Interstellar at the Udvar-Hazy Center: check out a spaceship!

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Denise

interstellar

Interstellar may have been under wraps, but now that it’s hitting theaters next Friday things are starting to loosen up.  In fact, you can drive on down to Chantilly, VA and take a gander at the “Ranger” Spacecraft.  Also there’s the “Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 Experience”, which I’m sure will be the Cool New Thing for all us museum nerds.  (Hello new thing to take visiting fam to see!)

Wonder if it’ll be worth the schlep and the funds?  No worries; I’ll be headed down November 5th to check it out during the press rollout.  Pics and general 411 to follow….

Read on for the full deets in the official press release!

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Elsewhere Review: Birdman

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Denise

Nutshell: I’d give Birdman a B+. This film razzes it’s subject, cinematic and theatrical cliches, and occasionally the audience. But if you can get past the posturing and navel-gazing of it’s characters, it’s an arresting look at how fame can warp and woof a person over time. Hitting this flick after a few shots of tequila wouldn’t hurt either. Oh, and Keaton deserves all the praise coming his way.

[Cross-posted from Geek for e — hit up the hyperlink for the original piece!]

Movie Review: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

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Twitview: A beautiful mess, with unanswered questions and characters in all the shades of grey. But Keaton is magnetic. B+

Michael Keaton was a heckuva great Batman.  And then he kind of dropped off the face of the blockbuster earth.  So of course the synopsis of Birdman — actor who played a famous superhero tries for relevancy in his senior years — got folks talking when Keaton signed on.  And though I have to admit that was a prime reason for me signing up for this screening, once the film started rolling, I was sucked into the life of Keaton’s Riggan Thompson, washed-up Hollywood trivia tidbit turned Broadway wannabe.  Most of that is thanks to Keaton’s amazing performance that ditches every scrap of dignity, but director Alejandro González Iñárritu (21 Grams) deserves praise as well.

Riggan Thompson is a washed-up former superhero superstar, but perhaps there’s more to that portrayal than anyone realized.  When he’s alone he levitates, moves things with his mind, and even soars through the air.  But is that real, or in his heartbroken, world-weary imagination?  I love that Birdman flipped my expectations not once, but several times throughout the story.  I thought I’d had the ending nailed down early on, but things sway and melt away under Iñárritu’s gentle guidance.  Something else that also changes throughout the film is New York City itself; it’s a glorious greasepaint wonderland, then it’s a gritty, ugly, bleak wasteland.  It’s a small shop filled with fairy lights, and then it’s a cold world where nobody wants to do anything but look at it through the lens of their Instagram account.  Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki (Oscar winner for last year’s Gravity) manages to show all the sides of The City That Never Sleeps, and they don’t all add up to a picture postcard.  It’s the most “real” cinematic interpretation I’ve ever seen of that city, and I’m betting Lubezki will get another nod come Academy time.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: Beyond the Lights

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Denise

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There’s a screening on November 12th.  That’s my birthday. So?  FREE PASSES Y’ALL!

It’s for the film Beyond the Lights, and though at first blush it seems like a re-do of The Bodyguard, it stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, whom I adored in Belle.  So at least the acting will be pretty darn good, and maybe the entire film too?  Here’s the synopsis for Beyond the Lights:

Beyond the Lights is the story of Noni, the music world’s latest superstar. But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge  – until she meets Kaz Nicol, a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance.  But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be.

And here’s how you can nab yourself a pair o’ passes.  Cupcakes and candles not included.  Because I will be eating all of them.  Even the candles.  I’m me.

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31 in 31: Slacker’s Delight (aka — early wrap-up) — Horror on Netflix!

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Denise

It’s been a crazy October, and so rather than pushing myself to post stuff for the 31 in 31 finale?  I’m posting this.  Because I’d rather put my energy in cranking out a few good reviews of screenings I’ve been to lately, than a bunch of crap.  Yeah, I know that’s pretty hard to determine based on my usual output, but humor me here.

So, without further ado?  Here’s a list of “The 31 Best Horror Movies on Netflix Right Now“, by MovieFone.  It’s a fantastic way to winnow out the goodies from the Necco Wafers of horror cinema.  (All apologies to Necco fans.)

Glad to hear that Lair of the White Worm is back on the ‘flix, along with goofy goo-horror The Stuff, and Re-Animator.  Sharon Knolle does a bang-up job with this list.

Check out the article, and make your own Halloween Horror Marathon happen!  Happy Halloween Week, y’all — catch ya next year!

The 31 Best Horror Movies on Netflix Right Now

Posted October 9th, 2014 5:30PM

by Sharon Knolle

best horror movies on netflix

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: Big Hero 6

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Denise

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Hairy baby!  Okay, so I can’t get enough of Baymax, and I haven’t even seen the film yet.  But look at him!  (Yeah, I know; this isn’t an exact copy of the Marvel Universe Big Hero 6 gang.  But I forgive Disney because I want to give all the hugs to their poofy Baymax.)

