Forces of Geek: we like pop culture: 7/1/11

Friday, July 29, 2011

BRIDESMAIDS Comes To DVD & Blu-Ray!

The breakout comedy of the summer, Bridesmaids is coming to DVD/Blu-ray on September 20th !

Full details after the jump.

In the action-comedy 30 Minutes or Less, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) is a small town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wanna-be criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The volatile duo kidnaps Nick and forces him to rob a bank. With mere hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship.

And we're giving away passes to see the movie on August 9th in both Boston and Providence!

As a fan of genre movies, one of the genres I find myself returning to the most is the horror film. Perhaps because it’s encompassed such a wide range of cinematic style – from the Gothic horror of Dracula, to the Expressionism of the Val Lewton pictures, and the gritty, at times documentary-like realism of films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Blair Witch Project – but the horror film is a genre that has always managed to straddle both popular and artistic demands.

It would be impossible to pick a “favorite” period or cycle of horror films, though the films produced by Val Lewton at RKO in the 1940s would certainly be near the top. Horror has definitely gone through some very different trends, at least in American film, dating all the way back to the silent period.

Jason Vorhees stalking prey on the campgrounds of Crystal Lake is synonymous with Eighties slasher cinema.

Now, the first eight Friday The 13th films are being re-released in an awesome collection, filled with Deluxe editions packed with extras and perfect for any self respecting movie night.

I have a lot of friends who a physically fit (probably because they look at me, covered in Suzy Q crumbs, and think "Dear God, I need to get into shape) and compete in various races all to raise money for either cancer, MS, or Parkinson's.

Now, don't get me wrong, these are fine endeavors and are very deserving of people running for miles to raise some moolah, but lets face it, those illnesses are nothing compared to the Zombie apocalypse and what you will need to accomplish to stay alive during it.

And what better way to prepare for such an event than to compete in a race that contains obstacles, zombies, and your own fat ass jiggling manically in the breeze while you are trying to outrun the undead.

So, perhaps you should really consider registering (it's not like you are really doing anything anyway).

After the break is a lovely little video for you as well as link for more information about it.

Happy running.

Bryan Cranston had to drop out of the upcoming police saga, Gangster Squad due to a scheduling conflict and Variety is now reporting that Robert Patrick will be taking his place.

Emma Stone is also in negotiations to play the female lead.

The film will chronicle LAPD's fight against increasing crime as well as corruption within the department during the 1940's. A special unit called the "Gangster Squad" is created to help keep east coast mafia type criminals out of Los Angeles.

Ahhh...remember those days when you would open your mailbox and a CD from AOL would fall out giving you free access to it's "Web Browser" for 100 hours and you thought to yourself, "As soon as my 100 hours are over I'm gonna cancel it" and then you realized you couldn't because you were now addicted to a knitting chat room that was a front for yarn porn?

No? Me neither....let's move on.

The following video is from an MTV News report from 1995 and features the aforementioned stars talking about the internet in a way that seems so sweetly naive (kinda like how you were the first time you entered the phrase "Horny Housewives" into the Netscape Navigator and prayed that your roommates didn't catch you).

Good times.

Video after the break.

Kevin Bacon is digging the bad guy roles of late. He was first a drug dealer in James Gunn's Super, then he went on to X-Men: First Class where he played the warped Sebastian Shaw, and this weekend he can be seen as the wife stealing co-worker to Julianne Moore in Crazy Stupid Love.

Now, Variety is reporting Bacon is in final negotiations to play the villain in R.I.P.D., an adaptation of the Dark Horse graphic novel by Peter M. Lenkov.

They're wheels, numbskull. They make the cart roll.

This 2009 comedy has a 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where only 31% of the audience report liking it.

It’s got a terrific pedigree. Harold Ramis had writing, directing, and producing duties. Judd Apatow was also on the producing team. The cast is terrific.

What the hell went wrong?

Why Bother?

I'm sorry. I wasn't listening. All my brain blood was in my boner.

Jack Black, Michael Cera, Oliver Platt, David Cross, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Oliver Platt, and Hank Azaria in a comedy with Vinnie Jones, Olivia Wilde, and Xander Berkely; written by Harold Ramis.

I can’t sell it any better than that.

Don't you hate it when you are in the middle of building a replica Tardis in your parent's garage and you can't find a phillips head screwdriver, thus thwarting your plans to best the school bully and win the heart of the unapproachable (but secretly geeky) head cheerleader? (Wow, that could be a movie).

