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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 12, 2007
'Heroes' Creator Talks Upcoming Twists
digitalspy.co.uk is reporting that Heroes creator Tim Kring has revealed that another major death is coming before the first season is out.
Predictably, Kring refused to state exactly who would die but teased: "It'll be someone who was in the opening minutes of the pilot."
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The Predator of 'AVP2' Talks
superherohype.com is reporting that AvPGalaxy has done another Alien vs. Predator 2 interview, this time with Ian Whyte, who played the Predator in both "AVP" and "AVP2." The interview covers how he became an actor, his experiences on "AVP," what it was like working with the Strause brothers on "AVP2," and how the Predator has changed since the first film as well as what we can expect from the upcoming sequel.
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Tim Story Gives 'Fantastic Four 2' Update
superherohype.com is reporting that Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer director Tim Story has posted an update on what is happening at this time on his official Blog:
Here I am guys. Been going strong editing for a couple weeks now (not including the countless weeks doing it while I was shooting). Everything's everything. Wish there was more to share but we're just into so much. Titles, Vis effects, sound - all that. Got a lot to experiment with in regard to sound - The Surfer, the Fantasticar, and...
Okay, so if it could be anyone - who would be the voice of the Surfer? And don't be obvious. The person/voice can't be too recognizable or it will take you out of the movie."
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'Battlestar Galactica' Producers Talk Film Version
darkhorizons.com is reporting that in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, "Battlestar Galactica" producers Ron Moore and David Eick confirmed they are developing and will be making a DVD/TV premiere film version of the show.
The film, which will feature all the same cast and crew, will bridge the gap between the TV show's third and fourth seasons but will NOT resolve the cliffhanger left at the end of season three.
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SCI-FI BRAIN NEWS
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Thursday, January 11, 2007 |
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Roswell (2.14) “How the Other Half Lives” - Review
By: jesuiscanadien
When we last left the “Alien Our Gang”, Michael and Maria had been escorted out of the Dupree Estate. Max, Liz, Tess, and Isabel were trying to figure what to do about the blue crystals that were found underneath Laurie Dupree’s grave. As we rejoin the intrepid heroes, Michael and Maria are holed up outside the Estate, waiting for the right time to make their way back inside. Back in Roswell, Valenti and Agent Duff have stopped Grant Sorenson, due to the info Duff uncovered about him, regarding his work history and the timing of stolen items used in the kidnapping of Laurie Dupree.
As Valenti searches Grant’s car (he has an actual warrant this time), Duff asks for corroboration of some facts regarding said timing and work schedule. Valenti finds a smoking gun in the form of gloves, as well as noticing some recent scratches on Grant’s neck. Over in Tucson, Michael and Maria have managed to get back inside the house, only to be able to reassure Laurie, before security drags them out once again.
The next day, at the Crashdown, Max, Tess, Isabel, and Liz are discussing what to do about the crystals, when Brody as Larek comes in. He explains what the Gandarium (blue crystals) are, and what they will do to destroy the Earth. Tess figures out that Laurie hasn’t become fully infected, which is why the alien crystals are still after her. Larek tells them that it has a hive mentality, complete with a queen, and explains what the queen does. They realize that they must find the queen and destroy it.
Back in Tucson, Maria and Michael figure out that the Estate is in Laurie’s name. Maria plans to use it as leverage, and they go back to confront Laurie’s Aunt and Uncle about their deception. Meredith and Bobby reluctantly let them back in, as Maria explains to Michael that people with money are usually nervous when it is threatened.
Max had called Alex and Kyle in for help, and they are digging their sixth or seventh hole out in Frasier Woods, looking for the hive. They find it, and of course, they climb in. When they decide to leave to tell the others, the crystals seal up their only method of escape. When Max, Tess, Isabel and Liz stumble on their hole, with the crystals covering the opening, Liz gets a call from Kyle, from his cell, on her cell. They are stunned to hear what’s happened and Isabel runs to get the diamond saw from Brody’s collection, as the other three start to dig a new hole in the hopes that they will manage to break through again.
Meanwhile, Maria is letting Meredith know about her knowledge that Bobby and Meredith paid a shrink off to have Laurie put away, as Michael is talking to Laurie about her grandfather. Laurie offers to introduce him, and they go down to Grandpa’s bomb shelter, where his stuff his still stored. She explains that Grandpa was abducted by aliens, and it affected him deeply. When she tells Michael that people are who they are, she adds that she’s crazy, Michael tells her that she’s not. He passionately talks about how she went through something very real, and how this house is hers, and she needs to take her life back.
Back in Roswell, Isabel is kidnapped by Grant Sorenson as she is getting the diamond saw. When she wakes in the car, he tells her that he thinks something is happening to him. She wants him to pull over, but he gets aggressive. They talk urgently about what is going on. The queen, who is inhabiting his body, wants Grant to kill Isabel, and he commands Isabel instead to take his cell phone and get out of the car. Isabel calls Valenti and tells him what’s going on before the cell connection is lost.
At the dig site, Liz, Max, and Tess are still frantically digging, while Kyle and Alex are singing “American Pie” below ground. Kyle accidentally stumbles on the “how to” in killing the crystals. Seems you have to deprive them of oxygen and they go kaput. Max tells the gang that “they die too”, if all the oxygen is sucked out of the cave.