You know you wanna see him.  And maybe know more?  Voila: synopsis!

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Big Hero 6,” an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action and all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the CG-animated “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014

Read on for how to score a 4-pack o’ passes!
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31 in 31: My Little Pony – Spooktacular Pony Tales

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Denise

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(Tweaking the 31 in 31 list for this Kiddie Friendly pick!)

Story: Magic. Cockatrices. Nightmare Night. The Olden Pony (Ooooh!) Creepy castles. Vampire fruit bats. Ponyville just 20% spookier y’all!

Scares: Adults? Nope. Kids? Maybe here and there, depending on the age of your li’l sugarcube.

Nightmare Factory?: Again, depends on the age. But even though there are spooky things, there’s plenty of kid-friendly fun to lighten up things.

Based on…?: The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic TV series. In fact, this compilation is a grouping of the “spookiest” 6 episodes from seasons 1-4.

Trick or Treat?: I like ponies. It is known. But I’m pulling double duty here; adding this to the 31 in 31 roster, and checking out this DVD before I watch it with my 7 year old niece. Luckily for her, these are eps from the original series rather than new, unknown quantities.

Adults may not be so happy about the rehash though, especially if they’ve already bought the season DVDs. But there’s a few tidbits here, like a Nightmare Night (aka Pony Halloween) poster, Jack-o-lantern pony stencils, and a karaoke-esque “Bats” sing along at the end of the DVD. You can skip any eps that your little one may be too spooked by, or just let ’em all play.

I’d love more, but what do you want from a ten-spot? Maybe a Blu-ray next time though?

Score: wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg

4 out of 5 pumpkins. Kid friendly, spooky fun, even though it’s stuff pony fans have probably seen before. But a fun compilation nonetheless. And hey, poster!

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It's on my fridge right now.

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Off the Shelf — Harley Quinn Volume 1: Hot in the City

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Denise

harley quinn hot in the city

Nutshell: Hot in the City is a must for Quinn fans, even though this TPB it isn’t a completist’s dream. Gorgeous drink-it-all-in art, 4th-wall busting at it’s most wack-a-doo, and Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner’s tongue-in-cheek storytelling gets you one highly entertaining read.

Story: Everyone’s favorite fruitcake gets her own New 52 series!  After a rocky start (naturally), our gal with a sledgehammer heart of gold gets down to business when she inherits a building in Coney Island, decides to get a job or two, and gets targeted by every creep in the city.  Will she rule the day?  What do you think?

Thoughts: I’ve always had a soft spot for Harley.  Her nutball-may-care attitude often hides a soft spot for the downtrodden.  Plus, what woman hasn’t fallen for the wrong man over and over again?  At least she looks good doing it.  That’s been thanks to Amanda Conner and the glorious artwork she cooks up.  I could just stare at Conner’s glorious cover art for hours.  Okay fine; I’ve actually stared at her art for hours.  But don’t worry, I’m getting really good at squinting from 300 feet away.  Thank you, officer.  Ahem.

I got sucked into this New 52 series because of the multiple artists promised in #0.  And boy did they deliver.  #0 served as a master-class with some of the best talent in comics today.  Naturally, I wanted more.  So here we are.  Hot in the City collects issues #0-8 of Harley’s New 52 run, and while that’s a lot of fun and mayhem, I was kinda hoping for two more tidbits.  That’d be Harley Quinn Invades Comic-Con International: San Diego #1 (say that five times fast), and the commentary, art and other assorted extra tidbits from Harley Quinn #0: Director’s Cut.  Sure, that’d probably make this TPB around 200 pages, but I’m fine with that.  (Plus, you try finding a copy of Director’s Cut outside of eBay and the Amazon resellers snake pit.)

So, what about this particular trade would make fans want to shell out their hard-earned?  Well, it’s a chance to get all the issues collected in a tidy package, along with all the covers (including my personal favorites, Adam Hughes’ beautiful #1 variant, & the Robot Chicken variant of #4) and sketch pages.  If  you already have all the issues, the sketch pages may not be enough to ring the dinner bell, but the collection of variant covers may do the trick.  If you don’t have ’em yet, this is a great way to catch up and get your hands on Harley, Ivy, Bernie and the gang.  Have I mentioned how much I love Bernie the beaver?  Because I do. Here’s hoping for a Bernie-centric issue in Harley Quinn‘s future.

Subscribe or Shelve?:  While this is a TPB rather than the usual single-issue, I’m definitely in the subscribe column for Miss Quinn.  Not to drop any spoilers for folks who aren’t up to #10 yet, but things are just as chao-tastic after her first arc.  Bless your crazy little heart, fruitcakes.

[NOTE: I received a copy of this title from DC via NetGalley]

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31 in 31: Bell, Book and Candle

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Denise

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Story: Breathtaking witch Kim Novak falls for sweet muggle neighbor Jimmy Stewart on Christmas. Elsa Lanchester is an adorably kooky auntie witch. Will love conquer all? Um, of course!