Well now your problems can easily be solved by this:

The Space Intruders Multi-Tool

Okay, sure, the news that comes out of SDCC about comics and movies is always exciting but let's face it,what we really want to see is all the costumes.

And for the dudes, it's to look at half-dressed chicks.

But the following video is fun and sort of validates the reasons why some grown-up men will put on Superman Underoos and tie a red bed sheet around their next only to walk around in a crowd of people.

Because the were born that way.

'Nuff said.

Video after the break.

PUSHING DAISIES Star Lee Pace Cast In Steven Spielberg's LINCOLN

And the cast of Steven Spielberg's LINCOLN gains another geek favorite.

Deadline reports that Lee Pace, most well known for starring in ABC's short lived but beloved PUSHING DAISIES, has been cast as an "opportunistic" New York City mayor, Fernando Wood. Wood was an important early supporter of the Confederate cause.

Among young industry types and at film schools across the country, Brett Ratner may have passed Michael Bay as the most criticized director working in Hollywood. "The Rat," as we often call him, is simply known for making shitty movies (though the RUSH HOURs are guilty pleasures of mine).

The movie focuses on the staff of an upscale apartment building pulling a heist on a Bernie-Madoff-of-a-man (Alda) who scammed them out of their investment.

I do love the cast, but they look completely wasted in this one. Everyone knows how great Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, and Matthew Broderick can be, but Michael Pena might actually be my personal favorite after his incredible sidekick to Seth Rogen in the criminally underrated OBSERVE AND REPORT. The film also stars Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Tea Leoni, and Gabourey Sidibe (PRECIOUS).

Check out the trailer after the jump!

BRUCE CAMPBELL IS SAM AXE!!!

Before Sam Axe teamed up with Michael and Fiona, he was Commander Axe, U.S. Navy SEAL. The Fall of Sam Axe tells the story of how Sam went from respected Naval Commander to the man of mystery we've come to know on Burn Notice. On what will turn out to be Sam's last military mission, he is sent to the jungles of Colombia to investigate claims of a vicious terrorist organization known only as the "Espada Ardiente" (Flaming Sword). His mission: to determine whether U.S. military aid is necessary to deal with the threat. But when he arrives, things are more complicated than he'd imagined. He receives word that the rebels have targeted a small civilian clinic deep in the jungle. Sam must now save the clinic's doctors and patients from certain death. However, nothing is as it seems and the Espada Ardiente may not be the biggest threat Sam Axe faces.

And we're giving away three copies!

I’ve noticed there’s a new kind of gamer around lately.

You’re probably familiar with many of them and some of you may even be one.

These ‘gamers’ are unlike the rest of us and haven’t owned a single console in their life - the few that do probably only bought it to follow the new fad/trend. They’re not even casual gamers that have reared their heads since Nintendo became family orientated either.

No, these gamers are different.

They’re trendy, have cash to burn and keep up to date with the latest gadgets – and they want everyone in a 5 mile radius to know about it and believe me, you’ll know about it because they crank the volume up full. If you’re as unlucky as me, you’ve probably heard them on the train (invading the QUIET carriage no less!). They enjoy mindless repetition and opt for short bursts of gaming and their weapon of choice is their fancy new smart phone.

I have dubbed them...iGamers.

In an interview this spring, COMMUNITY scene-stealer Donald Glover was asked which movie he'd like to see the NBC show parody next. Having already conquered zombies, conspiracy movies, and STAR WARS, Glover said he'd like to see a BACK TO THE FUTURE themed episode.

At Comic-Con, Glover and co-star Gillian Jacob's told CinemaBlend why the episode is not actually likely to happen:

Glover: It's really hard to do. Time travel is already hard.
Jacobs: We can't actually break the laws of physics.

Hey, what is the worst sound on the planet besides a screaming infant?

How about the high-pitched whine of an old 14.4 dial-up modem trying desperately to connect to something that will take you two hours to download?

Yeah, that would be it.

But strangely, when slowed down to a near catatonic state, it sounds kinda pretty.

Which reminds me to download the software that can make this happen so that I can sync it to the voice mail messages that my mom leaves me, perhaps then they won't sound so bitchy.

"Music" video after the break.

Kevin Smith's RED STATE has been dividing geeks since it premiered at Sundance this January. Some love it, praising it as Smith's best film since CLERKS. Others hate it, calling it Smith's failed attempt to branch out to another genre.

Either way, Kevin Smith claims it's his second to last film, followed by his hockey epic HIT SOMEBODY.