Back at Laurie’s, Michael and Maria are enjoying watching Laurie have a good time in the pool. Michael then gets a call from Max, who tells him that the crystals must be deprived of oxygen, in order to be killed. Michael tells him that there aren’t any crystals there, and Laurie is under his ever-watchful eye. Meanwhile, they are enjoying themselves at Laurie’s home.
When Valenti tells Duff that they need to beat Grant to Tucson, she questions him as to why. He tells her that she will see things that could kill her career if they ever get out. He tells her that she needs to trust him, and get them a plane, and be very selective as to what she puts in her report after it is all said and done.
When Maria rings for service at the dinner table back in Tucson, no one answers, so Michael is sent to investigate. He finds Carmen garrotted, and he gets Maria to take Laurie someplace safe right away. They run off to the bomb shelter, as Michael begins to check the house out. He gets shot by Grant, and Grant runs after the girls. Just as Grant grabs Laurie, Valenti and Duff storm in, guns drawn. During the moment, Laurie gets away, Grant gets shot, and the queen reveals herself. Michael makes it down to the bomb shelter, and sucks all the air out of the shelter, once everyone has left. The queen tries to break out, but dies in the process as her oxygen is gone.
Back in the crystal cave, Kyle and Alex are waiting to die, when the crystals suddenly melt, as their queen is dead. Alex and Kyle pop out of the newly vacated hole, and everyone celebrates the crystals terrible demise, while Isabel finally makes it to Tucson, and mourns Grant’s death. Duff and Valenti talk about what to put in the report, and Valenti counsels her to just walk away. Michael and Maria talk about what to do about the Laurie situation, and Maria tells him that he can protect Laurie with the help of a lawyer. They get that fixed up and leave Laurie in a better place.
I enjoyed this episode, even though I felt the danger from the crystals to be a tad contrived. The queen wasn’t scary either, as she resembled a blob of blue jelly, sort of like a jelly fish, but less pretty. Grant sure looked rough for his last bit of time alive, but hey, he’s a mental case from being inhabited by the queen, so I guess personal hygiene isn’t a bit deal there. Isabel’s sorrow at Grant’s death didn’t seem too convincing, but I didn’t buy their romantic relationship from the get-go. No semblance of chemistry, meant for me at least, a lack of a realistic relationship.
The guys feelings about being a human “chain gang”, and their subsequent victory cry over the death of the crystals, was pretty funny. They provided humour to a bleak situation, which is always good in my book. Making me laugh is always a desired effect.
I liked how Michael took credit for Maria’s deductive reasoning and detective work. There is no way he could convincingly explain how he came up with the idea to look up the property title, but he took credit anyway. He is so anxious to be the hero for Laurie, as she is the only relative he has on the planet, besides the icky Bobby and Meredith. By the way, Bobby and Meredith make funny sleazeballs. I’d be of a mind to have them audited, just for the heck of it. They deserve so much worse.
I must say, that while the crystals just didn’t make very good bad guys, it was an amusing episode. For pure entertainment, even with the things that bugged me (the time issue was ever-present, as was the lack of accountability to parents), I’d still have to give this episode a 7.5 out of a possible 10.0.
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Thursday, January 11, 2007 |
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RahXephon Ep.18 - Review
By: samwiseb
“The color of blood changes, and everyone grows strange. But no one thinks there’s anything odd about that.”
Eighteenth Movement: “The Bond of Blue Blood”
Nighttime in Tokyo, where the year is still 2015. Tracking Ayato on foot, Haruka stops at the middle school which she and he used to attend. She tells Elvy what we’ve already guessed: that they used to be the same age, and that she dated him during that time. She denies still being in love with him, but Elvy detects the lie. Hiroko Asahina meanwhile is at home talking to herself (see header above). She goes into Surreal Flashback Mode and sees Ayato walking with another girl (presumably a younger Haruka). Ayato falls to his knees and wigs out…
…and we cut to Ayato at his home, in the present, wigging out (right where we left off with him last week). Underneath the city, RX re-awakens inside the Room of Rah (oh, you found your way home… good robot) and starts blasting its way out. Metronomes intercept and engage RX as it rampages through the city on its way to rescue the boy (good robot… loyal robot. Have a cookie).
Maya orders Allegretto and Falsetto deployed to subdue RX. She gives her son a shot to help him chill, and explains to him that “This world existed for you Ayato… for you alone. But you left in order to become a true instrumentalist. That’s why this world changed: because it no longer needed to conform to you.”
Through a mirror in their living room, we see the apparitions of two Mulians apparently linked to the Dolem deployed against RX (the same phenomenon witnessed in episodes 1-3). Maya explains that only in this fashion -by linking Dolem with unwitting humans- can a salvageable few Mulians cross over into our reality. The second apparition winks out of existence as “Falsetto” is destroyed. Maya also admits to not being Ayato’s true biological mother, though she wishes she could have been.
Haruka and Elvy find the Kamina residence being gaurded by Mu henchman Kuki and his soldiers. A wandering Asahina is stopped from paying Ayato a visit, and she's surprised to find her boyfriend Mamoru there with the soldiers. She asks if he’s been deceiving her this whole time; unstable boyfriend becomes intense and grabs her, and she claws at him to get away. Confused Mu soldiers begin shooting at Asahina as she flees, until Mamoru yells at them to stop. Blue blood pours out of his face.