Scares: Zero. L’Amour!

Splat factor: See above.

Closing scene “shocker”: If you consider a happy ending a shocker, then yes.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): Based on the stage play that starred Mrs. Voorhees! Er, Lilli Palmer.

Trick or Treat: Gotta admit I’m dragging on the 31 in 31 right now. So when I saw this on the TV guide, I dug up my DVD and got to watchin’. This is a great film for Paranormal Romance lovers, or people who like to watch beautiful people fall in love (with a dash of witchcraft, of course.)

I only wish I could get my hands on a vid of Lilli Palmer on stage in this role. But I’m happy with watching Elsa Lancaster be adorably kooky. Plus, Kim Novak rocks capri pants like none other, and who doesn’t love Jimmy Stewart? Besides haters. (Watch for Jack Lemmon as Kim/Gilly’s warlock brother playing the bongos. Way out, man.)

Score: wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg
5 out of 5 pumpkins. Fun retro witchy love, and a bonus star for the Christmas crossover possibilities.

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31 in 31: Cabin Fever – Patient Zero

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Denise

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Story: Some guy is getting married to some rich chick. Why not have a bachelor party boat trip? And why not dock on an island not on the map, where a secret biohazard research team is working on the cure for a disgusting, fatal disease? Par-tay – let’s go swimming!

Scares: To quote the title, Zero.

Splat factor: It’s a Cabin Fever story. So yes. Tons.

Closing scene “shocker”: Of course.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): Third film in the Cabin Fever franchise, though it’s supposed to be a prequel.

Trick or Treat: Patient Zero is one helluva disappointment. Sure, the gore is groovy, but the build-up is nothing more than filler to pad the film til the gore can show up. It’s textbook PWP (“Plot, What Plot”). People do stupid stuff when they should know better, nobody thinks to seek treatment for strange symptoms; rather than a coherent story, it’s Plague, Inc., the Movie. Except it’s a lot less entertaining.

Patient Zero (Sean Astin, slummin’ it) is a complete dick. He watched his son “melt” due to the virus he’s carrying, but does he want to help save others, including his wife? Absolutely not. He just wants out. Meanwhile, researchers that have training in sterile containment? Walk into quarantine without HAZMAT suits, get blood puked onto them, and run out of the unit covered in blood. For once, I’d like to see trained researchers actually act like intelligent…trained researchers. Sigh.

The bachelor party dudes are nothing but walking punchlines that do all the usual wrong things. And the token “cool girl” has the usual unrequited love of the bachelor, and only tells him on his bachelor party boat trip. Yawn. But that’s okay; she won’t be alive for much longer. Neither will any of the others. Spoiler Alert! Except not really, as this is a prequel, so we all know they’re doomed.

I just wish Patient Zero made me give at least half a fuck about any of these characters, or the outcome.

Score: pumpkin_half
.5 out of 5 pumpkins. For the gore.

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31 in 31: Lon Chaney – Behind the Mask

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Denise

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Story: A look at the life and work of horror actor extraordinaire, Lon Chaney.

Scares: If you’re old enough to remember Chaney’s films when they first came out? Maybe. And congratulations on finding the internets!

Splat factor: Zero. It’s a documentary about a silent film star. Even the clips are bloodless.

Closing scene “shocker”: Documentary. So nup, unless you count the short silent Western starring Lon after the end credits.

Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul): Original, though there are other Chaney retrospectives out there.

Trick or Treat: If you’re a true horror hound, you’ve seen a few of of Chaney’s pictures; Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and London After Midnight (what’s still available after all these years) are horror – and overall cinema – classics. And you definitely know about his expertise with makeup and costuming. So a movie covering his life and work should be catnip. It is.

There’s trivia along with the bio: the pain he endured creating his characters was blown out of proportion most of the time. “Vanity is a personal parasite” – Chaney’s views of the cult of celebrity was a rare public viewpoint from silent film stars (who were usually obligated to spend much of their life in the public eye), but here we get home movies and they show a warm, affable guy. And is that a young Creighton Chaney (aka Lon Chaney Jr.) in the background? A’yup. Kewl!

Also covered is his work with director Tod Browning, and how they “laid the foundation for the American horror film”.

Some may find this film a bit padded – there are tons of scenes showing Chaney’s performances – but they’d be wrong. Seeing these bits sheds light on the actor, and only had me admire his techniques all the more. Especially interesting are his non-horror roles with no FX makeup. It’s wonderful to see his ability to project emotions, and how he classes up the acting joint every time he’s in a scene.

A must view for any cinema buff, but 100% required for horror fans interested in the history of the genre

Score: wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg wpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpgwpid-pumpkin9.jpg
5 out of 5 pumpkins, for shedding light on an actor I’ve always admired, and doing a great job.

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