I am just as excited as the next person (okay, maybe a bit more excited than the next person) about the return of Star Wars. In fact, the only thing that has stopped me from scouring the net daily for the latest rumors (writer finally announced: Michael Arndt; does anyone else find it strange that it took IMDb over a week to create a page for this movie?) is the incredibly imminent move. And I love Star Wars. But Disney acquired a heck of a lot more than Star Wars when it bought Lucasfilm and it's subsidiaries. The first few days there was some passing mention of the money they'd save with the special-effects that come with the rest of the deal, and the apparent apathy towards Indiana Jones. What I want to focus on today is Lucas Arts, or more specifically, Monkey Island.
The Secret of Monkey Island is the story of a wanna-be pirate with the unfortunate name of Guybrush Threepwood. He falls in love with the beautiful governor and eventually rescues (?) her from the clutches of the cursed pirate LeChuck. The series goes on as Guybrush and Elaine Marley travel around the Caribbean, fighting LeChuck, breaking curses and finding treasure. I'm not much of a gamer at all, even less so a computer gamer, but I have played every Monkey Island game for at least a couple hours, and have seen even more as my younger brothers would spend hours beating each one. These games are all fun, witty, entertaining and have something that actually resembles a plot underneath all the "find this, this and this" "solve this puzzle" quests. And last night, my brother said the one line that basically ruined me: "I want Disney to make a Monkey Island movie."
Oh, yeah. I think Monkey Island could potentially be the best video game-movie adaptation ever. Shoot, some of the later games are almost at that level already. It's not all that out there for a movie plot; in fact, it's not unlike Disney's successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but perhaps the family-comedy version. And that'll probably by why it never happens, not by Disney at least. Any Monkey Island movie would be very spoof-like and Disney's not going to make fun of a genre they've managed to bring back (the swashbuckling pirate adventure) with a comedy like Monkey Island. Their loss.
I've also been a bit consumed with my final paper for my Film & Lit class. I've managed to turn it into a discussion about superheroes by decided I want to prove Zorro is an early American superhero. So, I've been thinking a lot about superheroes lately. And watching them. Well, watching old TV shows. I've already bought two seasons of Smallville and have been working my way through a few other shows at various online sources for free. I'm thinking this is going to be one of those things I don't tell people about, at least not people I know in the real world. Like the fact that I've seen every episode of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. My guilty little secret.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Solo Pulls A Spock
WARNING: The first few paragraphs of this entry trace my love of science fiction from kindergarten to the present day; if all you want is the meat, skip to paragraph #4 (and just to make thing perfectly clear, this warning is not a paragraph)
I was raised on classic science-fiction films. True, you can make a great case for Star Wars being a "space fantasy" as opposed to a "science fiction" and you would be correct. But let's be honest here, for the intent of any conversation on science fiction, Star Wars really is the first of the modern sci-fis. When I was in kindergarten, my parents let both me and my younger brother invite our best friends over for a "movie night." We pulled out the hide-a-bed, made some pizzas, bought chips and popped popcorn. Tina and Brandon came over and everyone put on their pajamas and curled up on the hide-a-bed, eating. The prologue rolled up and Mom and Dad read it to us: A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away Star Wars. I was transported to this galaxy filled with droids and lightsabers and the force. I loved it. And I loved it the following weekend when my family watched The Empire Strikes Back and the weekend after when my parents gave us the edited version of Return of the Jedi (without the part where Leia strangles Jabba the Hutt or what we fondly called "the slime monster" a.k.a the Rancor). When the special editions were released in '97, I vividly remember going to the theater with my younger brothers and parents. I loved it all and trace my current love of science fiction all the way back to these three movies.
When I was in 6th grade, my family moved to South Korea. This was the age before online streaming, so we were limited to a very small video rental place on the military base. The selection was poor and it wasn't long before my dad came home one Friday night with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (the store didn't have the original Star Trek movie). My family worked our way through all the star Trek movies that had even cameos of Captain Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the rest of the gang. My dad must have been at least a mild Trekkie at one point, because he would tell us background stories after the movies sometimes. "Leonard Nimoy didn't want to do any Star Trek movies; he finally promised to do two. So that's why they killed Spock, but they left it open in case they could convince him to change his mind."