Quon awakens in the hospital and goes into Singing Mode (Borodin’s “Polotsvian Dances”, in case you’re interested). Her black egg from episode 12 appears over Tokyo (though the animators seem to forget that it’s black), and she is paid a visit by Mishima/Ixtli. Back at the house Maya senses Quon and resumes chanting in Mulian; Ayato decides that he’s seen enough. The egg disappears, presumably taking Quon with it.
Chasing after Ayato, Haruka runs into Maya and holds her at gunpoint. Confirming she’s from TERRA, Haruka introduces herself as Rikudoh Shougo’s niece (i.e., “I know you were my uncle’s adopted daughter” sort of thing). Maya comments on how strong Haruka's become (since dating her son).
Ayato finds Asahina leaning against a wall, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. She falls apart in his arms, and he has to lie to her that her blood’s still red. He tells her he’s leaving, and she goes into Full Meltdown Mode begging him to bring her along (it’s truly horrific to watch; there’s no question her sanity will crack if she's left behind in hell).
RX envelops him, picks Asahina up in a ball of light and warps itself outside of Tokyo. Haruka is absolutely crushed and gets a slap in the face from Elvy. Compare with Maya’s priceless reaction upon hearing that both her son and Quon are reported missing: “Don’t talk to me right now. I’ll shoot you.”
RX rematerializes back in the real world of 2028, Ayato wondering if there’s really anywhere left for him and his blue-blooded friend to go. To Be Continued.
There’s not a lot to comment on that I haven’t already in the past. As with last episode, Ayato remains in a seemingly drugged state of autopilot throughout his Tokyo visit. And much as I love Haruka, I think she overreacts when RX jumps beyond her reach. Maya is excellent as always: both sympathetic in her role as Ayato’s mother, but also quite believably dangerous (and given what we already know about Kuki, I hardly think any of us would mind if she actually did force him into abrupt retirement).
We finally have official confirmation of a relationship that’s been hinted at almost from the beginning. But if you ask me, this mini-arc we’re in now is really about hapless Asahina, who may have once competed with Haruka for Ayato’s affections (it seems a cruel irony that Haruka doesn’t even recognize her former classmate while spying on Ayato’s house). The next episode is my personal favorite of the entire series. In other words, stick around.
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Thursday, January 11, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 11, 2007
Halle Berry Calls Out to 'X-Men' Fans
superherohype.com is reporting that when Halle Berry won for "Favorite Female Action Star" at the People's Choice Awards on Tuesday night, she called out to X-Men fans. Here's a good summary of what she said from XMenFilms.net:
"I had no idea you guys loved Storm so much! Wow, thank you, thank you. And I want to thank Tom Rothman for allowing me to play Storm, and Brett Ratner for allowing Storm to finally use her cape and fly this year." said Halle Berry at yesterday's People's Choice Awards.
"But I have something to ask you guys. You guys really love X-Men? Ok, here's what you have to do. Write letters. Every one of you in this building who love X-Men and want to see X-Men 4, write a letter to Tom Rothman at Fox and tell him so and you will get another one, and I'll be there too."
You can write or e-mail 20th Century Fox regarding X4 at:
20th Century Fox Theatricals
ATTN: Tom Rothman (X-Men 4)
P.O. Box 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900
foxmovies@fox.com
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The 'Synecdoche, New York' Five
chud.com is reporting that Charlie Kaufman, the writer of films like Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Adaptation, is making the plunge into directing with Synecdoche, New York, which is about a theater director/playwright who tries to put on a play inside a life size model of New York City inside a warehouse. Yup, sounds like Kaufman.
Philip Seymour Hoffman had already been announced as the playwright/director. Michelle Williams, Heath Ledger’s spawn-maker, was also announced – turns out she’s playing Hoffman’s second wife. New announcements: Catherine Keener is playing his first wife, Samantha Morton is his lover, and Tilda Swinton will play Catherine Keener’s best friend.
Editor Note: Huge fan of Kaufman and wanted to post this hear, besides, by what I read in an earlier script review, the story will have a sci-fi-esque element to it
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Script Review: Planet Terror
latinoreview.com is reporting that El Mayimbe continues the Month of Latino Kings with a look at the script for Robert Rodriguez's half of the Grindhouse double feature, Planet Terror.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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Wednesday, January 10, 2007 |
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The Fountain - Review
By: jiggyj
I'm a hopeless romantic at heart. To me there is nothing greater than a really well done love story that makes you feel like you can do anything in the world as long as you are loved. As The Beatles would say, all you need is love, love, love is all you need. So what could make a love story even greater to me? You wrap it up in a wonderful sci-fi story and you easily have one of the best movies of 2006.
Hugh Jackman (who gives his best performance to date) plays Tommy, a man who is losing his wife Izzi to illness. Not merely content to sit back and watch her die, Tommy begins a scientific experiment to find a way to save his wife by working on a monkey. After creating a serum on a whim from a plant they found in the jungle, suddenly it seems as if he might have found his answer, as the medical condition of the ape starts to clear up. While the story focuses on Tommy and Izzi in the present, the story also delves into the literary story Izzi is working on, which is the tale of a conquistador who goes into the Mayan world to find the tree of life. The conquistador segment is a wonderfully done parallel to Tommy and Izzi's current situation, with the conquistador quest mimicking that of Tommy trying to save Izzi and the evil villains to the queen representing her disease. The other story involves the future, with Tommy traveling in a spherical bubble to a star that is about to explode, in hopes of revitalizing the tree of life that is about to die.