The new red band trailer for RED STATE gives us a much better feel for the film than last year's teaser. We get looks at the first act that resembles the more classic, raunchy Smith film of yesteryear and the more action/thriller oriented second and third acts.

The best part about the trailer is that it's heavy on the John Goodman and Goodman looks great in it.

Check out the trailer after the jump!

Like TRUE BLOOD before it, the GAME OF THRONES television series will utilize story elements from later in the book franchise.

The Daily Blam talked with Showrunner David Benioff who confirmed that events from the third novel will be intertwined into season two's plot.

Daily Blam points out that some reorganization has already taken place like with season one's scene where Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairly) confronts prisoner Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) which actually comes from book two of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.

For over 25 years Tony Todd has been a fixture in pop culture.

In film, Todd has made indelible impressions in such films as The Crow, Night of the Living Dead, and The Rock as well as the Hatchet, Candyman and Final Destination franchises.

On television he's appeared on dozens of series including The Event, Chuck, 24, Star Trek: Voyager, Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Homicide. His inimitable voice has also been heard in everything from the Transformers films, and such animated series as What's New Scooby Doo, Pokémon, Batman: Brave and the Bold and Sym-Bionic Titan.

I spoke to Tony during his appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con when he was promoting Sushi Girl, an upcoming grindhouse-styled noir where he portrays the lead, in a performance that co-star Mark Hamill claims will make Tony, a "really big star."

The Hulk has been rebooted more times than... well... anyone in the last ten years (Spidey's trying hard to catch up, though). First there was Eric Bana in HULK and then Edward Norton portrayed him in THE INCREDIBLE HULK.

Now Mark Ruffalo will play the Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk in next summer's THE AVENGERS.

Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige talked to the LA Times about how the latest iteration of the Hulk will differ from previous versions:

"He'll be about the same size he was in THE INCREDIBLE HULK (which was about 9 feet tall) or maybe a little bit smaller. His muscles won't be quite as cut. We figure he's been the Hulk now for a few years and [his physique is changing]. He's not as cut or as ripped as he was in THE INCREDIBLE HULK. The most important thing is that face. As you can already see in that concept painting, it is — more than any Hulk that's ever been done in live action — a Hulk that let's you see the actor in there."

Universal's BATTLESHIP film has been ill advised from the start.

First of all, it's a movie based on a board game. Then, while working at NBC Universal, I heard that the film would feature not battleship on battleship action, but a battleships vs... aliens. Aliens? Then I heard Rhianna was cast in the film. This has all got to be some sort of Hollywood executive's prank taken too far, right?

Still, the first thought that comes to mind when watching the newly released trailer for BATTLESHIP is...

Wait, Liam Neeson is in this?!?!

The next two questions are...

Why are the Transformers in this movie? (The aliens look like a combo of BATTLE: LA and TRANSFORMERS alien life complete with sound effects seemingly straight from Bay's trilogy.)

And what does this have to do with the board game Battleship?

Check out the trailer after the jump, courtesy of Yahoo! It's worth it, at least for a laugh.

In 1989 I fell in love with a hillbilly punk rocker named Mojo Nixon who released an album called Root Hog or Die that contained a song that would, for whatever reason, cause me to embrace pop culture in a way that was previously unknown to me.

And that song was Debbie Gibson is Pregnant With My Two-Headed Love Child.

It was funny, it was political, and it both embraced and berated pop culture in a way that made me realize that you could love and make fun of something all at the same time if you happened to be smart about it.

Which is exactly what Mojo Nixon is (he has degrees in political science and history).

And because of Mr. Nixon I not only feel free to dance to Electric Youth in my bedroom in the dark when no one is home, I can also make fun of it's lack of substance and saccharine tween sweetness when I am feeling particularly snarky toward Deborah (as she is now know) when she takes acting roles on the SyFy channel.

That's just how I roll.

Oh, and one other thing, the video stars Winona Ryder as Debbie Gibson, so that was like a big bonus in 1989.

Video after the break.

Photo Courtesy of EW

Harrison Ford and Chewbacca reunited last night on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!

Check out the reunion after the jump! And never forget how hilarious Ford can be.

In the immortal words of Kevin Bacon LET'S DANCE!!!!

I don't really understand swing dance contests, I mean I get that there are people out there who enjoy getting all prettied up and then dancing to music that was popular fifty or so years ago and competing for some sort of prize and that's fine, but why the sudden need to dress as pop culture icons and do it?

