Hiatus

I'm finally going back to work (on a brief post project and then "Trading Spouses"), so alienhero will be on hiatus until November. As I'm sure this will be a crushing disappointment to my three readers, I will try to post something every now and then.

Take care!

Coming Soon... The Death of the Movie Theatre?

Film Threat reprinted a recent L.A. Times article about fading interest in movie theatres. Even the kids don't like going anymore...

http://www.filmthreat.com/blog/?p=470

(Scroll down a bit to read the L.A. Times article.)

Who Wants to be a Superhero?

Is anyone else watching this? I certainly hope so. Who Wants to be a Superhero? (SciFi, Thursday 9pm) is one of the most ridiculous yet compelling things I’ve ever seen. The participants walk the line between self-parody and complete earnestness, while the show itself can’t decide between high camp and true competition. The result is nearly a disaster but somehow very entertaining. The challenges are actually pretty well thought out, and each one really does test an element of the would-be hero’s character. I was particularly impressed with the dogs in the second episode -- a frightening and intense experience. (Go Monkey Woman!) Stan Lee’s eliminations seem somewhat arbitrary at times, but it’s still fun to watch the godfather in action. I still don’t understand while I’m so compelled to rally behind a bunch of fools in silly costumes, but I can’t turn away. The show shouldn’t work, but it does.

Comic-Con 2006: Pics

At long last, I have finally posted my Comic-Con pics.

Click here to view (page may take a minute to load).

Quick Reviews

In theatres:

My Super Ex-Girlfriend – I don’t know why people are so quick to bash this movie. I really enjoyed it. It absolutely delivers what it promises. While it’s not a direct parody of superhero movies or comic books, it crosses their conventions with the romantic comedy formula to great success. It even sweetens the deal with some nice action and impressive special effects. Luke Wilson and Uma Thurman show solid comedic chops, well-supported by Rainn Wilson and Anna Faris. Yes, it’s corny. Yes, it’s goofy. Yes, it’s not exactly cool. But what did you expect?

Clerks II – It’s Clerks, part two. And it really is. It carries over all the anecdotal and reference-heavy jokes, goofball characters and down-to-earth charm from the first installment. It also has the same uneven pacing and lack of story, but you probably won’t even notice. My roommate calls it “a return to form for Kevin Smith.” It’s damn funny.

On DVD:

MirrorMask – An impressive oddity worth checking out, MirrorMask offers extremely impressive visuals but very little story. Most of the film follows our teenage heroine on her metaphorical journey through her inner dream world. Since we know it’s all a dream, there’s very little tension or real conflict. The rules of the dream also seem to change as needed, so the plot feels loose and contrived. However, it’s amazing to look at. At times, the creatures and virtual sets are jaw dropping. Bringing an illustrator’s touch, director Dave McKean shows the promise of a true visionary. I just wish Neil Gaiman’s script were more compelling.