The story is very emotional, as Rachel Weisz does such a great job as Izzi, and she looks so sickly and frail, you wish you could just jump into the movie yourself to try and help her. And when you see Tommy start to tear up and cry, you can't help but feel bad for him and find yourself getting attached to.
The story is one that is simple at its core, but is presented in such a way that you will be challenged to catch all the minor details, because since the plot jumps around between the three settings, you have to listen to the details, make notes of the imagery, and piece together the story for you to fully appreciate the beauty of it all. If you expect a straight A to B story with everything presented to you and with you not having to think or work, then you will not like The Fountain.
Darren Aronofsky is easily one of my favorite directors, because with only this being his third film under his belt, each one as been a work of art, with Requiem for a Dream and ultimately The Fountain being his masterpiece. The vision of the world he has created and the imagery on the screen is like the most beautiful painting you could ever realize, and the topper of it all is the musical score, which is so wonderfully done and touching that it only helps to amplify the beauty and sadness of it all.
Sadly, the film did not find the audience it deserved for whatever reason, so you might be unable to find the movie now. You can read the graphic novel, which actually came first, though it and the movie aren't exact matches, but rather different re-tellings (they are both great, but the movie is better). If you can't find the movie near you, take my words to heart and remember this for when the film comes out on DVD. If I could, I'd go see it in theaters again, but since it isn't around me, I'll have to wait for the DVD, which will be one of my most cherished and frequently watched movies. For this I guarantee.
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Wednesday, January 10, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 10, 2007
Official 'Transformers' Toy Images Revealed
superherohype.com is reporting that Hasbro has posted the first official photos of action figures for the upcoming Transformers movie on the company's official website. Included are pics of Starscream and Optimus Prime in their Cybertronian forms. The toys will be available May 1st and retail for about $9.99.
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'X-Men' Advances in Oscar Makeup Race
superherohype.com is reporting that ComingSoon.net reports that X-Men: The Last Stand has advanced in the competition for achievement in makeup for the 79th Academy Awards® among with six other films. Three of the seven films will get nominated for an Oscar.
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New Images of Barricade and Megatron Online
iesb.net is reporting that Transformers has to be one of the most anticipated films coming out this year, well besides Spiderman 3 and the next Harry Potter film. Hopefully, and I cross my fingers on this one, the hype doesn't outweigh the delivery a la Episode 1...and 2 and 3 for that matter.
I am seriously hoping for some giant ass kicking robots to hit the screen come Independence Day 2007. Ok so enough of that, TFW2005.com has some pretty cool new images of a full body Megatron and Barricade from the film.
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Abrams Says New 'Star Trek' For Non-Fans
darkhorizons.com is reporting that after his panel at the New York Times' 6th Annual Arts & Leisure Weekend, Entertainment Weekly sat down with Mission: Impossible III helmer and Lost creator J.J. Abrams to get an inside look at his new Star Trek movie.
Abrams confirmed a draft of the script is done and will be trimmed sometime soon. As for the target audience - "On the one hand, for people who love Star Trek, the fix that they will get will be really satisfying. For people who've never seen it or know it vaguely, I think they will enjoy it equally, because the movie does not require you to know anything about Star Trek. I would actually prefer [that] people don't know the series, because I feel like they will come to it with an open mind."
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Time For NBC's 'Journeyman'
scifi.com is reporting that NBC has handed out a cast-contingent pilot order for Kevin Falls' SF drama Journeyman, an epic romantic fantasy about a man who travels back in time to alter and fix the lives of people in trouble, Variety reported. By recalibrating the past, he sometimes affects the future.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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Tuesday, January 09, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 9, 2007
Frank Welker is Days Away From Signing on for Megatron!
iesb.net is reporting that fans rejoice, the movie gods have listen to you, okay maybe it was just Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg who listened, but word is that Frank Welker will be the leader of the Decepticons, Megatron.
Multiple studio sources have confirmed to the IESB that Frank Welker is days away from signing on the dotted line to voice our beloved robotic villain of the 80’s, Megatron, in the upcoming Michael Bay film Transformers.
We just received a very interesting tidbit of information, while I stand behind my studio sources that claim that Frank Welker will indeed be Megatron, another reliable studio source is telling me that as of two weeks ago, Hugo Weaving was also a leading contender for the role of Megatron. Frank Welker or Hugo Weaving? Hmm, something to think about.
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Daniel Craig & Shatner On 'Star Trek'
darkhorizons.com is reporting that short of that "Enterprise" pilot scene where the busty Jolene Blalock and the muscular Connor Trinneer rubbed oil all over their muscles whilst dressed only in their all too tight underwear (they seemed to be both enjoying filming that scene), the words "Star Trek" and sex appeal have been far from synonymous.