Somehow I just don't see Mario and Luigi sitting in the plumbing truck with one another, eating meatball sandwiches and Mario turning to his brother and saying, "I like the way you move kid, perhaps when I get you into my arms you and I can make some sweet, sweet jitterbug".

Of course I don't really keep up with the Mario Bros. slash fiction like I should so maybe this is an everyday occurrence.

Video of the dancing after the break.

After the jump, check out the latest TV and movie news from the past day, but why not start with the first look at The Hunger Games' Peeta and Gale

FRANK DARABONT Leaves THE WALKING DEAD

Frank Darabont, showrunner of AMC's The Walking Dead has stepped down with no indication as of yet if he will remain on the show in any capacity.

NBC has posted several of their Comic-Con panels in their entirety online. After the jump check out panels for Chuck and Community and two of the fall's new series, Grimm and Awake.

Grimm
"Grimm" is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Remember the fairy tales your parents used to tell you before bedtime? Those weren't stories -- they were warnings. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli "Turn The Beat Around") thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn't quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, "Grey's Anatomy") arrives, Nick's life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as "Grimms," who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors -- and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby ("Lincoln Heights"), Bitsie Tulloch ("Quarterlife"), Silas Weir Mitchell ("Prison Break"), Reggie Lee ("Persons Unknown") and Sasha Roiz ("Caprica") also star. "Grimm" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Hazy Mills Productions. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner ("Hot in Cleveland") serve as executive producers, Jim Kouf ("National Treasure," "Angel") and David Greenwalt ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel") are the creators/executive producers and Marc Buckland ("My Name Is Earl") is the director.

Awake

"Awake" is an intriguing drama about a detective (Jason Issacs, "Harry Potter," "Brotherhood") who finds he is leading an arduous double life that defies reality. When Detective Michael Britten (Issacs) regains consciousness following his family's car accident, he is told that his wife Hannah (Laura Allen, "Terriers") perished but that his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, "Saving Grace"), has survived. As he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, he awakens again in a parallel reality in which his wife is very much alive -- but his son Rex died in the accident. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive at one time, he begins living two dueling realities in parallel worlds, which churns up confusion -- in one moment, Michael and his wife debate about having another child to replace their son, while in the other reality, he is attracted to his son's tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, "The Vampire Diaries"), to fill the void from the loss of his wife. Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to police work and solves crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners -- Detective Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris, "The Practice") and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, "That '70s Show"). Also starring are Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones ("24") and BD Wong (NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") as therapists in each respective world. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Kyle Killen ("Lone Star") and Howard Gordon ("24") are executive producers. David Slade ("Twilight: Eclipse," "30 Days of Night") also serves as executive producer and directed the pilot written by Killen.

Noah Hathaway started acting in commercials when he was three years old, officially starting his career. As a child actor he appeared on Battlestar Galactica as Boxey (who famously had a robot dog named Daggit) and made guest appearances on such series as Mork & Mindy, Eight is Enough, Laverne & Shirley and CHiPs before playing his second iconic part at age thirteen as Atreyu in The Neverending Story.

More television and movie work followed until Hathaway left the business for the most part in the late Eighties and pursued other interests. Now, he's returning to acting, co-starring in Sushi Girl with an ensemble that includes Mark Hamill, Tony Todd, Michael Biehn, James Duval, Sonny Chiba, Danny Trejo and Jeff Fahey.

Noah was generous enough to take some time to chat with FOG! regarding his current work as well as work from the past.

Star Wars toys and the epic battles that took place with them remain, to this day, a collection of my most potent memories (see my column The Day I Took Endor for one particular battle). If it wasn't for the toys, I don't know if my love affair with the Star Wars franchise (minus the prequels) would be as strong.

Perhaps it was the tangible experience of re-enacting battle scenes between my brother and I that made watching the movies a personal experience, I don't know, but while I can quote lines from all the movies and am willing to kill those that belittle them, it is the toys that I miss the most.

And maybe that's why I am so excited for the following documentary to come out, because, while I can always slip on a DVD and relive the movie, those toys (some of which have been lost to time and a M80) aren't so easily accessible anymore and have become a bit more precious.

For what it's worth, I will definitely be purchasing the documentary...and maybe a new action figure or two.

Trailer after the break.

You know a country is rebounding when it decides to have a docu-style sitcom about a bunch of lovable f-ups who happen to work in the Ministry of Garbage.

And it's even better when they release a five minute promo trailer so the Brits and Americans (who have already accomplished this bit of television) can pick out the characters who best resemble Dwight and Gareth.

