  As she tries to stay aloof but come hither “independent”, she struggles.  As does everyone who tries to care about her.  Will true love win in the end?

UGH. It’s never a good sign when I absolutely loathe the main character in a story. She’s Carrie Bradshaw in a corset, with her way of pushing her suitors away but keeping them close enough to tease. Then she marries the very first man who twists her knickers.  Hilarity ensues when Troy isn’t all she thought he’d be cracked up to be. So to recap, Bathy confuses insensitivity with independence, at least ’til she finds someone she wants to bang.  Then it’s all hail marriage!  But all the menfolk want her…hey; is this the world’s first Mary Sue?
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Movie News: Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges to face off in COMANCHERIA

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Denise
jeff-bridges-ben-foster-chris-pine Comancheria

Image: Variety.com

Can’t get enough of Chris Pine?  I know; he was a hoot in Into The Woods.  And he’ll be in big trouble in the Wild West in his next film, Comancheria.  CBS Films just snapped up the rights, and filming is scheduled to start May 26th.  Here’s the synopsis:

Two brothers, Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), go on a calculated bank robbery spree that puts them on a collision course with a West Texas Ranger (Academy Award©-winner Jeff Bridges) determined to take them down.

Sound interesting?  Read on for the full press release!
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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – Mad Max: Fury Road!

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Denise

Mad Max Fury Road onesheetReady for Summer?  Well, Mad Max: Fury Road will definitely make you feel the heat.  Hello Australian Outback after the apocalypse!  Here’s the synopsis:

From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary “Mad Max” franchise, comes “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone.  Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa.  They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken.  Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.

Ready for war?  Read on… Continue reading →

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Wayback Review: One Day

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Denise
As always, clicky for the original piece!

Nutshell: I didn’t particularly care for this film when I first saw it.  I’m even more nonplussed now.  Patchy, with sloppy edits and even sloppier screenwriting, One Day doesn’t deliver the connection it so desperately wants to.  Pity.  Grade: D

Movie Review — One Day

| Aug 19, 2011 |

Emma and Dexter are graduating from college, circa 1988. She’s hellbent on making a difference in the world, and he’s up for anything the world has to offer.  Glimpsing into the lives of these two opposites on Saint Swithin’s Day (July 15th) for the next 20 years, you get love, glory, despair, and happiness, not to mention sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. What you won’t get is a fulfilling experience.

Emma heads off to London, and immediately succeeds in being a waitress at a Mexican restaurant.  Dex uses wads of the family cash to travel around, then settles in to a gig as a tv host/coke addict.  As Emma tries to pull herself up, Dex seems determined to drag himself down.  All the while they crash into each other at odd times, and we see them each year, sometimes together, sometimes far apart.  There’s chemistry between the two actors, but not enough to believably sustain a twenty years bittersweet lovefest between two characters so obviously different. It felt as if they were together simply because the script told them to be.

The best thing about One Day is the thing they don’t clue you in on during the trailer; this is not a “Happily Ever After” story, but a real look at how two people live their lives, glimpsing their success and failures and how they make the best decisions they can make for themselves at the time they’re making ‘em.  I’ll admit I was thinking this film was going to be just another “and then they realized they were in luuuuuurve” story, and I set my Brain Of Little Size to that end.  But as the movie unspools, viewers are taken off the beaten romantic path an toward a different, more honest story.  It’s a pity that One Day doesn’t do a better job of it.

The fault lies with the director, or perhaps the editor, in delivering such a choppy tale.  Emma and Dex are shown in fleeting glimpses, and the movie’s pace has a hurry-up-come-along feel that doesn’t suite the material.  If I’m going to be dragged down the street at top speed, at least give me a firm hand to hold on to.  But alas, though Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada) and Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe) give amazing performances, it’s hard to form a strong bond to these characters.  And that’s so desperately needed in a film that whizzes through the same exact day for 20 years in under two hours.  As the story moves like scenery from a train window, Emma and Dex aren’t coming together, they’re pinballing through each others lives, and their differences stare out at you as the scenes go whizzing by.  It’s hard to see how these two maintained such a strong bond for so many years, because with the bits and pieces we’re shown it just seems like an embarrassing crush that’s gone on too long.

Director Lone Scherfig (An Education, Italian For Beginners) has done the romance thing before, and better.  And I can understand a director getting his or her hands on the original novel and thinking that it would make a terrific film.  In the 20 years Emma and Dex know each other, there’s friendship, love (for others and for each other), devastation and renewal.  What director wouldn’t love to hit all those notes?  Why Scherfig fizzles here I can’t imagine.  But it’s a shame.

As the credits rolled, I didn’t feel put through the wringer, or a spent after catharsis. I didn’t even feel like I was on a rush of endorphins. I felt hollow, and a bit cheated.  It wasn’t as if 20 years wasn’t enough, but that the minutes witnessed aren’t the ones that made their story worth telling.

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