That changed on the weekend when a rather ridiculous rumour popped up over WENN that the new James Bond, ie. Daniel Craig, would be involved in M:I-3 helmer and "Lost" producer J.J. Abrams planned big budget film prequel/restart of the franchise.
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James Cameron Interview Regarding AVATAR
aintitcoolnews.com now has up an interview with James Cameron about his film Avatar.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
Children of Men - Review
By: jiggyj
Sometimes when you watch a movie, you end up regretting wasting your time with it. Other times you go and have a good time, but the movie will ultimately be forgotten so after. And then there are movies like Children of Men, which is so haunting in the hideous portrayal of the world the story lives in, that you can't help but remember it, not just minutes or hours later, but rather days, weeks, and months. Children of Men is a powerful film, filmed with some absolutely beautiful direction and a story about what it means to have faith, hope, and to be a real hero.
The story of Children of Men is that the world has hit a state of chaos as terrorists are destroying the world over and humanity has found itself unable to have children for eighteen years. Why have the women become infertile? Is it because of human evolution? The interference of the government? Who knows for sure? Theo (played by the excellent Clive Owen) goes about his days, avoiding bombs, getting high, trying to forget his kid, and then one day he is given a proposal by his ex-wife to help a young girl catch a boat. So why is this girl such a big deal? Because she is the first woman to get pregnant in eighteen years, and that baby could mean a lot of things to a lot of people.
The story is so moving and captivating, partly because the characters are so realized and quirky (but not in an over done way) such as Michael Caine asking people to pull his finger and people cracking minor jokes to try and liven a situation in a world that is beyond desperation. The other reason the movie is so moving is because of the world itself, which feels so real, all the way from the viciousness of the people to the decayed buildings to the faded drawings of an old elementary school that has no use since children are no longer being born. With the war going on in Iraq right now, we only have an inkling of what it must really be like since we aren't over there, and though the television does a good enough job presenting that war torn environment, this movie seems to feel much more like what it must be like over there. It is easily the most realized movie world I've seen in some time. Usually when we watch a movie we temporarily enter into this fantasy world, only to be able to leave again soon after the credits roll, but with Children of Men the world very much follows you out.
The direction is also quite superb, featuring some brilliantly imagined long shots, that I'm frankly unsure how they were done. There are several of these with the main ones being near the beginning in a car and near the end in a building; to ruin the surprise of these moments would be a shame, so I can only tell you that as I sit here recounting my experience with this review, chills are flooding up my arms. There are so, so, so many haunting images and wonderfully filmed moments, such as Kee being framed by a broken glass to a long shot where Theo listens to a sad story where not once does he blink to my knowledge.
It is not a happy movie by any stretch of the imagination. In a world so bleak, you'd have to be idiotic to think everything would turnout sunshine and lollipops by the very end. But you know what, that is the real world, and that is ultimately why the movie succeeds so well. The movie is about faith and hope (keep in mind that that does not mean religion or God by any stretch of the imagination) and trying to find it when you've hit the bottom of the barrel and need to climb up. Kee and the baby she is carrying could be whatever you want it to be in your own life, from religion if you wanted to the faith you have in a person near you. The point is you need to have faith and hope and believe in it with your full heart.
Children of Men just might possibly be the best movie of 2006 (though 2007 was just released in a larger market) and even if it isn't it is still one of the most powerful. I'm so glad that I went out and saw this film and can't wait for the DVD, where I'll be able to marvel at this wondrous film time and time again. Do yourself a favor and check this movie out as soon as possible.
Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 8, 2007
Chapdelaine Talks 'Alien vs. Predator 2'
superherohype.com is reporting that AvPGalaxy has interviewed Morris Chapdelaine, one of the puppeteers on Alien vs. Predator 2, who gives lots of new info about the creatures and action scenes.
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Masi Oka on 'Heroes' and the Future
superherohype.com now has up an interview with Masi Oka who plays Hiro on Heroes.
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Flash a-ah!
moviehole.net is reporting that despite an earlier proposal to bring pulp comic-book hero Flash Gordon back to movie screens – with Stephen Sommers (“The Mummy”) leading the charge, and Kutcher the favourite to play the fighting footballer – seems the character is instead headed for the small screen.
According to Geek Monthly, Sci Fi is secretly developing a new “Flash Gordon” series. It’ll be much more serious than the previous film version – and no, Sam Jones won’t be back. It’s all tied in with the success of the classic “Battlestar Galactica”. I guess Sci Fi have tapped onto the fact that they can take these classic old shows/serials and give them a nice oil and grease, primed for a contemporary audience.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 5, 2007
NBC To Offer 'Heroes' Catch-up On DVD
digitalspy.co.uk is reporting that NBC has joined with DVD rental firm Netflix to offer subscribers a Heroes catch-up DVD ahead of the show's return on January 22.
The NBC DVD will become available to customers of Netflix's online movie rental service today. It will contain a specially produced recap of Heroes' highly-rated and critically acclaimed first 11 episodes.
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'Alien vs. Predator 2' Behind-the-Scenes
superherohype.com is reporting that the ReelzChannel has aired a new behind-the-scenes look at 20th Century Fox's Alien vs. Predator 2, in theaters on December 21. The show "Dailies" talked to directors Greg and Colin Strause about the action-adventure which they say will be rated R, compared to the first installment which carried the PG-13 rating.
You can view the vid at the link provided.