It's gonna be a jolly fine time.

Video after the break.

In stores today from BOOM! Studios, writer Mark Waid, artist Marcio Takara and alternate covers by Garry Brown and Matteo Scalera.

It’s reckoning time! As the sinister plans of ruthless Hayes Bellamy are put into motion, the fate of Coalville rests in Max Damage’s overburdened hands. With Bellemy holding the secret to Max’s weakness, and with annihilation of the city imminent, can Max finally prove himself to a world that still sees Enemy No. 1? Especially while trying to protect those he cares about most, and…a new sidekick? It’s the arc-ending issue that’ll change the INCORRUPTIBLE landscape forever! Miss this and miss out!

The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures: Dementors; information classified by The Ministry of Magic.
Dementors

Dementors are possibly the most iconic monsters of the Harry Potter series. An original creation, there is little in mythology that relates to them exactly, but they have quite a strong symbolic background nonetheless.

Their nature almost precludes them from proper biological and ecological analysis.

Almost.

In stores today from Boom! Studios writer Daryl Gregory, artist Carlos Magno, with alternate covers by Karl Richardson and Carlos Magno.

Get your hands on these damn dirty Apes! Ripped from the continuity of the first five Ape films, the first story arc in this ongoing series comes to a bloody conclusion! Secrets are revealed…and someone will pay! Man? Ape? Both? Discover for yourself as the next great Ape saga continues! Written by award-winning novelist Daryl Gregory!

Some days being at work feels like having someone jam hot pokers into your anal canal and then sewing it closed with cinnamon dental floss.

On days like those you just want to make it throughout the day any way you can so that you can return home, put on some comfy pants and eat ice cream straight out of the carton with a ladle.

And what is one of the best ways to help you achieve your goal of living to 5pm?

Well, probably what you will find in the following video.

Its juvenile, it's messy, and yes, hilarious for your co-workers to witness.

And at least it makes the day feel just a tiny bit better.

Video after the break.

In stores today from Image Comics, writer Robert Kirkman and artist Ryan Ottley.

Invincible continues making up for lost time while he was out in space fighting The Viltrumite War. His efforts bring him face-to-face with PowerPlex, who still blames Invincible for the death of his wife and son. The thing is, these days Invincible has plenty to be angry about as well, so things are about to get intense!

The following video re-mix removes all the darkness from the Harry Potter films and instead, highlights all the sunnier moments whereby creating a universe filled with the possibility that "The Chosen One" might get laid by a plethora of beauties.

Somehow Hogwarts feels like a very posh boarding school for horny teens instead of a bastion of magic and wizardry.

Lets just hope no one fornicates with a pie.

Video (by thewlisrox) after the break.

In stores today from Boom! Studios and writer Warren Spector, artists Jose Massaroli and Magic Eye Studios with covers by Leonel Castellani and Fabrizio Petrossi.

DUCKTALES is back! The hit Disney Afternoon TV show continues to make a splash as an all new, original ongoing comic book series! Written by the creator of the EPIC MICKEY video game, Warren Spector! Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad, and the gang continue their search for the McDuck Museum artifacts that have been mysteriously deported to their original locations! Who is behind the dastardly deportation? Does Donald Duck have the answer? Find out as the man who brought you EPIC MICKEY spins an original epic DUCKTALES series!

Hello friends!

It's the middle of July, and AFRICA HOT here in New York City.

Friday was the hottest day in NYC history. We've had a "heatwave" going on for what seems like weeks. Outside feels like you're walking around in a convection oven while being slathered in Vaseline and wrapped in Saran Wrap.

I've taken at least 3 showers a day, every day, for the past two weeks! HORRIBLE.

This weather often makes me think of alternative means of escape, besides having sex with my air conditioner.

Go to a public pool?

Hells no, too many screaming kids.

A movie?

Sure, but not every day because they cost at least $12.00.

Some days I wish I did drugs. Don't people use drugs to escape?

I know that a martini usually takes the edge off of a yucky day every once in a while. But drugs? Maybe not a good idea. I just watched an episode of Celebrity Rehab and even though I don't have an addictive personality, looking at those people made me eat a kale salad instead.

You guys have seen that show before right?

CONTEST! Win The Lucille Ball RKO Comedy Collection: Vol. 1 on DVD

Long before she was crowned the queen of TV, Lucille Ball reigned as the "Queen of the Bs" for RKO Pictures, appearing in over 43 films in under a decade. Although she had yet to find her niche, Lucy's prodigious talents, grace and charm as a performer found her much in demand across a wide variety of movies. This collection brings together three rarely seen cinematic treasures from Lucy's RKO days, giving modern audiences a chance to witness a star on the rise.