I've maintained my enjoyment of Star Trek over the years, although I admit it comes no where near my love of Star Wars (look at my Trek/Wars search ratio... they both do have movies coming out in the next few years). Every now and then I'll watch an episode of Next Generation and on the very rare occasion I would see the original show on the TV Guide, I would watch it. I've seen most of the original Trek movies at least twice (including the first one) and have seen Wrath of Khan probably half a dozen times (it's my brother's favorite villain and one of his favorite movie lines "KHAAAAAAAAN!"). When the new Star Trek came out, I was in the theater with the rest of my family and then went back for seconds and even thirds. The new movie is proudly placed right next to my six Star Wars movies on my DVD shelf and the original movies are somewhere midway down my "to buy" list. And so when I saw the latest rumors about the upcoming Star Wars movie, I thought almost immediately of Star Trek.
I've seen very little evidence of this supposed war between fanboys and fangirls (let's give females like me our due) of the two sci-fi giants (Sidenote: I did very much enjoy the back and forth between Carrie Fisher and William Shatner a few years ago, as well as the concluding plea from George Takei). Maybe it's because I've never been to a convention (yet) or maybe it's because I'm not much of a Trekkie (does the hostility come from their side) or maybe it doesn't really exist. Either way, comparing the two series at all is supposed to be taboo, but I couldn't help it when I read the rumors this morning. According to a widely quoted article from Entertainment Weekly, Harrison Ford might be open to reprising his role of Han Solo after all, "but don’t be surprised if his contract includes a mandatory death scene for the sly old space smuggler." I couldn't help but laugh out loud. When I saw that one of the deciding factors in Ford taking on the role of Solo again was a death scene for his character, I couldn't help but think of Spock's untimely end in Wrath of Khan (especially untimely because in less than half of a movie, Spock was alive and kicking again). And so, if rumors are to be trusted, Solo just pulled a Spock. I realize speculation is running rampant and most of the information coming out is going to prove to be 100% false, but if I could chose just one rumor to be true, it would be this one, if only because I find the entire concept so amusing.
Onward to a short geek side-note: Total fan moments in this week's Castle! Castle and Beckett are at a science fiction convention trying to solve a murder. Let me just list a few of the quotes and situations that made me think of Firefly:
"Shiny!"
Nebula 9 was "canceled over decade ago after 12 episodes"
Castle is a fan of "good sci-fi: Star Trek, Battlestar, that Joss Whedon show"
"Kreavers" are "the evil alien race from Nebula 9. Nasty creatures; they'll eat your face off when you're still alive and then serve your organs to their young"
And finally there is talk about the return of Nebula 9: "maybe even doing a movie"
Ah, I miss Firefly. Castle is a poor way to get Nathan Fillion in comparison, but at least I'm still getting him in some form... Ah, Joss Whedon, when will you create another world as wonderful as that of Firefly?
I was raised on classic science-fiction films. True, you can make a great case for Star Wars being a "space fantasy" as opposed to a "science fiction" and you would be correct. But let's be honest here, for the intent of any conversation on science fiction, Star Wars really is the first of the modern sci-fis. When I was in kindergarten, my parents let both me and my younger brother invite our best friends over for a "movie night." We pulled out the hide-a-bed, made some pizzas, bought chips and popped popcorn. Tina and Brandon came over and everyone put on their pajamas and curled up on the hide-a-bed, eating. The prologue rolled up and Mom and Dad read it to us: A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away Star Wars. I was transported to this galaxy filled with droids and lightsabers and the force. I loved it. And I loved it the following weekend when my family watched The Empire Strikes Back and the weekend after when my parents gave us the edited version of Return of the Jedi (without the part where Leia strangles Jabba the Hutt or what we fondly called "the slime monster" a.k.a the Rancor). When the special editions were released in '97, I vividly remember going to the theater with my younger brothers and parents. I loved it all and trace my current love of science fiction all the way back to these three movies.