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Alfonso Cuaron (CHILDREN OF MEN) Interview
chud.com now has up an interview with the sci-fi Children of Men director Alfonso Cuaron.
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'Heroes' Oka Talks Takei
scifi.com is reporting that Masi Oka, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Hiro Nakamura on NBC's Heroes, told SCI FI Wire that his character's relationship with his father, played by Star Trek veteran George Takei, will be a rocky one. "You'll find that his father, he has a lot of expectations of his son," Oka said in a conference call with journalists on Jan. 3. "And Hiro is his only male son, who he expected to kind of be his heir to his company. So because of that, there's some expectations, and he kind of views Hiro's journey to be very childish and foolish, and he wants him to grow up. And Hiro's always kind of seen his father as an intimidating figure, and someone who he always has to live up to, and possibly sometimes limits who Hiro is as a person because of the expectations that his father has always had on him. So Hiro's always had to feel like he had to live up to certain expectations. And we'll see a little bit of that conflict, and the reason why his dad came to find Hiro in America."
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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Thursday, January 04, 2007 |
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Roswell (2.13) “Disturbing Behaviour” – Review
By: jesuiscanadien
We now join Michael and Maria covertly watching the Sheriff’s Office from a nearby rooftop. God only knows what day it is, or how long since Laurie Dupree was rescued from the makeshift gravesite. But then I’ve got to learn to live with that, now don’t I? Anyways, back to Michael and Maria. They’re chatting away about Michael’s uncanny resemblance to “Grandpa, 1935”; when we see Agent Duff gently interrogating Laurie. Laurie tells Duff that she thinks the aliens are near and she freaks out. She is then transferred to a waiting ambulance, and Michael and Maria follow the ambulance in the Jetta.
While they are following the ambulance, Laurie manages to get free and she knocks out the paramedic riding with her, and tries to take control of the driver. The ambulance loses control and rolls over an embankment off the road. Michael stops the car, and both he and Maria run to the ambulance. When Laurie sees Michael, she freaks and runs off; pushing down Maria, and then the shooting begins. A car has been following the ambulance as well, and the driver is now shooting at Laurie. Michael grabs Laurie and tells her that if she wants to live, come with them, and if she wants to die, she can stay behind. She goes with them, as they drive off under fire from the shooter.
The incident is on TV the next morning, and Michael is on the phone with Isabel and Max. Isabel tells Michael that the whole state is out looking for her, and they can’t come back to Roswell. Meanwhile, Laurie is locked inside the car, and she is slowly destroying it.
Over at the Valenti Estate, Kyle and Tess walk in on Valenti having a minor breakdown with large equipment. Seems Valenti is trying some therapeutic handiwork to keep from going off the deep end. Kyle and Tess see that there is a new addition to the household, namely a 15million dollar lawsuit by Grant Sorenson against Valenti.
Back at the UFO Centre, Max is looking at the alien crystals underneath a microscope, and he can’t make heads or tails of them. Isabel suggests he involve Liz, and he tells her that he wants to keep Liz out of this for the moment. Isabel heads over to the Crashdown to let Alex and Liz know what’s going on, and Sean walks up in the middle of the conversation. He informs Liz that Aunt Amy, Maria’s Mom, wants to speak to Liz. So Liz and Sean head over to the DeLuca residence, while Isabel gets stopped by Agent Duff and taken in for questioning.
While Duff is questioning Isabel, Grant comes in with a gun that he found a mile from the crime scene, and it’s the gun that was used to fire on Laurie both times. Over at the DeLuca residence, Amy is grilling Liz about her daughter, so Liz coughs up that Maria is with Michael. That upsets Amy to no end, and Liz tries to placate her. Amy ends up taking Liz’s cell phone and tells Liz to stick around for Maria to call.
Back on the road that Laurie is using to try and escape, Michael and Maria catch up to her and Maria convinces Michael to try and connect with Laurie so they can get to the bottom of things. Over at the Valenti residence, Kyle and Valenti talk about Valenti’s current situation. While that is going on, Max is sleeping at home when the crystals liquefy and move over to cover his hand. They decide he doesn’t taste good, and when they move off his hand and recrystalize, Max covers them with a glass bowl.
Maria finally calls Liz, and has to talk to her Mom about where they are and what they’re doing. Amy demands to talk to Michael, and she lectures him about not having sex and to call if they need bail money. After the call is terminated, Amy decides she needs a drink, while Sean and Liz are having a pillow fight in the living room. Max comes in during this and asks Liz for help. Liz leaves with Max under awkward circumstances.
Meanwhile, Valenti goes over to talk to Grant about the lawsuit and is attacked by Grant under the influence of aliens. Grant comes back to reality once Valenti hits him and Valenti realizes what’s going on. He goes to see Agent Duff to tell her, but Duff tells him about the gun and who found it. Valenti says he thinks that Grant may be mentally ill, and Duff tells him that she thinks he might be the one with the problem.
Over at the UFO Centre, Liz is looking at the crystal and she comes to some conclusions, but she needs Isabel to talk to Grant to get the skinny. Isabel meets back up with Grant and they start over. She flirts with him to get the info.
