Archive for November 4th, 2009


under-the-dome

In a fandom inherited from my mother, I really really enjoy the novels of Stephen King.

Whether it’s his classics like Christine and It, his risktaking moves like the Dark Tower series, or more recent novels like the terribly underrated Cell, it’s pretty much a given that if it’s by King, I’ll give it a spin.

So it goes without saying that I’m kinda excited for his new book Under the Dome, which releases next Tuesday, November 10th.

The hype machine is in full effect, with even a trailer(!) being created for the novel, but once I read the plot, I can’t help but feel like I’ve heard of this before…

On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester’s Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener’s hand is severed as ‘the dome’ comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. Dale Barbara, Iraq vet, teams up with a few intrepid citizens against the town’s corrupt politician. But time, under the dome, is running out….

So, citizens in a city, trapped under a dome.

Wasn’t that the plot of The Simpsons Movie?  Oh well, I guess if you gotta steal, steal from the best.

If you, like me, are excited for the book, I highly recommend picking it up through Amazon. Typically retailing for $35, the 1088 page book is just $9! Thanks, Internet!

ssfivcar

Ever since Super Street Fighter IV was announced as a Spring 2010 release, I’ve been weighing the pros and cons in my head of picking it up.

Sure, I loved SFIV, so much so that it’s probably one of the top 5 games I’ve played this year, but ultimately, I’d be dropping $40 on what…8 new characters?

But then some more details came out…all characters would be unlocked from the start, so I wouldn’t have to keep trying unsuccessfully to unlock Gouken, and then the end boss Seth, respectively…

Plus you take into consideration new combos, better balancing, tournament modes…

And now they may have found the straw to break my already weakened back.

THE BONUS MODES ARE COMING BACK! That’s right, you’ll be barrel punching and car crushing in GLORIOUS HD in Super Street Fighter IV.

Now, so long as the 5 new characters unannounced so far aren’t Ryu/Ken clones…Capcom, you have my $40. Until you announce Super Street Fighter IV Turbo.

Original Post: Rumor: Car punching returns in Super Street Fighter IV.

After Hugh Jackman being a surprisingly great Oscar host this year, and Neil Patrick Harris blowing me away as an Emmys host, it looked as if the years of boring and bloated awards shows were behind us.

But then it started to look grim for the 2010 Oscars.

First, Hugh Jackman politely declined to return as host this year.

Then, the rumored duo of Ben Stiller & Robert Downey Jr. dropped out, a shame, as I think they would’ve been a riot.

So who do they turn to?

Who has stepped up to save the day?!

Why, the two folks who are neck and neck for the record of most times hosting Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. (Martin currently leads with 15 hosting appearances to Baldwin’s 14.)

Honestly, I’m not sure if there is a better pairing in Hollywood right now to host the show.  Martin did a respectable job hosting on his own back in 2001 and 2003, and I think paired with Baldwin, they’ll make for a show worth watching.  And I think given their connection to her, we might just see Tina Fey pop up, if not write a few bits for them.

My worry though?  Given the size and scope of the event, and given Alec Baldwin’s very strong political leanings, he may turn the event into a bit of a soapbox, like far too many award winners have in the past.  Sure, I may agree with him in some regards, but the show isn’t about that…it’s about celebrating the arts.

Luckily, if the press release is any indication, with Martin saying he’s proud to co-host with his “arch-enemy” and Baldwin making fun of Steve’s banjo playing, this could be a fun show after all.

We’ll know for sure when the 82nd Oscars air on ABC on March 7, 2010.

Original Post: The Circuit: Awards and Festivals News – The Envelope.

So recently, Star Wars trading card artist Chris Trevas got married.

Ergo, he wanted a fancy cake. But not just any fancy cake, oh no.

He wanted a Tauntaun cake. Complete with a lil’ Luke Skywalker dangling out.

And honestly, the end results, when viewed close up…are pretty horrifying.

First, let’s note the dead eyes of the Tauntaun.

Then, let’s note the unusually realistic sculpt of Luke Skywalker, which appears to be complete with Mark Hamill’s auto accident scars.

Then you add the image of the groom eating the cake intestines first…

And all and all, I’ve ruined my want for breakfast, lunch and dinner for days to come, and created a nightmare.

Thanks Chris, for being nerdy enough to scare me.

Original Post: The Official Star Wars Blog » Dead Tauntaun Wedding Cake!.

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