From Geek for e: A Good Day To Die Hard

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Denise

As always, clicky on the hyperlinked title for the original piece!

A Newbie’s guide to A Good Day To Die Hard

A Good Day To Die Hard is the fifth installment if the Die Hard series.  And I’m probably the only American that hasn’t seen any of the earlier films.  All I know is “Yippee-ki-yay” and Alan Rickman.  I know, I’m a bad reviewer; 10 points from Hufflepuff and all that.  But in the interest of making lemonade out of my lack of knowledge, here I am, tapping away.

For anyone else that has been living under a rock since 1988, card-carrying badass John McClane (that’d be Bruce Willis y’all) finally decides that he’s kicked enough American badguy tuchas and heads to Russia to track down his estranged son Jack (played by Jai Courtney, Spartacus).  But there’s a problem — isn’t there always? — Jack is in prison.  But surprise; Jack’s actually a CIA operative whose orders are to rescue former Russian mobster Komarov (Sebastian Koch), a man who has a file that is very important to US Intelligence.  But Komarov won’t go without his daughter Irina (Yuliya Snigir).  Meanwhile mobster baddies are breathing down their neck.  Guess who steps in to help sonny-boy?

Do you need to know anything about the earlier films before you see A Good Day To Die Hard?  Nope, not at all.  Did I like it?  Yippee-ki-YES.
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From Geek for e: Beautiful Creatures

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Denise

As always, clicky for the full, original review!

Movie Review: Beautiful Creatures

Boy meets girl.  Boy falls for girl.  Girl falls for boy.  There’s a deep, dark secret that makes their love dangerous.  Much moping and emo-ness ensues for four overlong books.  Sound familiar?  Well, this time it’s different.  Because in the Caster Chronicles the super-secret is held by the girl, not the guy.  And the emo mopey is done by the guy, not the girl.  I know, right?  It’s like it’s all brand new.  It’s like Twilight, if the dude is the one acting like a chick.

But the movie Beautiful Creatures has something the Caster Chronicles series of books — and “that other series” — don’t have; a sly bit of fun and snarky self-aware leads.  Oh, and casting Oscar winners Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson and Viola Davis as supporting characters doesn’t hurt either.  Beautiful Creatures is simply popcorn fodder that goes down smooth.

Trying to figure out if Beautiful Creatures is something that you’ll want to watch, or something that’ll make you roll your eyes?  Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for.

* An interesting story in an easy-to-absorb format: a’yup.
* Gorgeous costumes and set decoration that makes East Nowhere, South Carolina seem like a place you want to move to right this second: absolutely.
* A fresh new spin on the overplayed “mortal lurves a supernatural” romance: yeppers.
* Main characters that can do more than just whine about their lot in life: YES.  Thank god.
* Accurate South Carolina accents: kinda.  It varies from character to character.
* A plot beyond “oh noes, what’ll happen when she turns 16?”: nope.
* All the characters from the book acting exactly the way they did in the book: nope, and if you expect that then you’ve never seen a film adaptation in your life.  Ever.
* Hard won life lessons: really, this movie doesn’t aim that high y’all.
* A piece of High Art dressed as young adult entertainment: seriously, are you high right now?

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Celebrate Ash Wednesday the Eli Roth way!

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Denise

And here’s where y’all go “wait, isn’t he Jewish?”  Fine.  Quibble.  But wait and see what goodies Eli the Ash Wednesday Bunny brought you.

Peep this y’all.  Courtesy of the new film The Last Exorcism Part 2.  Yes, that’s a bit of an oxymoron he’s got going there, but roll with it for a sec.  You’ll want to see these new pics, teasers, and hello motion poster!  (WordPress isn’t allowing me to embed the original glory, but check out the triptych, and click on any of the posters to get to the link with the animated cool.)

  

But first, who doesn’t love facts about exorcism?  Take it away, Eli the Ash Wednesday Bunny!

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From Geek for e: Baltimore Screening of Oz the Great and Powerful, March 4th

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Denise

Hi all!  In the spirit of sharing and all that….

As always, clicky for the original post at Geek for e!

Baltimore Movie Screening: free passes to Oz The Great And Powerful

I still love The Wizard of Oz.  It’s iconic.  It’s beautiful.  And those shoes are to die for.  I’ve even read a few of L. Frank Baum’s other Oz stories; Ozma of Oz is a great character, and I still wish we had lunch-pail trees in the real world.

Now the story just about everybody knows is getting a spiffy prequel.  Oz the Great snd Powerful is directed by Sam “I rocked Evil Dead y’all” Raimi and takes place before Dorothy, when “The Wizard” first makes his appearance in Oz.  I’m glad to see that this film is rated PG; from the trailer and artwork I’ve seen it’s sure to be eye candy for all ages.  Mmm, so pretty.  But with this new, witch-tastic poster, it looks like they’re still gonna whip out the green for the Wicked Witches….

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In which I salivate over the TV Body Count Study

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Denise
PHOTO: buzzfocus.com

The Walking Dead gang doing what they do best (PHOTO: buzzfocus.com)

Okay, hold the phone y’all. Usually when I get press releases, I’m intrigued at best; typically I yawn and hit delete. But when I saw a press release about television body counts, and that there’s actually a site that studies ’em, and that site is a funeral planning service? I’m all in.  C’mon, like I’m the only one that has to see what the hell they’ve got to say.