In Tucson, Maria and Michael bring Laurie to her grandfather’s house, only to find out that he’d been dead for seven years. Michael and Maria explain what has happened to Laurie and the Aunt and Uncle just blow it off. Back at the UFO Centre, Isabel has given all the info she gleaned from Grant to Liz and together they find out that the parasitic crystals have made their way into the water table from the crash site on Pohlman Ranch into Frazier Woods and the stream with the parasites ran right under Laurie’s gravesite.
Over at Valenti’s place, Duff comes in with news that all the goods used to make up Laurie’s grave were stolen, as was the rifle, and they all were stolen at the same time that Grant Sorenson was there. She asks for Valenti’s help and promises to get him his job back if they can close this case.
Back in Tucson, Michael is given $50grand and then Maria and Michael are escorted off the property. It seems the family has closed ranks against them, thinking Michael has come to make a claim on the Estate.
Back at the UFO Centre, Brody is undergoing hypnotherapy in a way with Isabel, as they try to get a hold of Larek through Brody’s body. Brody tells them that it never works and he is proven to be a bad patient, but Isabel tells him that she’s a little psychic, which he ironically has a hard time believing. When Isabel puts both her hands on his hand, there is a huge electric volt flings both of them backwards. Larek makes an appearance after that, and Max explains the situation. Larek tells Max that the planet is infected and they must vacate right away. At this point we are left with the “To Be Continued…” as the episode ends.
Now we are getting to the interesting stuff. Michael’s got 50G’s in hush money, the planet is in trouble from an alien parasite, and Grant Sorenson could be under the alien influence! Talk about lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!
Will Michael be able to help Laurie, or will he be denied? Will Max, Isabel, Alex, Kyle, and Liz be able to save the planet, whether or not Michael and Maria don’t come home? Will Grant be caught, or will something more heinous happen to him? Will he drop the lawsuit against Valenti? These questions and more will not be answered here. But it will sure be interesting to see how this stuff pans out, eh?
I enjoyed the small sojourn into the Bickersons’ universe again. They’re such a fun couple. Plus, it was funny to see how freaked out Amy DeLuca got about the Maria situation. Does she think that Maria is dumb enough to repeat her history? I think that Maria would avoid that sorry tale like the bubonic plague.
The whole “Brody as Larek” scenario was interesting too. It raises scientific questions that geeks love, but I can’t be bothered to get into them. Okay, maybe one. If Brody’s heart stopped when Larek entered, why the hell was he so damned okay after Max performs CPR on him afterwards? CPR hurts like hell; it’s not something you jump up from afterwards. Makes you go hmmm.
Now I’m anxious to see how the next episode turns out. Will we see a satisfactory conclusion to the crystals question, and will the alien inside Grant get his or her comeuppance? Will this end up like a long distance commercial, or will we be frustrated in our denial like any episode of “Lost”? Just kidding about “Lost”. Maybe. I’d wait with baited breath, but then I’d just turn blue, and who wants that? Don’t answer.
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Thursday, January 04, 2007 |
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Anime Review: RahXephon Ep.17
By: samwiseb
Last week: Ayato Kamina borrowed the RahXephon without permission, to return to Tokyo with Quon Kisaragi. What answers await him in the place that used to be home?
Seventeenth Movement: “Return to the Labyrinth”
At TERRA HQ, Inspector Isshiki gloats with opportunism as he has Kunugi relieved of command, and declares that Ayato will be tried for first-degree treason. Vermillion is launched to intercept and retrieve RX; Elvy reluctantly agrees to let Haruka stow away in the cargo hold.
Inside RX, Quon senses Ayato’s doubts and reassures him that he is still human. They are both human. Ayato asks Quon if RahXephon isn’t actually hers; she replies that no, hers is different. As Vermillion catches up, she refers to it as a “warped instrument”. Dolem Allegretto appears to “welcome” RX with its familiar song from episodes 1-3.
Elvy issues Ayato an ultimatum to return to base. For her part she seems to have gotten over the shock of his identity, though this does not lessen her resolve. Haruka interrupts, warning Ayato that it’s no longer safe for him to return at this time. Allegretto attacks Vermillion, keeping it busy while a quantum corridor opens inside Tokyo Jupiter’s wall to allow RX through. Allegretto follows.
Elvy clears permission from TERRA HQ to use Vermillion’s Trans-Dimensional Drive for a jump through the absolute barrier, and she and Haruka soon find themselves floating above Tokyo with no trace of RX. They hide Vermillion at a forest reserve and make their way into the city on foot, but discover that Tokyo has changed considerably since their last visit: Dolem “Metronomes” now hover over the city streets, yet people pass by without seeming to notice these things. The Mu have strengthened their psychological control over Tokyo.
Ayato awakens in a hospital and is taken to see Quon, who has fallen ill due to not having packed her life support vest along (oops!). He has a Reika Mishima-induced vision of Maya (his mom), dressed in “Mulian” robes and makeup, talking with her Mu henchmen. She later visits him in her more familiar appearance, and exchanges a couple words with Quon in Mulianese.
Driving home, they pass Ayato’s friends Mamoru and Asahina. He stops to visit with them, but theirs is not a happy reunion. He has only been gone a month from their perspective. Asahina lets on that she’s been worried during his absence, and has a brief meltdown as she feels something is terribly wrong, yet cannot seem to verbalize what. But Mamoru dismisses that Ayato’s just been away visiting relatives, in a tone that leaves no room for discussion.