To celebrate the 100th Birthday of the queen of comedy, we're giving away a copy of this awesome DVD, The Lucille Ball RKO Comedy Collection: Vol. 1, which is now available at the Warner Archive and includes the following films:

GO CHASE YOURSELF (1938) Before she hitched her hilarious antics to Vincente Minnelli's The Long, Long Trailer, Lucy joined Joe Penner and a slightly shorter trailer in this madcap romp. After bank robbers use her husband's camper to cover their getaway, Carol Meeley (Ball) sets out to prove her hubby is far too dumb to commit a crime.

NEXT TIME I MARRY (1938) Lucy moves up to leading lady in this screwball comedy, served up with inspired humor by Garson Kanin in one of his earliest directorial efforts. In order to claim her inheritance, heiress Nancy Crocker Fleming (Ball) must marry a "plain American Joe." So she does what any self-respecting debutante would do she hires a husband.

LOOK WHO'S LAUGHING (1941) An alluring and glamorous Lucy enjoys top billing in this feature length satire based on the long running Fibber McGee and Molly radio series. Joining Lucy and the McGees (Jim and Marion Jordan) in this rollicking satire are Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy, who see Fibber try to persuade an aircraft company to set up shop in the small town of Wistful Vista. James V. Kern, who would later direct I Love Lucy, pens the tale, while screen pioneer Allan Dwan directs.

To enter, please send an email with the subject header "I LOVE LUCY" to geekcontest @ gmail dot com and answer the following question:

What was the name of the production company that Lucille Ball co-owned with husband Desi Arnaz?

Please include your name and address (U.S. Residents only. You must be 18 years old).

Only one entry per person and a winner will be chosen at random.

Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2011.

FAST FIVE Revs Up On DVD/Blu-ray October 4th

If you missed Justin Lin's Fast Five, you didn't see one of the most entertaining movies this summer.

Reuniting cast members from the four previous films, Fast Five is set in Rio de Janeiro and re-introduces former cop Brian O’Conner and his girlfriend Mia Torettoas they bust Mia’s brother Dom out of prison. Eluding the authorities the trio wind up in Brazil, and assemble a team of the best drivers around to pull off one last job which would guarantee them enough money to retire. The only hitch is that they have a federal agent pursuing them and a corrupt businessman out to kill them.

The movie stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Sung Kang, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Elsa Pataky, Gal Gadot, and Matt Schulze and should not be missed.

Full details of the DVD/Blu release after the jump.

If you were a child of the Seventies, heroes reigned supreme on television.

Shows like The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, Buck Rogers, The Incredible Hulk, and The Man From Atlantis captured the imaginations of millions of young viewers.

The Man From Atlantis is being released on DVD today, in two separate sets and both belong in the collection of anyone looking to get nostalgiac for the kind of classic Seventies television that in some ways has become a genre unto itself.

The first set collects the four television movies that aired prior to becoming a series and the second collects the thirteen episode run.

In the show, Patrick Duffy plays the amnesiac Mark Harris, the lone survivor of the legendary sunken continent of Atlantis. Like Marvel's Sub Mariner or DC's Aquaman, Mark has the ability to swim at low depths in the sea for long period of time and the water also enhances his strength. He also has several genetic mutations from living underwater including webbed hands and light-sensitive eyes.

Mark is recruited by the Foundation For Oceanic Research and assists in any unusual underwater investigations.

After the jump check out more details regarding this awesome release.

Growing up, with five channels on television, popular culture united children everywhere.

Fortunately it also provided a venue for a number of talented people that have affected my life in ways that I could never successfully articulate; Jim Henson, Glen A. Larson, Stephen J. Cannell, Sherwood Schwartz, Kenneth Johnson, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, and Sid and Marty Krofft.

Throughout my childhood, Sid and Marty Krofft brought imagination and verisimilitude to Saturday mornings. Among their work that will exist forever in my heart as "comfort television" simply because of the joy they provided me as a child are such shows as H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, Bigfoot and Wildboy, Lidsville, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, Far Out Space Nuts, Wonderbug, The Bugaloos and Dr. Shrinker.

Last week, prior to his appearance at Comic-Con, I had the pleasure and honor to speak with Marty Krofft about his past, present and future work.

Pages

Friday, July 29, 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011