And I’ve gotta say that I love the idea of a funeral site that wants to “stimulate discussion about how people deal with death in real life vs. how they view death as fictionalized in the media.”  10 points for Slytherin! (Oh, like Slytherin wouldn’t be the funeral directors.  But sure, make your case.)  This is their second TV Body Count Study, and so I now have another thing to look forward to during awards season.  Bring forth the dead!

The stats are unsurprising to genre fans, but it’s always fun to have a look:

  • Men die more often than women, with 86% of the body count going to the XY population.
  • If you’re gonna bite it on tv, it’s probably thanks to a gun.
  • The deadliest show on TV?  The Walking Dead.  No surprise there, but I should point out that 91% of those bidding adieu were zombified already.
  • Humans usually died from gunshot wounds, but supernatural/undead tended to bite it thanks to knives, arrows or “other means”.
  • With all that dying on tv, only 11 funerals were logged by the study.

Groovy, right?  Wanna read the full release?  Of course you do, and I’ve got it for ya.  Please continue….

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What was I thinking? – TWD: The Suicide King

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Denise

DAvid-Morrissey-in-THE-WALKING-DEAD-Episode-3.09-Suicide-King

I’ve been playing around with the idea of doing a series of posts that are just free-form ideas as I have ’em.  Y’know, while I’m watching something.  I would call them George “What was I thinking?”, and go from there.

Here’s #1.  As this is an as-it-happened post, there may be spoilers. I tried to avoid ’em, but I’m sure I’m not that gifted.

Last night, The Walking Dead started up their Winter season, and as always, it delivered.  Here’s a peek at my brain cranking at top speed while I was watching The Suicide King.  Bearing in mind that top speed for me is a lame hamster on a wheel.

NOTE: all times are original broadcast, Eastern Standard.

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Awesome Con is coming? Awesome!

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Denise

awesomecon

I’m a DC Area gal born & bred, so even though I’m in Baltimore now (and have much love for my new city)? I still love my hometown. So when I saw that Awesome Con DC is gearing up?  Had to share.  Why?  Because unlike many other cons, this one is happy to celebrate all things genre, and has it’s arms open to any kind of geekery.  In other words, I don’t have to feel bad about never finishing Full Metal Alchemist.  But I still kinda do.

The official “what are you?” FAQ from their Web site:

Awesome Con DC is a celebration of popular culture. At its heart, Awesome Con is a comic-con that embraces all aspects of geekdom and pop culture. Expect a wide assortment of comic books, collectibles, toys, games, original art, cosplay, and more. Special events will include discussion panels, costume contests, trivia contests, gaming tournaments, and a whole lot of activities for kids.

Another thing I like?  Kids under 10 get in free.  With the high ticket prices having most of us saving for cons, it’s nice to be able to bring kids for cheap.  Okay fine; more money for the sales floor and Cool Aunt points!  FIRST EDITION WALKING DEAD ISSUE #1 YEAH BABY!  Ahem.  Anyway.  Moving on.

Awesome Con is April 20-21, 2013. Show hours are 10am-7pm Saturday, and 10am-5pm Sunday.

Read more for the full release, and links to ticket prices/purchasing, variants info and more!
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Nerding out over the Ravens

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Denise

V busy today darlings.  My neighborhood is thisfrakkinclose to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Ravens.  So with the parade today, even my “yay for the footballness!” self is caught up in Purple Pride.

Speaking of frakkin’, I haven’t watched Monday Mornings (with BSG’s Jamie Bamber) yet.  That must be rectified.  Soon.  Ish.  But for now?

You’ll find me at the 50 Yard Line y’all.

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2012 Ghastly Award winners announced!

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Denise

GhastlyAwards_mainlogo

It’s a good day today.  The Ravens won the Superbowl (and I’m just now getting over my Super-hangover), I have last night’s Downton Abbey waiting for me on my DVR, a new episode of The Following is on tonight…and the winners of the 2012 Ghastly Awards have been announced!

I’m glad to see the Edgar Allan Poe one-shot The Conqueror Worm grabbing a Ghastly; I’m a Poe junkie, what can I say?  Also, the Best OGN (Original Graphic Novel) goes to Heavy Metal’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Book 1; I can’t wait to see where that series goes.  And my absolute favorite, Crossed: Wish You Were Here grabbed best Web comic.

But all of these nominees deserve your hard earned.  So if you’re looking for a new read, I highly recommend checking out the list of 2012 and 2011 nominees.

Note: I’m a judge for these awards, and started my (reign) tenure with the 2012 nominees.  But I wasn’t the one tallying the votes.  Seriously, nobody wants me adding up anything important.

Read on for the official press release.  Congratulations to all the winners — y’all are great!

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Ravens Superbowl Celebration Day 7: The Birds!

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Denise

hitchcock-poster-for-the-birds
How else could I possibly end this week than with a nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s creepy classic about a flock of birds (most of whom look very much like Ravens, B-tee-dub) that take over a town?  And oh, their main target?  A gal.  FROM SAN FRANCISCO.  Nuff Said. But don’t take it from me. Let Hitch tell you how awesome a bird can be.

See what I’m sayin? “A noble history”…. Indeed. “Massed by the thousands.  And tens of thousands!”  Sounds like New Orleans right about now.  And if you have any doubt as to which way you should be leaning this fine Superbowl day, may I humbly submit this.

A 49’er? Man. A Raven? Bird. Seems rather cut and dry, don’cha think?

Go Ravens!

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