Writing about Movies, TV, Comics & Toys. Critically and creatively.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Scream 4, my thoughts

It was an experience that I was so excited about that I could not keep my mouth shut until the movie started.

I know I won't feel an experience remotely similar to this again until the last Harry Potter movie comes out, and even then THAT experience will be different than how I felt yesterday.

I was a late comer to the Scream franchise, but that doesn't diminish my love for the characters, the stories, and Ghostface. If I had to make a list of my favorite Franchises (horror or in general) Scream would be on the list.

Watching this movie was like getting to catch up with old friends, friends that you were really really close to. Thats the best way I can put into words how this was for me.

The script was, in Kev Williamson style, SMART. It said a lot about horror and the state the genre is in at this point. It's a great commentary on where we are. I wanted to squeal like a girl each time one of the original three characters popped up on screen, and THAT is how you know you've crafted a great series, when people are worried about characters and get excited to see them.

I think in terms of the entire series it is my favorite of the sequels, only beating Scream 2 because I didn't like seeing Jamie Kennedy get killed off.

Because if there is anything that we learned from Scream 4 it's that the original is 9 times out of 10 better than what comes after it (in horror at least).

Coming Soon

I saw Scream 4 last night, my thoughts are coming about it soon, but just so we're clear I liked it a lot.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Michael Shanon in the new Superman flick


In case you haven't heard, one of my favorite working actors Michael Shanon was cast recently as General Zod in the new Superman movie (Titled "The Man of Steel").

Shannon is a power house. The first time I saw him in something was in 2007's BUG (and now I realize that he was in one of my favorite comedies of all time Cecil B. Demented), and his reach as an actor stuck with me.

Flashforward to now where he plays Nelson Van Alden on Boardwalk Empire (a literally perfect show).

In my opinion we don't need another Superman where he only fights Luthor or General Zod, but I'll see this because of who the villain is (and since Amy Adams is Lois Lane).

Snyder has the capacity to fuck this up, but since he didn't write the script I'm hopeful for it.

Can't wait.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Light's Out series finale

It seems that I am a cursed man. Every time I hear about a show and watch it from the first episode on, it is doomed to fail; however, if I start watching a show in the middle of say it's first or second season, it explodes.

Light's Out was my favorite new show that has come on in about a year (the last one being The Walking Dead), and since I was drawn to it so heavily and watched it from day 1 it was only a matter of time before it was canceled, and it was.

Last night was the finale and it became apparent how much I loved the show when I was incredibly nervous during the boxing match. I was afraid for this character whom I had grown to love and wanted to see succeed. That is how you know you're watching a good tv show, when you're afraid and nervous in real life for someone that is totally fictional.

I was very satisfied with the finale, of course they didn't know it would be the SERIES finale when they made it, but even if it wasn't I would have loved it. The ending left me completely heart broken, I definitely almost cried (not because the show was over, because of what actually happened in the ending).

Of course like any good finale, it gave us just as many questions as it answered. There were still a few questions left unanswered from earlier episodes that I wished had been touched on. All in all it was a very well put together finale and I'm sad to see the show go, it was wonderful.

Addendum:
There are rumors that the USA Network has picked up the show out of cancellation, and will air the second season next year. I hope these are true.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Who Killed Rosie Larsen?

The premiere for AMC's new TV show The Killing literally just ended and I wanted to get some thoughts out before I forget anything.

Aesthetically the show is very well made, and the acting is top notch. The writing is obviously very well crafted and plotted, the mystery aspect is very strong.

The characters are good and unique. They seem more like real people, like we're more watching a documentary than a television series.

This is some well made TV.

The only thing wrong with tonight's premiere was they lumped the first 2 episodes into the 2 hour block and called it a "two hour premiere" and it started to feel long and I lost interest at about the 90 minute mark (it was quickly recovered).

As for who I think killed Rosie Larsen, it's tough to say at this point since we're only 2 Eps in, but my money is on Detective Holder, but I'm sure this will change.

Did you guys watch it? If not, watch it.