When I was in 6th grade, my family moved to South Korea. This was the age before online streaming, so we were limited to a very small video rental place on the military base. The selection was poor and it wasn't long before my dad came home one Friday night with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (the store didn't have the original Star Trek movie). My family worked our way through all the star Trek movies that had even cameos of Captain Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the rest of the gang. My dad must have been at least a mild Trekkie at one point, because he would tell us background stories after the movies sometimes. "Leonard Nimoy didn't want to do any Star Trek movies; he finally promised to do two. So that's why they killed Spock, but they left it open in case they could convince him to change his mind."
I've maintained my enjoyment of Star Trek over the years, although I admit it comes no where near my love of Star Wars (look at my Trek/Wars search ratio... they both do have movies coming out in the next few years). Every now and then I'll watch an episode of Next Generation and on the very rare occasion I would see the original show on the TV Guide, I would watch it. I've seen most of the original Trek movies at least twice (including the first one) and have seen Wrath of Khan probably half a dozen times (it's my brother's favorite villain and one of his favorite movie lines "KHAAAAAAAAN!"). When the new Star Trek came out, I was in the theater with the rest of my family and then went back for seconds and even thirds. The new movie is proudly placed right next to my six Star Wars movies on my DVD shelf and the original movies are somewhere midway down my "to buy" list. And so when I saw the latest rumors about the upcoming Star Wars movie, I thought almost immediately of Star Trek.
I've seen very little evidence of this supposed war between fanboys and fangirls (let's give females like me our due) of the two sci-fi giants (Sidenote: I did very much enjoy the back and forth between Carrie Fisher and William Shatner a few years ago, as well as the concluding plea from George Takei). Maybe it's because I've never been to a convention (yet) or maybe it's because I'm not much of a Trekkie (does the hostility come from their side) or maybe it doesn't really exist. Either way, comparing the two series at all is supposed to be taboo, but I couldn't help it when I read the rumors this morning. According to a widely quoted article from Entertainment Weekly, Harrison Ford might be open to reprising his role of Han Solo after all, "but don’t be surprised if his contract includes a mandatory death scene for the sly old space smuggler." I couldn't help but laugh out loud. When I saw that one of the deciding factors in Ford taking on the role of Solo again was a death scene for his character, I couldn't help but think of Spock's untimely end in Wrath of Khan (especially untimely because in less than half of a movie, Spock was alive and kicking again). And so, if rumors are to be trusted, Solo just pulled a Spock. I realize speculation is running rampant and most of the information coming out is going to prove to be 100% false, but if I could chose just one rumor to be true, it would be this one, if only because I find the entire concept so amusing.
Onward to a short geek side-note: Total fan moments in this week's Castle! Castle and Beckett are at a science fiction convention trying to solve a murder. Let me just list a few of the quotes and situations that made me think of Firefly:
"Shiny!"
Nebula 9 was "canceled over decade ago after 12 episodes"
Castle is a fan of "good sci-fi: Star Trek, Battlestar, that Joss Whedon show"
"Kreavers" are "the evil alien race from Nebula 9. Nasty creatures; they'll eat your face off when you're still alive and then serve your organs to their young"
And finally there is talk about the return of Nebula 9: "maybe even doing a movie"
Ah, I miss Firefly. Castle is a poor way to get Nathan Fillion in comparison, but at least I'm still getting him in some form... Ah, Joss Whedon, when will you create another world as wonderful as that of Firefly?
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Message from the Sick Bed
I have been sick for days. That never happens to me. At worst, I'm out of commission for one day, tops. Today is my fourth day and I could have finally gone back to regular activities if I hadn't spent the last three days laying around the house, sleeping and struggling to keep food down. I was still on "Medical Watch" by my mother. At least I won't have to call in for another day of work; I am totally good to go for tomorrow.
On that note, I really haven't done much of anything aside from lie on the couch and watch whatever happened to be on (everything from The Shining to the news). Oh, and I rewatched the original Star Wars trilogy. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point, those movies became the movies I watch whenever I'm sick. I love them; they're some of the only movies I can just watch without having to multi-task, but I know them so well, I can literally watch them with my eyes closed. So, when I'm tired and pop one in, I watch it for a little bit, and then I close my eyes because I'm sick and tired, and then the end credits are rolling. It's like magic. Please tell me I'm not the only one with a "sick movie!" I can't be.