Back at the house, Ayato finds his first painting of Mishima still on his canvas, and gazes at it for a while. Maya catches him in the mirror biting his lip to check if his blood’s still red; she cuts her finger and smears her blue blood across his chin. Ayato freaks out at his mother’s spooky behavior. To Be Continued.
This is a depressing arc, and all the more powerful because of it. Particularly disturbing is Ayato’s run-in with his schoolmates. As we never really understand the nature of the Mulian mind control, it’s impossible to know what is happening with them or the Tokyo citizens in general. Even re-watching these episodes, one can’t help being pulled along by false hope.
The ambiguity surrounding Ayato/Mishima continues this week (no surprise there, right?). When he asks his friends if anyone ever talks about her “disappearance”, it’s left open to interpretation whether he even remembers having just seen her in the hospital. Ayato pretty much acts like he’s in a dream throughout the “Tokyo” half in this episode.
So Quon is destined to pilot a D-5 unit as well, though not the RX which Ayato inherited. Not altogether surprising, since it's established she too is an instrumentalist.
That’s about all there is to comment on this week. Except that “McBonaruds” has to be the worst case of Engrish I’ve ever seen.
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Thursday, January 04, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 4, 2007
'Lost' Actress Splits With Husband
zap2it.com is reporting that Emilie de Ravin, who plays single other Claire on "Lost," will once again be single in real life.
The Australian actress and her husband, actor Josh Janowicz, have split after six months of marriage, report news sources.
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Wanna ask Darren Aronofsky a Question?
moviehole.net is reporting that do you got something to say to director Darren Aronofsky?
Moviehole is letting YOU ask a question to one of the best filmmakers in the Wood they call Holly.
Whether it is about his classic “Requiem for a Dream”, his one-time plans to bring “Batman” to the multiplex, or his latest film, “The Fountain”, Moviehole is letting you play interviewee.
Go to the link to find how to send your questions in.
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Hallstrom's 'New Amsterdam' At Fox
scifi.com is reporting that Lasse Halstrom is set to direct and executive-produce the SF pilot New Amsterdam for Fox, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The project is the first foray into American television for the Oscar-nominated director.
The series, written by Allan Loeb and Christian Taylor, centers on a man cursed with immortality who works as a homicide detective in New York. "I was really intrigued by the writing," Hallstrom told the trade paper. "I find it emotionally very strong, with a very interesting lead character and a recognizable observation of human behavior."
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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Wednesday, January 03, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 2, 2007
NBC Greenlights 'The Bionic Woman'
superherohype.com is reporting that The Hollywood Reporter reports that NBC has given the green lights to a new take on "The Bionic Woman."
The show, which has received a cast-contingent order, is a reconceptualization of the 1970s series about a woman whose body is mechanically enhanced to save her life.
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'BSG' MMO Coming To 360?
scifi.com is reporting that gaming Web site 1up.com reported a rumor that a massively multiplayer online game based on the SCI FI Channel original series Battlestar Galactica is in the works. According to the site, a listing recently appeared on the EB Games Web site for an Xbox 360 MMO game published by Vivendi, which owns 20 percent of NBC Universal, the parent company of SCI FI Channel (and SCIFI.com).
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'Smallville' Fan Films Wanted
scifi.com is reporting that Warner Brothers and the creators of Smallville are inviting fans to submit 15-minute videos of themselves demonstrating why they are the ultimate fans of the CW series. The winner will be featured on the upcoming DVD release of the show's sixth season.
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'The Time Traveler's Wife' Gets A Rewrite
scifi.com is reporting that Bruce Joel Rubin (Ghost) has been hired to rewrite the script for the SF romance The Time Traveler's Wife, based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger, Variety reported. Robert Schwentke is still on board to direct the film, which is being produced by Brad Pitt and Nick Wechsler.
The story centers on the relationship between a Chicago librarian who suffers from a condition which causes him to travel in time involuntarily. His episodes often take him to random moments in the life of a girl who grows up to be his wife. The Time Traveler's Wife has been in development since 2003, when New Line acquired the feature rights to the unfinished novel. It went on to become a bestseller.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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Tuesday, January 02, 2007 |
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Sci-Fi Brain News -- January 2, 2007
The first new day of Sci-Fi Brain in the new year. Woot! I hope you all had some nice holidays. Now for the news.
BBC Denies Tennant Quitting Rumours
digitalspy.co.uk is reporting that David Tennant is set to continue in his role as Dr. Who, according to the BBC.
The corporation has denied reports that the star is looking to quit the show, insisting that Tennant is "committed" to the show, and will stay until at least the end of the fourth series.
A BBC spokesman added: "When a further series is commissioned, we will be able to confirm his involvement."
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' Battlestar Galactica' Gets A DTV Movie
darkhorizons.com is reporting that despite declining ratings over on The SciFi Channel, universal critical acclaim and robust DVD sales have led Universal Home Video to apparently consider greenlighting a Battlestar Galactica direct-to-video telefilm.
According to a report at Geek Monthly, if it goes forward the two hour telefilm will shoot in March during the series hiatus and prior to the commencement of production on the series fourth season in June.
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SCI-FI BRAIN INDEX
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