The only other thing I've really done is tear through various Kerrelyn Sparks books. Okay, they're super cheesy, but I like them. Leave me alone. Isn't a girl allowed one vampire series? I started with Eat Prey Love (my absolute favorite; I'm going to chalk that up to my love of cats of all sizes) and it kind of took off from there, mostly rereading ones I've only read once or maybe twice. There's a new one coming out the end of this month, too (which I pre-ordered while I was on the topic). I would normally say "Right in time to get in the way of finals" but I'm pretty sure I'll have the next book knocked out in 24 hours, 48 tops, days before finals start. That's the usual pattern. Maybe these are my sick books? Something to ponder...
I can tell you there were two creatures happy I was sick. My cat definitely enjoyed me napping on my bed in the middle of the day. Okay, she spends the bulk of her day on my bed irregardless, but she's been spending even more time than usual (if that's even possible), stretching out on my bed and cuddling up to me while I was sleeping. The other happy camper was my mom's cat. When I wasn't napping on my bed, I was stretched out on the couch downstairs, which meant an available lap that she didn't have to beg for. Okay, cats never beg. But she didn't have to sit there and stare in a threatening manner at whatever laptop was on the lap she currently preferred. My lap was completely at her disposal when I was downstairs, which meant she could curl up on someone whenever she liked and not look like she wanted a lap, now, and the computer was in her way.
I am so far behind in my school work. I should have knocked some of it out today, but I was too busy being a bad patient (complaining about the restricting diet, playing the sick card when it was to my advantage and then loudly declaring I was perfectly fine 20 minutes later when I felt like it). Thank God it only lasted three days; I can't imagine what I headache I'd have been if it had lasted any longer!
On that note, I really haven't done much of anything aside from lie on the couch and watch whatever happened to be on (everything from The Shining to the news). Oh, and I rewatched the original Star Wars trilogy. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point, those movies became the movies I watch whenever I'm sick. I love them; they're some of the only movies I can just watch without having to multi-task, but I know them so well, I can literally watch them with my eyes closed. So, when I'm tired and pop one in, I watch it for a little bit, and then I close my eyes because I'm sick and tired, and then the end credits are rolling. It's like magic. Please tell me I'm not the only one with a "sick movie!" I can't be.
The only other thing I've really done is tear through various Kerrelyn Sparks books. Okay, they're super cheesy, but I like them. Leave me alone. Isn't a girl allowed one vampire series? I started with Eat Prey Love (my absolute favorite; I'm going to chalk that up to my love of cats of all sizes) and it kind of took off from there, mostly rereading ones I've only read once or maybe twice. There's a new one coming out the end of this month, too (which I pre-ordered while I was on the topic). I would normally say "Right in time to get in the way of finals" but I'm pretty sure I'll have the next book knocked out in 24 hours, 48 tops, days before finals start. That's the usual pattern. Maybe these are my sick books? Something to ponder...
I can tell you there were two creatures happy I was sick. My cat definitely enjoyed me napping on my bed in the middle of the day. Okay, she spends the bulk of her day on my bed irregardless, but she's been spending even more time than usual (if that's even possible), stretching out on my bed and cuddling up to me while I was sleeping. The other happy camper was my mom's cat. When I wasn't napping on my bed, I was stretched out on the couch downstairs, which meant an available lap that she didn't have to beg for. Okay, cats never beg. But she didn't have to sit there and stare in a threatening manner at whatever laptop was on the lap she currently preferred. My lap was completely at her disposal when I was downstairs, which meant she could curl up on someone whenever she liked and not look like she wanted a lap, now, and the computer was in her way.
I am so far behind in my school work. I should have knocked some of it out today, but I was too busy being a bad patient (complaining about the restricting diet, playing the sick card when it was to my advantage and then loudly declaring I was perfectly fine 20 minutes later when I felt like it). Thank God it only lasted three days; I can't imagine what I headache I'd have been if it had lasted any longer!
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